"Just a Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 12-1

Just a Thought: Van de Putte for Lt. Governor
By Steve Walker

While reminiscing about some of my previous “Just a Thought” columns I have written this past year for La Prensa, I am especially reminded about my May 12^th column. That was the one about Senator Leticia Van de Putte serving for Governor for a Day May 4^th.  

That column was especially a thrill to write, as I have known her personally for a long time. Who knew when I travelled up to Austin that day I would have the opportunity to not only write a column about it, but also get the opportunity to write a follow up article on the Senator on her run for Texas Lt. Governor?

Back when she was sworn in as Governor for a Day by 4^th Court of Appeals Justice Luz Chapa in front of a packed Senate Chamber, thousands of supporters swarmed the State Capitol to witness the historic event.

One could call her service as “Governor for a Day” a prelude to her eventual win as the next Lt. Governor of Texas.

Last Saturday’s announcement at the Chandler Gymnasium at San Antonio College was no exception. Over 600+ supporters braved the cold weather and jammed into the Gym to hear her officially announce her intentions to place her name on the ballot to run for Lt. Governor and run with her fellow senator and friend, gubernatorial candidate, Wendy Davis.

Van de Putte was flanked by numerous local elected officials to include County Judge Nelson Wolff who served as Master of Ceremonies, and State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon who offered the invocation. That list also included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, other State Reps. State Senators, judges, council members, family members and other well known movers and shakers in San Antonio who waved signs and cheered.

What makes this event historical is the fact it is the first time two females will be running for the top two seats in Texas against two men. What makes it more historic is one is Anglo and the other, Van de Putte, is Hispanic. How unprecedented is that?

It will be the first and hopefully not the last time you will see this in the future.

For those who studied Texas History in school know that only two females ever served as Governor in Texas. The first female Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson served from 1924-28 and again in 32-36. It wasn’t until two decades ago Governor Ann Richards served as Governor from 1990-94. Now we have a chance to elect our third female Governor and first female Latina as Lt. Governor.

As a State Rep. and State Senator, Van de Putte will continue to make her mark on the state as Lt. Governor.

In my column in May I alluded to the fact that when she ran for a second term as Senator in 2004, I had the opportunity to walk the streets of Balcones Heights, with her and her mother, Belle Ortiz.

At the time I was a sitting Balcones Heights Councilman. A number of my neighbors hosted tea parties for her and I was privileged to speak in her behalf as she canvassed the city. Her signs were everywhere. In nearly every block of the city her signs were in front yards, local businesses and even hung in trees!”

As a mother, grandmother, wife and public servant, she currently chairs among other committees, the important veteran’s committee that is tasked to address Veteran’s issues. As a Veteran who has testified in front of that committee, I am proud of her accomplishments.

During last week’s announcement, when she commented on the state of affairs in Texas, she promised to represent all the people of Texas, not the special interests or the few. As one who has been represented by her as my State Senator and a friend, I believe she will do just that.

And as always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and former Justice of the Peace and Journalist.