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The Viking Chieftain, Kevin O'Brien The Assistant District Governor, Dave Duskin Washington State Treasurer Duane Davidson
Three important speakers addressed our meeting last Friday at the Lake Stevens Fire Conference Center. Each inspiring our Club in varying ways.
The Viking Chieftain - inspiring his team to take the AquaFest and Viking Duck Dash to new horizons, exceeding all expectations and making it a memorable fundraiser.
The Assistant District Governor talking about District 5050 or Rotary International upcoming events such as Golfun in August, the Caribbean Inspiration theme for the District Conference, April 11-14, 2019 at the Tulalip Resort and inspiring us to complete the Presidential Citation.
The State Treasurer - When Duane Davidson began his career working for the State Auditor, he complained about the ways things were done and a colleague suggested that he run for office. He became a four term county treasurer and than ran for the State Treasurers Office. Early on in his quest to be the State Treasurer, Duane lost his wife. He thought about pulling the plug on his election chances. After all, he had three children to consider. Two girls and a boy. It was at this point that his 17 year old daughter, told him she would be his campaign manager. It turns out, she had quite a knack for running her father's campaign. Pre-primary endorsement by the Seattle Times. At first, he thought some pranky Kiwanians were behind this endorsement and it wasn't true. Oh, it was real and true. Endorsed by firefighters and all of the county treasurers regardless of political background.
The State Treasurer is the only statewide officials that must reside in the City of Olympia. So, he has a boat in the marina in Olympia. His staff wouldn't allow him to name the boat, "Off Shore Account". Duane really enjoys his job. It was much like his county role, just a lot more numbers to deal with at the state level. Duane commented that change is coming under his leadership. Community outreach is important. Washington State has the 6th highest debt in the United States. Pensions are well funded and infrastructure ratings are good. The state is $2 billion dollars in debt with nearly $1 billion going to pay the interest on the debt. His agency prepared a "debt affordable report" available on his website before the start of the last session. Mailed it to the homes of all elected state legislators. The state has not been in heavy debt before. Duane distributed a one page "Report to the Citizens of Washington". Although you run as a Republican, once in office, party doesn't matter any longer because you represent all parties.
Biggest challenge is from five Seattle liberal members of the legislature that are pushing for a State Bank. The State Treasurer opposes any and all items to have a State Bank. Duane feels that all of the finances under a state bank would just be too costly. Local government investment pool in the State Treasurers Office amounts to over $16 billion dollars and another $99 billion through the state investment board from the state pensions. State revenues are up and the need for a rainy day fund is critical when the economy turns down and right now the fund is very low.
His goal is simple: reduce the debt; stop issuing as much debt and return to pay as you go. All debt comes out of the Capital Budget. His parting comment was that he thought his Kiwanis Club was fun but doesn't even compare to our Club's fun and enthusiasm. Three great speakers and a wonderful program.