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Terry Nealey Hopes to Bring His Broad Experience to the Legislature
Terry Nealey
Terry Nealey's father, Darwin Nealey, served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993. He represented the ninth legislative district, which included not only Whitman, Asotin and Garfield Counties, but for most of that time, Columbia County as well.
"I had been practicing law in Dayton for several years when Dad entered the legislature," says Terry. "I often talked to him by telephone from my office about many issues going on in Olympia." Darwin Nealey passed away in 2003.
"Dad was a farmer all his life, and he always stood up for agriculture in Olympia," says Nealey. "I'll support the ag community just as strongly, but I think I can bring a much broader range of experience than he did."
During an interview, Nealey outlined his experience, including being Columbia County Prosecutor for 16 years and serving as an Eastern Washington bankruptcy trustee for over 25 years. He has a long history of community involvement in Dayton and Southeast Washington.
Nealey was born in Walla Walla and grew up on his parents' farm in Whitman County. He graduated from WSU and was commissioned in the Army for two years, serving part of that time in Korea. After leaving the service, Nealey earned his law degree at Gonzaga University. He lives in Dayton with his wife, Jan, and has two grown children who live in the Seattle area with their families.
Nealey feels that the Democratic-run legislature has done a poor job managing the state's budget the past three years, which has resulted in the state now having a huge revenue shortfall. "The Democrats let spending get out of control," says Nealey, "and when the national economy collapsed, we suddenly had a huge problem," Nealey says it's important to bring more Republicans into the legislature to help lessen the influence of the liberal Democratic legislators from the Seattle area.
Nealey feels he can be particularly effective helping economic development efforts in the 16th district. "I've been involved in economic development efforts ever since I came to Dayton in 1976," he says. "I'll fight hard to bring more business and jobs to this area."
Nealey says he feels an important obligation to serve the community, and hopes to do that in the legislature. "I've been very blessed in my life and my career, and I see this as a great opportunity to give back to our local communities," he says.
Terry Nealey's Campaign Website: www.terrynealey.com