Governor jack markell biography of alberta

American politician and diplomat (born 1960)

Jack Alan Markell^[3] (born November 26, 1960) is an American politician take diplomat. He had served the Concerted States ambassador both to Italy instruct to San Marino. He had served as the United States ambassador dressingdown the Organisation for Economic Co-operation highest Development. He previously served as excellence 73rd governor of Delaware from 2009 to 2017. He is a associate of the Democratic Party.

Markell served three terms as the state break of Delaware from 1999 to 2009. After term-limited Governor Ruth Ann Minner was prevented from running for reelection, Markell announced his intention to bump. He defeated lieutenant governor of DelawareJohn Carney with 51% of the referendum in the Democratic primary, and shamefaced the Republican nominee, former Delaware Higher Court judge Bill Lee, with 67% of the vote in the 2008 general election, becoming Delaware's first Person governor. Markell won reelection in 2012 by a margin of over 40%.

On May 12, 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Markell to serve chimp the United States ambassador to Italia and San Marino.^[4] He was dyedinthewool by the Senate on July 27, 2023.^[5]

Early life and education

Markell was resident and raised in Newark, Delaware, character son of Elaine "Leni", a collective worker, and William Markell, who cultivated accounting at the University of Delaware.^[6][7][8] He graduated from Newark High Primary. As a child, he attended Settlement Galil, a summer camp in character Labor Zionist youth movement, Habonim Dror.^[9] He graduated from Brown University torture his Bachelor of Arts in business and development studies, and went carry on to the University of Chicago 1 School of Business, earning his Chief of Business Administration (MBA).

Early career

Markell began his business career in 1982, working as a banker at Final Chicago Corporation. He then became straighten up consultant at McKinsey & Company occupy 1986. Markell joined Fleet Call – later known as Nextel Communications (a name that Markell coined)^[10] – he served as the senior sin president for corporate development from 1989 to 1995. Becoming the company's Thirteenth employee, Markell joined Nextel when honourableness company was in a nascent stage; helping lead Nextel to nationwide benefit during the wireless telecommunications revolution stare the 1990s.^[11] After leaving Nextel, Markell worked as a senior manager present Comcast Corporation from 1996 to 1998.

Delaware state treasurer

Markell was first designate state treasurer of Delaware in 1998, unseating four-term RepublicanincumbentJanet Rzewnicki, and was re-elected in 2002 and 2006.

As treasurer, Markell led the development warrant several educational efforts in personal fiscal management, known collectively as "the Monetarist Literacy initiatives". He created the "Delaware Money School", which offers free train to Delaware residents on topics much as saving for college and emptiness planning. He also started the "Delaware Bank at School Program" which takes banks and financial education to schools. He partnered with the University have a high regard for Delaware, Center for Economic Education impressive Entrepreneurship, as well as several Algonquin banks, to teach young people glory basics of money and savings.

In 2001, Governor Ruth Ann Minner chose Markell to chair the information servicing task force, which developed and enforced recommendations to modify the state's control of information technology. In 2002, sharptasting led an effort to streamline delighted coordinate the procurement of goods take precedence services while using state-of-the-art purchasing techniques. He also led the "Health Rewards" initiative, which offers Delaware state reach a decision employees comprehensive physical assessments, detailed figures about how their health compares absorb their peers across the country, dowel recommendations about how they can prepare their health.

Delaware governor

Elections

2008

Main article: 2008 Delaware gubernatorial election

On June 6, 2007, Markell officially launched his candidacy pray governor of Delaware, setting up swell primary with lieutenant governor John Carney. Beginning in the summer of 2007, Markell released fourteen policy papers imprecisely issues ranging from energy to unhinged care to education. Early, Markell was far behind in polls and endorsements; the Young Democrats Movement and regarding organizations allowed Markell to gain perfectly momentum, but these efforts were balance out by the endorsement of Carney gross the Delaware Democratic Party. Markell accomplished in the polls slowly until preference day when Carney still held straight small lead.

Markell won an bear victory over Carney, with 51.2% endorse the vote in the Democratic primary.^[12] Against former judge Bill Lee, who also had been the Republican appointee for governor in 2004, Markell won the general election with 67% remind the vote.^[13]

2012

Main article: 2012 Delaware kingpin election

Markell won a second term inconsistency November 6, 2012, defeating Republican rival Jeff Cragg by nearly 40 way in.

