Former Texas Governor Ann W. Richards
September 1, 1933 – September 13, 2006
For a generation of Texans, Ann Richards provided inspiration and thoughtful humor, but most of all leadership. Every Texan, regardless of their political stripe, felt great pride whenever she spoke on our behalf. Here is what others are saying:
"With a sense of humor and a love of Texas, Ann Richards led our state through a time of economic growth, prosperity and opportunity for all. She gave Texas a lot, but perhaps her greatest gift was to help us all laugh at ourselves." -- U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas.
"She was just such a breath of fresh air to Texas politics and made such a difference for so many people. She was blunt, outspoken, incredibly smart and had a huge heart. They don't make them like that anymore."
U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-Texas.
"Like Texas, she was bigger than life."
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas.
"Ann Richards was a terrific politician and a truly genuine person. She was the real deal. There were no airs about her. My state and our country need more politicians like Ann Richards. We are a better country because of her time on earth." -- Former U.S. Rep. Martin Frost
"Governor Ann was a beautiful lady and one of the most gifted politicians Texas ever saw…It's like my daddy used to say at times like this: A tall tree fell in Texas today."
Former state Comptroller John Sharp
"Tonight, we lost a true Texas hero in Ann Richards. Ann knew the real meaning of public service, and her dedication to empowering others was evident throughout her entire political career. Ann was a trailblazer and a real treasure, and I know people of all political persuasions are saddened by her passing…I want to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Governor Richards”
Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie
"Ann Richards was among Texas’ best. She led well, during a time that cried out for progress and change. “And change Texas government she did. On behalf of countless Texans who had previously felt unrepresented by their own, Ann Richards didn’t just open the door, she kicked it in. “...Governor Richards was a hero to me, and when heroes leave us, they should be remembered well, mourned hard, and cherished forever. As I mourn the loss of this bright yellow rose, I also celebrate that God loaned her to Texas.” --
State Senator Leticia Van de Putte
"She served at the local level, she knew what the county government was all about and she certainly knew what state government and national government was all about. She lead with a lot of great vigor. I have a lot of great memories of Ann Richards and she's going to be missed. She had a great smile. I have a picture of us in my office hugging and I remember that moment. There's a lot of things we can look back on and be thankful that Ann Richards lead our state." -- State Senator Eddie Lucio
"She set the table so somebody like me could become mayor of Dallas. I think her loss is going to be felt deeply because she connected with people on such a personal basis, but hopefully her life, her battles will be an inspiration for what we all can do in our lives."
Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk.
"So much of what I know about things ... are driven by the passion she had." -- Former Laredo Mayor Betty Flores
"I think she brought an openness, a willingness to have all sides heard on things, to bring in a lot of groups and interests that had not been heard before, and had not had a chance to participate," Fainter said. "And you simply can't dissociate her sense of humor from all that she did."
John Fainter, Richards' Chief of Staff
"As a woman and minority, she made me feel that I could walk through the halls of the Texas Capitol and feel like I belonged there."
Roxanne Evans, Richards' deputy press secretary from 1994 to 1995.
The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders through the Austin Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5159, Austin, Texas 78763, 512-472-4483.
Ann Richards is dead. She will be remembered-- but for how long? She
ReplyDeletewill lie in state through Sunday. Her funeral and burial will be held
on Monday. Flags will fly at half mast or half staff for a while,
then Ann Richards will be relegated to the history books. That is not
enough. We owe her more. She showed us what might have been. We
forget that at our peril. She won her race for governor against
Clayton Williams despite the fact that the Republicans were hard at
work recruiting conservative Democrats to their ranks. They did not
drop those efforts after Ann won. Because we Democrats failed to
organize at the grassroots level and replace conservative Democrats
(who were dead set against granting minority rights) with true
Democrats, Ann lost to George W. Bush in 1994. It has all been down
hill from there.
Let us truly honor Ann Richards by bringing back to life the
Democratic Party that she loved. Let us make sure that the great
vision and goals she had for our party do not wither away.
John McConnell