This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

It was the first day of new Governor Tina Kotek’s term in office, a Monday.

In a surprise to me and probably to other observers of state government in Oregon, Kotek invoked the name of Vic Atiyeh.

Who?

Victor Atiyeh served as governor from 1978 to 1987 after a stint in the Oregon Senate.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I had the privilege to work with and for Atiyeh, a highlight of my 15 years in state government management ranks.

Here is what Kotek said in her remarks upon being sworn to Oregon’s top political job, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting reporters:

“…in her inaugural speech, she said her priority is strengthening connections between Oregonians across the state.  She cited former Republican Governor Vic Atiyeh as inspiration.

The late Atiyeh served as the last Republican governor in Oregon and Kotek, obviously, is a Democrat.  So, for her to cite Atiyeh is a sterling expression of bi-partisanship.

Here is what she said:

“He was a former legislator with deep knowledge of our state budget.  I will endeavor to listen and lead with the same skills that Governor Atiyeh brought to the job.”

In what Kotek said, she managed to capture several Atiyeh traits — authenticity, compassion, and skill.

One reason for these traits was that Atiyeh never sought to get or claim credit for the good things he did.  He let credit fall where it would.

His priority?  Simple leading an effort to do those good things.  And working with all sides – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – to get the job done.

I often remember what a former partner of mine said – and he was a long-time Democrat with sharply-honed policy skills.  This partner said that Atiyeh, a Republican, was the best governor he knew and was always ready to listen, including to my partner, the Democrat.

I hope now that Kotek lives up to her goals of authenticity, compassion, and skill.