LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Martha Layne Collins, the first and only woman elected as governor of Kentucky, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. Collins, a member of the Democratic Party, is best remembered for her pivotal role in securing a major Toyota auto assembly plant during her governorship, which lasted from 1983 to 1987. This development was considered a significant accomplishment in her economic development strategy and marked a transformative moment for Kentucky's industrial landscape.
Collins was committed to education reform throughout her administration, emphasizing the importance of public education as a foundational priority. In a 1992 interview with the Nunn Center for Oral History at the University of Kentucky, she stated, “When I became governor, you have lots of priorities, but when I’d sit down and think about it, education always came back as the first thing you have to start with.” She expressed her hope that her efforts made a positive impact on the people of Kentucky, contributing to their sense of pride and self-worth.
Governor Andy Beshear’s office acknowledged her passing, paying tribute to Collins as a “powerhouse” who was a “remarkable woman” and a significant figure who made an undeniable difference in Kentucky. Additionally, Kentucky Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman commended her contributions, particularly her role in breaking through gender barriers in the political arena, stating that as a father of two daughters, he admired her achievements.
In the summer of 1984, Collins gained national attention when she served as chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. At that time, she was considered as a potential running mate for the party’s presidential nominee, Walter F. Mondale, but he ultimately selected Representative Geraldine Ferraro from New York.
However, her administration was marred by controversy when her husband, Bill Collins, faced indictment in 1992 over his financial dealings. This scandal overshadowed her governorship, with Martha Layne Collins testifying at her husband's trial. She portrayed herself as a governor unaware of the misconduct involving her husband and certain campaign associates. During this time, she asserted, “He was doing his business, and I was running government,” indicating her separation of personal from professional responsibilities.
Bill Collins was later convicted in 1993 for extorting money from underwriters linked to state bond issues. Despite these challenges, Collins is credited with bringing significant economic advancements to Kentucky, most notably the groundbreaking of the Toyota plant in 1986. She declared that Kentucky had “entered a new age where we’ll be tied more closely to the global economy,” highlighting the plant’s importance in a competitive bidding landscape that included multiple states. The plant, which initially cost $800 million to develop and employ 2,500 workers, played a crucial role in establishing Kentucky as a significant player in the automotive industry.
While her administration's incentives to attract Toyota have been estimated at around $125 million, critics pointed out that the overall financial implications, including debt services, pushed the total costs to over $300 million. A ruling from the Kentucky Supreme Court was necessary to affirm that the state’s land transfer to a private company did not violate the state’s Constitution.
Born as Martha Layne Hall in Bagdad, a small town in Shelby County, Collins seemed destined for a conventional Midwestern life. After winning a minor beauty pageant and graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1959, she worked as a junior high teacher while her husband pursued a dental career. Her early political involvement included essential community work, leading her to her first elected position as clerk of the Court of Appeals in 1975. Four years later, she gained the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, an achievement made possible in part due to the weaknesses of the Republican Party at that time.
The position had limited responsibilities but allowed her extensive networking opportunities as she supported her husband and the local Democratic Party. Steve Collins, Martha’s son, has not publicly commented on her passing but indicated that he would provide further statements later as details regarding funeral services are being arranged.
