Published: November 19, 2006 12:18 am      

Democrats honor William Winter

When Mississippi Gov. William Winter called state lawmakers into special session in late 1982 to consider a landmark education reform proposal, few people thought he would be successful.

But Winter helped guide to passage a proposal that, among other things, called for statewide public kindergartens and sweeping new support for public education. On Saturday, 24 years later, the Mississippi Democratic Party honored Winter for his tireless work on behalf of the party and public education.

Winter is the first recipient of an award the party named in his honor: The William F. Winter Legendary Public Official Award. The honor was presented during the Mississippi Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner in Jackson.

“As a lifelong Democrat, I am pleased to be the recipient of this award by my fellow Mississippi Democrats and to share with them a continuing commitment to support the party’s vision for the creation of a more prosperous, just and fair society,” said Winter, governor from 1980-1984.

Winter’s award was one of several presented to Democrats at the JJH dinner. U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina who was elected Thursday as majority whip of the U.S. House, was the event’s keynote speaker.

Clyburn talked about how the Democratic Party regained control of both houses in Congress. Many political experts believe the party’s gains this month will be a springboard for Democrats as they look forward to the 2008 presidential race.

In Mississippi, state Democrats at the JJH dinner celebrated the party’s big wins in Washington. And they also took time to honor some of their own, including Winter — who has remained an influential voice in the Democratic Party and state politics.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of being honored than Gov. Winter,” said Wayne Dowdy, chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party. “Gov. Winter has done an immeasurable amount for the party and to improve life in Mississippi.

“Think about it,” Dowdy said. “Where would we be without Gov. Winter’s visionary leadership and staunch support for public education? Even though we have a long way to go to make education better, Gov. Winter put us on the right track.”

Keelan Sanders, executive director of the Mississippi Democratic Party, agreed.

“Gov. Winter represents what’s best about the party: We are unselfish, giving and caring,” Sanders said. “Gov. Winter has dedicated his career to helping all Mississippians.”

Besides calling for statewide public kindergartens, the Education Reform Act of 1982 also made the state superintendent of education an appointed rather than an elected position and provided the impetus for a new performance-based accreditation system.

Winter, 83, was born in Grenada and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss law school. He served as a state representative, state tax collector, state treasurer, lieutenant governor and governor.

Winter also is an author and historian. His most recent work, “The Measure of Our Days: Writings of William F. Winter,” is a collection of Winter’s writings about Mississippi, the South and the United States.

The former governor has remained active in the Mississippi Democratic Party, attending meetings and offering his support and insight on political issues.

“This JJH dinner should have special meaning for all of us, coming as it does on the heels of an election which saw a resurgence of Democratic strength across the country,” Winter said.

“In accepting this award, I do so with appreciation for those legions of Democrats who have kept the faith and enable us to be the party that remains the best hope for the future,” he said.

THE WILLIAM WINTER FILE

Name: William F. Winter

Age: 83

Home: Jackson

Family: Wife, former Elise Varner; three daughters; and five grandchildren.

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Political career: Elected to the state House of Representatives in 1947, 1951 and 1955; served as state tax collector, 1956-1964; state treasurer, 1964-1968; lieutenant governor, 1972-1976; governor, 1980-1984.