Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a longtime pillar of the southeast Houston community, Marie Flickinger, who passed away on November 11, 2024. After becoming the first woman elected to the San Jacinto College District Board of Trustees in 1995, Marie served as chair from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2017 until her retirement on November 4, 2024. She spent these nearly 30 years devoted to ensuring the institution's success, achieving numerous awards along the way. Many have referred to Marie as the honorary mayor of the South Belt, due to her involvement in practically every aspect of the community, an extensive list that includes the founding of the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce, the local newspaper, and Saint Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church as well as the organization of countless community events. She was a friend, and a friend of mine. As a cofounder and publisher of the South Belt-Ellington Leader, Marie became known for her work shedding light on the impact of the Brio Superfund site in the 1980s, which eventually led to its remediation. Marie also delved into the political arena, serving on two mayoral transition committees for the great city of Houston, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that Marie's legacy will be long remembered and my prayers are with her family, her San Jacinto College family, and the South Belt community during this difficult time. ____________________”