Dan Newhouse: “Today I rise to recognize a newly retired public servant and good friend of mine from the State of Washington…”

“Today I rise to recognize a newly retired public servant and good friend of mine from the State of Washington, representative Joel Kretz. Since 2005, Joel has been dutifully serving the people of Washington's 7th legislative district. As the largest and most rural district in the State, his dedication may be exemplified in just how long his commute is, over 600 miles round trip between Olympia and his ranch in central Washington. He has been a champion of responsible land management, a crucial advocate in the fight for wildfire management, and a true defender of the western way of life. His legislative accomplishments, though many, are not the most interesting thing about Joel. He is a true cowboy, world-class horse breeder, and the embodiment of what it means to be from rural America. Did I say that he is also a great friend of mine. Now it is time for Joel to hang up his coat and tie, put on his cowboy hat and kerchief, and focus on the long honey-do list of his wife, Luska, that she has waiting for him. I am delighted about Joel's retirement. He has more than earned it. ____________________”