Rep. Beverly Woods (R-Poulsbo), a House Transportation Committee member since 2000, was appointed ranking Republican member of the committee. The promotion puts Woods into the driver’s seat when it comes to shaping House Republican transportation legislation and responses to proposals from House Democrats, who will have majority control of the Legislature in 2005.

“I’m excited about what this could mean to the Kitsap area, because this is probably the first time both the ranking minority member and the committee chair are from legislative districts with state ferry terminals,” said Woods, referring to herself and Democrat Rep. Ed Murray. The Bremerton-Seattle and Winslow-Seattle routes go to Colman Dock, in Murray’s district.

“I have a good working relationship with Representative Murray and I know he appreciates the unique needs of ferry-dependent communities,” Woods explained. “The combination of that and my new position can only help as I continue working to reverse the decline we’ve seen in ferry service over the years – to Bremerton in particular – through investments and policy changes.”

The extra time commitment demanded of committee leaders means Woods will give up her position as chair of the House Republican Caucus to take over as ranking Republican on Transportation. It’s a fair trade, she said.

“As caucus chair I’ve helped guide the House Republican effort to preserve and create jobs. I can pursue the same goal as Republican leader of the Transportation Committee, by working to build the transportation network needed to support a healthy economy in Kitsap and elsewhere,” Woods explained.

“This also keeps me in a place where I can look out for the taxpayers. The list of highway work needing done always exceeds the money available, and there’s been more talk lately about huge transportation projects like replacing the Alaskan Way viaduct and the 520 bridge in Seattle. It’s possible someone will call for another gas tax increase, in which case I’ll be ready to make sure every other option is fully explored,” said Woods.