Jim Sayce Back in the Day c. 1985

Yesterday’s FaceBook announcement by Jim Sayce that he is “seeking to represent the state of Washington’s 19^th legislative district” did not come as a complete surprise to us. In fact, when I had shared with Nyel a little earlier in the day that Senator Brian Hatfield was resigning his position in favor of another (also seen on FB in a Chinook Observer posting), it was Nyel who connected the dots.

“I wonder if that’s what Jim was talking about the other day when he said there were some new possibilities in the wind,” my canny husband remarked. He was referring to a turn in the conversation at lunch last Friday when Jim shared that he was resigning his position with the Washington State Historical Society and we asked him about “next steps.”

Tiffany Oaks Turner with Brother Jared c. late 1980s

And, sure enough, farther along in that Observer posting was the “most likely scenario” speculation that Rep. Dean Takko, D-Longview would move into Hatfield’s position which would create a new vacancy in the House of Representatives. That was followed by the news that both Jim and Tiffany Turner have announced their intentions to run for Takko’s seat.

All I can say is “Woot! Woot!” We know and admire both candidates and have watched each of them grow up here on the Peninsula. Jim is my son’s age; Tiffany, a generation younger. We know their families and can speak to the personal integrity of each of them. And once again I am reminded of the benefits and drawbacks of living in a small community. We wish both candidates well but, of course, will be working seriously for only one.

H. A. Espy (“Papa”) at His Desk in the Senate, 1911

I can’t help but think of some of the correspondence my grandfather saved back in 1910 when he was running for State Senator representing Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties. There were letters of support as well as letters of apology from friends and acquaintances who had decided to back him… or not.

It occurs to me that it’s great to know the big fish in our little pond. But sometimes that presents a difficulty for all us other fish.