Thursday, November 10, 2005

"There is a tremendous disconnect between the will of the people and the leadership in Austin."

Fayette County resident seeks seat in Senate

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Brenham Banner Press
Copyright 2005

A Fayette County resident who has been actively campaigning against efforts for a "super highway" in Texas has announced his candidacy for the state Senate.

David Stall, co-founder of CorridorWatch.org, a statewide non-partisan organization opposing the Trans-Texas Corridor project, has announced his candidacy for the Senate District 18 seat now held by Democrat Ken Armbrister.

District 18 includes Washington County.

Stall, who will be a Republican candidate, acknowledged his campaign has been stimulated by his objections to the Trans-Texas Corridor.

Gov. Rick Perry has pushed the corridor, a multi-use, statewide network of transportation routes in Texas that would incorporate existing and new highways, railways and utility right-of-ways. Specific routes have not been determined.

"I agree that the state population is growing and we need better and safer roads," Stall said in his announcement. "I also understand that we need to address congestion, but I have serious concerns about the Trans-Texas Corridor and how it is being advanced.

"After nearly two years of attending state agency and legislative meetings and visiting with thousands of Texans, I see a bigger picture and bigger problems. There is a tremendous disconnect between the will of the people and the leadership in Austin."

He added that "Texans are asking for lower taxes and the Legislature is giving them more debt and bigger government. And they're doing it in ways that are hidden from the public and lack fundamental accountability.

" I have watched our legislature in action -- and failing to act. And maybe worst of all, in the last four years we have seen our state government spend more time and money accomplishing less than ever before."

Stall's background includes emergency management, law enforcement, municipal finance and business management. Stall, a police officer and arson investigator, retired from law enforcement with 21 years of continuous service that began as a patrolman and concluded at retirement with the rank of fire marshal chief.

Since 1991 he has been a professional city manager serving urban and rural communities in Colorado and Harris counties. In 2003 he earned the designation of Credentialed Manager from the International City/County Management Association.

Stall has previously been elected to city council and during his public career been appointed to numerous positions particularly in the areas of parks, emergency management, and municipal finance.

Stall and his wife Linda moved to a 90-year-old farm house near Fayetteville in Fayette County in 2000.

Presently, Stall is vice-chairman of the United States Selective Service System Local Board that serves five counties within District 18, a director of the Columbus Lion's Club, member of the Clean Texas Citizen Advisory Board, Texas Farm Bureau, and is active in several other civic organizations.

© 2005 Brenham Banner Press: www.brenhambanner.com

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