Lindsay Trott’s Friday story in the Nisqually Valley News (NVN) highlighted the influence of the Republican Party in our area and in the state Legislature:

“Rep. JT Wilcox is proud to be from Yelm.”

“Wilcox said although the legislation this session leans heavily to the left, he believes Yelm and the 2nd District are well represented.

‘The 2nd District is more influential than it was in the past; all of the sudden we have some pretty good spots,’ he said.

One reason for the increased influence is the arrival of Rep. Gary Alexander, a longtime legislator from the 20th District who now, following last years redistricting, is now in the 2nd District. Rep. Alexander is considered one of the top budget writers on the Republican side of the aisle.

Republican Sen. Randi Becker, of the 2nd District, was recently named as a member of the Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. The panel is charged with promoting Washington trade and tourism.”
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Ed. Note:
Rep, Alexander has previously stated “over this year he will evaluate serving two offices at the same time and may make a decision in the future whether to seek only one office.” He is the current interim County Auditor AND State Legislator.

Alexander hired Yelm Mayor Ron Harding as his Deputy County Auditor, announced February 11th. Harding says he will also continue to serve as Yelm’s mayor in a full-time county position.

Yelm citizens have yet to vocalize whether they will accept Harding as a part-time mayor who now holds a full-time county position.