Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy, was sworn in as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives today, filling the 7th District seat of retiring Bob Sump.

Short, who took part in a swearing-in ceremony at noon today in the House chambers, said she was thrilled yet humbled to take Sump’s place in Olympia representing constituents from the 7th District.

"This is certainly an exciting experience," Short said.  "But it’s very humbling to walk the marbled halls of the Capitol and to feel the weight of responsibility that starts to settle on you.  My previous experience as a legislative assistant has already helped tremendously.  I don’t feel overwhelmed at all.  I feel like I’m ready to get to work representing my constituents."

Short will serve as the ranking member on the House Ecology and Parks Committee.  She is also on the General Government Appropriations, Local Government and Housing, and Audit Review and Oversight committees.

"I believe my committee assignments are a good fit for the district and the concerns residents have," Short said.  "One of my priorities this session will be to look closely at the environmental bills coming through the pipe and making sure they contain common-sense solutions.  Already, I have major concerns with what I’m hearing about the so-called ‘cap-and-trade’ legislation that applies to carbon emissions from businesses.  With the current economy, with jobs being so scarce and families struggling to get by, do we really need to place another huge financial burden on businesses that provide jobs for our region and state?

"Another priority will be protecting taxpayers from a state government that has been spending at an unprecedented rate," continued Short.  "There will be some difficult decisions to make in terms of closing our state’s six billion dollar shortfall, but we can’t afford to raise taxes on our families.  State government spending has increased 33 percent in the last four years!  We cannot expect a ‘government bailout’ in which the taxpayer is bailing out government for years of overspending and irresponsible budgeting."

Short said she welcomes comments and input from 7th District constituents.  Her office number in Olympia is (360) 786-7908 and the Legislative Hotline number is 1-800-562-6000.  Short’s office mailing address is JLOB 422, Olympia, WA, 98504 and her e-mail address is short.shelly@leg.wa.gov

"I take the concerns of my constituents in the Seventh District very seriously.  They are the ones who elected me to represent them and I’m going to do everything I can to serve them with honor, integrity and respect.  I’m going to have an open door policy from the get-go," Short said.  "My office door will always be open to constituents.  I want to hear their frustrations, concerns and ideas.  Their input will help guide me in the decisions I have to make all session long."

The 105-day 2009 legislative session begins today, Jan. 12, and runs through April 26.

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