Mark your calendar for
AMSA's 2004 National Environmental Policy Forum & 34th Annual Meeting
Politics, Policy & POTWs
May 22 - 26, 2004
Renaissance Washington DC Hotel
Washington, DC

Dear Clean Water Colleague:

AMSA’s 2004 National Environmental Policy Forum and 34th Annual Meeting is just around the corner. I look forward to seeing you in May in Washington, DC as we, as an Association, engage national policymakers on the clean water community’s priority issues.

Grassroots Efforts,
November Elections Focus of Forum
This year’s Policy Forum, themed Politics, Policy & POTWs, will feature many keynote speakers that you will not want to miss! With November’s national elections rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to make our voices heard.

Charlie Cook, Editor and Publisher of The Cook Political Report, and a political analyst for the National Journal Group will be providing AMSA with his perspective on the role environmental issues will play in the 2004 presidential and congressional elections, as well as a broader look at what is at stake in 2004. For those of you who are familiar with Charlie’s unique style you know why this is a must-see address, and for those who have yet to see Charlie in action, you are in for a treat!

Grassroots Productivity Expert, Amy Showalter, will be on hand to discuss strategies on how to develop and maintain a results-oriented grassroots program, as well as ideas to rejuvenate your existing public affairs efforts.

National & Local Decision Makers to Address Forum
Senator John Warner (R-VA), Member of the Environment & Public Works Committee, is slated to address AMSA’s Policy Forum on his committee’s activities related to important clean water issues and initiatives.

City of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is well-acquainted with the challenges facing public utilities’ efforts to create and sustain public acceptance for much-needed rate increases to fund aging infrastructure. Mayor Franklin’s address will provide Forum attendees with an insider’s perspective on the challenges facing the City of Atlanta.

In addition to these outstanding speakers we will also hear from key congressional staff as well as high-ranking leadership from EPA and the Department of Homeland Security. Personally, I’m looking forward to the Responsible Environmentalism discussion, which is sure to generate much interest.

Make Sure Your Agency’s Voice is Heard - Take it to Congress & EPA!
On May 25th time has been set aside for Forum attendees to visit national policymakers on Capitol Hill and at EPA Headquarters. Plan to schedule time with your congressional representatives and with EPA officials to discuss AMSA’s clean water priorities.

Committees Strategize to Move Clean Water Agenda Forward
Designed to keep attendees abreast of current and emerging legislative, regulatory, legal and management issues — AMSA’s special committee meetings are jam-packed with information. I strongly encourage you to participate in these meetings, as these strategic discussions are key to AMSA’s future activities and will assist you in preparing for your meetings with national policymakers.

Make the Most of Your Visit to Our Nation’s Capital
Spring is the perfect time of year to see and experience our nation’s capital — be sure to take time to explore the city’s beautiful monuments, famous museums and renowned restaurants. I look forward to seeing you in May 22 - 26 in Washington, DC!

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Morgan, AMSA President
General Manager, Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board, AL