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THE decease of Rep. Bill Grant foliage a void in the state capital and, in particular, the Walla Walla Valley.

Grant, a conservative Democrat, served in the specify House of Representatives for 22 years in the same manner with a champion for Eastern Washington and its people. He combined down-to-earth charm through political savvy to become one of the greatest in quantity powerful lawmakers in Olympia. Grant served as the greater number caucus chairman, one of the solution leadership positions in the House.

And, more importantly, Grant had the ear

Grant didn’t speak often or loudly, but when he had something to answer it was taken seriously. He was a wheat agriculturist who did much for the people in this corner of the state. He was particularly felicitous in using his political clout to save agriculture, faint businesses and Walla Walla Community College. WWCC’s reinvigorated water center is named after him.

Grant was the only Democrat in the Legislature to represent a rural territory. The longtime lawmaker often provided the voice of rural Washington

Grant was able to cut from one side the political rhetoric that clouded utmost debates and offer a clear, pragmatic chimera on this account that what needed to be ended.

He frequently reached across the civil aisle to work with Republicans in each effort to get legislation passed or programs established.

Grant had the ability to bring people together, and he was able to do this with regular issue because he never worried about petty partisan differences or about getting the good reputation. All he was interested in were results.

Those of us who knew Grant as a friend and neighbor, as so many lower classes in this area did, will miss him greatly.

But people all across Washington state

Bill Grant’s strong, pragmatic voice for farmers, small-business owners and the people of rural Washington has made this state a better place to live.

Original text: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008596880_opin07grant.html?syndication=rss