Business, Political and Community Leaders Attend Gov. Perry’s Speech

 It was short and to the point.

“The State of our state is strong, but there will be challenges,” Governor Rick Perry said  during a speech in front of about 900 people attending  a Greater Houston Partnership luncheon.

Perry touted the state’s strong economy and education reform, but he didn’t say much about how he plans to tackle the  $11-$18 Billion budget shortfall if he’s re-elected.

The speech took place only days before the start of early voting across Texas. 

That prompted  Democrat Bill White’s campaign to accuse  the governor of  using the event – and the office – for political purposes.

Shortly before the speech started the Greater Houston Partnership asked two members of  White’s campaign staff  to leave. They were there to pass out a press release questioning the governor’s record and alleged mounting public corruption scandal over the emerging technology fund.

 The GHP could not verify whether the White staff members  had tickets to attend the event. (White’s campaign told me they did have paid tickets)

I was told that the request to evict the  staffers was made by a member of  Governor Perry’s team. 

 

Politics aside, the speech drew a large diverse crowd of  business and community leaders along with elected officials.  As usual, I snapped a few pictures: Tracye McDaniels, Judge Ed Emmett, Jim Grace Jr., Dr. Renu Khator, Bill King, State Sen. Tommy Williams, Jeri Brooks, City Council member Brenda Stardig, Jessica Michan, Sonio Soto, Catarina Gonzalez, Jason Fuller, and State Rep.-elect Ron Reynolds  were some of the people in the crowd.