Harold LeVander
Harold LeVander | |
---|---|
Wendell Anderson | |
Personal details | |
Born | Karl Harold Phillip LeVander October 10, 1910 Polk County, Nebraska |
Died | March 30, 1992 Saint Paul, Minnesota | (aged 81)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Iantha Powrie |
Children | 3 |
Alma mater | Gustavus Adolphus College University of Minnesota Law School |
Profession | lawyer |
Karl Harold Phillip LeVander (October 10, 1910 – March 30, 1992) was an American attorney and politician. A
Background
LeVander was born in Swedehome, Nebraska (near Stromsburg, Polk County) and attended high school in Watertown, Minnesota. His father, Peter Magni LeVander, was a Swedish immigrant and clergyman.[1]
He graduated magna cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1932, where he served as class president and student council president. He was also on the debate team, winning the National Peace Oratorical Contest, and the football team and track team, where he competed in the high hurdles and pole vault.[2] After graduating from Gustavus, he attended the University of Minnesota Law School. He married Iantha Powrie in 1938, and they raised a family of three children: Harold "Hap," Jean, and Diane LeVander.[3][4]
Career
After graduation, LeVander worked as assistant county attorney for
LeVander took the governorship in 1967, and for the first time since 1953, the Republicans held the governorship and both houses of the state legislature. During his term the first Minnesota sales tax was created. He favored "initiative and referendum" and vetoed two bills that did not contain it. He also created the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the inaugural Human Rights Department. During his term, the legislature ratified the Twenty-sixth Amendment, which lowered the minimum voting age nationwide to 18.
In a surprise move, LeVander declined to seek reelection in 1970, returning to his law practice and business interests, becoming a director of
References
- ^ a b Knight News Wire. "Ex-Minnesota Gov. LeVander dead at age 82." The Daily Dispatch. Moline, Illinois. April 1, 1992. Print.
- ^ LeVander, Harold. "What I Remember Most." Minneapolis Tribune Picture Magazine. January 1, 1967. Print.
- ^ Iantha LeVander Papers
- ^ a b "Harold LeVander: a strong governor for Minnesota." LeVander for Governor Volunteers. Print.