Senator Alex Deccio's legacy is one we are all enjoying
YAKIMA -- A man who changed the way the state legislature responded to the needs of Yakima died Tuesday night.
Former State Senator, Alex Deccio would have been 90 years old next month.
For you and me, it was the 32 years he spent in Olympia that changed the quality of life here in Yakima County forever.
KIMA spoke with the Senator about a year ago, following a close call and hospitalization for pneumonia.
And while he is proud of what he was able to bring to Yakima, he's also sees some big changes ahead for the county, whether we want them or not.
Of all that Senator Alex Deccio leave behind in this world, it was family that brought him the most pride… including two brothers both over 100 years old, a wife, 7-kids, 16 grand kids, and 9 great grand kids.
Recounting the things this public servant did in his 32 years in politics is what brings great pride to Yakima. Beginning with what has become a real landmark for the community.
Yes, it was Alex Deccio who pushed his fellow legislators so hard to get this Sundome built… he made enemies in the process. But our Senator will tell you he was just sick and tired of watching Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue take the lion's share of state funding… while the rest of the state huddled in the corner begging for scraps. That ended with Deccio and we sent him back to the state legislature nine times looking for more.
"And I seemed to be the only one that wasn't bashful enough to say well, I'm gonna do it anyway, or try to," Deccio explained.
Retirement for Deccio meant running other people's campaigns… people like Cathy Coffey, Bill Lover and Norm Johnson.
But what the senator was most passionate about when it came to seeing Yakima County move forward was the cost of it's government… or multiple governments.
He is convinced, money will force with county, and every city within its borders to consolidate.
" The more the expense factor comes in and the debt I think it may put enough pressure on to make that start happening."
Senator Alex Deccio was "Yakima" to the core.
"I think I've always had a sense of how Yakima people feel."
He was a friend to anyone who extended a hand democrat or republican. And there is no one who cared more about Yakima's people or its progress more than he.
"If they want my advice I'll give it to them for what it's worth. I don't go out for it."
He will be missed because people like Alex Deccio, cannot be replaced.
Senator Deccio has been convinced for sometime that a single government should run the entire county, that a single fire and police district should protect the entire county.
He told me "budgets" will eventually give the county no other choice.
Former State Senator, Alex Deccio would have been 90 years old next month.
For you and me, it was the 32 years he spent in Olympia that changed the quality of life here in Yakima County forever.
KIMA spoke with the Senator about a year ago, following a close call and hospitalization for pneumonia.
And while he is proud of what he was able to bring to Yakima, he's also sees some big changes ahead for the county, whether we want them or not.
Of all that Senator Alex Deccio leave behind in this world, it was family that brought him the most pride… including two brothers both over 100 years old, a wife, 7-kids, 16 grand kids, and 9 great grand kids.
Recounting the things this public servant did in his 32 years in politics is what brings great pride to Yakima. Beginning with what has become a real landmark for the community.
Yes, it was Alex Deccio who pushed his fellow legislators so hard to get this Sundome built… he made enemies in the process. But our Senator will tell you he was just sick and tired of watching Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue take the lion's share of state funding… while the rest of the state huddled in the corner begging for scraps. That ended with Deccio and we sent him back to the state legislature nine times looking for more.
"And I seemed to be the only one that wasn't bashful enough to say well, I'm gonna do it anyway, or try to," Deccio explained.
Retirement for Deccio meant running other people's campaigns… people like Cathy Coffey, Bill Lover and Norm Johnson.
But what the senator was most passionate about when it came to seeing Yakima County move forward was the cost of it's government… or multiple governments.
He is convinced, money will force with county, and every city within its borders to consolidate.
" The more the expense factor comes in and the debt I think it may put enough pressure on to make that start happening."
Senator Alex Deccio was "Yakima" to the core.
"I think I've always had a sense of how Yakima people feel."
He was a friend to anyone who extended a hand democrat or republican. And there is no one who cared more about Yakima's people or its progress more than he.
"If they want my advice I'll give it to them for what it's worth. I don't go out for it."
He will be missed because people like Alex Deccio, cannot be replaced.
Senator Deccio has been convinced for sometime that a single government should run the entire county, that a single fire and police district should protect the entire county.
He told me "budgets" will eventually give the county no other choice.
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