State Rep. Craig Eiland Galveston Daily News Citizen of the Year

More than any year in his 15-year career in the House, his work has been critical to the life of the county. County Judge Jim Yarbrough called Eiland’s efforts this year “masterful and amazing.” Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas called him “an indispensable ally and public servant.”

“From the moment Ike struck Galveston until now, Craig Eiland has devoted his time, energy and exceptional ability to helping this city recover,” Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said. “He’s worked to find a legislative solution to UTMB’s financial difficulties.

Eiland was clearly the person who led the fight for our county’s most important public institution — the University of Texas Medical Branch. As Eiland himself cautions, the legislative process is not complete, and there still could be problems. However, the 141-5 triumph for the medical branch funding bill in the House shows that our county has a better than even chance to succeed.

Three months before the state legislature was to convene, Eiland was serving as a legislative tour guide for the speaker of the House (then Tom Craddick, R-Midland), key legislative committee chairmen and Gov. Rick Perry to show them what Ike had wrought.

Galveston County’s problems and those of the medical branch in particular were no longer just words. Eiland said he wanted to ensure those with votes in Austin saw the problems.

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough was an Eiland fan before Hurricane Ike. Yarbrough said Eiland proved to be a key advocate in Austin in the first days after the storm.

“I have watched him for seven sessions, and he’s pulled a rabbit out of his hat in the past for windstorm insurance issues or funding for the elderly health care, but watching what he has been doing for UTMB has been masterful.”

“As speaker pro tem, Craig Eiland continues his effective service in the Texas House,” Strauss said. “His important work in fighting to rebuild the coast following Hurricane Ike has gained him the respect of his House colleagues and constituents.” - Joe Strauss, R-San Antonio, speaker of the House. Strauss reached across the political aisle and tapped Eiland to be the speaker pro tem, the second highest post in the Texas House.

Eiland also said he finds inspiration from the people he represents.