Sylvester Turner
The official state records of longtime State Representative Sylvester Turner are now available online through the work of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Turner, who now serves as Mayor of Houston, represented House District 139 from 1989-2015. During his tenure, Turner worked on a wide range of topics, including utility affordability and accessibility, the criminal justice system, programs aimed at providing emotional and financial support for crime victims, education, and state funding.
“As a member of the Texas legislature for over 25 years, Representative Turner served on the Legislative Budget Board, as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Chairman of numerous committees,” commented Jelain Chubb, Texas State Archivist. “His legacy and commitment to constituents in District 139 are documented throughout the official correspondence, bill files, presentations, speeches, meeting minutes, committee files, photographs, and other materials that make up his official records.”
These records are available through the Texas Digital Archive, an online portal for preserving and facilitating access to the state’s electronic archival collections, including archival records from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission as well as other digital materials transferred by state agencies. The Texas Digital Archives offers researchers, the public, and historians a vast reserve of primary materials that is accessible 24/7.
“I want to thank the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for making these records available. We got a lot done for the residents of District 139 during my 27 years in the state legislature,” stated Mayor Turner. “I am proud of what was accomplished and pleased that the records documenting that work are being preserved.”
“Researchers now and in the future will be fortunate to have access to documents that reflect his positions and actions on issues of district, state and national importance, especially health care, education funding and reform, the juvenile and adult criminal justice system, and issues affecting the African-American community,” continued Chubb. “Our archival staff stands ready to assist members of the legislature in ensuring their records are also preserved for use and reflection by future generations.”
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is the official repository for the State’s government records, including the records produced by state elected officials and agencies. The Texas Digital Archive, which comprises state electronic records, documents, and photographs, was established in 2015 and is increasing available collections on an ongoing basis. The Texas Digital Archives is accessible online at https:// tsl.access.preservica.com/.