RITZVILLE…The King County Council today appointed former state Sen. Dino Rossi to the 45th Legislative District position left vacant by Sen. Andy Hill’s death Oct. 31. Rossi, R-Sammamish, served the neighboring 5th Legislative District from 1997 through 2003, stepping down to run for governor, and again during the second half of 2012.
Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler offered this reaction after learning of the council’s selection:
“While many of us are still mourning the loss of Senator Hill, one of the finest public servants I will ever have the privilege to know, the King County Council has chosen another outstanding public servant to carry on as senator for the people of the 45th District. Dino Rossi’s talents and experience also will be welcomed by our Senate majority in the coming year as we work to protect Washington’s future.
“In four years as budget chair, Senator Hill set new standards of support for K-12 education, higher education and services for the most vulnerable residents of our state, all without endangering Washington’s economy through needless tax increases. Similarly, during his time as Senate budget leader, Dino Rossi crafted a bipartisan budget that provided strong support for education, services for the vulnerable, and state workers, and erased a massive deficit without general tax increases.
Sen. Dino Rossi, R-Sammamish
“We will miss Senator Hill’s wise and thoughtful leadership greatly in 2017 as our Majority Coalition Caucus continues to address the needs of students and families. At the same time, I appreciate that Dino made himself available to serve and commend the council for selecting someone of his caliber.”
In July 2012 the council appointed Rossi to complete the term of former 5th District Sen. Cheryl Pflug after she accepted a gubernatorial appointment. By law Rossi’s appointment expired with the 2012 general election; when new legislative boundaries took effect after that election, his Sammamish home was among the addresses that were no longer in the 5th District but instead part of the 45th District served by Hill.
Rossi (pictured at right) will take office immediately after the oath of office is administered. He will serve through the 2017 general election, when 45th District voters select someone to serve the final year remaining in the term won by Hill in 2014.