Murray Van Wagoner

Murray Delos Van Wagoner ( born March 18, 1898 in Kingston, Michigan, † June 12, 1986 in Farmington Hills, Michigan ) was an American politician and from 1941 to 1943 the 38th Governor of Michigan.

Early years and political rise

Murray Van Wagoner studied until 1921 at the University of Michigan, the engineering and construction. Then he was able to apply his knowledge in the service of the Roads Authority ( Highway Commission ). He later worked for a private firm before he founded his own firm itself. Van Wagoner was a member of the Democratic Party. Between 1930 and 1933 he was head of the sewage authority, where he was responsible for the construction and maintenance of sewage systems in Oakland County. Between 1933 and 1941 he was head of the Office of Michigan Road ( State Highway Commissioner). In the years 1936, 1940, 1944, and 1952 he was a delegate to the respective national conventions of his party.

Governor of Michigan

On November 5, 1940, he was elected as a candidate of his party against the Republican incumbent, Lurs Dickinson as the new governor of his country. Van Wagoner began his two-year term on January 1, 1941. During this time, the budget deficit of $ 27 million was mined. The various tax authorities were merged in a common ministry. Furthermore, the public service has been reorganized. In his reign Governor Van Wagoner had to deal with strikes at the power supply. After the entry of the United States into the Second World War on 7 December 1941, industrial production had to be converted to the armament requirement in Michigan. In addition, young men had to be screened and asked the armed forces available. In 1942, Van Wagoner applied unsuccessfully for a second term. Therefore, he had to give up his position on 1 January 1943.

Further CV

In 1946 he ran again unsuccessfully for the governorship. Afterwards, Van Wagoner retired from politics and devoted himself to his private interests. He died in 1986 at the age of 88 years. Murray Van Wagoner was married to Helen Jossman, with whom he had two children.