El Franco Lee: Difference between revisions
SaintFrankie (talk | contribs) Added his more recent term of office |
SaintFrankie (talk | contribs) Fleshed out his personal and political bio at the request of Kaye Lee, his widow. Tags: Reverted Visual edit |
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| preceded2 = Tom Bass |
| preceded2 = Tom Bass |
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| succeeded2 = [[Rodney Ellis]] |
| succeeded2 = [[Rodney Ellis]] |
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| parents = Selma A. Lee and Robert E. Lee |
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| spouse = Ethel K. Kingsberry Lee (married July 1971) |
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| children = 2 |
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'''El Franco Lee''' (January{{nbsp}}30, 1949{{snd}}January{{nbsp}}3, 2016) was an American politician who served as a [[Harris County, Texas|Harris County]] commissioner from 1985 to his death in 2016. Before becoming a county commissioner, he served as a member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] from 1979 to 1985. |
'''El Franco Lee''' (January{{nbsp}}30, 1949{{snd}}January{{nbsp}}3, 2016) was an American politician who served as a [[Harris County, Texas|Harris County]] commissioner from 1985 to his death in 2016. Before becoming a county commissioner, he served as a member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] from 1979 to 1985. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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El Franco Lee was born on January 30, 1949 at Saint Elizabeth Hospital to Selma A. Lee of Jasper, Texas and Robert E. Lee of Henderson, Texas. He had two older brothers and one younger sister.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TSHA {{!}} Lee, El Franco|url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/lee-el-franco|access-date=2021-08-02|website=www.tshaonline.org}}</ref> His parents, Selma and Robert were independent business owners in Houston’s Fifth Ward and the Port of Houston who managed with full time staff, two boarding houses, two cafes, and two night clubs. The businesses were listed in [https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Green-Book-travel-guide The Green Book] and the [[Chitlin' Circuit|Chitin' Circuit]]. Well known throughout Texas, Louisiana, California, and among merchant seaman as the place to find lodging, room and board, three meals a day, and night entertainment during the time of racial segregation. For most of its occupants, Lee’s Congo Bars (1946 to 1964) were launching pads to relocate in Houston, Texas. Lee’s parents divorced when he was six years old. Selma became the independent owner of the businesses and continued with operations until they were sold in 1964. |
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Lee was born in [[Houston]], [[Texas]], on January 30, 1949 to Robert and Selma Lee. He had one younger sibling and three older siblings.<ref name="tsha">{{cite web |last1=Cain |first1=Adrienne A. |title=Lee, El Franco |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/lee-el-franco |website=Texas State Historical Association |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> After graduating from [[Phillis Wheatley High School]], Lee earned a [[Bachelor of Science]] from [[Texas Southern University]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Commissioner El Franco Lee |url=http://hcp1.net/GeneralInformation/ElFrancoLee.aspx |website=Harris County Precinct 1 |access-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023030946/http://hcp1.net/GeneralInformation/ElFrancoLee.aspx |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |date=October 23, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Lee developed and matured in the [[Fifth Ward, Houston|Fifth Ward]] and [[Kashmere Gardens, Houston|Kashmere Gardens]] communities. He attended Atherton and Scott Elementary schools and E.O. Smith Junior High School. During his freshman year in high school, Lee became the sole care giver and financial provider for his mother, diagnosed with [[Parkinson's disease|Parkinson’s Disease]], until her death in 1969. |
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Lee was a graduate of Phillis [[Wheatley High School (Houston)|Wheatley High School]] where he was a member of the Swim Team (free style and butterfly) Track & Field Team (100 meters, 200 meters), and Pole Vaulting Team winning state championships throughout high school. |
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Lee continued his education at [[San Jacinto Junior College|San Jacinto Jr. College]] on a Gymnastics Scholarship. After graduating, he enrolled at [[Texas Southern University]] (TSU), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Technology; completed related course work and postgraduate studies at the TSU School of Public Affairs, and the [[University of Houston College of Engineering]]. |
