2003 Governor’s Message
Evergreen Boys State is one of the most prestigious programs that I have been a part of in my entire life. It is a place for elite students and young men who are the leaders of their communities.
I would also like to acknowledge the members of the American Legion who have made all of this possible. All of America should be thanking them for creating a promising future for the United States.
This program allows the best of the best to be challenged to use their full potential. Evergreen Boys State is an excellent exercise in governmental procedures and it gives future leaders a chance to test out their skills.
Aside from the hard work, there are many friendships that are developed in this program. It gives people of similar talents a way to bond that a normal school cannot offer.
As Governor, I am looking forward to gaining special experience that will aid me in my future as a citizen. I am totally confident that I can help make this an unforgettable experience for all of the citizen’s of Evergreen.
Respectfully,
Mr. Manbir Singh Grewal
The Honorable , Governor
The American Legion Evergreen Boys State
The American Legion Department of Washington
The Governor’s 2nd Press Release,
June 26th 2003
All has been going well this morning. All of the meetings have been productive, and ideas are constantly flowing. Everyone here in the Executive Office is working hard for the people of Evergreen, and everyone is confident that this will be a successful and productive term.
Governor Grewal assembled his staff this morning. These people are working hard with him to make this great State of Evergreen the best that it can be. The appointed positions are as follows:
Chief of Staff – Steven Johnson
Communications Director – Jeff Ferrell
General Council – Joe Inslee
Policy Director – John Wortham
Director of External Affairs – Andrew Jennings
Attorneys – Mr. Andrew Miller-McKeever and Mr. Jason Brain
The Governor’s 3rd Press Release,
June 26th, 2003
In this afternoon’s Governmental Function Session, Governor Grewal kept busy working on the many issues at hand in the State of Evergreen. He discussed the proposed initiatives received with the entire executive office, with everyone actively participating.The Governor also received and reviewed the proposed budgets from each city and county, and continued to schedule appointments with each city for their audience with him tomorrow morning to discuss their city problem.
The Governor’s 4th Press Release,
June 26th, 2003
During the final governmental function of the day, Governor Grewal began with viewing presentations from the counties of Evergreen State. These presentations regarded each county’s “county problem”, and their proposed solution to it. A question and answer session followed each presentation, which gave each county an opportunity to propose their ideas and plans to improve the county.
After viewing the presentations, the Governor visited the Senate and spent fifteen minutes answering any and all questions the Senators had for him. The questions varied from topics such as the State Budget and the initiatives the Executive Office received today.
The Governor’s 5th Press Release,
June 27th, 2003
During this mornings first Governmental Function, Governor Grewal spent time viewing proposed bills that were brought to him, and had meetings with the several people who made appointments to see him. At 11:00 AM, he began viewing the presentations from each city about their city problems.
Lieutenant Governor
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
The elections to committee and Senate positions were smooth, efficient, quick and relatively painless.
Of the twenty-three bills presented to the Senate, sever have been indefinitely postponed by their respective committees. A total of four bills have been referred to the Rules committee for further investigation.
All of our Senators have been doing an outstanding job, working well with each other and easily within their respective committees. Proceedings have run smoothly thus far. On a lighter note, Mr. President of the Senate has suffered several mild heart attacks and bouts of severe sweatiness pending hiccups in the overall process, but otherwise has performed most admirably, keeping the Senate in check.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
The Lt. Governor viewed the presentation s by each county in Evergreen State, and participated in the Question and Answer session.
He then went back to the Senate, which he has been running and making great progress with.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
Overall, Senate business has been flowing smoothly, as expected. A bill that had been passed through both Houses was discovered to have a typographical error and had to be rewritten.
Sixteen proposed bills came into the Senate and were read and reviewed. Four bills were approved and sent out to the House and five were denied and failed by the Senators. The Rules Committee passed five of the seven bills they had received.
Mr. President of the Senate looks forward to another productive Senate session this afternoon.
Secretary of State
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
Thus far the Secretary of State has completed all of his required bills and written several notices/requests on behalf of the Governor. He has also appointed Paul Edgeman as assistant Secretary of State and William Bruns as Press Secretary. Both are performing well.
