Redistricting panel picks chair, girds for task ahead
The Washington State Redistricting Commission is at full strength after unanimously choosing Lura Powell of Richland as their fifth, nonvoting, member and chairwoman. She was immediately sworn in by Secretary of State Sam Reed. Dr. Powell is well known in scientific and biotechnology circles, and describes herself as nonpartisan or bipartisan. Her selection was made by the two Democratic and two Republican commissioners who were previously appointed by the four political caucus leaders in Olympia. Powell is former director of…