Wylie starts serving in state Legislature

State Rep. Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver, took her seat in the Washington House on Thursday, giving a brief speech in which she said she was “humbled and excited to serve the people of Southwest Washington in the state Legislature.”

“I pledge to the families back home that I will work tirelessly to represent their interests, and that I will utilize my background and experience to serve the needs of our district,” she said. “I am eager to begin working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the serious economic challenges facing our state.”

On Wednesday, Clark County commissioners appointed Wylie to succeed Jim Jacks as a representative from the 49th Legislative District, which covers Vancouver’s west side and much of Hazel Dell. Jacks resigned last month.

Speaker Pro Tempore Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, Wylie’s fellow 49th District representative, said he looked forward to working with his new colleague.

“Sharon has spent many years working hard for the concerns of Vancouver and Clark County,” he said. “She certainly comes to the Legislature well-versed on issues of importance for southwestern Washington, and she will bring a real passion to the principle of doing what’s right by the people.”

Wylie was appointed to serve on the Environment, Higher Education, and Technology, Energy and Communications committees for the remainder of the 2011 session, which is scheduled to adjourn April 24.