Roger Williams Oath

Thank you, Dee (Kelly, Sr.).  Chief Justice Jefferson... Speaker Craddick.... distinguished guests... friends and fellow Texans:...
...thank you for joining us on this historic day as Texas’ 105th Secretary of State takes the oath of office.

It is not an easy task to introduce Roger Williams...
...because it always seems like everyone in the audience already knows him. 

But I suppose it is easier than following him...
...which anyone who has heard one of his motivational speeches can understand.

Those are two of the main reasons I appointed Roger as Secretary of State. 

He is by nature a relationship builder...
...and a powerful spokesman and salesman for any cause he champions.

Over the past thirty years, Roger Williams has used his gifts to succeed in a diversity of fields. 

He has built a tremendously successful business...
...advocated for countless charitable organizations...
...and dedicated considerable time to public service...
...including membership on the Texas Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Board and Governor George W. Bush’s Focus on Reading taskforce.

I knew that Roger would use his talents as a gifted businessman, civic leader and philanthropist on behalf of the people of Texas...
...advocating for a more prosperous border...
...marketing Texas to potential trading partners at home and abroad...
...and helping to bring jobs and opportunity to our state.

And even more importantly, I knew Roger was a man of high ethical standards...
...a man I could count on to ensure the integrity of our elections...
...and advise me on the important issues of international affairs, trade and strengthening the border region.

In Roger Williams, Texans have a strong and experienced leader who will work tirelessly to fulfill the responsibilities of the office. 

And along with Assistant Secretary of State Buddy Garcia, he has my complete confidence, my highest expectations and my sincere thanks for answering the call of public service.

I want to congratulate Roger... his wife Patty... their daughters J.J. and Sabrina... and their entire family on a day they will remember and cherish forever.

At this time, I would like to ask Chief Justice Jefferson and the Williams family to step forward for the oath of office.