NOTICE: Formatting and page numbering in this document may be different
from that in the original published version.
SECOND DAY
------------
NOON SESSION
Senate Chamber, Olympia, Tuesday, January 9, 2001
The Senate was called to order at 11:45 a.m. by President Owen. No roll call was taken.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Betti Sheldon, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.
MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS
October 25, 2000
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the following appointment, subject to your confirmation.
Edward Delmore, appointed October 24, 2000, for a term ending August 2, 2001, as a member of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.
Sincerely,
GARY LOCKE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
December 14, 2000
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the following reappointment, subject to your confirmation.
Vera Ing, to be reappointed January 16, 2001, for a term ending January 15, 2007, as a member of the Liquor Control Board.
Sincerely,
GARY LOCKE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Financial Institutions.
December 19, 2000
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the following reappointment, subject to your confirmation.
Vince Addington, to be reappointed December 27, 2000, for a term ending December 26, 2004, as a member of the Board of Pilotage Commissioners.
Sincerely,
GARY LOCKE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Transportation
.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
SB 5047 by Senators Long, Costa, Hargrove and Carlson (by request of Department of Corrections)
AN ACT Relating to the authority of the department of corrections to detain, search, or remove persons who enter correctional facilities or institutional grounds; adding a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.
SB 5048 by Senators Long, Hargrove, Winsley and Costa
AN ACT Relating to less restrictive alternative mental health commitments; and amending RCW 71.05.285.
Referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.
SB 5049 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Hargrove, Stevens, Zarelli, Costa and Long
AN ACT Relating to conflicts of interest in the placement of children in out-of-home care; and adding new sections to chapter 74.13 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.
SB 5050 by Senator Fairley
AN ACT Relating to motor vehicle transfer of ownership; and adding a new section to chapter 46.12 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 5051 by Senators Long, Hargrove, Winsley, Haugen, Stevens, Patterson, McAuliffe, Fairley and Carlson
AN ACT Relating to chemical dependency; and amending RCW 70.96A.020, 70.96A.050, and 70.96A.140.
Referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.
SJR 8203 by Senators Prentice, McAuliffe and Kohl-Welles
Barring rejected ballot measures from legislative actions.
Referred to Committee on State and Local Government.
MOTION
At 11:47 a.m., on motion of Senator Betti Sheldon, the Senate was declared to be at ease to retire to the House of Representatives for the purpose of a Joint Session.
JOINT SESSION
The Sergeant at Arms of the House announced the arrival of the Senate at the bar of the House.
Co-Speaker Chopp instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to escort the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, President Pro Tempore Rosa Franklin, Majority Leader Sid Snyder and Minority Leader Jim West to seats on the rostrum.
The Senators were invited to seats within the House Chamber.
Co-Speaker Chopp declared the Joint Session to be in order.
The Clerk of the House of Representatives called the roll of the House.
The Secretary of the Senate called the roll of the Senate.
REMARKS BY CO-SPEAKER CHOPP
Co-Speaker Chopp: “The purpose of this joint session is to recognize retiring state elected officials for their long and effective service to the state of Washington. The joint session also complies with the Constitutional requirement of canvassing the vote for and against referendums and initiatives and for the constitutional elected officers. For this latter purpose, the Clerk will read the Message from the Secretary of State.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Message from the Secretary of State canvassing the vote for and against referendums and initiatives and for the constitutional elected officers was read in the Senate on the first day of session, January 8, 2001.
Co-Speaker Chopp presented the gavel to the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen.
APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The President of the Senate appointed Senators Constantine, Kline, Sheahan and Zarelli and Representatives Carrell, Hatfield, Lantz and Pearson as a special committee to escort the Supreme Court Justices from the State Reception Room to the House Chamber.
The President of the Senate appointed Senators Costa, Oke, Roach and Tim Sheldon and Representatives Edmonds, Hunt, Morrell and Schmidt as a special committee to escort the State Elected Officials from the State Reception Room to the House Chamber.
The President of the Senate appointed Senators Honeyford and Prentice and Representatives Ballasiotes and Veloria as a special committee to escort the Retiring State Elected Officials, being honored today, from the State Reception Room to the House Chamber.
The President of the Senate appointed Senators Deccio and Eide and Representatives Armstrong and Linville as a special committee to inform Governor Gary Locke that the Joint Session has been assembled and to escort him from his office to the House Chamber.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President of the Senate welcomed and introduced the Supreme Court Justices: Chief Justice Gerry L. Alexander, Charles W. Johnson, Justice Barbara A. Madsen, Justice Richard B. Sanders, Justice Faith Ireland, Justice Bobbe J. Bridge, Justice Tom Chambers and Susan J. Owens.
The President welcomed and introduced the State Elected Officials: Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson, State Treasurer Mike Murphy, State Auditor Brian Sonntag and State Attorney General Christine Gregoire.
The President welcomed and introduced Governor Gary Locke and instructed the committee to escort him to the rostrum.
The President welcomed and introduced the newly elected State Elected Officials who were seated in the gallery: Secretary of State Elect Sam Reed, Commission of Public Lands Elect Doug Sutherland and Insurance Commissioner Elect Mike Kreidler.
