SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1991-8667

By Senators Gaspard, Snyder, Amondson, Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Conner, Craswell, Erwin, Hansen, Hayner, Jesernig, Johnson, Madsen, Matson, McCaslin, McDonald, McMullen, Metcalf, Moore, Murray, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Oke, Owen, Patterson, Pelz, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Roach, Saling, Sellar, Skratek, A. Smith, L. Smith, Stratton, Sutherland, Talmadge, Thorsness, Vognild, von Reichbauer, West, Williams and Wojahn

      WHEREAS, On January 8, 1991, Senator Mike Kreidler was called to active duty in the U.S. Army in support of Operation Desert Storm, becoming one of seven legislators in the nation forced to seek a leave of absence from their legislative duties in order to serve their country; and

      WHEREAS, During his absence, Lela Lopez Kreidler was temporarily appointed to her husband's vacant seat in the Washington State Senate on January 14, 1991; and

      WHEREAS, The use of this particular appointment process is unprecedented in our state's history, applying a law which has been on our books since the Korean War; and

      WHEREAS, Senator Lela Kreidler has the added distinction of being the first Mexican-American to serve in the Washington State Senate; and

      WHEREAS, Lela was a quick study on the complex issues before the legislature, and in particular, the Senate Committees on Health and Long-Term Care, Law and Justice, and Ways and Means, and on the intricacies of the legislative process itself; and

      WHEREAS, She has shown compassion for the needs and concerns of the indigent, and she has been tough in negotiating for the interests of her constituents; and     

      WHEREAS, As a result, she has won the respect and admiration of legislators, staff, and other participants in the legislature; and

      WHEREAS, Lela has provided the constituents of the twenty-second legislative district with uninterrupted representation and excellent and dedicated service; and 

      WHEREAS, It would serve the citizens of Thurston County well to encourage Lela Kreidler to seek elective office in the future, possibly even that of state senator; and

      WHEREAS, Having fulfilled his duties with honor and fortitude, Lt. Colonel Mike Kreidler has been formally returned to reserve status, and state law (which many members are now reviewing) requires Lela to relinquish the office of state senator to him; and

      WHEREAS, Senator Lela Kreidler and her staff can attest, but not under oath, that he seldom gave a second thought to what was happening in Olympia; and

      WHEREAS, Lt. Colonel Kreidler might not want the members of the Washington State Senate to vote on whom they would like to retain this senate seat; and

      WHEREAS, The women of the senate appreciated the insight of yet another woman serving in this body, will miss her presence, and regret their reduction in force;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Washington State Senate, That we congratulate Senator Lela Kreidler for her courage and outstanding service to the State of Washington, thank her for her friendship, and wish her well as she returns to "normal" family life and her position at Chinook Middle School; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Senator Lela Kreidler be added to the Legislative Old Timers list as a former member so that we may enjoy her company for many years to come; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That having paused many times this session to commemorate the women and men who took part in Operation Desert Storm, we express special pride in the exemplary military service of one of our own members, Lt. Colonel Mike Kreidler, and welcome him back to the Washington State Senate.

I, Gordon A. Golob, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1991-8667,

adopted by the Senate April 18, 1991.

GORDON A. GOLOB

Secretary of the Senate