Warnick: Happy Trails, Bill Hinkle
Judy Warnick
GUEST EDITORIAL
OLYMPIA - "This is a noble profession; treat it with humility and remember who you serve." These are the words of Bill Hinkle, but these words also represent the character of a public servant who has served us for many years.
Bill is a committed part of the Central Washington community; in his public service he touched so many of us. Look at this man's biography and it reads like an extensive resume. In his time in public service, he has been an active member with the Washington State Horse Park Authority, the Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Regional Support Network, the governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs and Access, and much more.
Before coming to the Legislature, Bill served as a Kittitas County Commissioner for six years. He also worked as a paramedic and firefighter for 17 years. In addition to his public positions, Bill has served in various capacities in his church, with the Yakima Regional Medical Center, Rotary International, the Nature Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and other groups.
Now it is time for him to commit more of his time to his family, his wife Debra and three children; and his church. It is obvious to every person who knows Bill, personally or professionally, that he is a devoted husband and father. He is unapologetic about his faith and inspires people to see beyond this life. His faith and family clearly occupy a major part of his big heart.
In the Legislature, there was never any question where Bill stood on an issue. While Bill could fundamentally disagree with everything a person said or believed, he had a genuine love for him or her. Several Democrats recently shared that at first they feared Bill's figure and thunderous voice (and the fact he was a Republican), but as soon as they got to know him, they became friends. Bill cares deeply about the people he works with in Olympia - Republicans and Democrats. Even before his role on leadership in the House Republican caucus, he was the "go-to" man for many members who sought advice. Many times he would help someone out, sometimes without them knowing, and rarely took any credit for his actions.
His allegiance to his constituents was as true as his allegiance to this country he loves. He could assess a situation, make a decision and put the solution into action in no time - a great asset to the people of the 13th District. The Kittitas exempt well moratorium, an issue still not resolved, requires patience and tenacity. He sought the truth, pushed the issue for the public to weigh in, and reminded lawmakers and agency officials about the serious economic impact it would have in his backyard.
Bill helped me grow as a legislator, and face the controversies. When constituent groups visited who disagreed with myself and Bill, we would play "good cop-bad cop." His tough-guy demeanor and refusal to back down played well, on many issues, with my more collaborative attitude. We were a great team - often covering for each other if something came up that did not allow us to meet with a constituent or attend a meeting. Together, we could get to the truth and simultaneously find the best solution to move forward.
He was relentless in his pursuit of the best policies for the people of our state. While Bill was always ready for a good policy debate, he never made it personal and usually had a person laughing after it was all over. In one debate on the House floor this year, he exclaimed, "Living in a car builds character!" This was not the only time I found my mouth open and eyes wide during a Hinkle speech. In a debate about outlawing handheld cell phone use in vehicles, Bill talked about how holding a phone is the same as when he is holding a Big Mac and Blizzard in his hands while he's driving - at the same time! Bill easily got his points across during floor debates and constituent meetings.
He always wore his heart on his sleeve, starting many speeches in the House chamber with "Are you kidding me?!" Bill shared on several occasions that his mother, for a time, relied on public assistance to get by. But, he said, "The one thing my mom wanted more than public assistance was a job." I know that whenever Bill was about to push a button on legislation, he had in mind the families that would be affected. He believes strongly in the opportunities for all Americans to better themselves, and I know that even beyond his role as state representative he will continue to help people.
I will miss you, Bill - especially your passion, honesty and friendship. Your successor has big shoes to fill (literally). Happy trails wherever God and the path may lead you.
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