Issued: June 28, 2003
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Omak, June 27 -- Much of Washington's Gov. Gary Locke's keynote address at the State Grange convention June 27 recalled a long list of contributions made by the Grange that have contributed significantly to the state's quality of life.
Several hundred Grange members attending their 114th annual state convention in Okanogan heard Gov. Gary Locke say their group is one of Washington's most successful organizations. The governor made that observation during his keynote address on June 27. To back up his comment, the governor went on to list some of the Grange's accomplishments from its long history in the state.
"You have led the state to many important developments," he said, "including the creation of public utility districts, the creation of the current blanket primary which, incidentally, we must keep intact, rural electrification, the family farm water act and the creation of our commodity commissions. These developments, these innovations touch people all across our state."
The audience erupted into applause following his endorsement of the blanket primary, a voting system that was put into place in the 1930s by Grange action. The Grange is currently involved in a federal court battle to retain the blanket primary that allows voters to cast ballots for any candidate regardless of their political party affiliation.
"The Grange continues to lead," the governor continued. "The Washington State Grange is an active voice in the politics and the issues of our state. You speak up for Washington families and communities. Thank you for that. You are a key partner in serving our state's most important priorities. I value this partnership."
The governor praised Grange volunteers for their involvement with schools, particularly the interest shown in improving students' reading skills. He also singled out the Grange Words for Thirds dictionary distribution project that many Granges are sponsoring. The program donates dictionaries to third grade students.
"We're on the same page," the governor said. "Reading programs that the Grange supports are critically important for our kids because learning to read is the essential foundation for all academic success."
The governor also outlined several state efforts to boost educational opportunities for students who are falling behind. Grange college scholarships, he added, are helping many students achieve "the great American dream, a college education."
Gov. Locke went on to highlight the partnership between his administration and the Grange in seeking ways to improve Washington's transportation system.
"The Grange has been working hard year after year to increase the mobility within our state," he said. The Grange's willingness to acknowledge that the state's transportation infrastructure wasn't going to improve without an increase of revenue also drew the governor's praise. "While it wasn't popular, the Grange endorsed Referendum 51 last year and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being willing to take on an unpopular cause," he said. The unsuccessful Referendum 51 would have rasied gasoline taxes to support transportation projects.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Grange for standing up for the recent measure passed by the Legislature that would accomplish the same thing, but at a reduced level.
Locke went through a list of projects that the transportation package will fund including highway improvements, new ferries, improved public transportation, and some rail projects. "Our economy has been losing $2 billion each year due to congestion. By improving our transportation system we reduce the cost of congestion for farmers, for manufacturers and, ultimately, for consumers," he observed.
Locke continued by highlighting his efforts and those of the Grange that have resulted in improved access to technology in rural areas of the state. He pointed to the Grange's innovative program that has placed public access computer centers in selected rural Grange halls around the state. These high-speed Internet-connected sites are funded through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "This is right in line with our state's commitment to provide advanced, modern telecommunications in every part of the state," he said.
The governor described for the Grange delegates the new Digital Learning Commons being rolled out by the state. This will greatly expand educational opportunities for students in small schools in rural areas by providing them with many course offerings and research materials via the Internet.
Gov. Locke closed by detailing the concerns he has about water in the state and he noted that the Grange was a leading group in working for resolution of existing water problems. "The Washington State Grange works hard for water reform," he said. He singled out several successful bills coming out of this last session of the Legislature that made significant contributions to water reform efforts.
He went on to mention other water reforms that must be implemented. "We must modernize our laws in respect to relinquishment," he said, and his statement "We have to get away from this `use it or lose it' mentality" drew enthusiastic applause from the Grangers. He also shared his commitment to increasing water storage for all users including agriculture. "As our population grows, we must store more water," he said.
"The Washington State Grange is a valued partner for progress in our state," he said. "We share the values that make our state great -- families and community; hard work and education; opportunity and a high quality of life. The Grange has helped chart our state's course. You are a vital and appreciated voice in our democratic process. Let's continue to work together to make sure Washington remains a great place to live, work and raise a family."
The governor spoke briefly about the Grange's participation in his 2002 agricultural trade mission to Japan and South Korea. Grange News Editor Dave Howard was a participant on that trip. "We came away with instant sales on behalf of Washington agriculture," he said.
The governor signed up as an honorary Grange member after speaking to the delegates. He is the first governor of Washington to become a Grange member at the state convention.
Following his address, Gov. Locke met with members of the organization's executive committee, staff and National Master Kermit Richardson where they discussed specific questions about education, transportation and water policy.
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For more information contact Larry Clark, Communications Director, (360) 943-9911