Security drives Gregoire’s daily commuting choice

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire has a commute most people dream about – with the governor’s mansion next door to the Capitol, it’s an easy walk across an alley.

But while she occasionally walks, Gregoire is driven to work “a vast majority of the time,” said spokesman Lars Erickson.

“Security is what drives the decision,” he said, referring all further questions to the Washington State Patrol, which provides the governor’s security.

Gregoire’s office wouldn’t comment on the distance from the mansion to her office on the second floor of the Capitol, but a reporter of comparable size traveled it in fewer than 300 paces.

The State Patrol’s Capt. Jeff DeVere said that Gregoire and the head of the State Patrol determine her security needs, which change on a daily basis.

“That’s a very fluid thing. It changes daily for a myriad of factors,” he said. “It’s security, and that’s why we don’t talk about it.”

Across the country, several governors who live near state Capitols routinely walk to work, while others choose to drive.

Former Washington state Gov. Gary Locke, who left office in January 2005 after two terms, said he walked to the Capitol “rain or shine.”

“I really enjoyed the fresh air and it gave me a few minutes to collect my thoughts,” he said. “I enjoyed talking with people on the way over, especially the school kids.”

He said his only exception was when his office was moved to a building farther away after a 2001 earthquake that damaged the Capitol. After a death threat, his security detail didn’t want him walking so far, so he was driven to the rear entrance of the Insurance Building. Eventually he was allowed to resume walking to work.

Gregoire has received her share of death threats.

Last November, a foster care protester was acquitted on charges that he threatened to kill Gregoire. Michael James Goodall said he meant he was going to destroy Gregoire figuratively with the truth and denied that he had any intention of physically harming her.

Last March, a Whatcom County woman was charged with sending a series of increasingly threatening e-mails to the governor. Lee Ann Linville pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served and probation.

Locke said that while it’s ultimately the governor’s call to drive or walk, he didn’t second-guess the current situation with Gregoire. He said governors are wise to listen to their security detail.

“They have a job to do. When they feel strongly, you have to listen and take their concerns into account,” he said. “Each state is different and the security concerns are different.”

Jessyn Schor, executive director of Transportation Choices Coalition, said that Gregoire has been a strong leader on transportation issues, citing recent laws on car emissions and a regional transportation proposal to deal with congestion.

“Her policies are definitely forward-thinking,” she said, adding that if security concerns could be addressed, walking to work would be a positive next step. “It would be great to have her get out of the car and lead by example.”