Visitors from Room 1203 LHOB
LHOB in the political world of Washington, D.C. signifies Longworth House Office Building, one of three principal office building serving the House of Representatives. It is located on Independence Avenue, within easy walking to the House wing of the United States Capitol.
Room 1203 LHOB is the office of Representative Doc Hastings, who has represented the 4th District of Washington since 1994.
Late this week the Northwest Horticultural Council hosted separate visits by two who work out of Room 1203 LHOB. Yesterday, Mr. Hastings stopped by our office to discuss a trucking issue with Mexico that has adversely impacted our industry’s pear sales, and met with nearby pear industry leaders Rob Stewart, Rod Matson, and Don Gibson. Also, at the one-half hour meeting were the NHC’s Mark Powers, Jon DeVaney of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association (and formerly of Mr. Hastings’ staff), Barb Lisk, the congressman’s district director, and myself. Mr. Hastings admitted his frustration in his so-far unsuccessful attempt to get the administration to resolve the trucking issue with Mexico that has resulted, among other adverse trade impacts, in a 20% tariff on both pears and cherries. This is squarely in the hands of a White House that, to date, has been taking its counsel on this matter from the protectionist International Brotherhood of Teamsters (1.4 million members) and its president, James P. Hoffa.
Today, Kate Woods came by for discussions (e.g., immigration, food safety, agricultural chemicals) with NHC staff at the W. L. Hansen Building and a tour of the Yakima Valley. Ms. Woods is a senior legislative assistant on Mr. Hastings’ staff and was able to be in the state due to the Congressional Easter recess. Originally from the Goldendale area, she specializes in agricultural issues and took this opportunity to gain more knowledge about the workings of our tree fruit industry. A highlight of the afternoon was a short journey to Price Cold Storage and Packing Company, where NHC trustee Bob Price gave Ms. Woods a tour of his company’s packing line, which was then running apples.
Christian Schlect,
Northwest Horticultural Council
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