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Fort Worth Star Telegram goes for Patterson

Hesitant, but they know a leader when they see one

2006-10-27  |  by MDL

From 10/19 paper . .

The quest for revenue

In his fervent quest to produce increased revenues for Texas, Republican Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has at times seemed overzealous and misguided.

In 2004, he angered and worried residents of parched West Texas by negotiating with a group of private investors for the leasing of underground water rights on state-owned lands. That proposed deal with Midland-based Rio Nuevo Ltd. was never consummated. Fortunately, Patterson has slowed the process, and the General Land Office that he heads appears to be more broadly soliciting ideas regarding possible leasing agreements.

We also were concerned about Patterson's flawed thinking regarding the proposed preservation of 400 pristine acres bordering Eagle Mountain Lake in northwest Tarrant County for parkland. Prior to the announcement by Gov. Rick Perry of an agreement in principle for the state to sell the property to entities that would save the entire site for a local park, Patterson said he believed that the best outcome would be to preserve only part as a park and turn part into a "very low-density, high-dollar" residential development. But it should be obvious that all of this special site must be spared from development if it is to serve most effectively as a nature-oriented park and wildlife haven in an increasingly urbanized area.

Despite our periodic qualms, Patterson merits re-election because he appears to have done a solid job overall in securing increased revenue from state lands for Texas' Permanent School Fund and expanding worthy programs to benefit veterans.

Patterson, 59, has made innovative efforts to diversify the state's revenues and expand its alternative energy sources by striking prospective deals to lease offshore waters for wind power generation.

The Legislature has passed a law expanding the General Land Office's ability to diversify its revenue sources by making real estate investments to help offset declining oil and natural gas production from state lands. Patterson has aggressively taken advantage of the new law. He must be careful, however, to make certain that the state doesn't encroach too far on what traditionally has been the private sector's turf.

A former state senator, an ex-Marine and a graduate of Texas A&M University, Patterson obviously has a deep love for Texas and its rich history. Although we sometimes question his actions and opinions, we don't doubt his sincere desire to serve the state well.

The Star-Telegram recommends Jerry Patterson for state land commissioner.