Latest news with #Chopp
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Frank Chopp, a force that reshaped Washington's political landscape
House Speaker Frank Chopp delivering remarks in the House of Representatives on Jan. 11, 2016, the first day of the legislative session. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services) Frank Chopp, a citizen activist who became the state of Washington's longest-serving House speaker, spent a half-century relentlessly agitating for social change. It seemed fitting then that Chopp, who died in March, would deliver a final call for action to hundreds attending his memorial service in Bellevue on Sunday. 'We have made so much progress, but let us also remember how lucky we are,' he says in a taped excerpt of a speech on the opening day of a legislative session. 'None of us go without a paycheck, none of us go hungry, none of us go homeless, none of us lack health care, none of us lack the opportunity to get an education.' 'The people we represent just want what we have,' he said. 'So we have a lot to do. Let's get to work.' Applause and cheers erupted through the crowd of lawmakers past and present, community leaders, current and former governors, and family friends gathered in the Meydenbauer Center to celebrate Chopp, whose death March 22 at the age of 71 stunned them, coming less than three months after his political retirement. For two hours, they told stories and paid tribute to the mustachioed maestro of politics, a streetwise and strategic solon who sought no higher office than the Seattle legislative seat he occupied for three decades. A Democrat, he managed to be both high-profile and behind the scenes, fomenting change without leaving visible fingerprints. 'With Speaker Chopp, we witnessed a rare fusion: the heart of an organizer, the strategy of a legislator and the savvy of a political mastermind,' said Teresa Mosqueda, a King County Council member. 'Frank blended these elements into a force that reshaped our social contract.' Former Gov. Jay Inslee said Chopp's blend of personal passion and strategic ability was the 'rocket fuel' that drove significant housing, health care and social justice policies across the finish line. Though only one person with one vote, his role in pushing the state to strengthen the social safety net, build affordable housing and improve public schools is unmatched, they said. 'Frank Chopp was the greatest legislator in the last century. Period,' proclaimed Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, a close friend and fellow Democrat. Chopp had two North Stars. There was his family: Nancy Long, his wife of 41 years, and Ellie and Narayan, their children. Chopp would tear up when he'd mention them on the House floor, for they were his touchstone. He was 'an equal partner at home,' doing the laundry and shopping and 'showing up for the small stuff,' Long recounted. Amid the steady seriousness of the job, she said he was funny and 'sometimes downright goofy.' His other North Star was adapting government to serve the state's most vulnerable. 'His daily focus from the time he was in college to the very day he died was improving the lives of others,' Long said. 'Frank started with no connections, no positional power, no money, no real standing. What he had were these very adaptive personal traits, a very solid understanding of history, a curious and amazingly agile mind and a total disregard for the status quo.' Chopp was first elected to represent Seattle's 43rd Legislative District in 1994, an election that proved catastrophic for many other Democrats. His party lost more than two dozen seats, going from a near supermajority in the House to a 62-36 minority. He ascended to leader of the House Democratic Caucus and, in 1999, became co-speaker with Republican Clyde Ballard of East Wenatchee when there were equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans in the House. Democrats won a special election in Snohomish County in 2001 to gain control of the chamber and installed Chopp as speaker in 2002, a job he kept until stepping aside in 2019. He won two more elections before retiring last year. Chopp understood persistence and patience could achieve lasting progress while impatience could trigger a political recoil. 'He believed it only mattered to be right if you were getting results,' Long said. As speaker, Chopp's sometimes cautious approach, or pragmatism, depending on one's perspective, incited the pique of the caucus' more caffeinated progressives. 'He was not an incrementalist,' declared Mosqueda, who emceed the portion of the memorial devoted to building on Chopp's legislative and political legacy. 'He knew that bold, progressive victories require smart, strategic steps. He was relentless in his drive to dismantle inequity, and his strategies were thus layered and often multi-year.' Inslee said Chopp recognized the potential that a temporary victory could derail policies and cause Democrats to lose seats. 