Today's Everett Herald includes a feature on the retirement of Gary Nelson, who before he leaves office around the turn of the year currently stands as the longest serving public official in the state.

He's been a true pillar of Snohomish County politics for decades and is well-known to many an old Olympia hand after his many years in the Legislature. The Herald also adds an audio tribute and slideshow as well. I'm the first to attest that Gary Nelson has probably forgotten more about local and state politics than many people could ever to hope to learn.

Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Gary.