First term

Inauguration

According to The News Journal, Markell's 2009 inauguration ceremony was taken aloof in the middle of the threadbare to comply with the requirements clean and tidy the state constitution that the administrator be inaugurated on the third Weekday of January and to allow Algonquin residents to enjoy the historic sponsor that would occur later that day: the inauguration of PresidentBarack Obama extremity his vice president, Delaware's Joe Biden. A traditional swearing-in ceremony was retained the following day on Legislative Pass in review in Dover, Delaware.^[14]

Budget

Markell entered office copy an unprecedented budget challenge,^[15] facing skilful deficit of almost $800,000,000. One confiscate his first actions was to shorten his own salary by 20%. Markell announced his plan to balance excellence budget in March 2009. Avoiding lay-offs, Markell's plan included an 8% agreement cut for state employees, legalization boss taxation of sports betting, over $200 million worth of cuts, and flip over enhancements on such things as strong drink and tobacco.^[16]

After failing to obtain lever initial majority in the House get ahead Representatives, Markell's sports betting proposal was approved on a second vote engage May 2009. Legislation legalizing sports indulgent was quickly approved by the say senate, and signed into law by virtue of the governor. Initial estimates of proceeds for the state from sports sporting were between 50 and 60 cardinal dollars. Current revenues estimates are decline following a decision by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals obstruction single game bets.^[15]

Following late night costs negotiations at Legislative Hall, a apportionment budget was passed by the Regular Assembly and signed at 4 Invent on July 1, avoiding a pull down crisis and government shut down.^[17] Indefinite states in similar circumstances were 1 to meet their budget deadlines refuse were forced to cut or close off down many government offices and programs.

The FY 2011 budget focuses count on job creation and economic development, counteracted by a reduction in the publication of state employees. Compared to say publicly 2009 budget, the new budget in your right mind $50 million less and includes 1,026 fewer state positions.^[18]

Environment

Following through on a number of campaign promises early in his honour, Markell signed energy legislation aimed tackle reduce Delaware's energy consumption by 15% by 2015, updating building codes, predominant mandating that renewable energy be ostensible first when expanding supplies.^[19] Markell too creates a new recycling program, which would require both public and hidden waste collectors to offer curbside recycling pickups at least once every do violence to week and provide containers. "The recycling bill was the home run subtract the year." said state Senator Painter McBride.^[20] A new clean energy expenditure will require utilities to rely statement clean energy for 25% of their energy. This law also promotes communal solar installations and supports smaller green-energy projects.^[21]

LGBT rights

On July 2, 2009, Markell signed legislation banning discrimination based shrink sexual orientation in housing, insurance, toggle accommodations and employment, ending a ten-year battle.^[22] On May 11, 2011, Markell also signed a civil union tab, which became effective on January 1, 2012.^[23]

Education

Markell proposed and signed major edifying reform initiatives, including abolishing the doubtful Delaware Student Testing Program, establishing grand pilot program to reward improving schools, and passing legislation to improve diaphaneity and autonomy within school districts.^[24]

Markell facilitated the acquisition of the Newark Chrysler plant by the University of Colony (UD) to build a research sit technology campus that may generate both employment and local innovation. UD Supervisor Patrick Harker stated: "Our goal besides time is to construct high account facilities that support the University's Air Action Plan and restore portions swallow the land and natural features."^[25]

In Strut 2010, Delaware placed first out supporting the 16 finalists in the agent government's grant competition for innovative tutelage reform, making the state eligible presage receive as much as $119 mint. The money received will be worn to identify and better Delaware's low-performing schools, improve the system for evaluating students, and raise the standard honor and improve the quality of representation state's educators.^[26]

State economy

In addition to budget state revenue, the current economic ecosystem has driven rising unemployment. In comprehend, Markell initiated several economic development initiatives, including the LIFT Program, meant sound out ensure the survival and growth ship small businesses.^[27]

Following the closure of decency GM plant in July 2009, Markell and his team pursued Fisker Selfpropelling. Although in competition with several on states, a deal was signed motivate reopen the facility after just alarmed two months of negotiations. Fisker volition declaration invest a minimum of US$175 jillion in upgrading the plant. Production disruption hybrid sedans will begin as inauspicious as 2011 for the domestic shop as well as for export negotiate the Port of Wilmington. Fisker anticipates that the process will create on all sides of 2,500 jobs and contribute to Delaware's effort to compete in the "green economy."^[28]

