OLYMPIA – The state Senate paused Tuesday to remember Elizabeth “Miss Liz” McLaughlin, a former Snohomish County Council member and Everett resident who died of lymphoma in October.
McLaughlin’s contributions to the people of Snohomish County were recognized in a resolution that moved lawmakers from both political parties to testify at the memorial.
“Her work, compassion and contribution is a legacy that will live on in all of us,” said Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for Liz, she never forgot who she represented,” said Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Bothell, who testified to McLaughlin’s ability to cross partisan boundaries.
While senator after senator rose to share memories, three generations of McLaughlins watched from the gallery balcony.
“She was looking down and smiling with us,” said McLaughlin’s sister, Kathy Coglon, 64, of Seattle. Their brother, Howard Johnson of Monroe, was also present.
McLaughlin’s son, longtime Snohomish resident Casey McLaughlin, said that it was common for his mother to work 14-hour-days.
“She never slowed down,” he said, “even when she was at the end of her illness.”
Casey McLaughlin and his wife, Lisa, brought their children, 9-year-old Sean and 8-year-old Shay, to the Capitol with them on Tuesday. The children said they miss seeing their grandmother at their baseball games and dance recitals.
Children’s and family issues dominated Elizabeth McLaughlin’s agenda throughout her life.
Before entering politics, she worked for Everett Community College’s Family Life Program, where she earned her nickname “Miss Liz” while teaching preschool.
Her political career began in 1979 when she went to work as district director for U.S. Rep. Al Swift, who proclaimed her “the finest political mind in Snohomish County.”
McLaughlin, a Democrat, was appointed to the Snohomish County Council in 1986 and devoted herself to helping families. When she retired in 1995, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray praised her accomplishments in a tribute written into the congressional record.
McLaughlin and Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, met while campaigning for Swift and soon after became close friends.
“Liz would always remind us to look for the rose in the rainbow,” Berkey said. “She always saw the best in people or in an issue.”
During her tenure on the County Council, McLaughlin was responsible for establishing the Dispute Resolution Center in Everett, an alternate to court for resolving landlord-tenant conflicts. Lawmakers also commended her for creating the Public Housing Trust Fund, which sets aside city and county money for low-income seniors and people with special needs.
After she retired, McLaughlin raised funds for the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, which opened the month she died.
Senate Resolution 8643, adopted Tuesday, honors the milestones in Elizabeth McLaughlin’s life of and her commitment to Snohomish County.
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