'He made sure that we didn't get too far out ahead of the people,' he said. Chopp was the grandson of Croatian immigrants. His father began working in the Roslyn coal mines at age 12 and later became a union electrician at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. His mother served as a school cafeteria employee. She left school at 14 to work but earned her high school diploma from Green River Community College at age 65, according to his obituary. He grew up in Bremerton and graduated from the University of Washington. He served several years as executive director of the Fremont Public Association, now known as Solid Ground, which offers resources such as food banks, housing and employment programs. In his 30 years as a lawmaker, he focused heavily on housing and homelessness, working to increase the amount of affordable housing across the state, improve access to homeownership and house people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He helped start the Seattle Tenants Union and the Cascade Shelter Project, living in a geodesic dome in a rented parking stall to bring attention to the need for affordable housing in the area. He helped lead efforts to set up the state's Housing Trust Fund and its Apple Health and Homes program, which uses Medicaid dollars to fund housing. Creation of the state's covenant homeownership program was one of the crowning achievements of his tenure. Chopp also pushed policies to expand behavioral health care facilities, child care access and student financial aid for more Washingtonians. Yona Makowski, a longtime budget analyst with the House Democratic Caucus, said Chopp was 'willing to break tradition and adapt government procedures' to achieve broader objectives. 'I'll lose my composure if I talk about what Frank meant to me,' she said, instead offering what her family members thought of him. 'They knew him from me talking about him at the dinner table.' 'My son thought he was a great strategist in getting meaningful things done to help disadvantaged people. My daughter compared him to the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain, but if the wizard was actually the hero,' Makowski said. 'And lastly, my late husband perhaps said it best, Frank was a very good man.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Upcoming flag directive in memory of former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp
The Brief Flags at Washington state agency facilities will be lowered to half-staff on June 1 to honor former House Speaker Frank Chopp. Chopp, who served Washington's 43rd district for 30 years, passed away from cardiac arrest at age 71. A memorial service for Chopp is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Governor Bob Ferguson has ordereda flag directive for June 1, following the passing of former Speaker of the Washington House of Representatives, Frank Chopp. All Washington state and U.S. flags at all state agency facilities have been ordered to be lowered to half-staff in Chopp's memory on Sunday, June 1. Flags should remain at half-staff until the close of business or sunset on June 1, or until first thing Monday, June 2. Chopp, 71, represented Washington's 43rd legislative district for three decades. He served as speaker of the state House in 1999, and continued for 20 years before resigning to focus on affordable housing, healthcare for all and social and economic justice before retiring earlier this year. Chopp passed away on the afternoon of March 22, following a cardiac arrest. What's next A memorial service will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. You can sign up online to be notified when Governor Ferguson directs flags. The Source Information in this article is from the Office of the Governor and Frank Chopp's obituary. Sweltering weather in store for Seattle this week Motorcyclist killed, driver arrested after Puyallup crash Mom of slain Idaho victim Xana Kernodle asks for help attending Bryan Kohberger trial Seattle Memorial Day weekend 2025: Your guide to events, traffic, more Tears, heartbreak at Chase Jones sentencing—teen in fatal Renton, WA crash To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Some Brant Catholic trustees have repaid travel expenses after controversial Italy trip to buy art
Three of four Brant Catholic trustees say they have settled their share of Italy travel expenses, and the school board has cancelled part of the controversial art commission , but it may take longer to regain public trust. The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board trustees flew business class, ate at a Michelin-starred restaurant and stayed in 'deluxe' and 'superior' category hotel rooms to commission art from an Italian sculptor for two new schools. In the process, they racked up more than $50,000 in travel expenses, initially on the taxpayers' dime. 'I, along with Rick Petrella and Dan Dignard, have repaid in full,' trustee Bill Chopp told The Spectator in an email Thursday. Chopp also shared a letter addressed to the board and copied to the minister of education (among others) where he said he 'voluntarily committed' to reimbursing his $12,666 share 'as a demonstration of personal responsibility and accountability.' He claimed he was 'assured' the 'pre-arranged' trip was 'budget compliant' when invited, and that the art purchases 'aligned with board goals.' Later, Chopp saw the overall cost 'exceeded what I understood to be within the trustee budget allocation,' and began a biweekly repayment schedule, he wrote. The four trustees initially agreed to a repayment plan which would have seen them all settled up by August 2028. But after a governance review, Education Minister Paul Calandra pushed the deadline to May 23. It