Monday, September 10, 2007

Whither the Architect of the Capitol?

From Christine McIntee, National AIA Executive Vice President:

"The Congressional Selection Commission, composed of leaders of both the House and Senate, has submitted to the White House a list of three candidates for the position of Architect of the Capitol. With the ball in the President’s court, the next step is for him to nominate an individual (it doesn’t have to be one of the three!) to the Senate for confirmation.

Plenty of rumors are afloat, but no one is willing to say who’s on the joint House/Senate list. This makes it difficult (to say the least) to evaluate the candidates. In response to the lack of information, I have written to the Commission urging them to release the names. I strongly believe the public has a right to know who the nominees are so that citizens can provide informed advice to their elected leaders about the selection process. To date we have received no response. In addition, the AIA Board of Directors sent a letter to President Bush urging him to appoint a licensed professional architect.

Action requested: Getting the names released is only the first step in helping to ensure that the president selects a licensed professional architect as the next Architect of the Capitol. AIA members can lend a hand in shining some light on the process. Write to your Representatives. Ask them to request that Congressional leadership release the names.

And, while you’re at it, ask them to contact the White House to urge the president to nominate a licensed professional architect."

For more information: Christine McIntee, AIA Executive Vice President 202/626-7200 or Mark Christian, AIACC Director of Legislative Affairs 916/448-9082

No comments: