OLYMPIA – State legislators are traveling two routes in hopes of getting the ferry terminal in Clinton renamed for former Congressman Jack Metcalf of Whidbey Island.
Sixty-three lawmakers sent a letter last week to the state Transportation Commission requesting that panel consider naming the facility the “Jack Metcalf Ferry Terminal.”
On Tuesday, state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, introduced Senate Resolution 8686 recognizing Metcalf’s political career and personal life and asking the state commission to consider the change.
Eighteen senators co-sponsored the resolution. It must be approved by the full Senate before being delivered to the commission, which considers the naming of highways, overpasses and other publicly owned transportation facilities.
A Senate vote is expected before the session is to end April 22.
Metcalf served 24 years in the state Legislature and six years in Congress, retiring in 2001. He also taught 30 years in public schools.
He died March 15 at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Norma, four daughters, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The House of Representatives and Senate initially proposed a joint memorial with the name change request included. Rep. Chris Strow, R-Freeland, a former chief of staff to Metcalf, wrote it and Haugen was a leading proponent.
Some House Democrats who disagreed with Metcalf’s political beliefs opposed the measure, which caught party leaders off guard.
“We had agreed to do the memorial on the floor,” said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.
When it became apparent that unkind comments might be made about Metcalf in a floor debate, she said she told caucus leaders she would do the letter instead. She is one of 43 representatives and 20 senators to sign.
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