Camas resident also states she will not seek County Chair position
Rep. Liz Pike announced Friday evening that she will be departing her service as an elected official at the end of the year. Pike also said she will not seek the position of County Chair, as previously announced.
In an open letter posted on her Facebook page late Friday, the three-term member of the Washington State House of Representatives said, “the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter of opportunity and adventure that does not involve elective politics or government agencies. Therefore, I am no longer a candidate for Clark County Council Chair.’’
Pike is a Camas resident and graduate of Battle Ground High School. Her professional career included employment at The Reflector Newspaper in Battle Ground, ownership of an advertising agency for more than 18 years and a retail art gallery for three years. Pike currently operates Shangri-La Farm, a small sustainable organic farm in Fern Prairie, where she raises fruits, vegetables, heirloom turkeys, chickens and small flock of Soay sheep.
Pike served on the Camas City Council from 2003-2007. She was appointed to the House of Representatives in the 18th District in the summer of 2012. She was then elected as a state representative in November 2012 and is now serving her third term.
Pike and long-time companion Neil Cahoon were married earlier this year. She has two grown children, Richard and Julianne.
Here is the text of her Facebook announcement Friday:
“An open letter to my friends and family: Looking back on a decade of public service, I want to thank the citizens of Camas and the residents of the 18th Legislative District for putting their trust in me. Serving the people in elective office has been one of the highest honors of my life. I could not have served without the support of my family and friends.
“As I finish a third term in the Washington State House of Representatives at the end of this year, I’m reminded of the people who put me here. I’ve been blessed with an army of enthusiastic supporters and dear friends who have stood with me. I will never forget the generosity, kindness and support bestowed on me by so many loving families across my district and this region. These wonderful friends and constituents always had my back. There’s just no substitute for a two-way street paved with loyalty and trust.
“I’ve stayed true to my word. I have kept the promises I made to the people who elected me. I’ve worked very hard and I did the very best I could to solve serious challenges facing our region and state. There is more work to be done by new, courageous leaders with conviction to stand up for the people.
“I was blessed to be born into a loving dairy farm family with seven brothers and five sisters. We were raised by parents who laid a strong foundation for us; one of honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, work ethic, and above all, unconditional love.
I’m thankful to be married to Neil, my one true love, and thankful for the life we’ve made together at Shangri-La Farm. I’m thankful for my 28-year old twins, and the beautiful people they’ve brought into our lives. My family makes me proud each and every day.
“With each new year, we have a chance to reflect on the past and seek new opportunities for the future. As I marked my 58th birthday, I realized I want to spend more time with the people I love. I’ve been truly blessed with the best friends and family a girl could ever have.
“The time has come for me to embark on a new chapter of opportunity and adventure that does not involve elective politics or government agencies. Therefore, I am no longer a candidate for Clark County Council Chair. After the Legislature adjourns on March 8, I will be sending refund information to the more than 150 supporters who generously contributed to my campaign for County Chair.
“I look forward to continuing to serve the great people of the 18th district through December 31, 2018. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.”
Sincerely,
Liz Pike,
WA State Representative, from the mighty 18th!
