Since word spread about the passing of Sen. Harry Gast, virtually every state-level politician in our area has released a statement about the lessons they learned from the former politician.

Flags were lowered to half staff in observance of the former senator’s death, and current residents and politicians alike have expressed their praise for the work Gast did while holding the many offices he did in his lifetime.

Gast’s political career in the Michigan House began in 1970, and he went on to serve 28 years in the Senate. Gast led the Senate’s budget committee for 18 years.

Prior to his passing, Gast was honored for his service to the community in a number of ways. The portion of Southwestern Michigan College dedicated to M-TEC was named after the former senator, as was a portion of M-63 in Berrien County.

Current political leaders used terms like “idol,” “legend” and “mentor” when describing the politician, who was known for being blunt and to the point, but accepting of people of all political affiliations.

As Attorney General Bill Schuette said, the politician was a “giant who cast a large shadow over Lansing and all of southwest Michigan.” Others say the leader was committed to his constituents and active in the community.

This sort of leadership is something that politicians at all levels should aspire to, and the outpouring of support shows how truly inspiring Senator Harry Gast was.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.