Senators saluted for their service

May 16, 2008 11:18 am

— Northern Indiana residents will miss the leadership provided by two longtime senators who are stepping down this year.
Sen. Bob Meeks, R-LaGrange, announced Tuesday he was withdrawing from the election, and Sen. Marvin Riegsecker, R-Goshen, indicated earlier this year he would not seek re-election.

This leaves some big shoes to fill at the Statehouse. Both have helped steer state resources to the area. There is no question, for instance, they were instrumental in northern Indiana counties getting a bigger piece of the pie from the Toll Road lease.
There are some viable candidates seeking to replace the senators, but often there is a period of acclimation required for elected officials to get up to speed on the process.
Meeks is known for heading the Senate Appropriations Committee where he famously said prior to state budget preparations: “There is no money.” In his position he routinely learned to reject spending increases.
Riegsecker championed many causes, including services to those with disabilities as well as efforts to prevent counterfeit prescription drugs. His careful consideration of proposed legislation reflected the diverse nature of his constituency.

Both drew on their experiences from the public and private sectors.
Meeks was with the Indiana State Police for 21 years and also served on the Lakeland Board of School Trustees.
Riegsecker, a pharmacist, also had been elected county coroner and county commissioner before serving 20 years as state senator.
Their favorable reputations — Meeks as a fiscal watchdog and Riegsecker as a thoughtful lawmaker — were earned. The pair served northern Indiana well and they should be saluted for their service.