From the Director: Election Results Bring Change
By Stan Finkelstein, AWC Executive Director
The election process has concluded, at least for most offices, and the results will change the Olympia political landscape.

The Democrats have taken control of the Senate by a 26 - 23 count. Republicans had controlled the Senate with a 25-24 majority. The Democrats picked up two seats and will now control the agenda, including who chairs the respective committees. Democrats in the House added to their majority, increasing their seats from 52 to 55. Republicans hold 43 seats in the House.

Republicans appear to have placed their candidate in the governor’s mansion. Following the conclusion of the initial count, Dino Rossi won the race by 261 votes. There will be an automatic recount with results expected by Wednesday, November 24. The respective candidates could then request an additional recount, but must pay for such an effort.

How these outcomes impact AWC’s legislative agenda remains uncertain. Staff spent a great deal of time this summer meeting with legislators representing both parties. We are hopeful this effort will aid in the advancement of our legislative priorities.

AWC’s Legislative Priorities

Speaking of AWC’s legislative priorities, what are they? AWC’s Legislative Committee meets Friday, November 19 to finalize their research and make recommendations regarding AWC’s specific priorities for 2005. The committee’s recommendations will be advanced to the AWC Board for review and adoption on December 17. Once the board takes action, we will immediately post these priorities on our website and notify you electronically. Printed priorities will be mailed to city hall later.

Please take some time over the next month to remind your legislators about issues that are most important to your city. Legislators arrive in Olympia and are immediately swamped with requests for meetings, committee hearings and other activities. Early contact at home is often more beneficial. Thanks in advance for your efforts.

We will not produce a December Legislative Bulletin and will begin our weekly Bulletins in January. We thank you for reviewing this publication and encourage you to read your weekly Bulletin as soon as you receive it. Events move quickly in Olympia even during a long legislative session. Thank you!!!!