Every couple of years, we get the pleasant task of endorsing Joe Souki for the Waihee-Wailuku state House of Representatives seat.
This year there is even a bit more excitement because there is talk Souki may serve again as speaker of the House. He now holds the exalted title of Speaker Emeritus (a fancy way of saying former speaker) but there are members of the Democratic caucus who would like to replace Calvin Say - and Souki is the logical candidate.
Souki served as speaker for five years, beginning in 1993.
As we've written here previously, what we like most about Souki is that he is everybody's representative. As we wrote when we endorsed him in 2008, "Mr. Souki is known for even helping constituents with views he doesn't support - he'll give advice on the best way to get your ideas heard. He is simply Maui's gem and takes seriously his role of representing all of his constituents."
He will work with anyone to benefit his constituents. We remember former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle thanking Souki and Sen. J. Kalani English for their parts in helping craft an economic stimulus plan during her tenure.
We've referred to him as the best legislator in the state and it is hard to imagine anyone who could do a better job as speaker. In conclusion, we'd sum up by using a couple of lines from another old editorial about Souki: "He isn't flashy. He's far from charismatic. Joe Souki is a legislator who knows his job and does it. Go get 'em, Joe."
We'd urge voters to send Souki back for another term as the representative from state House District 8.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
