“I have been blessed to be able to serve in the Legislature; it is the last place I never thought I would be … politics,” says retiring state Sen. Tracey Eide.

But serve she did — and with distinction. Eide has served in the state Legislature for almost two decades and has been one of its most powerful leaders for over half that time. She has the skill and grace to talk with national political figures, such as U.S. Sen. Patty Murray about the transportation needs of her district, while being equally at ease having coffee with a local constituent who is concerned about education. She still possesses her PTA mom normalcy that reflects both her beginnings and her constituents.

“I’ve never forgotten how I got where I am and the people I represent. Issues with kids are what I enjoyed most.”

She is so well respected that she served as majority floor leader from 2005-12 and chaired the National Conference of State Legislators Telematics Committee in 2001-02. She delivered $105 million in transportation projects, such as the triangle in south Federal Way near Costco.

Despite years of failure, she showed her resilient side and never gave up as she led the fight to change the 60 percent constitutional requirement on school levies to a simple majority to ensure our democracy works for our children’s education. The public approved the change in 2007. Since then, one-third of all successful levies are a result of her efforts and they have added $1.6 billion to our education needs statewide. The 2010 Federal Way school levy, which added $3 million to our district, passed with less than 60 percent and would have failed if not for her efforts to change the Constitution.

She is quick to say how much she enjoyed the people she worked with, and as floor leader she always tried to find common ground and a way to help them achieve their goals. She remembers the Legislature for its theater of entertainment with its high drama and different personalities.

“You have to know every legislator’s home ground and what is important to their district. In Olympia we’re all in the same boat with a paddle, we can sink or paddle together and do our job.”

And that’s what people remember.

As one lobbyist says, “She got things done.”

Though women have made increasing progress, as Eide’s advancement would attest, it can still be a “man’s world” in Olympia. But Eide found ways to work with each person. She remembered one senator’s birthday with a box of cigars that eventually opened the door to discussion and then cooperation. Eide has a disarming quality about her that makes it very hard to say no to her.

She has worked with four governors and enjoyed each one. As former Gov. Christine Gregoire’s legislative director, Jim Justin said, “Eide was great to work with, she was straight-forward and honest.”

One example of her leadership was joining forces with King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer to add money to the Sound Transit budget for Federal Way.

Sound Transit Executive Director Joni Earl said, “Tracey always listened to our concerns and is a real problem solver. She has been a great supporter of the Sound Transit mission. We will miss her leadership.”

She also was able to get $5 million for the Performing Arts and Conference Center.

Eide sponsored a bill that restricts drivers from texting or talking on a hand held phone while driving, and her intermediate drivers license bill cut teen driving deaths and serious injuries in half.

She was named one of Seattle Magazine’s 10 most influential people for her efforts, not partisan politics or headline hunting, just getting things done that save peoples lives.

Current Majority Floor Leader Joe Fain, R-Auburn, says, “With politicians easily captivated by title or political intrigue, Tracey was all about governing. Tracey led on issues important to South King County without worrying about who got credit.

She always kept her word and was a joy to work with. The Senate and the state of Washington will miss her influence.”

And so will Federal Way.

Eide’s clout in Olympia will not be easily replaced. But she says after almost two decades it was time to go.

“It’s  humbling to serve 18 years and I thank the voters for the opportunity.”

Federal Way resident Bob Roegner is a former mayor of Auburn: bjroegner@comcast.net.