Just a Thought: 25 years of public service
By Steve Walker
This past week supporters of former State Senator
Leticia van de Putte celebrated her 25 years of public service as a state
representative and state senator in the Texas Legislature.
Hosted by Bob and Joann Comeaux, the festivities
drew a large crowd of well-wishers to the neighborhood on West French near San
Antonio College. Commissioner Tommy Calvert who actually grew up down the block
was there to thank her for her service to the community, along with numerous
other elected officials.
State Reps. Diego Bernal, and Trey Martinez
Fischer, HISD Board Member Carlos Quezada, SAISD Board Member Olga Hernandez,
City Councilman Roberto Trevino, and Judge Robbie Vasquez to name a few, also
attended the event to honor the civil servant.
State Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla attended to present
her with a poem chronicling her 25 year commitment to the Alamo City. The crowd
cheered where they were gathered in front of the Comeaux home.
A presentation of a designer red scarf was made
from a local artist to the Senator. The artist told the crowd she researched the
Senator’s favorite fabric and hue—red silk. What an exquisite design!
After the presentation, Senator Jose Menendez spoke
fondly of his colleague, reminding the crowd when they collaborated to get
important bills to the Governor’s desk for signature. Senator Menendez served as a state rep.
during Senator van de Putte’s tenure as a senator. He won a special election to
fill her unexpired term.
This sharing reminded me of various
times I was able to cover our esteemed public servant while she was given many
honors for her service. The one that stands out the most for me was May 4th,
2013—as she was sworn in by San Antonio’s own, Justice Luz Chapa, 4th
Court of Appeals. Thousands of supporters packed the State Capitol to witness
this historical event. Thanks to the La Prensa press pass I was wearing, I was
allowed onto the Senate Floor for the ceremony to take photos.
December 2013, she announced her bid
to run for Lt. Governor of Texas, here in San Antonio. The announcement, at the
Chandler Gymnasium at San Antonio College was given to over 600
supporters, including me! I recall the weather was extremely cold, and everyone
jammed into the Gym to hear her. She also shared that her fellow senator and
friend, gubernatorial candidate, Wendy
Davis would also be on the ballot.
This was the first time for Texas that
two females ran for the top two seats against two men. What makes it even more
historic is the fact that the Senator is the first Hispanic female to run for
the high office.
Another fond memory I have about Senator
van de Putte is her re-election bid for a second term as Senator in 2004. I had the opportunity as a Balcones Heights
Councilman at the time, to walk the streets of the city, with her and her
mother, Belle Ortiz.
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!
When she served as the Senate Chair
of the Veteran’s Committee, she invited me to speak in front of her committee
on the Hazelwood Act. It would assist paying tuition for veterans to attend state
colleges. As a Veteran, I am very proud of her accomplishments in this arena.
Thank you Senator van de Putte for
your dedication to ensuring the quality of life of Bexar County and the state
of Texas for the past 25 years.
Anyway, as always, what I write is
“Just a Thought.”
Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Judge and
Journalist
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