Statement by Rep. Pat Lantz (D - Gig Harbor) on not seeking a seventh term

March 10, 2008 

“Today I am announcing that I will not be running again for state representative of the 26^th legislative district.  After 12 years in the legislature, I believe it is time to turn my full attention to my family – my husband, my three children, and five wonderful grandchildren.  I plan to serve out the remainder of my term, but will not seek a seventh term.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of the 26^th district.  From the moment I first came to Olympia, I have always made decisions by looking at each issue through the lens of justice and fairness. As the longest-serving House Judiciary chair in Washington state history, I have asked myself the questions, ‘Is it fair?’ and 'Is it just?' before each vote I have taken.  In this, my most recent term, I worked once again to make sure that the tolling of the Narrows Bridge would be fair to my constituents. My mantra of many years remains as true now as it did when the bridge was only a concept:  'If it's just us, its not justice'

“I have worked tirelessly on protecting the uniqueness of our environment and quality of life, on ensuring that equal justice pervades our judicial system, in advocating for those who do not have always have a voice in government, for an education system - Early Learning thru Higher Education - that values creativity and critical thinking as well as mastery of the fundamentals, and in championing the democratic institutions that make our state and country great.   My enthusiasm for these issues has not abated, and I will continue to work on things that my successors can carry across the finish line.

“I am grateful to my constituents for the trust they have placed in me over the years.  Even if we didn’t always agree, they could be assured their concerns were always heard.  Each of us is here on earth to contribute something to the common good, and it was my turn for 12 years to serve in our state’s capital.  I am leaving on a high note, proud of the successes we’ve accomplished and confident that there are more to come.”