Washington (State). Governor (1957-1965 : Rosellini)

Albert Dean Rosellini (born January 21, 1910) is a lawyer from the State of Washington. Rosellini is a member of the Democratic Party and served in the Washington Legislature before his two terms as Governor (1957-1965). Rosellini is currently the oldest living former Governor in the United States, and was the first Italian American Catholic governor elected west of the Mississippi River. Rosellini was born in Tacoma, WA. He was elected to the Washington Senate from the 33rd district, where he served from 1939 to 1947. Rosellini was governor from 1957 to 1965. After leaving office in 1965, Rosellini returned to the practice of law and is still an active member of the state bar. Rosellini also become a political consultant, specializing in matters of the liquor and entertainment industries. He has owned a gas station/convenience store/car wash that borders a Colacurcio-owned strip club named "Rick's" and has owned various other properties. His other business investments include a business broker company, an oil firm, Fortune Oil Company Inc., and a beer distribution company, Premium Distributors. Remaining active in the political arena, Rosellini attends fundraisers and helps candidates raise funds for campaigns. At age 98, Rosellini is still active in politics, is influential in the Democratic Party, and remains an active businessman. He has served as mentor to many political figures.

Albert Dean Rosellini was born in Tacoma, Wash., on 21 Jan. 1910, to John and Annunziata Rosellini, immigrants from Italy. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1927, and continued his education at the University of Washington, while working part-time as a meat cutter. He left college for a stint with the Merchant Marine, but returned to go to law school. Rosellini married Ethel K. McNeil in 1938. They had three daughters and two sons. After law school, Rosellini worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney for King County. He won a seat in the State Legislature in 1938, and served until 1957. In 1952 Rosellini decided to run for governor, but in spite of a vigorous campaign, he lost in the primary to former U.S. Senator Hugh Mitchell. In 1956 Rosellini ran again for the governor's office, but this time with very firm backing. The incumbent governor withdrew from the gubernatorial contest to run for the U.S. Senate, leaving Lt. Gov. Emmett T. Anderson as Rosellini's Republican opponent. Rosellini won the election and took office on 16 Jan. 1957.

Governor Rosellini faced the prospect of an amenable legislature, Democratic for the first time in twelve years. Most of the program that he submitted to the 1957 legislature was adopted. In the category of social legislation were the removal of the lien clause against recipients of public assistance, an increase of about thirty percent in industrial insurance payments, and a new law against racial discrimination. The year 1957 was also the beginning of the largest road-building program in the history of the state, which included the second floating bridge across Lake Washington. The Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development was created, and authorizations and initial appropriations were made for the Seattle World's Fair. The much-needed overhaul of state institutions was begun, juvenile custodial facilities were improved, and forest camps were added to the program. Facilities for developmentally disabled children were augmented with the opening of Fircrest School in Seattle and Yakima Valley School in Selah, and child guidance centers were established. In the area of education, teachers were granted large salary increases and additional pensions, and state support was given for kindergartens. All of this was done with no increase in taxes.

In 1958 Rosellini instituted new programs to modernize and streamline state government operations. A Tax Advisory Council was created to study the state's tax structure and to recommend changes. The Governor's Council on Aging was appointed to examine and make recommendations concerning the problems of senior citizens. A new rehabilitation center for retraining injured workmen was opened in Seattle, the automation of the Dept. of Licensing began, and the governor made industrial tours outside and within the state to boost economic growth. Rosellini won reelection in 1960. The 1962 Seattle World's Fair gave the state a much-needed influx of business. The 1963 legislative session was a disaster for the governor. A coalition formed between the Republicans and the right wing of the Democratic Party, in combination against the governor. Most of Rosellini's program was scuttled, including bills on civil rights, redistricting, education, labor, and outdoor recreation. Rosellini was defeated in the 1964 campaign by Republican Daniel J. Evans. In his farewell address to the legislature on 12 Jan. 1965, Rosellini recounted the progress made in the state over the previous eight years. He cited new economic growth, the progress made in education and the institutions, and the new highway system as proof of the advances made under his administration.

After his defeat, Rosellini was offered a federal appointment by Senator Magnuson, but instead he returned to private law practice. He remained active in Democratic politics; however, making speeches throughout the state. In 1969, he ran against John Spellman for the office of King County Executive, but he was defeated. Undaunted, he began to prepare for the 1972 gubernatorial race. Rosellini won the Democratic primary, but lost the general election to the incumbent governor Daniel J. Evans. In 1976 Rosellini considered running for governor again, but when Evans said that he was stepping down, apparently Rosellini lost his enthusiasm. Instead, he backed Dixy Lee Ray in her successful bid. In 1979, Ray appointed him to a six-year term on the State Transportation Commission.