Waterbuffalo
02-22-2008, 04:57 PM
This is an article I thought might be a good example for this young guy to learn what and what it takes to get started in Olympia. This is a Senator from Yakima, who is a newly elected, freshman Republican and shows him what he is going to be facing on the house side if he is elected and becomes part of the House of Representatives.
This will also show Jamie what she is facing up there in her first year as an appointee of two different County Councils.
Hope Rep. Orcutt, Zarelli, Benton and a few other Republican legislators are helping these two out as they figure out the ropes and pitfalls in Olympia or trying to get elected.
You can find the original article here:
http://www.yakimaherald.com/page/dis/291054606646155
For new politician, patience is king
By JENNIFER HENRICHSEN FOR THE YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
OLYMPIA -- An unlikely politician, Curtis King has been called Senator by friends for years.
"I forget why it started, but it stuck," King says.
The moniker paid off. A seasoned businessman and novice politician, he beat out incumbent Jim Clements for the 14th District state Senate seat last year.
Perhaps, then, it comes as no surprise that King, after five weeks on the job, paints the Legislature with a businesslike brush: Good bills are assets, bad bills are liabilities, the Legislature exists for the consumer and, at the end of the day, it all comes down to relationships.
King is building those relationships. Though he arrived as an experienced community leader and insider in Yakima, he's had to rapidly learn the intricate and often confusing legislative process of Olympia -- and get used to being known in the hallways as the new guy.
While Candidate King vowed to be a more staunch Republican loyalist, Senator King moved quickly to establish alliances in both parties -- a reflection, supporters say, of the way he worked on community boards and service clubs in Yakima.
As one of only 17 Republicans in the 49-member Senate, it is also a recognition of political reality.
"You can either be hard-line on issues or work across the aisle. The session is about establishing relationships that will help get things done," he says.
Unlike most newcomers, who have months to grow into the job during a 120-day session, King's learning curve has come during a short 60-day session. And like most of his colleagues this year, Yakima's senator is keeping a low profile.
He has pushed nothing too splashy, nothing controversial.
One of his proposals -- giving colleges and local government access to the driving records of prospective employees who would drive on the job -- appears likely to become law. Another, offering a tax break for beekeepers, will move forward under House legislation.
But for King, it's not just a matter of introducing legislation, but keeping an eye on other bills that he views as bad for business.
He endorsed a slew of education bills and comprehensive anti-gang legislation. And though Yakima city officials lobbied hard, he chose not to support a bill allowing random drug testing for police because not enough law enforcement groups backed it.
"He knows how to pick his battles," says Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla. "He rarely speaks on the floor."
Colleagues describe him as studious and methodical, friendly and open, eager to make a good impression but careful not to make early mistakes. Whether he's greeting a fellow lawmaker or a constituent, he's ready to shake hands and smile.
Sometimes, though, it's hard not to stumble.
Nervous about his first floor speech, he spent several minutes practicing his delivery but then forgot to properly address the Senate President, Brad Owen, before standing up to champion a bill that would directly fund school libraries.
After a few chuckles about the oversight, there was a brief, but robust, roasting from two senior Republican colleagues. They playfully told Democrats to watch out because King had Sen. Alex Deccio's "legendary smell of pork" -- a reference to Deccio's unabashed pride for bringing home state dollars -- and noted King's close resemblance to former Sen. Jim West of Spokane.
King blushed and laughed heartily.
The ribbing -- part of the initiation for newcomers -- was all in good fun, and another lesson in how Olympia works.
Having never served in elected office, he arrived with none of the institutional knowledge that generally sets the Senate apart from the House. With 49 members, many of whom worked their way up the political ladder and served in the House, the upper chamber is known as a more of a collegial and senior group.
"Adjusting to the Legislature and especially the Senate is difficult ... But Curtis will do well because he is so successful at relationship building," says Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches.
King lost no time getting started. Legislators say he "jumped in," first getting sworn in back in November so he could vote during the one-day special session when lawmakers reinstated a 1 percent property tax levy limit. Then he began meeting with other members and legislative staff to get caught up on issues.
"I remember telling him to hurry up and have the swearing-in ceremony so he could get paid," Democratic Sen. Margarita Prentice of Renton says jokingly.
Prentice, a 20-year veteran of legislative politics, was one of the first people King sought out for a personal meeting. She chairs the powerful Senate Ways & Means Committee, which helps write the state budget.
King "figures out what he needs to know" so he doesn't tread on anyone's toes, she says. "He's very receptive."
The 61-year-old King routinely arrives at his Capitol office just as the downtown Starbucks in Olympia opens its doors, sometimes earlier.
