PDC unanimously names meeting room for Jolene Unsolde and authorizes internship

Chair Jay Leech opened the commission’s Dec. 11 meeting and the body voted unanimously to name its public meeting room for Jolene Unsolde, a longtime advocate for open government, and to authorize staff to work with the Unsolde family and Evergreen State College to develop an internship or externship bearing her name.

The commission heard from family members and former staff who described Unsolde’s role compiling early disclosure records and promoting passage of Initiative 276. Karen Fraser, a trustee at Evergreen who spoke on behalf of the group, urged the commission to adopt the room‑naming and to proceed with an internship that would give students practical exposure to public disclosure work. Family members recounted Unsolde’s hands‑on work compiling reports and said a room naming and a student program would provide a lasting tribute.

Commissioners discussed logistics and scope: whether the naming should follow the commission if office space relocates and whether an internship would require stipends or other funding. Chair Leech proposed naming “the commission’s public meeting room the Jolene Unsolde Meeting Room” so the designation could travel with future leased space; commissioners approved a friendly amendment and then approved the motion by voice vote.

The commission also authorized staff to work with the family and Evergreen State College’s Master of Public Administration program to develop the internship/externship structure and return to the commission with details for approval, including any budget implications. The commission recorded no opposed votes on the motions and indicated a small plaque and a ceremony would be scheduled in spring once details are finalized.

The action preserves the commission’s ability to review and approve any financial commitments tied to the internship once staff returns with a proposed structure and budget.