Russell W. Peterson

Russell Wilbur " Russ" Peterson ( born October 3, 1916 in Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin, † February 21, 2011 in Centreville, New Castle County, Delaware ) was an American politician. He was from 1969 to 1973 Governor of the State of Delaware.

Early years and career

Russell Peterson studied until 1942, among other chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. He then worked as a chemist in a research institute of a company in Wilmington. In the following 26 years he was involved in both research as well as in production and on sale. Finally, he was also on the board of the company. Peterson sat very one for the environment.

Politically, he was until 1968 had very little in appearance. He was a member of the Republican Party, which nominated him as their candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in 1968. These elections, he won with 51% against the Democratic incumbent Charles L. Terry. The elections of 1968 in the United States generally saw the Republican Party in the ascendant, which also presented the president with Richard Nixon.

Governor of Delaware

Peterson took up his new post on January 21, 1969. One of his first acts was the withdrawal of the National Guard from Wilmington, who had his predecessor Terry sent to combat racial unrest there. He reformed the government apparatus of his state. Peterson championed as governor to protect the environment. He was the driving force behind the so-called "Coastal Zone Act" of 1972. Thus a two miles deep coastal strip, which accounted for at least 20 % of the area of the state, was protected from heavy industry to pollution and water pollution in this area reduce. Later, other states should follow this example on the Atlantic coast.

In budgetary terms Peterson had no lucky hand. During his tenure, the national debt grew to five million dollars, which was a high deficit for a small state like Delaware. The cost Peterson in 1972 re-election. He was defeated in the elections against the former Deputy Governor Sherman W. Tribbitt just under 49% to 51% of the vote. Therefore, he had to resign from his post on 16 January 1973.

Further CV

After the end of his term was Peterson President of the National Audubon Society. In 1996, he stepped over to the Democratic Party. The reason he gave to a shift to the right among Republicans. Russell Peterson was married to Lillian Turner died in 1994. With her he had four children. Until his death he was married to June Jenkins.