Lawrence County Honors Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman Wednesday

Last updated on Monday, October 8, 2012

(BEDFORD) - Leadership Lawrence County is planning a special tribute to Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman for her decades of service to the people of Lawrence County.

The final stop on Skillman's Hoosier Crossroads Tour is slated for Wednesday at the Lawrence County Museum of History. Skillman will meet well wishers from 4-6 p.m. The Lawrence County Republican Women's Club will serve refreshments.

The first woman elected to the Senate Majority leadership, Skillman ranks among the most active and integrally involved lieutenant governors in America, directing the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Office of Energy Development, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the Office of Tourism Development.

Before election as the first elected female lieutenant governor in Indiana, she served in elected offices here in the county for 16 years. In 1992, Skillman was elected to the Indiana Senate. During her 12 years there, she led the charge to include small towns and rural communities in the area of economic development.

Last week, the Bedford Board of Works and Public Saftey recommended the new Plaza Drive North be named in honor of Skillman. The Bedford City Council will vote on the proposal during its meeting Tuesday at City Hall.

Byron Buker, president of the council and a member of the board of works, said the honor is well deserved.

"She has served the county, senate district, and the state with commitment, distinction and honor," he explained. "She can always be relied upon for leadership, wise counsel and experienced insights, all of which reflect a genuine desire to do what is right for her constituents."