Hal Stratton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hal Stratton, Jr.
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| 8th Chairman of the Consumer Products Safety Commission | |
| In office July 25, 2002 – July 15, 2006 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Thomas H. Moore (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nancy Nord (acting) |
| 27th Attorney General of New Mexico | |
| In office January 1, 1987 – January 1, 1991 |
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| Governor | Garrey Carruthers |
| Preceded by | Paul Bardacke |
| Succeeded by | Tom Udall |
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 29th District | |
| In office 1978–1986 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 6, 1950 Muskogee, Oklahoma |
| Nationality | American, Cherokee |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | University of Oklahoma (B.A., J.D.) |
| Occupation | attorney, politician |
Harold Duane "Hal" Stratton, Jr. (born December 6, 1950) is an American lawyer and politician. He has held important roles in government, including serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives, as the Attorney General of New Mexico, and as the chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. He is a member of the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Education
Hal Stratton was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on December 6, 1950. He is a member of the Cherokee Nation, an Indigenous tribe. When he was five years old, his family moved to Oklahoma City, where he grew up.
He attended the University of Oklahoma and earned a bachelor's degree in geology in 1973. He also completed the Army R.O.T.C. program, which trains future military officers. Later, he went to law school at the University of Oklahoma, earning a law degree in 1976. After law school, Stratton served in the U.S. Army. In 1977, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to start his career as a lawyer.
Public Service Career
Hal Stratton has dedicated many years to public service, holding several key positions.
Serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives
In 1978, at 27 years old, Stratton was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives. He represented District 29 in Albuquerque as a Republican. He won against the House Majority Whip, showing his strong support.
He was reelected three times, serving a total of four terms. During his time in the House, Stratton worked on important committees. These included the Judiciary, Energy and Natural Resources, Rules, and Transportation Committees. He became the vice chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. From 1985 to 1986, he led the Judiciary Committee as its chairman. He helped create laws about criminal justice, taxes, and limiting the size of state government.
Becoming New Mexico's Attorney General
In 1986, Stratton was elected as the Attorney General of New Mexico. This role means he was the state's chief legal officer. He was the only Republican to be elected to this office in New Mexico since 1928.
The New Mexico Constitution limited him to one term, so he served from 1987 to 1990. As Attorney General, Stratton worked on important legal cases. He argued a case called Cotton Petroleum v. State of New Mexico before the U.S. Supreme Court and won. He also helped New Mexico consumers get a $1.2 million settlement in a large consumer protection case.
Leading the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
In March 2002, President George W. Bush nominated Stratton to be the chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC is a government agency that works to protect people from dangerous products. The U.S. Senate approved his nomination, and he started his role on August 2, 2002. He served as chairman until July 15, 2006.
During his time at the CPSC, Stratton made many improvements. He helped update the CPSC website, [www.cpsc.gov], and created [www.recalls.gov]. This website helps people find out about dangerous products that have been recalled. He also worked on the first major safety rule for mattress flammability. Stratton also started the CPSC Office of International Programs. This office helped create agreements with other countries, like China, to improve product safety worldwide.
Under his leadership, the CPSC carried out the largest recall in U.S. history. This recall involved children's vending machine jewelry. The agency also issued the largest fine to a company for not reporting dangerous products. The CPSC also worked on safety issues for ATVs, furniture, and various toys.
Legal Career and Other Work
After leaving the CPSC in 2006, Stratton continued his legal career. He worked for a law firm in Washington, D.C., until 2008. He then returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and joined another law firm.
Stratton is a member of the bar in several states, including New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. This means he is licensed to practice law in these places. He can also argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also taught a law course at the George Mason University School of Law. Today, Hal Stratton works as a lawyer and consultant at his own firm in Albuquerque.
Public Appearances
Throughout his career, Hal Stratton has appeared on many television news programs. He has given over one hundred speeches and seminars in different countries and states. He has also written articles about legal and government topics.
