Houston Sun News Service

El Franco Lee, Harris County’s first African American commissioner, died this Sunday morning, January 3 of a heart attack. He was 66.  Bryan McLeod, a spokesman for Harris Health System said that he was pronounced dead at 10:01 a.m. at LBJ Hospital.

Lee, a Houston native attended Wheatley High School and was a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Technology and postgraduate studies at the TSU’s School of Public Affairs, and at the University of Houston.  He began his political career in 1979 when he was elected Texas State Representative for District 142 where he served until becoming a county commissioner in 1985. He was serving his seventh term in office for Precinct One.

During his tenure, he advocated for the Street Olympics for young people, , provided transportation for senior citizens , directed money to County Parks in Precinct One, funded the Mickey Leland Plaza and provided for the new Dynamo stadium.

Houston’s newly elected mayor Sylvester Turner said, “El Franco was a beloved public servant who never sought the limelight, preferring a low-key approach that put the needs of his constituents above self-promotion.”

Turner stated that Lee defeated him in the 1984 race for county commissioner. “His passion was helping seniors and improving quality of life for underserved youth and young adults in the inner city. His unmatched programs for thousands of seniors include everything from health and fitness initiatives to arts and crafts and music tutorials to holiday celebrations and other special events.

“Commissioner Lee was a giant of a man,” U.S. State Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said. “We could always count on his heart and his passion for the most vulnerable.” Turner has directed that flags at City of Houston facilities be lowered to half-staff.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the commissioner was “a champion” of mental health resources, quality of life for seniors and intellectual and athletic development of children, focusing on “people who couldn’t speak for themselves.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released this statement:
My heart is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee. I first met El Franco more than three decades ago when he was serving in the State Legislature. In 1984, we ran against each other for Harris County Commissioner and he beat me.

El Franco was a beloved public servant who never sought the limelight, preferring a low key approach that put the needs of his constituents above self-promotion. His passion was helping seniors and improving quality of life for underserved youth and young adults in the inner city. His unmatched programs for thousands of seniors include everything from health and fitness initiatives to arts and crafts and music tutorials to holiday celebrations and other special events. El Franco’s dedication to improving social services, health care, educational and vocational needs for Harris County youth is exemplified by his wonderful Street Olympics Program. He grew the Street Olympics from a summer-only recreation activity into a comprehensive event that impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young adults every year.

El Franco served Harris County well for 30 years and will be greatly missed. On behalf of the City of Houston, I send condolences and prayers to his family. I have directed that flags at City of Houston facilities be lowered to half-staff.

With his death, comes an opening in the March primary election for Harris County Precinct One. Commissioner.