Swannack appointed to state freight board

Commissioner Art Swannack

County Commissioner Art Swannack has been appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to serve on the state’s Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. Swannack learned of the appointment last week after applying for it about three weeks ago.

“I wasn’t figuring I was going to get chosen,” said Swannack. “On Friday, my wife told me, ‘you’ve got a message from the governor’s office on the phone.’”

Swannack said he applied after learning of an opening for a county representative on the board, of which there are two. The process for appointment included submitting an application to the Washington State Association of Counties, which then narrowed the candidate list down to four applicants. Those names were forwarded to Gov. Inslee, who made the final decision. Swannack said he is excited for the opportunity to be a voice for Whitman County and eastern Washington on the board.

“Freight is really important to Whitman County and to all of eastern Washington,” he said. “This board makes decisions that affect roads and rail.”

The state board currently has two eastern Washington representatives. They are Mitchell Reister, county engineer for Spokane County, and Tom Trulove, Cheney mayor. The other 10 representatives are all from western Washington.

According to the mission statement for the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, it is charged with creating a comprehensive and coordinated state program to facilitate freight movement between local, national and international markets.

“I think it will be good for eastern Washington, good for our county, to have someone on the board who understands this area and what we go through to move product,” said Swannack. “I’m hoping to add my voice and hoping to help meet needs in eastern Washington.”

Swannack’s service on the board will not effect his position as a county commissioner.

“I’m not leaving,” he said. Swannack also serves on the state’s Council on Aging board.

Swannack will be the first commissioner from Whitman County to serve on the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. He replaces Mike Karnofski, former Cowlitz County commissioner who was defeated in his bid for re-election in November.

Swannack will fill the remainder on Karnofski’s term, and he will have the option to renew for an additional four years at the end of it. The current term expires June 30, 2020.