40/40: Get to Know House District 106

by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas

Fri Feb 24, 2006 at 02:32 AM CST

What is HD 106 like, you ask? I'll tell you the best I can, but if some folks who have actually lived/worked in Dallas could help me paint a better picture of this district (and HD 107) in the comments section, I'd appreciate it.

HD 106 - Katy Hubener vs. Kirk "Empty-Nester" England.

Here's a map of the district. HD 106 is an exclusively urban district, contained in the western part of Dallas county. Grand Prairie is the prominent town, of which Kirk England's father has been mayor for 13 years.

The district hits the state average in most areas (according to the Secretary of State's website) except one: value of homes. More than 62% of families live in homes valued between $50,000 and $100,000 (about 40% of families fit that category statewide). As a largely working-class family district, a great deal of the issues Hubener has experience in works perfectly for this district. Remember, she has a degree in education and works as a realtor (both sides of the school finance equation - schools and property taxes). The district is almost evenly split between Whites (about 65,000) and Blacks+Hispanics (62,000).

The western Dallas County district, which takes in most of Grand Prairie and a portion of Irving, supported Republican Danny Chandler in the sheriff’s race with 56 percent of the vote. At the top of the ticket, HD 106 voters solidly backed President Bush as well as Republican candidates for the U.S. House, Kenny Marchant (R-Coppell) and Pete Sessions (R-Dallas). Like HD48, the district is considered a 55-57% Republican.

Hubener was expected to have an excellent shot against Allen in the General, before he retired. Now, England - even though he's still a little wet behind the ears - can run off tremendous name ID and hope to learn the details of policy as time goes on.

The Dalllas Morning News endorsement for Hubener can be found here. One part that is being pointed out in her second TV spot (which we hope to have loaded by tomorrow) and on the campaign trail goes like this:

She knows the big issues down to the smallest detail, and she is on the right side: local-option tax election for transit (for), recorded votes (for), more money for public education (for) and an active governmental role in cleaning up North Texas air (for – she's been an activist on this issue).

Mr. England, 44, an insurance agent, is making his first run at elected office – and it shows. He told us that he decided to seek the office in large part because he "is about to be an empty-nester."

Early numbers suggest that Hubener's doing a great job early on, but she can still use help GOTV next Tuesday! For information about how to take a free bus next Tuesday and help her out, click here. Pick-up location has been changed to the AFL-CIO building at 11th and Lavaca (free parking).