MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
2:00 p.m. or upon adjournment
Capitol Extension, Room E1.028
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Nominations
was held on Wednesday, February 2, 2005, in the Capitol
Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Jon Lindsay Senator Barrientos
Senator Bob Deuell
Senator Kevin Eltife
Senator Mike Jackson
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Jane Nelson
*****
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. There being
a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The Chair laid out committee rules for the 79th legislative
session. Vice-chair Deuell moved to adopt the rules; there being
no objection the rules were adopted.
Chairman Lindsay introduced the Nominations committee staff
members. All members present introduced their staff. Chairman
Lindsay then recognized the two new committee members Senator
Lucio and Senator Nelson for comments.
Chairman Lindsay passed out a list of all boards and commissions
that need to be confirmed during the 79th legislative session
noting that additional boards and commissions would be submitted
throughout session.
At 2:13 p.m., Chairman Lindsay recognized Senator Craig Estes to
introduce the nominee for Secretary of State, J. Roger Williams.
Calling him a patriot, a philanthropist and outstanding in
everything he has ever undertaken, Senator Estes introduced the
105th Secretary of State, Mr. J. Roger Williams.
Mr. Williams gave brief remarks about himself, his family, his
approach to business and his vision for the future of Texas. He
emphasized the importance of voter education, business and
public filings, business development and border affairs. Senator
Lindsay asked how many people Williams employed and Williams
answered 244. Williams testified his approach to business
development in Texas would be done with a retail mentality in
efforts to sell Texas and it's attributes to rest of the world.
The chair recognized Senator Lucio who mentioned two specific
areas of concern -voter turnout and border affairs- then
complimented Governor Perry's appointment of Buddy Garcia,
William's Assistant Secretary of State.
The Chair recognized Senator Nelson for comments. She asked for
William's thoughts on beefing up voter turnout. Williams
mentioned a privately funded program called Project Vote.
Developed for grades 7- 12 , Project Vote will include the
involvement of the military to remind students that voting is
both a right and a privilege that our country holds dear and
will protect at all cost.
The Chair recognized Senator Lucio who informed the committee
that Senator Barrientos was ill but sent his best wishes to the
committee and Mr. Williams.
The Chair recognized Vice-chairman Deuell who said the northern
border senators were also glad to have Buddy Garcia as Assistant
Secretary of State. He challenged Williams to make sure
elections were fair and honest.
The Chair recognized Senator Mike Jackson who described his
involvement with a piece of legislation allowing astronauts on
the space station to vote while insuring voter security. Senator
Jackson stressed importance of integrity and security in voting,
especially for servicemen and women.
Chairman Lindsay moved that the committee vote to confirm
William's appointment. By a vote of 6 ayes and 0 nays the
committee confirmed Williams's nomination and sent it to the
full Senate for confirmation.
Chairman Lindsay then asked for a motion to confirm all the
nominees who did not appear from the following entities: the
Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, State Board
of Trustees of the Texas Statewide Emergency Services Personnel
Retirement Fund,
Texas Board of Professional Engineers, Finance Commission of
Texas, Fire Fighter's Pension Commissioner, On-Site Wastewater
Treatment Research Council, One Call Board,
Texas State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists, Texas State
Board of Plumbing Examiners, Texas Public Finance Authority and
the Texas County and District Retirement System.
The Chair asked for a motion. Senator Lucio moved that a vote be
taken to confirm said nominees. By a vote of 6 ayes and 0 nays,
all non-appearing nominees were passed out of committee and sent
to full Senate for confirmation.
The Chair informed the committee that his intention is to hold
regularly scheduled meetings on Mondays at 2:00 or upon
adjournment.
Chairman Lindsay recognized Ken Anderson, Director of
Governmental Appointments, who introduced his staff.
There being no more business, at 2:42 p.m., Chairman Lindsay
announced the committee would stand in recess subject to the
call of the chair.
____________________________________
___________________________________
Senator Jon Lindsay, Chair
Jazen Wood, Clerk