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After college, Lee was employed as project manager at Turner Collie and Braden Engineering Company and Genge Murry McCormick Engineering Company. He was a partner at Blum Engineering Company. Later he became the president/owner of ESPA CORP, Inc., a Houston based company focused on civil engineering, architecture, and construction/program management. (1981-2005) |
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| ⚫ | |||
===Texas House of Representatives=== |
===Texas House of Representatives=== |
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Lee ran for office in the 88th district of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] in 1978. The 88th district was being vacated by [[Mickey Leland]], under whom Lee served as an aide for six years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barlow |first1=Jim |title=6 Dist. 88 candidates counting on person-to-person campaigns |work=Houston Chronicle |date=April 19, 1978 |page=10|via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> Lee, who was endorsed by the [[United Steelworkers]],<ref>{{cite news |via=[[NewsBank]]|last1=Kling |first1=John |title=United Steelworkers' backing goes to Leland |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 31, 1978 |page=5}}</ref> was initially disqualified from the ballot due to having an insufficient number of verifiable signatures for his [[nominating petition]].<ref>{{cite news |title=3 Democratic candidates are out of the primary |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 16, 1978 |page=2|via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> After a ruling by district judge [[James P. Wallace|Jim Wallace]], Lee was allowed to remain on the ballot after paying a $400 fee.<ref>{{cite news|via=[[NewsBank]] |title=Judge says ballot may include Lee |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 30, 1978 |page=2}}</ref> He defeated Norma Watson in the Democratic primary after a runoff election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Results Of Contested State Legislature Races |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64559893/longview-news-journal/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=Longview News-Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=May 8, 1978 |page=21|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Lee |title=Vale, Short capture nominations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64561249/austin-american-statesman/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=Austin American-Statesman |agency=Associated Press |date=June 4, 1978 |page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Lee, who was running unopposed, won the general election in November.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moran |first1=Tom |title=Runoff will determine 2 Dem nominees for state representative |work=Houston Chronicle |date=May 8, 1978 |via=[[NewsBank]]|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Texas Senate, House Winners |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/-other-clipping-nov-08-1978-2101033/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=The Brownsville Herald |agency=Associated Press |date=November 8, 1978|via=[[NewspaperArchive]] |page=48}}</ref> |
Lee ran for office in the 88th district of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] in 1978. The 88th district was being vacated by [[Mickey Leland]], under whom Lee served as an aide for six years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barlow |first1=Jim |title=6 Dist. 88 candidates counting on person-to-person campaigns |work=Houston Chronicle |date=April 19, 1978 |page=10|via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> Lee, who was endorsed by the [[United Steelworkers]],<ref>{{cite news |via=[[NewsBank]]|last1=Kling |first1=John |title=United Steelworkers' backing goes to Leland |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 31, 1978 |page=5}}</ref> was initially disqualified from the ballot due to having an insufficient number of verifiable signatures for his [[nominating petition]].<ref>{{cite news |title=3 Democratic candidates are out of the primary |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 16, 1978 |page=2|via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> After a ruling by district judge [[James P. Wallace|Jim Wallace]], Lee was allowed to remain on the ballot after paying a $400 fee.<ref>{{cite news|via=[[NewsBank]] |title=Judge says ballot may include Lee |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 30, 1978 |page=2}}</ref> He defeated Norma Watson in the Democratic primary after a runoff election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Results Of Contested State Legislature Races |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64559893/longview-news-journal/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=Longview News-Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=May 8, 1978 |page=21|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Lee |title=Vale, Short capture nominations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64561249/austin-american-statesman/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=Austin American-Statesman |agency=Associated Press |date=June 4, 1978 |page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Lee, who was running unopposed, won the general election in November.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moran |first1=Tom |title=Runoff will determine 2 Dem nominees for state representative |work=Houston Chronicle |date=May 8, 1978 |via=[[NewsBank]]|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Texas Senate, House Winners |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/-other-clipping-nov-08-1978-2101033/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=The Brownsville Herald |agency=Associated Press |date=November 8, 1978|via=[[NewspaperArchive]] |page=48}}</ref> |
