Barlean seeks second term in legislature

"State Rep. Kelly Barlean, R-Langley, announced Monday that he will seek a second term in the House of Representatives.I believe that I had a pretty productive first term. I probably got a little more done than the average freshman legislator, but there is still a lot more left to do, he said.Barlean was the only freshman Republican appointed to the powerful Appropriations Committee. He said that in one year he assumed the vice-chairmanship over many other senior members.As for his accomplishments, Barlean tops the list with two Whidbey Island land preservation efforts. His bill, HB 1485, stopped the Department of Fish and Wildlife from selling the Whidbey Island Game Farm near Coupeville for commercial development. The property was later purchased by a private conservation group.Barlean, working with the 10th District's other legislators, also prevented the Department of Natural Resources from logging part of the 600 acre Goss Lake forest near Langley. He ensured the property was included in the state's Trust Land Transfer Program by writing it into the capital budget.Barlean said he also participated in successful legislative efforts to make health care more accessible for children, pass a patient's bill of rights, and restore the availability of individual health insurance in rural counties.If voters give him a second term, Barlean said his priorities include working for quality and secure daycare and public schools, and meaningful property tax relief.Barlean's wife, Tara, works fulltime outside the home, as well as serving on the board of the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District. Seven weeks ago they had a baby boy, Braden, who joins their second grade daughter, Katy.Barlean is an attorney and graduate of t he U.S. Air Force Academy, and former infantry officer. He served two terms on the Langley City Council.To date no Democrat has announced for the position. The official filing period for elective office takes place the last week of July. "

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