Barlean readies to run again

"State Representative Kelly Barlean, R- Langley, announced this week that he will run for reelection to the 10th District House seat he's held for one term. So far, he's running a one-man race.Barlean, an attorney and former Langley City Councilman, said he got a lot accomplished as a freshman legislator, but wants to do more. He said his successes in his first term may have come as a surprise to some but not to him.By nature I'm kind of aggressive when it comes to taking care of people, he said.Barlean was the only freshman Republican appointed to the House Appropriations Committee and later became its vice-chairman. The first bill he introduced stopped the Department of Fish and Wildlife from selling the Whidbey Island Game Farm south of Coupeville for commercial development. He also stepped in to stop the Department of Natural Resources from logging the 600-acre Goss Lake Forest on South Whidbey.As for next time around, if he wins the election?I plan to focus more on issues affecting working families, Barlean said. I intend to work harder for quality and secure daycare and public schools. I also want to see a meaningful property tax relief plan come out of Olympia.Barlean admits that the November election could throw more curves at the Legislature if citizen initiatives related to taxes and spending meet with voter approval.If all these initiatives pass we may have to declare bankruptcy and move to Arizona, he said. At the same time, however, Barlean said he understands that many of the initiatives come about because voters believe their elected officials are not doing a good job at fixing problems. Barlean is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and former Army Infantry officer of the 101st Airborne Division. In addition to two terms on the Langley City Council he also served on the South Whidbey School Board."

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