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07/26/2007So, what'd they think?Visitors awed by area's natural wondersTRAVERSE CITY — Sandra Day O'Connor found it "enchanting,” and others declared it beautiful. Traverse City and the surrounding lakes, orchards and country terrain awed visitors who traveled here for the National Governors Association meeting. "I have not previously been to the northern part of Michigan, and it's so beautiful,” exclaimed O'Connor, a former United States Supreme Court justice. Conference participants were treated to vistas from Old Mission Peninsula and the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay during the four-day event that concluded Monday. Several governors said they are leaving not just with great impressions of the area but also with good ideas for their states. One take-home message for governors is to rethink K-12 education and concentrate on the job market, said Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano. She departed Traverse City leaving behind her reins as chairwoman of the association, but thinks her initiative on innovation will stay at the forefront with fellow governors. "A lot of them have projects under way now,” Napolitano said. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty took over the chairman spot and will focus the association on clean energy. He is also interested in the "fair and consistent treatment” of the National Guard and a children's health insurance program. Pawlenty took time during the Traverse City conference to appreciate its setting. The water, beaches and foliage are a "fantastic combination,” he said. Gov. Edward Rendell next welcomes the NGA summer meeting to Philadelphia in his commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There are a few things from Traverse City he'd like to duplicate when he hosts the 100th governors' session. "The weather,” for one, he cracked. Rendell also was warmed by gracious volunteers, a "comfortable” atmosphere and the "urbane and very sophisticated” Traverse City. "We can't compete with the natural beauty,” he said. "I was very impressed. You've got it all.”
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