Gordon S. Clinton (April 13, 1920 – November 19, 2011) was the 43rd mayor of Seattle. After defeating incumbent Mayor Allen Pomeroy in a close election in 1956, Clinton served two terms, from 1956 to 1964. Upon taking office, Clinton established the Metropolitan Problems Advisory Committee, headed by local community leader John Ellis, to suggest approaches to dealing with chronic local and regional problems. During his administration, Clinton tackled issues as divergent as regional governance, international trade, and discrimination in housing.
Clinton actively supported development of enabling legislation used by the Washington State Legislature to allow creation of regional governments, leading to the formation of the Metropolitan Municipality of Seattle (Metro) in 1958. Clinton also established Seattle's first sister city relationship (with Kobe, Japan) in 1956, supported the development of the current Seattle Center site for the World's Fair in 1962, and fought illegal gambling in Seattle. In 1963, Clinton created the 12-member Seattle Human Rights Commission to promote equality and understanding among Seattle residents.
Famous quotes containing the words gordon and/or clinton:
“The kiss. There are all sorts of kisses, lad, from the sticky confection to the kiss of death. Of them all, the kiss of an actress is the most unnerving. How can we tell if she means it or if she’s just practicing?”
—Ruth Gordon (1896–1985)
“Mr. Clinton better watch out if he comes down here. He’d better have a bodyguard.”
—Jesse Helms (b. 1921)