We [Dallas Morning News Editorial] recommend Rhetta Bowers for Texas House District 113
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When Cindy Burkett decided to vacate her Texas House District 113 seat and run for the state Senate, a scramble was on to determine who would replace her. Of the two candidates remaining after the primary season, we recommend that voters choose Democrat Rhetta Bowers in District 113.
When Bowers, 51, an educator from Rowlett, ran unsuccessfully against Burkett in 2016, we cited inexperience as a reason for not recommending her. But Bowers has gotten up to speed on the issues and can address them with clarity and detail, making her a stronger choice than Republican Jonathan Boos.
Boos, 34, a business owner from Garland, didn’t meet with our editorial board, and although he filled out our questionnaire, his responses ran the gamut of a small-government conservative but without details. On education, Boos said the Legislature should “fully fund education,” “cut wasteful or unnecessary spending” and “end the current ‘Robin Hood’ school financing scheme.”
Rhetta Bowers
Bowers articulated ideas in detail with the understanding that she’d likely be working with a Republican majority. Her pragmatic approach to issues would suit her well in a district that leans to the right. She offered vocal support for House Bill 21, the failed measure in last year’s session that would have increased funding for public schools by $1.8 billion.
Bowers had an issue with property taxes related to a vacation home owned by her parents, but it was resolved and the Nueces County tax assessor said the property is up-to-date on taxes paid.
Ready to vote?
Part of a series of Dallas Morning News recommendations in the Nov. 6 general election.
Voter Guide: Compare candidates’ answers to questionnaires tailored to their contest. https://voterguide.dallasnews.
Recommendations: List of our recommendations to date. https://www.dallasnews.com/
Early voting starts: Oct. 22
Election Day: Nov. 6
For more information:
Collin County 1-800-687-8546 collincountytx.gov/elections
Dallas County 214-819-6300 dallascountyvotes.org
Denton County 940-349-3200 votedenton.com
Ellis County 972-825-5195 co.ellis.tx.us/312/Elections
Kaufman County 972-932-0298 kaufmancounty.org/elections
Rockwall County 972-204-6200 rockwallvotes.com
Tarrant County 817-831-8683 access.tarrantcounty.com/en/
For more help, including how to check your registration status, contact the Texas secretary of state at 800-252-8683 or visit votetexas.gov.
