Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. Jerry Russell, a man dedicated to his family and his community, who passed away on September 5, 2013. Mr. Russell was a generous man who committed his life to the Fort Worth theater community for 35 years. A Rhode Island native, Mr. Russell made his home in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1973. It was there that he left a well-paying job at National Cash Register to pursue his career and dream. He started Stage West Theater in 1978. Mr. Russell led Stage West by taking risks and never giving up on what became one of the early foundations of the early Fort Worth theatrical community. Now Stage West is a major supporter of local theater performance and the arts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While he did not attend college, he became a theater teacher at my alma mater, Texas Wesleyan University, where he spread his love and passion for theater to his students. He was a major supporter for the development and funding of the arts in Texas schools and communities. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that in his spare time outside of the theater, he loved rooting for the Texas Rangers. Go Rangers. He will always be regarded as a true talent and benefactor to not only the Fort Worth community but to the State of Texas. I offer my condolences to his friends and family.…”