... passed yesterday at the age of 88 in her sleep - literally just down the street from me at Richmond Place Assisted-Living/Skilled Nursing Facility.
That she was only the 3rd female governor in history in the United States, by that time (1983 to 1987)?
That she - a Democrat governor - was responsible for bringing the Georgetown Toyota plant and thousands of jobs, here, in a state that was overall faltering in jobs and economically, due to decline in the coal business, essentially saving us economically?
Not only that, but the Japanese company, Toyota, was historically male-only and family led.
How did she do it?
By working with landowners in Georgetown to a deal they all agreed upon, offering tax incentives, and giving Toyota a huge deal on land purchase, knowing it would pay off in the long run.
But other states did this, too, so why her, why Kentucky?
Because her diplomacy skills are legendary - she was very warm, making people feel like honored guests, catering to their every whim, before they even knew they had it.
In fact, that is where women may have the advantage over men (not ALL women or ALL men 😉)
But she could be tough when she needed to be, too - she could say no. She just did it with a sweet Southern accent and a smile on her face 😂
Republicans tried to say the deal was illegal (despite the fact that this is exactly what they would do, and still do, too) and actually tried to take her to court over it - but it was not - she won!
She knew it would pay off for everyone - and it did. 😊
Not only is Toyota itself the biggest moneymaker in the state now, but there are several pipeline companies that create specific parts that popped up around it, also making money and providing jobs.
Also, as a former teacher, pushed the state for educational reform and higher teacher salaries and benefits - and received it!
And she would have won again, had Kentucky allowed 2 terms for governors at that time (which we do now).
She also fixed what was formerly known as "death hill" - the curved hill of I-75 that lead down to the Ohio River on the Kentucky side, just before reaching the bridges Cincinnati.
At one time, it was super steep, people would speed around that curve, and go right off that cliff.
(And this was at a time when the speed limit was lower, only 55. Now that it's higher, even though the hill has been leveled out, it is still called "death hill" because the speed increase has again raised the number of accidents there.)
I remember as a kid, my older sister and I would hold our hands up like it was a roller coaster, coming back home to Cincy from our grandparents, because it was sort of fun, but also scary! 😂
On the negative side, her husband - a dentist - made some crooked "pay-to-play" business dealings with contractors, essentially misleading them to believe they had his wife's blessing and would be paid by the state in exchange for political backing, which did not happen.
Martha was neither implicated nor charged, and it is unclear if she knew, but I understand why people would think she did - plus she stayed married to him.
But there is a difference in offering huge discounts to secure business that will be a win-win for everybody in the future versus pay-to-play schemes (which have unfortunately become commonplace in today's politics).
Regardless, she became very quiet politically after leaving office, focusing on educational improvements.
Personally, I never heard a bad word about Martha Layne Collins from either Republicans OR Democrats.
I heard grumbling before she took office - the usual misogynist subjects - but not afterwards.
Because she brought Toyota and thousands of new jobs to our state - period - a feat even supposedly more business-minded Republican men - before and after her couldn't accomplish.
In fact, no man from either party accomplish a feat of business like that, before or since, with the next closest being Beshear bringing SV automotive electric battery manufacturing here a couple of years ago.
Even "never-a-woman-in-charge" type of men had to admit she was exceptional - in that they considered her an "exception to the rule" stereotype they had of women - but at least it was a start? 😂
Only to be later undone in the Trump era. 😏
Speaking of, in a time where we have returned to maligning women, Democrats, and anyone else who isn't a white-male Christian - the definition of Christianity and morality once again reverting again back to being almost exclusively reproductive/gender standards VS Christ's definition - her death and legacy should remind us of what is possible again.
What the right candidate can accomplish on behalf of those they govern - regardless of gender, race, religion, or political party - either those of the candidate or those they govern.
Because a good leader can and should lead everyone and have the ability to unify.
Put that in your tacky faux-gold pipe and smoke it, Trump!
