Randy Weber: “Last week, Texas and America's energy industry lost a friend. George Mitchell, who many knew as the ``father of…”

“Last week, Texas and America's energy industry lost a friend. George Mitchell, who many knew as the ``father of fracking,'' passed away last week at his home in Galveston, Texas. While his death is a sad occasion, his legacy will live on as the energy industry continues to grow and prosper. Texas now stands ranked as No. 14 in the world in oil and gas production, largely due to Mr. Mitchell's innovation. Not only was George an energy innovator, he was a community builder. He was a visionary. He developed the Woodlands Master Community when many just saw it as useless swampland. Mr. Mitchell also played an integral role in reviving what I consider a precious gem in my district: the island of Galveston. George and his wife put countless hours and resources into restoring the strand which helped keep the island a popular tourist destination and number one in Texas, for that matter. It's important that we remember George Mitchell not only for his contribution to Texas business, but also for his zeal and tenacity to give back to the communities where he lived and worked. I'm Randy Weber, and that's the way I see it from where I sit here in America. ____________________”