Assuming the Chairmanship of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors

By GEORGE H. RYAN,
Lieutenant Governor

Most people agree that intergovernmental cooperation is essential for efficient and effective governing. When this concept is considered, however, it usually concerns cooperation between levels of government —i.e. local, state and federal government interaction.

Another great aspect of intergovernmental cooperation, which can be just as important, is within the same level of government. It is often necessary for a municipality to work with other municipalities. So too must states enter into cooperative agreements with other states.

The Illinois Municipal League is an example of how governments at the same level can join forces to act cooperatively for their common good. Similar organizations exist at all levels of government to allow sharing of common concerns and goals. These organizations can provide a unified voice on issues where a single voice may go unheard.

An entity that I am involved with is the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors (NCLG). This organization, which is a subgroup of the Council of State Governments, provides a forum for Lieutenant Governors from across the nation to meet and discuss issues not only concerning the Office of Lieutenant Governor in general but issues affecting our respective states as a whole.

The NCLG has currently organized itself into eight Task Forces devoted to: Agriculture and Rural Development; Education; Youth Suicide Prevention; Substance Abuse Prevention (which I chair); High Tech and Economic Development in the Era of Global Competition; Drug Trafficking; State/Federal Relations; and Child Care. Through these and other ad hoc committees the NCLG can develop policies and proposals to address problems of mutual concern. The NCLG also provides a means for states to present a unified voice to Congress on issues of national concern.

Last year I had the honor to be elected Chairman-elect of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors. This August I will assume the Chairmanship of the NCLG for a one year term. I will succeed Lieutenant Governor Winston Bryant of Arkansas, who is finishing up his term as Chairman of the Conference.

One of the initiatives I plan to pursue as chairman is to direct the Conference's focus on more issues facing local governments. The problems facing local governments in Illinois are the same as those in every other state. Whether it be the elimination of federal revenue-sharing, state and federal mandates, or EPA waste-water compliance requirements, the need for consensus policy and a unified voice has never been greater.

As the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors develops consensus policy and concentrates on mutual concerns I will continue to make sure that the interests of Illinois are well represented. As chairman of this conference I will continue to strive for improved intergovernmental cooperation, not only between but within different levels of government. In fulfilling this goal I invite each of you to contact me and provide your insight on the issues and problems that we all must face. •

July 1987 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 11