Proud of the Newest Democratic House Member

by: Matt Glazer

Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 06:30 AM CDT

Representative Kirk England's decision shows courage and commitment to his district. Time and again, Representative England has stood up against the extreme partisan Republican leadership in Austin that has continually failed our state. He's a fighter for the people who elected him to serve and I am very pleased to welcome him to the Texas Democratic Party.
-- Boyd Richie, Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party

We haven't done our due diligence in welcoming Kirk England to the Democratic Party.  We announced his arrival to our big tent party.  Glenn Smith gave an important history lesson, and Rep. Jim Dunnam welcomed Rep. England to the caucus, but we haven't yet.

It's hard not to be excited by a candidate or official that says all the right things.

"This decision was not made lightly, but I believe I can get more done on the issues we care about as a Democrat.  Of course, I have many close friends, supporters and even family members that are Republicans. But when I went to Austin, I saw firsthand the agenda of the Republican leadership, along with the strong arm tactics used in enforcing that agenda. I realized that the leadership and the special interests they represent had very little in common with the principles and ideas I value most. At the end of the day, I decided that the ability to represent my district was more important than following a party line set by folks in Austin.

"I was born and raised in Grand Prairie, and I have lived here my whole life.  My wife Marcy and I raised our two sons, Sam and Charlie, in this community, and I own a small business here.  I trust the voters in District 106, and I am confident that my friends and neighbors agree that doing what is right is more important than partisan politics.

"I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and work hard to be reelected in 2008.  I am confident that the voters in our district want a representative who will fight for public education and the Children's Health Insurance Program and who believes that the folks struggling to pay skyrocketing utility bills every month are more important than TXU's profits.  I am committed to returning to Austin to keep the promises I made to citizens of District 106."

But clearly actions speak louder than words.  Lucky for us, we can look at the 80th session and see how Rep. England acted to make Texas a better place for everyone. As the Lone Star Project points out, Rep. England will be a valuable member and asset to Democratic caucus. 

• Stood Up to Craddick: In an extraordinary display of courage, England broke with GOP freshmen and voted with centrist Democrats against Tom Craddick on the defacto "Vote of No Confidence" against the Speaker.(Source: H- 1047 Motion to Sustain the Ruling of the Chair)


• Strongly Supported Educators: Showing the courage to stand with children and educators over partisan party leaders, England voted with centrist Democrats to raise teachers salaries by $6,000 to reach the national average. (Source: H- 1157 Motion to Table Amendment #3 by Dunnam)


• Protected Our Ballot: To protect the sanctity of the ballot and senior voters in HD106, England voted with centrist Democrats to exempt elderly voters from Voter ID requirements. (Source: H- 604 Motion to Table Dunnam Amendment to B Brown Amendment #1)


• Acted to Stop Child Abuse: Breaking with Republicans who refused to aggressively investigate child sexual abuse at Texas youth facilities, England voted with centrist Democrats for a special prosecutor to investigate the TYC. (Source: H- 147 Motion to Table Amendment by Dunnam)


• Fought for Clean Air: Taking action to improve air quality and promote energy conservation, England voted with centrist Democrats to provide taxpayer-funded incentives to build clean energy projects. (Source: H- 706 Motion to Table Amendment #2 by Vaught)

Kirk England is going to be a fantastic representative for HD-106 and for the rest of Texas.  His courage to stand against Craddick and his top lieutenants (Chisum, Brown, Howard, etc.) shows his commitment for a better Texas.  We aren't the only ones happy to see him join our party, for that, you will have to read below the fold.

"Kirk England and I have worked together on important issues to Grand Prairie and North Texas.  We're friends and neighbors, and I'm proud to support him." 
--Representative Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas)

"Make no mistake about it - Kirk England has stood up time and time again to Austin strong arm tactics to do what's right for his district, and he'll have my full commitment and strong support."
--Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas)

"I am thrilled that Kirk England will be able to represent the folks in Grand Prairie and Irving without having Craddick in his face every day." 
--Rep. Lon Burnam (D-Fort Worth)

"I applaud Kirk England's commitment and principled decision to put his district ahead of partisan politics and stand up to the Republican leadership's extreme tactics and agenda in Austin.  I look forward to working with Kirk for a better Texas."
--Rep. Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas)

"I've served in the House quite awhile; there's no one with more courage or who has earned more respect than Kirk England." 
--Rep. Terri Hodge (D- Dallas)

"I have always had enormous respect for Kirk England for fighting against the extreme partisan agenda in Austin and doing what's right by his district - I look forward to serving with him as a Democrat." 
--Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway (D-Dallas)

"Kirk England is a man of honor and principle, I couldn't ask for a better friend and colleague and his district couldn't find a better leader." 
--Rep. Paula Pierson (D-Arlington)

"Kirk England is a thoughtful, well balanced and common sense legislator.  I know that his constituents will be better served and proud of his decision." 
--Rep. Allen Vaught (D-Dallas)

"Kirk England is making a gutsy move by standing up for his district and putting public education, healthcare and pocket book issues ahead of the failed leadership of Tom Craddick." 
--Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth)

"I'm glad to welcome Representative England to the Democratic caucus," said Representative Coleman. "This past session, Rep. England showed a commitment to put the interests of his district above the interests of his party. That's the best quality for any member of the Texas House to have. I know he'll continue to serve his constituents well in the Texas House."
--Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston)