Humility a welcome change in Arlington seat

In Texas House District 94 — central, west and southwest Arlington, Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens — the Republican race matches Rep. Tony Tinderholt, 45, and newcomer Andrew Piel, 43.

As a retired Army officer, Tinderholt touts his ranking as the third-most-conservative House member.

He has received substantial backing from a political action committee affiliated with Empower Texans, a conservative activist group that also endorses U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for president.

Tinderholt wants “to serve the people of the district with true, Christian conservative values and principles while ensuring that government passes constitutional laws,” he told the Star-Telegram.

If re-elected, he would focus on border security, education and pushing against federal mandates, as well as issues such as protecting the sanctity of life and Second Amendment rights.

With a history of being vocal in the House, he says he “will not go along to get along” when it comes to standing on behalf of his district.

While Tinderholt has been steadfast in his conservative beliefs during his first term, his actions in the Texas House have been focused more on the Tea Party than the best interests of the district.

The challenger, Piel, has conservative views but wants to work in the best interest of Arlington.

A current partner in the Harrison Steck law firm, Piel believes he understands what the district needs.

Piel believes in putting more effort into the district’s public schools, creating honors programs at the elementary level and building healthier school districts that would encourage families to buy and remodel older homes, or replace them with new homes and upgrade neighborhoods.

“Public schools made me what I am,” he said.

He also talks about “unique education avenues” for young students who don’t see themselves as college-bound.

He wants to build career tech facilities to help these students get certifications for trades.

Piel earned the last public endorsement from the late state Sen. Chris Harris.

Piel says Harris told him the job wasn’t about the fancy office or title but about the people he would run into at the grocery store.

Piel says he agreed and believes that’s at the foundation of the state House seat.

He said he hopes to be a “humble servant leader” for Arlington in the Texas Legislature.

The nominee will serve a two-year term. No Democrat is running.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Andrew Piel in the Republican primary for Texas House District 94.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Humility a welcome change in Arlington seat."