(1) The office of the governor is an administrative and staff support agency consisting of the governor and the governor's personal professional staff, whose mission is to assist the governor in the exercise of his duties, responsibilities, and authority as provided in the constitution and the laws of the state of Washington. The office of the governor shall hereinafter be referred to as the "office." Where appropriate, the term "office" shall also refer to the staff and employees of the office of the governor.

(2) The office is located in the legislative building in Olympia, Washington. It also maintains an office facility in Spokane, Washington, and a part-time facility at 306 North 1st Avenue in Seattle, Washington. For purposes of this chapter, the term "administrative office" shall refer to the Olympia location.

(3) The head of the office is the governor of the state of Washington who is elected by the people pursuant to Article III of the constitution of the state of Washington. The governor is charged by constitution and statutes with a broad range of implicit and explicit authority, duties, and responsibilities, among which, but not exclusively, are those related to the execution of laws, management of the executive branch, representation of the state and the state's interests within and beyond its borders, submission of messages and proposals to the legislature, approval of legislation, review and alteration of sentences of convicted persons, and various and sundry appointments to public positions.

(4) The structure of the office under the governor consists of an administrative assistant responsible for overall management of the office, a number of professional staff assistants generally responsible for executive agency affairs, legal affairs, legislative affairs, public information, appointments, correspondence, and business management of the office, and supportive services personnel. In addition, a number of agencies, task forces, commissions, and similar entities may be created from time to time by executive order and are ultimately responsible to the governor and may be designated as part of the office of the governor. While such entities are not specifically included under the provisions of this chapter, general information and assistance regarding such entities may be obtained at the office. For purposes of this chapter, the term "office of the governor" is to be strictly construed in accordance with the intent of this section.