For the Reporter

In one of his longest running Senate traditions, Sen. Joe Fain hosted the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound at the state Capitol for the eighth consecutive year.

The group heard from a variety of state leaders and got a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process.

“It’s incredibly important for people in business and the public sector to engage with elected officials to get results for our community,” said Fain, R-Auburn. “This year’s group of leaders were incredibly knowledgeable about state issues and asked all the right questions.”

The program is administered by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and seeks to prepare local business people, government officials and community members for civic and professional leadership opportunities throughout South King County.

Fain’s office organized an all-star line-up of speakers including Washington’s Secretary of State Kim Wyman, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal and Washington State Department of Transportation Roger Millar. They also had a chance to hear from and ask questions of a bipartisan legislator panel lead by Fain which included the chairs and ranking members of both the Senate Transportation and Education committees.

“It was a great experience to see the behind the scenes work that goes on at the Capitol,” said Jim Felty, who is enrolled in the program and works as a systems analyst for the City of Auburn’s IT Department. “It was very educational to speak with and have face time with the senators. This was a great opportunity for all of us.”

Unlike many of the previous classes, this year’s team visited during one of the busiest weeks of the legislative session and were able to see the lawmaking process up close.

In addition to hearing from elected officials, attendees also heard from many of the people who move legislation forward behind the scenes. Guest speakers included leaders from the non-partisan committee staff, the code reviser’s officer, a lobbyist, and Gov. Inslee’s policy director.