The President welcomed and introduced the Retiring State Elected Officials being honored today: Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn, Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher and Secretary of State Ralph Munro and asked the committee to escort them to the rostrum.
The flags were escorted to the rostrum by the Sergeant at Arms Color Guard consisting of Pages Kyle Ritter and Tyler Seick.
The prayer was offered by Joe Harris, Chief Financial Officer of the St. Vincent DePaul in Seattle.
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OWEN
President Owen: “As the Speaker announced earlier, this occasion provides all of us with the opportunity to recognize old friends who are leaving office. They have done an incredible job for the time they have served here. Speaker Ballard would like to take this opportunity to say a few words. Mr. Speaker.”
REMARKS BY CO-SPEAKER BALLARD
Co-Speaker Ballard: “Actually, one of the honorees I am going to be speaking for is a member of the House, even though she has had a lot influence on statewide issues. Since she is leaving, we wanted to take this opportunity and that is Representative Renee Radcliff. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye temporarily to a distinguished colleague. Representative Renee Radcliff has served her constituents and this institution with honor and dignity. She has raised the level of esteem for public service. In her own way, she has touched each of us and left a lasting mark on this institution by setting high standards for herself and all of us as law makers. We owe a great deal of thanks to Renee Radcliff for her years of dedicated service in Olympia.
“We will miss her thoughtful leadership and her kind manner. She has been a model legislator. Each of us would do well to conduct the businesses of our offices with the same strong passionate approach that has made her such an effective voice for her constituents. We will miss her warm demeanor and we will miss her great singing voice. I asked her to help me with my singing. She listened briefly and said, ‘I don’t mind the difficult, but I can’t handle the impossible.’ We will miss her great sense of humor.
“We will lose her as a colleague, but never as a friend. I hope she will accept this invitation to be here to spend time with us and counsel us and to laugh with us whenever she wishes to bless us with her presence. You are welcome back anytime, Renee. Perhaps, the only consultation that I have is that I know she has the desire and the strength to return to us one day as a legislator. You and I and the people of this state can look forward to the day when she will serve in this body once again. Renee, we love you. God Speed!”
Co-Speaker Ballard presented Representative Radcliff with a gift.
REMARKS BY REPRESENTATIVE RADCLIFF
Representative Radcliff: “Speaker Ballard told me I had to open this and it is quite heavy and it is from Talcotts. I was hoping it was a diamond. It is very large and I have a hunch it is a paper weight. Oh yes, it is; it is the seal of the state of Washington--a beautiful paper weight. Thank you so much and thank you for your kind remarks, Speaker Ballard.
“I knew I should have prepared remarks and I didn’t. Until very recently, I thought I would serve in this Chamber forever--or at least until I am as old as Speaker Ballard. You know, he can’t take me off any committees at this point. Sometimes, life deals us a hand that we are not entirely prepared to play, but we take those cards and we play those to the best of our ability. Even at times when the game is painful and difficult, we still play to win. Those of you who know me best know that ultimately I never lose.
“So, it is with difficulty, somewhat, that I leave you, but I do hope that someday I will be able to return. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving with each and everyone of you. Even on those days, when we had vigorous disagreements, I never doubted for a moment that you had the best interest of the people of your district at heart and I value that in you. If there is just one thing I could leave you with, and I would like to leave you with a thousand suggestions, but this is not an opportunity for me to lobby you. Just the one thing--as you are having those vigorous disagreements, work those issues out because they tend to be the most important things we do. As you work those issues diligently, remember who you are dealing with and that each one of you represents the people of this state and treat each other with the kindness and a dignity and respect that each one of you so richly deserves.
“In closing, I want to say thank you to the House Republican Caucus and Speaker Ballard and to my legislative assistant, Nina Fallema. Thank you to all of you for putting up with me. Some days that was a greater challenge than others and--I appreciated it. To each one of you, thank you for your friendship. I hope that even though I am not here, you will know that my heart is here with you and that friendship will continue. Especially, thank you so much for so thoughtfully representing the people of your district and for caring so deeply about this state that we all love. Thank you and do good work.”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING INSURANCE COMMISSIONER DEBORAH SENN
Representative Schual-Berke: “It is a distinct privilege for me to have the honor to be the one to say ‘Thank you, Deborah. for all the dedication and service that you have given to the people of the state of Washington.’ Deborah, you are talented and bright and you have always championed the people. Deborah’s commitment to fairness and justice shines through her every action and has for every moment that she has been in public service. We know that Deborah has transformed the office of the Insurance Commissioner from a little known agency, quietly working with the insurance industry, into a strong and an effective consumer advocacy agency that has been there for our people when they have most needed it. Thanks to her vision and efforts, everyone knows they can call the SHIBA Hotline when they need to. She has worked for the vulnerable and to create meaningful solutions for them. Solutions which will continue, Deborah, long after your term of office has been completed. And this is Deborah Senn’s real gift and her legacy to us, the people of the state of Washington.
