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Schmick takes office as new
9th District state representative
Shortly after his
appointment Monday night by 9th District county commissioners, Colfax
Republican
Joe Schmick
took the oath of office from Whitman County Superior Court Judge David
Frazier, and at 9:05 p.m. became the newest member of the Washington
State Legislature.
Schmick, 49, was chosen from a field of three finalists to succeed
former Rep. David Buri, who resigned his House seat Nov. 1 to become
government relations director for Eastern Washington University.
“This is a tremendous personal honor, and I am grateful for the
privilege of serving as part of the 9th District legislative team,” said
Schmick, a second-generation farmer and small-business owner. “I have a
high regard for Representative Hailey and Senator Schoesler and look
forward to working with them.”
Schmick headed immediately to Olympia where he joined fellow lawmakers
for fall committee meetings and a one-day special session to consider a
measure reinstating provisions of Initiative 747. In one of his first
acts as a new legislator, he signed on as a co-sponsor of House Bill
2416, to restore the 1 percent limit on property tax levy increases.
Schmick also met with caucus leaders to discuss committee assignments,
which could include appointments to the Health Care and Wellness and
Higher Education committees, as well as a seat on the Local Government
Committee.
“The committees I’ve requested would allow me to work on policy issues
that are very important to me,” he said. “Protecting property rights,
controlling costs and ensuring the accessibility of health care,
retaining existing businesses and attracting new employers to Eastern
Washington – those are the priorities that top my legislative agenda.”
The two senior members of the 9th District legislative team welcomed
their freshman colleague enthusiastically.
“I am looking forward to serving with my new seatmate in the upcoming
session,” said Hailey, R-Mesa. “We ran for the same position in the last
election, and Joe was a vigorous and effective candidate. He is well
respected in our district, and has the principles, values and
credibility to be a very effective legislator.”
“Representative Schmick was part of a highly qualified group of
finalists, all of whom are men of integrity and ability,” noted
Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Joe brings valuable real-life experience, a
broad knowledge of the district, and a great work ethic to our team, and
we’re very glad to have him on board with us.”
Schmick is a graduate of Eastern Washington University and the
Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation. He is a member
of the Washington Farm Bureau state board of directors; current board
member and past president of the Whitman County Farm Bureau; and served
two terms on the Washington Barley Commission. He and his wife, Kim,
have been married for 25 years.
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For more information, contact
Bill Taylor, Information Officer:
(360) 786-7074
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