Cooper, Mike 1973-05-13
Mike Cooper, a public relations assistant in various parts of the governor’s office, describes and evaluates Preston Smith’s performance as governor.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mike Cooper
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: May 13, 1973
Location: Austin, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 40 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Autobiographical information,
Describes temporary photographer's position in the governor's office, July, 1969,
Jerry Hall, Charles Cook mentioned,
Anecdote about Preston Smith's good memory,
Bob Pool mentioned,
Value of pictures noted,
Accounts for increased responsibility,
Describes travel with the governor,
Moved to Division for Planning Coordination, 1970,
Dan Petty, Ed Grisham mentioned,
National Governors' Conference work described, June 1971,
Larry Teaver, Jack Dale mentioned,
William Heatley mentioned,
John Justin mentioned,
Corporations contributing named,
Portrays the Smiths' entrance to the grand ball,
Sketches public relations tasks in governor's office,
Explains continuation into Briscoe administration,
Summarizes Smith's talents as politician, his honesty and humor,
Comments on Smith's work schedule,
School teachers', state employees' pay freezes used as an example,
Notes Smith's high principles, decisive manner,
Jim Oliver mentioned,
Justifies growth of the governor's office staff,
Office system and personnel summarized
Tape 1, Side 2:
Concludes that relations with Ben Barnes were usually cordial,
Mentions budgets,
Notes Smith's openness to people, punctuality,
Otice Green named as close observer of Smith,
Discusses role of communicator for Smith,
Quality and quantity of mail,
Staff functions in a governor's office,
Lists secretaries
Range Dates: 1969-1973
Bulk Dates: 1969-1973
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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