Jun
28
Written by:
Andy Hogue
6/28/2010 10:49 AM
Former Texas House member and Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. died of kindey failure at age 87 on Sunday at his family's ranch house in Uvalde.
Briscoe, a conservative Democrat, became Governor in 1973 and served two terms despite his "Decade of Dolph" campaign slogan and keeping his promise not to raise taxes. His best-known accomplishments were pushing for the farm-to-market highway system and running a balanced budget and clean house following a string of scandals in ther early '70s. Another notable accomplishment was signing the bill which created the Texas Public Utilities Commission.
"He restored integrity to state government," his protege, former Gov. Mark White, said, via the Houston Chronicle. "He was the most honest man I ever knew."
Briscoe, a veteran of World War II, became the operator of one of the largest cattle operations in Texas and served as president of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association. His frequent absence from Austin to attend to the ranch, amid economic woes across the nation, led to his defeat, the Chronicle reported.
Though much is being said of his political career in the Texas and national press, his home town newspaper, the Uvalde Leader-News, hailed his influence as a philanthropist and a friend of agriculture.
"One of the most beloved public officials ever to serve the people of Texas, Briscoe's support of all things beneficial to Texas and its people is broadly known throughout the state. Among those efforts were the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, UT Austin, and numerous beneficial projects and causes in Uvalde including the Kate Marmion Cancer Treatment Center at the Uvalde Memorial Hospital. Numerous other programs and projects for our state received his support and interest.
"His most notable achievements in public office were shepherding to approval the farm-to-market road system of our state, and leading the successful effort to eradicate the screwworm plague in Texas cattle. Most importantly, as governor, he led this state with fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget with no new taxes during his two terms as governor."
Briscoe is survived by three children and five grandchildren. His wife, former First Lady of Texas Janey Briscoe, died in 2006. Temporary funeral arrangements are being handled by an Uvalde funeral home.
UPDATES:
(1:24 p.m.) Briscoe's obituary was posted to the funeral home's site -- much of the information submitted by the local bank of which he was chairman of the board.
(1:40 p.m.) Gov. Rick Perry issued this statement, after ordering Texas and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through Friday.
"Dolph Briscoe was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration as a leader who placed the needs of Texas first. He understood the importance of limited government and low taxes as a way to guard individual liberty and encourage the economic growth that creates jobs for families. I will miss his friendship and wise counsel. Anita and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and admirers all over Texas."
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White followed:
"Dolph Briscoe was admired by political leaders in both parties for his integrity, commitment to education and love of our state. He was a good friend who inspired me because he was always in it for Texas. He lived and governed with a sense of decency and fair play, practicing a brand of quality politics from which we all could learn."
(5:51 p.m.) Former Gov. Bill Clements, the first Republican Governor since Reconstruction who went on to defeat Briscoe's Democratic primary rival John Hill in 1978, had this to say of his friend:
“Governor Briscoe was a true Texas patriot whose commitment to our state and its prosperity were an inspiration to me personally. As governor, I relied on his strong friendship and his sound advice – and he was always at the ready with both. While Texas has lost a man of vision, that vision lives on. To be sure, his many achievements both in the public and private sectors laid the foundation for the economic vitality that our state enjoys today. Rita and I extend our deepest condolences to the Briscoe family. Our prayers are with them during this most difficult time.”