Recently I responded to a letter from the Speaker of the House concerning I-273. I informed him that the Executive Branch was considering options and if these options failed I would be prepared to file for special election.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
For the evening Government Functions on June 26, 2003 the Secretary of State and his staff took part in the Executive Branch Review of the assigned County Problems. We discussed the budgets and went over the issue of how the possible 10% tax cut will affect our state monetary surplus.
The Secretary of State handed the House of Representatives his three bills concerning election security, a library support act and a bill concerning protection for controversial literature in public schools.
Mr. Edgeman, my assistant, continues to perform with more than adequate conduct and attention. It is a pleasure to have him on my staff. Mr. Bruns has been involved with a law suit and because of this, he has been unavailable. I felt confident that both my staff will continue to perform to the best of standards, both are very good men.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
For the morning session of government functions we have typed the letters of thanks to the sponsors and speakers of Boys State 2003. We entertained the city of Juniper and its city problem and called for a special election in the House of Representatives which passed with a large majority. Special elections will be called in the Senate before noon.
Fourth Press Release, June 27th 2003:
During this Government function, we have completed several things. We sat in and watched cities present their problems, wrote all letters of thanks to speakers and assisted the governor with miscellaneous things.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
During his term as Secretary of State, Jesse Russell accomplished all he set out to do. He was able to assist the Governor in his duties. He was able to produce his three bill concerning matters pertaining to his position. He quickly appointed his staff who surpassed his greatest expectations. He delivered a special election proposal on behalf of the Governor. He sat in on some of the City budget presentations and County budget presentations. All things ran as smoothly as he could have hoped and he was very pleased and honored to have been able to serve the citizens of Evergreen State in this way.
State Auditor
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
Since my induction into the office of State Auditor, I have been quite busy helping cities work through their city problems. A representative from the city of Cedar came to me with a question about how much it would cost to build new roads, schools, and so on. Unfortunately he was not the only person who sought such information and I was unable to help him. I was forced to politely inform him that my job was simply to check their paper work and look for inconsistencies and things that weren’t accounted for.
This afternoon I was able to help a representative from Pine who was given numbers for their city by the American Legion Staff. Unfortunately, there was a mistake high up in the chain so I spoke to a Staff member and we concluded that it would be fair to give them back the $500,500 that was unaccounted for.
I hope my efforts have paid off to those in Evergreen and I look forward to the rest of my term as State Auditor.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
I have had very little to help with since earlier this afternoon. I have, however, gone over the plans of each county to solve their County Problems. I was impressed by most, especially that of Columbia County, however the solution of Cascade County (I believe) was unnerving. They proposed to open a new lumber mill to open more jobs. To me, the solution seemed quite temporary and also a danger to the environment. I’m currently waiting for all the calculations to come to my office so I may review the legality and accuracy of them.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
I spoke today against the piece of legislation that would decriminalize marijuana. I argued in the Senate that recent scientific studies have shown that marijuana is harmful and that half a century or less ago people thought cigarettes were harmless. Most of them argued that marijuana is essentially harmless. I also listened to the city of Juniper’s solution to their city problem. It involved the deregulation of the electricity industry while maintaining a cap on profits of the distributor.
Fourth Press Release, June 27th 2003:
Today was spent reviewing all city plans and listening to their final solutions again. We formed a method of grading each one and then did so. At 2:55 PM we voted and selected Oak as the best City plan and Puget as the best County in that Oak’s solution was most feasible and planned and Puget’s cities all worked together very well and efficiently to solve their problems.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
This week I have learned a a lot about being an Auditor in the State of Evergreen. I was elected and immediately asked to help cities and counties with their problems. I was luck enough to have two helpers who took notes and helped deliver things but my workload was still quite great at certain times. Overall, my week has been pretty good. I was able to help these cities and counties and tell them how much their projects should cost. I also learned what government functions are like.
State Treasurer
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
The State Treasurer’s office created three bills today, each of which was sent to the appropriate committee in the House of Representatives.
