WHEREAS, We are here today to celebrate a political life and a true
Washington original; and
WHEREAS, We can see his legacy everywhere. In our state's transit
system, our justice system, and in our colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Albert Rosellini served the people of this state with
distinction, not only as a two-term governor, but as a member of the
State Senate and as a lawyer who championed civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Albert Rosellini is the nation's oldest living governor
and today we celebrate his 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Albert Dean Rosellini was born in Tacoma on January 21,
1910, the only son of poor Italian immigrants; and
WHEREAS, He worked his way through the University of Washington law
school, and at age 29 was elected to the State Senate as its youngest
member. He served the 33rd District in south Seattle from 1939 to
1957, rising to the rank of Majority Leader; and
WHEREAS, After winning the 1956 gubernatorial election, Governor
Rosellini began a progressive agenda that saw the creation of a
separate justice and prison system for juveniles, modernized mental
health care, increased aid to colleges and universities, and
accelerated road construction; and
WHEREAS, His establishment of the Department of Commerce and
Economic Development played an integral role in bringing the World's
Fair to Seattle in 1962; and
WHEREAS, His term as governor may have ended in 1965, but his
dedication to the state was far from over; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rosellini continued to practice law and serve as
an elder statesman to the state's Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS, He continues to donate time and money to many charities,
particularly the Washington State Olympics Committee, which he chaired
for many years; and
WHEREAS, He and his wife Ethel raised five children: John, Janey,
Sue Ann, Lynn, and Albert Jr.;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the state of Washington and
the House of Representatives honor and celebrate the service of
Governor Albert Rosellini on this the 100th anniversary of his birth;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be
immediately transmitted to Governor Rosellini in time for his 100th
birthday celebration in Seattle on Sunday, January 24.