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 several important roles in government. These include serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives and as the Attorney General of New Mexico. He also led the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Today, Mr. Stratton works as a lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Growing Up and School
Hal Stratton was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on December 6, 1950. When he was five, his family moved to Oklahoma City. He grew up there and finished high school. He is also a member of the Cherokee Nation, which is a Native American tribe.
Mr. Stratton went to the University of Oklahoma. He studied geology and earned his bachelor's degree in 1973. He also completed the Army R.O.T.C. program, which prepares students to become military officers.
Becoming a Lawyer
After college, he went to law school at the University of Oklahoma. He earned his law degree in 1976. He was also part of the American Indian Law Review, a special legal journal.
After law school, Mr. Stratton served in the U.S. Army. In 1977, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, he started his career as a private lawyer.
Helping the Public
Serving in New Mexico's House
In 1978, at age 27, Hal Stratton ran for a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state. He won the election and served four terms, which means he was reelected three times.
While in the House, he worked on important committees. These included groups focused on law, energy, and transportation. He helped create new laws to improve justice and manage state spending. In 1981, he was named "Legislator of the Year."
New Mexico's Top Lawyer
In 1986, Mr. Stratton was elected as the Attorney General of New Mexico. This is the state's chief legal officer. He was the only Republican to hold this job in New Mexico since 1928. He served one term, from 1987 to 1990.
As Attorney General, he worked on many important legal cases. He argued a case called Cotton Petroleum v. State of New Mexico before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also helped New Mexico consumers get a large settlement from a car dealership. This showed his commitment to protecting people.
Keeping Products Safe
In 2002, President George W. Bush chose Hal Stratton to lead the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC is a government agency that helps keep products safe for people to use. The U.S. Senate approved his nomination, and he started his role in August 2002. He served until July 2006.
During his time at the CPSC, Mr. Stratton made many improvements. He updated the CPSC website and helped create [www.recalls.gov]. This website helps people find out about dangerous products that have been recalled. He also worked on new safety rules, like for mattress flammability.
He also started the CPSC Office of International Programs. This office worked with other countries, like China, to make products safer worldwide. Under his leadership, the CPSC carried out the largest recall in U.S. history involving children's jewelry. They also gave the biggest fine to a company for not reporting dangerous products.
Starting a Think Tank
In 2000, Hal Stratton helped start the Rio Grande Foundation (RGF). This organization studies public policy and aims to help New Mexico's economy. It focuses on ideas like limited government and economic freedom.
When he became chairman of the CPSC, Mr. Stratton left the Rio Grande Foundation. He wanted to focus completely on his new role.
Legal Career
After leaving the CPSC in 2006, Mr. Stratton continued his legal work. He joined a law firm in Washington, D.C. Later, he returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He now practices law at his own firm, Hal Stratton Law and Consulting, LLC.
Mr. Stratton is allowed to practice law in several states, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. He can also argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He even taught a law course at George Mason University School of Law.
Public Appearances
Throughout his career, Hal Stratton has appeared on many TV news programs. He has given over a hundred speeches and seminars. He has spoken in English and Spanish in many countries and states. He has also written articles about legal and government topics.
