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 State Senate 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.