Rep Fred Jarrett, R-Mercer Island, has been selected to serve as the lead Republican member of the influential House Capital Budget Committee. The announcement was made by House Republican leader Bruce Chandler, R-Granger.
“I’m honored to serve as the ranking Republican on the Capital Budget Committee,” said Jarrett. “I view this leadership position as a new and exciting challenge to improve how the Legislature creates the capital budget. My first order of business will be to see how if we can better integrate it with our state’s operating budget.”
The House Capital Budget Committee is responsible for allocating money for the construction and repair of public buildings, such as state colleges and universities.
The capital budget also includes state money given or lent to local governments or nonprofit organizations for infrastructure, housing and cultural and heritage facilities.
“Higher education has been one of my priorities since being elected to the Legislature,” said Jarrett. “I look forward to bringing this focus to my work on the capital budget committee and remain committed to funding higher education projects to meet the needs of Washington students.”
Jarrett will begin his third term representing the 41st District when the Legislature convenes its 2005 session on Jan. 10.
Weinstein on Senate education committee
Newly elected Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, will serve as vice chair of the Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education Committee when the Legislature resumes Jan. 10.
“I am delighted to come to Olympia ready to work on behalf of the students of Washington,” Weinstein said. “I’m honored to be asked to take on this role, especially because making education a priority was the cornerstone of my campaign.”
Weinstein also will serve as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee.
Rotary Award
The Mercer Island Rotary Club is seeking nominations for the Rotary Achievement Award.
The award recognizes an individual who has contributed extraordinary service to the Mercer Island community without regard to personal gain or reward and without having received significant recognition. A $1,000 Paul Harris Fellowship is established in the name of the winner.
The person selected must also demonstrate characteristics of honesty, integrity, compassion and generosity that exemplify the ideals of the Rotary International.
Those recommended can be any age or gender, Rotarians or non-Rotarians. They need not live on Mercer Island, but their services must have had significant benefit to the Mercer Island community.
Past winners of the award include Reese Martin, Greta Hackett, Gwen Lewis, Emmy’s Attic employees and Peg Morgan.
The deadline for nominations is Saturday, Jan. 15.
For more information, please call Gordon Rasmussen at 232-8396 or Brian Jennison at 232-3487.
Community Fund accepting grant applications
The Mercer Island Community Fund is currently accepting grant applications from Island-based nonprofit organizations for funds to be awarded in February.
Grants are awarded throughout the year from proceeds of the annual fall fund-raising appeal. Mercer Island 501(c)3 organizations may obtain grant applications by contacting grants committee chairman Sue Ketcham at 232-8919. Applications are due Jan. 21.
The Community Fund considers applications from organizations that benefit the Mercer Island community in arts and culture; environment and conservation; community development; recreation; social service; and health.
Correction
In the story about the Mercer Island School District and their new emergency and announcement listservs for parents and guardians on Dec. 22, the address to sign up for the announcement listserv was incomplete. To add your e-mail address to the announcement listserv, send a blank e-mail to: join-misd20XX_list@lists.psesd.org . “XX” is the graduation date of the student.
