Pinks on the Puyallup River Lure Grandson

Councilman Dan Roach is also his son's BSA Scoutmaster. All the boys were hooked after this outing! Here is grandson, Ethan, with one of his catch!


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Pam speaks for the U.S. on Azerbaijani Television

In May of 2013 I joined 300 legislators, Members of Congress, and some business leaders from the United States in attending a US-Azerbaijan Friendship Conference in Baku, AZ. I was selected from among the 300 to represent the US on AZ national television.


My message was one of support for the friendship we have. Forty percent of our troops go through AZ on their way to Afghanistan. Today we are helping build a pipeline for the considerable petroleum and natural gas resources to go to Europe. It was a major cultural and economic event. I was proud to represent our country again on an international stage.

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Location:Baku, Azerbaijan

Parental Notification

I have co-sponsored SB 5156, (Requiring notification to parents or guardians in cases of abortion.) Senator Don Benton is the maker of the bill and the hearing room is packed. It is an an issue that can only be heard when Republicans are in the majority. Democrats have no interest or support of this bill is about notification....the bill does not require consent but only that parents be notified about this invasive medical procedure.



I was the prime sponsor of legislation that prohibits those under 16 from getting a tattoo even if they have a parent that will give consent. In WA you can have an abortion at any age...without consent or notification.




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Location:Hearing Room 1, Olympia

Really, Obama a Shooter?

Would someone like to critique this stance?

Roach Campaigns for Romney in Battleground Colorado

This is the trifecta of presidential elections for me. I was in Iowa and attended the FOX News first Republican Presidential Debate and observed the Iowa straw poll in August of 2011.
In August of this year I attended the National Republican Convention as an elected delegate from Washington State.
And, now I find myself in the battleground state of Colorado, visiting grand kids and working for Romney. Here we are at one of the Douglas County Romney headquarters before door belling. Tomorrow we will be watching the second presidential debate.




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Location:Castle Rock, Colorado

Women In Zambia

Today, I had some of the most amazing meetings. Thanks to the help of MP Mulama and Albert Munanga, and others I felt very prepared. When you are prepared doors open. If you know something going in there is greater mutual respect and...you just plain learn more! A 300 level course is always more informative than a 100 level course, but you have to earn it.



My first meeting was with the YWCA in Lukasa. These ladies are amazing. They have a plan in working for women's rights in a country that has a tradition of strongly favoring men. We talked politics and about AIDS prevention, and domestic violence prevention, etc. These are all issues that I have encountered as a State Senator. Even today, I face discrimination from my own leadership. Abuses take many forms.

Later, I met with the Women's Caucus of the Members of Parliament. It was a huge honor to have been introduced by Mr. Speaker on the opening day of the Zambian Parliament! I stood and MP's gave me a few Here-Here's. Having met some of the women MP's previously, I was asked into the women's lounge and joined by several members. I told them about the National Foundation of Women Legislators and several other things.



Hon. Dorothy Kazunga (MP), Senator Pam Roach, and Jane Mwakasungula with the Development Research Group that is hosting my visit... outside the doors of Parliament. Note the Zambian seals on the doors.

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Location:Thabo Mbeki Rd,Lusaka,Zambia

Zambia: A Beacon of Democracy in Africa and the Death of Mama Betty K

When the revolution occurred in Zambia it was peaceful. No tribes fought against each other and none fought the British. And, last year, a peaceful change of power occurred when President Sata won election. Indeed, the former British colony of Rhodesia had grown the roots of democracy.

Each day has been very eventful as I am here at a time of events. Mama Betty Kaunda, wife of former president Kenneth Kaunda (KK) died last week. In her eighties she leaves a grieving nation and a physically drained husband who has been hospitalized while trying to take part in the decision of where the body will be interred, the capital or the home province.

After meetings I donned a wrappa (colorful material worn around the waist and long to the ground) and joined my new friends for the drive to the former president's retirement residence which over looks the savannah outside of Lukasa.

