Pat Whiting facts for kids

Pat Whiting (born Patricia D. Carpio, October 22, 1940 – June 23, 2010) was an American activist and politician from Oregon. She made history by serving three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives. Pat Whiting was the first Filipino and Asian American representative in Oregon. She was also the first woman to represent her district. She served from 1973 to 1981.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pat grew up in California. She later moved to Tigard, Oregon, near Portland. This move happened after she started graduate school and married Vince Whiting. She was very active in her community. She was a member of many groups until she passed away from lymphoma.

Her Early Life Story

Pat Whiting was born Patricia D. Carpio in Chicago, Illinois. Her mother was Doris Runolfson. Pat had a diverse background. She was of Filipino, Icelandic, and Native American descent.

She was the oldest of eight children. Her family worked as migrant farmworkers. Her mother, Doris, used a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. Pat helped her mother raise her younger sisters and brothers. When Pat was 10, she and her mother moved to Gilroy, California. Pat graduated from high school there in 1959.

Pat's Education Journey

Pat Whiting attended San Jose State College. She also did graduate work at Oregon State University. Later, she earned a master's degree from Lewis and Clark College. Her master's was in Public Administration.

At San Jose State, Pat studied Arts and Humanities. She was very involved in student life. She participated in plays, musicals, and choir. She also enjoyed flamenco dance. Pat even traveled across the United States. She performed with actors for a play called "So this is College" for the U.S.O. tour.

Her Political Career

Becoming a Representative

Pat Whiting was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1973. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She served three terms as a representative. Pat was the only person from Metzger to serve. She was also the first Democratic woman from Washington County, Oregon to be elected. Plus, she was the only Asian American elected to the House at that time.

Important Laws She Helped With

Pat Whiting helped create many important laws.

She co-sponsored a law to ban smoking in public places. This was the first law of its kind in Oregon.

Pat also helped with the Oregon Bottle Bill. This law aimed to reduce litter and pollution. It first passed in 1971.

She also supported Project Independence. This program helps senior citizens live independently at home.

In her first year, Pat co-sponsored House Bill 2930. This bill would have made discrimination against LGBTQ people illegal. People who supported this bill took a risk in their political careers.

Banning Harmful Chemicals

Pat Whiting wrote and helped pass a law to ban chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) pollution. CFCs harm the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer. This was the first such law in the entire country. Pat believed that how we use energy is very important. She said, "Our energy resource allocation, use, and depletion is now one of the major confrontations of our time."

The law passed in 1975. After Oregon's ban started in 1977, 13 other states and Congress suggested similar laws. The New York Times called Oregon an "innovator in such environmental legislation." Pat even appeared on the Today Show to talk about the CFC ban.

Pat also pushed for the Oregon Department of Energy. She wanted an "Oregon Energy Policy." She wrote that future generations should not be left with used-up resources. She believed Oregon should use energy wisely. She also wanted the state to find lasting energy sources.

Supporting Equal Rights

In the House of Representatives, Pat was part of the Oregon Women's Political Caucus. This group worked to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA aimed to ensure equal rights for all Americans, regardless of sex. Oregon was the 25th state to ratify the ERA.

Planning Land Use Wisely

Pat was on the Oregon Joint Legislative Committee. This committee oversaw land use planning. She worked to protect open spaces. She also wanted to develop land for recreation. Pat worried about floods, urban sprawl, and traffic. She also thought about how more people would affect the environment. She believed Oregon needed a "progressive attitude." This meant thinking about how much the Earth can support. Pat thought Oregon needed to save energy. She also wanted to invest in public transportation research.

Her Community Work

Pat Whiting grew up in poverty as a migrant worker. Because of this, she believed in helping women find new opportunities. She worked to protect and improve Metzger Park. The park's public hall is even named the Patricia D. Whiting Hall.

Pat was a board member for the Washington County Community Action poverty program. She also served on the board of Loaves and Fishes, a tri-county organization. She was part of Beaverton's Police Advisory and the Citizen Participation Organization.

Her Personal Life

Pat Whiting was married to Vince Whiting for 42 years. They renewed their wedding vows eight times. They did this every five years and got new rings each time. Their last renewal was at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center.

Pat is remembered by her husband, Vince. She is also survived by her seven siblings: Connie Melanson, Elyse Cotant, George, Mason, Masao Jim, Morton Uyeda, and Leon Castillo. On April 3, 2015, the Oregon House of Representatives honored Pat. They called her a "devoted and inspirational community leader, legislator, wife and sister." In 2013, Dress for Success of Oregon named their career center after Pat Whiting.

Awards and Achievements

• Izaak Walton League Conservationist of the Year, 1979
• Carnegie Foundation Top 10 U.S. State Legislation Award, 1975
• Eagleton Institute of Politics, Top 10 state legislators in United States
• Rutgers University top 10 state legislators in United States
• Washington County OSU Extension Service Pioneer Citizen Stateswoman Award
• Distinguished Service Award from the city of Tualatin
• Harold M. Hayes Award, 2009, for citizen involvement in Washington County, Oregon