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Corpus Christi paper endorses Patterson

Caller Times says stick with Jerry

2006-10-15  |  by MDL

from the October 7 editorial . . . .

Land Commissioner

"Incumbent Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a Republican, is running against minimal opposition in his race for re-election. But the incumbent would have a solid case for returning to office even if he had more formidable opponents.

Patterson is a key player in Corpus Christi's effort to create a pedestrian-only beach on Padre Island. Patterson says that public access to a vehicle-free beach must be equal to, or better than, a beach on which driving is allowed. That's why, he said, he has asked the city to guarantee that a beach tram operate at all hours, except when the demand is "negligible." Without the tram, Patterson said, the "vehicles go back on the beach." The point is that Patterson is strong on the Open Beaches Act.

Patterson is opposed by Democrat VaLinda Hathcox, a former Hopkins County attorney. A Libertarian, Michael French, is also on the ballot. The Board believes that voters should stick with Patterson."