Our Views: 19th District Lawmakers on the Right Track

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As lawmakers prepare to return to Olympia for the next legislative session, it’s worth considering the role of 19th District lawmakers since districts were redrawn in 2012. 

State Sen. Dean Takko, D-Longview, and Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, are veterans in the Legislature.

However, not until a few years ago did they begin representing a broad swath of West Lewis County that was previously part of the 20th Legislative District.  It’s a geographic area that knows the potential dangers of devastating flooding all too well after the disaster of 2007. 

Takko and Blake, along with former state Sen. Brian Hatfield, who recently stepped down, seem to have grasped the urgency of flood mitigation efforts being promoted by local government officials. 

Takko, who was appointed to the Senate in October when Hatfield resigned, struck a welcome chord when questioned by Lewis County commissioners prior to his appointment. 

“What happens in the Chehalis Basin, it doesn’t just affect Lewis County and Grays Harbor County further down the line. Those are major transportation corridors,” Takko said at the time.

Likewise, Takko’s replacement in the House, JD Rosetti, seems to understand what will be necessary to solve or mitigate the chronic issue of flooding.

“I’m excited to work to promote legislation focused on seeking government efficiencies, infrastructure investments to mitigate impacts of flooding and expanded workforce partnerships with business and industries,” Rossetti told commissioners in October. 



The support of the 19th District lawmakers is not only welcome, it’s essential. 

As 20th District Republicans Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, and state Reps. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, and Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, work to keep state focus on the issue of flooding in the Chehalis River Basin, the support of their 19th District counterparts is helpful.

Taking the edge off chronic flooding is not a partisan issue, but one that effects all residents from Pe Ell to Grays Harbor regardless of political affiliations. 

The Department of Ecology continues its environmental assessment of a group of projects — including a potential dam — endorsed by Gov. Jay Inslee and championed by the Chehalis Work Group. 

We expect a large divide when it comes to Republicans and Democrats on issues of taxes, transportation, marijuana and other matters. 

However, as the discussion continues to develop on flooding, lawmakers from both districts must remain on the same page. Based on their statements and actions thus far, we’re encouraged that will happen.