Lesley Stedman Weidenbener, writing for the Indianapolis Business Journal, has an article on the passing of long-time former state senator, Larry Borst.
Former state Sen. Larry Borst—one of the most influential budget leaders in modern state history—has died, a Senate leader said Tuesday. He was 89.
Borst served 36 years in the Senate representing southern Marion County and northern Johnson County. For more than three decades, he was chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, the panel through which the budget and all tax legislation had to pass.
Both an understated and commanding presence, Borst was nicknamed the “Silver Fox,” a nod to his thick gray hair and his crafty approach to legislation.
Borst served from 1968 to 2004 when he was defeated in a Republican primary. I most recently mentioned him in this blog a couple of weeks ago in the bicentennial series. He was one of a couple of a few key senators who dominated the Indiana Senate with Senator Garton.
During the 1980s and 90s, the Indiana Senate was dominated by President pro tem Bob Garton and his allies, Senators Larry Borst, Joe Harrison, and Morris Mills. . . . Phil Gutman and Mark “Chip” Edwards had been convicted on bribery charges. Their conviction arose out of a scheme whereby railroad lobbyists gave a few Senators monthly payments for three years in exchange for their support on favorable legislation.
In the wake of the scandal, the leadership position was open. Garton and Harrison, in particular, seemed to be running hard for the spot. Ultimately Garton won, and Senators Garton, Harrison, Borst, and Mills would control the Senate for something like a quarter century.
. . .
This power structure was one with which Governor Bayh had to contend. Senator Borst recalled Bayh’s term as governor as one that was popular with the public but was skeptical of the actual accomplishments. Bayh immediately implemented a Task Force to trim government waste and reduce its size but, according to Borst, “the savings claimed were dubious.” Similarly, Bayh forbid state employees from accepting “so much as a cup of coffee,” but, he said, that was never really enforced. He allowed the unionization of state employees but never entered into a meaningful contract with them. That said, Borst concluded, Bayh’s “don’t rock the boat” philosophy was good for the state at that time, and he had capable, honest staff members.
I’m sure there was plenty to disagree about with Sen. Borst’s policy ideas. A person can’t serve that long in that powerful a position without generating disagreement. But, I think it’s safe to say that his was a life of substantial public service.
Senator Borst has been only one of few legislators I have had direct contact with over the years. Several years ago the legislature was considering funding issues associated with vocational education. Another teacher and I representing our professional organization attended hearings and made several input commentaries. Senator Borst invited us to meet with him in his office to discuss the various issues. Now this was not one of those hot button issues but important to our group. I very much respected him for his thoughtful consideration and discussions. In point, we missed one of the hearings and he inquired why we had not appeared. As a side note, the final recommendation of the committee was very favorable to our cause.