“You know, her instinct has always been for how do real people feel the affect of what we do. One of my most moving experiences as a freshman legislator was when I met a young woman who had had a heart transplant. It is not difficult to imagine how sick that young woman must have been, but she survived her surgery and was doing well--thanks to life sustaining medication. I met her though after her insurance company denied continued coverage for that life sustaining medication and despite the fact that she had done everything she could for herself. I met her, because Deborah Senn and her office intervened for this young woman and got coverage continued for her medication. Today, this woman is healthy and vibrant.
“There are so many others who have Deborah and her good work to thank for their continued well-being. Now, in the short time that I have known Deborah Senn, I have come to realize that she can also surprise us. Many have come to expect to see her riding her Harley in black leather in parades. She certainly hasn’t shied away from the press or publicity now, has she? I heard a story when I first got here about then, Representative Dyer, who introduced a bill that some felt was just a little bit favorable for the insurance industry and how Commissioner Senn held a press conference with bags of Gravy Train dog food at her door.
“Deborah is also committed to families. Like all of us, she has many sides. Despite all of her hard work, she spends much time with her Mother. She is an ardent advocate of fairness and justice. We know that many people have opinions, but relatively few step forward and step up to the plate to take action. In a personal relative example just this past session, Deborah championed the Holocausts Survivors Rights to get their insurance assets that had been withheld from them for so many years. Yet, her style has at times been controversial. Well, that is what people who fight for our rights sometimes need to be. You can be certain of this, there are many people in Washington who are alive today, because Deborah Senn was fighting in their corner in their time of need and today feel a tremendous sense of loss.
“Now, Deborah, I would like to tell you what I think your true legacy is and for which we all owe a great debt of gratitude. Never again will the Office of the Insurance Commissioner be seen as a quiet agency working only with the insurance industry. Never again will consumers feel that they have nowhere to turn in their time of need. Never again will we have an Insurance Commissioner who does not believe that he or she is the true champion of all the people of the state of Washington. So, for myself personally, and on behalf of the Legislature and all those out there grateful for the good work that you endured on your part, I thank you.”
Representative Schual-Berke presented Insurance Commissioner Senn with a gift.
REMARKS BY INSURANCE COMMISSIONER DEBORAH SENN
Commissioner Senn: “Thank you, Shay. Thank you members of the Legislature, state elected officials and Governor Locke. I am so honored to be here. Actually, I was going to wear my leathers and I didn’t think it was suitable until I saw Ralph and then I was sorry that I didn’t wear the leather outfit that I had planned. I want to start, if you will allow me, by asking my chief deputy and members of my staff, who have come to be here today, to stand and be recognized, because this is the most awesome staff in state government. Please stand up.
“Everyone in this room knows how hard political life is on spouses or partners. They are, truly, the unsung heros of politics. They share your joys and your highs, but they also suffer your blows and your stress and they are very patient about the countless hours of out of town meetings--and that your are missing in action.
“About sixteen years ago, I had a big wedding reception, but we held the ceremony in private, because I was too shy to get married in front of people. Well, I am over my shyness. So, I want to, in front of all of you, recognize and to say ‘thank you’ to my incredible husband, Rudi Bertchi, and tell him that I love him so much.
“This has been the best eight years of my life. I know that every day. I know that because when I am in a restaurant in Seattle, the waiter comes up to me and says that our rules lending preexisting conditions enabled him to get health insurance. I know that every day. Just last Saturday at Costco, a meat cutter stuck her head out from behind the counter and thanked me for my work on prescription drug coverage. I know that because, at the Ellensburg Rodeo, one of the one hundred thousand Prudential policy holders came up to me and said, ‘Thank you Commissioner, Prudential gave us thirteen thousand dollars in a refund because of a settlement of a case on unfair sales practices.’ I know that everyday, because Kittis Buldoc was able to rebuild her home, because her husband blew up her house and she was able to do it with her home owner’s insurance money that she got because of the hard work of my great staff and because this Legislature passed good laws.
“Perhaps, the greatest satisfaction is to know that particularly because the Office of the Insurance Commissioner does health care that my staff and I are part of saving a life. The scriptures say that if you save one life, you save the world. I am proud, everyday, that we fought to continue the coverage as Shay mentioned of Victoria Doyle’s transplant medicine. We also helped to get Jay Ellison a transplant for his multiple sclerosis coverage and now he is walking. Both Jay and Victoria, in spite of their struggles, came to Olympia to advocate for a patient’s bill of rights. And they have come today, so once again can we recognize Jay Ellison and Victoria Doyle? It was you, the Legislature, and Jay and Victoria who did this for the people of the state of Washington.
“The next time that you hear about a poll that says young people don’t want to go into politics or public service, just remember they are young, just shrug and remind them that public service is a sacred trust. So, when you pass transportation legislation this session, which no doubt will make our roads safer, you will save one life and you will save the world. When you pass a DSHS budget and help children or a bill to protect our resources or to save our salmon, you will save one life and you will save the world. What you do here in this Chamber is a sacred trust.
