Victor G. Atiyeh
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2012) |
 |
This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (February 2012) |
| Victor G. Atiyeh | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Atiyeh in 1986 | |
| 32nd Governor of Oregon | |
| In office January 8, 1979 – January 12, 1987 |
|
| Preceded by | Robert W. Straub |
| Succeeded by | Neil Goldschmidt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1923 Portland, Oregon |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Dolores Atiyeh |
| Profession | Rug Merchant, Politician |
Victor George Atiyeh (born February 20, 1923) is an American politician, elected the 32nd Governor of Oregon in 1978. A member of the Republican Party, Atiyeh was the first elected governor of Arab descent in the United States, serving eight years from 1979 through 1987.[1][2] He won re-election running against future governor Ted Kulongoski with 61.6 percent of the vote, the largest margin in 32 years. As of 2011, Atiyeh is the last Republican to serve as Governor of Oregon.
Contents |
[edit] Early life
As a young man, Atiyeh worked in the rug and carpet business, Atiyeh Brothers, established by his father, an immigrant from Syria, at the turn of the 20th century.
[edit] Career
Atiyeh served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1959 to 1964 and in the Oregon State Senate from 1965 to 1978. He ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 1974 but won against incumbent Governor Robert Straub in 1978, attracting 55 percent of the vote. He was reelected in 1982 by Oregon's largest gubernatorial margin in 32 years. During his eight-year tenure, he successfully addressed many local, national and international issues.[3][4]
He established new public safety programs for Oregon's traditional fishing and lumber trades, while also taking measures to attract new industries to the state, bringing thousands of jobs, helped by the State Lottery, started under his governorship. He launched a worldwide tourism initiative, and got the Columbia River Gorge designated as a national scenic preservation area. He led successful international trade missions, opening Oregon's first overseas trade office in Tokyo.
He helped to establish the nation's first statewide food bank. His Advisory Committee on DUI heightened public awareness of this offense, and new laws against drunken driving were passed during his administration. He chaired the Republican Governors' Association and was the Republican National Convention's floor leader for Reagan in 1984.
[edit] Later life
Since leaving office, Atiyeh has been an international trade consultant. On August 31, 2005, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery; he drove himself to St. Vincent Medical Center after suffering chest pains. Atiyeh was noted for being a fiscal conservative; his spokesman told reporters that he had stopped on his way to the hospital to fill his car with gas, having taken note of the sharply rising prices. In the weeks following the surgery, Atiyeh was readmitted to the hospital for several brief stays after suffering shortness of breath and pain in his arms.
In 2006, Atiyeh co-chaired the "Yes on 49" campaign, supporting Ballot Measure 49, along with Democratic former governor Barbara Roberts, former and future governor John Kitzhaber, and then-governor Ted Kulongoski. He solicited a $100,000 donation to the campaign from Phil Knight, CEO of Nike.[5]
[edit] Personal life
He currently lives in Portland with his wife Dolores. Together, Victor and Dolores have two children, Tom and Suzanne, and five grandchildren: Megan, Sonia, Cody, Jimmy, and Becky.
[edit] References
- ^ Directs Port of Portland to rename Portland International Airport, Oregon Legislature, July 6, 2005. Accessed September 8, 2007.
- ^ Philip Harsham and Robert Azzi. Arabs in America: The Native Sons. Saudi Aramco World. March/April 1975. Accessed September 8, 2007.
- ^ Ellis Island Medals of Honourwww.neco.org/awards/recipients/atiyeh_victor.html
- ^ Oregon Historical Societywww.ohs.org/education/focus/governor_victor_atiyeh.cfm
- ^ "Nike co-founder backs Measure 49 with $100,000". KGW.com (Associated Press). October 6, 2007. http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_100607_news_knight_measure_49.14423cc54.html.
[edit] External links
- Oregon State Archives file on Atiyeh (January 8, 1979 - January 12, 1987)
- Biographical Note from Oregon State Archives
- University of Oregon Awards
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Robert W. Straub |
Governor of Oregon 1979-1987 |
Succeeded by Neil Goldschmidt |
|
|||||||||||||
