Architects in State Politics - Who They Are and Why Its Important
A few weeks ago AIA|WA covered the stories of three local candidates who were also architects. In the same article you were asked for information about architects you may know who are in politics. AIA|WA was surprised to find out that there are many architects in Washington who are in political positions!
Of the three architects AIA|WA profiled earlier, two of the three were not successful in making it past the primary on August 19: Martin Henry Kaplan and Matthew Gregory. The AIA|WA congratulates the two candidates despite there loss for being courageous enough to put themselves in the arena, attempting to tackle the tough issues in their communities and placing positive visions before the voters.
The third architect profiled, Jim Merritt, FAIA, did not have a primary in his bid for Tacoma Mayor. He automatically advances to the general election in November. You can follow his campaign efforts at his website: http://www.merrittformayor.com.
An ongoing List of Architects in the Political Arena -
As you, the AIA|WA members, informed us a partial list has been created. Below are the architects in Washington State that are advancing the ideals of the profession through public service:
Patsy Bonincontri, candidate for Bellevue City Council
(2nd term);
Cynthia Richardson, candidate for Anacortes City Council
(3rd term, unopposed);
John Cheney, Mount Vernon City Councilmember;
Alfred French, Spokane City Councilmember;
David Cooper, Mayor of Yarrow Point;
Mark Nelson, Mayor of Medina;
Carol Simpson, Newcastle City Councilmember;
Bob Wardell, AIA, is the Chair of the Yakima Housing Authority;
Nancy Charron, AIA, is a member of the Yakima County Planning Commission;
Jon Hopwood, AIA, is the Chair of the City of Yakima Community Review Board.
Why is it Important for Architects to Be in Politics - The AIA|WA will be working to profile each of the individuals listed here about their dedication to public service. At this juncture the AIA|WA has had the opportunity to ask some of these individuals “Why do you think (or do you think) it’s important for architects to be involved politically?” AIA|WA received some illuminating responses:
~
Nancy Charron : “I have served on the Commission for about five years and during that time I have learned a huge amount about Yakima County's, and Washington State’s, land use policies and the impacts from State legislative or Commission actions.
As a commission, we have tackled several tough issues, including Critical Areas, Agricultural Land De-designation Criteria, and Mineral Resource Overlay Designations, to name a few.
What I get from the Commission is a much better understanding of land use opportunities, existing legal limits and political issues. But, for me, and more than official actions, I enjoy the inter-action of the County staff, my fellow commissioners and the experts who are explaining the concerns and perceptions of how we can encourage and enhance land use and codes that are flexible and will allow for the optimum property owner rights and their neighbors.”
~ Mark Nelson : “I felt a strong desire to serve the community I was living in, interest in improving existing problematic Land Use code and assisting the city leaders in decisions; especially relative to the impact of the 520 corridor going through our community.
A council elected mayor acts as the chair of the council and facilitates every discussion. As an architect, my consensus building skills, temperament and ability to facilitate decisions is extremely beneficial to the goal of making policy. An architect’s skills reflect the diversity of a community.
I believe that architects are trained to see the bigger picture, can offer creative ideas on problem solving, are used to working with budgets, understand the value of science and engineering, are environmentally sensitive and are natural leaders and facilitators in building consensus. That is why I think their participation in decisions involving our communities, towns, cities, etc. is very important. As an elected official, they have even more value in being part of the vote.”
~ Bob Wardell : “All too often, elected officials and board appointees loose sight of the mission or the long term goals and become caught up in day to day issues. Architects are especially adept at keeping their eye on the long range plan and providing leadership to get there. Architects' knowledge of people, and the places they use, can be both broad and specific given what we do. This brings insight as to how stakeholders may react to proposals and programs.
Our experience in guiding the design and construction process means we can be valuable contributors to government process which is usually complex and lengthy. All of the above applies to my role as a housing authority commissioner. “
It becomes clear from these responses that architects bring a special brand of influence and a community consciousness to politics. State and local government would not succeed if it weren’t for consensus builders. Architects who are involved in government are a priceless resource for other architects and government bodies.
Share Your Insight -
Do you have further thoughts about why having architects in politics is important? Please send the AIA|WA your thoughts and ideas at info@aiawa.org. If you are interested in being involved in political office, or serving on a board, please contact us so that the AIA|WA can be an aid for you.
The AIA|WA will continue to compile a complete list of State architects in legislative office, state and local political positions. If you know of any architects who have not been mentioned here that serve on boards, commissions, or in public office please let us know!
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Input Needed on Building Codes, IECC Regulations Likely for 2012 WA Energy Code
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) will be convening public hearings regarding proposed code changes on September 29 (RENTON/SEATTLE), at the Renton Holiday Inn Select, Evergreen Ballroom AB, and on October 5 (SPOKANE) at the Spokane City Hall, City Council Chambers. The hearings begin at 10am.
AIA members are encouraged to attend the hearings and offer testimony. Architect and SBCC Board Member, John Cochran, welcomes comments directly from AIA|WA members via email at jcochran@callison.com.
The public hearings will be a forum to discuss proposed amendments for the 2009 cycle, regarding the 2009:
International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality Code, and Washington State Historic Building Code. (You can get detailed information regarding these proposed amendments by going to this page and scrolling to the middle.)
These amendments have made it though the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) process and the SBCC. You can find more information about the current code at the SBCC website here or contact SBCC staff directly at (360) 725-2964.
After the hearings the SBCC will reconvene on November 12, 2009 to vote for, or against, moving the proposed changes into the rulemaking process. The code changes will take affect July 1, 2010.
The SBCC was created to advise the Legislature on building code issues and to develop state building codes that keep building occupants safe, healthy and accessible. The SBCC met several times throughout 2009. Discussions about changes to the Washington State Energy Code and sprinklers for new single family homes in the IRC have been the most controversial topics of these meetings.
The meetings have also produced long range results. AIA|WA members serving on the Council have said that the SBCC is leaning toward the adoption of the International Energy Conservation Code as a basis for the 2012 edition of the Washington State Energy Code, instead of a custom crafted code. The AIA|WA urged just this action during the Legislative session in accordance with national AIA policies.
Washington state has been in a leadership role in development of energy codes, and now the national codes can be amended to fit our legislative mandates. These changes make it easier for AIA|WA members working across state lines to have one common framework for the energy, building and mechanical codes.
Strides made in WA move the Nation toward 2030 Goals
AIA|WA support was key in the passage of legislation that reduced carbon emissions in Washington and now has made an impact on a national scale.
Senate Bill 5854, labeled the Efficiency First bill, passed in Washington with the help and support of architects. The Efficiency First Bill was groundbreaking legislation. The bill provides a framework for reducing carbon emissions and energy usage – with mandatory annual reduction targets. This legislation will put Washington near reaching the AIA 2030 goals.
The remarkable nature of this bill was not overlooked. Governor Gregoire announced shortly after signing the bill that she would be taking the new legislation to the National Governors Association (NGA) meeting so that other states could effectively mirror it. Soon thereafter the 2030 legislation was endorsed by the NGA.
After the NGA endorsement the AIA received press coverage from the New York Times regarding carbon reduction objectives. With NGA’s resolution a new push for every state to implement a carbon neutral construction code will begin.
AIA National EVP/CEO Chris McEntee also discussed Washington’s groundbreaking “Efficiency First” law. You can hear this discussion on an AIA Podcast at, http://www.aia.org/podcasts.
McEntee talks about how AIA|WA and AIA National, working together, not only this passed this pioneering law but also how the results of that initiative moved to the national level.
This is a great example of how the ideal of “One AIA” can work to achieve results on the local and national levels.
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