We join in the outpouring of tributes for former Representative Mary Skinner, a 14-year veteran of the Legislature, former State Board of Education member, arts and heritage advocate, and a leader who worked for bipartisan harmony in Olympia.  Skinner, the first Latina lawmaker elected from the Yakima Valley, died early Thursday.

Secretary of State Sam Reed, a longtime friend and political ally, says

“Mary was something special, a gracious and gifted gentlewoman who improved and honored everything and everyone she touched. I so much enjoyed working with Mary during her long and distinguished career, and shared her love of civility and pragmatic moderation in politics. She was a key ally in saving the State Library from the chopping block, and I’ll always be grateful. Her fingerprints were on so many positive  pieces of legislation, precisely because she cared so deeply about real people.

“Mary’s kindness and ability to work across partisan divides were legendary. She will always stand as an excellent role model for public service. The Yakima Valley and Washington state are better for Mary’s lifetime of service. We will sorely miss her.”