Early Life and Political Start:
Norman D. Dicks was born on December 16, 1940, in Bremerton, Washington. He later earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Washington in 1963. After that, he received a law degree from the same university in 1968. Initially, he worked as a legislative counsel before beginning his political career.
Dicks started his political journey by serving as a legislative assistant for Senator Warren G. Magnuson from 1968 to 1971. Later, he worked as the Executive Director of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee from 1971 to 1972. He also served as an assistant attorney general of the State of Washington from 1972 to 1976.
Political Career:
In 1976, Dicks contested for the position of U.S. Representative of Washington’s 6th congressional district, where he was successful in defeating his rival candidate. He went ahead to hold the position for a record 18 terms, from 1977 to 2013. During this period, he was an active member of several committees and caucuses.
Dicks mostly focused on working towards the betterment of the environment, defense, and technology sectors. He played an instrumental role in creating the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. He also worked towards preserving the Puget Sound and the Washington coast. Additionally, he emphasized the need for renewable energy and green initiatives.
On the defense front, Dicks was a strong advocate for the military and their families. He relentlessly fought for increasing the defense budget, providing better housing facilities for veterans, and improving the Armed Services Committee’s operations.
Lastly, he supported the growth and development of the technology industry in Washington state. He played an important role in the creation of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program and the Innovative Technologies Acceleration Act. He also co-founded the Congressional Internet Caucus.
Awards and Recognition:
Dicks was widely recognized and appreciated for his contributions towards society. Some of the prestigious awards he received were:
1. The Congressional Distinguished Service Award by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
2. The Outstanding Political Leadership award by the Washington State PTA.
3. The Outstanding Legislator of the Year award by the National Association of Home Builders.
4. The Conservation Achievement Award by the National Wildlife Federation.
5. The Special Recognition Award by the National Defense University Foundation.
Post-Congressional Life:
After serving as the U.S. Representative for 36 years, Dicks retired from politics in 2013. He continued to be involved in various public and private organizations that he had established during his tenure as a politician. He co-founded the Puget Sound Leadership Institute and the Global Ocean Commission. He also served on the boards of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the College Success Foundation.
Conclusion:
Norm Dicks’s contributions towards society are immense, and his 36-year political career is a testimony to the same. His work on the environment, military, and technology fronts has made him a well-respected figure. Even post his retirement, he continued to contribute actively towards society, and his legacy as a politician will continue to inspire many.