By Anita Perry Texas First Lady
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Back when I was almost old enough to cast my first vote Dolph Briscoe Jr. was the governor of Texas. Having also grown up in a small town he was one of us.
He understood the needs of farmers ranchers and rural Texas because he shared the same roots.
When Rick became governor Mr. Briscoe and his wife Janey were among the first to welcome us and extend their friendship. I felt a special bond with him.
He was approachable he would make a place for anyone and he always made a point to ask about my parents by name.
A recent memorial service for Mr. Briscoe in the Capitols Senate Chamber brought together some of the states most celebrated leaders who were eager to reminisce about the former governors strong character and accomplishments.
He had championed the farm-to-market road system to pull Texas farmers out of the mud" restored credibility to the Capitol in the post-Sharpstown scandal era and worked to keep state government small and effective.
Dolph Briscoe was a gentleman and I was always touched by the outspoken praise he had for his muse and late wife Janey.
They had put the Texas Governors Mansion on the map as a National Historic Landmark and he was quick to show his support following the arson in 2008.
He spoke at a press conference and told the story of the first night he spent in the Mansion as a boy. That night he decided that he would one day be the governor of Texas.
The fond memories the interesting anecdotes and the love that so many people had for him affirmed that donning his signature black and silver neck tie Dolph Briscoe was a beloved leader and a true Texas statesman.
I will miss him.
By Anita Perry Texas First Lady
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Back when I was almost old enough to cast my first vote Dolph Briscoe Jr. was the governor of Texas. Having also grown up in a small town he was one of us.
He understood the needs of farmers ranchers and rural Texas because he shared the same roots.
When Rick became governor Mr. Briscoe and his wife Janey were among the first to welcome us and extend their friendship. I felt a special bond with him.
He was approachable he would make a place for anyone and he always made a point to ask about my parents by name.
A recent memorial service for Mr. Briscoe in the Capitols Senate Chamber brought together some of the states most celebrated leaders who were eager to reminisce about the former governors strong character and accomplishments.
He had championed the farm-to-market road system to pull Texas farmers out of the mud" restored credibility to the Capitol in the post-Sharpstown scandal era and worked to keep state government small and effective.
Dolph Briscoe was a gentleman and I was always touched by the outspoken praise he had for his muse and late wife Janey.
They had put the Texas Governors Mansion on the map as a National Historic Landmark and he was quick to show his support following the arson in 2008.
He spoke at a press conference and told the story of the first night he spent in the Mansion as a boy. That night he decided that he would one day be the governor of Texas.
The fond memories the interesting anecdotes and the love that so many people had for him affirmed that donning his signature black and silver neck tie Dolph Briscoe was a beloved leader and a true Texas statesman.
I will miss him.