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Lee served in this position for over 30 years until his death in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zaveri |first1=Mihir |title=El Franco Lee |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/El-Franco-Lee-10818691.php |website=Houston Chronicle |access-date=December 4, 2020 |date=December 23, 2016}}</ref> |
Lee served in this position for over 30 years until his death in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zaveri |first1=Mihir |title=El Franco Lee |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/El-Franco-Lee-10818691.php |website=Houston Chronicle |access-date=December 4, 2020 |date=December 23, 2016}}</ref> |
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During his service, Lee was a strong advocate of partnerships. Through partnering with various entities, Harris County Precinct One benefited through the process of combining resources toward a common cause, thus resulting in the enhancement of quality services and an increase in the numbers served. |
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Much of Precinct One is made up of the inner city, and over the years, Commissioner Lee worked hard to improve the quality of life for the residents in underserved areas. His emphasis on the inner city had a far-reaching impact and was instrumental in providing services and opportunities for youth and young adults through various initiatives within the Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics Program. |
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[https://www.hcp1.net/programs/street-olympics Precinct One Street Olympics, Inc.] began as a Summer Youth Program and developed into a network of recreational, educational, and health programs that include Harris County Aquatics Program (HCAP), the Northeast Adolescent Program (NEAP) Bright Futures, and the Discovery Camp. Precinct One Street Olympics, Inc. now serves over 10,000 Harris County youth each year. |
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Commissioner Lee co-partnered with the [https://sparkpark.org/wordpress/ SPARK Park Program] in upgraded inner-city school property for public park use. The Spark Park Program was the catalyst for establishing the Finnegan Park Project in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Throughout his tenure, Harris County Precinct One parks were given comprehensive upgrades, total renovations, and new construction improving the quality of life for all Harris County residents. |
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Commissioner Lee developed an active Senior Citizen Program in Harris County Precinct One with strong emphasis on Health & Fitness, Informative Resource Seminars, Arts & Crafts, Piano/Computer Tutorials, Gardening, Tours/Transportation, Annual-Holiday Celebrations, Seniors Drama Group, Seniors Reading Group, and Seniors Writing Workshops. |
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In 1990, he continued his passion and emphasis on youth initiatives through the creation and expansion of the [https://www.bcm.edu/community/healthcare-outreach/teen-health-clinic/programs/north-east-adolescent-program#:~:text=The%20North%20East%20Adolescent%20Project%20%28NEAP%29%20is%20an,defects%2C%20infant%20mortality%2C%20and%20STDs%20in%20these%20areas. Northeast Adolescent Program (NEAP)]. NEAP is the result of a partnership between Harris County Precinct One, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston ISD, Harris County Hospital District, March of Dimes, Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Aldine ISD and North Forest ISD, created as a pilot program to address the high rates of teen pregnancy and infant mortality in the inner city. NEAP now serves several thousand youth each year through the teen health clinics. He also worked extensively on a number of substantive local, state, and national committees and boards. |
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In addition to his official county duties, Commissioner Lee was active in a number of community outreach programs and devoted his time and energy to help raise funds for a number of charitable organizations. For many years he was a member of the board of directors for St. Paul Industrial Training School and the [https://cuc.org/ Texas Conference of Urban Counties]. |
