Senfronia Thompson Hails Straus As A Man Of His Word

Among Democrats playing a prominent role in the election of State Rep. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) as Speaker of the Texas House yesterday was State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), herself a former candidate for Speaker who dropped out of the race and endorsed the Bexar County Republican. 

In her seconding speech, Thompson hailed Straus as “a man of his word,” and praised him for his assistance in helping abolish the TIF tax last session. Thompson also told of a brief prayer she led last week before Straus and other House members faced the media in which she called upon God to heal the divisions in the legislature’s lower chamber. 

The full text of Thompson’s speech, as recorded in the House Journal is below. 

Madam Secretary, Mr. Chief Justice, Speaker Craddick, fellow members, distinguished guests, and the Straus family. It is my great honor to stand before you today. The opening of the Texas legislative session is always an exciting moment. I always look forward to the start of a new session with feelings of hope and renewed enthusiasm. A solemn responsibility is placed on our shoulders as we prepare to debate the issues and go to work on behalf of the people. Our job is straightforward, to do what we can to make this great state even greater.

My friends, to be honest, when I first heard that Joe Straus had been chosen by a group of his peers to run for this critically important position, I was surprised, maybe even a little shocked. As I reflected on that decision, and the important role of speaker, the more this choice seemed to be the right choice, and I offered him my full support.

 

Last week, I was honored Representative Straus asked me to accompany him, along with several other members, to address the media regarding the hope to bring change to our great body. Before we left my office for the press conference, I was moved that Joe allowed me to lead the group in prayer. I asked God for the power to heal this body, for guidance for Joe, and all of us to work in just and loving ways.

I believe Joe Straus has the qualities of a great leader. He is smart; he is fair; he listens. He knows who he is and what is right. But most importantly, he is a man of his word. Let me give you an example of what I mean.

Many of you will recall that several sessions ago, we passed a certain tax, which at that time we told the people of Texas would have a limited life span. With that in mind, two sessions ago, I authored an amendment to end the tax, but I was not successful in its passage. Two years later, Representative Straus said he would work with me to end the tax. He did just that. Together we convinced enough members that it was time to follow through with the state’s commitment to working Texans. We ended the TIF tax because we knew the state should keep its promises.

Joe Straus knows the importance of keeping one’s promises and his word is his bond. His word is impeccable. That is being a leader.

In closing, I would only add the simplest, and possibly the most important endorsement of our new speaker. I trust Joe Straus. He keeps his promises. Please join me in supporting him as our new speaker.

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