REALTORS® mourn passing of former Senator Slade Gorton, 2010 First Citizen

Annie ChanUncategorized

Seattle King County REALTORS® mourns the loss of former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, who has passed away at the age of 92.  Gorton, who was honored as Seattle King County First Citizen in 2010 by the Association, had a public career spanning nearly 40 years, including terms in the state legislature, as the State’s Attorney General and as U.S. Senator.

Gorton was legendary for his intellect, independent thinking and ability to work across party lines in the interest of Washington State. He was first elected to the legislature in 1958.

On May 27, 2010, the Seattle King County REALTORS® presented its First Citizen Award to Senator Gorton in honor of his lengthy and successful service to the community.  During that celebration, Chuck Armstrong, former president and chief operating officer of the Seattle Mariners told the story of Gorton’s efforts, both public and private, to save Seattle’s major league baseball club, the Mariners.

“Slade was someone you listened to on any public policy issue, because he generally knew more about it than anyone in the room,” said REALTOR® CEO Russ Hokanson. “I had the good fortune to work on the House side on Capitol Hill during Slade’s first Senate term. He set a high standard, he was respectful and he worked with everyone.”

In a letter of recognition, Governor Christine Gregoire declared that “Among his more notable achievements, Slade was instrumental in obtaining passage of Forward Thrust, saving Major League Baseball for Seattle, and preserving forest land and wildlife habitats with the creation of the Mountains to Sound Greenway.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine declared May 27, 2010 to be First Citizen Slade Gorton Day in King County. Gorton was the 72nd recipient of the First Citizen Award, which was established in 1939 to recognize outstanding leadership, civic engagement, artistic accomplishment or altruistic contributions to the community.

First Citizens Phil Smart (1994), Slade Gorton (2010), and Herb Bridge (2001)

REALTORS® Chris Falskow and Van Anderson with Slade Gorton