Endorsements

With only 8 early-voting days left before the election, I realize I'm late making endorsements.  Part of my delay is that I am still uncertain about several candidates; part is that I wanted to interview my short list and post the interviews for discussion (which I will still do); but the biggest factor is that I'm working 75 hours a week on a project that I consider even more important than Killeen politics.  I'll post something about it next week.

My first endorsement is for council member in my home First District.  It is an easy one.  Jason Lawhorn has been running since the recall.  He's talked to more people in this district than I have, and I've lived here more than 30 years.  Lawhorn campaigned vigorously; his opponents hardly at all.  But that's not why I recommend District 1 voters cast their ballot for him.  My reasons include:

1. Jason saw early the reasoning behind the recall.  He got it and supported it.
2. As ugly a remedy as the recall was, Lawhorn recognized it as an opportunity to build a better city government -- (at least this is what he told me, and he has so far given me no reason to doubt it) -- that has as its basis representatives with (to borrow the phrase of another candidate) servant hearts. 
3. He's not wishy-washy; no one is going to push him around.
4. He has roots in and knowledge of his district.
5. And as near as I can tell he has no intention or motivation to act other than in the interest of his constituents.