The aerospace industry has been a foundation of Washington State's economic success for decades. It has provided tens of thousands of family wage jobs for generations, and Washingtonians look to this familiar industry to bring about future innovation and prosperity. Today, leaders of Washington's aerospace industry, represented by the Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington, announced their first-ever political endorsement for Attorney General Rob McKenna in his bid for Governor.
"Washington's economic growth has been linked with the rise of the aerospace industry and our future prosperity will depend in large part on the performance of this industry," said McKenna. "It feels great to have the support of these leaders in innovation, and as Governor, I will make sure other elected leaders understand the importance of this economic resource.
"Our state government should partner with aerospace businesses -- large and small -- to ensure our state's laws and regulations encourage growth and job creation," McKenna continued. "I've met with leaders from many of the state's aerospace companies, and their top concern is always the training and growth of a skilled workforce. As Governor, I will focus on improving our public schools so more students are provided advanced science, technology, engineering and math opportunities. Washington's students will continue filling the high-quality jobs being created in the aerospace industry."
The Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington (AFA) represents the issues and concerns of Washington State aerospace companies. The AFA advocates for polices that enhance the strength and competitiveness of our state's aerospace community and the approximately 120,000 people it employs.
"The Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington, representing aerospace companies across the state, is proud to make its first official endorsement for Rob McKenna for Governor" said Linda Lanham, President and Executive Director of AFA. "Rob is committed to a world class education system, understands environmental regulations, taxes, workers compensation and unemployment insurance; all issues we need to make progress on. We are confident with his deep knowledge of our state and his tremendous drive to understand all sides. He will find solutions that benefit our industry as well as the people of this state. Rob's commitment to improving Washington for all of its citizens will serve us well as governor," said Lanham.
McKenna's list of supportive organizations is growing rapidly. It includes, but is not limited to, endorsements from:
Stand for Children Washington
King County Police Officers Guild
Washington State Patrol Troopers Association
Washington REALTORS
Council of Metropolitan Police and Sheriffs
Washington Trucking Associations
Building Industry Association of Washington
Associated General Contractors of Washington
Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors
Washington Restaurant Association
Olympia Masterbuilders
Central Washington Home Builders
Kitsap County Homebuilders
Washington Asphalt Pavers Association
Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound
Washington State Fraternal Order of Police
Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs
Association of Washington Business
Washington State Farm Bureau
Washington State Dairy PAC