Ben Barnes: a Life of Achievement
http://www.benbarnes.org/”>Ben Barnes is one of the most prominent political figures Texas has ever had. The story of his political career is nothing short of remarkable. Born on April 17, 1938 as the son of a peanut farmer, Ben Barnes of Austin, Texas, cut through the traditionally elite-dominated political arena and became a member of the House of Representatives in 1960 in his early 20s. Full of idealism, charisma and determination, he rose to become Texas Speaker of the House in 1965 at only 26 years old, the youngest legislator to be elected according to state records.
http://www.benbarnes.biz/FormerLtGovofTexas.html”> Ben Barnes also performed diplomatic posts: as U.S. Representative to the NATO Conference in 1967 and to the United Nations in Geneva in 1968. Groomed by Pres. Lyndon Johnson to become one of the nation’s political greats, Ben Barnes of Austin, Texas received overwhelming support for his candidacy for the post of Lt. Governor, which he won in 1969. His leadership raised educational standards in Texas - education spending tripled and teachers’ salaries increased.
Ben Barnes exited government service in 1973 but continued to support education reforms. In honor of his valuable contributions, he was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the University of Texas in 1995.
Ben Barnes of Austin, Texas is now a successful business executive and an active lobbyist of The Ben Barnes Group.
