Supporting Hank Gilbert

As the election draws nearer, I wanted to remind voters of the race for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. This race pits Democrat Hank Gilbert against Republican Todd Staples. There is a clear difference between the candidates in this contest. Staples is the darling of the corporate robber barons. They have given him millions, and therefore his allegiance is to the corporations, and not to the people of Texas. He is just using this office as a springboard for his higher political aspirations.

On the other hand, Hank Gilbert has been involved with agriculture all his life. Hank is not interested in a political career, but in seeing that the Agriculture Department is operated for the benefit of the citizens of Texas. Hank has experience as a rancher, a businessman, and a teacher. He understands agriculture from both the producer's viewpoint and the consumer's viewpoint.

Many urbanites don't pay much attention to the race for Agriculture Commissioner in the belief that the Ag Commissioner really doesn't have much to do with their lives. They are wrong. As Hank says, "If you eat, if you use gas in your car, if you wear clothes, literally if you breathe the air or drink the water in Texas, you should care about the election for Agriculture Commissioner.

No matter who your choice for governor is, I ask you to consider voting for Hank Gilbert for Agriculture Commissioner. Below, I have reprinted a short message from Hank to the voters of Texas:


My name is Hank Gilbert and I'm running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner -- it's the only job I want.
As a life-long agriculture teacher and operator of a family agribusiness, I understand the issues and the needs of this vital Texas industry. For far too long this office has been ignored and used only as a ladder for those with higher political aspirations.
The people of Texas have paid the price.
We are paying for gas that never makes it to our cars because gas pumps in the state have not been checked for accuracy in years. We are paying for vegetables and meats that never make it to our tables because the scales in grocery stores have likewise been neglected.
These are only a few responsibilities of the Commissioner of Agriculture—but they affect all Texans on a daily basis.
There are many, many more complex and important issues—natural resource conservation, food safety, monitoring and inspection of NAFTA border commerce, bio-terrorism and environmental protection—all involving the Texas Department of Agriculture and all important to each and every Texan.
My name is Hank Gilbert and Agriculture Commissioner is the only job I want. I am asking for your vote.