Thank you for your interest in learning more about me and my bid to serve you again on the Board of Trustees of Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), as County School Trustee, Position 4, Precinct 3.

I am an independent business man with a private practice in petroleum engineering and management consulting. For almost 15 years (through January 20, 2009) I served in the unpaid governance position of a County School Trustee, the last eight serving as Board President. I firmly believe that HCDE offers valuable and cost effective services to the 26 independent school districts of Harris County.

While I am fully committed to the ongoing need for quality educational services, I have also heard the pleas for help from our homeowners and businesses about their increasing property taxes. My record of service to HCDE reflects my strong belief in fiscal responsibility and transparency.   During my final full year in office, 2008, I voted to pass the motion to decrease the HCDE budget. And then, I voted for a property tax roll-back to ensure that your taxes did not increase the following year.

MY PROMISE

I will ensure that HCDE continues to advance its mission, goals and core beliefs as a multi-purpose service agency for our school districts. I promise to work diligently to achieve the following goals:

	FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY - I will always act in a fiscally responsible manner and be ever mindful of the financial responsibility that is due the taxpayer. I will safeguard against any wasteful spending or outdated programs.
	GLOBAL RELEVANCE - I will promote programs that ensure that our children have a sound basis for competing in a global economy. In particular, I will promote and support programs in science, mathematics and technology.
	QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES - I will ensure that quality and relevant educational opportunities are available to all of our children, be they considered mainstream, gifted or special needs children.
	PROMOTE SAFE AND SECURE SCHOOLS - I will safeguard our schools, teachers and children from acts of terrorism, school bullying and violence, and  internet predators.