— from Senator Kevin Ranker —
Dear Friends,
I first came to the Washington State Senate ten years ago because I strongly believed in our collective ability to change the world. I’ve held that belief since I was a child, fostered by my wonderful dads and my remarkable mom. A decade later, I remain totally dedicated to making people’s lives better, our communities better and the environment better.
I have informed the Governor that I am resigning from the Washington State Senate. As you may have read, an employee of mine from ten years ago, Ann Larson, reported that she felt mistreated by me. I am deeply sorry for any stress I caused her and I sincerely apologize. I wish her peace.
When I was informed of these allegations, I immediately told the Secretary of the Senate that I would fully cooperate with any investigation, and I insisted that an impartial investigation must take place. I have done so.
Representing each of you in the Washington State Senate has been one of the single greatest honors of my life. Each of you, my constituents, friends, and neighbors have graciously trusted me in this work to represent your core values. Together we passed full marriage equality, worked to protect our orca whales and the Salish Sea, advanced powerful climate policies, and championed women’s reproductive rights and justice. You have empowered and inspired me, and I am forever thankful.
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Is resigning really the only option? You have done a great job for the people of San Juan County and it has been reassuring to have someone local representing us. Thanks! Ann Palmer, Lopez Island.
Your progressive voice will be hard to replace. Thank you for all you have given us.
Kevin, I am grateful for all you have done for us in our county and our state.
I too am sorry. You have been a very effective representative of your constituency. Thank you.
Kevin has been a fierce supporter of the island, He was been a champion of the schools, the library, and so many other critical facets or our community. I thank him for his decade of service to Orcas, and the 40th at large.
I agree with Ann Palmer, I don’t know the details, is there some other way you could make amends?
Kevin’s shepherding of a $1.4 million state capital grant for our library expansion project was crucial to its success.
I’m writing this without knowing any more facts about the Ranker/Larson allegations than are widely reported. I am trying not to be angry over the loss of our effective, hard working, powerful Democratic State senator. If these allegations are without merit, Kevin resigned needlessly and we, the citizens of San Juan County, traded a great deal of legislative clout for an opportunity for someone “to be heard”. It is not likely this will prove to be a clear case of wrong doing with one “helpless” victim and one “evil” predator. Two consenting political insiders had an affair that went badly and they decided to get even via political hardball. Years later, the collaboration resulted in a public allegation, a resignation, a community deprived of legislative leadership and a wonderful family in distress. Widely quoted is the rationale, “no one will ever fear speaking out again”. Really? I’m supposed to feel all this is worth that? I feel used.
Kevin, We are so grateful for all you have done for us in our county and our state.We’re going to miss you terribly, but will be watching to see what you’ll be doing!!Our fondest and best wishes!!! Frank and Jan Loudin
Kevin was our rock and support in Olympia during my time as superintendent/principal. He and his office staff were right there when we called for help. And before we even thought to call, he or his staff would contact us to see how changes to legislation would affect students’ education in our district. Amazing does not even begin to describe it. I thank him for his years of service and, while it makes me sad, I respect his decision to resign.
Public power has a long history of association with gender.
IMHO It will be difficult to sort out the facts of many individual cases until this forced association is torn up to shreds and our shared wounds over this distinction without difference can be forgiven. [Yes, shared.]
Is there no greater argument for having a “gender queer” approach to public office than that, until we heal this, we will all suffer by the loss of our best, most gifted selves, in all our separate spheres.
A poet’s community on the Dallas streets had a saying, black & white: “OJ didn’t do it.”
At some point the facts of our personal and civic lives cry out for rapprochement with the facts of our shared history. Will reparations, endless sequellae bankrupt us all in repeated plunges to a Zero-Sum outcome?
‘justice.’
OR. Whatabout Truth & Reconciliation.
Er, that would be truth AND!.. Truth ANDreconciliation
Every.
Every community
has this mutual choice the
problem of the Commons.
This is so sad! Kevin, you have been a tremendous asset to our islands and particularly to our schools, libraries and more. I recall the time at a gathering at a former restauranteur’s home when you were contemplating running for the senate seat. You had our support then and now. I have known you to be passionate and honest in your stand on a variety of issues; I didn’t agree with some but I applaud your positive efforts and work in the legislature improving education and equity for the past ten years. You’ve been a champion.
I respect your decision and want to encourage friends and supporters to follow this simple rule “any one of us without sin may throw the first stone”.
Our prayers are with you and your family. God speed!
“Mistreated”? Has the investigation been completed?