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Brazosport Facts endorses JP

Always a friend lends their support

2006-10-27  |  by MDL

Land Commissioner

Jerry Patterson, commissioner of the General Land Office, long has been a friend of Brazoria County, once representing part of the county in the state Senate. In his first term as land commissioner, Patterson again distinguished himself as an innovative thinker and an officeholder who has his priorities in order.

He vows to maximize revenue for the Permanent School Fund and seeks to diversify the state?s portfolio through real estate investments. One example is his quest to make Texas a leader in developing wind power.

Most importantly here in Brazoria County is Patterson?s sometimes unpopular quest to defend the Open Beaches Act. While it has drawn the ire of some land owners, Patterson?s approach to maintaining, and in some cases restoring, public beach access has been fair.

A moratorium on enforcement allowed a chance for nature to push back the line of vegetation and gave time for homeowners to repair their homes. When after that grace period more than 100 structures on the Brazoria and Galveston county coastlines remained on public beach, Patterson offered some financial help to property owners to destroy or relocate the structures.

Through his handling of Open Beaches Act enforcement, Patterson has proven his willingness to make tough choices that show both compassion and a respect for the law.

Patterson also received unanimous support of the editorial board. He faces opposition from Democrat VaLinda Hathox and Libertarian Michael A. French.