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Orcutt Chosen to Serve as Ranking Republican on the House Transportation CommitteeDec 20, 2012 (The Chronicle - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, has been chosen to serve as the ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee for the next two years, House Republicans announced on Monday. Orcutt, the 20th Legislative District representative, said he will take on the new challenge with his Southwest Washington constituents in mind. "Our state's transportation issues are extremely dynamic and complex, varying greatly from one region to the next," he said. "We have roads that are critical to our rural residents and agriculture and forestry economies; ports and commercial areas that are important for trade and economic development; and bridges, highways, interchanges and a ferry system used by commuters and for freight transport. While we deal with all of these issues, certainly, the needs and expectations of Southwest Washington residents will be my key focus moving forward." Orcutt has served in the Legislature since January of 2002. For the last 10 years, he has represented the 18th District but after redistricting he now represents the 20th District, including most of Lewis County. The forestry consultant will continue to serve on the House Finance Committee. Now the ranking Republican of that committee, Orcutt will use his position to keep taxes low, he said. "I'm a firm believer in getting folks back to work and making government live within its means," Orcutt said. "That's one of the most common messages I've heard over the last decade from citizens in Southwest Washington and I continue to make that a priority in every decision I make in Olympia." He will also serve on the House Agricultural and Natural Resource Committee. ___ (c)2012 The Chronicle (Centralia, Wash.) Visit The Chronicle (Centralia, Wash.) at www.chronline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |