Fagan runs to represent Ninth District

COLUMBIA BASIN — Susan Fagan, R-Pullman, quit her job last week to focus on running for the state House of Representatives to represent the Ninth Legislative District.

Othello and Ritzville are within the Ninth District boundaries.

The seat is currently filled by Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax, who was appointed to the vacant seat after the death of former Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, from colon cancer.

“I have a desire to serve the district and I believe that my background will serve the district well,” Fagan said.

She has experience as a staff member serving to the U.S. Senate. Her duties included working with issues concerning the Lower Snake River dams, public access to federal land and private property rights. She also has experience working with the American Farm Bureau, National Association of Wheat Growers, Fertilizer Institute and the National Association of County Officials.

Fagan is a member of the Association of Washington Business and chairman of the Association of Washington Business Health Care Committee. She serves the Washington Farm Bureau, National Association of Independent Businesses, Colfax Chamber of Commerce, Pullman Chamber of Commerce and is a Washington State University president’s associate.

She said she has a good sense of what makes Eastern Washington “tick.”

If elected, Fagan said she will work to obtain funding to find solutions to the depleting water source in the Odessa Sub Aquifer.

“Water is our life,” she said. “Without water, there is no agriculture in our area. That is a really key issue.”

Fagan also has other goals for Adams County, including ensuring there is a healthy business climate by tracking legislation concerning worker’s compensation and unemployment benefits.

She said she wants to make sure funds are used correctly and wants to prevent additional regulations from accumulating for business owners.

Fagan said she also has a priority to work toward improving the state’s economy.

“I know that I can be an affective advocate for the constituents in the Ninth District,” Fagan said.

She plans to begin door-to-door campaigning in Adams County soon, she added. She also plans to begin attending public meetings in Othello to learn about local issues and to meet more people.