Maintaining strong relationships with legislators and the army is a top priority for city/county officials as they attend the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) meeting in Washington, D.C.

“I think one of the most important parts of the trips is always to keep relationships with everybody…and to keep moving forward with a lot of processes that have benefits to Junction City and Fort Riley,” said Allen Dinkel, City manager.

Dinkel cited last year’s visit as an instrumental part in getting the housing numbers reduced on Fort Riley.

“Last year we talked about removing some of the houses on Fort Riley and we feel last year’s visits were very important in moving that process forward; and part of it is we always thank our representatives [at the meetings]…so we want to make sure we thank them but also keep forwarding our needs to them all the time,” said Dinkel.

Junction City Mayor Mick McCallister believes in the power of face to face conversations, and this year his goal is addressing the blue green algae problem that has become a statewide issue.

“One of the biggest issues that we’ve discussed so far today and will continue to discuss tomorrow is the blue green algae…a long term fix needs to be done,” said McCallister.

Officials from Junction City spent much of today meeting with Senator Moran, Senator Roberts, and Representative Pompeo addressing the statewide issue that is blue green algae.

“Some of the issues that we’ve had is testing issues and how it’s tested on Monday and not advertised until Thursday…we’ve asked them to look at and talk to the Corps of Engineers and see if we could get a more timely result so it didn’t affect, or falsely affect our lake condition a week away from the testing,” said McCallister.

Some have criticized the need for city officials to travel as far as Washington, D.C. seeking changes or concerns locally.

Phyllis Fitzgerald, City Commissioner, said that the face to face dialogue shows a deep concern for and strength within the local Junction City – Geary County community.

“By coming to Washington, D.C. and doing face to face meetings and also interacting with the military, whether it’s our local representatives or the representatives in Washington, D.C., it’s a continuation of building that partnership, that relationship and together we are all sharing what we all believe are the main issues and needs of our community,” said Fitzgerald.

The AUSA meeting continues through October 5th in Washington, D.C.

JC Post received an update from the city/county officials as they head in to the final day of the annual meeting.