OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, released the following statement welcoming Ron Muzzall, R- to the Senate as the new senator from the 10th Legislative District.
The 10th District includes all of Island County, as well as part of northwest Snohomish County and southwest Skagit County. The seat became available when Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, retired at the end of September.
“The new Senator has an impressive and admirable record of public service. Fire and rescue, business, agriculture, county governance…all experience that make Ron Muzzall a valuable addition to the Senate Republican Caucus. His wealth of experience and willingness to learn will benefit all of us and the 10th District.
“Time and again, Ron has looked for ways he could serve his community in a deeper way than many — through various industry associations, county boards and committees. That kind of ‘boots-on-the-ground’ experience will really benefit him in working with other legislators and stakeholders at the state level. He may be new to the Senate, but he’s got know-how that’ll be an asset to his constituents who will continue to have a strong voice in the state Legislature.
“Agriculture is a tough business, but it’s critical to Washington state and the world food supply. As a farmer, business owner and leader in the agricultural community, Ron has certainly adapted to the changing landscape of agribusiness. Likely his education at Washington State University, a land-grant university, was key in that. I’m a fifth-generation farmer myself, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the Senate – especially since he’s a third-generation Coug. We’ll do whatever we can to make sure he hits the ground running in Olympia.”
Ron Muzzall’s biography:
Ron Muzzall a fourth-generation resident of Whidbey Island is a husband, father, grandfather and farmer. After graduating from Washington State University (the third generation to do so) he returned with his wife Shelly to farm with his parents. From the beginning he became involved in industry associations as well as county boards and committees. He was involved in North Whidbey Fire and Rescue for twenty years. He served as firefighter, officer and 11 years as fire commissioner. He has served on committees for the Darigold and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He served 15 years on the board of Skagit Farmers Supply, 5 years as chairman. He served 8 years on the corporate board of Land O’Lakes cooperative where he served on governance, board performance, audit and political action committees. He is the managing partner at 3 Sisters Family Farm. Ron, his wife Shelly and two daughters, Jennifer and Roshel own and operate their family’s grass fed beef and lamb, barley fed hogs and free range eggs and fryers for 3 Sisters Market and other grocery stores on Whidbey. A lifelong member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church he currently serves on council as president.