Solomons Says Straus Will Be “A Member’s Leader”

Seconding the nomination of State Rep. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) to be Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives yesterday, State Rep. Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton) said that the Bexar County lawmaker would be “a member’s leader” and praised the election of a speaker from an urban area of Texas, noting that Straus understood issues that are critical to large cities. 

The full text of Solomons’ seconding speech, as it appears in the House Journal, is below:

Good afternoon. It’s a real pleasure to be here with all of you today. I have always been proud to be a member of this body, and have always had respect for this institution and each of its members’ sacrifice to be here representing their communities. Today, I am especially honored to be able to second the nomination of the Honorable Joe Straus for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

 

Many of you may be aware that I have had concerns about the divisiveness that had settled into our process last session. This is a critical and unique time for us in history, and I believe it requires a new direction, and Joe Straus is the man to bring that to the Texas House.

 

I am a proud Republican and am excited to be nominating a Republican candidate for speaker. But I also have great respect for the democratic foundation of our system, that every citizen should have the right to vote, and that each of their representatives in the house should be valued as public servants of our fellow Texans. Like myself, Joe believes we can agree to disagree, but still take the time to listen respectfully to one another. He has promised to be a member’s leader, meaning that he wants each of us to vote and do what’s right for our districts and the people of Texas. Joe understands the importance of working in a nonpartisan manner for the greater good of our state. In my book, that’s worth a lot, and is the mark of a true leader.

 

Joe Straus also has deep roots in the Republican Party and a long history of public service. In my view he has impeccable Republican credentials.

 

Like me, Joe is an urban legislator, and this background bodes well for those of us in North Texas and the other urban areas of the state. And, by that I mean he understands the sense of urgency we have on the critical issues facing our growing population, such as transportation and water. But, of course, I also know Joe will ensure that issues for all Texans are fully addressed, including our rural Texas friends.

 

I look forward to working with Joe and all the members this session, and I know that together, we as a body united can address the important issues that face us this session. Especially today, I am proud to be a Texan, a Republican, a member of the Texas House, and I am proud to be nominating our next speaker, Joe Straus.

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