By JACINDA HOWARD, The Mirror

Gov. Christine Gregoire invigorated Democrats during a guest appearance at the King County Democrats meeting Jan. 30 at the Federal Way Senior Center.

There, Gregoire listed the state’s accomplishments since 2004 in transportation, education, employment rates, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, among others. She explained her role in these accomplishments and answered audience questions.

Government officials consistently ask how Washington manages to accomplish what it does, Gregoire said.

Gregoire listed her track record since her election in 2004. A plan for retiring the state’s ferries, ways to increase monitoring of sex predators and a means to pay teachers adequately have all been achieved, she said.

But additional work in the areas of transportation, health care, environmental protection and criminal justice are still needed, she said.

“I cannot be more offended by the veto of health care to children,” Gregoire said.

One audience member questioned Gregoire on the possibility of taxing petroleum and providing incentives for drivers to use alternative fuels. The idea is clever, but will not go anywhere under an administration such as President George W. Bush’s, she said.

The protection of the environment against global

warming also is not being given the attention it needs by the president, she said. However, this does not mean Democrats should give up on these and other ideas, she said.

“(Global warming) is obvious, and if he cannot figure it out, get out of the way and let us lead,” Gregoire said.

Another audience member asked about the future of Washington’s transportation. Improvements to roadways such as State Route 167 and State Route 520 are much needed and will come in time, she said. The 520 bridge needs repairs, but residents will be required to think more environmentally when they drive this route in the future. The use of multiple carpool lanes and variable tolling will likely be needed, she said.

Gregoire’s underlining message was clear — Washington is a much-desired place to reside, but in order to continue in this direction, voters will need to elect her over her opponents.

“We’re not going to take a back seat to anybody,” she said.

Contact Jacinda Howard: jhoward@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.