Finishing his sixth term as the representative of District 99, state Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, understands that public and higher education were shortchanged in the last session and that lawmakers must find ways to restore that funding.
He says he looks forward to working with the governor to address the rising tuition rates for state universities, and he hopes the courts -- when ruling on lawsuits filed by many school districts -- will provide some guidance for public school funding.The Fort Worth native authored an eminent domain law that makes it tougher for governmental agencies to take land for private-party economic development. He also has passed ethics legislation.He says the state still lags in water and transportation infrastructure. In the name of "honest budgeting," he wants to stop the practice of diverting transportation dollars to other uses.Having helped unseat former House Speaker Tom Craddick, Geren is part of Speaker Joe Straus' leadership team.Geren owns the Railhead Smokehouse barbecue restaurant and for many years has been part of business and civic activities in Tarrant County.He's a hard-working lawmaker who serves his district well.Also on the ballot are Democrat Michael McClure and Libertarian Dan Hawkins.The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Charlie Geren for Texas House District 99.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
