I wanted to share with you a bit of news.

First, as many of our readers know, we publish State of Reform. Like the Wire, it’s an outlet for non-partisan and policy agnostic public service journalism. 

Where the Wire covers all policy and politics in just one state, our state, State of Reform covers health policy only. And, it covers the subject across 13 states and Washington DC.

This fall, after years of conversations and relationship building, we decided to sell State of Reform — and the Wire with it — to a national consulting firm. They had been interested in us for years, and the timing seemed to be right.

Part of this agreement included finding a new, long term home for the Wire. We wanted to find a publisher that was as committed to covering Olympia, its personalities, politics and policy conversations as I have been over the last number of years.
 

So, I’m excited and honored to tell you that Paul Queary, publisher of the Washington Observer, will take over publication of the Wire starting January 1st. 

Paul is an old hand in Washington State journalism and public policy. He has covered Olympia as a reporter, and was the Seattle bureau chief for the Associated Press for a number of years. He has also been on the public affairs side of Olympia, working previously at Strategies 360. 

In other words, Paul knows how state government works. You can read some of his reporting to see what I mean. 

I’ll still write an occasional column at the Wire. It’s my baby, after all. And, while it’s in great hands, I’ll still want to support its growth and success.

So, to those of you who have read our stuff diligently, thank you. For those who were at our Re-Wire Policy Conference yesterday or in years past, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you. 
 

In the end, whether we are Democrats or Republicans, citizens or new comers, we are all in this together.

And, a strong, independent media is one thread in the fabric that helps to bind us as one.

So, thank you for letting us play a small part in our republican democracy. I’ve been honored to have the role. 

Sincerely,

DJ Wilson 

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