OLYMPIA — State Rep. Sherry Appleton, D-Poulsbo, will wield the gavel once again as chairwoman of the House Local Government Committee when the 65th Washington Legislature convenes in January.

Appleton was reelected to the position by her colleagues in the majority Democratic caucus last week. The legislative website lists the Local Government Committee’s purview as “issues relating to the operations and financing of counties, cities, and some special districts … issues relating to the Growth Management Act and land-use issues such as local permitting and the subdivision of property.”

“Almost all the talk about the upcoming session revolves around education funding,” Appleton said, “but the Local Government Committee is looking at a full agenda. Legislation addressing access to public records is going to be front and center from day one, and I’m also hoping this will be the year when we consider significant reforms to Washington’s Growth Management Act. The GMA has been a cornerstone in our attempts to maintain Washington’s wonderful quality of life, but after more than a quarter-century it’s time to see how it might be improved.”

In addition to chairing Local Government, Appleton will be a member of the Public Safety and State Government committees as well.

The 105-day 2017 legislative session begins Jan. 9.