It has certainly been an interesting week of change. When the 110th U.S. Congress convenes this coming January, we will be seeing dozens of new elected legislators and their newly formed staffs on Capitol Hill. Without regard to political affiliation, rest assured that the AIA will have our own cadre of skilled, informed people at the ready, making appointments, and pressing the agenda of AIA public policy that your Board of Directors has set out to create a better built environment.
Does that mean it's time to take a break? Most definitely, no.
If you've ever pulled in a tug-of-war, you know that the effort isn't over when the center ribbon moves to one side or the other. It's over when you've moved the opposing team to your side. Now, I want to stress again that I'm not talking about ideology here. I am talking about public policy for the common good.
For instance, issues the AIA has been championing and for which movement forward looks promising at the federal legislative level include:
- Sustainability—funding for alternative energy sources, more stringent caps on greenhouse gas emissions, and renewal and strengthening of the Clean Water Act, including to reduce storm-water runoff
- Health care—coverage that is affordable for small businesses
- Taxes—ensuring breaks for historic preservation, affordable housing, and energy-efficient building
- School construction and modernization—reinvigorating the drive for funding.
A perfect example of the coordinated efforts to move these topics ahead at the federal, state, and local levels is sustainability. The Mayor's Institute recently adopted its 2030 Challenge—inspired by the AIA 2006 National Convention pledge to make our buildings carbon-neutral by 2030. We are currently marshalling the resources to achieve that ambitious goal, as outlined in AIArchitect.
Another Board objective is to support AIA members seeking state and local elected office. This is a difficult undertaking, but achievable, as the results of the 2006 elections make clear. A large part of that success can be attributed to AIA-member support for ArchiPAC and our state PACs.
Take encouragement that we are bringing the political debate to the AIA's side. And it will happen when everyone digs in and pulls as hard as hard as we can; in unison.
What do you think?
Comments (8)
I am embarassed for the letter writers ranting against Al Gore at next year's convention. Architects or not, these folks must be part of that 28% that would follow G.W. lemming-like off a cliff, and should be encouraged to do so.
Where have they been for the last 6 years? The most recent election should tell you that neanderthal mind-set that these folks posess is way out of step with the American mainstream.
Weakening magnetic field instead of global warming??? This guy needs to get his aluminum foil lined hat back on before the aliens recognize his brain-wave signature and re-abduct him.
Point 1 is that we should be stewards of the environment and not shills for the oil goons. Al Gore supports and articulates a position we should all embrace.
Point 2 is that like it or not we are political. We lobby legislators on both sides of the aisle and believe it is a valid path for our agenda.
I for one welcome Mr. Gore.
Gary Bley,
Gary Bley Architects, LLC
Portland, Oregon
Posted by Gary Bley | December 1, 2006 3:32 PM
Posted on December 1, 2006 15:32
I am glad to see this blog is being used by the membership. This is exciting!
I also want to add to Doug Ashe's comments regarding the positive direction the AIA is taking by having someone, such as, Al Gore give a presentation at the San Antonio convention.
As AIA members, and as architects, we do need to lead the discussion on sustainability. We also need to collaborate with people who are leading this discussion on a national and international scale.
Let's hear his presentation and continue the dialogue with our members in the Institute and with the public we serve!
Posted by Leslie J. Thomas, AIA | November 16, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 16, 2006 00:00
Mr. Bley, I can see you are a true "liberal" or "progressive", as you obviously think the only way to win a debate is by making negative, personal statements about someone who has a political philosophy than yourself; just look at the terms you've used to describe anyone not sharing your opinions. And, with regards to medication, I could write the same about your rantings. I can only hope you realize that not every "Citizen" or AIA Member agrees with the statements you've made, and the fact that, just because you believe nonsense, doesn't mean the rest of us have to agree with you.
Regarding my first message, I was making a sarcastic statement about the headline "Citizen Architects Win Eight Elections". Who else but "Citizens" of this country should be elected to represent the "Citizens" of this nation. No doubt you believe all people who are residing in this nation, even if they are here illegally, should be allowed to vote?
Posted by Larry Alan Whitlock | November 14, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 14, 2006 00:00
Mr. Bley, after rereading my reply to your withering retort to my first message, I see I left out the word "different" before the phrase "political philosophy", and used a question mark instead of an exclamation point at the end of the last sentence. Please forgive my not having more carefully proofed the message before posting it. I am, after all, a neanderthal, in your most humble opinion.
Posted by Larry Alan Whitlock | November 14, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 14, 2006 00:00
Whew, this blog business is going to be tough, isn't it? The topic has to be interesting enough to get people to read and respond. But not too inflammatory.
As far as "citizen architects" goes, it was a reference to the definition "a civilian as distinguished from a specialized servant of the state," (e.g, Citizen Kane). We thought it had a nice ring. But, as one managing editor told me years ago, "Gordon, if you have to explain a headline, it doesn't work."
For now, though, it appears to be time to put some graphite rods into the reactor core.
Posted by Doug Gordon | November 14, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 14, 2006 00:00
I'm certainly glad that the Architects elected to public office were "Citizens". I am, of course, assuming they were "Citizens" of the United States of America, but that will no doubt change with future rulings of the judicial system and "Citizens" who believe there should be no borders.
Posted by Larry Alan Whitlock | November 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 13, 2006 00:00
Larry Whitlock, get back on your medication. Your non-sensical ramblings sound like the onset of dementia. An ancient Chinese saying....."It is far better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it." Please take heed.
Posted by Gary Bley | November 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 13, 2006 00:00
I have just been reading some negative comments in AIArchitect about Al Gore speaking at the upcoming convention in San Antonio.
As for me and my wife--------we think it is FABULOUS that Al Gore is speaking----------his message is so important and valuable to our membership as AIA takes a leading role in sustaniablilty and critical envnironmental issues.
My wife usually goes sightseeing during the convention, but she will definitely be in the audience to hear Al Gore speak.
I know many, many members and their spouses will attend the convention specifically to hear Mr. Gore.
I can only image the position our country would be in right now, both here at home and around the world, if Al Gore had rightfully become our President, an election he won.
PS The new format for AIArchitect is GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
See ya'll in San Antonio !!!!!!!!!!!!! along with Al Gore.
Doug Ashe, AIA
Alexandria, Louisiana
Posted by Doug Ashe | November 11, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 11, 2006 00:00