Zambians morn until the body is buried. I arrived to see several large temporary shelters set up to protect mourners from sun and rain.

I walked up very wide entry steps and signed the guest book. I removed my shoes and walked in to what looked like the living room with furniture removed. Mourning songs were being sung with perfect African harmony by women seated against the wall with legs straight out facing the room. I took my place on the floor. A woman sobbed in the corner, another woman nursed her baby. The music was something I didn't want to leave.

Outside again, a humble student group played a faster paced music. the drum and guitar were handmade. a shoe polish can was used as a fret on the base.

I met Mama K's fourth born son, a doctor. The press had followed me there by separate car. They listened as I offered condolences on behalf of myself and all Americans. We sat under the awning on a couch and talked for 10 minutes. I was then interviewed by the press. My attendance was reported on national television, ZNBC.

Taking pictures of this kind of experience is not something I feel comfortable doing. But, a friend did take a couple which, if discrete, I may post later.

The people will come through the night to pay respects. The next da
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Location:Lukasa, Zambia

Pam Roach In Zambia

Albert Munanga and I arrived in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday afternoon to a greeting by a Member of Parliament, community leaders, and the Zambian press.

I had started the trip in Romania and by shuttle spent three hours on the road to Budapest. Then there was a flight to London and 10 hours in the airport until the 11 hour flight to Lusaka! As I received the flowers and was escorted to the press conference, I was surprised but glad to meet new friends and begin my mission.

That night I was on the national TV, ZNBC. I will try to add back in some of the print media when I get home. I am still working out the new IPad.

Albert is one of my constituents though he can't vote for me. He is a Zambian citizen. I met him in Olympia when he was lobbying me on long term care from the wings of the Senate floor. I liked him right off.

Quick to smile, smart, and fun, we decided that I should visit his country. That was a couple of years ago. He told me I would be welcomed and he was right.

That evening, MP Henry Mulama, drove us around the compound area of the city. There are no street lights but the dirt roads were occupied with many, many people. Headlights from the few cars were the only illumination. By day it is 35 degrees Celsius. It was cooler in the evening.

We dined in the MP's dining room at their motel complex. The Zambian Parliament would open on Monday and members were arriving from all the provinces. MP Mulama's 9 year- old daughter, Pauline, joined us and she and I decided to have chicken and chips. Albert had traditional food which I would catch on another occasion. I was having fun with Pauline!


Here are Pauline, MP Mulama, and Albert standing in front of the largest display of insect repellant I have ever seen! It goes clear to the end of the aisle. Malaria is a clear and present danger.

Below, I am with MP Mulama and Pauline. the blue sign reads "Members and Their Guests Only."




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Location:Thabo Mbeki Rd, Lusaka, Zambia

Pam Roach Meets Romanian Monk

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Gherisim is one of 25 monks who have devoted themselves to God and the Romanian Orthodox Church. He lives in the 12th century monastery which is in the Arad countryside.

He was 23 when he joined the order. He had a trade and served in the military but joined up for a different kind of army. I asked him many questions among them was to see his hands. They were swollen from years of work. He held them out to me to hold. The gardens are beautiful. Gherisim told us when they planted a new tree they dug the whole with their hands. Thankfully, Adrian, Paul, and Gabriel were there to translate.

When the communists took over they ransacked the place, tearing up even the floors, looking for gold and wealth. Today, they have a small museum and several small worship areas open to the public. It looks great.

As we lingered by the small gift shop (religious icons were the fare), Paul approached me. Gherisim had left and come back with gifts for me! he had declined to give them to me himself. He gave me two small laminated pictures, one of Christ and one of Mary and the infant, Jesus. The coin is a special item from the order. It is not a government coin.





Sides of the monastic coin given to me by the monk.


In one of the chapels.


Fresco on the chapel wall.


Beautifully kept gardens.


Plenty of alters.

