Editorial: Heck a champion for better discourse, government

By The Herald Editorial Board

Here’s what the position of lieutenant governor for the state of Washington is not: The person holding the office is not — except in limited capacities — the deputy governor, nor a 50th state senator.

Even so, the lieutenant governor has a long list of responsibilities, among them: serving as acting governor whenever the governor leaves the state or if the governor were unable to serve; as president of the Senate, interpreting Senate and parliamentary rules and breaking any ties; serving on several state committees or boards, including those addressing state finance, economic development and international relations, higher education facilities, and the state’s medals of valor and merit; and making appointments to more than 100 state boards and commissions.

Incumbent Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, who was first elected to the position in 2020 after decades of service in the state Legislature and in Congress, says he hears those misconceptions about the office frequently. He holds no executive branch portfolio, and governor and lieutenant governor run for office separately, and can — and have been — from different parties. Nor does Heck have any authority to introduce legislation. And as far as serving as a tie-breaking vote, that’s happened only once during his term, he said.

Yet, the position remains a vital part of state leadership and has been held by long-serving statesmen of both parties, including John Cherberg, Joel Pritchard and Brad Owen.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-heck-a-champion-for-better-discourse-government/