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Lee was an avid swimmer and worked out daily cross training, cycling, and jogging. He had a passion for gardening and took great pride in landscaping and growing things. He was a jazz purist and spent many hours enjoying his vast music collection. He enjoyed reading and travel. |
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==Death== |
==Death== |
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Lee died of |
Lee died of [[polycystic kidney disease]] on January 3, 2016 at [[Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital]], in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Jonathan |last2=Green |first2=Alex |title=Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee dies |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2016/01/03/harris-county-commissioner-el-franco-lee-dies/ |website=KPRC |access-date=December 3, 2020 |language=en |date=January 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee dies of heart attack |url=https://abc13.com/el-franco-lee-dead-harris-county-commissioner-dies/1144628/ |website=ABC13 Houston |access-date=December 3, 2020 |language=en |date=January 4, 2016}}</ref> |
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==Legacy== |
==Legacy== |
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[[File:El Franco Lee Park.jpg|thumb|El Franco Lee Park]] |
[[File:El Franco Lee Park.jpg|thumb|El Franco Lee Park]] |
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In 1990, the local communities around Hall Road Park in Houston successfully petitioned to rename the park as El Franco Lee Park.<ref name="tsha"/><ref>{{cite web |title=El Franco Lee Park |url=https://www.hcp1.net/Parks/ElFrancoLee |website=Harris County Precinct 1 |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> In May 2009, the [[Harris County Hospital District]] opened the El Franco Lee Health Center in [[Alief, Houston]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baltimore |first1=Chris |title=Healthcare reform looms large in Texas |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-texas/healthcare-reform-looms-large-in-texas-idUSTRE56U01F20090731 |website=Reuters |access-date=December 4, 2020 |language=en |date=July 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ackerman |first1=Todd |title=Harris County faces tough sell in hospital purchase |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Harris-County-faces-tough-sell-in-hospital-1720089.php |website=Houston Chronicle |access-date=December 4, 2020 |date=August 23, 2009}}</ref> |
In 1990, the local communities around Hall Road Park in Houston successfully petitioned to rename the park as [https://www.hcp1.net/ElFrancoLeePark El Franco Lee Park].<ref name="tsha">{{cite web|last1=Cain|first1=Adrienne A.|title=Lee, El Franco|url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/lee-el-franco|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=Texas State Historical Association}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=El Franco Lee Park |url=https://www.hcp1.net/Parks/ElFrancoLee |website=Harris County Precinct 1 |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> In May 2009, the [[Harris County Hospital District]] opened the [https://www.harrishealth.org/locations-hh/Pages/el-franco-lee-health-center.aspx El Franco Lee Health Center] in [[Alief, Houston]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baltimore |first1=Chris |title=Healthcare reform looms large in Texas |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-texas/healthcare-reform-looms-large-in-texas-idUSTRE56U01F20090731 |website=Reuters |access-date=December 4, 2020 |language=en |date=July 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ackerman |first1=Todd |title=Harris County faces tough sell in hospital purchase |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Harris-County-faces-tough-sell-in-hospital-1720089.php |website=Houston Chronicle |access-date=December 4, 2020 |date=August 23, 2009}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 23:43, 2 August 2021
El Franco Lee | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 142nd district 88th district (1979–1983) | |
| In office January 9, 1979 – January 8, 1985 | |
| Preceded by | Mickey Leland |
| Succeeded by | Harold Dutton Jr. |
| Harris County Precinct One Commissioner (First African American Elected) | |
| In office January 1, 1985 – January 3, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Bass |
| Succeeded by | Rodney Ellis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 30, 1949 Houston, Texas, US |
| Died | January 3, 2016 (aged 66) Houston, Texas, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ethel K. Kingsberry Lee (married July 1971) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Selma A. Lee and Robert E. Lee |
| Education | Texas Southern University (BS) |
El Franco Lee (January 30, 1949 – January 3, 2016) was an American politician who served as a Harris County commissioner from 1985 to his death in 2016. Before becoming a county commissioner, he served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1985.
