Myers on White House call

Urban County Councilman George Myers was a participant in a White House conference call that discussed President George W. Bush’s State of the Union address.

Myers, a registered independent, was invited to participate in the 11 a.m. Wednesday conference call by Bill Behrens, special assistant to President Bush for Intergovernmental Affairs.

Behrens sent the invitation to Myers’ council e-mail address Tuesday night prior to Bush’s nationally televised address.

When he learned about the invitation, his first reaction was to check to see if it was legitimate, Myers said. “I was excited … When government officials are asking you for information, it’s always an honor to participate in that.”

The conference call began with an overview of the State of the Union that was given by Ed Gillespie, counselor to President Bush. After that, it was opened up to comments and questions by the participants.

The conference call lasted about half an hour and there was at least six other people on the call, Myers said. The other participants included a sheriff, a mayor, a state official and teachers.

Issues discussed included the economy, reducing the number of earmarks and grants to put law enforcement personnel on the streets.

Myers indicated he wanted to speak as well, but the conference call ended before he got that opportunity, he said.

Myers wanted to weigh in on immigration reform, earmarks and the mortgage crisis. Since he works as a mortgage lender, he has both short-term and long-term suggestions, Myers said.

Although he did not get an opportunity to speak, Myers plans to send Behrens an e-mail with his thoughts on the speech.

Myers said he did not know why he was selected to participate in the conference call.

“I don’t know if I’m the only person on the council or in government to get that e-mail (for the conference call),” he said.

- Michelle Ku