By DENIS LAW

Mayor, City of Renton

It’s difficult to discuss anything other than the economy these days. I’m frequently asked how things are going at City Hall, and my reply is that things are going well. Despite a hiring freeze in every department, our employees continue to provide quality services to our citizens, even though there is more work to be done and fewer people.

Last week, along with several council members and city staff, I spent a day in Olympia meeting with our state legislators. It was a full day of listening to the challenges facing this state as revenues continue to slide to unbelievable levels. While I am very concerned about the potentially devastating impacts of impending budget cuts, I am also hopeful these challenges will force our state officials, and all of us in the public sector, to think creatively about how to do business more efficiently.

One of my highest priorities as mayor is to continue to build on our partnerships with our legislators. Last Tuesday, we attended 15 meetings with almost all our legislators. While thousands of bills that will impact our city are under consideration in Olympia, we focused our efforts on a short and strategic agenda.

First and foremost, we are advocating for maximum flexibility and control at the city level in addressing community needs. We strongly oppose new or expanded mandates on local governments without adequate funding support. Reducing traffic congestion is another high priority. We are working hard to ensure our legislators protect existing I-405 funding, and find opportunities to finance future I-405 projects. We are also focusing on annexation — the city cannot sustain major annexations in the future and continue to provide the service levels our citizens expect, without adequate state support. We are also working on several exciting state capital budget requests for major infrastructure investments that will lay the groundwork for future economic development in Renton.

Despite the state’s fiscal challenges, I believe we will make some progress on our priorities. This is also a good time for us to examine our service priorities and focus on providing services expected by our taxpayers in the most efficient way. We will devote a good deal of time with our council this year identifying these priorities while engaging our citizens in the process.

Things will get better! I cut the ribbon last week at Vino’s at The Landing, a new wine bar and retail outlet offering great food and a welcoming atmosphere. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of Rick and Andrea McMaster, two young entrepreneurs, eager to make their mark in the business community. Other new restaurants and businesses are scheduled to open each month at The Landing and we’re seeing increased activity in our local housing market.

The national economic crisis is not over and there will certainly be more pain before our economy begins to rebound. We need to pull together and help our friends, families and neighbors who are struggling. And please don’t forget to patronize our local businesses that are providing jobs and needed services.

Mayor Denis Law can be reached at dlaw@rentonwa.gov.