Early life
El Franco Lee was born on January 30, 1949 at Saint Elizabeth Hospital to Selma A. Lee of Jasper, Texas and Robert E. Lee of Henderson, Texas. He had two older brothers and one younger sister.[1] His parents, Selma and Robert were independent business owners in Houston’s Fifth Ward and the Port of Houston who managed with full time staff, two boarding houses, two cafes, and two night clubs. The businesses were listed in The Green Book and the Chitin' Circuit. Well known throughout Texas, Louisiana, California, and among merchant seaman as the place to find lodging, room and board, three meals a day, and night entertainment during the time of racial segregation. For most of its occupants, Lee’s Congo Bars (1946 to 1964) were launching pads to relocate in Houston, Texas. Lee’s parents divorced when he was six years old. Selma became the independent owner of the businesses and continued with operations until they were sold in 1964.
Lee developed and matured in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens communities. He attended Atherton and Scott Elementary schools and E.O. Smith Junior High School. During his freshman year in high school, Lee became the sole care giver and financial provider for his mother, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, until her death in 1969.
Lee was a graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School where he was a member of the Swim Team (free style and butterfly) Track & Field Team (100 meters, 200 meters), and Pole Vaulting Team winning state championships throughout high school.
Lee continued his education at San Jacinto Jr. College on a Gymnastics Scholarship. After graduating, he enrolled at Texas Southern University (TSU), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Technology; completed related course work and postgraduate studies at the TSU School of Public Affairs, and the University of Houston College of Engineering.
After college, Lee was employed as project manager at Turner Collie and Braden Engineering Company and Genge Murry McCormick Engineering Company. He was a partner at Blum Engineering Company. Later he became the president/owner of ESPA CORP, Inc., a Houston based company focused on civil engineering, architecture, and construction/program management. (1981-2005)
Political Career
Texas House of Representatives
Lee ran for office in the 88th district of the Texas House of Representatives in 1978. The 88th district was being vacated by Mickey Leland, under whom Lee served as an aide for six years.[2] Lee, who was endorsed by the United Steelworkers,[3] was initially disqualified from the ballot due to having an insufficient number of verifiable signatures for his nominating petition.[4] After a ruling by district judge Jim Wallace, Lee was allowed to remain on the ballot after paying a $400 fee.[5] He defeated Norma Watson in the Democratic primary after a runoff election.[6][7] Lee, who was running unopposed, won the general election in November.[8][9]
During his tenure as a state legislator, Lee served on the Business and Industry, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ways and Means, Environmental Affairs, and Elections committees.[10]
Harris County Commissioner
In January 1984, Lee announced he would not seek re-election to the Texas House and instead seek the position of Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 1.[11] Lee's primary challengers included Carl Walker Jr. and Sylvester Turner.[12] Lee defeated Walker after a runoff election. Because the Republican Republican Party did not field any candidates for the position, Lee's victory in the runoff ensured him of the post. As a result, Lee became the first African-American member of Harris County's governing body.[13]
Lee served in this position for over 30 years until his death in 2016.[14]
During his service, Lee was a strong advocate of partnerships. Through partnering with various entities, Harris County Precinct One benefited through the process of combining resources toward a common cause, thus resulting in the enhancement of quality services and an increase in the numbers served.
Much of Precinct One is made up of the inner city, and over the years, Commissioner Lee worked hard to improve the quality of life for the residents in underserved areas. His emphasis on the inner city had a far-reaching impact and was instrumental in providing services and opportunities for youth and young adults through various initiatives within the Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics Program.
Precinct One Street Olympics, Inc. began as a Summer Youth Program and developed into a network of recreational, educational, and health programs that include Harris County Aquatics Program (HCAP), the Northeast Adolescent Program (NEAP) Bright Futures, and the Discovery Camp. Precinct One Street Olympics, Inc. now serves over 10,000 Harris County youth each year.
Commissioner Lee co-partnered with the SPARK Park Program in upgraded inner-city school property for public park use. The Spark Park Program was the catalyst for establishing the Finnegan Park Project in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Throughout his tenure, Harris County Precinct One parks were given comprehensive upgrades, total renovations, and new construction improving the quality of life for all Harris County residents.
