Building a sustainable future: 2008 Annual Conference Recap.

• Position: Government Finance Officers Association - Conference notes

The GFOA held its 102nd Annual Conference, "Building a Sustainable

Future," in the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. More than 7,000 people attended the conference at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center on June 15-18; of those, 4,000 were delegates.

GENERAL SESSIONS

The mayor of Broward County, Lois Wexler, welcomed delegates to the second largest county in Florida. In her closing remarks, she proclaimed Monday, June 16, 2008, as "Government Finance Officers Association Day" in Broward County

GFOA President Charles Cox reflected on his term as president. He noted that his interaction with the association's members throughout the past year has given him a greater understanding of the many challenges finance officers face today

Mary Matalin

Mary Matalin, political strategist and consultant, addressed delegates as the keynote speaker at Monday's general session. In addition to her career in public service, Matalin hosted CNN's critically acclaimed debate show, Crossfire, and has been a political commentator on television and radio. She has also written articles for Newsweek and The Los Angeles Times and written several books, including the best-selling political campaign book, All's Fair. Love, War, and Running for President, co-written with her husband, political consultant and commentator James Carville.

In her speech, "Policies and Platforms: The 2008 Election," Matalin focused on the diversity of the presidential candidates; shifting demographics; and technological changes that are creating an election without precedent. She discussed the major issues concerning voters: global relations, food, energy, the economy, and the war. Matalin high-lighted how this is the first election in which voters appear to be deciding their ballot as they vote. She encouraged the media to increase the level of substance in its political coverage and for voters to stay informed of the issues. Matalin also noted that governmental actions must be consistent to create trust in citizens, and she thanked finance officers for working toward building that trust.

Dr. Donna Shalala

Dr. Donna Shalala spoke to GFOA members as the keynote speaker at Tuesday's general session. Dr. Shalala is best known as the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position she held from 1993-2001. Shalala has held numerous professorships and is a leading scholar on the political economy of state and local governments. In 2007, she was chosen...