PORT ANGELES — Retiring state Rep. Lynn Kessler called for civil political discourse in her final address to the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
“The civility and the way we work with each other has changed dramatically since I first entered in 1993,” said Kessler, the House majority leader who won’t seek re-election to her 24th District seat.
‘Pulled together’
“In 1993, the Republicans and Democrats worked together on things. We actually pulled together.
“If you listen to the political rhetoric now, it’s pretty much the other side is the enemy and you have no business talking to the other side.
“I don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat, it really is not helpful for policy and it’s not helpful for the institution.”
Kessler, D-Hoquiam, who is known for her ability to gain agreement regardless of political party, is giving farewell talks around the North Olympic Peninsula.
She will address the Port Angeles Business Association this morning and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in Port Townsend on June 21.
Kessler will continue to represent the 24th District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and a third of Grays Harbor County, until the new Legislature convenes in January.
As majority leader, Kessler has been the second-most influential Democrat in the state House for more than a decade.
“I hope all of you, regardless of your political affiliation, ask whoever you’re supporting to at least be civil,” Kessler told the audience at the chamber’s weekly luncheon at the Port Angeles CrabHouse Restaurant.
“Do not dehumanize the other people you don’t agree with, but really vow to help each other do what you need to do to make everything function correctly.”
Pneumonia, heart
Two-thirds into this year’s legislative session, Kessler came down with pneumonia and a heart condition, she told the chamber members.
She noted that she will turn 70 a month after her term expires in January.
“I honest-to-God do not want to die in Olympia in the Legislature,” Kessler said, drawing a laugh from the audience of nearly 100.
“I know it would make great headlines, but yeah, there are just too many other things I want to do.”
In retirement, Kessler is looking forward to attending family functions that her duties with the Legislature have caused her to miss.
“I apologize to all of you,” she said.
“I wish I could be in the fray this November. I had every intention of being in the fray, but I know you’ll all wish me well and let me go into my old age and do some other things that won’t be quite as stressful as the Legislature.”
Kessler opened her 20-minute talk with a summary of the recent Legislative session. The Legislature had a $9 billion shortfall in 2009 and another $2.8 billion shortfall going into 2010.
“Twelve billion dollars out of a 33-billion-dollar budget is some pretty heavy duty cutting for anybody,” Kessler said.
“This worldwide recession has slammed us all in a way that we have never ever really experienced before.”
Budget shortfalls
The Legislature, which made more than $5 billion in cuts this year, struggled to keep core services for state residents.
“There were things that we just felt were cuts we just couldn’t deal with,” Kessler said.
“So we kept 16,000 children on health care in our state. We have 60,000 low-income working people we kept on a basic health plan. We have now 12,000 students that can access financial aid. They had none in the budget that was presented to us.”
Kessler drew a standing ovation from the chamber audience after her farewell address, and she struggled to hold back her tears.
“I know we have people from all political persuasions here,” said chamber President Jim Hallett, “however, I do believe that I speak for all of us who say we want to thank you for a job well done.”
“I know that your husband, Keith, and sons, Bill, Chris and Brad, and daughter, Jamie, and your three grandchildren will probably be excited to have a little bit more time with you.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.