New state Rep. Sharon Nelson has been appointed to legislative committees. She will serve on Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Audit Review, and Local Government committees.

"I hope to rely on my experience in the banking industry to bring a private-sector perspective to the subcommittee," explained Rep. Nelson who spent 10 years working in the banking industry. "Additionally, I have spent the last six years working on King County's budget and that experience is a great foundation for serving on this committee."

Of her appointment to the Local Government Committee, she said, "Due to my work at the King County Council I recognize the importance of the relationship between state and local governments and will seek to improve those relationships. Additionally, I will utilize my knowledge of the Growth Management Act on this committee."

The legislative session starts on Jan. 14.