Posted on 03/28/2004 6:21:07 AM PST by Theodore R.
Leading the way Sen. Duncan tops list of influential people in city
BY DOUG HENSLEY AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
One thing is clear when it comes to identifying influential people in Lubbock: A majority view state Sen. Robert Duncan as a person who is effective at getting things done, regardless of the size and scope of the task.
"Bob has delivered," said Texas Tech Chancellor David Smith. "Not only does he have the personality to do what he does in state and local forums, he has led by example and delivered.
"He has a great understanding of human anatomy. We have two ears and one mouth, and he listens twice as much as he talks."
The 50-year-old Duncan, a Republican state senator since 1996, finished atop an informal A-J poll seeking to identify the city's most influential people. Duncan and No. 2 choice Delbert McDougal ran a neck-and-neck race, with Duncan narrowly edging the Lubbock developer.
"I think you always feel like you have less influence than you really do," Duncan said. "But perception is 90 percent of the game. I'm flattered by that, and at the same time I feel like some people have taken notice of what is being accomplished.
"But that's a credit to a lot of people who have worked to establish good representation for Lubbock. (state Rep.) Delwin (Jones), (state Rep.) Carl (Isett) and other people have worked behind the scenes in Austin to make sure that we've been successful."
Duncan, who finished fifth in a 1999 A-J poll of the city's most powerful people, is seen as influential for reasons other than his office. People credit his gift for team-building, his passion for Lubbock and the South Plains and his ability to tackle complex problems in a non-confrontational style.
"I think by virtue of the position, you have the opportunity to be influential in a positive or negative way," Duncan said. "You have to walk that fine line. If you meddle in things too much, you will be rejected. If you're able to find that balance of being helpful and influential, where you're guiding people and pulling people together, that's important.
"Our goal has been to use this position to pull people together. Sometimes you are more successful than other times. By and large, that's been our focus."
Others agree with the senator's assessment.
"Bob without any question is one of the main reasons West Texas has progressed the way it has," said McDougal. "He has great influence in Austin. He's got the ability to bring constituents along with him and his counterparts to get the job done for West Texas.
"I think, based on that, Bob certainly has the influence it takes to continue to make Lubbock grow like it is today."
"He's good people," adds longtime City Councilman T.J. Patterson. "He's a humble person. As long as I have known Senator Duncan, he's never been too busy to talk to me or share something with me. That's kind of rare in the political arena. They don't take time to talk with you anymore because we live in a selfish environment.
"He's a credit not just to Lubbock, but also to Texas, and I hope he stays right where he is."
Duncan serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Jurisprudence Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. He chairs the State Affairs Committee, one of the most powerful bodies in state government.
Duncan believes some of the perceived influence comes from his visibility on issues important to West Texas. He was deeply involved in the contentious redistricting issue that occupied much of the last legislative session.
He also has been one of many West Texas political advocates for finding a solution to the school finance issue. Gov. Rick Perry has said he will call a special session next month on the complex issue, and Duncan recently said the Legislature is poised tackle the issue.
"Anytime you're in the paper, and obviously we've been in the Lubbock paper as well as other papers throughout the state because of redistricting and school finance, I think that's part of," he said.
"I think the fact that you're involved in an issue that is important for the region is something that maybe will put you on some people's lists. It's a matter of how visible you are. Sometimes, it's a matter of how effective you are. Hopefully, the majority of the time, we're in the mainstream of thinking."
Fans of Duncan, who has been an attorney with Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam since 1981, echo that sentiment.
"Bob Duncan is who you think of when you think of a public servant," said U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock. He's always working for the betterment of the area. He's a strong advocate who wants to do the right thing. He just does an outstanding job."
"He obviously has a lot of power," added Marsha Sharp, longtime Texas Tech women's basketball coach. "He has the ability to bring a lot of positive things to West Texas. He's diligent about attempting to represent us and trying to fight some battles that aren't easy in the state.
"It's impressive when you think about the people he has to work through and with to bring good things to West Texas."
Duncan's sphere of influence touches all corners of city and region, and those with whom he works are impressed with his can-do attitude.
"Senator Duncan is certainly one I would say has a lot of influence in Lubbock," said Mayor Marc McDougal. "I'm not surprised at all to hear he's at the top of that list. He's certainly someone I use and talk to quite often about a wide range of issues that relate to Lubbock and West Texas.
"He's seen as a leader in our part of the state and an up-and-coming leader statewide."
doug.hensley@lubbockonline.com 766-2173
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