The nation’s job-creating juggernaut — a.k.a. Texas — needs to be stoked, not starved. Ask business folks about the best fuel for continued success, and they’ll tell you that sound infrastructure and an excellent education system are critical to the mix.
Democrat Paul Stafford, our recommendation for the open seat in District 115, understands the need to strengthen that economic backbone of roads, water systems and schools. For example, he supported the critical water-planning constitutional amendment that voters approved in 2013, and he backs the transportation funding plan on next month’s ballot.
Remember that the water and roads strategies were devised by Republican legislative leaders. Yet Stafford’s GOP opponent, Matt Rinaldi, opposes both. Rinaldi also said during his interview with us that the Texas Legislature is not conservative enough and noted that he has already pledged his support, if elected, to the tea party-backed lawmaker challenging House Speaker Joe Straus.
Rinaldi, a 39-year-old Irving attorney, is smart and steeped in the issues, which he sees through a disturbingly narrow filter. Many of his positions reflect those of the ultraconservative Accountability First PAC, his top contributor.
In contrast, Stafford, a 46-year-old Irving attorney, displays a steadier sense toward governance. For example, while Rinaldi would abolish Gov. Rick Perry’s Emerging Technology and Enterprise funds, Stafford calls them job generators that need better oversight.
Stafford wants to restore education funding cuts and to expand Medicaid, positions along the lines of what business groups such as the Dallas Citizens Council have advocated to ensure a stronger economy.
Libertarian candidate Kim Kelley is also on the ballot in the District 115 race, which includes parts of Carrollton, Coppell, Irving and Farmers Branch.
