185- From Everett Mayor to Governor: Lumber Baron Roland Hartley

Roland H. Hartley was a prominent politician and lumberman who was elected mayor of Everett in 1910–1911, served as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives in 1915–1916, and then as the 10th governor of the State of Washington from 1925–1933.

Despite his small frame, he was a political showman and a fiery orator whose colorful words were frequently removed from the official record. His fight to remove what he called waste and luxury in government characterized his political career as a conservative Republican.

He regularly exploited his veto power to impose his political agenda and detested taxation, government spending, and unions. He fought with the majority of his elected colleagues on labor, education, and the lumber business during his two turbulent terms as governor.

Listen now to learn more about this lumber baron turned State Governor!

This episode is part of the ongoing monthly series highlighting Evergreen State Governors