Introductory Content

Government leaders from around the country recently gathered at the Radisson Hotel, Bismarck, North Dakota, to tackle state interbranch relations: the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities.

This first-ever summit for all state officials focused on bridging the communication gaps that exist among our various branches and agencies and sought to identify opportunities to improve interbranch cooperation for the betterment of all citizens.

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Click on the video image to open the video player in a pop-up window (Adobe Flash Player required). Where available, additional materials can be downloaded from the links to the right of the video.

Panel Discussion: Obstacles to Interbranch Cooperation

State Secretary Michael Festa, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Massachusetts

State Sen. Kevin Coughlin, Ohio
State Sen. Dan Kelly, Kentucky

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Salary and Recruitment of State Officials

Mary McQueen, president, National Center for State Courts

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Download materials: Judicial Salaries (PDF)

Panel Discussion: Interbranch Cooperation in Alabama: A Case Study

State Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Alabama
Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, Alabama
House Speaker Seth Hammett, Alabama
Commissioner Richard Allen, Alabama Department of Corrections

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Economic Development and the Interbranch Relationship: Opportunities for Cooperative Promotion

Paul Lucy, director, Economic Development and Finance Division, North Dakota Department of Commerce

State Sen. Ann Rest, Minnesota

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Roundtable Discussion: Interbranch Ethics and Relationship Building

State Chief Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle, North Dakota

State Rep. Laura Brod, Minnesota

State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt, North Dakota

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Panel Discussion: A Statute's Journey Through The Branches

Judge Russell Carparelli, Colorado Court of Appeals

State Sen. Bart Davis, Idaho

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Download materials: Presentation (PDF) Use of Legislative History: Willow Witching for Legislative Intent (PDF) Separate Powers – Shared Responsibility (PDF) The Rehnquist Court's Canons of Statutory Construction (PDF) Colorado Court of Appeals Opinion (PDF)

Panel Discussion: Interbranch Solutions from the States

Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortés, Pennsylvania

Judge Robert Hunter, North Carolina Court of Appeals
State Rep. Kim Koppelman, North Dakota

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Download materials: Presentation (PDF) North Carolina Courts Commission (PDF) Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness – 2005 Annual Report (PDF) Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness – 2006 Annual Report (PDF)

Luncheon Address

State Attorney General John W. Suthers, Colorado

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