MONTROSE — Montrose Mayor David White received the opportunity of a lifetime when he was selected to attend last week’s 10th Annual Allard Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C.
The conference, held Wednesday through Friday last week, was hosted by U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, and was intended to provide participants with a better understanding of public policy as well as knowledge of the federal legislation process.
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White noted that the conference gave him the opportunity to see the major national and international issues from a different perspective than what he and most citizens are accustomed to.
“It allows people at the local level to find out what’s going on in Washington, D.C.,” White said. “You hear about social issues, education issues and the war from the people who are there everyday. You get a whole different idea of what’s going on when it comes to policies.”
The Allard Capitol Conference is a highly regarded event that has seen speakers such as Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Former Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.
This year’s conference participants were given the opportunity to mingle with not only Allard, but a number of influential policy makers like Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
White explained that attending the conference was a great way for him to network with policy makers, get familiar with their perspectives, and relate that back to local government. He said it was a good educational opportunity to learn the ins and outs of Washington, D.C.
“Going to a conference like this, you get a feel for who does what and how the process works,” White said.
By meeting with Allard and U.S. Cabinet members, White said going forward with future local projects would become easier. White noted that creating relationships with a Cabinet member such as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson, is critical given the fact that Montrose is a continually growing community and in need of more affordable housing.
In the weeks following the conference, White plans to share what he learned with his colleagues. He also plans to give presentations through the Rotary Club, and encourage others to apply for next year’s conference.
Also participating at the conference were Senators Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Judd Gregg, R-N.H., Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Ken Salazar, D-Colo., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and John Warner, R-Va.
Participants heard senators and Cabinet members discuss present day issues like the war in Iraq, national education and the economy and job market. Research and development and new technologies revolving around energy were also discussed.
After each presentation, participants were given the opportunity to share comments or ask questions regarding the issues.
Along with Allard, Fort Lewis College and the University of Colorado hosted the conference. Fort Lewis College President Brad Bartel and CU President Hank Brown attended the conference as well.
Only Colorado residents could apply to attend the conference, and only 120 applicants were invited.
White learned of his invitation in mid-April of this year after going through the application process in March.
He explained that the diversity at the conference cut across all political and socioeconomic spectrums. White was the only elected official to attend the conference.
Next year’s Allard Capitol Conference will be the last, because Allard will not run for re-election.
Contact Marissa Brunner via e-mail at marissab@montrosepress.com
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