Baker Institute Student Forum debate: Elect Bill White for TX governor

By Gabe Cuadra     10/28/10 7:00pm

Perception is a powerful thing. And perception is a main reason why Bill White replacing Rick Perry as governor of Texas is essential for the state's future. Over his term as governor, Perry and those he supports have drawn national headlines for all the wrong reasons. In April 2009, he left open the possibility that Texas could secede from the Union if measures like President Barack Obama's stimulus continued to be passed. No matter one's position on Washington, Perry's statements about secession place his state in a poor, if not laughable, light.

Then, earlier this year, the Texas State Board of Education, an elected group from whom Perry selects a chair, garnered national headlines for the socially conservative spin they've enforced in the new social studies curriculum. This debacle occurred at the same time as Perry was refusing to allow Texas to compete for federal education dollars in the government's "Race to the Top." Again, Texas was painted nationally as extreme and out of touch.

At a time when Texas is competing with other states to draw in the best minds, employers and resources, these headlines overshadow many of the positive attractions Texas offers. Contrast this with Bill White, a central, results-oriented leader. Under White's leadership as mayor, Houston was praised for stepping up during Hurricane Katrina and taking in neighbors from New Orleans. When the government messed up a few weeks later in the mishandling of the Hurricane Rita evacuation, White didn't place the blame on the leaders of other municipalities but instead took initiative to improve the response throughout the region.

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Moreover, White took chances on controversial programs in an attempt to make Houston a better place, such as implementing red light cameras, the SafeClear towing program and the METRO light rail.

White has presided over a city that has thrived because of its ability to attract people and businesses from around the world. Both before and during his tenure as mayor, Houston's economy has been diversified and strengthened, lifting the entire state with it. The city has invested in itself, encouraged and taken advantage of its diversity and placed itself on a global stage. Heck, it even pried the Leebrons out of their New York City apartment, which I understand was no small challenge.

In a session that will be challenged by the politics of congressional redistricting, Texas needs a governor committed to getting results on key issues like education. In a world where the best companies and minds have a choice on where to locate, Texas needs a governor who will place the state in a great Lone Star light.

We need Bill White for governor.

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