TITLE: In memory of Robert W. Edgar, president of Common Cause.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert W. Edgar, president of Common Cause.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The State of Texas joins all Americans in mourning the loss of a determined advocate for stronger democracy and social justice, Robert W. Edgar, who passed away on April 23, 2013, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia on May 29, 1943, Bob Edgar felt the calling to become a minister at age 16, and he went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Lycoming College and a master's degree in divinity from the Drew Theological School; after being ordained, he was the protestant chaplain at Drexel University and served as a pastor at the United Methodist Church in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, before running for Congress in 1974; and WHEREAS, While serving the people of Pennsylvania in the United States Congress for six terms, Mr. Edgar campaigned to curb wasteful spending and increase the transparency of the government; a defender of men and women serving in the military, he worked for measures to provide benefits for Vietnam veterans and readjustment counseling to treat posttraumatic stress disorder; and WHEREAS, After leaving Congress, Mr. Edgar served as president of the Claremont School of Theology in California, and in 2000, he was named general secretary of the National Council of Churches; under Mr. Edgar's leadership, the NCC, a collection of more than 100,000 local congregations and 45 million congregants, embarked on a 10-year effort to defeat poverty; and WHEREAS, In 2007, Mr. Edgar became president and chief executive officer of Common Cause, a nonpartisan organization advocating for an open government; during his tenure, he guided the organization as it lobbied for campaign finance regulations and filibuster reform; and WHEREAS, Bob Edgar was a compassionate leader whose moral compass informed his public service, and the legacy that he leaves behind will continue to inspire all who know of him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert W. Edgar and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of 48 years, the former Merle Louise Deaver; to his sons, Robert, T. David, and Andrew; to his mother, Marion Edgar; to his brothers, Ralph and Richard; to his eight grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bob Edgar. Anchia Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1988 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 17, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House