King spends the next four hours with a Starbucks hot chocolate or tea, reading detailed charts with bill descriptions prepared by staff or meeting constituents. Then it's off to committee hearings or the Senate floor until late evening.
Though partisan politics often rule, King's long hours and freshman status have brought out the maternal instincts of legislators from both sides of the aisle.
"I call (his legislative assistant) Laura Bell once a week to check on him. He might not like to be checked up on � but most freshmen forget to eat," says Rep. Mary Skinner, R-Yakima, a 14-year veteran.
Others have gone out of their way to help get his bills passed. Democrat Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen of Eatonville pushed his bee-keeping legislation forward, while dropping her own.
"I wanted him to know we're like a family," Rasmussen says.
Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, who sits behind King on the Senate floor, can be seen whispering advice in his ear now and then, guiding him on legislative protocols and rules.
Described as a "gracious listener" by many legislators, King is also making his voice heard. He's the ranking member of the Senate's Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and also serves on the Transportation; Labor, Commerce, Research & Development; and the Economic Development Trade & Management Committees.
King's quiet confidence continues to build on small successes like fighting SB 5831. Proposed by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, the bill would have unnecessarily raised consumer costs, says King, by requiring standardized training of people who install heating and ventilation systems.
He worked with Holmquist to draft amendments that would temporarily exempt workers who install refrigerators or hearths. Those weren't adopted, but another senator's amendment effectively weakened the bill, which was largely a result of their opposition, Holmquist says.
A triumphant King declared himself a "happy camper" last week, after the bill was reduced to a study.
He seems content working behind the scenes rather than on the front lines of legislation and is taking particular interest in fighting legislation that he believes hurts business.
"I didn't want to put my name on a lot of bills just to say I had them. They need to have importance and value," he says.
During a lunchtime address to small business leaders last month, King called a proposal for family leave entitlement "poor policy" and said a workplace bullying bill would open up a "Pandora's box" of claims by disgruntled employees. Talking about prevailing wage for workers makes his "blood boil," he says.
So far, he's getting positive reviews from folks back home.
"We told him to get his feet on the ground, create relationships with the majority party and really 'do your homework.' He's done that," says Mike Morrisette, president and CEO of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce.
"He speaks his mind and doesn't put a lot of spin on things ... that's respected here in this farming community," Morrisette says.
For three more weeks, King will plug away, trying to make friends, even with those who disagree with him. His motto: Leave the argument in the room and then go fishing or have a cup of coffee together.
"I never foresaw myself as a politician �," he says. "I just want to make and affect positive change. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. You have to do it with the gifts God gave you."
This will also show Jamie what she is facing up there in her first year as an appointee of two different County Councils.
Hope Rep. Orcutt, Zarelli, Benton and a few other Republican legislators are helping these two out as they figure out the ropes and pitfalls in Olympia or trying to get elected.
You can find the original article here:
http://www.yakimaherald.com/page/dis/291054606646155
For new politician, patience is king
By JENNIFER HENRICHSEN FOR THE YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
OLYMPIA -- An unlikely politician, Curtis King has been called Senator by friends for years.
"I forget why it started, but it stuck," King says.
The moniker paid off. A seasoned businessman and novice politician, he beat out incumbent Jim Clements for the 14th District state Senate seat last year.
Perhaps, then, it comes as no surprise that King, after five weeks on the job, paints the Legislature with a businesslike brush: Good bills are assets, bad bills are liabilities, the Legislature exists for the consumer and, at the end of the day, it all comes down to relationships.
King is building those relationships. Though he arrived as an experienced community leader and insider in Yakima, he's had to rapidly learn the intricate and often confusing legislative process of Olympia -- and get used to being known in the hallways as the new guy.
While Candidate King vowed to be a more staunch Republican loyalist, Senator King moved quickly to establish alliances in both parties -- a reflection, supporters say, of the way he worked on community boards and service clubs in Yakima.
As one of only 17 Republicans in the 49-member Senate, it is also a recognition of political reality.
"You can either be hard-line on issues or work across the aisle. The session is about establishing relationships that will help get things done," he says.
Unlike most newcomers, who have months to grow into the job during a 120-day session, King's learning curve has come during a short 60-day session. And like most of his colleagues this year, Yakima's senator is keeping a low profile.
He has pushed nothing too splashy, nothing controversial.
One of his proposals -- giving colleges and local government access to the driving records of prospective employees who would drive on the job -- appears likely to become law. Another, offering a tax break for beekeepers, will move forward under House legislation.
But for King, it's not just a matter of introducing legislation, but keeping an eye on other bills that he views as bad for business.
He endorsed a slew of education bills and comprehensive anti-gang legislation. And though Yakima city officials lobbied hard, he chose not to support a bill allowing random drug testing for police because not enough law enforcement groups backed it.
