News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 25, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke seeks common sense in government regulations

OLYMPIA-Gov. Locke today signed the first executive order of his administration, a directive that will put common sense in government regulations, improve service to taxpayers and businesses, and reduce costs. The governor, who made regulatory reform a top priority of his administration, appointed a high level management team to spearhead the effort.


"We must work smarter with hard-earned taxpayer dollars and put common sense back into government regulations," said Locke. "We need regulations that are fair, reflect our priorities and are easily understood by the people affected by them.


"Our agencies will work in partnership with business, labor, local governments and environmental groups to find ways we can streamline government and improve customer service," continued Locke. "We all benefit when we eliminate unnecessary and conflicting regulations and simplify the rest. We will reduce frustration and the cost of doing business in our state while continuing our important role of protecting our citizens and our environment."


Gov. Locke signed the executive order on the banks of Indian Creek at Hulbert Pontiac, whose owners recently changed the way they handled automotive fluids such as antifreeze so they would not harm the creek. The governor was joined by managers of other Olympia businesses with similar success stories as well as legislative, business, environmental and labor leaders.


The governor expects results by October 15 and named his Deputy Chief of Staff Fred Stephens and a subcabinet to lead the regulatory reform effort. All state agencies will report regularly on their progress in streamlining regulations and bringing common sense to state government. The goal is to make sure all rules are needed, effective, clear, intended by the law, fair, coordinated with other governing agencies and have been evaluated for cost benefit.

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