Jaime Smith, communications director for Gov. Jay Inslee, released the following statement following today’s vote by Senate Republicans to reject confirmation of WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson.
“Today’s vote by Senate Republicans is a blatant misuse of the confirmation process for political purposes. Republican’s actions today do nothing to engender confidence about their ability to focus on the important priorities facing legislators this session.
“Less than one year ago, the Senate Republicans most familiar with Lynn’s work to bring much needed reforms to the state’s transportation system voted in favor of her confirmation. Senate Republicans then voted in favor of – and celebrated – the state’s largest transportation package that has since drawn praise from leaders all across the state. Yet today, after two unequivocal votes of confidence in Secretary Peterson and her ability to manage historic new transportation investments, Republicans are now saying they feel compelled to take the extraordinary step of voting against this eminently qualified woman’s confirmation. Local leaders around this state have praised the secretary’s work on emergencies including Skagit, Oso and the projects of importance to people in every corner of the state.
“This about face by Republicans is shameful.”