“Finally, on a personal note, perhaps one of the proudest moments of this eight years was when this Legislature unanimously passed the Holocaust Survivors Assistance Act--opening your arms and your hearts to small, but mighty survivor populations in the state of Washington. I thank you Senator Margarita Prentice, Senator Adam Kline, Senator Jim West and Senator Don Benton for that. I thank you Representative Shay Schual-Berke, Representative Renee Radcliff, Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Representative Brad Benson and many, many others for that
“So, I bid you farewell. Of the four of us honored today, my departure from public service is not entirely voluntary. Yesterday, one of my staff suggested that I quote a very wise man, Arnold Schwarzenegger----’I’ll be back.’ I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS JENNIFER BELCHER
Senator Fraser: “It is my honor to recognize Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher. As we gather here in the House Chamber today, in joint session, I suspect that Public Lands Commissioner Belcher’s thoughts must be filled with many memories and a lot of nostalgia. That, in part, is because she began her election career in this Chamber as a member of the State House of Representatives. Her service began in 1983 and she served five terms--that’s ten vigorous years that she served. I was privileged to serve with her during my first two terms and her last two terms, along with Insurance Commissioner Elect Mike Kreidler, who at that time was a State Senator. I always appreciated her kind and informative assistance in helping to learn the ways of the House and the Legislature and all who have been here know how important it is to get some good advice early on.
“In the House, Representative Belcher was widely admired for her strong capable leadership. She made a major mark on many policy areas. She chaired the Natural Resources Committee; she worked hard to improve the status of women. She sought fair pay and just treatment for all working people. She was one of the ‘Steel Magnolias’ who developed the foundation for our growth management policies. Representative Belcher was highly regarded for her caring and her commitment to public service and as a tough negotiator and always dedicated to the public.
“The voters recognized her enormous capabilities and twice elected her to serve as Commissioner of Public Lands. There, she continued to demonstrate these qualities in addition to showing what a capable executive she is. The role of Public Lands Commissioner, for those who are watching the ceremony, who are not as familiar with it as some of us, is truly a position of very great public trust for present and future generations. The impact of her work will last centuries or more. Her role is critical to our state’s economy, the quality of our natural resources, our state’s financial capacity and continuation of our recreational and cultural heritage.
“As Commissioner of Public Lands, she has been the manager of our great state legacy of trust lands and resources granted to us by statehood. We are one of the few western states that continues to have a large amount of these lands still in the public trust. These lands include timber lands, agriculture lands, aquatic lands, which includes the bottom of Puget Sound, the bottom of many of our lakes and rivers and she was intrusted with leadership on forest practice policies. As we all know, there is no shortage of diverse and strongly held opinions on what should be contained in all these complex policies. It takes a clear head and firm commitment to serve effectively in this role, which she has certainly done. This is in the easiest of times, but during her tenure, we have gone through a period of considerable change in our state. The context has included very great population growth, significant economic change, growing stress on our natural resources, which has culminated in many listings under the Endangered Species Act.
“So, Commissioner Belcher will be remember for much during her eight year--two term tenure as Commissioner of Public Lands. She has promoted a shared vision for natural resources; she is very good at establishing goals and working through strategy to implement them. She has promoted the management of our eco-systems as a whole, not just piecemeal, which is essential to good judgement. She has worked to enhance the value of our public lands legacy through diversification. She has increased the priority intention given to our aquatic land resources, particularly to some of the pollution problems. She has promoted quality public administration through investing in a quality workforce and efficiency through technology and use of the best available science.
“Absolutely vital to success is her work to form strong partnership between the Department of Natural Resources and the myriad of local, state and federal agencies, tribal organizations, private organizations and land owners throughout the state. Through all of this, she has served with intelligence, integrity and steady commitment to the public interest for which we can all be proud and appreciative.
“So, Jennifer, we thank you for your truly dedicated leadership to the people of the state of Washington, present and future. Thank you for the great legacy you are leaving and personally, thank you for being a wonderful colleague and friend. We wish you pleasant opportunities to engage in your many personal interests now that you will have a little more personal time. We would like to present you with a wonderful gift which is a replica of a historic door knob here in the Legislative Building. We hope you will view this as an invitation to come back and visit.”
Senator Fraser presented Commissioner of Public Lands Belcher with a gift.
REMARKS BY RETIRING COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS JENNIFER BELCHER
Commissioner of Public Lands Belcher: “This is particularly appropriate as a gift since I serve on the State Capitol Committee and have been actively engaged in helping to get these buildings back into some greater condition. So, I will truly treasure that. Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests and my treasured colleagues, it is with distinct pleasure that only those of you in this room can truly understand that I can say, in this Chamber, ‘Today, I end twenty-nine years of public service to the state of Washington.’ As a good friend of mine said, ‘You have finally reached the point where the state of Washington will pay you to do nothing.’ I like that definition of retirement; I think that is pretty good.
“I have had a wonderful varied career as Karen pointed out some of those things. I began as an Administrative Secretary in what was then known as the State Planning and Community Affairs Agency--an interesting name. I was working for Dan Evans’ state planning director, who had been brought to the state of Washington to try to adopt a statewide land use plan in 1967. Ironically, while he wasn’t successful then, a little more than twenty years later, I was one of the members of this body who helped to pass the Growth Management Act. For me, it brought things full circle. I very much appreciated my opportunity to participate in that Act. I have served as staff to two very different Governors--Dan Evans and Dixie Lee Ray--and learned a lot from both those people--different lessons--but a lot from each one.
