The Ellis County Press: Lancaster: Mayor Pro Tem meets with elected officals in D.C.

Lancaster: Mayor Pro Tem meets with elected officals in D.C.
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Megan Gray on 06/09/2011 17:18:00


LANCASTER -  Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Nina Morris met with U.S. Education Secretary
Arne Duncan and several other national political leaders last week in
Washington, D.C. at the sixth annual convening of People For the American Way
Foundation’s Young Elected Officials Network.
At the convening, Morris discussed innovative local and state policy initiatives
with national leaders and with more than 200 progressive elected officials from
around the country.
At the convening, Sec. Duncan spoke with elected officials about ways state and
local governments can work with the federal government to improve opportunities
for students.  Morris also heard from David Plouffe, Senior Advisor to President
Obama, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President, Mary Kay
Henry.
Morris stated, “There are many opportunities to share innovative ideas and
feel rejuvenated as a young public servant at the YEO Convening”.
Morris, 28, was elected to Councilmember District #6 in 2008. At the convening,
she shared with other elected officials her experiences working for the city of
Lancaster.
The Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, a project of People For the American
Way Foundation, consists of over 600 young, progressive city, county, state and
federal officials from all 50 states. At the network’s convening, elected
officials discussed innovative policy solutions for issues including economic
development, education, environmental policy, tax reform, immigration, equality,
national security and more.
“The strength of the progressive movement is in our communities,” said
Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee City Commissioner and executive director of the YEO
Network.
“These elected officials work every day to advance justice, equality and
opportunity in their cities, counties, states and school boards. This weekend,
we had the chance to connect with our fellow elected leaders and with national
policy makers to share ideas and make all of our work stronger.”
Morris has also been extended an invitation, by Senior Advisor to President
Obama, David Plouffe, to The White House. Morris will attend a special briefing
with Obama Administration Officials, followed by a reception hosted by President
Barack Obama.