Ross deserves another term

It's always refreshing to see young people become involved in politics, and in the case of a 14th legislative district race, we have two. But when you add experience to the mix, it gives the nod to incumbent state Rep. Charles Ross for the Position 2 seat in the 14th Legislative District.

A legislator is paid $42,106 per year.

He is opposed by Democrat and political newcomer Chris Ramirez. We like the cut of this young man and would urge him to remain active in local politics and community affairs. There will be other opportunities for elected office, and expect to hear more from him down the line. A 2004 graduate of Davis High School, he graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in May. Law school is next, he says.

In Ross, two years of experience shows and the editorial board members found ourselves interviewing a more mature, seasoned young lawmaker who is learning the ropes -- particularly the political fact of life that when you're in the minority party in Olympia, you have to be able to work with the majority side of the aisle to accomplish anything. Presently, Democrats control the House 63-35 and the state Senate, 32-17.

Ross is doing that and two prime examples come to mind. He co-sponsored both anti-gang legislation and another measure to increase penalties for drivers who attempt to "elude" police that were approved in this year's legislative session.

Both bills had troubled trips through Olympia, if for no other reason than one of the lawmakers throwing up roadblocks was Sen. Adam Kline, a Seattle Democrat and legislative power as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Ross stuck to his guns, worked with Kline and others in both houses and a gang bill passed. It was a weaker version of the original, but one that's at least now on the books for future improvements. The same is true of the eluding bill.

And the supreme compliment for his tenaciousness came from Kline himself: "Ross impressed the hell out of me. He stuck to his guns and earned this one (gang legislation)."

The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs also honored Ross with the 2007 Legislator of the Year award for his work on the anti-gang bill.

That's pretty heady stuff for a first-term lawmaker in the minority party.

Ross is also a local product. He graduated from Naches High School in 1990 and earned degrees from Yakima Valley Community College and Mt. Hood Community College. He is a funeral director for Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

He was also a Naches Town Councilman from 1997 to 2000 and served as mayor there from 2000 to 2007. He says that local government experience proved to be valuable in Olympia.

When we endorsed him two years ago, we advised Ross to shed any temptation to be a political ideologue and be aware of the fact that the legislative process is driven by compromise. To be effective, he would have to work with lawmakers from all along the political spectrum.

We haven't been disappointed with his performance and the results. In fact, we think it rates another two-year term representing the 14th District in the Legislature.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins, Bill Lee and Karen Troianello.

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