Former Ritzville consultant appointed as transportation commissioner

Governor Christine Gregoire appointed Joe Tortorelli of Spokane to the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC). His appointment became effective Aug. 29, and his term will expire in June 2014. Tortorelli fills a seat vacated by Latisha Hill, also of Spokane.

Tortorelli comes to the WSTC with a strong economic development background.

He has more than 30 years of experience working with local government and private sector groups interested in growing the local economy, creating jobs and generating private sector capital investment. For the past 11 years, he has worked for Economic Deve...