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August 24, 2016      5:30 PM

AN ODE TO NELDA LANEY AND HER CAPITOL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

This was originally submitted to QR and published thirteen years ago, on Februay 21, 2003. Speaker Craddick had just been elected and the State Preservation Board took responsibility for Nelda's cherished Christmas ornaments away from her

Last week, the State Preservation Board under Governor Rick Perry and Speaker Tom Craddick withdrew its support of Nelda Laney's seven year involvement with the Capitol Christmas ornament project that was her brain child.

One of our readers sent the following tribute:

"Throughout the years, the people who have committed their time, talents and effort to our state have blessed Texas. Far too often, when we count our blessings, we in the political arena think of our elected leaders. We sometimes tend to forget the spouses of those that made the commitment to serve their spouse, their family and Texas. Just as great leaders have blessed us, we have been blessed by their spouses.

In this time of change, it is only appropriate that we take the time to recognize one who has served and continues to serve this great state. She never ran for public office, though she has been through a number of campaigns. She never introduced or passed a bill, though she has sat through many a committee hearing and a floor vote. She never said the words "Mr. Speaker" from the back mike, though she has heard many say those words to her spouse in public and in private.

Nelda Laney is a special lady and a blessing to Texas. She has come full circle in her political life. From the wife of a freshman, to the wife of a Chairman, to the wife of a Speaker, to the wife of a member. In all those roles, she has served and continues to serve her husband, her family and Texas.

Let me give you just one example of how Texas is a better place because of her service. Christmas and our Capitol are all a little more special because of Nelda Laney. When your son, daughter, mother, father, uncle, aunt or old college roommate puts that Texas Christmas ornament on the tree, all of us can?t help but feel good about Texas.

No one thinks about how they got started. No one thinks about how much money those ornaments have raised to make our Capitol the best in the Nation. No one thinks about the thousands of Texans, out of state visitors or the people from foreign countries that have visited our Capitol that are all having the same memories about that special day at the Capitol. Nelda Laney, through her work, determination and love, gave all of us this gift that we can celebrate for years to come. Something we can pass on to those that come behind us.

She has touched all of us around the Capitol in some way. She has hugged us. She has teased us. She has told us to "get to work" when we needed to "get to work". She has in some way made all of us part of her family and we are better for that. I am confident she will keep doing that in her new role.

So, this Christmas honor her service and Texas. Buy a Texas Christmas Ornament. Heck, buy the whole set if you don?t have them. A great lady started this tradition. Honor her by continuing it. If you can?t do that, then buy a poinsettia and give it to someone in her name. We understand she loves to give them as gifts at Christmas."