remains to be seen whether the fourth trustee, Mark Watson, will pay the full amount by Friday. As of the April report from reviewer Aaron Shull , he had repaid $1,216 of the $12,370 he agreed to. He did not respond when The Spectator asked about the rest this week. Meanwhile, the board has negotiated the art purchase down from just over $72,000 to the already-paid deposit of $37,700, education director Michael McDonald said at a board meeting Monday. It has instructed the artist only to finish already-started pieces, and cancel any remaining ones. It could not say which of the five commissions it will end up with. The board is working to reduce the fee further, and still hopes private donors and Catholic and diocesan organizations will step in to help foot the bill, McDonald's report said. No donations have been received to date. 'Only time will tell' if the board is 'truly' moving forward in the best interest of students, according to Carlo Fortino. The acting local unit president for the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association previously called for the trustees' resignation over the trip. In a statement Thursday, he said the repayment alone is 'the bare minimum' and 'does not erase the damage done.' 'It does not absolve them of the decisions they made, nor does it restore the integrity of leadership that our school communities deserve,' the statement said. Fortino hopes the trustees have learned 'a critical lesson about priorities, public service, and the trust placed in them,' and vowed to 'continue to monitor' their decisions and actions closely in the months ahead. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady — who pushed for the ministry to investigate the board — said she's 'keeping a close eye' on repayments. If they're not made in full, 'justice will not have been served. And I will be raising the issue in the legislature and with the minister of education,' she told The Spectator Thursday. Of the five commissioned artworks, the board will only get whichever ones the artist has already started.
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Three of four Brant Catholic trustees have repayed travel expenses after controversial Italy trip
Three of four Brant Catholic trustees say they have settled their share of Italy travel expenses, and the school board has cancelled part of the controversial art commission , but it may take longer to regain public trust. The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board trustees flew business class, ate at a Michelin-starred restaurant and stayed in 'deluxe' and 'superior' category hotel rooms to commission art from an Italian sculptor for two new schools. In the process, they racked up more than $50,000 in travel expenses, initially on the taxpayers' dime. 'I, along with Rick Petrella and Dan Dignard, have repaid in full,' trustee Bill Chopp told The Spectator in an email Thursday. Chopp also shared a letter addressed to the board and copied to the minister of education (among others) where he said he 'voluntarily committed' to reimbursing his $12,666 share 'as a demonstration of personal responsibility and accountability.' He claimed he was 'assured' the 'pre-arranged' trip was 'budget compliant' when invited, and that the art purchases 'aligned with board goals.' Later, Chopp saw the overall cost 'exceeded what I understood to be within the trustee budget allocation,' and began a biweekly repayment schedule, he wrote. The four trustees initially agreed to a repayment plan which would have seen them all settled up by August 2028. But after a governance review, Education Minister Paul Calandra pushed the deadline to May 23. It remains to be seen whether the fourth trustee, Mark Watson, will pay the full amount by Friday. As of the April report from reviewer Aaron Shull , he had repaid $1,216 of the $12,370 he agreed to. He did not respond when The Spectator asked about the rest this week. Meanwhile, the board has negotiated the art purchase down from just over $72,000 to the already-paid deposit of $37,700, education director Michael McDonald said at a board meeting Monday. It has instructed the artist only to finish already-started pieces, and cancel any remaining ones. It could not say which of the five commissions it will end up with. The board is working to reduce the fee further, and still hopes private donors and Catholic and diocesan organizations will step in to help foot the bill, McDonald's report said. No donations have been received to date. 'Only time will tell' if the board is 'truly' moving forward in the best interest of students, according to Carlo Fortino. The acting local unit president for the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association previously called for the trustees' resignation over the trip. In a statement Thursday, he said the repayment alone is 'the bare minimum' and 'does not erase the damage done.' 'It does not absolve them of the decisions they made, nor does it restore the integrity of leadership that our school communities deserve,' the statement said. Fortino hopes the trustees have learned 'a critical lesson about priorities, public service, and the trust placed in them,' and vowed to 'continue to monitor' their decisions and actions closely in the months ahead. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady — who pushed for the ministry to investigate the board — said she's 'keeping a close eye' on repayments. If they're not made in full, 'justice will not have been served. And I will be raising the issue in the legislature and with the minister of education,' she told The Spectator Thursday. Of the five commissioned artworks, the board will only get whichever ones the artist has already started.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Longtime former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp has died: ‘He led our march of progress'