“It was there that I met my very good friend, Ralph Munro, who has continued to be a mentor to me and has helped me to achieve many successes. For ten years, as most of you know, I was fortunate to represent the people of the Twenty-second District in this Chamber and to work on many important policy changes. My class, the class of ‘82, has given the state two Speakers of this House, several judges, a Governor and a Commissioner of Public Lands. My time in this body was especially rewarding. I will never forget the thrill of taking that first oath of office and being sworn in to serve the people. It is an incredible experience as some of you experienced yesterday. I hope you will treasure it and the thrill of adopting good policy. During the ten years that I was here, we adopted the Growth Management Act after much hard work. We adopted the Model Toxic Control Act; we increased the state’s minimum wage and set in place a process to assure that it never again falls behind. We passed the Family Leave Act. We passed Comparable Worth and there are many more. These are just some of the successes of the time that I served here in this body.
“We also knew how to have fun and I hope you haven’t forgotten that as you serve here, as well. I will also never forget slipping into this Chamber in the wee hours of the morning when it was dark with my two very good cohorts and co-trouble makers--Representative Katie Allen, who was an absolutely incredible Republican Activist--and someone at the time, not as quite as well known--Gary Locke--who is now Governor--and switching the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ buttons on some very key desks. We were innocent and we picked a cut-off day by mistake and as a result, later in the day when votes were taken, all pandemonium broke out. But, you don’t get the leaders, my class produced if you aren’t willing to take a few risks and we demonstrated that.
“During my last eight years as Commissioner of Public Lands, I’ve concentrated on the natural resources of this state, which are truly unique throughout the world. Being Commissioner is an incredible job; the challenges are over whelming and they will become more so as we continue toward our doubling of the state’s population in the next forty-five years. My service as Commissioner has been extremely rewarding, because we have been able to make long-lasting change and to enhance the value of the legacy that your grandchildren will inherit. “I just sent you my final report, chronicling our achievements and making recommendations. Let me just bring one to your attention today. The rest I will let you read for yourselves. In 1992, I set out to demonstrate that we could generate revenue from our lands and be environmentally responsible--something that in 1992, few people believed we could do. We adopted a habitat conservation plan, which is a totally new way of doing business. But, we also filled the coffers of the trust. Since statehood, the trust lands have generated five and a half billion dollars in revenue to the people of this state. In the last eight years, we have generated two point one billion of that five point five billion. Thirty-nine percent of the total revenue since statehood has been generated during my administration. We should, once and for all, reject the notion that we must choose between environmental responsibility and money for our schools.
“My report to you includes, as the statute requires, recommendations. I know you have a difficult session before you, but there are two areas that I would ask you to consider this session. They are both vitally important to the health of this state. First, commit to cleaning up Puget Sound. There are currently more than one hundred and twelve underwater contaminated landfills on the bottom of Puget Sound. Here is a fact that you should all know. Between 1992 and 1996, Washington discharged one point five million pounds of cancer causing pollutants directly into the water. That is more than any other state in the nation and that, my friends, is a folly.
“Second, protect our shorelines from inappropriate development. The people of this state felt so strongly in the early 1970s that we should protect these fragile areas that they passed the Shorelines Management Act by Initiative. Yet, we have granted more that twenty-six thousand substantial developments permits, not counting single family residences, since the Act was passed. We cannot recover salmon and other troubled species unless we step up to the need for greater protection of this critical habitat area.
“Well, that is enough seriousness. When my good friend Charlie Reed retired from DSHS last year, he named the things that he would miss and the things that he would not miss. I am going to share a few of mine. I won’t miss people who call you at home on Sunday to discuss a problem with their neighbor. I won’t miss the few members of the press who think a balanced news story means getting two bad quotes from people on opposite sides of the issue--present company excepted, of course. I won’t miss legislators who take ten minutes to ask you a question and give you one minute to answer and I won’t miss biting my tongue while listening to jokes about politicians.
“Things I will miss--the many friends I have made over the years, but I, too, will be back and I expect to come visit with all of you. The dedicated state employees who work without recognition for often sixty plus hours a week--every week. While I am at it, let me recognize my staff in the gallery. Some of whom joined me today. Will you please stand and be recognized? They are a phenomenal team and they have done great things for you. I would also like to recognize the person on the podium with me today, who is Michelle Benton, my administrative assistant and good friend. She has worked with me for eleven years.
“Things I will miss--the department’s airplane--way cool! And my movie pass! Thank you Gordon, wherever you are, for helping to keep me sane during these eighteen years by providing a little bit of entertainment, and thank you all for the experience of my life.”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING SECRETARY OF STATE RALPH MUNRO
Senator Hale: “Thank you Mr. President, Governor Locke, colleagues and honored guests. It is a privilege and an honor to rise today in recognition of the outstanding contributions to the state of Washington by one of its most effective and certainly its most beloved leaders--our retiring Secretary of State, Ralph Munro. Ralph has been a guiding light to many of us in this body for a long, long time. His dedication to public service and his commitment to the people of our state is unsurpassed by those who have walked these halls. His career has been a model of public service and an example for the rest of us to follow. (Sound like a saint, don’t you, Ralph?)
