Special to the Omak Chronicle

The 60-day legislative session in Olympia has passed its halfway point, and many proposals are moving forward. We’re having important discussions about the budget, education, job creation and much more. Just about every topic is being discussed. As a 12th District legislator representing a portion of Okanogan County, one of the topics I have been discussing this session is transparency in government.

I have introduced two bills to increase government transparency and they have gained some interest during this session. The first, House Bill 2105, would make a modest update to our state’s Open Public Meetings Act, which was first enacted in 1971 but has not been updated to reflect our current online society. The bill would require public agencies to post their agendas online at least 24 hours before a public meeting. There are exceptions for smaller agencies or those without a website. The intent of the bill is to help average citizens get more involved in their government at all levels because they would know ahead of time what issues may be discussed that are of interest to them.

The second bill builds on legislation I sponsored that was signed into law last year. My 2013 legislation created a user-friendly online map that displays capital and transportation budget expenditures statewide by legislative district and county. This map can be found online at https://fiscal.wa.gov/WebMaps.aspx. This year, I sponsored House Bill 2104 to expand the information available to include state contract information. Any time the state does business on your behalf, you should be able to access that contract and easily learn basic information. How the state spends your tax dollars is not only your business, it is your right.

In every major issue before the Legislature or any government, transparency must be at the core of how business is conducted. I am proud our state makes it easy for you to view detailed budget information, how your legislators have voted on bills, and that all public meetings of the Legislature are broadcast on our state’s public affairs TV station, TV Washington (known as TVW). We must continue to make a concerted effort to bring more transparency to the citizens of this state.

During my time in Olympia, I have had several visitors from Okanogan County. The Okanogan County commissioners, Okanogan County Assessor, members of the Okanogan School District, Pateros City Council members, the Twisp mayor, and members of the Okanogan County Farm Bureau have all come to lend their voice to the legislative process. I am incredibly appreciative that they would make the long trip to Olympia to meet with me and other legislators. Others have contacted me via email, sent letters, or called my office directly. I appreciate everyone’s interest and involvement in the state Legislature. Hearing from folks throughout my district helps me to serve you better.

I encourage you to visit my website at www.representativebradhawkins.com and sign up for my periodic e-mail updates. This is a great way to stay informed about what your state Legislature is considering and the work I am doing on your behalf. Please contact my office anytime with questions, concerns or suggestions. I take my job of representing you very seriously and value the voice of my constituents above all others. It’s an honor to serve you.

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Rep. Brad Hawkins represents the 12th Legislative District, which includes Chelan, Douglas, and parts of Grant and Okanogan counties. He lives in East Wenatchee with his wife and two sons. He can be contacted at brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov or at (360) 786-7832.

Special to the Lake Chelan Mirror

The 12^th Legislative District is one of the largest and most beautiful districts in our state. Its boundaries include Chelan County, Douglas County, and portions of Grant and Okanogan counties. When my legislative colleagues in Olympia first asked me what district I represented, I used to try to answer by explaining these expansive geographic boundaries. Then I learned an easier way: “Have you ever been to Lake Chelan?,” I’d ask. Of course they had. “That’s my district,” I’d say proudly.

It’s fun to hear their memories of family visits or even business trips to beautiful Lake Chelan. I join them in similar stories having visited Lake Chelan with my own family for many years. The Chelan area is truly a wonderful place to visit – for those far away or just on the other side of the mountains.

I enjoyed a recent visit to Chelan, as your state representative, to hear directly from constituents and local leaders. It is important for me to hear from you and to experience my district in between the months the Legislature is not in session. I’m sure my colleagues in Olympia are envious of my time in Chelan for work, but, after all, it is my job.

As a member of the House Education Committee, our district’s first since 1978, it’s my job to connect with local schools. As a former school board member, I want to see how state policy is being implemented and to hear directly from the dedicated people on the front lines educating children. I recently met with Superintendent Manahan, Lake Chelan School Board members and teachers. I enjoyed a similar visit with Superintendent Charlton, Manson School Board members and teachers. Walking the halls of your schools with these leaders was a memorable and educational experience. You can be proud of the high-quality education being delivered in your classrooms.

I also enjoyed my visit to Karma Vineyards and experiencing one of the many fantastic wineries in the Chelan area. It was great to hear Julie Pittsinger’s story of success and passion for her product. This is a booming industry in our state and one where our district succeeds at not only growing grapes – but jobs.

The wineries are also contributing to the all-important tourism industry in Chelan. In fact, tourism was a major topic during my lunch meeting with the Campbell family. What an honor it was for me to hear directly from multiple generations of Campbells as they discussed their 100-year operation of a service business in Chelan and the importance of tourism to our state and your area.

Tourists could not safely travel to Lake Chelan, the unique body of water that it is, if not for state and city infrastructure. The highways to the Chelan area, the Woodin Avenue Bridge, and the No See-Um Intersection were just a few of the topics I discussed with Mayor Goedde, Administrator Schmidt and the city council. I also had the chance to visit your beautiful new library. Your community has dedicated and engaged leaders who care about the proud history – and promising future – of your community.

When I serve in Olympia this session, I will hold onto the things I learned from your leaders. When my legislative colleagues come tell me how much fun they had in Lake Chelan this summer, knowing that I represent this area, I will once again respond proudly and say, “Yep, that’s my district!” Please help me continue to represent your interests. Contact me anytime or visit my website at www.representativebradhawkins.com to sign up for email updates. If you are ever in Olympia, please stop in. It is my honor to serve and represent you!

