Potato growers recognize state lawmakers
Washington Ag Today February 11, 2011 When potato growers went to Olympia earlier this month for Potato Day at the state Capitol they recognized two state legislators. An award is given to lawmakers for the work they do for agriculture generally, but more specifically for what they do for potato growers. Karen Bonaudi, Executive Assistant Director of the Washington State Potato Commission, says one of the legislators recognized this year was Democratic Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. Bonaudi: “Who is up in the Skagit Valley and has been in the Senate since 93 and was in the House ten years prior to that. And during that time she has always looked after her farmers. She is very aware of the natural resource issues that impact farming and growing and specifically now transportation because she has been chair of the transportation commission in the Senate. It is not the first time she has received the award. She is an important backer of agriculture.” Although he is not from potato country, Republican State Representative Joel Kretz, a horse and cattleman from Wauconda in the 7th legislative district was also honored. Bonaudi: “He was especially pleased because he has known about the Potato Commission for years and really admired the work that we did with the Washington Legal Foundation.” Haugen and Kretz were honored at a banquet in Olympia. That’s Washington Ag Today. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today. Good health tomorrow. I’m Bob Hoff on Northwest Aginfo Net.
