Yes indeed, it’s another Texas Parent PAC endorsement. Today’s winner is Joe Farias, who’s running for HD118 in San Antonion, which was left open by Rep. Carlos Uresti’s victory in the Democratic primary for SD19 this March. This is one of the realtively few seats that the Republicans are targeting for takeover, so an endorsement like this will come in handy. Here’s the press release (Word doc):
“Joe Farias has a proven record of leadership and service to his community and country,” said Texas Parent PAC chair Carolyn Boyle as she kicked off a San Antonio media tour. “He has the independence, integrity, and can-do attitude needed at the capitol to solve our state’s problems.”
Boyle said this is one of the most important races in the November 7 general election, and the statewide parent group believes Farias is clearly the better choice. “Joe Farias is a man of faith and strength who is known far-and-wide for his compassion and willingness to stand up for what is right,” Boyle added.
[…]
“As a lifelong resident of House District 118, Joe Farias reflects the values of his community, and voters can trust him to stand up for their interests and concerns in Austin,” said Texas Parent PAC board member Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. “Joe will not be bullied by special interests that try to call the shots in Austin.”
Rodriguez also said Farias will not be beholden to big campaign contributors who seek to take money away from neighborhood public schools to pay for private school tuition in Houston and Dallas.
Farias is the only candidate in the race with experience as an elected official. He served on the board of trustees for Harlandale ISD for eight years, where he dealt with a public budget, responded daily to constituents, and cast tough votes in the interest of children, educators, and taxpayers.
After graduating from McCollum High School, Farias volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1968 and served three years in Vietnam and Berlin, Germany. He returned home to San Antonio and went to work for City Public Service, the local electric utility, working his way up from a novice machinist to a position as manager of the technical training division.
Because of years of experience in human resource management, Farias understands the importance of high quality kindergarten-12th grade schooling, affordable and accessible two-and-four year college education, and on-the-job training for achieving prosperity and the American dream.
Farias strongly believes in giving back to his community. He served on the San Antonio Zoning Commission, was McCollum High School All-Sports Booster Club President, volunteered for 20 years as a youth sports coach, and cooks and hosts barbecue plate fundraisers for civic and religious groups and those in need. In addition to his three terms on the Harlandale school board, he also served on the board of St. Leo’s Catholic School.
Congratulation to Joe Farias, who joins Valinda Bolton, Allen Vaught, Kristi Thibaut, Ellen Cohen, and Joe Heflin on the Parent PAC endorsee list. You can listen to the MP3 of my interview with Farias here.