Personal:
Age: 47
Widowed
Children: Derek, Justin and Rachel
Religious Affiliation: United Methodist
Occupation: District Director for Congressman Joe Barton
"Although I have no biblical reference for it I am convinced that, finding no place more pleasing, God came to Tarrant County on the seventh day to rest and admire his creation. I happened to be born in Cherokee County during one of my parents' periodic roamings away from home, but I am every bit a product of Tarrant. I love this place, delight in its people, and find meaning in its history.I have deep roots here. My mother was a Power, a pioneer family that settled on land near present-day Rendon in 1857. The Wrights came in 1875 and settled in what is now south Fort Worth. It took them several generations and a detour into Wise County to finally come together, but I am the very thankful result. The jury is still out on whether that result is really worth noting, but I hope through my progeny that it can be said someday that the rest of the world ultimately was better for it.
We are all products of our background, and I am no exception. The world had paused to catch its breath when I was born in ‘53. Ike was in, Truman was out, Stalin was dead. The Korean War ended, and we settled into the doldrums of the ‘50s under the ever present cloud of pending nuclear doom. I remember the bomb drills in elementary school and the endless speculation about whether one of the missiles in Cuba could reach Llano, Texas where we lived during another of my parent's roamings away from home. The Kennedy Assassination is a vivid memory, and I was mature enough to understand that 1968 was a turning point for the nation and me. It was the year I became aware of the world, disillusioned with war, and interested in government.
I first came to Arlington to attend UTA after graduating from Azle High School in 1971. I kept leaving and, unable to resist the lure, kept coming back. I usually don't tell people that I have lived here four separate times. Rather, I just smile and tell them I was here when Tom Vandergriff was mayor. Those of us who can honestly make that statement usually say it with a great deal of pride -- the same kind of pride that comes from being a sixth generation resident of Tarrant County. Although that distinction and 50 cents will get us a cup of coffee, it means something to those of us who have it. It's like being part of a sweeping success story that never ends."
-- excerpt from my last Star-Telegram column
My race for the District 7 council seat being vacated by Dottie Lynn is my first serious campaign for elective office since I was elected president of my senior class 30 years ago. But I am not new to politics nor inexperienced in civic affairs. I have a demonstrated concern for my community and city government going back more than 15 years in Arlington.
Liberals may scoff, but when Gov. George W. Bush talks about compassionate conservatism, I understand exactly what he's talking about. I and many like me in Arlington have been working for years to improve the lot of the less fortunate in our city while maintaining our adherence to a conservative philosophy of fiscal and regulatory responsibility. My efforts did not go unnoticed. I received a Volunteer of the Year award for my "contributions to community and country" in 1993, the Star-Telegram's Man of the Year award for Community Service in 1994, and a Friend of Education Commendation from the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees in 1997.
For a complete list of accomplishments and community activities, please click here.