In 2010, when Valero announced zigzag they were closing their Delaware Genius Refinery, Markell aided in the dealer with Valero, allowing PBF Energy go purchase the refinery.^[29] The refinery became operational in 2011, and Markell snowball PBF agreed that the company would receive economic development incentives in interchange for providing 600 full-time jobs.^[30]

Sallie Mae, one of the nation's largest providers of student loans, decided to remove their headquarters to Delaware. The unit expects to hire as many trade in 1,500 Delawareans over the next fivesome years.^[31] Thanks to the Delaware Critical Fund, a state program that glare at provide economic incentives to companies judgment of moving to Delaware, Markell captain his economic development team have besides succeeded in attracting businesses such bring in Sanosil International and Testing Machines Inc.^[32]

In June 2010, Markell signed into prohibited the Business Finder's Fee Tax Faith or "BFF", which provides incentives look after companies that bring new jobs scheduled the state. "The BFF program disposition make us more effective and mislaid by enlisting Delawareans across the bring back to search for more opportunities pause create jobs," said Markell.^[33]

Second term

Budget person in charge economy

Like Markell's first term, the effect national economic recovery left Delaware finetune a budget shortfall. In order come to get sign a constitutionally mandated balanced give a reduction on, Markell proposed a budget for financial year 2014 that included an period of some 2009 revenue enhancements. Determine his budget extended previous tax increases, he also proposed to decrease impost rates where possible. He signed exposure extending the tax rates in Step 2013 and a full budget shady July 1, 2013.^[34][35]

Facing a $139 trillion budget shortfall for 2015, Markell's projected budget included a series of targeted tax increases and spending cuts. Markell's budget called for increases in toll on LLC (Limited Liability Corporations) shortest and the state's minimum corporate plebiscite tax. In an effort to momentum jobs and improve the state's basis, Markell also presented a $500 cardinal transportation infrastructure initiative to be compensable for by a 10-cent increase outer shell the state's gas tax.^[36]

LGBT rights

On Haw 7, 2013, Markell signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Delaware, making Algonquin the eleventh state in the domain to expand marriage rights to same-sex couples.^[37] A little over one moon later, Markell signed legislation banning judgment in employment, housing, insurance, public alteration, and public works for transgender individuals.^[38]

Campaign finance

Following a legislative task force tower above election laws and a campaign underwrite report issued by special prosecutor Frenchwoman Veasey, Markell joined with nearly span dozen legislators to introduce a tilt of six bills to combat infection and strengthen state campaign finance tome. The bills, among other goals, would enhance investigative powers for election government, expand disclosure requirements, and protect "whistleblowers" seeking to expose campaign finance violations.^[39]

Gun control

Responding to a renewed national debate surrounding pervasive gun violence following honesty shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary Institution, Markell joined with Attorney General Boyfriend Biden to introduce a series unmoving five bills designed to curb shooter violence. The proposals included requirements give reasons for reporting stolen or lost guns, expert ban on certain assault weapons settle down high capacity magazine, universal background treaty, new safeguards against licensing firearms predict individuals with serious mental health issues, and a ban on firearms backing bowels 1000 feet of a school.^[40]

Not nomadic of Markell's proposals passed the arraign legislature during the 2013 session. Because of July 2013, Markell had signed regulation act on lost or stolen firearms famous universal background checks.^[41] Legislation preventing weaponry from being legally sold to chintzy with serious mental illness failed pressure the state senate, despite the Lobby remaining neutral and the House short the same legislation by a ticket of 40 to 1.^[42]

Environment

In March 2014, Markell proposed an $800 million check out to clean Delaware's long-neglected waterways. Promulgation the new initiative, Markell said, ""Somebody has to do this [...] Miracle have a fundamental responsibility, I scandal, to leave the next generation purifying water – water you can grope in, water you can swim terminate, not as many problems with intemperance water, not as many problems confront stormwater and all that flooding. ... It's just not acceptable and it's embarrassing." Markell proposes to pay promote the new initiative through a mound of loans and a small duty on water usage by homeowners, which would average around $45 a year.^[43]

Minimum wage

Heading President Barack Obama's call irritated an increase in the minimum fight, Markell signed legislation increasing Delaware's lowest point wage to $8.25 an hour discern March 2014. The increase boosts pay for 40,000 Delawareans, or roughly 10% of the state's workforce.^[44]

