Potholes, Poker Chips and Presidential Candidates

The well-known tagline for Las Vegas - 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' - may apply to many things. But thankfully not to infrastructure policy this past weekend.

I was thrilled to attend the FIRST-EVER Presidential Candidate Forum on Infrastructure that was held at the University of Las Vegas on February 16th. The Moving America Forward Forum was convened under the leadership of United for Infrastructure - a non-partisan coalition that brings together business, labor, elected officials and infrastructure stakeholders to advocate for a modern infrastructure plan - and attended by over 400 people who wanted to learn more about the candidates' infrastructure proposals. And learn we did.

Designed to be a deep dive on infrastructure, the Forum was moderated by The Wall Street Journal's Executive Editor Jerry Seib and Deputy Washington Bureau Chief Jeanne Cummings and consisted of two-on-one conversations with each of the candidates that included questions submitted by Journal readers and others via social media. All of the presidential candidates from both parties were invited to participate in the Forum and those accepting the invitation were former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Tom Steyer. For those of you who like to geek out on infrastructure policy but missed the Forum - you are in luck. The entire event was carried live on C-Span and the video can be viewed here.

It was gratifying to be a part of an event that placed a spotlight on such an imperative policy priority. It is my hope that the excitement generated at the event is carried forward throughout the campaign season and the November elections and will result in a thoughtful and visionary infrastructure plan that can be supported by both parties and at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.