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Lobbyists: Clif Finch, Dan Coyne, Brad Tower, Now Randy Ray

It's A Family, Not Just A Community

The outside world has their opinions about lobbyists. Only we know the truth. We see the truth manifested when the chips are down. We pulled tight and close to the Tower family this spring. We support and encourage Dan Coyne and his family as they recover.

But the latest incidents this last week cause question about coincidence and chance. On Wednesday, after no returned calls and ignored texts, Randy Ray and Isaac Kastama went to Clif Finch’s house to see if he was OK. He was not. Kastama and Ray, a long time Olympia contract lobbyist and businessman found his business partner there, dead of natural causes. Clif was gone. Clif is gone. And so is, probably the most vast accumulation of information and experience with human resource issues in Washington State. They were friends, they were business partners in many senses. Aren’t we all friends and business partners to some extent?

Randy Ray and I have known each other for over forty years. We are both from the Tri-Cities. Our fathers knew each other and considered the other a friend. Randy and Clif had projects and clients together. Thursday night I called Randy to see how he was doing. It’s really tough to lose a friend and colleague. It’s tough in a different realm to lose a business partner. Randy was coping as best he could. We had made plans for him to visit at my place over the weekend. A place where he could just relax. A place he never made it to.

Friday morning I learned from Isaac Kastama that Randy had felt very strong chest pains late Thursday night and had driven himself to the hospital. Randy emerged Friday afternoon after almost eleven hours of surgery to repair his heart. A heart that always helps people, thinks of the future, and is ready to assist. A heart that finally gave into the strain of political battles, and stress and pressure.

The lobbying family responded. There were too many people at the hospital receptionist desk. At one point three different women had claimed to be Randy’s wife, just to see if they could get on the “immediate family list.” The nurse at the station started to think our state allowed polygamy. There were dozens of texts and emails swirling from people clamoring for information and updates. Whether it was an email, or a phone call or a text, the sense of concern and family was like a thick white mist over the capitol and lobbying family.

Clif Finch did most of the posting at Washington State Wire, so it goes without comment that the Wire will be in “pause” for a while.

If you pray, pray. If you just meditate, meditate. Whatever you do, pause. Think about our lobbying family, think about our own families. Hug them, talk to them, be aware of family.

Randy is at St. Peter’s in Olympia. He is making scheduled progress. He has a long recovery ahead. No visitation is allowed yet, and it will be limited when allowed.

Once again we are reminded that this thing lobbying is not a job, it’s not a profession, it’s even more than a community. It’s a family. It’s your family. Pull together.


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