Rep. Kevin Van De Wege hits the road

With the 2009 legislative session on the horizon, Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (Sequim) is on a two-day tour of his district to meet with constituents. Van De Wege’s district, the 24th LD, is geographically the largest in the state. It covers all of Clallam and Jefferson counties, plus the upper third of Grays Harbor County. This morning, Rep. Van De Wege is in Port Angeles visiting ACTI Composites and Kenmore Air.

But the real fun comes this afternoon, when he drives over to the community of Forks. Forks has become rather famous lately, thanks to the immense popularity of the “Twilight” book series (now a major motion picture as well). We’re not sure if Rep. Van De Wege has read any of the books, especially since they are most popular with teenage girls, but “Twilight” has definitely provided an economic boost to Forks, where the vampire series takes place. In fact, the Forks Forum wrote in its November 19 issue that state accommodation tax revenues from the town and surrounding area are up 50% thanks to all the “Twilight” buzz. Not bad for a small timber community in Grays Harbor County Clallam County (thanks to Steven Friederich of The Daily World for catching the error).

Rep. Van De Wege’s visit to Forks today will begin with a 2:30 visit to Dazzled By Twilight, a Twilight-memorabilia store on N Forks Avenue. Stops at the Forks Chamber of Commerce and Forks Middle School will follow. He will finish off today’s itinerary with a 7:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting in Aberdeen (Port of Grays Harbor port chambers).

Tomorrow’s stops include tours of Imperium Renewables (the nation’s largest biodiesel plant) and the Paneltech manufacturing plant in Aberdeen, as well as the Estrella Family Creamery in Montesano. Rep. Van De Wege will wrap up his tour Tuesday evening with a Town Hall Meeting at the Sequim Library at 7:00 p.m.