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From Creativity To Corruption, Mandel Was A Political Force

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Legislator, governor, convicted felon. All were stages in the life of Marvin Madel, who passed away Sunday at the age of 95.

Alex DeMetrick has a look back at Maryland's 56th governor.

Governor Mandel died Sunday during a family gathering in St. Mary's County, closing a long and eventful life.

It took longer than most, but Governor Mandel's portrait wasn't unveiled in the State House until after he was freed from federal prison. President Reagan commuted his sentence for fraud in 1981 and the Supreme Court later overturned his conviction---but not before Mandel had served 19 months in prison.

"You're able to do it if you can, within your own heart, know that you haven't done anything wrong to hurt anybody or the public," he said.

He rebuilt his life outside of elected office but from 1969 to 1975, he streamlined state agencies.

"His programs and his policies were really for the betterment of the citizens of Maryland," said Bruce Bereano.

A legacy that built a subway and improved mass transit and shifted the burden of school construction off local communities to the state and measures to protect the environment.

"He really wanted to serve the people. It was never about himself. He was never about self-aggrandizement," Bereano said.

In written statements, Governor Hogan said "He dedicated his life to making our state a better place to live."

Senator Ben Cardin wrote, "Governor Mandel understood that government existed to serve the people."

Comptroller Peter Franchot said of him," I will forever be grateful for his determination as governor to modernize and streamline state government operations."

"He always had time to talk to you. I visited his office a number of times and it wasn't like he was high on a horse or anything like that. You could always come and set with him," said Mandel's friend, Cornell Bass.

On Wednesday at the State House, Governor Mandel will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Sol Levinson Funeral Home in Baltimore County.

Governor Mandel will be carried by members of Maryland's National Guard into the State House on Wednesday, where the public is welcome to pay their respects.

Governor Mandel is survived by six children and stepchildren and four grandchildren.

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