Candidate Notes on 01-WGA0

01-WGA0 on Aug 17, 2001

Established in 1984, the Western Governors' Association is an independent, non-partisan organization of governors from 18 western states and three U.S.-flag Pacific islands. The Association was formed to provide strong leadership in an era of critical change in the economy and demography of the West. The Western Governors recognize that many vital issues and opportunities shaping our future span state lines and are shared throughout the West.

Mission

Governors select the issues based on regional interest and impact. WGA helps the governors develop strategies both for the complex, long-term issues facing the West and for the region's immediate needs. Governors use the WGA to develop and advocate policies that reflect regional interests and relationships in debates at the national and state levels.

The WGA has six basic objectives:
1. Develop and Communicate Regional Policy
2. Serve as a Leadership Forum
3. Build Regional Capacity
4. Conduct Research and Disseminate Findings
5. Form Coalitions and Partnerships to Advance Regional Interests
6. Build Public Understanding and Support for Regional Issues and Policy Positions