Governor Gary Locke’s Remarks
Press conference announcing cabinet appointments Paul Isaki and Jennifer Joly
January 9, 2001

Good morning.

Today I'm extremely pleased to introduce my new chief of staff and my new legislative director.

I've selected two people I know well. Both of them have served in this administration.

Paul Isaki has agreed to serve as chief of staff.

Paul is a special blend of public servant and entrepreneurial businessman. He is a longtime friend and trusted advisor. That background and those skills are critical in an era when state government must forge alliances with business, labor and citizen groups in order to accomplish our ambitious goals in education and transportation with fiscal prudence.

He needs to be a special person because he has huge shoes to fill. Paul is succeeding Joe Dear, probably one of the best chiefs of staff any governor has ever had. Joe served a near record of four years in that very demanding job.

I believe Paul is up to this challenge. As my principal trade policy official, he has worked to remove unfair trade barriers in foreign markets. He has worked closely with officials from the federal government, other states and foreign countries. He also served seven years as vice president of the Seattle Mariners where he led the team's successful effort to develop SAFECO Field. Prior to his service with the Mariners, Paul was Governor Gardner's chief advisor on business issues and served as director of the Department of Trade and Economic Development.

I'd also like to introduce Jennifer Joly, who has joined my executive management team as legislative director.

Jennifer comes to us from the House of Representatives where she served as legal counsel. I got to know her when she served as my transportation policy advisor in my first administration. She is an attorney who knows the members of the Legislature and she knows the legislative process.

She will be a key member of my team as we begin this Legislative session where bipartisanship, cooperation and compromise is the only approach through a thicket of divided leadership, sky-rocketing expenses and limited financial resources.

Now we'd be glad to take your questions.