John Spellman

John D. Spellman (born December 29, 1926) was the Governor of Washington between 1981 and 1985; before that, he was a member of the King County, Washington County Commission from 1967 to 1969 and the King County Executive from 1969 to 1981. He was a Republican and his opponent in the 1980 election was then-State Senator Jim McDermott. Spellman was a 1949 graduate of Seattle University and a 1953 graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center. D... more

John D. Spellman (born December 29, 1926) was the Governor of Washington between 1981 and 1985; before that, he was a member of the King County, Washington County Commission from 1967 to 1969 and the King County Executive from 1969 to 1981. He was a Republican and his opponent in the 1980 election was then-State Senator Jim McDermott. Spellman was a 1949 graduate of Seattle University and a 1953 graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center. During Governor Spellman's four-year term of office, Washington's economy suffered a serious recession marked by rising unemployment and disappointing tax revenues. The State Legislature was deeply divided over how to address an alarming revenue shortfall, but did agree to an increase in Washington's statewide sales tax rate from 5.5% to 6.5%. One of Governor Spellman's memorable policy stands was his strong commitment to environmental protection. Against enormous pressure from business groups and many legislators, he ultimately used his... less