If re-elected to his District 90 seat, state Rep. Lon Burnam would be the senior member of the Tarrant County delegation in the Texas House.
Fort Worth school board member Carlos Vasquez, Burnam's challenger in the May 29 Democratic primary, hopes to deny Burnam that honor by ensuring that he doesn't return to the Legislature for a ninth term.Burnam, 58, relishes being labeled a "lone voice," says bluntly that he doesn't "go along to get along" and admits, "I rock the boat."That's part of his problem, according to Vasquez, 44, who faults his opponent for not being able to get along with other members of his own party, much less House Republicans -- something Vasquez said he could do for the benefit of the mostly urban district (north side, south side, near west side and Polytechnic Heights) that is still badly in need of more economic development.Vasquez, a former public schoolteacher and principal, is an instructor at Tarrant County College. He is both passionate and knowledgeable about education, but he says he also wants more mass transit for the region and favors casino gambling as an economic stimulus. His commitment and public service is commendable.But it is Burnam's experience, dogged leadership traits, willingness to fight for what he believes in and attentiveness to constituent services that gives him the edge over his challenger.A member of the Environmental Regulation and the Homeland Security and Public Safety committees, Burnam has come to be a representative not only for the people of his district but for disadvantaged individuals throughout the county.He has championed adequate funding for public education, consistently fought against vouchers and helped kill the charter school bill in 2009. He's also been a longtime supporter of more public transit and stronger environmental regulations.The district's voting-age population is 71 percent Hispanic, but both candidates say qualifications, not ethnicity, should determine who can best serve the people.The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Lon Burnam for District 90 state representative.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
