Public Policy Forum, a Milwaukee-based nonpartisan research organization focusing on regional issues, has announced its 2008 "Salute to Local Government" award winners.

"There are countless examples of good government going on throughout our region that are giving value to taxpayers and boosting our economy and quality of life," said Rob Henken, president of the Forum. "This year's group of award winners comes from a list of entries that is significantly larger than we have ever had before -  a real indication that people in government are thinking - and acting - creatively and collaboratively." 

The awards will be presented at the Public Policy Forum's 16th annual Salute to Local Government breakfast on Thursday, June 19, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.

The winners are: "Excellence in Problem Solving," City of Milwaukee Department of City Development; "Effective Use of Technology," Milwaukee County Treasurer's Office; "Managing for Results," Hamilton School District; "Inter-governmental Cooperation," Walworth County Board of Supervisors and the 15 school districts of Walworth County; "Private-Public Cooperation," Milwaukee Center for Independence and Milwaukee Public Schools (for the FUEL4U Breakfast Packing Program); "Government Transparency/Ethics," the School District of Elmbrook; "The Norman N. Gill Award," Barry Bateman, director of General Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee County); the "Leader of the Future Award," Steven Schaer, city planner of the City of West Allis; and the "James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award," to James R. Ryan (posthumously).

Ryan passed away Nov. 6, 2007. He was a longtime leader in government and civic endeavors. At the time of his death, Jim was president of Penfield Children's Center, the village of Hales Corners, and Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, and executive director of the Wisconsin Initiative for Infant Mental Health. Prior to that, he worked for Racine County's Human Services Department as a child welfare supervisor; was president and CEO of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, where he started the Flight for Life program; and served as a Milwaukee County Board supervisor. The Ryan Commission, of which he was chair, helped in setting up the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage Commission. In addition, Ryan was a Public Policy Forum trustee since 1995 and participated on several of the organization's committees and research panels.

The Public Policy Forum was established in 1913 as a local government watchdog.