Words like courage, character and integrity are used frequently in politics, but more as a way to persuade and impress rather than to describe and inform. In my personal view, and I know in the view of many, many others who knew him better than me, these words apply literally to the late Senator Mario Gallegos, who passed away yesterday.
Senator Gallegos could be gruff, rambling and sometimes impatient. His impatience was almost always an impatience on behalf of his constituents, and that made it even more endearing. Certainly, there are others more articulate and more polished, but polished speeches were never his focus – the fight, on behalf of those he represented – was. No public servant I know of has shown more personal courage, integrity or pure commitment to those they represent than Senator Gallegos.
Several years ago, the Lone Star Project produced a brief video highlighting Senator Gallegos’ courageous stand against Voter Photo ID, when Republican leaders were trying hard to push the bill through the Senate. His courage and commitment to duty trumped their efforts, and to this day, due in part to the Senator’s heroic efforts, the legislation has yet to take effect in Texas.
Sincerely,
Matt Angle
Lone Star Project Director
