About

How Can I Serve You?

That’s the first question I ask of voters.  Why?  Because working for District 52 in Austin is not about how many folks you can outvote, or how popular you can be, but about serving the voters with proven solutions.  That message is lost on some folks, who measure a campaign by “total fundraising” or “electability.”  But as I’ve walked through District 52, people need someone to listen and act.  For example, if my daughter falls and skins her knee, I could continue to mow the lawn and take out the trash as a father could do, but if I don’t (1) pick her up, (2) get her a band-aid, and (3) find out why she tripped and fix it, I haven’t served her no matter how many other “good” things I do.  So this campaign is less about me and more about you.  It’s less of a “prize fight” among candidates, and more about serving the voters.  Check out the rest of the site and see what I mean.  And for the curious, here’s a bit of my life:

Ten years ago I could never have imagined where I’d be now.  I spent my childhood in Houston as many young kids, with no real thought to the future.  I really didn’t grow up until I joined the Navy after high school.  It was there that I realized life was more than just having fun; I learned that actions and ideas had consequences.

After two years in the Navy, I married my best friend, Noreen, and began growing a family.  After eight years in the Navy, I had to make a decision.  I felt called to leave military service and go to college.  This led to seminary and after that to law school.  All the time I had the privilege to serve people through charities and service projects.  This desire to serve has led to a career in law, where I can help people with what can seem to be scary and complicated problems.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to serve others.  That requires me to endure, not to give up, and to stand up for what is right, which is not always popular.  My experiences developed character and taught me valuable lessons: integrity—doing what is right even when I’m not being watched, humility—always trying to get closer to the truth, compassion—caring for people who are hurting, and perseverance—the “just keep going” attitude.

I promise to apply those lessons—ones which took me from barely passing high school, through eight  years of naval service and a very successful academic career into the practice of law, and which guide me as a husband and father—and put them to work, serving the citizens of  Texas in House District 52.  That is my commitment, and as my family and friends can attest, I am a man who keeps his word.  I ask for your vote in the primary on March 2nd and the general election in November of 2010.  Thank you!