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Austin American Statesman Endorses Patterson

Calls Patterson a straight-shooter

2006-10-15  |  by MDL

from today's story . . . .

General Land Office commissioner

Republican Jerry Patterson, 59, is seeking a second term as land commissioner, touting his record of raising revenue from the state's land holdings and fostering public-private partnerships to bring business to Texas. He also wants to make Texas the national leader in wind power and solve the intractable problem of private homes being left in public areas because of beach erosion.

There is potential for conflicts of interest in Patterson's public-private partnership projects, but he recognizes that and still believes in the program. Neither does he duck the controversy over his efforts to open the Padre Island National Seashore to oil drilling, something he believes can be accomplished with environmental safeguards.

Patterson's Democratic opponent is Valinda Hathcox, a Sulphur Springs lawyer who is campaigning widely but without much financial support. She is a Democratic stalwart but cannot match Patterson's experience. Libertarian Michael A. French is also running.

Patterson is a straight-shooter who has done a good job for the state as land commissioner. He should be returned for a second term.