Michael Ross (Washington politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael K. Ross
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Michael K. Ross
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| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 37th district |
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| In office 1971–1973 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 14, 1941 Iowa City, Iowa |
| Died | August 21, 2007 (aged 66) Seattle, Washington |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | Michael Kay, Michael Chavez, Adam |
| Parents | Carl Ross, Violet Phinisse Scott |
| Occupation | Activist, Politician |
Michael K. Ross (born July 14, 1941 – died August 21, 2007) was an important American activist. He worked for civil rights and was also a construction worker. From 1970 to 1972, he served in the Washington House of Representatives. He was the last Republican to be elected from Washington's 37th legislative district.
Early Life and Activism
Michael K. Ross was born in Iowa City, Iowa. His parents were Carl Ross and Violet Phinisse Scott. He grew up in Flint, Michigan and Los Angeles, California.
From 1958 to 1960, he served in the United States Air Force. After that, he went to Washburn Community College in Topeka, Kansas for a short time. He then moved to Virginia to work for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Get Out the Vote" campaign. In 1967, he moved to Washington state. He wanted to escape unfair treatment he had experienced in other places.
In Seattle, Ross became involved with the local group of the Congress of Racial Equality. He was later chosen as the president of this group. He spoke out about issues facing African-Americans. He also joined protests that asked the University of Washington to stop sports games with Brigham Young University.
Political Career
In 1970, Michael Ross decided to run for a political office. He ran as a Republican for a seat in the Washington House of Representatives. This was for the 37th Legislative District. He ran against Marion King Smith, whose husband, Sam Smith, had been a state legislator for many years.
Ross won the election, which was a surprise. The 37th district usually voted for Democrats. People thought Ross won because some of Marion King Smith's usual supporters wanted power to be shared more widely in the community.
After he became a representative, Governor Daniel J. Evans chose Ross to join a state committee. This committee advised on law and justice plans. Ross often made news because of his strong beliefs and actions. He was once arrested for helping to protest a lack of diversity among construction workers. This protest was about the building of Seattle Central Community College.
Ross also introduced a resolution called the "Betsy Ross resolution." This rule made sure that a female legislative page carried the United States flag when it was presented to the Washington legislature. Before this, a male page carried the federal flag.
Ross tried to win a second term in the legislature, but he lost to John Eng. The next year, in 1973, he ran for Seattle City Council. A high school student named Dino Rossi managed his campaign. Dino Rossi later became a Republican candidate for Governor of Washington. In 1985, Ross tried to return to politics. He ran for the King County Council but lost to Ron Sims.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving politics, Michael Ross started two construction companies. He also worked as an executive director for a community development group. He worked for the United States Department of Energy too. Later in his life, he helped connect minority groups with the Seattle Vocational Institute.
Michael K. Ross passed away in 2007 from a heart attack.
See also
- Charles Stokes - Another Republican legislator from the 37th district who served from 1950-1954.
