Mark White, 77, one of last Democratic governors before modern GOP era died

[TexasTowelie]

Gov. Mark White, the last hurrah of the Texas Democratic Party’s conservative wing, delayed the full emergence of the Republican Party of Texas, diversified the state’s boom-and-bust oil economy and championed public education reforms that helped end his political career.

The former governor, who fought kidney cancer for years, died Saturday in Houston shortly after waking up and feeling uncomfortable, according to his wife, Linda Gale White, and his son Andrew White. He was 77.

White was governor from 1983 until 1987. The education policies approved during his single term included pay raises and competency tests for teachers, class size limits for elementary schools and the state’s high school basic skills graduation test.

White also pushed through a $4 billion tax increase to help pay for schools and highways. The no-pass, no-play legislation was an unpopular move that had to survive a challenge at the state Supreme Court.

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/mark-white-one-last-democratic-governors-before-modern-gop-era/7mPcjC8pNx4tduB4omuElN/

Cross-posted in LBN.

[TexasProgresive]

1. I had a TexDOT map with his face on it all during the 2nd term of Bill Clement

I didn't get a new map until Ann was elected. I wish that I still had both maps. May they both rest in peace.

[Paladin]

2. Did you ever think you'd be nostalgic for Mark White?

Look at the pieces of shit that have been governor since him. Our poor state.

[Gothmog]

3. Mark White was a great man