“As our ambassador to the world, Ralph has helped to bring thousands of new jobs to the state. He has opened countless markets for our products overseas and he has won friends for us around the globe. I can say that with authority, because I have watched. I had the good fortunate to accompany Ralph on a trade mission to Northern Ireland. I was amazed at the way all the people we met related to him--whether they were heads of state, a hotel clerk or people who served us at the tavern. He made an instant connection to people, because he treated everyone with respect He treated everyone as a friend.
“His understanding of good business practices and common sense government led him to streamline the state’s business licensing requirements into a ‘one-stop shop.’ Ralph also knows that good work requires good people, so he developed incentive plans to reward employees who figured out ways to save the state money or improve our efficiently. He has worked to help the developmentally disabled for thirty years.
“At Ralph’s retirement party not long ago, former Governor Dan Evans said, ‘Ralph was the person who taught me to care.’ The person who taught me to care--that is a powerful, powerful testimonial. He was the state’s first volunteer coordinator and he has been volunteering to help others ever since. His commitment to the preservation of wildlife and the environment is well known and so is his reverence for the state’s history and his gratitude for the opportunity provided to his own family. He has been involved in historic preservation efforts throughout Washington and has helped establish four regional archives to preserve that history.
“Our Secretary of State has been a tireless promoter of voter education, registration and participation. He, also, has been a tireless champion of the best and newest voting technology--and I dare say he is an example for others to follow when it comes to conducting recounts without judicial interference. The Florida fiasco could not have happened on Ralph’s watch. He wouldn’t have allowed it.
“Ralph’s accomplishments in more than thirty years of public service have been recognized by many organizations in the state and the nation. Certainly, he has been honored by foreign countries and international heads of state. They include Spain’s King Juan Carlos and former Russian President Boris Yeltsin--both of whom honored Ralph with the highest awards they can give to non-citizens. Ralph has truly been our worldwide secret weapon.
“That is Ralph--the consummate professional--but we here at home have had an opportunity to get to know Ralph, the man--the warm and supportive friend with the booming and gravel-for-breakfast voice and the relentless sense of humor. Ralph is one in a million. We are going to miss you so much, Ralph--your sensitivity, your decency and your honesty. We are going to miss your caring, your civility and your boundless good nature. We are going to miss your stories and your kilts--but probably not your bagpipes.
“Your grandfather Alexander may have carved some of the stones used to build this great building, but you my friend, have been the rock that helped to make it great. Good luck to you and Karen. God Bless and Godspeed.”
Senator Hale presented Secretary of State Munro with a gift.
REMARKS BY RETIRING SECRETARY OF STATE RALPH MUNRO
Secretary of State Munro: “Governor Locke, members of the Legislature, members of the court and citizens all, thank you so very much. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve. Not one of us as elected officials could possible carry out these tasks without an outstanding team beside us. In the front roll of the gallery today, there are four or five individuals I would like to briefly introduce. The first is Don Whiting, often called Mr. Credibility in state government. Don started as a clerk in the Secretary of State’s office over thirty years ago. He has served as a junior level staff person, as a clerk for numerous task forces, as a Chief Election Officer for the state of Washington and finally as Assistant Secretary of State. He is the best that I know and I am so proud of his work--Mr. Don Whiting. The second is Tracy Guerin, our financial director. Tracy can stretch a dollar farther than any other financial officer in a state agency that I know of. If she was in charge of the state’s budget, we would have so much money to spend, you wouldn’t know where to put it all. She is outstanding and most recently she has served as our Assistant Secretary of State--Tracy Guerin. The third is Michelle Burkheimer. Her work in the international arena and the development of international student programs including our well known data base have contributed immensely to Washington State’s Business Development both here and overseas. She has been an excellent Deputy Secretary of State--Michelle Burkheiner. The fourth is David Brine. David took the office of communications director to an entirely new level with the improvements to the Voter’s Pamphlet and the development of our Web Site and the beginnings of a system to announce timely election results over the Wed immediately following the closing of the polls. I should tell you that our Elections Reporting Web Site had over two million hits in the thirty hour period following the polls closing--David Brine. Of those two million hits, one point six million hits came from the personal computers of Maria Cantwell and Slate Gordon. The final is Jan Nutting, my personal secretary. She is the best that state government has and I will be indebted to her for the rest of my life--one of our outstanding state employees--Jan Nutting. We can all be thankful that Washington State government attracts the very best. Our team in the Secretary of State’s Office, including these folks and many others, have been the very best.
“Karen and I wear our kilts today to pay respect to my grandparents who came to America. My grandfather was a poor Scottish stone mason, having experience working on the castles of Northern Scotland. He went to work on state capitol buildings here in the United States of America. He recruited the work of the Texas capitol. He later worked in the capitol buildings in Kansas, Colorado, Victoria British Columbia and finally here in Olympia. He considered this structure to be the grandest of all and he worked full time on the job starting at the Wilkenson Stone Quarry on the side of Mt. Rainier, then at the Walker Stone Company on the Tacoma tideflats and finally here in Olympia from 1922 to 1928. What a task it was to create such a beautiful structure!
