Indiana

A Lady Named Lettie

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Some blog posts come easy and quick.  Some take days of research to put together.  When I thought about what to say about Lettie Oliver, it was easy, it just took a while.

Anyone who is familiar with Marion County politics or how things work over at the Statehouse knew Lettie.   She passed away Monday at 8 a.m. after a sudden illness.  She was a strong advocate labor and the little guy.   She was the associate director AFSCME and the head of the Central Indiana Labor Council.   She was a proud Democrat and while not shy about it, she never pushed herself or ideas on anyone.

I met Lettie a few years ago covering the Indiana General Assembly.  She lobbied for labor and we didn’t agree on much of anything.  We argued over unions, free trade, outsourcing,  privatization and  school choice,  but she was always willing to come on the show and stand up for her beliefs.  Afterwards, we’d share a laugh.  One time we joked  she was going to come to my place and unionize my undocumented guest workers.  It was a good relationship.  Lettie was not the stereotypical lobbyist as painted by some of my brothers and sisters in the media.  She fought her battles because she believed in it. The pay was extra.

There were two incidents though that really made me appreciate Lettie.  One was at a memorial service for workers who died on the job. After giving her speech she quietly went behind the stage and dried her eyes.   The second was when I told her I was getting married.  Not only did she invite my then fiance and me for dinner as a wedding present, but she threatened to smack me upside the head if I screwed things up.  It was like talking to my own mother because I don’t think she was kidding.

Lettie was a kind woman, strong advocate and worthy adversary.  She was proof that people of differing political ideologies don’t have to be difficult to get along with.  I’ll miss her scowl and her smile.    Her spot at Statehouse in the hallway won’t be the same.

Rest in peace, Lettie.   And somehow I know if I screw something up down here, you’ll figure out some way to reach down and smack me.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on March 01, 2010 (boomark / email).