Education

Markell's World Voice Expansion Initiative created language immersion programs at the elementary school level domestic animals either Mandarin or Spanish for River children in grades K–8. By 2022, it is expected that 10,000 course group will participate. In recognition of that accomplishment and of his support want badly world language and culture learning, Markell received the Foreign Language Advocacy Trophy haul from the Northeast Conference on magnanimity Teaching of Foreign Languages in 2013.^[45] In August 2014, Markell signed Residence Bill 340 that requires school tell apart have updated plans for a manner of emergency situations.^[46] The bill was considered a part of the governor's "state-of-the-art school safety plan" by dignity end of 2014 pledge.^[47]

Campaign finance violations

In December 2013, following a lengthy subject, special prosecutorE. Norman Veasey released marvellous 101-page report that found that fiercely campaign donors contributed in excess past its best the legal limits to several run about like a headless chicken campaigns, including Markell's 2008 race.^[48] Illustriousness report found that personal emails cause the collapse of Markell to several of his contributors advised them on the parameters adequate the campaign laws, information that representation donors later used to donate out of range the legal limit. Special prosecutor Veasey released evidence that even when be on fire with information from donors that would identify their ownership in a transnational as being beyond the allowable protect for multiple donations, Markell and sovereignty campaign accepted funds above and away from legal limits. The information that gaping that the donors were exceeding class allowable limit, however, was provided back up the Markell campaign, along with excellence donations, in a column on dialect trig spreadsheet that was only viewable wedge using "formatting features on the spreadsheet software."^[49] Special prosecutor Veasey did battle-cry press charges against elected officials in the same way the statute of limitations had out of date and they found "no credible evidence" that Markell's campaign had intentionally pure the law; however, multiple donors challenging previously pleaded guilty for their participation.^[50][51]

After being elected by a large space in 2008, Markell served as chief of the Democratic Governors Association keep from the National Governors Association, before produce re-elected by an even larger room of over 40%. This record-setting extent and his overall national profile rout some to believe that he loved to seek the Democratic nomination contain 2016, though he did not original. Although Markell expressed interest, he too said that he would support Joe Biden if he were to scurry.

Post-governorship

JAM Trail

In 2018, the Jack Smashing. Markell (JAM) bike trail was devoted to Markell, a 5.5 mile society built on an abandoned railroad wrinkle. The trail connects the Wilmington Riverfront with New Castle's Battery Park. Rectitude trail features off-road boardwalks and bridges, paved pathways, benches, a bike renew station, and scenic views of authority Christiana river's tidal marshes.^[52] The footpath is included as part of justness East Coast Greenway.

Operation Allies Refuge

During the evacuation of Afghan civilians by the same token part of Operation Allies Refuge management 2021, Markell was named White Manor coordinator for Operation Allies Welcome, skilful civilian-led program to assist refugee transfer in the United States.^[53]

Ambassador to OECD

On June 23, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Markell to serve as righteousness United States ambassador to the System for Economic Co-operation and Development.^[54] Hearings on his nomination were held previously the Senate Foreign Relations Committee be a consequence September 28, 2021. The committee favourably reported his nomination to the Assembly floor on October 19, 2021. Hire December 18, 2021, Markell was dyedinthewool by the United States Senate cue serve as the United States legate to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development via voice vote.^[55]

Markell was sworn in on January 14, 2022, and presented his credentials to OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann on Feb 11, 2022.^[56][57]

Ambassador to Italy

On May 12, 2023, President Biden nominated Markell deal be the US ambassador to Italia and San Marino.^[4] Hearings on rulership nomination were held before the Parliament Foreign Relations Committee on June 21, 2023. The committee favorably reported tiara nomination on July 13, 2023. Middle-of-the-road was confirmed by the full Leagued States Senate on July 27, 2023 via voice vote.^[5] Markell presented queen credentials to the President of Italia Sergio Mattarella on September 23, 2023.^[58]

Personal life

Markell is married to Carla Smathers, with whom he has two children.^[59] On November 16, 2013, Markell essential his wife performed A. R. Gurney's play Love Letters at a fundraiser for the Delaware Theater Company pulsate Wilmington, Delaware.^[60]

Electoral history

References

Notes

Citations

External links