News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 12, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke appoints new UTC Chair

OLYMPIA - Gov. Locke today appointed Anne Levinson as Chair of the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Levinson, former Deputy Mayor of Seattle, directed the city's efforts for revitalization of downtown Seattle and the restructuring of city services. She was the city's point person on a number of critical policy issues ranging from education to the environment.


"Anne's leadership skills, her experience working with a variety of government agencies and her ability to handle complex policy issues thoughtfully, will benefit the UTC and the customers it serves. The issues she has addressed also are very important to my administration - educating our children, encouraging economic development and streamlining government. I am very excited to have someone of Anne's caliber as part of the Cabinet."


"I am honored to be selected by the Governor," said Levinson. "As a person who has spent most of her working life in public service, this is a tremendous opportunity to continue to serve the people of the state of Washington.


Levinson served as Deputy Mayor, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel for Mayor Norm Rice from 1990 to 1996. She directed the Mayor's Cabinet, guided development of the administration's policy positions and oversaw day-to-day management of local operations, including public utilities. She also was Special Assistant And Legal Counsel to former Seattle Mayor Charles Royer.


"Once again Governor Locke has shown terrific judgment in his pick of people," said John Warner, senior vice-president of the Boeing Company. "Anne Levinson is a person of outstanding intelligence and capabilities. We very much look forward to working with her."


"Anne is one of the most talented public servants I know," said Bob Watt, president of the greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. "She has a long record of handling very complex issues where she has had to balance competing interests and ensure that the decisions made are fair and balanced."


"I've worked with Anne for 15 years," noted Bobbe Bridge, king county superior court judge. "She is always unflappable, fair and has a good sense of humor. She really listens to all sides and makes sound decisions. That will be critical in her new role."


"Anne has a wealth of experience working with diverse communities. I am confident she will be attentive to the needs of all groups, making sure they all have equal access in this emerging age of technology," added Roberto Maestas, executive director of El Centro De La Raza.


"Technology will play a pivotal role in education," said Dr. Richard McCormick, president of the University of Washington. "As chair of the UTC, Anne will provide the leadership that will help Washington students reap the benefits of new technology.


The UTC regulates rates, services, facilities and practices of the state's investor-owned utility and transportation companies. Levinson will start her six-year term in mid-September, at an annual salary of $89,583 .



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