State Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-23rd, Poulsbo), chair of the House Committee on Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs for the last two years, will take over the gavel in the House Local Government Committee when the Legislature reconvenes in January 2016.
According to the official legislative web site, the committee “considers issues relating to the operations and financing of counties, cities, and some special districts. The committee also considers issues relating to the Growth Management Act and land use issues such as local permitting and the subdivision of property.”
Appleton brings a strong background in local-government issues to her new role. She served two terms as a member of the Poulsbo City Council, and in 2000 was elected to represent the 1st commissioner district as a freeholder to review the Kitsap County Charter.
“I was privileged to help develop a number of landmark laws benefiting our active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families as chair of my former committee,” Appleton said. “This new challenge, to do the same sort of work on behalf of local governments, is one that I’m looking forward to.”
In addition to chairing Local Government, Appleton will serve on the House Public Safety Committee and retains her seat on Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs. Besides her legislative duties, Appleton serves on Washington State Council on Aging and sits on the board of the Office of Public Defense. She also was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to the Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC).
The Legislature begins its 60-day 2016 session on January 11.