A Message from District 12 Senator Brad Hawkins
information released
With all of the election advertising concluded and campaign signs now removed, the all-consuming “political season” we endured is quickly becoming recent history. With so many local, state, and federal positions being filled, we will soon transition from politics to governance, which is often more complicated because it involves working together to get things done.
Thanks to you, I am one of the recently-elected officials now planning my transition to office. It has been a wild several months for me following the abrupt and drastic changes to legislative district boundaries. I carefully considered what could be the most effective way for me to help our community and to be more present for my family. Serving as your next County Commissioner will allow me to bring all of my experiences to our area and focus exclusively on improving and enhancing our region while staying home year-round. Thank you for this opportunity.
My years of service at the State Capitol have allowed me to build positive relationships with local, state, and federal officials and to understand state budgets and funding opportunities. In the legislator role, I’ve also worked closely with Chelan County business leaders, community groups, and nonprofit organizations. I’m excited to bring all of this background and positive relationships to the county to help us.
I am very proud to have grown up in Chelan County. It is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family, but it is not without its challenges. County Commissioners will likely soon approve a $57 million budget for 2025. Depending on future sales tax collections, revenues to Chelan County could slow. If so, that will create even more challenges for maintaining services. The county has public safety, homelessness, housing, and wildfire issues that will continue to need attention, so commissioners must continue to be thoughtful with our county’s tax dollars.
Despite the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am confident that we can succeed together. Throughout my years of service to you, I have worked hard to stay open-minded, be a good listener, treat people with kindness, ask tough questions, respect differences, share information honestly, bring people together, and deliver results. Thankfully, Chelan County has many terrific officials and staff. I look forward to adding my skills and experiences to this team to help move us forward.
I have some final duties as your State Senator to complete in November and December, but I plan to continue to attend as many Commission meetings as possible. As part of my transition, I also have a series of “listening sessions” scheduled with county departments to review budget information, discuss goals, and collect feedback. I’m planning additional sessions as well to hear from county stakeholders and groups. Being a good listener is the most important part of serving in elected office. Listening has always helped me do my best to represent everyone.
On a personal note, serving as the Chelan County Commissioner for District 3 will be particularly meaningful because my father, Buell Hawkins, served two terms years ago in this same position. Sadly, my late mother was afflicted at an early age with Parkinson’s and dementia. My dad made the right decision to retire and support her, despite being in the prime of his Commissioner years. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to continue our family’s service to you in this role. It will be a very special day when I move things into my dad’s old office.
Elections can be a rigorous process, but the people speak loudest through their voting. I’m so grateful that you have chosen me to serve as your next County Commissioner. I will work very hard for you. Together we can accomplish great things.
Brad Hawkins currently serves as State Senator for District 12. He was recently elected Chelan County Commissioner for District 3, which includes north Wenatchee, Sunnyslope, Entiat, Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin. He takes office on January 1st.
