There's one little, tiny, eensy weensy factoid that the article (below) left out: guess who was instrumental in forming this "Freight Mobility Strategic Investment (read:"tax spending") Board?"

And, of course, the OTHER issue left out is "How much will she be making?"

Let's see.... Get elected to the legislature... serve a few years... then set up a board or a commission where the chairmanship is custom tailored to YOUR specific resume'... then get a wink from the Gov (after all, losing a 19 year House member from the other party is one sure way to put THAT seat at risk for the Republicans) and you're set.

After all, you have to feather that state retirement nest SOME how, right?

When 695 is voted in, the legislature will be looking for specific areas to cut. Guess what my suggestion to my reps and senator will be?

Rep. Karen Schmidt of Bainbridge Island to resign

Monday, October 18, 1999

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BREMERTON -- State Republicans will lose an experienced voice in the House next month when state Rep. Karen Schmidt ends her 19-year tenure representing the 23rd Legislative District.

Schmidt, of Bainbridge Island, is resigning to lead a state transportation panel, the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. She is a longtime member and current co-chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

"I'm very grateful to Kitsap County for 19 fabulous years," Schmidt said after accepting the job offer. She is known as an advocate for the state ferry system.

The Freight Mobility board's 12 members review, evaluate and recommend funding for important freight transportation projects.

Three Republicans have confirmed their interest in being appointed to serve out the remaining year of Schmidt's term and stand for election in 2000: Former 23rd District Rep. Paul Zellinsky; Beverly Woods, chairwoman of Kitsap Mainstream Republicans; and Mike Jones, chairman of the 23rd District Republicans.

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Well, if anything, we'll at least be losing the services of "Ferry Boat" Karen, who never saw a contract to Todd's shipyard, no matter how outrageously overpriced, that she didn't like.

Westin

"A zebra does not change its spots." - Al Gore, attacking President George Bush in 1992.

-- Westin (86se4sp@my-deja.com), October 18, 1999

Answers

Westin

Just another example of our elected officials looking out for their own best interest instead of ours.

Ed - voting yes on I-695 and looking out for myself

-- Ed (ed_bridges@yahoo.com), October 18, 1999.

Once again the revolving door lets someone who has helped pour millions into the public trough enrich themselves at the taxpayers expense. That's why we need to keep the initiatives going. Real people, uncorrupted by conflict of interest, ought to keep our politicians in line.

-- Mark Stilson (mark842@hotmail.com), October 18, 1999.