Dale Henry Get Star-Telegram Endorsement

This is a VERY important endorsement because Fort Worth is right in the middle of the Barnett Shale polluters. Fort Worth understands how important this race is in protecting Texans from the polluters of our air and water.

Environmental sense
Star-Telegram

The Texas Railroad Commission is the chief regulator of the state’s oil and gas industry. In that vein, Dale Henry says the commission’s premier focus should be safeguarding the environment from water, soil and air pollution associated with the industry.

That’s particularly relevant to North Central Texas residents concerned about potential negative environmental consequences from the Barnett Shale natural gas drilling boom. The need for solid, sensible environmental protection is especially strong in heavily populated urban areas.

Henry, 76, of Lampasas speaks from extensive experience. He spent 40-plus years in the oil and gas industry, including contracting with the state for the cleanup and plugging of abandoned wells. A petroleum engineering graduate of the University of Texas, he also has been a small-town city manager and possesses considerable knowledge of water issues.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board urges that voters in the March 4 Democratic primary election cast their ballots for Henry in the three-candidate race for the Railroad Commission seat held by Republican Michael Williams. The primary winner is to face Williams, who has no GOP opponent, in November.

We should add that Art Hall, 37, a former San Antonio City Council member, is an impressive, personable candidate who should offer himself for public office again if he isn’t successful in the commission race. Hall, an attorney and investment banker who grew up in Lubbock, has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a law degree from Texas Tech.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Dale Henry in the Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission.