Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 10, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke named to Electronic Commerce Commission

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke was appointed today to the national Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce. Locke will be one of 19 panel members named by congressional leaders to draft a plan to guide future electronic commerce policy.

U.S. House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt today named Locke, Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, and America Online President Robert Pittman to the Commission.

"I believe the formation of this commission is an excellent opportunity to develop a coherent policy on taxation and related issues surrounding electronic commerce," Gephardt said. "I believe Governor Locke, Mayor Kirk and Bob Pittman possess a strong understanding of the Internet's impact on both families and businesses. They share my desire to see the Internet develop to its fullest potential."

"I look forward to serving on the Commission and thank Congressman Gephardt for the opportunity," Locke said. "Washington state is at the center of the new, electronic economy, and our Internet companies lead the world. I intend to work closely both with 'Main Street' and Internet-based businesses to ensure that we establish an electronic commerce system that is fair for everyone."

As co-chair of the National Governors' Association Task Force on Technology, Locke is a national leader in advancing the use of electronic commerce to help government better serve citizens. Last month, Locke formed the Governor's Council on the Internet, composed of Washington Internet and software business leaders, to advise him on electronic commerce issues.

Washington state government has received the Digital State prize from the Progress and Freedom Foundation, for being the best state in the nation in using information technology both in 1997 and 1998.

Washington is home to many of the world's leading Internet and electronic commerce companies, including Microsoft, amazon.com, go2net, Wall Data and Attachmate.

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