State Rep. Karen Schmidt Resigns

BREMERTON - State Republicans will lose an experienced voice in the House next month when Karen Schmidt ends her 19-year tenure representing the 23rd Legislative District.

Schmidt is resigning to lead a state transportation panel, the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. She'll draw on her experience as a longtime member and current co-chair of the House Transportation Committee.

Schmidt, a Bainbridge Island resident, is known as an advocate for the Washington State Ferries system.

Former state Rep. Paul Zellinsky; Beverly Woods, chairwoman of Kitsap Mainstream Republicans; and Mike Jones, chairman of the 23rd District Republicans, have confirmed their interest in being appointed to serve the remaining year of Schmidt's term.

Republican precinct committee officers will forward three nominees to the Kitsap County commissioners, all Democrats, who will make the choice from that list.