As the runoff for Texas House of Representatives District 1 nears, I feel impressed to do something I have never done before. I feel I must publicly endorse Gary VanDeaver to be re-elected to serve our district in Austin. I feel he is the candidate who truly has the best interests of the residents of this district in his heart as he represents us. Many of the statements made by his opponent show clearly that he is concerned more for Austin and large cities than District 1. His endorsements are more Austin-centered than Rural East Texas centered. I believe Gary VanDeaver represents East Texas values. He understands what is needed here for our area to flourish. As a person who has given his life to serve the children of our region as an educator and school administrator before being elected to the Texas House, he understands that the success of local rural school districts is more likely to come not through what will serve urban and suburban district and not through taking money out of districts already suffering due to financial constraints but through decisions that reinforce local values and strengths.