Location:Arad, Romania

Romanian Gypsy And His Family

J

Pam Roach Helps In Romania...Then On To Zambia

I have been looking forward to visiting Romania for several months now. I am here with a health mission of the Seventh-day Adventists Church.  I arrived  Friday and met the group of eight already here. We are eating traditional food at the home of the pastor's family, staying at a pension, and today I visited the King's Castle.  I had no idea there was a king here in this socialist democracy. But, there is! King Michel lives in London most of the time. He is 91. During the Communist rule he thought it would be healthier somewhere other than Romania. This is the reason for his
longevity.

Pam Roach In Romania

I am reporting today from Arad, Romania where I am part of a health mission sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I arrived in Budapest Friday afternoon and took a car shuttle for the 2 and a half our ride.

As in the states, Romania is suffering from drought. Without rain for over two months, the corn stands parched in the fields.  The thing I had never seen were the sunflower fields. Past harvest, only the tall stalks were left. Corn is harvested by ear from the field as are the flowers are harvested one by one. Farmers don't till the soil for the following year.

The best way to learn about a country is from its people.

THE STUDENT

On the way, a Romanian student studying in Denmark, told me about his family, income levels (the average is $300 a month) and his decision to leave Romania. He told me he knew he had to leave his comfort level if he was going to have a different life than that of his parents. He was used to living on very little so he has no problem working two jobs, being involved in student government, and studying marketing. (picture to come...) He was the first one to mention the gypsies.

I arrived in time for dinner. All meals are taken on the patio of a local Romanian SDA member who happens to also be a baker. SDA members are often vegetarians I have learned. All that we will eat is organic and traditional food. (pictures to come...)

Saturday was the Sabbath. Pastor Adrian from Renton SDA gave a sermon. Later we were all called up one at a time to introduce ourselves and to mention what we will be doing for the mission. I will be meeting the mayor of Arad and participating in a press conference. And, I will start the marathon! No, not by running but by signalling the start of the race. (pictures to come...)

Republican National Convention Pictures

WSRP Chair Kirby Wilbur, Dino rossi, Pam Roach, Jane Milhans, Colleen Wise, and others on the last day of the convention.

Iowa to Florida...A One Year Forced March!

This time last year I was in Des Moines, Iowa for the straw poll and the first Presidential Debate which was sponsored by FOX News. It was a surreal event.

The campaign nomination process started in Iowa and culminated here in Florida. Right now Speaker Boehner is speaking :)

"We Built It!" is the theme of our convention.   "Government was created to serve the people," Boehner is saying. It should not run us...we run it! That is the theme of our constitutions and I never tire of hearing that. It sets the tone of everything! It is a theme that you will not hear at the democrat convention. They are running away from Grassroots politics, not embracing it.

"I am proud to be an American, God Bless the USA," the singer is now singing. Everyone stands.

Tampa On Hold, Scott Walker to Keynote WA Delegation Breakfast

I spoke with a Seattle reporter today and he asked about the weather in Tampa. Well, I'm from Washington! We have some wind and rain but nothing bad at all. For New Orleans and the surrounding area that will not be the case. All of us in Tampa are watching Isaac and praying for those in its path. Politics is second to the safety of others.

So, while the one day delay of the RNC was not needed,  "better safe than sorry." 

The major national nerworks had said they would not cover Monday anyway. I suppose the good news is that Ann Romney, who had been scheduled to speak on Monday will now be on stage Tuesday. She will be in primetime after all.

Today, delegation members explored Clearwater Beach and some went to see  the movie,  "2016."

The Gulf is choppy from the wind. And,  for contact lense wearers, the wind can really dry put the eyes!

Tomorrow, Gov. Scott Walker will be our breakfast speaker.

Republicans always like to see a gubernatorial win. 

P.S. OK, Walker did not make it to the breakfast. We had the mayor of Clearwater though!  Ok, Gov. Bob McDonnell of VA was there, too, and he was great!

