County Council appoints Gerry Pollet to State House

December 5, 2011

Summary

Story

vacant Washington State House seat in the 46th Legislative District. The vacancy came after former Representative David Frockt was appointed to fill the Senate seat of Scott White, who passed away in October.

“Representative Pollet has an established record of dedicated service to the community,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who resides in the 46th District. “He was selected from a strong slate of candidates, and I wish him well in the difficult work ahead.”

“Gerry Pollet was the first choice of the Democratic Precinct Committee Officers in the 46th District to represent the people of the 46th in the state Legislature,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Gerry will bring to the legislature a long history of service on behalf of the 46th District, local Democrats, and the state of Washington, and his leadership on environmental issues such as protecting the Columbia River.”

“The appointment of Gerry Pollet is recognition of his years of commitment to his district and to people of Washington through Heart of America Northwest,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “Our unanimous vote also acknowledges the work of the Precinct Committee Officers in the 46th District, who had to make two difficult choices due to the passing of Sen. Scott White. I thank them for their service to the communities they represent.”

Ferguson, Phillips and Gossett each represent portions of the 46th Legislative District on the County Council.

Per the State Constitution, precinct committee officers nominate and submit three names to the Council in the event of a vacancy. The Democrat precinct committee officers of the 46th submitted Pollet’s name as the preferred candidate, along with the names of Sylvester Cann and Javier Valdez.

Councilmembers interviewed all three candidates at this morning’s Committee of the Whole.

“I commit to promote education, transportation, and protecting our environment and social services during these difficult budget times. I will hit the ground running, and will be accessible and accountable to the people of the 46th,” said newly appointed Representative Pollet. “I greatly appreciate the support of the Council, and I look forward to working with our local governments and my colleagues in the legislature to address the challenges facing our state.”

Pollet is a co-founder and the Executive Director of Heart of America Northwest, a leading citizens’ group working for the cleanup of Hanford. An attorney, Pollet received his law degree from the University of Washington, and teaches in the university’s public health program

Pollet was sworn in by the Clerk of the Council and will proceed to Olympia to participate in the current 30-day special session of the Legislature.



Gerry Pollet is joined by his wife Janet Miller (r) during his swearing in as the newest member of the Washington state House of Representatives from the 46th Legislative District. Pollet is sworn in by Clerk of the Council Anne Noris.