John Koster takes oath of office, returns to represent 39th District
Just after the gavel fell at noon Monday to open the 2017 legislative session, John Koster held up his right hand and took the oath of office to become the newest state representative for the 39th District.
The lifelong Arlington resident previously served the 39th District in the House of Representatives for three terms from 1995 to 2000, but left to serve on the Snohomish County Council for 12 years.
“It is an honor to be back in the people's chamber representing the citizens of our district. Although it has been 16 years, many of the issues we faced in the Legislature during the 1990s have not gone away — they've just become larger,” said Koster, R-Arlington.
“Government has grown bigger. Regulations are out of control now more than ever before. There's a bigger price tag on everything. And there are still leaders in Olympia who think tax increases are the answer to government's spending problem,” noted Koster. “I plan to work hard for our citizens to protect personal freedoms, reduce excessive regulations, keep taxes low, and make government accountable, responsible and responsive to the people it serves.”
The new 39th District representative has already scored a leadership position in the House as he enters the 2017 session. Koster has been appointed ranking Republican on the House State Government Committee. The committee considers issues relating to the processes of state government, including state agency rulemaking, procurement standards, e-government and public employment. It also considers issues relating to elections, campaign finance, public disclosure and ethics in government.
Koster has also been appointed to the House Capital Budget Committee, which appropriates money in the state capital construction budget for construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and transfers. In addition, Koster will serve alongside his seatmate, House Republican Leader Rep. Dan Kristiansen, on the Rules Committee, which has the power to move or stop bills from advancing to the House floor for a vote.
“There's some heavy lifting ahead in the coming weeks, especially when it comes to education funding, creating a new operating budget that makes government live within its means without tax increases, and seeking reforms that ensure our citizens are better served,” added Koster. “I've rolled up my sleeves and I'm ready to get to work!”
Koster can be reached in Olympia at (360) 786-7816 or via email at: john.koster@leg.wa.gov. His address is: P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600, and his office is 122 F in the Legislative Building. More information can be found on his website: www.RepresentativeJohnKoster.com.
The 2017 regular session is scheduled to last 105 days.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Washington House of Representatives.
