Texas Magazine profiles Michael Williams
July 15, 2009
This month's issue of Texas Magazine includes a profile of Commissioner Michael Williams by Kathleen McKinley. View the online magazine here. Page 64.
"During last fall’s Americans for Prosperity Summit in Austin, long-time Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams’ verve stood out from other speakers. He started his speech in the usual manner, thanking those who came and those who had invited him. Then he put the microphone down and stepped in front of the podium.
Williams energetically promoted alternative energy sources such as windmills and other innovations. His audience responded favorably. “I believe the American people understand self-reliance and that this is all about lessening our dependence on foreign oil,” he said in an interview later.
Widely regarded as a rising star in the GOP, Williams is making a bid for Senator Hutchison’s seat, since she has announced plans to run for governor. He’s known for his cowboy boots and colorful bow ties. He credits his interest in the bow tie to the late Senator Paul Simon (D-Illinois). Back when Williams worked at the Department of Education, the two tangled regularly during Senate hearings. Knowing of Simon’s own preference for the bow tie, Williams bought six new ties and wore one to a hearing. Simon grilled Williams again, but commented favorably on his bow tie afterward.
In the late ‘60s, Williams’ parents, both public school teachers, sent him to desegregated private schools in Midland and then, for high school, to an integrated Catholic boarding school in Colorado where he was the only black student. “I graduated from that school with the notion that there was nothing I could not do,” he said.
After college and law school, Williams launched his political career while retaining his steady community involvement. His two favorite charities are academic summer camps targeting African-American children and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas. Has he encountered much criticism from the black community for his conservative Republican stances? “I haven’t felt that I have and the reason is because I understand that the important thing to the black community is that I am connected to it,” he said. “I feel that if I am focusing on enhancing the community, then they really don’t care to which party I belong.
After college and law school, Williams launched his political career while retaining his steady community involvement. Will he and his bow tie collection find a place in the Senate? Stay tuned."
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