Gov. Otter, WGA's Chairman, Working to Unite the West

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2010

Contact:  Karen Deike 303-623-9378

DENVER -- Idaho Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter, recently elected chairman of the Western Governors’ Association, said he will be working to “unite the West” as governors tackle traditional and new issues over the next year.

“Western states often face similar challenges, so it is invaluable when we can work together as a region to find common solutions,” Otter said.  

Otter said WGA will continue to address traditional issues, such as energy, transmission, water management, forest health and wildlife management.  He will also put a spotlight on some new issues, such as increasing nuclear energy production and expanding educational and job opportunities for veterans. 

“My goal in focusing on some of these new issues is to position the West for balanced and sustainable growth that will also result in the creation of new jobs that lead to careers,” Otter said.  

Gov. Christine Gregoire (Wash.) was elected vice chair of the bipartisan organization at WGA’s Annual Meeting held earlier this summer.  

“Another part of our strategic plan is to engage very early on all of the new governors who will be coming into office and ensure their states’ continued involvement in helping solve our region’s long-term challenges,” Otter said.

For more information on the WGA and its programs, visit www.westgov.org.

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