Ex-lawmaker appointed to parks agency

Patricia Taylor Lantz of Gig Harbor has been appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to serve a six-year term on the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, filling the post left by retiring Commissioner Joan Thomas of Seattle.

Lantz, a former lawyer, retired in January 2009 after six terms in the state House of Representatives.

The seven-member citizen volunteer commission is appointed by the governor for six-year terms. Commissioners have regular meetings seven times a year in locations statewide so residents can share thoughts about parks, recreation, and cultural and historical resource issues. Lantz will attend her first meeting in May in Montesano.