Senator Jim Honeyford: Water Leadership for Washington
Reregulating reservoirs, like this one belonging to Roza Irrigation District, conserve water and make an irrigation system more efficient.
T
Kris Polly: Please tell us about your background and how you came to be in your current position. Jim Honeyford: I started off my working career as a police officer. After 5 years of that, I began teaching, and continued in education for 29 years. I also farmed for 25 years, spanning two or three droughts, so I understand the drought situation. I was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1994 and to the Senate in 1998. I had no ambition or goal to be here—it just happened. In fact, when I was first elected to the House,
6 | IRRIGATION LEADER
there were term limits, so I thought “After 6 years, I’m out of here; I’ll keep in shape by working on a small farm.” Term limits were declared unconstitutional and then my senator retired, and I was elected to the position. Since being elected, I’ve always worked on water legislation, whether directly or indirectly. My success has come thanks to my exceptionally good staff. Kris Polly: Where is your district located? Jim Honeyford: In 2010 we were redistricted, and my district, which was one of the larger districts in the state, was changed. Now it covers only a part of Yakima County. It includes three larger irrigation districts: Wapato Irrigation District, which is run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Sunnyside Irrigation District; and Roza Irrigation District. Kris Polly: Would you tell us about your past legislative work on water issues? Jim Honeyford: My first water bill was the Joint Board of Control Bill, which allowed the Sunnyside and Roza Irrigation Districts to work jointly to greatly reduce runoff
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY.
he Columbia and Yakima basins of Washington State are home to thousands of acres of productive irrigated farmland. On a local level, that irrigation is managed and directed by irrigation districts like the Wapato Irrigation District, Sunnyside Irrigation District, and Roza Irrigation District. At the state level, the state legislature and government play crucial roles. In this interview, Senator Jim Honeyford of Washington’s 15th District speaks with Irrigation Leader Editor-in-Chief Kris Polly about his work and accomplishments in the state legislature advocating for the interests of the state’s water users and irrigation districts.
