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 One bill Nichols is following will end a requirement to mail election and voter notifications to addresses that are no longer valid for the voter.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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