Ornaldo Ybarra
This week we return to the State House and wrap up the Harris County interviews for the primary cycle. HD144, which mostly covers the city of Pasadena, is one of the stronger pickup opportunities for Democrats this fall, having been redrawn for 2012 as a majority Latino district that voted Democratic downballot in 2008. In fact, it’s sufficiently Democratic that two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Ken Legler decided to step down instead of fighting it out for re-election. Three Democrats, all of whom filed in December, are vying to replace Legler, with today’s interview subject being Ornaldo Ybarra. Ybarra is a Pasadena City Council member, a police officer, and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Here’s what we talked about:
You can find a list of all interviews for this cycle, plus other related information, on my 2012 Harris County Primary Elections page. You can also follow this blog by liking its Facebook page.
I really enjoyed listening to Ornaldo’s position and passion with reference to his support of Pasadena, Texas. My wife is a lifelong, 38 year citizen of Pasadena, Texas. I have been living in Pasadena since 1998 and was born in Lubbock, Texas. I have known Ornaldo for approximately 4 years now. I assisted in his first campaign for District A and now my wife and I are supporting him for his potential representation for our new district 144 for the Great State Of Texas. Since our district has all the current challenges that profile our great state, Ornaldo is the Texas Democrat that will be the best leader positioned to take on these challenges. He mentions that he will support the constituents in his district. I have called him numerous times and he always calls immediately or answers if he is not out assisting the community. By assisting the community, I mean serving on city council, serving on the police force, or tending to his family. He has the ability to relate to the common citizen while also being very well educated to respond to big business, and complicated issues. I wrote a letter to his office about a horrible accident that happened near where an elderly lady was living and children often play. Speeders would come down a portion of a 30 mph neighborhood and speed out on their way to who knows where. Well finally an SUV loaded with money possibly “drug money” flipped over and landed in the yard of the older lady’s home. As I brought this to his and the cities attention, immediately a speed bump was placed on that road. Wow. I was suprised that a political figure in this day and age would respond to citizen concerns. If you have a valid concern, he will attempt to find a resolution to the problem. He improved our park system by having a water park installed in several areas within the city. Seems like a small thing? I bet the kids just love it. He sponsored citizenship classes for our hispanic community members who want to become legal and productive members of our society. If he goes to Austin, he will represent all citizens within the community he serves. He supports labor, crime initiatives, Veteran’s rights issues, Women’s rights, and improvements in education. Texas is near last in public education in the nation. We can do better. Ornaldo Ybarra is who my family will support for district 144. Please get out and vote May 29th.
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