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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In addition to my regular legislative updates that focus on policy, actions, issues, and results emanating from Olympia during the 2026 legislative session, I want to periodically show you who has visited with me or made an appearance at the state Capitol.
When I was first elected to office, my predecessors told me that I would be surprised by how involved our 7th District constituents prove to be. That visitors from Northeast Washington – the furthest away from Olympia that you can get and still be in Washington state – are frequent, knowledgeable, and involved in the legislative process.
Boy, were they right!
In this inaugural edition of “From our Frontier to the Capitol: Your Neighbors, Your Voice” we have several local folks along with others who work in fields or represent interests integral to Northeast Washington.
This is Raimundo Alaniz from Kettle Falls. He came to discuss forest management in Northeast Washington:
This is Pend Oreille County Commissioner Robert Rosencrantz who visited Olympia to discuss my Charity Care bill and septic setbacks in Pend Oreille County:
This is Ferry County PUD Commissioner Dan Fagerlie. He came to talk about HB 2373 which would require electric utilities to provide monthly bill assistance. Dan has spent years helping legislators, other PUDs, and advocacy groups understand the real-life consequences of unfunded mandates on rural counties like Ferry County! He is a wealth of knowledge and experience!
Catholic Charities and North Central Early Learning Coalition visited as well! It was great to hear from Catalina Ramirez, Danyll Vanlierop, and Elizabeth from Metaline (so sorry, I forgot her last name!):
Abby Gribi, the City Administrator for Newport, came to discuss the impact of tax laws on local jurisdictions, including education funding as well as jail and dispatch agreements.
Tonasket Mayor Alisa Weddle and Teagan Levine visited Rep. Hunter Abell and I to discuss capital budget (construction) projects and legislative priorities:
Okanogan resident Brian Whitley, from Whitley Fuel and Washington Oil Marketers Association came to discuss his concerns with HB 2215 and how the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) compliance obligations for fuels supplied or otherwise sold in Washington state will impact small distributors:
And because I can’t resist a little policy reality mixed in…if we’re going to talk CCA, let’s not forget:
- Harger: WA has third-highest gas prices in nation. Now state admits climate program data was off by 96% – MyNorthwest
- WA overestimates climate law’s emission reductions by a long shot – The Seattle Times
- Washington state officials vastly overstated emission reductions from climate law due to ‘data entry error’ – The Spokesman-Review
- State CO2 report shows 86% of Washington’s claimed climate benefits are probably fake – Washington Policy Center
The way I see it, there’s a “data entry error,” and then there’s this:
Continuing on…City of Brewster Public Works Director, Lee Webster, and Finance Director/City Clerk, Misty Ruiz, visited to discuss capital budget projects and legislative priorities:
Constituent Wren Soperanes and Robert Elliot-Steinke came to talk about Ranked Choice Voting:
And finally, county officials from the 7th Legislative District visited, including Douglas County Auditor, Thad Duvall; Okanogan County Assessor, Larry Gilman; Spokane County Assessor, Tom Konis, and; Stevens County Assessor, Rick Johnson:
I am so grateful for the many citizens who engage in the legislative process and take the time to visit Olympia. This is what our Constitutional Republic is all about. While I may not agree with everyone who enters my office, my door is always open. I welcome various viewpoints and different opinions on policy as we work together to make our state – and specifically the 7th Legislative District – the best place to live, work, and raise a family!
I hope you enjoyed this first edition of “From our Frontier to the Capitol: Your Neighbors, Your Voice.” Stay tuned for more.
Sincerely,
Andrew Engell
