Pelath remembers Dickinson as colleague, friend, and role model

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath from Michigan City today issued the following statement on the passing of former State Rep. Mae Dickinson (D-Indianapolis):

“I first met Mae Dickinson when I came to the Indiana House as a freshman in 1998. When I met her, I thought two things: one was that she looked like everyone’s favorite grandmother, and the other was that when Mae baked something, it was a good idea not to waste any time in heading over to sample the goods.

“What I immediately came to realize is that sweet demeanor was the perfect cover for a will of iron. You underestimated Mae Dickinson at your own peril. There was no better advocate for the victims of our society: children, seniors, people plagued by domestic abuse. She was on your side, and woe to anyone who saw it differently.

“Mae was never the kind of person who would grandstand or draw attention, but in her own tenacious way, she was as effective a lawmaker as I’ve ever seen. She will be missed, of course, but the example she set is something that I will draw upon every day I serve as a legislator.”