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Brad Hawkins (R-East Wenatchee) is a state representative for the 12th Legislative District, which includes Chelan, Douglas and portions of Grant and Okanogan counties. He can be reached at 360-786-7832, by e-mail at brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov, or via his official website at www.representativebradhawkins.com.

Special to the Methow Valley News

It is truly an honor to represent the 12^th District in Olympia. It is one of the largest geographic districts in the state. Its boundaries include Chelan County, Douglas County, and portions of Grant and Okanogan counties. Approximately half of Okanogan County, including the entire Methow Valley, resides in District 12, which extends all of the way north to the Canadian border. As you can imagine in a district of this size, opinions on critical state issues can vary as greatly as the geography.

This is why it is so important for me, as your state representative, to be active throughout our district and to hear directly from you. It was an honor to spend time in the Methow Valley this summer while the Legislature was not in session. My family visited the Methow on a few occasions for rest and relaxation. My trip to the Methow last summer was one of my first official visits following the extended legislative session in Olympia. After months of rainy days and political debate, I cannot tell you what a welcomed relief it was to turn off Highway 97 toward the Valley. A calm, relaxing feeling began to settle in, seemingly more with each mile further traveled upriver. My day in Twisp – “the Heart of the Methow” – only reinforced the positive feelings and warmth I was experiencing. You all were so relaxed, gracious, and hospitable.

Truly the Methow is a destination, and I know that a large portion of your economy depends on tourism and outdoor recreation. These opportunities are as important to the tourists as well as the locals, which I can understand and appreciate. As your state representative, I also visited officially during the past summer to meet with local businesses, city officials, and the Twisp Chamber of Commerce. I heard from local small businesses navigating through the down economy, the area’s dependence on tourism, and desire for the state to do more to help promote Washington. Mayor Ing-Moody was a gracious host – and a powerful advocate on issues. We will surely pick up discussions where we left off when she visits Olympia later this month.

I experienced the unique culture that exists in the Methow: from your love of the arts to your heartfelt interest for the education of future generations. As the father of two young boys, I share your passion for education in our state to meet 21st century standards to help kids be successful long after school, and to find work within our borders. I am the first 12th District legislator to serve on the House Education Committee in more than 30 years, and will continue to advocate for education as a priority in our budget. I remember Superintendent Venable asking me questions about early learning during lunch, and I appreciate the great work going on in your schools.

My memories in the Methow Valley this past year, both as your representative and those with my family, were special. While the 12^th Legislative District is incredibly large and diverse, I will keep the Methow Valley in my mind as I make decisions in Olympia. I will take what you have shared with me, your concerns as well as your accomplishments, and share them with colleagues in Olympia to ensure we have the best policies for every part of our state. Though there are varied interests in our district, I always put the people I represent before special interests that may try to sway me.

Transparency is also incredibly important to me, so I strive to respond to constituent calls and e-mails quickly, and I regularly send out e-mail updates to a list of those who wish to be updated on the session. Visit my website at www.representativebradhawkins.com to sign up. Please feel free to contact me anytime this legislative session (January – mid-March). If you are ever in Olympia, please stop in. It is my honor to serve and represent you.

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Brad Hawkins (R-East Wenatchee) is a state representative for District 12, which includes Chelan, Douglas and portions of Grant and Okanogan counties. He can be reached at 360-786-7832, by email at brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov, or via his official website at www.representativebradhawkins.com.

By Rep. Brad Hawkins

Recently, I spent a couple days in Olympia for what is called “Committee Days.” This time allows legislators to review work done over the interim by work groups and prepare for the upcoming session. Committees met to get updates on a few major issues and legislators discussed potential legislation they might introduce.

I serve on three committees: Education, Transportation and Business & Financial Services. My work on these committees closely (though not perfectly) aligns with what I believe are the core functions of state government: educating future generations, maintaining infrastructure and protecting the public.

Next year’s legislative session begins January 13 and the state constitution provides 60 days for a supplemental budget year. Earlier this year, the Legislature adopted a two-year budget. In 2014, we’ll have an opportunity to make minor adjustments to the budget based on use of state services and tax revenue generated by things like business receipts and the sales tax.

Transportation has been and will continue to be one of the biggest issues debated in Olympia. Some legislators want to adopt a transportation revenue package – including a gas tax increase – to fund transportation projects across the state. Others oppose the idea because families can’t afford to pay more at the pump. I believe we need to ensure current transportation revenues are used efficiently before we consider asking for more funding from the people.

Important to all aspects of state government functions is transparency and accountability to the people it serves. Last year, I passed a bill aimed at doing just that, and this year I plan to continue that work. You can find out more by visiting my website at www.representativebradhawkins.com and signing up for my periodic e-mail updates. This is a great way to stay informed about what your state Legislature is considering, and how I am responding to your needs.

Critical to my job as your representative is hearing from you! Please contact my office in Wenatchee using the information provided. I take my job very seriously and value the voice of my constituents above all others. It’s an honor to serve you.

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Rep. Brad Hawkins represents the 12th Legislative District, which includes Chelan, Douglas, and parts of Grant and Okanogan counties. He lives in East Wenatchee with his wife and two sons. He can be contacted at brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov or (509) 662-5733.