The Texas Parent PAC keeps chugging along. The latest endorsed candidate is Austin’s Valinda Bolton, running for the open HD47. A win there would give Travis County an all-Democratic delegation, and would represent a swing of three seats since 2002. Here’s the press release (Word doc):
“Valinda Bolton is a community leader with a breadth and depth of policy experience that is unmatched in this race,” said Texas Parent PAC chair Carolyn Boyle of Austin. “She has the knowledge and collaboration skills that are desperately needed at the Capitol to solve problems and ensure future prosperity for Texas families and businesses.”
Boyle said this is one of the most important races in the November 7 general election, and the statewide parent group believes Bolton is clearly the better choice. “It’s time for a change at the state capitol. Voters must elect highly qualified state lawmakers who are committed to working in a bipartisan way and voting independently on behalf of their constituents,” she added.
[…]
“Valinda Bolton will seek common sense solutions for problems related to roads and traffic congestion, water, land development, education, and taxes without letting partisan politics get in the way,” said Staley Gray of Austin, the Texas Parent PAC treasurer.
“In addition, parents can trust a knowledgeable PTA leader like Valinda Bolton to protect and improve our neighborhood schools,” Gray added. “She is the only candidate in this race who has taken a stand to oppose taking money away from public schools to fund private school tuition vouchers.”
For over 20 years, Bolton has worked with a range of nonprofit organizations to make communities safer and stronger. This includes serving as training director of the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, staff consultant to the Department of Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence, coordinator of a Texas Department of Human Services project, trainer of police and sheriffs, and as an advocate for affordable housing.Bolton is an active member of First Baptist Church in Austin, including service as a member of the building committee, on the capital campaign steering committee, and chair of the children’s committee. She earned a master of science degree from Texas Tech University and a bachelor of arts from Baylor University.
Congratulations to Valinda Bolton for joining Allen Vaught, Kristi Thibaut, Ellen Cohen, and Joe Heflin. I don’t have any pre-announcements about tomorrow, but I expect there’s still more to come.
Valinda has a real shot at victory in this race if she can get her campaign together and communicate a message. Big if but a big win if she does.