By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
An empty desk was covered with dozens of yellow roses and a hush fell over the Texas House this morning as members observed a moment of silence remembering one of their own, Rep. Joe Moreno (D-Houston), who died earlier today in a one-vehicle automobile accident near LaGrange.
Members wept openly, others rose to offer their remembrances of their fallen colleague. And plans to continue the legislative day were abandoned, with House Speaker Tom Craddick adjourning the House until Monday.
Before offering the opening prayer, Rev. Demotis Sherman of the Antioch Baptist Church of Wichita Falls reminded members of a Bible scripture from the book of Psalms that he said is particularly appropriate "in times like these when questions surface."
"He said be still and know that He is God," said Rev. Sherman. "That is the best advice for us today in this tragedy of a life that was taken at a young age. Be still and know that God is God."
"We in the House consider ourselves a big family and as a family we experience both tragedies and joys," said an obviously anguished House Speaker Tom Craddick. He called Moreno's death a "tragic accident," saying all members of the House are "saddened by his passing."
Craddick said he and his wife went to the hospital where Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas), a passenger in the Moreno vehicle during the accident, was being treated and waited there until Anchia's wife arrived from Dallas. He said another passenger in the Moreno vehicle, Monica Lisa Pinon, chief of staff for State Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso), is "in surgery now and a full recovery is expected."
"As a family, we all mourn the passing of our friend Joe," said Craddick. The House Speaker initially announced the House would honor Moreno by continuing the legislative day and continuing plans for the House chamber wedding of Rep. Mary Denny (R-Aubrey), set later in the morning.
Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) reminded members that in her tenure in the House, she had lost four of her fellow members. She also reminded that when one of her former colleagues died near the end of a legislative session, the House postponed all activities for the day in the House.
"I certainly extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Joe Moreno and all his constituents," said Thompson. "He was a wonderful person to his family, particularly his mother and his dad. When we traveled to our meetings across this nation, you would always see his parents tagging along." Thompson urged the House to remember that in 1973 when a House member died during session, that the House adjourned for the day, urging them to do the same to honor Moreno.
Rep. Paul Moreno (D-El Paso) said what really hurts regarding his colleague's death is the effect it will have on Moreno's parents. "They're so young...and it's going to be a terrible loss for them."
Moreno concluded, "Let us understand that here in this chamber, when one of us goes, we're still brothers. We all love each other; we're part of the process."
"Isn't it ironic that the one person who could lift our spirits is not here?" said Rep. Jim Dunnam (D-Waco) of Joe Moreno. "We're told to love one another and live each day to the fullest, and our friend did that. God gave him a heart so big he had to put it in a very unique package."
Dunnam said members should give thanks for Anchia's safety and prayers for Pinon. "The best thing about this body is that we become friends despite our differences, and that we become brothers and sisters despite our differences."
Dunnam then asked his fellow House members to rise for moment of silence to honor Moreno and they then joined him in reciting The Lord's Prayer.
Then on motion by Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston), the House adjourned until Monday.
"Anita and I are saddened by the loss of a respected member of the Legislature who served his constituents with great dedication and integrity," said Gov. Rick Perry. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family and friends during this difficult time. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him." Perry said he and his wife also offer "prayers and best wishes for the full and speedy recovery of Rep. Rafael Anchia and Monica Pinon."
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst released a statement noting, "We are saddened and stunned by the sudden loss of Rep. Joe Moreno, an individual who selflessly served Texas, and a man we were proud to serve with."
Dewhurst said members of the Senate extend their "deepest sympathy, intentions, and prayers to Joe's family and friends. May they know that Joe's service to the men, women, and children of Texas will never be forgotten."
Others also remembered the late House member. "Joe Moreno had a great heart and stood up for working people throughout his district and all of Texas," said Texas AFL-CIO President Emmett Sheppard. "Joe switched venues often," he said, "but his compass never wavered. He wanted ordinary working Texans to have a fair shake. He wanted children to have opportunity. He wanted babies to grow up healthy. He wanted business to prosper, but to observe a moral code in treating workers and the public. He loved his district and he wanted the best for Texas."