Hawaii Governor
Welcomes Jim

The residents of Vermont should be proud of their Governor, Jim Douglas, for assuming the position of 2006 president of the Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization representing all 50 states. I first met Governor Douglas at our National Governor’s Association meetings three years ago, and he has become a personal friend. Therefore, I know he will do an excellent job in this new role.

His initiative as president, "Spanning the Spectrum of Healthy Living: Childhood to Adult," addresses the needs of older Americans in a more comprehensive way. It could not be more timely.

Vermont has the second-oldest population in the nation, and the most rapidly growing segment of our population in Hawaii is the 60-and-older group. Gov. Douglas and I agree that there is literally no time to waste as we prepare for this dramatic demographic shift, and help our seniors lead healthier and more productive lives.

I wish Governor Douglas well during his tenure as president and look forward to working closely with him on this critical initiative.

Governor Linda Lingle

State of Hawaii