“Our family has always been immensely proud of this building as it was completed and the workers stared into the lavish new offices for the elected officials. I doubt that my grandfather ever dreamed that one of his grandchildren would occupy a spot in this capitol. I came to work here several days before Christmas in 1966 as supply clerk in the House of Representatives. The Republicans had taken control and Speaker Don Eldridge and Sergeant at Arms Eugene Prince hired me fresh out of college. I worked as a supply clerk, a reader on this podium, bill room supervisor, assistant sergeant at arms, the state’s first volunteer coordinator, assistant to Governor Dan Evans, a lobbyist for handicapped children and finally as the Secretary of State. I am afraid my career has not been very successful. Since my opening day of work in 1966, the farthest I have ever moved is about one hundred and fifty feet down the hall and in all those years, I only moved up one floor. “My roommate, Mel Dodd, and I were prowling the halls looking for good looking women to date on the opening day of session in 1971.”
REMARKS BY MRS. RALPH MUNRO
Mrs. Munro: “Well, I guess that is where I come in. I had just started working for the Senate Republican Caucus that year. Things were a little different back then, because a woman by the name of Helen Bonds and myself were the two people who did the press relations for the Republican Caucus. We did the press releases, the Radio/TV contacts and whatever needed to be done. We had our desks right in the caucus room then. All of the Senators were men and from time to time one of them would light up a cigar. Cigarettes were quite common, but cigars were a little more unusual. Some of the jokes told then would not be told today, but we had a good time there and we got a lot of work done, as well.
“Mel Dodd, Ralph’s roommate. did come to my desk one day to say hello and I thought that was nice of him. The next day my roommate, Mary Ann Holt, said that she had had an invitation for dinner that night from her good friend Ralph and they wanted me to come along. So, that sounded like a good idea. That must have been just about thirty years ago tomorrow, because I know we were going to have dinner and then hear the Governor’s address that evening. So, we went off in Ralph’s old truck to Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. The truck had one window that was stuck down and we couldn’t roll it up and it was a driving snow storm that night. It was a little unusual and I wasn’t impressed with the truck, but I was impressed with the fact that Ralph worked for Dan Evans and he owned two ponies, which I thought was a very good omen. I had been quite horsey in my youth and that was a nice sign.
“We starting dating quite frequently and then later that year, we both moved to Washington, D.C. Ralph didn’t last very long. When he had a chance to come back out here and go on Dan Evans personal staff, he came right away. I stayed for a while and worked for The Drug Prevention office at the White House. Then, Ralph persuaded me that maybe I should come back to Washington State, and so I did, and we became engaged and were married in 1973.
“At that point, I determined that one politician in the family was probably enough and I had an opportunity to become the Assistant Director of the Washington Commission for the Humanities, which was just being formed at the time. I had a wonderful experience inventing this program and it still is a very successful program today. When Dan Evans went out of office, Ralph and I moved up to Bainbridge Island and George was born there. He did spend most of his childhood when we came back to Olympia--most of his childhood was spent here. I remember how he and his friends like to slide down the marble ramps of the capitol out here and I remember some football games that took place in the house garage.”
REMARKS BY RALPH MUNRO
Secretary Munro: “Let the record show that the ball that hit your car was his.”
FURTHER REMARKS BY MRS. MUNRO
Mrs. Munro: “Later on, as many of you know, I did some lobbying here in the capitol. First, I worked for the National Humanities, Arts and Sciences to obtain funding for summer institutes that we held for teachers from all across the state. Then, later, as a volunteer, I have lobbied on behalf of the Washington State Horse Foundation and most recently for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. In fact, this year, I will be in the building more that Ralph, because I will still be representative of the WRC around here.
“Like Ralph, I have many wonderful memories of the times that we have spent here with the Secretary of State’s office, as well as in these other activities. I would like to personally thank you all for your support and for all the good times that we have had here.”
FURTHER REMARKS BY RALPH MUNRO
Secretary Munro: “So, you can see that this old capitol building means a lot to us. When I die, you can just scatter my ashes out there in Ulcer Gulch. The lobbyist have been trampling on my bills and legislation for so many years, they might as well trample on me after I am gone. Our parting request to you regards this beautiful structure that Grandpa Munro helped to build. I hope you will cherish it. I know the Capitol Committees are going to be faced with terrible decisions without much money to spend to reserve and restore the internal workings of this grand old capitol building, which serves as our symbol of government itself. I urge you to be supportive.
“In conclusion, Karen and George and I have tremendous respect for each of you. We have always admired the people who had the courage to leave the bleachers and the grandstands and to enter the arena of politics--the people who are willing to stand up to the challenges, the hard work, as well as the dust and the dirt of the arena itself. You have the opportunity in the months and years ahead to make a remarkable difference to the people of the state of Washington. I urge you to do so. Best of luck to our new Secretary of State, Sam and his wife, Margie Reed. They will do an excellent job. Good luck and God Speed to each and everyone of you. Thank you.”
