Texas History - William P. Clements
When:The 42nd and 44th Governor of Texas was William Perry Clements, Jr.
Accomplishments: Clements stunned political observers when he won an upset victory to become the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. He brought his business acumen to state government, insisting on sound budgeting and management policies. He also worked for tough anti-crime measures and improvements in the teaching of basics in the public schools, and made strides in improving Texas relations with Mexico. The beginnings of a severe economic downturn led to Clements' defeat for reelection in 1982.
He was born on April 17, 1917 in Dallas, Texas and died on May 29, 2011 in Dallas, Texas.
Accomplishments: Clements stunned political observers when he won an upset victory to become the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. He brought his business acumen to state government, insisting on sound budgeting and management policies. He also worked for tough anti-crime measures and improvements in the teaching of basics in the public schools, and made strides in improving Texas relations with Mexico. The beginnings of a severe economic downturn led to Clements' defeat for reelection in 1982.
He was born on April 17, 1917 in Dallas, Texas and died on May 29, 2011 in Dallas, Texas.