Richards, Ann, 1933-2006

<p>Dorothy Ann Richards (née Willis; September 1, 1933 – September 13, 2006) was an American politician and 45th Governor of Texas (1991–95). A Democrat, she first came to national attention as the Texas State Treasurer, when she gave the keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Richards was the second female governor of Texas (the first being Miriam A. Ferguson) and was frequently noted in the media for her outspoken feminism and her one-liners.</p>

<p>Born in McLennan County, Texas, Richards became a schoolteacher after graduating from Baylor University. She won election to the Travis County Commissioners' Court in 1976 and took office as Texas State Treasurer in 1983. She delivered a nominating speech for Walter Mondale at the 1984 Democratic National Convention and the keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.</p>

<p>Richards won the 1990 Texas gubernatorial election, defeating Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox in a Democratic primary run-off election and businessman Clayton Williams in the general election. She was defeated in the 1994 Texas gubernatorial election by George W. Bush. She remained active in public life until her death in 2006.</p>

<p>To date, Richards remains the last Democrat to serve as Governor of Texas.</p>

ANN W. RICHARDS was born in Lakeview, Texas and earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in Waco in 1954. She was elected Travis County commissioner in 1976 and was reelected in 1980. She was elected Texas state treasurer in 1982 and was reelected in 1986. In 1988 she was the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention; she also chaired the 1992 convention in New York. She introduced the concept of site-based management in the educational system to put more power in the hands of parents and teachers. With respect to law enforcement, she increased prison space, cut the release of violent offenders, introduced a substance abuse program in Texas prisons, and opposed the sale of assault weapons and “cop-killer” bullets. Richards was noted for her unprecedented appointments of women and minorities to high-level posts. She has won several awards, among which are Woman of the Year by the Texas Women’s Political Caucus in 1981; the Award of Merit for “Outstanding Elected Democratic Women Holding Public Office” from the National Federal of Democratic Women; the 1992 National Governors Association Chairman’s Award for her State Progress Report in Education; the 1984 Governor’s Award for exceptional contributions to the selection, development, and promotion of women in state government. She was buried at the Texas State Cemetery.

<p>Dorothy Ann Willis (1933-2006) was born September 1, 1933, in Lakeview, Texas. Richards received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a teaching certificate from the University of Texas. She taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School in Austin before raising her family. She also spent much of her time volunteering for political campaigns and causes, especially those focusing on civil rights and economic justice.</p>

<p>Richards entered politics in 1976, winning election as a Travis county commissioner. Six years later in 1982 she was elected state treasurer, the first woman elected to statewide office in Texas in fifty years. She was credited with greatly modernizing the operations of the treasury. Reelected in 1986, she gained national prominence when she delivered the keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.</p>

<p>Ann Richards oversaw a revival of the state's economic fortunes. She stressed government efficiency by authorizing comprehensive audits of every state agency. She focused on education as well, introducing site-based management to put more power in the hands of the parents and teachers at the campus level. In the area of law enforcement, Richards increased prison space, cut the release of violent offenders, introduced a substance abuse program in Texas prisons, and opposed the sale of assault weapons and "cop-killer" bullets. Richards was also noted for her unprecedented appointments of women and minorities to important posts. During her administration a state lottery was approved and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was passed.</p>

<p>After she was defeated for re-election by George W. Bush in the 1994 election, Richards continued to be a prominent figure in Texas politics. She was a constant presence on the fundraising circuit for liberal groups and causes, championed women's health issues, and joined the prominent Austin-based firm Public Strategies, splitting her time between their Austin and New York offices. Richards died in Austin on September 13, 2006.</p>