Appointment of Jack Gordon, Seattle publicist, as commissioner of the State Department of Employment Security and to head a "job corps" to create more jobs was announced by Governor Rosellini last night.
Rosellini said Donald W. Johnson, president of the Association of Washington Industries and Joe Davis, president of the State Labor Council, had agreed to be co-chairmen of a committee to coordinate the corps' activities. Primary purpose of the corps will be to create more jobs immediately by accelerating planned public works and private expansion or modernization work," Rosellini said.
THUS THE corps would augment long-range efforts by various local industry promotion groups and the State Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
Rosellini said the corps will survey businesses, city and county agencies about new jobs.
The University of Washington and Washington State University will be asked to provide statistical and other information and staff services.
JACK GORDON
THE STATE has been declared a high - unemployment area. The Department of Employment Security said a 6.5 per cent jobless rate last month was the highest in three years. It said the rate may go to 8.8 per cent before spring.
Gordon, 42, succeeds Peter Giovine, who died in 1959, as commissioner. Otto S. Johnson has been acting commissioner. He will stay on as a deputy commissioner.
Gordon has been public-relations director of Greater Seattle, Inc., 14 years. He has held numerous civic posts.
Gordon will begin the $15,000-a-year job in Olympia Thursday. His wife and four children will stay here at least until school is out.
