Teaver, Larry 1973-06-06
Larry Teaver, who held a number of posts in Governor Preston Smith’s administration, describes the office division, the governor and the staff.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Larry Teaver
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 06, 1973
Location: Austin, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Autobiography summarized,
Mentions Preston Smith, State Representative, in the late 1940s,
Traces Smith’s political career,
Talks of Toastmaster Club association,
Tells of business relationships,
Campaign of 1968 described,
Smith’s punctuality stressed,
Character described,
Interregnum Director of Staff Services,
Notes division between administrative and political staffs,
Lists political staff,
Mentions Bob Bullock as liaison,
Comments on Smith’s faith in staff,
Smith’s search for criticism,
Smith’s ambition to be governor typified as important,
Lack of press credit for Smith observed,
Smith’s administrative staff: qualifications stressed,
Defends political appointments,
Smith’s work schedule,
Observes insurance problems in Texas,
Outlines his State Board of Insurance position,
National Governors’ Conference (1972) described,
Offers political-governmental philosophy,
Examines initial years (1969),
Harold Dudley’s position natural,
Texas Research League report,
Federal programs requiring governor’s office inventory.
Tape 1, Side 2: Continues to explain Texas’ Federal monies,
Relation to governor’s office growth,
Separation of functions examined,
Division of Program Services,
Vernon McGee described as head,
Dan Petty and coordination functions,
Notes praise from outsiders,
Smith’s example and administrative skills,
Explains Dudley’s move to Texas Employment Commission,
Otice Green characterized,
Dan Petty mentioned,
Martin Dies, Jr., described as "port in the storm",
Lists Governor Smith’s staff,
Mike McKinney characterized, "indispensable",
Jack Roberts described,
Faye Penn mentioned,
Mattie Lee Smith, Jo Hooser, Genelle Sherry named in staff functions,
Scheduling the governor outlined,
Smith’s sense of humor, ability to relax,
Smith separated politics from personalities,
Support even for political enemies,
Weldon Hart as Smith’s speech writer and resource,
Jim Oliver, budget director, mentioned,
Describes Texas Offshore Terminal Commission.
Range Dates: 1968-1973
Bulk Dates: 1968-1973
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