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June 1, 2018
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe that June is already here. Fortunately,
finishing the 60-day legislative session on schedule earlier this year has
provided me with more time to monitor activities back home. The time between
sessions, in legislative terms, is referred to as the “interim.” It was
originally designed for lawmakers to return to their farms for work, but it has
essentially evolved over the years into a long working period for current
policymakers. Here are some of my recent events and activities:
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Science
in Our Valley Seminar: Dr. Phil Long, executive director of the Lake Chelan
Research Institute, offered his presentation, “Keeping Lake Chelan Blue,” at
Wenatchee Valley College. Dr. Long highlighted his extensive research on
phosphorus levels in Lake Chelan and the local partners who are supporting his
effort. Many thanks to the Apple STEM Network for hosting this seminar.
Wenatchee
Mayor Frank Kuntz, East Wenatchee City Councilmember Matthew Hepner, and Port
Commissioner Donn Etherington at the Port of Chelan County’s Partners in
Economic Development breakfast.
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Arts Commission
Meeting: Arts is a key component of our K-12 education system and art
provides exciting opportunities for people here in North Central Washington. As
a member of the Washington Arts Commission, I participated in our recent
meeting in Puyallup. The commission includes four legislative members who serve
three-year terms.
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Apple
Blossom Festival: It was an honor to participate in our 99th annual
Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in the Wenatchee Valley. My family rode
in both the Classy Chassis and Grand Parade this year. It is always special to
see so many community members dedicate their time and resources into making the
festival a success.
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Columbia
River Treaty Presentation: The Columbia River Treaty is an international
agreement between the United States and Canada, implemented in the early 1960s
for the benefit of power and flood control. It is being renegotiated and
modernized. The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center hosted a speaker
panel, including author Eileen Delahanty Pearkes, tribal representative John
Sirois, and Chelan PUD General Manager Steve Wright.
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Manson
Apple Blossom Parade: The community of Manson also has a long and proud
history of its Apple Blossom Festival. I enjoyed participating in the parade
this year with my father and two sons – three generations of Hawkins boys. I
wish everyone in the Chelan and Manson area a fabulous summer, as I know many visitors
are beginning to arrive for their vacations.
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Eight
Mile Lake Public Meeting: Chelan County Emergency Management staff hosted a
meeting to discuss the threat of flooding and anticipated repair work at the
90-year old Eight Mile Lake Dam in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness outside
Leavenworth. The Icicle-Peshastin Irrigation District and its engineers
provided information. I learned a great deal about this project and its history
by attending this meeting and listening to the presentations and comments.
There was a
great turnout in Winthrop for a forest health public meeting, hosted by Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, and me. DNR is already hard at
work this summer.
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Forest
Health Community Meeting: Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and
I hosted a public meeting in Winthrop to discuss recent legislation and the
Department of Natural Resources’ 20-year Forest Health Strategic Plan. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the future Virginia Ridge Forest Health
Treatment near Winthrop.
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Wenatchee
Learns Connect Awards: It was my honor to attend the Wenatchee School
District’s Partner Appreciation Luncheon and Awards Program again this year. It
is very inspiring to hear how groups and agencies within the Wenatchee Valley
have come together to support career connected learning. The event was held at the
beautiful Ohme Gardens.
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Fire
Adapted Communities Conference: Governor Inslee, Representative Steele, and
I participated in a roundtable discussion at the Wenatchee Convention Center
where experts shared their thoughts with us about wildfire. It was very helpful
information. I later provided the welcoming message to participants at Pybus
Public Market. Thanks to everyone working hard during fire season to
keep us safe.
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Partners
in Economic Development Breakfast: The Port of Chelan County hosted a
breakfast at the Wenatchee Convention Center to update community partners on
recent activities. I am very encouraged and appreciative of the work the port
has been doing. The keynote speaker was economist Mathew Gardner, who provided interesting information about our local, state, and national economy.
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Partners
in Workforce Summit: Skill Source, Employment Security, Catholic Charities,
Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council and others hosted this event at the
Confluence Technology Center, focusing on local agency information sharing. Dr.
Gene Sharratt delivered a fabulous message at lunch about the power of
collaboration. One of the many quotes shared was, “If you want to go fast, go
alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
When not in
session, I sometimes can enjoy our famous outdoor recreation. I
found a great spot to rest along the Stuart Lake Trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near
Leavenworth.
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Wenatchee World Open House: I enjoyed attending an
open house last evening at the Wenatchee World’s Wilfred R. Woods Production
Facility. Greeting guests to help celebrate our community newspaper were new
owner Francis Wick, Publisher Jeff Ackerman, Publisher emeritus Rufus Woods,
and staff. The last time I saw newspaper production up close was on a
Washington Elementary School field trip about 35 years ago. It was special that
my son Luke, about the same age I was then, could join me yesterday. Jeff Ackerman even let him push the buttons to start the press. Hope your
newspapers arrived this morning properly assembled!
As you can see, there are great things happening in the 12th
District. While I can’t attend all events and functions, it is always great to
participate in those I can and to listen and learn from talented people in our
communities.
Thank you all for the opportunity to serve as our state
senator.
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
State Senator
Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail:
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building
- P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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