The first of these bills deals with imposing an additional five percent tax on any tobacco products sold in the state of Evergreen. This tax would encourage healthier lifestyles, while also generating an estimated 20 million dollars per year.
The second bill would raise the price of Evergreen State hunting licenses by five dollars each. This increase would not affect the price of fishing licenses. This bill would generate an estimated 1.5 million dollars per year, while at the same time saving wildlife in the State of Evergreen.
The third bill would mandate amber colored illumination for all turn signals on motor vehicles licensed in the state. This bill would generate an estimated 6 million dollars per year, while more importantly improving the safety of our roads.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
The office of the Treasurer has been working hard to prepare the state budget. This has taken careful collaboration with many other state departments and officials. The budget will be presented to the legislature with the next few hours. Today the Treasurer also sat in with the rest of the state executive body to evaluate the progress of the four Evergreen State counties.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
The treasury department of the State of Evergreen have been tremendously busy preparing the Fiscal Budget of the State. We are happy to announce that the Budget is nearing completion and will be approved by the Governor by 11:00 AM.
Fourth Press Release, June 27th 2003:
The Department of the Treasury has been working hard in conjunction with the other state executive committees in order to evaluate the success of the 12 cities in the state of Evergreen. The executive branch is working hard to come to consensus on which city and county they perceived to be most successful. The Treasury Department also submitted a third revision of the State Budget to the House, Senate, and the Governor.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
As State Treasurer, I am happy to announce that the State of Evergreen has successfully met all of their financial responsibilities. This is thanks in very large part to Bryan Reeves, the Assistant State Treasurer. His knowledge and insight have been invaluable to not only the Treasury Department, but to the entire state of Evergreen. Bryan and myself have worked in close conjunction with the rest of the Executive Branch to arrive at a State Budget we could all agree on. The entire Executive Branch also worked diligently on reviewing all of the city and county solutions. Creating these solutions and running our government over the past two days has been very challenging and tremendously frustrating. However, by overcoming these challenges and frustrations we have hopefully proven to the American Legion Department of Washington that we, as the leaders of tomorrow, will be able to uphold and defend the freedoms and rights they have fought so valiantly to give us. To the American Legion and to you, the State of Evergreen, I give my sincere thanks for this opportunity to serve as the 2003 Evergreen State Treasurer.
State Insurance Commissioner
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
As Insurance Commissioner I plan to pass a few bills. I am going to endorse a re-certification bill for insurance agents, as well as a bill limiting the number of citizens in a dorm room. These are excellent bills that need to be passed.
I will work hand in hand with the Governor. I will help him with any insurance related needs. I believe Governor Grewal will achieve greatness. With my help, I will make sure the Governor’s platform is successful. I look forward to a great time.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
Today during the session, not much went on by way of insurance or fire marshal matters. What did go on however, was listening to the county budgets of the counties and what they plan to do with them. The county representatives also informed us of their problems and what they plan to do to correct them.
What little that did happen within the office of the Insurance Commissioner was that a new bill was presented to the Senate committees. This was a bill having to do with the re-certification of insurance agents.
Other than that, not much has happened since the last session. Once again, if you need to contact the insurance commissioner, just stop by the executive branch.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
Today we wrote two more bills. We are trying to push for re-certification of agents and better premiums for migrant workers. I continue to do random Fire Marshall checks. Thanks for the support.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
Overall the Insurance Commissioner has done his best to serve the State. These include putting up several bills for the good of the citizens. HE has also done his best to listen to all ideas and take them into account. These include a bill for fire safety, retesting of insurance agents and one for the protection of migrant workers.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
It has been a pleasure serving my first day representing the public schools of the State of Evergreen. I am extremely excited to continue work on the improvement of schools around the State.
My work today has included beginning the first draft of base curriculum for the State of Evergreen. This involves the outlining of what a a student must learn each year in the public school system. In addition to this I have submitted legislation to the Senate that would attract new teachers by tax incentives.
