PORT ANGELES — One by one, local leaders from the medical, tribal, educational, human services and political communities stood up and thanked Lynn Kessler for her service to the North Olympic Peninsula on Wednesday.
Kessler was the focus of a special presentation at the Olympic Medical Center commissioners’ meeting that drew close to 100 people.
The Hoquiam Democrat retired last year after a distinguished 18-year career in Olympia, having served her last 12 years as House majority leader.
Kessler, 70, represented the 24th District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and the northern part of Grays Harbor County.
Eric Lewis, OMC’s chief executive officer, thanked Kessler for her “great support of rural hospitals.”
“Lynn Kessler really had our back,” said Lewis, who helped organize the event with OMC Commissioner Jim Leskinovtich.
“She really protected rural health care, and she really made a difference.”
All told, 17 speakers praised Kessler and gave examples of how she improved the quality of life on the North Olympic Peninsula.
“I’m humbled,” Kessler said.
“I don’t even recognize the person you’ve been talking about.
“I’ll tell you, it has been a most remarkable experience for me, for 18 years, to come to both Jefferson and Clallam County.”
Tim Hockett, executive director of Olympic Community Action Programs, said Kessler “never forgot the vulnerable people.”
Dr. Tom Locke, public health officer for Clallam and Jefferson counties, called Kessler a “personal hero of mine.”
He described Kessler as an advocate for public health, health care access for children, rural hospitals and open government.
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles praised Kessler for her work on Native American child welfare, domestic violence, medical care for elders and the replacement of the Elwha River Bridge.
“You’re a friend, and you are family,” Charles said.
Former Clallam County Economic Development Council President Mike McAleer praised Kessler for her efforts for rural economic development.
United Way of Clallam County Executive Director Jody Moss thanked Kessler for her continuing work in early learning with the Thrive by Five organization Kessler has joined.
Port Angeles School District Superintendent Jane Pryne thanked Kessler “on behalf of kids.”
Peninsula College President Tom Keegan said Kessler was a “fierce advocate for higher education and Peninsula College.
Kessler said the “name of the game” is to listen, learn and take action if necessary.
“I love you all, and I hope that I’ll be around to see you for many, many years,” said Kessler, who drew a standing ovation from everyone who packed into OMC’s Linkletter Hall.
Clallam County Commissioner Steve Tharinger, who filled Kessler’s seat in the state House of Representatives, said his mentor helped establish the county’s Opportunity Fund and helped enact the one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax to help low-income residents who have drug addictions, brain disorders or both.
Tharinger said the award-winning Elwha River Bridge restoration “wouldn’t have happened without Lynn” because she was able to secure $2 million to complete the $19 million project.
“Lynn, as everyone knows, was a huge champion for rural Washington, and a lot of people forget about western rural Washington,” Tharinger said.
“Lynn did a very good job of making Olympia and the rest of the state aware that there is a rural part of Western Washington.”
Tharinger announced last month that he will not seek a fourth term on the county commission. Instead, he will focus on his role in the Legislature.
“It’s my honor to be able to follow in your seat, not in you shoes, but maybe in your footsteps,” Tharinger told Kessler.
Linda Barnfather, legislative assistant for Rep. Kevin Van De Wege who once worked for Kessler and who has announced her candidacy for Tharinger’s county seat, read a letter from Van De Wege.
Van De Wege described his mentor and former colleague as a “stateswoman.”
“I cannot think of a better word to describe who Lynn Kessler is,” Van De Wege wrote.
“I join all of you in honoring someone whose leadership helped raise the profile of the entire Olympic Peninsula.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
