New Government Relations Manager Joins ASLA A heavy focus on Licensure is planned Washington, D.C. On March 6, Kathleen Kennedy joined the American Society of Landscape Architects as government affairs manager. She will manage the ASLA government relations program, focusing heavily on licensure issues, supporting chapters in their efforts to maintain and upgrade state acts. Other areas of responsibility will include writing the Electronic Capital (a regular e-newsletter on legislative and regulatory affairs), creating a grassroots program, and supporting federal activities. Kennedy was previously with the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association where she served in the position of state affairs specialist. The following is a series of questions that LASN posed to Kennedy, in an effort to introduce her to our readers and learn more about legislative and licensure issues. Q: Could you please detail your strategy to strengthen licensure? A: I'm working with our Licensure Committee as well as our Chapters across the country to strengthen licensure. Immediate goals include finalizing a licensure information packet that can be given to state legislators, and supporting chapters, such as Ohio, who are actively engaged in licensure efforts. Q: Who in the Federal Government do you consider to be your allies? What inroads have you made to work with the current administration? A: We're fortunate that an increasing number of politicians, of every ideological stance, are recognizing the importance of taking sensible steps to improve American's quality of life through better planning and design. For example, ASLA and its Chapters support the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), which the House just passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote. We're hopeful that the Senate will follow suit and make 2001 a banner year for Landscape Architects. Q: Which presidential candidate do you see as having a greater impact on the profession of Landscape Architecture? Have you made any strides to establish a working relationship with either of them? A: Either candidate will greatly impact the profession. They have both voiced support for key issues such as livable communities, although their approach to implementation will somewhat vary. The challenge for Landscape Architects, as well as the other design professions, will lie in recognizing and taking advantage of opportunities that will be created by initiatives and laws, such as CARA. To that end, in addition to monitoring and advocating appropriate legislation, ASLA will continue to offer educational courses that help Landscape Architects work on these projects. Q: Could you please list which Legislative bills the ASLA is closely following and lobbying for or against? A: On the federal level, ASLA is closely following and supports: ?EUR??,,????'???? The Conservation and Reinvestment Acts (HR 701, S 25, S 2123) (also see the legislative update on page 68) ?EUR??,,????'???? Urban Renewal and Open Space Protection legislation (such as HR2262, HR2263, and HR2264) ?EUR??,,????'???? HR 3054, Regional Solutions for Regional Challenges ?EUR??,,????'???? HR 2446, Better America Bonds ?EUR??,,????'???? HR 798, Resources 2000 Act ?EUR??,,????'???? House and Senate Interior Appropriations (Land Legacy funding)