Currently I am working on a bill that would make teachers accountable for their classrooms by testing them at the end of every year that the teach. I would like to thank all the citizens of Evergreen for putting me in this office.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
In the second session of the day I was pleased to hear that all cities solved their city problems and am currently debating upon which one has done the best job along with the rest of my associates.
A bill to eliminate the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is currently in the works per request of the governor and the opinions of citizens of Evergreen. I appreciate those who have returned my letter from the city level. Their opinions will be heard and I much congratulate them.
I am continuing wok on the base curriculum of the state schools and have nearly completed the requirements.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
The WASL elimination bill was submitted to the Senate and all answers received from a letter pertaining to the curriculum of Boy’s State have been tabulated and my report is being written. Furthermore, the State curriculum base has been completed and allocation of state education funding has been budgeted. I am eagerly awaiting city problem solutions.
Fourth Press Release, June 27th 2003:
Today I finalized the positions of my job. I completed my state of Public Education address. In addition the executive branch discussed the City problem solutions and determined the best.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
I would first like to thank the State of Evergreen for the opportunity to serve as their Superintendent of Public Instruction. The first day that I served I submitted two bills to the Congress. The first was a tax incentive for teachers who currently work in Evergreen or prospective teachers that will fill the “Baby Boomers” positions in the education sector. The second bill, which unfortunately did not pass in the Senate made it mandatory for annual testing of every school district’s teachers. The city of Birch needed a new elementary school so I allowed them to build one.
Perhaps the most important thing I did in office was to establish, for the first time in at least eight years, a base curriculum for K-12 education. I took input from many people especially my aid John Kurkoski.
I submitted a third bill to the Congress per the Governor’s request to eliminate the WASL. The way in which it tests is not only inaccurate, but immeasurable.
The executive branch and myself thoroughly discussed the problems that faced both the Cities and Counties of Evergreen. We determined the best and it was a very difficult decision.
In addition I took the generous 48% of the State’s Budget allocated for education and divided it between construction costs, general K-12 education costs and higher education’s costs.
John Kurkoski tabulated the results of the survey which I sent to every city to address the changes, additions and deletions that the administration of Evergreen Boys State should make. I am pleased with the results and those who submitted responses because these are what the executive branch discussed.
Again I would like to thank the citizens of Evergreen for this opportunity, furthermore I would like to express great thanks to my aid, John Kurkoski, who ran from the Senate to the House and back, as well as typed up many proposals of mine.
State Attorney General
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
Since beginning my duties as Evergreen State Attorney General, we have had somewhat of a busy time. My staff and I have worked closely with the Governor’s Chief of Staff. We talked regarding the repealing of Initiative 273. We gave our case to the Supreme Court and are currently awaiting the verdict. Word is, when I return to the Executive Office, I have another case waiting for me.
My staff was at first a little undirectioned, but once a case cam in, they were at my side to help me. I’m sure that as soon as more lawsuits are brought to the courts, our office will become even busier. So far this has been a learning experience and I am becoming more comfortable with my duties as we progress.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
After three sessions, work at the Attorney General’s office is really picking up. The Supreme Court has overruled their own decision on I-273, and it has been referred to a Superior Court. I also am now defending this initiative, with the Chief of Staff as the leading plaintiff attorney.
Lawsuits are being filed at a fast rate. Two members of my staff are now working on a case in the Superior Courts. I have two court dates lined up for tomorrow and possible the case regarding I-273 left tonight. So far it has been a very strenuous job with the entire judicial system in a state of confusion at one point. With everyone gaining more experience, things are now functioning more smoothly.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
So far today, I have held a hearing in the Superior Court regarding I-273. As Attorney General, my job is to defend this initiative. I pleaded my case, backed by Amendment 10 of the Constitution, but nevertheless, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff. I am awaiting word of a a pain and suffering case against Evergreen that will be held this afternoon.
Fourth Press Release, June 27th 2003:
During our last session I spent 2.5 hours in court. I attended four trials including a heated debate in the legality of having the word “God” in the Boys State Constitution. A verdict is still being awaited. Since this was our last session, I would like to thank my assistants for their hard work and dedication.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
It has been a busy past two days in the office of Attorney General. Our first business was to form our legal team. It consisted of my, the Jason Brain, Andrew Miller-McKeever and Derek Houston. My assistants have done an excellent job with helping me conduct my business with the I-273 case, along with acting as attorneys in their own cases. They have been hard working and I compliment their efforts.
