District 46, which Wedgwood is located within, has experienced a tumultuous four months in state representation. In October 2011, fellow Wedgwood resident and former D-46 state Senator Scott White suddenly passed away. Freshman Representative, David Frockt, was nominated by the D-46 Democrats to fill the late Senator’s seat and shortly thereafter sworn in to his new position. This, however, left Frockt’s seat vacant. Ultimately, Gerry Pollet was then nominated by the D-46 Democrats to fill Frockt’s seat.
Today, Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney announced in an email to her colleagues that she would not run again for her for her position. Publicola posted the text of her email:
Dear Friends,
I want to tell you this news myself before you hear it through the Legislative grapevine – I have decided that this will be my last term in the House of Representatives.
The Legislature is an institution that I hold very dear to my heart, and I count many of my colleagues – in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle – among my closest friends.
We may not see eye to eye on some issues, but I believe all of us, Democrats and Republicans, come to Olympia with a true commitment to the people we represent and a true desire to make our One Washington a better place for all. Thank you all for the work you do!
I would also like to thank my Legislative Assistants who have helped keep me on track, as well as the staff in the Office of Program Research and the House Democratic Caucus who have worked tirelessly alongside me all these years. Without their dedication and amazing work ethic I would not have been able to accomplish so many things.
I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my husband, my children, and my grandchildren, but I intend to keep fighting for the people of our state. I will be devoting a large amount of my time to an organization that I and other members of the community have been developing called “Latino Advocacy and Leadership Institute.” The Institute’s vision and goal is to provide Leadership Training to young people on how to get involved in government at the state and local level.
I also intend to stay involved in commissions and boards which I feel are making a difference in our community. These are exciting times and I am looking forward to this opportunity to make change in a whole new way.
Thank you all again for the last 16 years!
With affection,
Phyllis
The WCC is not a political organization or partisan in any way. Nevertheless, thank you Representative Gutierrez-Kenney for your long time service to our district.