The President of the Senate introduced The Honorable Governor Gary Locke.
REMARKS BY GOVERNOR GARY LOCKE
Governor Locke: “Justices of the Supreme Court of the state of Washington, our statewide elected officials, members of the Legislature and members of the public. I am really pleased and honored to be here today to say goodbye to four of our best public servants. Last Friday, state-wide elected officials and non judicial state-wide elected officials met and had a great dinner and kind of shared stories and said many of our goodbyes then. So, I want to keep my remarks brief, because I think we have heard some outstanding tributes already.
“Let me first start with Ralph. Ralph Munro is that Republican officer holder that the Democrats are proud to openly say that they had voted for. Olympia simply will not be the same without Ralph Munro and this really does mark the end to a kilt as we know it. Ralph, we will miss you. You are the most dedicated of civil servants and you truly have made your mark. Your innovations have made state government more productive and have saved taxpayers millions of dollars in efficiencies and programs that you have overseen. Your campaign reforms have made Washington voting simpler and more importantly, chad-proof. You have insured the preservation of our heritage and history through your work in the Oral History Program, but also through your co-chairmanship of our state’s Centennial Celebration. Not only have you earned the people’s trust--and carried out the people’s work--you have done it with style and flair and grace. Who else can play the bag pipes--design the state’s tartan--and count ballots at the same time? Mona and I wish you, Karen and George all the very best. Ralph, you are a class act and we will sorely miss you.
“For the last eight years, Jennifer Belcher has served with distinction and courage as our State’s Land Commissioner. I want to thank you, Jennifer, for all your good work in preserving our state’s natural resources and specifically our forest lands that generated, as you indicated, millions of dollars in revenue for our school construction and remodeling program. Thank you, Jennifer, for helping insure the future of our children. Jennifer, I know it was not an easy decision for you to leave state government, but please know that your legacy is secure. From the pranks that you played in the State Capitol--and we did change virtually all the buttons of the Chamber--but I remember the time when we both came into the Legislature together and you gave me some words that I have never forgotten. While we are all replaceable--there are talented people who could occupy our seats for whatever office we hold--we bring to our jobs the ability to shape and improve people’s lives in a way that no other person can. As Deborah Senn, our Insurance Commissioner, said, ‘If you save a life, you save the world; If you benefit one person, you benefit an entire community.’ Thank you, Jennifer for that admonition. I admire you on your decision to take on new challenges in your life and Mona and I wish you the very best. Thank you for your great service to the people of our state.
“Deborah Senn, you have left your mark in state government as a standard bearer for consumers in the insurance field. Among your more notable achievements and one of great personal satisfaction, I know, is the overdue recognition of payment of the Holocaust Survivors and Victims. Deborah, what an incredible legacy to leave. I want to thank you for your service to all of us in the state of Washington. We wish you and Rudi all the very best.”
“To these three statewide elected officials who leave us--Ralph, Jennifer and Deborah--as President Clinton has shown us, with twelve hours left in office for you, you can still issue a lot of rules and regulations.
“Renee, your strength and integrity will be missed. You will be missed by all your colleagues here in the Rotunda. Thank you for your work in helping nurture high technology in our state’s new economy. Thanks for helping bring state government into the Twenty-first Century. Our state has received national recognition because of the advent of technology--and you are a part of that. We want you to know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time and we know from our association with you, that you will win. As Barry Sehlin has shown, people don’t ever retire from the Legislature. They just take a respite and come back and assume an even higher position. We expect that of you, Renee. To our statewide elected officials who are departing, and to you Renee, thank you. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many people in our state and for setting a course--a legacy--that will survive for generations to come. On behalf of the great state of Washington, we thank you all and wish you the very best.”
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OWEN
President Owen: “It has certainly been a privilege to serve with all the distinguished retiring state elected officials. We can be very proud in the state of Washington of the quality of the representatives that our system sends to this incredible capitol of ours. Thank all of you and thank you to all of our speakers today who have helped us to honor all of them. Thank you to all the friends and families for being here and helping to honor these distinguished people today, as well. We would like to invite everyone to the State Reception Room to greet our guests and show them your appreciation for their service to the state of Washington.”
The President of the Senate asked the special committee to escort the Honored Retiring State Elected Officials from the House Chamber.
The President of the Senate asked the special committee to escort the Honorable Gary Locke from the House Chamber.
The President of the Senate asked the special committee to escort the Supreme Court Justices from the House Chamber.
The President of the Senate asked the special committee to escort the State Elected Officials from the House Chamber.
MOTION
On motion of Representative Kessler, the Joint Session was dissolved.
The President of the Senate returned the gavel to Co-Speaker Chopp.
Co-Speaker Chopp instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to escort President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, President Pro Tempore Rosa Franklin, Majority Leader Sid Snyder and Minority Leader Jim West from the House Chamber.
Co-Speaker Chopp instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to escort the Senators from the House Chamber.
The Senate was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by President Owen.
MOTION
At 1:30 p.m., on motion of Senator Betti Sheldon, the Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2001.
BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate
TONY M. COOK, Secretary of the Senate