Manweller to take office early

CLE ELUM - Effective Thursday, Bill Hinkle has officially resigned from representing Washington's 13th district.

That essentially propels presumptive Representative-elect Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg, into office a few months earlier than planned, though he said it should cause very little Legislative difference.

"It helps in terms of seniority a little bit, but will really have no practical effect," Manweller said Friday night from Portland. Since he's seated to his term a few months earlier, he's hoping the head start will put him higher on the list for House committee assignments where he can be most effective.

First on his list is the Ecology and Parks Committee, with Local Government and Healthcare rounding out his top three picks.

Hinkle, a former paramedic and firefighter, represented the district for 10 years. He was serving as House Minority Whip when he resigned.

- Staff report