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TACOMAWEEKLY NEWS FREE • SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019
WWW.TACOMAWEEKLY.COM
Because Community Matters.
PIERCE COUNTY LEADERS SUPPORT FLEET WEEK Tacoma City Councilmember CDR Rob Thoms knows how important safety and trade is for the region and nation. A reserve officer in the U.S. Navy serving at least two weeks a year and one weekend a month duty, Thoms is the public affairs officer for the 2019 SeaFair and Navy Fleet week festivities. While on duty, he hosted more than 175 leaders riding aboard the USS Mobile Bay (CG) and USS Spruance (DDG) from Everett to Seattle for SeaFair 2019. Joining him in support were Pierce County Councilmember Marty Campbell and Tacoma City Councilmember Catherine Ushka. “I made an effort this year to get leaders from the South Sound to participate, as Tacoma and Pierce County is such a trade-dependent region,” he said “We are the gateway to the East and more of Washington's tremendous produce goes through
Tacoma/Pierce County than any other port in Washington state.” America is a maritime nation and freedom of navigation on the seas is vital to our state, our nation and, in fact, the entire world. “I am proud that the U.S. Navy is the leader in the world in protecting freedom of navigation. It is vital to our national security, the security of the globe and our state's economy,” Thoms said. On Tacoma City Council, Thoms represents District 2, which encompasses the Port of Tacoma. “I know firsthand how important trade is to our region and our state. That freedom of navigation, just with all freedoms, isn't given – it is fought for by the brave men and women that serve in our U.S. military. I am proud to serve alongside such patriots and do my part to ensure that our community is better and that America is safe and able to prosper.”
KATHRYN MUSSALLEM
Pierce County Councilmember Marty Campbell (left), Tacoma City Councilmember and Navy reserve officer Robert Thoms (middle) and Tacoma City Councilmember Catherine Ushka together share the South Sound’s support for 2019 SeaFair and Navy Fleet week festivities.
JINKINS SELECTED AS SPEAKER OF STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
State Representative Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) was elected to serve as the next speaker of the House of
Representatives in Washington when House Democrats gathered in SeaTac on July 31 to hold the election. Jinkins, who will be the first woman and first open lesbian to serve as speaker of the House in Washington, was elected by her peers among four candidates seeking the position. Jinkins will immediately receive the title of “speaker-designate” and assume several House leadership responsibilities associated with the role. According to the Washington state constitution, acting Speaker John Lovick (D-Mill Creek) will continue serving as acting speaker until the start of the next legislative session, which convenes on Jan. 13, 2020. “I first ran for public office because I wanted to make sure all families have the same opportunities for success. Washington continues to rank among the top states to live,
work, and do business in large part due to the forward-thinking policies adopted by the Legislature over the last 20 years,” Jinkins said. “We made sure all kids have access to health care regardless of family income. We have some of the best colleges and universities in the nation. And we support families by embracing marriage equality, paid family leave, equal pay, and many other polices. I want every family to have the same opportunities my family has had, and that vision will be the guiding force during my service as speaker. “I thank my colleagues for their confidence,” she continued. “This will be the most challenging job I will ever have but I am humbled and buoyed by the support of members of this caucus. For 20 years, we have worked together to improve quality of life on behalf of the people of Washington and House Democrats
are committed to continuing that work for communities and families all across the state.” Jinkins succeeds Representative Frank Chopp (D-Seattle), who served as speaker of the House for two decades. Chopp resigned from the position in May. “Congratulations to Representative Jinkins on her election as speaker,” said Chopp. “One of the many things I respect and admire about Laurie is her commitment to people in need. Her efforts to push for a firstin-the-nation Long-Term Care Trust Act, which ensures our aging population are cared for in their later years in life, will help keep more families out of poverty. She will bring that same passion to the speaker’s office while dealing with the variety of challenges and opportunities facing our state.”
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