Freeland News

State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, got a law passed last year allowing people to drive golf carts in properly established golf cart zones.

Although it was residents of a rural Island County neighborhood who inspired a state law legalizing golf cart zones two years ago, a legal hurdle prevented the county commissioners from following the town of Coupeville's lead in adopting a golf cart-related ordinance.

Still, even after publishing her 14th book, "M'Liss Rae Hawley's Precut Quilts," this crafty Freeland businesswoman is humbled by the inspiration of family, friends, her beloved animals and the island that feeds her soul.

The Washington Legislature receives plenty of criticism, but it can do things right and in impressive fashion.

State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen shows a chart outlining the money that can be legally cut to resolve a $1 billion budget shortfall.