Bill Text: TX SCR17 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: In memory of Bob Lanier.

Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2015-05-11 - Signed by the Governor [SCR17 Detail]

Download: Texas-2015-SCR17-Enrolled.html

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S.C.R. No. 17

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The city of Houston lost a galvanizing leader with
the passing of former mayor Bob Lanier on December 20, 2014, at the
age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born to Jesse and Sally Lanier on March 10, 1925,
Robert Clayton Lanier grew up in Baytown and served as a naval
officer during World War II; he attended the University of New
Mexico and subsequently earned a law degree from The University of
Texas at Austin; though he enjoyed successful careers in law,
banking, and real estate, he ultimately found himself drawn to
politics and public service; he chaired the Texas Highway
Commission from 1983 to 1987 and then led Houston's Metropolitan
Transit Authority for a year; and
WHEREAS, First elected mayor in 1991, Mr. Lanier was
reelected by an overwhelming majority in 1993 and again in 1995;
although the city's adoption of term limits precluded a fourth run
for the office, his fierce intelligence, deep knowledge of public
policy, and skillful coalition-building allowed him to effect
far-reaching changes over the course of his six-year tenure; he
fulfilled a campaign promise to increase police patrols and reduce
crime, and he made great strides in revitalizing the downtown area
and improving infrastructure in disadvantaged neighborhoods;
moreover, he was an unyielding champion of ethnic diversity, and
toward the end of his final term, he led a successful campaign to
save the city's affirmative action program for minority business
owners; and
WHEREAS, After leaving office, Mr. Lanier remained a force in
Houston politics and civic affairs; he hosted fund-raisers,
supported charities, and founded the Lanier Public Policy
Conference at the University of Houston; and
WHEREAS, Frequently recognized for his outstanding service
to Houston and to the State of Texas, Mr. Lanier received such
prestigious accolades as the Hubert Humphrey Civil Rights Award and
the Ben Taub Humanitarian Award; he was praised by former
presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and Texas Monthly
magazine named him one of the top three Texas mayors of the 20th
century; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lanier married Elizabeth Grant in 1954, and the
couple became the proud parents of five children; after being
widowed, Mr. Lanier exchanged wedding vows in 1984 with Elyse Bauer
and welcomed into his heart and home her two children; and
WHEREAS, A man of tremendous energy and ability, Bob Lanier
helped shape the destiny of a great American city through his
determination to enhance the quality of life for all its residents,
and his enormous contributions as a public servant and civic leader
will continue to resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Bob Lanier and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Elyse Lanier; to his children, Robert Clayton Lanier Jr. and his
wife, Donna, John Frederic Lanier, Elizabeth Lanier Campbell, Susan
Holly Lanier, Scott Augustus Lanier, Courtney Lanier Sarofim and
her husband, Christopher, and Kevin Scott Robins and his wife,
Sara; to his grandchildren, Robert Clayton Lanier III, Carlton
Thomas Lanier, Brent Lanier Campbell, Judith Ann Lanier, Mary
Jessica Lanier, Robert Mitchell Lanier, Gillian Stude Sarofim,
Louisa Lanier Sarofim, Fayez Shalaby Sarofim II, Eva Elyse Robins,
and Rhett Ezekiel Robins; and to his other relatives and many
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Bob Lanier.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 17 was adopted by the Senate
on February 24, 2015.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 17 was adopted by the House
on April 29, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor