OLYMPIA – With the commencement of the 2012 Legislative Session this week, state Representatives Kevin Van De Wege and Steve Tharinger will be spending most of the next 60 days in Olympia. As a result, their jointly shared legislative office in Sequim at 123 Bell Street is now closed.
Constituents who would like to meet one-on-one with either representative are encouraged to call their Olympia offices to schedule an appointment.
“Throughout the day, we have appointment slots that are dedicated for constituents who come to see us,” Van De Wege said. “And if traveling to Olympia is a true hardship for someone, Steve or I will make every effort to meet that person over a cup of coffee when we come home to the district. We want to be accessible to people.”
The 2012 Session is scheduled to run through March 8, 2012. When it concludes, both Van De Wege and Tharinger will continue to share an office in Sequim at a new location to be announced.
“Sharing an office enables us to serve our constituents while saving taxpayers money,” Tharinger said. “And because Senator Hargrove is from Hoquiam and keeps a district office there, we will continue to be able to serve Grays Harbor constituents from that location. Both Kevin and I travel to Grays Harbor during the legislative interim as well.”
Van De Wege, Tharinger and Hargrove all represent the 24th Legislative District, one of the geographically largest districts in the state that includes all of Clallam and Jefferson counties, and parts of Grays Harbor County.
To make an appointment with Rep. Van De Wege in Olympia, call (360) 786-7916. To make an appointment with Rep. Tharinger, call (360) 786-7904.