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Pend Oreille County officials visit Kretz, Short
in Olympia
The
two officials crossed the mountains to discuss local cost-saving
measures
Reps. Joel Kretz
and
Shelly Short
welcomed two Pend Oreille officials to Olympia the week of Jan. 12.
Laura Merrill, County Commissioner, and Marianne Nichols, County
Auditor, were at the Capitol to discuss issues dealing with local
legislation and elections issues.
Merrill was in Olympia as a representative of the county's legislative
team, which follows issues in the state Legislature that impact local
government. Nichols came to the Capitol to advocate for bills that will
save taxpayers money on elections. One bill Nichols is following will
end a requirement to mail election and voter notifications to addresses
that are no longer valid for the voter.
Nichols said that even though a registered voter may have alerted the
auditor's office of an address change or a relocation outside the state,
the agency is still required to mail a voter notification postcard to
the home, costing taxpayers money.
"Anytime our local officials are in town advocating on behalf of more
efficient government, it makes me proud," said Kretz, R-Wauconda. "These
local officials really care about the people they serve and I am happy
to listen to their concerns and help them work through the process to
better serve their county."
"It
is so important to have good, open lines of communication between state
and local officials,” said Short, R-Addy. “Representing our
citizens at all levels of government is a team effort. I’m happy
to work with city or county leaders to help streamline processes and to
look for efficiencies in how government operates."
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Editor note:
Photo attached.
(l to r) Rep. Joel Kretz, Rep. Shelly Short, Pend Oreille
County Auditor Marianne Nichols and Pend Oreille County Commissioner
Laura Merrill on the House floor in Olympia.
For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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