Governor Gregoire and Legislative Leaders Address CLAC Attendees

This week more than 340 city officials representing 116 cities traveled from all over Washington to attend the AWC City Legislative Action Conference (CLAC).

"Don’t waste the crisis"

Governor Gregoire’s remarks focused on the current economic downturn and the enormous difficulty in writing a budget that addresses the current projected $8.3 billion deficit. She noted she "hated" the budget she prepared in December with a then projected deficit of $5.7 billion. She assured city officials that the question of "how this will impact cities" was reviewed as she made her budget decisions. She also talked about the importance of the Legislature granting more flexibility for cities in regards to the use of current revenues and other state mandates or restrictions.

Governor Gregoire talked about her priority proposal to reform state government which includes: delivering 21st century customer service, reducing the size of government and streamlining government agencies and operations. She stated "the time has come to put our sacred cows out to pasture forever."

A partner with cities

While speaking about finding solutions to the current economic crisis, the Governor expressed her commitment to working as a partner with cities.

We are experiencing the greatest economic downturn since the Depression. I’m standing with you. Let us open up our hearts and be courageous. We’re going to get through this and we’ll be better for it. We’ll march in partnership. I’ll walk with you on your priorities.

The Governor has already expressed her seriousness about that commitment. Within hours of leaving our conference, we had a meeting scheduled with her to review what can be done immediately to help cities work through this economic downturn. We appreciate her commitment and look forward to working with her and the Legislature to assist cities.

Legislative leadership

Attendees at the CLAC also heard insightful presentations from Senate Minority Leader, Senator Mike Hewitt from the 16th district, House Majority Caucus Liaison Representative Larry Springer from the 45th district, and House Minority Whip Representative Bill Hinkle from the 13th district. They all spoke of economic issues crucial to cities including transportation funding, unemployment and growing our local and state economies.

Revitalizing partnerships

Finally, conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from lobbyists from several vastly different organizations outlining their legislative priorities and how those priorities fit within AWC’s legislative agenda (or don’t.) It was an extremely valuable session noting the importance of partnerships in and outside the local government arena.

Panel participants included:

• Eric Johnson, Executive Director, Washington State Association of Counties,
• Kelly Fox, President, Washington State Council of Fire Fighters,
• Gary Chandler, Vice President, Association of Washington Businesses,
• Eric Johnson, Executive Director, Washington Public Ports Association and
• Mo McBroom, Policy Director, Washington Environmental Council.

Jim Justin, AWC’s Assistant Director for Intergovernmental Relations, expressed the value of working with these interests and many others, stating that we are far more effective as a team than as individual organizations. He encouraged city officials to nurture relationships year round with local colleagues from these organizations and others to foster more productive partnerships.

In closing

We would like to thank all of those who attended the Conference and advance city issues with the Governor and Legislature. We appreciate the time you took seeking to improve the ability of cities to serve our citizens!!

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