The 28th District House of Representatives seat, left vacant after former Rep. Steve O’Ban was appointed to the open Senate seat, was filled tonight by former Pierce County Councilman Dick Muri. He was sworn-in at Steilacoom Town Hall by Superior Court Judge Jack Nevin.
Muri is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with 22 years of military service. He served on the Pierce County Council for nine years and on the Steilacoom School Board for seven years. He is active in his community as an award-winning wrestling coach and recipient of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce John H. Anderson Military Citizen of the Year Award. He remains an engaged 28th District resident through his service on several local boards and commissions and as a participant in volunteer efforts.
Newly-appointed State Rep. Dick Muri (right) with Superior Court Judge Jack Nevin, who performed the swearing in ceremony at Steilacoom Town Hall.
“It is a great honor to be able to work on behalf of everyone in the Twenty-eighth District. I have been a member of this community for thirty-six years and have tried to be of service wherever my skills were best put to use. I can assure residents I will offer ideas and solutions that move our diverse communities forward. Most importantly, I will always listen to new ideas and perspectives on how we can solve even the most contentious issues,” said Rep. Dick Muri, R-Steilacoom. “We saw a solid example of a bipartisan budget compromise during this year’s legislative sessions and my goal is to continue that work as state representative. I believe a lot can be accomplished by working together and when you don’t care who receives the credit.”
For now, Muri will have an office in Olympia and can be reached at (360) 786-7890 and dick.muri@leg.wa.gov. He will also make himself available to meet with constituents in-district and will be talking with local leaders to listen to their views and solutions on issues that have an impact locally.
“My goal is to make myself as accessible as possible to residents. If I can be of assistance, I hope folks will reach out to me,” Muri said. “My door is always open and I look forward to hearing what the people of the district have to say.”
Muri and his wife of 34 years, Mary, have been residents of the 28th District for 36 years. They have four children and six grandchildren who also live in the area. In a July 2 meeting, the Pierce County Council chose Muri with a unanimous, bipartisan vote of 7-0 from among three preferred candidates chosen by local Republican Party officials.