I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge as Attorney General. It is a very difficult job and requires a lot of work. I cannot even put a number to the trips I have made from my office to the courts. I have learned the operations in the office of Attorney General as well as the operations in the court system. I understand now how easy it is for the courts to get backed up and to have trial times pushed way back. After completing my duties as Attorney General, I believe that both my staff and I have gained valuable experience and knowledge of our government.
Commissioner of Public Lands
First Press Release, June 26th 2003:
I have written a bill pertaining to urban expansion into eastern Evergreen State. The proposal is to allow big businesses like Microsoft and Boeing to expand over to eastern Evergreen if land allotment is allowed. I also proposed that Evergreen use land in eastern Evergreen State to build medical research and development companies. Since land is so cost effective in the eastern area of Evergreen State this is a valid proposal to help jump start our economy. These new business will bring in people, and I proposed for land to be bought for housing development. This will strengthen Evergreen’s economy, giving us major commerce on both sides of the mountains.
I also wrote a bill pertaining to light-rail transportation between major metropolitan Evergreen cities. I would like land bought to build this transportation. It would cut down on fuel usage and exhaust pollution. Saving fuel means a lot to me because I serve as the executive head of the Department of Natural Resources.
I submitted the first bill to the House and plan to submit the second bill shortly.
I’ve also worked with a Cascade County mayor about land usage for roads. I also talked with a Cascade County member about land fill regulations and cost for land.
I have enjoyed this time, and can’t wait to get back to work. Thank you.
Second Press Release, June 26th 2003:
The solutions to the county problems were well thought out. We are debating on the best one as we speak. We’re trying to find the little details to set each county apart.
I also brought my bill to the front of the House regarding light-rail transportation and the positive ecological effects. We save fuel and stop exhaust pollution. After our county decisions are made, I’m ready to get back to bill writing for you.
Third Press Release, June 27th 2003:
I started the first session by having the cost of a sewage treatment plant (including land use, labor, and supplies) delivered to Palouse County to help them with their county problem. I then had two bills delivered to the Senate. I listened to Juniper’s city problem solution, and I look forward to hearing the solutions to the remaining problems.
Fourth Press Release, June 27th 2003:
I was quite pleased this session to discover my bill on setting aside land to build a popsicle factory in Evergreen had passed the Senate, and that my bill on light-rail transportation was being brought to the floor in the House. We finished hearing the remaining City problems, and made our final decisions. Then I finished my write-ups for next year’s Public Land Commissioner. I prepared for the final Joint Session of Evergreen Boy’s State.
Full Term Press Release, June 27th 2003:
During my past few days serving as the Commissioner of Public Lands, I’ve attempted to get several bills passed in the House and Senate pertaining to my position.
My first bill pushed for the allotment of government land to allow big business expansion into eastern Evergreen.
My second bill pertained to light-rail transportation between major metropolitan areas of western Evergreen. This bill would have a positive ecological and economical effect on Evergreen State. It would cut down on pollution, fuel consumption, and traffic congestion.
I also served as the Administrator of the Department of Natural Resources. I feel that saving fuel is imperative to our state’s future success.
My third bill attempt dealt with the issue on allotting government land for a theme park, an aquarium, or a zoo to provide recreation on the eastern side of Evergreen State. This will attract people from the surrounding states to our beautiful state for some family fun.
My fourth bill was to allow for the government to build popsicle factories in Evergreen State. We all know how necessary those would be.
I’ve enjoyed helping out the County and Cities by offering land prices and allotting land for your use. The County and City problem solutions have been a pleasure to listen to and judge.
Overall the experience as Commissioner of Public Lands has been incredible. I leaned a ton. Thank you for the opportunity. My assistant, Matt Gordon, is much appreciated for making these past few days successful. Thank you again.