"He knows how to pick his battles," says Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla. "He rarely speaks on the floor."
Colleagues describe him as studious and methodical, friendly and open, eager to make a good impression but careful not to make early mistakes. Whether he's greeting a fellow lawmaker or a constituent, he's ready to shake hands and smile.
Sometimes, though, it's hard not to stumble.
Nervous about his first floor speech, he spent several minutes practicing his delivery but then forgot to properly address the Senate President, Brad Owen, before standing up to champion a bill that would directly fund school libraries.
After a few chuckles about the oversight, there was a brief, but robust, roasting from two senior Republican colleagues. They playfully told Democrats to watch out because King had Sen. Alex Deccio's "legendary smell of pork" -- a reference to Deccio's unabashed pride for bringing home state dollars -- and noted King's close resemblance to former Sen. Jim West of Spokane.
King blushed and laughed heartily.
The ribbing -- part of the initiation for newcomers -- was all in good fun, and another lesson in how Olympia works.
Having never served in elected office, he arrived with none of the institutional knowledge that generally sets the Senate apart from the House. With 49 members, many of whom worked their way up the political ladder and served in the House, the upper chamber is known as a more of a collegial and senior group.
"Adjusting to the Legislature and especially the Senate is difficult ... But Curtis will do well because he is so successful at relationship building," says Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches.
King lost no time getting started. Legislators say he "jumped in," first getting sworn in back in November so he could vote during the one-day special session when lawmakers reinstated a 1 percent property tax levy limit. Then he began meeting with other members and legislative staff to get caught up on issues.
"I remember telling him to hurry up and have the swearing-in ceremony so he could get paid," Democratic Sen. Margarita Prentice of Renton says jokingly.
Prentice, a 20-year veteran of legislative politics, was one of the first people King sought out for a personal meeting. She chairs the powerful Senate Ways & Means Committee, which helps write the state budget.
King "figures out what he needs to know" so he doesn't tread on anyone's toes, she says. "He's very receptive."
The 61-year-old King routinely arrives at his Capitol office just as the downtown Starbucks in Olympia opens its doors, sometimes earlier.
King spends the next four hours with a Starbucks hot chocolate or tea, reading detailed charts with bill descriptions prepared by staff or meeting constituents. Then it's off to committee hearings or the Senate floor until late evening.
Though partisan politics often rule, King's long hours and freshman status have brought out the maternal instincts of legislators from both sides of the aisle.
"I call (his legislative assistant) Laura Bell once a week to check on him. He might not like to be checked up on � but most freshmen forget to eat," says Rep. Mary Skinner, R-Yakima, a 14-year veteran.
Others have gone out of their way to help get his bills passed. Democrat Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen of Eatonville pushed his bee-keeping legislation forward, while dropping her own.
"I wanted him to know we're like a family," Rasmussen says.
Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, who sits behind King on the Senate floor, can be seen whispering advice in his ear now and then, guiding him on legislative protocols and rules.
Described as a "gracious listener" by many legislators, King is also making his voice heard. He's the ranking member of the Senate's Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and also serves on the Transportation; Labor, Commerce, Research & Development; and the Economic Development Trade & Management Committees.
King's quiet confidence continues to build on small successes like fighting SB 5831. Proposed by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, the bill would have unnecessarily raised consumer costs, says King, by requiring standardized training of people who install heating and ventilation systems.
He worked with Holmquist to draft amendments that would temporarily exempt workers who install refrigerators or hearths. Those weren't adopted, but another senator's amendment effectively weakened the bill, which was largely a result of their opposition, Holmquist says.
A triumphant King declared himself a "happy camper" last week, after the bill was reduced to a study.
He seems content working behind the scenes rather than on the front lines of legislation and is taking particular interest in fighting legislation that he believes hurts business.
"I didn't want to put my name on a lot of bills just to say I had them. They need to have importance and value," he says.
During a lunchtime address to small business leaders last month, King called a proposal for family leave entitlement "poor policy" and said a workplace bullying bill would open up a "Pandora's box" of claims by disgruntled employees. Talking about prevailing wage for workers makes his "blood boil," he says.
So far, he's getting positive reviews from folks back home.
"We told him to get his feet on the ground, create relationships with the majority party and really 'do your homework.' He's done that," says Mike Morrisette, president and CEO of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce.
"He speaks his mind and doesn't put a lot of spin on things ... that's respected here in this farming community," Morrisette says.
For three more weeks, King will plug away, trying to make friends, even with those who disagree with him. His motto: Leave the argument in the room and then go fishing or have a cup of coffee together.
"I never foresaw myself as a politician �," he says. "I just want to make and affect positive change. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. You have to do it with the gifts God gave you."