Republican National Convention Update

Saturday late afternoon:

The Tampa Airport was jammed with arriving delegates, alternates, and guests. There were bands playing, welcome tables erected, volunteers stationed and exit doors adorned with "Welcome to Tampa RNC 2012."  Clearly, the potential for a storm has not cut the spirit of the occasion.

Washington is a blue (democrat) state and this is a red event. Many of us have postulated that our delegations distance to the Tampa Bay Times Forum is directly correlated to the color and political make-up of our state. Our delegation is 25 miles away in Clearwater!

Sunday brunch:

The Tampa Yacht Club was the location of our brunch. It was a great time to meet Republican people, party people, from around our state. As I write, we are on a bus going to Davis Island, touring the area, and learning the pirate history of this part of our country. I love the fact that Ft. McDill is located here. I like that idea because I like the area. And, there is the possibility of Capt. John and his family being stationed here. How cool would that be to have a place to stay while visiting?

We are in Tampa now. The guide just said, "If you look closely, you will see some of the snipers on the top of the buildings." I am not sure if that was suppose to be comforting! many of the D/T venues are closed for security reasons. The Hillsboro River is being patrolled by security. No other boats will be allowed on the river while we are here. The boats are small, with blue flashing lights. We just passed an eight horse mounted police patrol. There are units of State Patrol  National Guard, and local police. We are told the security has been up for a couple of weeks. The college is closed. The courts are closed....

The upside for Tampa comes with the publicity and the dollars spent by 50,000 visitors!

Roach Successful With $2 Million In Budget For Rainier School

Last-minute reprieve for Rainier School money

Post by Jordan Schrader  The News Tribune on April 23, 2012 at 1:55 pm

At Tacoma Community College, Gov. Chris Gregoire is getting ready to to sign the state capital-construction budget that contains more than $1 billion for one-time projects and will veto a handful of pieces.

This morning, $3 million worth of renovations to Rainier School was on that target list. Her legislative director even made a call to Sen. Pam Roach today to tell her the bad news: that Gregoire planned to cancel the proposed renovation of cottages where residents of the Buckley center for the developmentally disabled live.

The director, Jim Justin, said it’s because a study is looking at the future of all the residential centers. ”Why put money in for expansion if you’re not sure what you’re going to do with the facility?” he said.

But he said the office took another look and decided there was no expansion called for in the proposal. While it’s not a huge sum, it’s especially significant because Rainier School has been proposed for closure in the past, including by Gregoire. Spending new money on upgrades might help preserve it in the future.

“Once we start making financial commitments to Rainier then we will get the target off the back,” Roach said. So Roach was surprised when Gregoire’s office called her again later in the day to say the governor had reconsidered and decided against a veto. It’s “amazing” news, Roach said.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Gregoire said she made sure before deciding not to veto the money that it would not prevent future decisions such as closure of Rainier School. She also said she would veto a $600,000 study of the future of Rainier School that Roach had wanted. “I don’t see any reasons for that when we’ve got a study already that’s underway,” Gregoire said.

Enumclaw Patch Reports On Rainier Work

Roach Looks Ahead to Rainier School Study After Securing $3 Million for Capital Improvements

After placing the $3 million in funding for Rainier School Renovation Project into the Senate capital budget this week, Sen. Pam Roach continues to build support for the residential habilitation center in Buckley.

• By April Chan

• April 14, 2012


News that $3 million was headed toward a renovation project at the Rainier School in Buckley as part of a "Jobs Now" package passed by the state legislature was greeted with enthusiasm this week by local leaders including Rep. Christopher Hurst and Buckley Mayor Pat Johnson (read the story).

Meanwhile, it was actually Sen. Pam Roach who put the item in the Senate-passed capital budget. The money will be used to improve living quarters and supporting facilities, said a press release issued Friday from Roach's office.

"It was what I wanted if they wanted my vote," she said.

Roach, who in June 2010 (see her blog), formed an ad hoc committee to promote and save Rainier School from frequent efforts to close it and has for the last several years worked to secure the position of the Buckley facility.

