PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty has been appointed to serve on Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Committee on Transforming Washington’s Budget.
The broad-based advisory committee is a panel of 32 leaders from various sectors of the economy. It will serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and provide input on state spending.
Its specific charge is to question budget assumptions, serve as a sounding board and lend guidance to the governor.
“It is an honor to be asked by the governor to represent local governments on this committee and, particularly at such a critical time for all levels of government,” Doherty said in a prepared statement.
“More importantly, I will work with Commissioners [Mike] Chapman and [Steve] Tharinger to apply what I learn to improve efficiencies and achieve savings in our own county budget process without sacrificing core services to our citizens.
“Clallam County is recognized as a leader in seeking positive solutions to fiscal challenges,” he said.
Doherty is the only elected official representing local governments on the committee. He said he will solicit input from citizens and local governments throughout Clallam County.
The committee will hold a series of hearings across the state to seek citizen input on the difficult choices facing the state.
The state Office of Financial Management released a report on Thursday showing a projected $3 billion shortfall for the next budget period from 2011 to 2013.
“We have been navigating our way through some very tough times while the economy slowly improves,” Gregoire said in a statement released Thursday.
“I am now looking ahead to the state’s next budget cycle and another sizable shortfall we must address in the 2011-13 budget.
“We are going to challenge every program in state government with a series of tough questions to ensure we are getting the best value for the most essential functions of state government.”
The committee’s first executive budget hearing will be held in Tacoma on July 19. Other hearings are planned for Everett, Spokane and Vancouver.
Doherty, a Democrat from Port Angeles, is being challenged in the Aug. 17 primary for District 3 commissioner by Republicans Robin Poole of Beaver and Bill Peach of Forks.
________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.