Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 31, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke appoints Merritt Long as acting chair of Liquor Control Board

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Merritt Long to serve as acting chair of the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Eugene Prince, who has served as chairman since January 1999, retires today. Recruitment for a permanent replacement is underway.

“I appreciate Merritt’s willingness to step briefly out of retirement to lead the Liquor Control Board,” Locke said. “Merritt brings years of management expertise to the board along with excellent knowledge of state government operations.”

Long served as director of the Washington State Lottery Commission from January 1997 until he retired in January 2001. He also worked as director of the state Human Rights Commission from 1993 to 1997. In addition, Long served for seven years as executive director of the State Board for Vocational Education. In all, Long has worked more than 25 years in state government management positions.

“I appreciate Governor Locke’s confidence and trust in me for this temporary assignment,” said Long. “I look forward to continuing to build upon the accomplishments of the outgoing chair as well as the current board members.”

The Liquor Control Board controls and distributes alcoholic beverages in Washington, functioning as both a regulatory board and a business enterprise. Its mission is to serve the public by preventing misuse of alcohol and tobacco through education, enforcement and controlled distribution.

Long begins his new assignment on Aug. 6 at an annual salary of $79,598.

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Related Links:
- Washington State Liquor Control Board
- Washington State Lottery

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