This week at our summer meeting in Anaheim, California, I was honored to be elected Chair of the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG). 

Since its founding 25 years ago, this organization has become increasingly effective, especially in coordinating action on matters unique to western states.  This work lies at the heart of the CWAG mission, and I hope to build on that foundation.  CWAG's members include 15 western states and three Pacific territories. 

My paramount goal will be to strengthen relations with our counterparts in Mexico so promisingly begun by my predecessor, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden.  His efforts prove either that his state has a heretofore undisclosed southern branch or that the border with Mexico has become a shared concern of all western states.

CWAG has laid a solid groundwork on which to build a partnership with the Attorneys General of Mexican states.  We have much to gain from interacting more closely on criminal justice issues that cross the International Border.  These efforts range from increased information sharing on criminal activity to cross-border workshops on prosecution tactics and trial procedures.  We have the opportunity to work together to reduce such crimes as human trafficking, drug smuggling and auto theft, as well as to apprehend and prosecute fugitives.

Beyond broadening our ties with Mexico, my other CWAG initiatives will be drawn from high-priority law enforcement issues in Arizona and our fellow western states.  These include methamphetamine, cyber crime, identity theft, predatory lending and consumer fraud.  I will also continue efforts to address uniquely western issues such as federal land management, relations with native peoples and water law.

CWAG's solid track record proves the age-old axiom that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  Arizona clearly profits from sharing best practices and working with other states to develop successful strategies.

I look forward to leading this organization and expect our state will benefit more than ever from its good work.

Attorney General.

Terry Goddard