• • • Tribune-Herald Waco, Texas OCT 22 1982 Clements talks to Baptists By JEFF HAMPTON Tribune-Herald Staff Writer Church and state rubbed shoulders briefly at the Waco Convention Center Thursday, as Texas Gov. Bill Clements told about 3,000—M1sstoriary Baptists that he has attempted to respond to the needs and concerns of black Tex- ans during his first term in office. The 300,000-member, predominately black denomination is holding its 89th annual convention this week in Waco. Thursday afternoon's program in- cluded a sermon by the Rev. M.L. Price, convention president, as well as speeches from candidates in statewide races. Reviewing his record over the past four years, Clements said, "We share common ground today as Americans, Texans and most of all, as Christians. "I value my faith," he added. "It has helped me through a lot of tough deci- sions as the governor of this state." Clements told messengers that he is a strong believer in the separation of church and state, but that principle "does not mean that individuals as Christians should not vote. Unless we vote, we jeopardize all of our other rights and freedoms, including the freedom of religion and speech." The governor said he has attempted during his first term to listen to the needs of Texas blacks, including their concerns about the future of black educational instituiions. Clements said he has visited all but one of the private black institutions in the state, and supported a 62 percent increase in appropriations to the state's two public black institutions, Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M. "You also told me of your support for the Voting Rights Act, and I sup- ported it with you," he said. "But my opponent in the gubernatorial race ( Democrat Mark White) fought against it as attorney general. Ile testi- fied against the amendment." During a press conference following his convention appearance, he criti- cized White for making "deceitful" statements and "misrepresentation of the truth" regarding the fuel adjust- ment clause granted to utility compa- nies by the Public Utility Commission. While White has described the ad- justment clause as a "consumer rip- off," Clements said the attorney gen- eral knows that is not the case, "and in his misrepresentiation, he is deceiving the Texas public." Prior to Clements' address before the Baptist messengers, U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen mOe a brief appear- ance, and a telegram was read from White. Thursday night's meeting of the MBGCT concluded events to be held at the convention center. The gathering will adjourn at noon Friday following a final business session at Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
