HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4682, by Representatives Stevens, D. Schmidt, Koster, Cairnes and McMahan

      WHEREAS, The population growth within the great state of Washington has occurred unevenly and disproportionately throughout the several counties of the state; and

      WHEREAS, The rural and urban counties of the great state of Washington benefit from different resources while at the same time having different concerns and unique needs; and

      WHEREAS, The distinctive population growth and the diverse concerns and unique needs of the several counties have created ineffective representation in government at both the county and state level; and

      WHEREAS, The most effective representative government occurs at the local level where citizens retain control and make the decisions over issues and concerns that directly affect them; and

      WHEREAS, The creation of new counties within the great state of Washington and the corresponding increase in direct, localized representation is encouraged; and

      WHEREAS, Article XI, section 3 of the Washington State Constitution provides for the creation and formation of new counties within the territorial borders of the state of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, The Constitution of the state of Washington does not provide or set forth the procedures for the formation of new counties; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature has an obligation to the citizens of the state of Washington who may want to use the powers set forth in the Constitution to create a new county to establish an orderly process by which that may be accomplished;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That during the interim period the House of Representatives Government Operations Committee be directed to study methods, including the method set forth in Substitute House Bill No. 1643, by which new counties may be created.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

     Resolution 4682 adopted by the House of Representatives

                Rules Committee on April 22, 1995.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk