Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia)
Photo credit: Yelm Chamber


– Editor’s Note:
While I appreciate Rep. Barkis coming to Yelm, his speaking to a group of approx. 60 Chamber members is merely a photo op compared with conducting a Town Hall Public Forum open to all constituents on both sides of the Nisqually River in Pierce and Thurston Counties. Barkis was appointed state representative for the 2nd Legislative District by the Thurston County Commission and Pierce County Council on March 22, 2016. He was successfully elected to retain this seat in November 2016. In the over two years he has been our Legislative Representative, Barkis has never once conducted his own public forum in our area. This is even more unusual in that one of his business locations is in Yelm. Rep. Barkis, your constituents would also like to engage with you, not just the Yelm Chamber.
Plan a Public Forum here soon!


– From the Yelm Chamber of Commerce about their May 8th Forum Luncheon:
“Legislative Update with Representative Andrew Barkis”

“Andrew Barkis represents the 2nd District. He was appointed in February 2016 to fill the vacancy of Graham Hunt.
Andrew was born and raised in Chehalis. He is a graduate of Seattle University with a degree in Communications. Andrew’s personal knowledge and experience as a local business owner foster his priorities to have limited, but effective government that is focused on being fiscally responsible, creating more jobs, and enhancing small business growth within the 2nd District and state.

“Andrew and his wife, Lisa, live in Olympia and have been married for 23 years. They have two sons and enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially hiking and camping around the Pacific Northwest. Andrew is active in several community organizations including the Lacey Chamber Commerce, Yelm Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Rotary, Lacey Sunrise Lions, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.”