Odessa’s ‘Buddy’ served admirably

Perhaps the name said it best. Our state representative for the past 16 years wasn't the sort of guy who favored titles or even formal names. He was just "Buddy." And the fact that he went by his nickname suited his political style perfectly.

George E. "Buddy" West was one of the most approachable public servants ever elected to state office in this area.

West, who died early Wednesday at the age of 71, was never impressed by his membership in the elite club known as the Texas Legislature. He just went to Austin, did his job and came home the same down-to-earth individual that he was when first elected to the job.
And it was this humble attitude that allowed him to get a lot of things accomplished in the Capitol for his district. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin has grown greatly during his tenure. Odessa's Presidential Museum got a new home thanks to his efforts. He helped obtain a new National Guard headquarters at Midland International Airport to replace an outdated facility in Odessa.

And the same affability that kept getting him elected back home made him popular with his fellow House members. It was simply hard not to like Buddy.

And even when West did get caught up in the political mire, which is inevitable when you're navigating the swift currents in Austin, he let his instincts guide him.

For instance, our representative found himself in a bind when a power struggle broke out over the House speakership. The man holding the job, Tom Craddick of Midland, had been a close ally of West in many instances, including obtaining funding for UTPB. Unfortunately, one of those challenging Craddick was Buddy's House deskmate, Jim Pitts, a longtime friend.

Buddy did his best not to get too involved, but eventually he chose friendship over political expediency. It cost him a lot of political collateral, but he never felt the need to apologize for exhibiting the admirable trait of loyalty to a friend.

West got his first taste of public service as a member of the Ector County Independent School District board. Many were surprised when he decided to run for higher office, but he became such a fixture as a state representative that he seldom drew an opponent. And that was because he was always accessible and willing to listen.

And Buddy remained a dedicated public servant to the end. Despite failing health, he ran for another term. And even though he was defeated, largely due to questions about his health, West continued to make public appearances to fill out his term that would have concluded at the end of this year.

Buddy West was a class act, completely devoid of the arrogance and pretense that some politicians develop. He was not overly impressed with the office he held or the title that he almost never wielded.

And that somehow seemed to fit his constituency perfectly. Odessans know the genuine article when they see it.

With apologies to West's modest nature, we have to say that he deserves a great deal of thanks and admiration for the way he did his sometimes thankless job.