Updated September 4, 2007 Senator Poulsen's Resignation Announcement Erik announced today that he will be leaving the Senate. In a message to the Executive
Board, he said:
"Dear Friends:
"I'm writing to let you know I'm stepping down from the Senate in early
October to become government affairs director for the Washington Public Utilities
Districts Association. While I'm glad that I have the opportunity to continue
working on energy and environmental issues that are so close to my heart, ending my
12-year career in the Legislature is also incredibly difficult because I love what
I do, and I love all the great people I've had the privilege to know and serve.
"Thirteen years ago, I stood before our 34th district organization - quite nervously,
as I recall - asking for the chance to represent you in Olympia. You are the reason
I got to have this experience, which next to raising my kids has been the most
rewarding experience of my life. Thank you for that.
"Thank you too for all the things you do to better our community and to advance the
cause of the Democrats. Your compassion for people, your sense of social justice, and
your unwavering idealism has been an inspiration to me.
"I'm really proud of everything I've been able to accomplish for the district and
for the state - of course with lots of help from you and the wonderful people from the
district I've had the honor of working alongside in Olympia: Eileen Cody, Dow Constantine,
Mike Heavey, Toni Lysen, Joe McDermott, and Georgette Valle. I learned a lot from all
of you which helped me to be a more effective legislator.
Seattle Times political reporter David Postman wrote about all this today. (See link.)
"Many thanks for everything. I will miss being your senator but plan to remain active
in the district and will continue to help you any way I can.
"Keep fighting the good fight!"
Respectfully,
Erik Poulsen
Senator Poulsen's Official Senate Biography Democrat: Term expires January, 2011. Elective Office: State Senate, 2002-present; House of Representatives, 1995-2001. Education: B.A.s in Political Science and Journalism, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Occupation: Through 2004, served as a strategic adviser for Seattle City Light, the nation's seventh-largest municipal utility; worked for PEMCO as a Community Affairs Associate for nine years; former Congressional and Governor's Assistant. Personal: Two sons (Soren and Dane); Hobbies include coaching youth sports, backpacking, fishing and nature photography.
Senator Poulsen's Statement from the 2006 Voterguide
Senator Erik Poulsen serves our community with vision, integrity, and tenacity. He is one of Olympia's most effective and respected leaders. Let's keep Erik working for us!
Senator Poulsen was named Legislator of the Year by Washington Conservation Voters, the state's largest environmental organization, for his tireless pursuit of energy independence.
As Chairman of the Senate's Water, Energy and Environment Committee, Erik Poulsen has made our state a national leader in promoting biofuels made from crops grown right here in Washington, solar and wind power, "green" buildings, tougher auto emission standards, and other steps to combat global warming.
Senator Poulsen is leading the fight to stop more gravel mining on Vashon Island, which threatens drinking water, salmon and Orcas. As Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, he helped save passenger ferries and will make sure we get better bus and water taxi service before work on the Viaduct begins.
Erik is a passionate defender of kids and schools. The father of two teenaged sons, he understands the pressures families face to make sure their children are safe, healthy and well educated. We can count on him to do what's best for the next generation, not the next election.
Watch this website for additional late-breaking news about filling Senator Poulson's seat. Send any information or updates to the webmaster.
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