Sen. Parlette retires after 20 years in legislature

WENATCHEE — On the 20th anniversary of running for office for the first time, Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, announced she would not seek reelection to her 12th District seat. 

Parlette will continue to work in her position as caucus chair of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus until the end of her term in 2017. Although she is retiring from the Legislature, Parlette said she plans to continue to work. 

“What’s next?” Parlette asked. “I’m not sure, but that’s OK.” 

She plans to spend more time with her mother, who will be 90 this year, as well as her husband and grandchildren. 

“To not be tied down to the legislative schedule in 2017 will be very helpful,” she said. 

Parlette said one of the hardest parts of her time in Olympia was missing family events. She said 2011 and 2012 were particularly tough years because during those sessions her father died and she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. 

“Somehow though, you work through that,” she said. Later she added “You just have to accept there’s going to be special events you miss, just because you can’t get away.” 

However, Parlette said she enjoyed her time as a representative and senator. During her tenure, Parlette saw 63 of the bills she introduced become law. She said highlights of her career include legislation to reduce the state’s debt limit, expanding the role of pharmacists in medical teams, her work on natural resource issues, and helping the Grand Coulee Dam School District build a new school. 

A 20-year career in politics was never part of the plan, Parlette said. After graduating from Washington State University, she worked as a pharmacist and orchardist. She said in 1996 a seat for 12th District House representative opened up, and she was approached by both Democrats and Republicans who wanted her to fill the vacancy. Parlette said it took her around six weeks before she agreed. 

After the 1996 election, Parlette has run unopposed in each election since. Early in her career Parlette said she learned to work in a bipartisan way. In 1999 the House was split between parties, so every committee was chaired by a Democrat and a Republican. Parlette co-chaired the House Health committee at the time. 

“I think that set the tone for me early on in my legislative career,” she said. 

During her time, Parlette said she has learned to sit back and listen, be careful who she trusted and know there are always more than two sides to an issue. She found the job easier when she was passionate about what she was doing. 

“When you know you can help people, it’s a fabulous opportunity,” she said.