Freeland Chamber of Commerce

Representative Smith Updates
Legislative Activities

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Recently-appointed State Representative Norma Smith told guests at the Freeland Chamber of Commerce Quarterly dinner that the state needs to learn to treat the ferry system as they ought to be treated; as, "a marine highway." Smith also warned the group that, "our work is not done" concerning upgrading the ferry system. She noted that as legislation to fund new ferris has been amended, the number of 144-car boats has changed from four to three and that the current bill now reads, "up to three" 144-car boats. She said there were some, "really colossal failures" with regard to maintenance and inspections of ferries but added that she is "very impressed" about the leadership of Washington State recently-appointed Transportation Secretary, Paula Hammond.

Representative Smith spoke to about 60 Chamber members and guests. She graciously filled in when the evening's originally scheduled speaker, State Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, became ill.

The presidents of the Coupeville and Langley Chambers were also in attendance and Smith took time to tell evereyone present that, "your chambers have made a real difference" in trying to work for solutions to the state's ferry situation.