Schmick succeeds Buri as Ninth District representative

Shortly after his appointment on Nov. 26 by Ninth District county commissioners, Colfax Republican Joe Schmick took the oath of office from Whitman County Superior Court Judge David Frazier, and at 9:05 p.m. became the newest member of the Washington State Legislature.

Schmick, 49, was chosen from a field of three finalists to succeed former Rep. David Buri, who resigned his House seat Nov. 1 to become government relations director for Eastern Washington University.

“This is a tremendous personal honor, and I am grateful for the privilege of serving as part of the Ninth District legislative team,” said Schmick, a second-generation farmer and small-business owner.

“I have a high regard for Representative Hailey and Senator Schoesler and look forward to working with them.”

Schmick headed immediately to Olympia where he joined fellow lawmakers for fall committee meetings and a one-day special session to consider a measure reinstating provisions of Initiative 747. In one of his first acts as a new legislator, he signed on as a co-sponsor of House Bill 2416, to restore the 1 percent limit on property tax levy increases.

Schmick also met with caucus leaders to discuss committee assignments, which could include appointments to the Health Care and Wellness and Higher Education committees, as well as a seat on the Local Government Committee.

“The committees I've requested would allow me to work on policy issues that are very important to me,” he said.

“Protecting property rights, controlling costs and ensuring the accessibility of health care, retaining existing businesses and attracting new employers to Eastern Washington – those are the priorities that top my legislative agenda.”

The two senior members of the Ninth District legislative team welcomed their freshman colleague enthusiastically.

“I am looking forward to serving with my new seatmate in the upcoming session,” said Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa.

“We ran for the same position in the last election, and Joe was a vigorous and effective candidate. He is well respected in our district, and has the principles, values and credibility to be a very effective legislator.”

“Representative Schmick was part of a highly qualified group of finalists, all of whom are men of integrity and ability,” said Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

“Joe brings valuable real-life experience, a broad knowledge of the district, and a great work ethic to our team, and we're very glad to have him on board with us.”

Schmick is a graduate of Eastern Washington University and the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation.

He is a member of the Washington Farm Bureau state board of directors; current board member and past president of the Whitman County Farm Bureau; and served two terms on the Washington Barley Commission. He and his wife, Kim, have been married for 25 years.