I want to again thank you for the opportunity and privilege of representing you in Olympia these past years. You and I may not have agreed on everything, but one thing is for certain: you ALWAYS showed up. I can’t tell you how many times my legislative colleagues would make comments or marvel at the number of 7th District citizens at events, community hearings, or rallies at the Capital. Our district is about as far away from Olympia as you can get and still be in Washington state. Yet you all made a mark, left your footprints in the marbled halls, and made your voice heard! Thank you.
But, it’s time for new representation from our district. Whoever it is that replaces me – always remember that they work for you. Voice your concerns, share your opinions, continue to show up, and hold them accountable. But…maybe give them a little bit of grace and leeway. For new legislators, getting up to speed on Olympia’s mayhem takes time. It truly is like drinking from a firehose!
With my last session behind me, I want to make sure you have a link to our 7th Legislative District session review. You can find that here.
Cougars And what would my last communication back to you be without one more call to action!
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is at it again. They have directed the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to adopt more stringent rules on cougar hunting seasons and cap the number of cougars taken by hunters. The commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, are once again going against WDFW’s own scientific recommendations and direction from wildlife officers who are on the frontlines. These are the men and women who, more often than not, are the ones called to dispatch a problem cougar that has killed livestock or pets, or has found itself in the backyard of a residence.
I wrote an op-ed in The Spokesman-Review a few years ago addressing the cougar problem we’re seeing in Northeast Washington. When I asked the department for the number of problem cougar kills by WDFW officers in 2015, that number was 26. In 2019 that number was 105!
The Fish and Wildlife Commission’s actions are an unrealistic approach to cougar management. Once again, the ideology of those who live surrounded by steel and concrete, are trying to assuage their own guilt by demanding that we change. Us. The ones who live and cohabitate with cougars and wolves.
But, there is still time to give ’em a piece of your mind. The commission will hold a public hearing on the new rules during their meeting in Vancouver on June 21 and 22. They will be taking public comment electronically until then. You can do that here. You can also send your comments in via email by sending a message to 2024cougarseasonsetting@publicinput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 1261.
As my last email update to you, I find it appropriate, and not surprising, that I’m once again asking for your help. Please let the commission know what you think. Let them hear your voice loud and clear! Do the 7th Legislative District proud!
With that, I’ll say adios. It’s been fun.
Sincerely,
Joel Kretz
State Representative Joel Kretz 7th Legislative District RepresentativeJoelKretz.com 425A Legislative Building | P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600 joel.kretz@leg.wa.gov 360-786-7988 | Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
