Gary Locke
Gary Locke
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Gary Locke is commonly known by his full name, Gary Francis Titus Locke. He is also referred to as the 20th Governor of Washington.
Birth and Death Dates
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Gary Locke was born on January 21, 1950, in Seattle, Washington. His exact date of death is not available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Locke is an American politician who has served in various capacities including as a lawyer, businessman, and government official.
Early Life and Background
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Gary Locke was born to Hak Fung, a Chinese immigrant from Guangdong Province, China, and Elise Titus. His father was a laborer at the University of Washington's janitorial staff. Locke grew up in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle, where he attended Cleveland High School.
During his high school years, Locke became active in politics as a member of the Democratic Party. He even served on the King County Democrats' Executive Board when he was just 18 years old. Locke's involvement in politics began at an early age and would eventually shape his future career.
Major Accomplishments
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Gary Locke's political career spans several decades, with notable achievements including:
20th Governor of Washington: Locke served as the 20th Governor of Washington from 1997 to 2005. He was the first Chinese American to be elected governor in any state.
U.S. Ambassador to China: In 2011, Locke was appointed by President Barack Obama as the U.S. Ambassador to China, a position he held until 2014.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce: Locke served as the Secretary of Commerce under President Joe Biden from 2021.
Locke's leadership has been marked by his commitment to public service and his efforts to promote international cooperation and economic growth.
Notable Works or Actions
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Gary Locke's tenure as governor was characterized by several notable initiatives, including:
Budget Reform: Locke implemented a comprehensive budget reform package that reduced state spending and increased transparency.
Education Reform: He oversaw significant education reforms, including the establishment of charter schools and improvements in teacher training programs.
Environmental Protection: Locke signed legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.
As U.S. Ambassador to China, Locke played a key role in promoting U.S.-China relations and addressing trade disputes.
Impact and Legacy
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Gary Locke's impact on American politics is multifaceted:
Trailblazer for Asian Americans: Locke's election as governor marked a significant milestone for Asian Americans in politics.
Promoter of International Cooperation: His work as U.S. Ambassador to China helped to strengthen bilateral relations and address key issues, such as trade and security.
Advocate for Public Service: Locke's career has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in public service.
Locke's legacy is one of dedication to the public interest and a commitment to addressing complex challenges through collaboration and innovative solutions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gary Locke is widely quoted or remembered due to his:
Leadership on Key Issues: His work as governor, ambassador, and secretary has tackled pressing issues like budget reform, education, environmental protection, and international cooperation.
Influence on Asian American Representation: Locke's election as governor paved the way for future generations of Asian Americans in politics.
Commitment to Public Service: His career serves as a model for those seeking to make a difference through public service.
Quotes by Gary Locke
Gary Locke's insights on:
This is a large, fast-moving fire that already has caused at least $1 million in damage, ... More than 600 men and women have been fighting it ... and now we need to give them help urgently.
You, Captain Yee, are a testament to what America is all about, ... You are indeed an American hero.
You, Captain Yee, are a testament to what America is all about. You are indeed an American hero.
I confess to loving a good murder mystery - anything by Scott Turow or John Grisham. Maybe it's a holdover from my days as a criminal prosecutor in Seattle.
I consider myself a D.I.Y. home improvement guy. In a prior life, I completely gutted a house - redid the plumbing, wiring, moved sewage pipes, knocked down walls, everything.
I am not going to get too carried away, ... But it is a good three points and we have made a pleasing start to the season. We have a lot of cracking young players who can only go on to achieve bigger and better things.
In the Pacific Northwest we have a greater appreciation of the importance of trade with Asian countries because we have large Asian populations.
I'm proposing increases that amount to a nickel on a can of pop or beer - and you all know that I love soda pop. I drink Pepsis all the time and I'm willing to pay 5 cents more. We're proposing a quarter on a good bottle of wine and less than $1.50 on a fifth of hard liquor, the good stuff.
They just wanted the Chinese to know and the family of the Chinese pilot to know that they care about that family as well, ... And they're all families, whether you're Chinese or American, people are concerned about their loved ones.