Page 13 - Adobe Photoshop PDF

Dern won.
In those days in state, county, and city government there was no
such thing as “civil service” or the “merit system.” A candidate elected
could terminate the employment of any and all employees of the unit
over which he was elected. Governor Mabey was a Republican; Dern
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Under the circumstances, my Dad, together with two other men,
went to see the newly elected Governor Dern. Their objective was for
Dern to appoint as State Fair Manager a man whom they were recom-
mending. During the meeting, Governor Dern listened but did not com-
mit himself to a decision. A couple of days later, the Governor phoned
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and Grandfather Holmes were not only business partners; they were
deep friends who had great love and respect for each other. Grandfather
Holmes wanted Dad to stay in the business with him and avoid govern-
ment service. My Mother, on the other hand, felt that Dad had gone as
far as he could go in the business, that he had a talent for politics, and
that he could both grow and enjoy a management role in state govern-
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job as state fair manager, but he kept a partnership in the boiler shop.
From that time onward, Dad moved into an important political role in
state government.

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