DALLAS–During a recent visit “home” former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk shared his thoughts on a number of issues and provided insight into his role as the U.S. Trade Representative in the Obama Administration. When first approached by Presiden
DALLAS–During a recent visit “home,” former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk shared his thoughts on a number of issues and provided insight into his role as the U.S. Trade Representative in the Obama Administration. When first approached by President-elect Barack Obama about being in the Obama Administration, Kirk said he expressed his desire to be in an area where he could grow.
He had served as Secretary of State under then-Texas Governor Ann Richards before becoming Dallas’ first African-American mayor and added another “first” to his bio earlier this year, becoming the first African-American to hold the position of United States Trade Representative.
On March 20, the pride of Austin, Texas was overwhelmingly confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and as his wife, Matrice, his two daughters and his mother stood nearby and a host of friends and supporters watched, he was formally sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden. A vocal supporter of the North American Free Trade Agreement, this UT Law School Graduate says he learned a lot serving as secretary of state in 1994 and he realizes the tremendous power of the post that he holds.
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In photo: In photo: United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk speaks during a press conference after the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)
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