The newest member of the state House of Representatives was sworn in Monday by Judge Mary Yu as family and friends watched.

_" I fully understand that each community in the 34th District has unique issues," said Rep. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island), appointed to the 34th District seat vacated when Rep. Joe McDermott moved up to the Senate. "Yet we share so many common interests, including improved transportation, protections for the environment, universal health care and the best possible education for our children and grandchildren." While Nelson is new to the Legislature, she is a long-time community leader. Nelson is the founding president of Preserve Our Islands and works as chief of staff for King County Councilmember Dow Constantine. Her top three priorities as a lawmaker in the House are: __1) The environment -- "The Puget Sound Partnership was a first step toward restoring Puget Sound, but there is more to be done. We must look at programs, such as the aquatic reserve program, and utilize them effectively if we are going to prevent further damage."__2) Transportation -- "Regardless of the fate of the roads and transit measure, the Legislature will have to make major decisions as to how we will reduce congestion and improve transit all over the state."__3) Education -- "The Legislature made great strides last session in investing in education, but there is more to do. My goal is to continue to reduce class sizes, invest in bilingual tutors, counseling and other programs to move our schools into the top 10 percent in the nation."__Nelson lives on Maury Island with her husband, John, and was joined at her swearing in by daughters Amy and Lyssa and her mother, Betty Haas. __As appointed lawmakers, Rep. Nelson and Sen. McDermott will both be up for election in 2008. Nelson's legislative e-mail phone number will be nelson.sharon@leg.wa.gov and her Olympia office number 360-786-7952. She can also be reached through the toll-free Hotline at 800-562-6000.

Democrats of the 34th Legislative District recommended on Nov. 1 that Nelson be named to replace Joe McDermott as state representative.

The King County Council was expected to make the final decision early this week on who should replace McDermott, who last month was appointed state senator to replace Erik Poulsen.

Poulsen resigned earlier to take a position as lobbyist for public utility districts in the state.

Nelson, who needed 68 votes to be recommended by 34th District precinct committee officers, received 71 votes on the first ballot and 78 votes on the second ballot.

Two votes were taken to determine the runners up.

Toni Lysen of Burien received 31 votes the first time, and then 34.

Greg Doss was third with 30 and 20 votes, respectively. Burien City Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak received two votes.

The 34th District includes much of Burien and most of North Highline and West Seattle.

"I'm really looking forward to being in Olympia," Nelson told the Times/News.

"The 34th District is so diverse as far as the communities in it, but you take a look at all the issues going on in it-transportation, education, the environment and, for North Highline, annexation-and its future is really important."

Nelson "will take a strong look at all options available to [North Highline] regarding annexation."

And, she declared, "I will definitely be running" for election to a full term as state representative in 2008.

"We got ourselves a state representative who is going to make her presence known in Olympia and do the district proud," said 34th District Democratic Chairman Ivan Weiss.

"She's well versed ... on the whole legislative agenda."

Nelson currently is chief of staff for King County Councilman Dow Constantine, D-West Seattle.

"I think she's more than ready. She's an outstanding choice," King County Democratic Chairwoman Susan Sheary said of Nelson.

"She's a great community activist and has been involved with all the environmental issues on Vashon Island.

Nelson has led efforts to protect Puget Sound, to fight Glacier Northwest's attempt to expand a mine on Maury Island, and to establish the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve.

One of her primary education concerns is Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).

"Teachers are teaching to a test rather than teaching to students," she said.

Of her move to the Legislature, Nelson said she "wasn't expecting [Poulsen] to resign, but when he did I decided to take the opportunity and step forward."

(Editor's Note: Ral[h Nichols contributed to this report)