Gary Alexander (politician)

Gary Alexander is an American politician of the Republican Party. He is a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing Washington's 2nd Legislative District and, as of 2013, is the interim Auditor of Thurston County.

Gary Alexander
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
Alma materUniversity of Washington (B.A) Pacific Lutheran University (MBA)

Early life and education

Gary Alexander was born in Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington and received a MBA from Pacific Lutheran University.[1]

Career

Early career

Alexander spent 20 years as a financial manager for the state of Washington before entering the private sector, first as Chief Financial Officer for Behavioral Health Resources and then as a finance manager for Philip Services.[2] From 1993 to 1996 Alexander served as a member of the Port of Olympia commission, the elected body responsible for managing port facilities in Thurston County.

Washington State Legislature

Gary Alexander was first elected to the Washington House of Representatives from the 20th district in 1996 and has been reelected continuously since. By his final term he was serving, as a result of redistricting, as representative from the 2nd district. In 2013 Alexander announced his resignation, effective as of the end of that year.[3] His committee assignments in his last legislative term included the Government Operations and Elections committee, and the Appropriations committee.[4]

Thurston County Auditor

Alexander was hired as Deputy Auditor of Thurston County in 2001. In 2013, while still serving in the legislature, Alexander was appointed the county's interim Auditor to replace incumbent Kim Wyman, who had been elected Washington's Secretary of State.[5] The following November Alexander stood for election to a full term as Auditor, narrowly losing to Democratic challenger Mary Hall.

Political views

Alexander was first elected to the legislature as a supporter of term limits, though he later renounced a pledge to serve no more than four terms.[6]

While in the legislature, Alexander called for the licensing and taxation of slot machines in non-tribal casinos as a way to plug a shortfall in the state budget.[7] He opposed the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage in Washington, measures that were approved by referendum in 2012.[8]

Over the course of Alexander's various political campaigns he was endorsed by labor unions - including the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees[9] - as well more traditional backers of conservative candidates, such as the National Rifle Association and the Association of Washington Business.[10] He has been described as a supporter of limited government[11] and serves on the board of directors of Mainstream Republicans of Washington.[12]

Personal life

Alexander is married and lives in Olympia. He serves on the board of directors of the Thurston County Boys and Girls Club and on the advisory board of the Pacific Lutheran University School of Business.[13]

References
  1. "Gary Alexander Thurston County Auditor Biography". Thurston County Auditor. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  2. "Rep. Alexander keeps promise, stepping down Dec. 31 from House". The News Tribune. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  3. "Rep. Alexander keeps promise, stepping down Dec. 31 from House". The News Tribune. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  4. "Gary Alexander". House Republicans. Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  5. "Gary Alexander to serve double duty as Thurston County auditor, state lawmaker". Seattle Times. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  6. Shannon, Brad (26 September 2012). "2nd District candidates face funding disparity". The News Tribune. Tacoma. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  7. Garber, Andrew (5 December 2011). "GOP sees expanded gambling as state budget solution". Seattle Times. Seattle. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  8. Shannon, Brad (26 September 2012). "2nd District candidates face funding disparity". The News Tribune. Tacoma. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  9. "Gary Alexander claims a labor endorsement for his auditor's campaign". The Olympian. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  10. "Gary C. Alexander's Ratings and Endorsements". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  11. "Washington state to cut another 1,266 jobs". Businessweek. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  12. "Board Roster". Mainstream Republicans of Washington. Archived from the original on 24 January 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  13. "Gary Alexander Thurston County Auditor Biography". Thurston County Auditor. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
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