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Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 20, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke addresses rural economic development during salute to Phyllis Pulfer

WALLA WALLA - Gov. Gary Locke today promoted rural economic development at a speech in Walla Walla.

The governor made his remarks at a luncheon honoring Phyllis Pulfer, the retiring chair of the state's Human Rights Commission.

In thanking Ms. Pulfer for her 15 years of service on the commission the governor said, "During Washington's Centennial in 1989, our state produced capsule biographies of state leaders who've shaped their communities or fields of interest for the better. Fifty years from now, when state scholars update those histories, there should be a section on Phyllis."

"The citizens of this state who believe in the cause of freedom, citizens who believe in justice and equal rights, citizens who've had wrongs righted and injustices reversed by the Human Rights Commission, owe Phyllis the full measure of their devotion," Locke added.

Referring to his rural economic development agenda, Locke discussed the four elements of a thriving rural economy:

1. Building a foundation for the new economy
2. Creating a 21st century workforce
3. Shaping an entrepreneurial environment
4. Strengthening the state's agricultural industry

Locke also discussed recent reforms of the state's water-permitting process.

"Water reform is also critical for Eastern Washington and the long-term economic health of our state. I asked the Legislature to step up to the challenge, to advance the water needs of people and fish together," the governor said. "And we have succeeded. We broke the logjam on water-reform law."

"This legislation will help us get through this year's drought but more importantly manage water for the future," Locke concluded.

After attending the luncheon honoring Pulfer, Locke toured downtown Walla Walla.

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