Former Washington state House Speaker Frank Chopp, remembered as a tireless advocate for affordable housing and working families, has died. He was 71. Chopp, a Seattle Democrat, was Washington state's longest-serving House speaker, having held the leadership position for two decades. First elected in 1994 to represent the 43rd Legislative District, Chopp announced last year that he wouldn't run for reelection. Chopp is remembered as a powerful figure who paved the way for Democrats to secure stronger majorities in the House, and for advancing policies to expand access to child care, behavioral health-care facilities and financial aid for students. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, Chopp's successor, told McClatchy via email that his leadership, commitment to Washingtonians and 'spirit of service' transformed and strengthened the state in myriad ways. His was a legacy of hope and opportunity, Jinkins, a Tacoma Democrat, said. For 20 years as speaker, Chopp toiled tirelessly to help pass good policies, and 'the list of legislative accomplishments during his tenure is enormous.' 'I feel incredibly fortunate to have served under his leadership, and am forever inspired by his dedication to the work of the People's House,' Jinkins said. 'All who knew him are reeling from the news of his loss. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Nancy, and to his family, to whom he was so dedicated.' In an emailed statement, Gov. Bob Ferguson called Chopp 'a force in Washington politics.' 'I had coffee with him just a few weeks ago, and he was as animated and energized as ever, talking about solving problems for the people of our state,' the governor said. 'This photo was taken in 2016. This is how I will remember Frank — hanging out with my daughter at a political event with that twinkle in his eye.' An attached photograph shows Chopp smiling at Ferguson's young daughter, Katie. Former Gov. Jay Inslee honored Chopp Saturday night in a post on X. 'WA Rep. Frank Chopp was one of the most effective and consequential legislative leaders in the whole nation,' Inslee wrote. 'He led our march of progress in health and housing for years with unmatched ambition, compassion, and results. His spirit will inspire us.' In 1999, Chopp became co-speaker at a time when an even number of Republicans and Democrats served in the House. He became the lone House speaker after Democrats gained the majority of seats in 2002, holding the gavel until deciding in 2019 to step down from that role. Chopp continued serving as a state representative and announced his retirement from the Legislature last year. Lt. Gov. Denny Heck mourned Chopp's loss on social media. 'Absolutely devastating news today. R.I.P. Speaker Chopp,' the Democrat said in a Saturday post. 'You accomplished more in your 71 years than is almost imaginable. Our hearts are so heavy but full of gratitude for all you did for everyone (and for your friendship).' Throughout his three decades serving in Olympia, Chopp largely concentrated on expanding affordable housing. He sought to house residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to improve homeownership access. Raised in Bremerton, Chopp graduated from the University of Washington before working as a community organizer fighting for housing, health care programming and human services. He also served as executive director of the anti-poverty nonprofit Fremont Public Association, today called Solid Ground. Chopp was a co-founder of Washington's affordable housing-focused Housing Trust Fund and helped launch Apple Health for Kids, a Medicaid program offering Washington's lowest-income families medical care. Former Republican state Rep. J.T. Wilcox, who previously served as House minority leader, said on X he was 'deeply grateful' to have worked alongside Chopp. 'Speaker Frank Chopp cared deeply about Washington, people who worked hard and people who needed a hand up,' Wilcox wrote Saturday. 'He loved and respected the WA House of Representatives and honored its process even at the expense of his policies.' State Rep. Travis Couture, an Allyn Republican, said in a social media post over the weekend that he was saddened to hear of Chopp's passing. 'I'm not sure if I ever agreed with him politically, however, he was a towering (and sometimes intimidating) figure in Olympia and I very much respected the man despite our differences,' he wrote Saturday on X. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, called Chopp a 'great leader,' saying that he left a mark on the state's Capitol. She recalled meeting Chopp for coffee and walking around downtown Seattle, where he pointed out various affordable-housing successes. 'He will be missed by all who knew him,' Cantwell said. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. He was a true champion.'