Commissioner Lee developed an active Senior Citizen Program in Harris County Precinct One with strong emphasis on Health & Fitness, Informative Resource Seminars, Arts & Crafts, Piano/Computer Tutorials, Gardening, Tours/Transportation, Annual-Holiday Celebrations, Seniors Drama Group, Seniors Reading Group, and Seniors Writing Workshops.
In 1990, he continued his passion and emphasis on youth initiatives through the creation and expansion of the Northeast Adolescent Program (NEAP). NEAP is the result of a partnership between Harris County Precinct One, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston ISD, Harris County Hospital District, March of Dimes, Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Aldine ISD and North Forest ISD, created as a pilot program to address the high rates of teen pregnancy and infant mortality in the inner city. NEAP now serves several thousand youth each year through the teen health clinics. He also worked extensively on a number of substantive local, state, and national committees and boards.
In addition to his official county duties, Commissioner Lee was active in a number of community outreach programs and devoted his time and energy to help raise funds for a number of charitable organizations. For many years he was a member of the board of directors for St. Paul Industrial Training School and the Texas Conference of Urban Counties.
Lee was an avid swimmer and worked out daily cross training, cycling, and jogging. He had a passion for gardening and took great pride in landscaping and growing things. He was a jazz purist and spent many hours enjoying his vast music collection. He enjoyed reading and travel.
Death
Lee died of polycystic kidney disease on January 3, 2016 at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, in Houston, Texas.[15][16]
Legacy
In 1990, the local communities around Hall Road Park in Houston successfully petitioned to rename the park as El Franco Lee Park.[17][18] In May 2009, the Harris County Hospital District opened the El Franco Lee Health Center in Alief, Houston.[19][20]
References
- ^ "TSHA | Lee, El Franco". www.tshaonline.org. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
- ^ Barlow, Jim (April 19, 1978). "6 Dist. 88 candidates counting on person-to-person campaigns". Houston Chronicle. p. 10 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Kling, John (March 31, 1978). "United Steelworkers' backing goes to Leland". Houston Chronicle. p. 5 – via NewsBank.
- ^ "3 Democratic candidates are out of the primary". Houston Chronicle. March 16, 1978. p. 2 – via NewsBank.
- ^ "Judge says ballot may include Lee". Houston Chronicle. March 30, 1978. p. 2 – via NewsBank.
- ^ "Results Of Contested State Legislature Races". Longview News-Journal. Associated Press. May 8, 1978. p. 21. Retrieved December 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Jones, Lee (June 4, 1978). "Vale, Short capture nominations". Austin American-Statesman. Associated Press. p. 5. Retrieved December 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Moran, Tom (May 8, 1978). "Runoff will determine 2 Dem nominees for state representative". Houston Chronicle. p. 14 – via NewsBank.
- ^ "Texas Senate, House Winners". The Brownsville Herald. Associated Press. November 8, 1978. p. 48. Retrieved December 4, 2020 – via NewspaperArchive.
- ^ "El Franco Lee". Legislative Reference Library of Texas. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ "State Rep. El Franco Lee files in Commissioners Court race". Houston Chronicle. January 18, 1984. p. 13 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Foxhall, Nene (May 7, 1984). "Open races draw crowded fields in Dem, GOP primaries". Houston Chronicle. p. 8 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Hunter, Gordon (June 3, 1984). "Lee wins commissioner's seat". Houston Chronicle. p. 30 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Zaveri, Mihir (December 23, 2016). "El Franco Lee". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ Martinez, Jonathan; Green, Alex (January 3, 2016). "Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee dies". KPRC. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ "Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee dies of heart attack". ABC13 Houston. January 4, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Cain, Adrienne A. "Lee, El Franco". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ "El Franco Lee Park". Harris County Precinct 1. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ Baltimore, Chris (July 30, 2009). "Healthcare reform looms large in Texas". Reuters. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ Ackerman, Todd (August 23, 2009). "Harris County faces tough sell in hospital purchase". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved December 4, 2020.