23rd District State Representative Greg Nance spoke to Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians, at their May 7 meeting, with an update on the recent legislative session.
Nance was appointed to his current seat in 2023, and elected to it in November 2024 elections. He said this session was particularly tough, as legislators wrestled with a $12b to $16b shortfall. He said "in the choices we make, we have to find the right balance between expenditures and revenue." He said he was surprised by the lack of self awareness on the part of many of his colleagues. "They frequently spend money and ask questions later." He is working behind the scenes to build of coalition of legislators who approach the budget process in a fiscally-responsibe way.
"Kitsap was a big winner this time," he said, after many years of being left behind. Nance's signature issue has been the challenges county residents have faced with underfunded, under-maintained, and under- crewed ferries. He said the good news is Ferries is now fully funded for the first time in 25 years. One date to note is May 12, when Ferries unseals bids from three ship-builders on three new vessels, expected to be in the range of $400m per boat.
In other news, Donell Martinez updated Rotarians on the upcoming June 20 golf tournament. She said sponsorships are nearly sold out, and more than one-hundred golfers are signed up. She urged Rotarians to take action soon on golf signups and after-party signups, before they are gone.
Emily Froula also had an update. This one pertaining to our Club's incoming exchange student from Italy. Mabel Porcu will be here in August, studying at Kingston High as a junior, but participating in activities as if she were a senior. Emily is looking for three host families, each hosting Mabel about three-months.
Mark Libby reminded the Club of upcoming trails maintenance this Saturday, 10a. The work party will clean up the 4th Street trail. Meet at the Ohio/4th St entrance.