Helen Sommers: An Oral History

pg. 68 Governor Locke left after two terms – but he has more to give!
Washington’s Gary Locke and Ron Sims make the cover of Law &
Politics magazine! (Courtesy of Key Professional Media, Inc.)
Monahan: In addition to Gary Locke as Secretary
of Commerce, King County Executive Ron Sims was
confirmed as Deputy Secretary to the Department
of Housing and Urban Development by President
Obama in 2010. You knew Ron Sims early in his
career. What are your thoughts of his new position
in the Obama Administration?
Representative Sommers: I remember when Ron
Sims worked for Senator George Fleming in the
1980s. I didn’t know him well but I did know him
and work with him on occasion when he was on the
King County Council and then when he became
King County Executive. I worked for the Council,
but that was before Ron was a Council member.
He was a wonderful choice for such a significant
post in the Obama administration.
He has a great background; he’s very intelligent
and articulate. I think he brings outstanding experience
to be the Deputy Secretary of HUD.
Monahan: Same question for Seattle Police Chief
Gil Kerlikowske, who Obama appointed to head the
Office of National Drug Control Policy — otherwise
known as the country’s “Drug Czar” Do you know
him and if so, what are your thoughts expectations
for him in that role?
Representative Sommers: I’d never had any dealing
with Kerlikowske. But I know
he’s had an amazing career
in law enforcement. He served
Seattle very well.
In Feb. 2009, Seattle Police
Chief Kerlikowske was
named Director of the
Office of National Drug
Control Policy by President
Barack Obama.
The appointments of Gary
Locke, Ron Sims and Gil Kerlikowske
and of course, Senators
Patty Murray and Maria
Cantwell give Washington State
a lot of stature in the Washington,
D.C. Now Congressman
Norm Dicks is the Dean of
our Delegation after 34 years
representing Washington’s
needs in Washington D.C.
Rep. Helen Sommers and King County Executive Ron Sims visit in
the House Chamber in 1999