Elliott Nethercutt: Father’s 25 years led to satisfaction, no regrets

Just over 25 years ago, my father was sworn in to represent the 5th District of Washington. I was 9 years old and had the privilege of standing next to him when he took the oath on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 3, 1995. Young and naive, I failed to fully appreciate the significance. One thing I do remember was my father’s motivation for seeking office in the first place: He wanted to represent his family, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens by listening carefully to their needs and priorities, and taking action to address them.

It’s no wonder that most of his career before Congress was focused on serving the Spokane community. As a WSU and Gonzaga Law School graduate, he paved his way serving the community as a founding board member of the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery – a respite-care facility to protect children from child abuse. During his 18 years practicing law, he provided legal support for over 2,000 adoptions, helping transform individuals into loving parents, bringing joy and security to adoptive children. Soon after my sister was diagnosed with diabetes in 1987, he became president of the Spokane Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and eventually established the Congressional Caucus on Diabetes. After his congressional career, he’s focused on his passion: highlighting our country’s history, as well as the importance of exercising civic duty.

As I was reflecting on how the outcome of the 1994 election had impacted my life, it seemed appropriate to ask my dad how he felt 25 years later.

Elliott: What was your greatest professional accomplishment during your service in the U.S. Congress?

George: Legislatively, I’m most proud of the bipartisan Diabetes Caucus I helped to establish with Democrat Elizabeth Furse (Ore.) and later Dianna DeGette (Colo.). Both were outstanding representatives, committed to solving difficult problems with bipartisan cooperation. The caucus was, at one point, the largest in the House.

I’m also proud of my legislation that sponsored lifting historic sanctions on food and medicine to Cuba, a proposal that didn’t align with party leadership. I recall Washington farmers asking me: “Canadian farmers can sell to Cuba; why can’t we?” Ultimately, with the help of my policy aide, Jack Silzel, and through a bipartisan, multisector coalition, the bill was signed into law, benefiting thousands of 5th District farmers.

Elliott: What was a personal accomplishment that you’re proud of?

George: The greatest would be a 42-year marriage to the love of my life, Mary Beth. Equally important was ensuring our two children had a “normal” upbringing with a father in public service.

Elliott: How did your 1994 election victory impact your life?

George: My decadelong congressional service changed my life – for the better. It was one of many great chapters. I was the first to defeat a sitting U.S. Speaker since 1862. I was able to meet countless wonderful people and remain in contact with many of them to this day.

Elliott: What is your fondest memory of representing the 5th District?

George: First and foremost, I enjoyed listening to my constituents. I appreciated the opportunity to learn so much about the individuals of the 5th District and enjoyed working to ensure their voices were heard in the halls of Congress.

Elliott: Do you have any regrets?

George: I was once asked this question at a Lions Club event. My response today remains the same: “No, I always made the best decision I could at the time.” I worked hard every day for 10 years, doing my best to prioritize the needs of my constituents when casting approximately 10,000 congressional votes.

Elliott: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in this next chapter?

George: At 75 years young, I have a condition that makes it a little harder to get out of a low chair, and my balance isn’t what it used to be. Consequently, I no longer jump the wake water skiing or take the black diamonds on the ski slopes. Continued engagement with my civics foundation keeps me busy – especially as I work to complete a second book, which highlights the importance of American history and patriotism. I also enjoy the opportunities to write unvarnished opinions articles for various publications. I’m thankful to be near my two children who live in Denver and am excited for my daughter, who was just married in October. I continue to stay active and look forward to spending more time during the years ahead where my heart has always been – in Spokane.