Thirteenth District State Rep. Bill Hinkle of Cle Elum told the Tribune Tuesday that he will seek a second term in the Washington State House of Representatives.

A resident of northern Kittitas County and former County Commissioner, Representative Hinkle was the first legislator from Kittitas County in the State Legislature in 38 years when elected in 2002.

"It has been an extreme privilege to serve the citizens of the 13th District in Olympia these past two years," said Hinkle who is employed in Cle Elum when the legislature is not in session. "Being from Kittitas County has allowed me to bring a balanced representation to our legislative

delegation."

During his current tenure, Hinkle serves as Republican Assistant Whip, and is Assistant Ranking member on the Fish, Ecology and Parks Committee, as well as serving on the Capital Budget Committee and the Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee.

"I enjoy working on problems that impact our communities in particular., as well as the State," Hinkle said of his legislative priorities. "We need continued strong leadership in Olympia to protect our agriculture industry and make sure that our public lands are accessible by all user groups."

Hinkle said tax breaks that Boeing received demonstrate the need for all businesses in Washington, large and small, to get the same kind of treatment.

"Increasing taxes and heavy regulatory burdens have made it tough for the little guy to stay in business, as well as stifled business development," Hinkle observed. "We must get our economic engine running without raising taxes, in order to meet the increasing revenue demands of our population, and keep our economy strong."

If re-elected, access to health care and higher education in addition to K-12 needs will continue to be a priority this next session, Hinkle pledged.