Blog From My Trip to Washington, D.C.

It has become an annual tradition to travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring for U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette's Elected Officials Conference. Also present from the Stow group were Matt Riehl, Sara Drew and Doris Stewart.

I enjoy it every year. It's a great time and also good for professional development.

I arrived at 3 p.m. on Thursday, flying into Reagan National. I have been itching to go for a nice run around the monuments and historical places in the nation's capital. It was everything I expected, plus more. (The "more" is the ability to listen to the Indians win in extra innings while on my run.) I posted a picture of me with Honest Abe above.

After the run, we had a social gathering at the Library of Congress. I got the chance to share some stories and some laughs with dedicated leaders of other townships and cities. A few groups of us then visited some restaurants around town.

The next morning, we heard from several speakers, including the Speaker of the House, John Boehner. I was honored to get a chance to meet him after. Other topics included the Stimulus bill, EPA-designated "brownfield" sites and the demolition of abandoned homes.

After the Friday morning seminars, we spent some more time socializing. Saturday morning, Matt Riehl and I traveled across town to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, where Stow Officer Jonathan Bastock's name was engraved this week. I posted a picture above. The wall was an appropriate and solemn memorial to those who gave their lives in the line of duty, like Bastock.

Tomorrow, I'll blog about Monday's committee meetings. After all, someone has to carry the load while .