HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4748, by Representatives H. Sommers, Scheuerman, Chopp, Regala, Chappell, Tokuda, Sheldon, Wolfe, Linville, R. Fisher, Cole, Basich, Grant, Dellwo, Romero, Ogden, Rust, Patterson, Brown, Hatfield, Appelwick, Jacobsen, Morris, Keiser, Poulsen, Murray, Cody, Quall, Costa, Scott, Kessler, Mason, Conway, Dickerson, Veloria and Robertson

        WHEREAS, Representative Georgette Valle, who was first elected to office in 1964, has served through four decades of political change; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Valle has been a member of the Washington State House of Representatives from 1964-66, 1973-82, and from 1984 to the present, all this time representing the citizens of West Seattle and surrounding areas; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Valle came to the Legislature at a time when few women served in public office and was frequently asked how she could serve in public office without losing sight of her role as wife and mother; and

        WHEREAS, She did so not just well, but admirably, successfully raising two children with the encouragement and support of her husband of many years, Odd, while distinguishing herself among her legislative colleagues and being active in many civic and community groups such as Mothers Against Violence in America, The League of Women Voters, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and more; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Georgette Valle became known as a champion of issues before others realized their importance to our state and its people, seeing things as they could be, rather than as they were; and

        WHEREAS, She became a leader in education and legislation related to environmental issues, including the Clean Indoor Air Act, smoke-free environment in public buildings, increased standards for disposable diaper use and disposal, recycling efforts, preservation of land for public parks, and efforts to keep Puget Sound clean; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Valle realized the important role that international trade would play in the state's economy, and has traveled extensively and visited with elected officials world-wide, as a goodwill ambassador for Washington state; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Valle was, and is, a staunch supporter of women's rights, advocating a woman's right to choose before Roe v. Wade; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Valle, above all, has been an unwavering advocate for children's safety and education, including earthquake awareness and preparedness in schools, gun safety in the home, the College Savings Bond program, and above all, a strong public education system; and

        WHEREAS, Representative Valle has announced her intention to retire from the Washington State House of Representatives when her current term expires;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington honor the distinguished lady from the 34th District, who has served long and well, and who has always honored her constituents and her colleagues with her grace, dignity, and respect; and 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to state Representative Georgette Valle, and members of her family.

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

              Resolution 4748 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                  March 5, 1996.

                         ________________________________

                          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk