Independent pollster Stu Elway surveys local election officials every five years or so to see what’s on their mind as the most important “issues or opportunities” facing their area for the next five or 10 years.  This year, with the state and nation still mired in recession, it was no surprise to see that budget concerns were the top thing mentioned by six out of 10 officials. In 2005, budget pressures were mentioned by only 35 percent and in 1999, just 15 percent — third or fourth on their list.

Elway says the only issue that comes close to budget as concerns/opportunities is economic development — attracting business and jobs.  Improving infrastructure, growth management, environmental protection and transportation also were mentioned by a number of elected officials.  Public safety, one of the top budget demands, was mentioned by only 9 percent, as were replies about governance (unfunded mandates, need for strong leadership, and public distrust of government).

The survey, co-sponsored by the Association of Washington Cities, Washington State Association of Counties and the Washington Association of County Officials, reflected what Elway called a “chewing gum and bailing wire” approaching to coping to the financial squeeze.  He said many jurisdictions have reduced employee hours and drawn down reserves.

Elway added:

“The most common next things to look at are new revenue sources, securing additional flexibility within existing programs, eliminating services and trying to negotiate labor concessions.”