Since his announcement that he will not run for a fourth term as Texas’s governor, Rick Perry is ending one of the most storied governorships in Texas history.  Supporters will tout Perry’s accomplishments while dissenters will recount his controversial activities.  Nevertheless, the resilient governor will leave behind a political legacy.  The question remains: How will Governor Perry’s legacy be perceived?

Accomplishments

Economic Growth

Rick Perry’s multiple terms as governor undoubtedly is his most decorated accomplishment.  Back in 2000, when George W. Bush won the U.S. Presidency, Perry assumed the responsibilities of governor.  The governor’s charismatic, vibrant approach to office endeared voters and separated him from contenders.  He would go on to win the next three elections.  The lead to the historical designation—longest tenure as the governor of Texas.  Time in office allows politicians to expand their influence.  Perry not only understood this but also capitalized on the opportunity to achieve other goals.

Business grew immensely under Perry’s governorship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that between January 2000 to July 2013 Texas gained 2,327,683 jobs.  Perry attests that his reforms and business encouraging regulatory laws has created an ideal formula for business growth.  Ever since coming into office, the governor has taken an aggressive role in economic development.  After losing a bid to get Boeing to move to Texas in 2001, Perry created a job creation machine known as the Texas Enterprise Fund.

With this new tool at hand, Perry has enticed several companies to move operations to Texas.  Large organizations including Apple, General Motors, Google, State Farm, Toyota, and Visa have agreed to Perry’s proposals.  Texas has been the beneficiary of his efforts and weathered the economic downturn better than the rest of the country.

Transportation

The governor has been successful with transportation solutions.  His Texas Mobility Fund promotes improvements in airports, highways, mass transit, railroads and seaports.  One marvel of the fund is that it resolves statewide transportation issues without raising taxes.

Controversies

A lengthy time in office also provides for a greater chance of mistakes. Even Perry is not immune to miscalculations in judgment.

HPV Vaccination

One prominent failure was the governor’s executive order that ordered teenage girls to be immunized against HPV.  Although, a similar plan is active in Virginia, Texas legislature decidedly overturned the order.  Perry’s actions seemed less than transparent when opponents accused Perry of self-interest in the mandate.  One of the governor’s closest advisors works for Merck, the company who produces the vaccine.  Interestingly, the company also made sizable contributions to Perry’s campaign.

Health Insurance

Health insurance and education present outstanding blemishes in Perry’s governorship.  The Texas leads the nation in the percentage of residents without health insurance.  Rather than address the issue through the federally mandated Affordable Care Act (ACA), Perry has refused to formulate state exchanges or expand Medicaid.

Education

Similarly, education falters in Texas, which has the largest amount of adults without a high school diploma in America. Perry’s policies and reforms toward education are dismal. Texas legislation has cut nearly $5 billion from its education budget, leaving many school districts drastically underfunded.

The full picture of a politician’s work should determine their legacy.  Yet, awkward gaffes and scandals can permanently mar a lifetime of achievements.  With the exception of the “Oops” presidential race moment, Rick Perry has avoided such situations.  In light of his contemporaries, Perry’s legacy will most likely be viewed positively. l

governor, News in Photos, Rick Perry, Texas