Washington (State). Governor (1981-1985 : Spellman)

John Spellman was born in Seattle on 29 Dec. 1926. He attended Seattle schools and Seattle University, from which he graduated with degrees in history and political science and was valedictorian. He went on to earn a law degree from Georgetown University School of Law in 1953. During World War II, Spellman served in the U.S. Navy. He married the former Lois Murphy, and together they had six children. He was the first Republican official ever formally honored by the Black Congressional Caucus. From 1954 through 1967, Spellman practiced law in Seattle. In 1967 he first entered politics and was elected to the King County Board of Commissioners. He served as a commissioner until 1969, when he was elected King County Executive under the new King County Home Rule Charter. He was re-elected to the post in 1973 and again in 1977. During that time he served as a vice president of the National Association of Counties, implemented the new King County Charter, set up the original government machinery, and managed the executive departments. He was elected in 1980 and served one term, during which the State of Washington was in constant economic turmoil. As governor, he was involved in managing the state's severe fiscal crisis, prison reform, tax reform, industrial development, low-income housing, tourism and trade, and environmental concerns affecting the state. After his term ended, he returned to private practice and teaching.