Former State Ag Director Newhouse Reacts to Inslee’s Quarantine Violation

Since violating the Apple Maggot Quarantine last Saturday, Governor Jay Inslee has seen criticism from officials across Washington State.

The governor and his wife brought apples picked in Thurston County, which is within the Apple Maggot Quarantine, with them when they visited Bridgeport and Omak September 12th. The apples later tested positive for apple maggots.

Current 4th District Representative and former Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse, a farmer himself, gave his thoughts on the recent controversy.

Congressman Newhouse said that, in a year when the apple industry is already struggling, this is something that can't be ignored.

"I'm certain that the governor and his wife had no intention of causing any problems." explained Newhouse, "However, this certainly shows how serious of an issue this is and the potential damage to one of Washington State's iconic, premier crops because of irresponsibility."

Newhouse added that Inslee needs to take as much responsibility as possible to underscore the importance of the situation.

Inslee said during a press conference Thursday that he contributed to food banks local to affected areas as a way to attempt to make up for the mistake.