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Bredesen Known for Getting Results

Nashvillians know all about Phil Bredesen and big economic development deals. The former Nashville mayor turned governor lists on his economic development resume the Dell facility, the Titans’ stadium on the East bank and Nissan’s sparkling new headquarters in Cool Springs. Last week, that resume added another bullet point with the announcement of the soon-to-be-constructed Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. “Gov. Bredesen is very intelligent, very focused, and he’s a good dealmaker, whether it’s with the Titans or with the Nissan headquarters or with Volkswagen,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). “When he focuses on something, there’s a good chance it’s going to happen. And fortunately for Tennessee, he focused on those three big things and they all got done.” Read more

CAMPAIGN NEWS

WA – Gregoire Rallies Support. Gov. Chris Gregoire began a North Olympic Peninsula campaign swing with promises for the future, strong words for her opponent and a couple of jokes. Gregoire was not shy to speak about the change she is predicting in the November election, but reminded the crowd that the changes needed in Washington state could only take place if she was elected for another four years. Gregoire then said Rossi, if elected, would change state government policies to mirror those of President Bush. Citing health care reform, public safety and education as primary examples of change in her four years as governor, Gregoire said she still has a lot to do. Read more

VT – Symington Challenges Douglas Record, Promises Positive Change. Gov. Jim Douglas was under fire from his two major-party gubernatorial campaign opponents during a debate Sunday. Douglas drew criticism on a range of issues from Democratic House Speaker Gaye Symington and Progressive candidate Anthony Pollina, both whom faulted the three-term incumbent especially for being, in their view, too friendly to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant and not friendly enough to wind and other alternatives energy sources. One of Symington’s sharpest barbs was over Douglas’ veto earlier this year of a bill that would have required Vermont Yankee owner Entergy nuclear to guarantee enough money to dismantle the plant after it shuts down. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

DE – Minner Strengthens Child Predator Law. Two measures designed to strengthen the state’s laws to protect children from child predators have been signed into law by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. The bills increase the state penalties related to child pornography offenses and eliminate a loophole in the state’s sex offender registry law. Read more

MA – Patrick Envisions New Economy. Hanging high in the chambers of the Massachusetts House of Representatives is the wooden sculpture of a cod fish _ a silent reminder of what was once the backbone of state’s economy. If the dreams of Gov. Deval Patrick and top lawmakers come true, the “sacred cod” may one day be swapped for a “sacred hydrogen fuel cell,” “sacred photovoltaic panel” or even a “sacred wind turbine.” With clean energy, biotechnology, casinos, filmmaking, Patrick has pushed to diversify the state’s job base beyond the traditional areas of financial services; manufacturing and high tech. Read more

MT – Schweitzer Encourages Telecommuting to Save Energy. Gov. Brian Schweitzer is asking state boards and commissions to save energy by reducing travel. “We’ve got long distances in Montana, and to ask a half dozen or a dozen members of a board and commission to meet in a central location takes a lot of gas and the state of Montana pays for it,” explains Schweitzer. “In many cases, we can accomplish these meetings by telecommuting.” The executive order is part of the Governor’s initiative to reduce energy consumption 20% by 2010. Read more

NJ – Corzine Embarks on Trade Mission to Israel. Gov. Jon Corzine is crisscrossing the Middle Eastern country primarily to drum up more economic connections for New Jersey. The governor’s business agenda focuses on the areas of alternative energy, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Israel is New Jersey’s ninth-largest trading partner, and more than 700 New Jersey companies do business with the nation. Read more

PA – Rendell Praises Pre-K Counts. Gov. Edward G. Rendell recently announced that 11,800 3- and 4-year olds will benefit from the second year of Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, the quality pre-kindergarten program that is funded by an $86.4 million investment in the new state budget. The Governor encouraged parents to immediately begin enrolling their children for the new school year. “Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a resounding success for children, families and the commonwealth,” Gov. Rendell said. “Data from the first year showed that children who participated in a Pre-K Counts program are better prepared to begin learning as they enter kindergarten, setting the stage for greater success throughout school and into their careers.” Read more

WV – Manchin Promotes Motorcycling, ATV trails. Gov. Joe Manchin says West Virginia is one of the best states for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riding in the nation. Manchin’s a motorcycle enthusiast himself. He took part in last week’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride, which helps chronically ill children. He said this motorcycle charity group is just one of many that choose to ride in West Virginia because of its scenery. Manchin says the Mountain State is also becoming well known for its ATV trails and should continue to expand those trails and create new ones when possible. Read more

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