John P. Ahlers Appointed to Governor Gregoire's Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB)

Feb 24, 2008 | Back To News The 2005 Washington legislature created the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board under Chapter 39.10 RCW, to review alternative public works contracting procedures and provide guidance to state policy makers on ways to further enhance the quality, efficiency and accountability of public works contracting methods. “John will bring an even temper and solid approach to the issues brought before the CPARB board,” says Rick Slunaker, Director of Government Affairs for the Associated General Contractors of Washington. “He will represent the many varied interests that businesses have regarding effective and efficient public works contracting.” "Alternative public procurement allows our state to take advantage of the most innovative new project delivery systems such as design build, General Contractor/Construction Manager ("GC/CM"), job order and Public Private Partnership contracting,” says Ahlers. “These procurement methods bring much needed projects on board sooner than is possible with conventional contracting methods. The interests of the state in procuring projects expeditiously must be balanced against the long-term interests of the taxpayers so that the awarding and bidding process of these alternative public works projects is fair, open, accountable, and accessible to large and small businesses." Ahlers is a founding member of the Seattle law firm of Ahlers & Cressman PLLC. His practice focuses on the resolution of construction disputes. With experience in both government and private contracts, he represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers and construction industry associations. Ahlers served as the Chair of the Construction Section of the Washington State Bar Association in 2000. He is licensed in the states of Washington, Oregon and Alaska. A civil engineer with a Masters Degree in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University, Ahlers graduated from Gonzaga Law School in 1982. He resides with his family in Issaquah.