By J. Lyn Carl, Reporter, Gallery Watch.com
Austin TX – AUSTIN (1/14/03) - Rep. Tom Craddick's title today changed from "presumptive Speaker" to "Speaker" of the Texas House of Representatives. The Midland Republican was elected by the first GOP-dominated House in modern history. Craddick has been a member of the House since 1968. He was elected by a vote of 149-1, with Rep. Lon Burnam (D-Forth Worth) voting against his nomination.
"We are only temporary trustees of this great institution and this great state," said Craddick after his election. "We should never forget in word or action that what we do in this chamber is not about our personal gain or glory - it's about Texas."
Craddick said that both legislative action and legislative leadership "must be bipartisan."
"Effective leadership means leadership that is fair, honest and inclusive," he said. "Our mutual goal here is to face the challenges to make Texas a better state."
To meet the House's goals, Craddick announced a number of proposals for the upcoming session in the House. He is recommending creating a House Border Committee which will strive to help the hundreds of thousands of individuals in "this still developing region."
Noting the legislature faces "a large slate" of issues important to Texans, the new speaker added, "Without a doubt, the budget will be a compelling factor this session. We are facing billions of dollars of shortfalls." He said 75 percent of the current members have never served when there was a deficit. Thus he has also proposed creating a House Committee on Government Reform to eliminate inefficiencies and duplications in state government "that waste tax dollars that otherwise could be used in worthwhile state programs."
He also noted insurance issues are likely to be emergency items from the governor. "We are going to make homeowners insurance affordable and available and were going to make it happen in this session of the legislature."
Regarding skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance rates, Craddick said, "Texas physicians cannot afford to practice in Texas because of soaring insurance costs and our legal system. We're not going to just look at this problem; we're going to fix it."
Another issue of note, he said, is education. "From education springs opportunity. If we shortchange our children, we will have failed as leaders of this state." He said public education in Texas "must evolve to a new system."
"I cannot promise you we will achieve that final result in this session, but we will make progress," he said.
Rep. Peggy Hamric (R-Houston) offered the nominating speech for Craddick. She first praised outgoing Speaker Pete Laney (D-Hale Center), who she said had served "with charm, grace and distinction" in steering the peoples' House."
Laney served five terms as speaker, his first in 1993. She said Laney was to be "applauded, celebrated and, most importantly - remembered." Hamric said the state now is entering an era of "hope, purpose and expectation" and that Craddick would "embrace the complex challenges" the state now faces. She called the new speaker "dedicated, resourceful and resilient." "Tom Craddick knows Texas," said Hamric.
Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) offered the first seconding speech for Craddick, saying selecting a speaker is "the most personal vote" members will make on the House floor. "When we pick a speaker," he said, "we're choosing between friends, people we work with every day, some we've had long good relationships with.
"The speaker defines our role in this body and what kind of job we're going to get to do in serving our constituents."
He said Craddick is "very adept at being a leader" and that he is approachable and inclusive with a "quiet style of Texas leadership," a style he said would serve the House and the people of Texas well.
"Tom Craddick is the right leader, the right person for this job today," said King. "Tom has earned the right over 30 years of distinguished service to take these reins. No one knows more what it feels like to be a member of the minority party than Tom Craddick." Rep. Vilma Luna (D-Corpus Christi) said Craddick would preserve the House's tradition of working together for the good of the state. She said he is "strong enough to include diverse viewpoints in addressing public policy."