Rep. Holmquist to run for second term

Kickoff event planned for tonight

Representative Janea Holmquist formally announced this week her plans to run for re-election of the House seat she has held since November of 2001. The announcement comes with district-wide "sure catch" kickoff events held tonight at Roy and Judy Warnick's, in Grant County, and next Saturday, May 1st at Mark and Teddy-Mae Charlton's in Kittitas County.

Thanks to Troutlodge's donation and stocking of rainbow trout, the theme "sure catch" is expected to make for a fun-filled family festivity, including fishing and a barbecue. The events will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. and are open to the public.

"I wanted to kick off my campaign with a family theme to highlight the issues that are important to families in the 13th District," Holmquist said. "These issues include: providing accountability in the way government spends our hard-earned tax dollars, ensuring access to quality and affordable health care in our rural community, promoting economic development by easing the regulatory burden on our family businesses, and by restoring much-needed and much-deserved property and water rights to our family farms and ranches."

In 2002, Holmquist was elected into the House Republican Leadership team by her colleagues and during the last four sessions, Janea served on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the Transportation Committee and the Commerce and Labor Committee. She sponsored legislation to eliminate the new state death tax which she characterizes as "the demise of family farms and small businesses." She fought to bring accountability into the rulemaking process, most notably working to pass the measure allowing for Eastern Washington citizens to challenge agency rules in Yakima County, Spokane County, as well as Thurston County.

"This will make it easier for citizens affected unfairly by state agency rules to challenge those rules and will work towards holding state agencies accountable," Holmquist said.

Holmquist was praised by prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the state for successfully sponsoring and passing legislation to secure sound convictions against drunk drivers.

Rep. Holmquist, who resides in Moses Lake, intends to continue fighting for the 13th District on these and several other important issues.

"It's been an honor for me to represent this community for the past three years as your state representative. The people have clearly indicated to me what issues are important, and I will continue working on their behalf. I'm ready to make sure our families and the elderly have access to health care and that nursing homes continue to get the funding they need. I'm ready to ensure our schools are the best in the country and our students are getting a quality education. I am committed to ensure your business can be successful by improving our state's poor business climate, including tort reform and reforms to minimum wage, workers compensation and unemployment insurance."

One of Holmquist's top priorities, having grown up on a farm and as a member of the Washington Farm Bureau, is water.

"The Legislature has been treading in the water issue for several years now and while we have made some important steps, we still have a long way to go before our farmers have the rights they need. I look forward to helping farmers and ranchers get there," she said.

This session, Holmquist was part of the victory for irrigators on the Odessa subarea aquifer, with the passage of legislation protecting their water rights from relinquishment, while recharging the aquifer.

"This is the kind of common sense water policy we've been fighting for and may be the landmark legislation we need to bring about meaningful reforms statewide," she said.

Rep. Holmquist invites everyone to join her at the kickoff events. "Bring your family, friends and your fishing pole to enjoy the barbecue and fun."

Invited guests include Senator Dino Rossi, candidate for Governor, and other elected officials and candidates.

Individuals interested in being involved in Holmquist's campaign may contact Jim Turner at (509) 762-6000 in Grant County, Linda Schnebly at (509) 962-9097 in Kittitas and Yakima Counties, Judy Madewell at (509) 766-1257 or Joanna Krautscheid at (509) 771-1055, Holmquist's co-campaign managers, or Representative Holmquist at (509) 762-9010.