"Pierce County wanted to tear down the facility and use it as a juvenile detention center," she said. "A threat of closure has been in existence for many years and putting the $3 million in that capital investment will help secure Rainier School."

With the state now investing in the physical condition of the Rainier School, Roach turns her attention toward the Rainier School Vision Development Committee that, though a funded study, will “create and submit to the legislature a long-range community vision and development plan for the efficient use of the Rainier School facility to best serve the needs of persons with developmental disabilities, including the establishment of a respite care center for families and other caregivers of persons with developmental disabilities.” The vision statement will be presented to the legislature and the Department of Social and Health Services.

The study committee consists of several stakeholders:

• The three legislators representing the 31st district;

• Two persons representing the cities of Enumclaw and Buckley;

• Two persons representing the chambers of commerce of Enumclaw and Buckley;

• Two persons representing the “Friends of Rainier School” organization; and

• One person representing the Pierce county developmental disabilities board.

In March, Roach announced that $100,000 was appropriated in a then Senate-passed bipartisan 2012 supplemental operating budget (read that announcement) for this purpose.

The final version of the operating budget passed this week now sets aside $600,000 for the project. Roach said she believes her 31st District colleague Hurst helped to increase the dollar amount. "While I had the language of the study committee, I do think he had something to do with that," she said. "I'll give him credit for that."

With the budget now with Gov. Chris Gregoire for review -- and vulnerable to section vetoes -- Roach said she hopes the funding for the study remains intact.

Meanwhile, she has held several community meetings and developed a common vision statement for Rainier School "about all the things we've thought of for Rainier School: how do you make it more viable, how can it be better integrated into the community, what services are offered at Rainier School and for the larger community of the developmentally disabled."

Roach said the effort to establish the long-term vision for Rainier School goes beyond the Plateau community. "I'm excited about it and I think it takes this kind of effort to put Rainier School on the map," she said.

Roach's past work has involved the support of many leaders in Pierce County, including the entire Pierce County delegation in the state legislature, she said. "Beyond that, we need the vision statement and the integrated thinking of the state legislature and DSHS."

Read more:

Sen. Roach's website with a Rainier School white paper (also linked to this story), fact sheet, FAQ and background on the Olmstead Decision over the rights of individuals to with disabilities to live in their community)

Roach Helps Rainier School during 2012 Session

PRESS RELEASE
Roach secures $3,000,000 for Rainier School improvements, plus study funding

OLYMPIA…As the result of a years long effort by Senator Pam Roach, (R) rural Auburn, $3,000,000 has been secured for capital improvements at Rainier School in Buckley. The money will be used to improve living quarters and supporting facilities.

Through Roach's efforts money was also included to fund a study with the end result to be a vision statement presented to the legislature and the Department of Social and Health Services.

Roach has held several community meetings and developed a common vision statement for Rainier School. “We needed to make the effort larger,” said Roach. “We need to involve the entire state in creating a long-term vision for Rainier School and our region.”

The new study committee consists of several stakeholders:

· The three legislators representing the 31st district;

· Two persons representing the cities of Enumclaw and Buckley;

· Two persons representing the chambers of commerce of Enumclaw and Buckley;

· Two persons representing the “Friends of Rainier School” organization; and

· One person representing the Pierce county developmental disabilities board.

The new law requires the committee to “create and submit to the legislature a long-range community vision and development plan for the efficient use of the Rainier School facility to best serve the needs of persons with developmental disabilities, including the establishment of a respite care center for families and other caregivers of persons with developmental disabilities.”

One of those greatly encouraged by this development is Bob Gee, the father of long-time Rainier resident Angela. Referring to the study Gee said “Finally we may be in position to use state assets like Rainier School to reach out to those living in family or other settings in dire need of long-absent critical services.”

Pretty Little One

Little Miri is still 2 years-old. She is far away but on my mind. I will buy her dresses, and bows, and books to read with her. We will go for walks and have short talks...about her pretty pictures...and what she likes to do.