By Jennifer Bendery, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
"I have something important to tell you," began Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos (D-Austin), who today held a press conference to make an announcement regarding his future political plans. "And here it is. Based on last weekend's results, I think this is the year that Texas finally beats Oklahoma!"
While initially joking about the nature of today's news, Barrientos said the real story is that, after 30 years in the Texas Legislature, he will serve out his current term but will not seek another term.
"From a big picture perspective, looking back I would say that through many years in office, what I did more than anything else was follow my heart," he said. "And now after 30 years pursuing a higher calling, my heart is telling me to continue fighting for the things I believe in, but to find another way to wage that fight."
The Austin legislator said he has authored, co-authored, sponsored and co-sponsored 548 pieces of legislation and "probably thousands" of amendments. Some that stand out include a bill that made it possible to "see your Capitol with the Capitol View Corridor Bill" and legislation that "protected water quality by creating the aquifer district," said Barrientos. Other successes include establishing a state daycare center, passing tuition exemptions for the blind and deaf, and returning control of phone bills to people with an anti-slamming bill, he said. "We tried to make life better for Texans."
As Austin Democratic Reps. Dawnna Dukes, Eddie Rodriguez and Elliott Naishtat stood against the backdrop, Sen. Mario Gallegos (D-Houston) said he tried to talk Barrientos out of retiring by reminding him that he would win if he ran again. But Gallegos said he knows Barrientos will still "be fighting for the same issues, but from behind the rail. He leaves with honor and respect."
Barrientos said the possibility of former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson running against him in the next election cycle "did not influence my decision whatsoever" when he decided to retire. "I could win again, but it is time to do something else," he said, noting he made his mind up a year ago. "Frankly, I'm going to try to go out and earn a better wage." In addition to considering working as a lobbyist, Barrientos said he is looking into establishing a Spanish-language talk radio show.
Looking back, Barrientos said his inspiration to become involved in politics came from growing up in a migrant family where he saw "the pain and suffering of poverty and prejudice, up close and personal." After getting elected to the Texas House in 1974, Barrientos said he soon "began the fight for pay and benefits for our state employees." He noted that the "legislature as a whole has always been a little less progressive than I, and passing bills in the House was sometimes a challenge."
Although partisanship has "reached regrettable new heights" in the Texas Legislature in recent years, Barrientos said he is proudest of some of the "unsuccessful fights, like pushing hard for a $30,000 homestead property tax exemption" during the last regular session and two special sessions. Suggesting some of the good will in the legislature has "succumbed to the ills of partisanship," he urged legislators to keep the words of President John F. Kennedy in mind: "Civility is not a sign of weakness."
Barrientos called attention to some of the challenges still facing Texas. "Education and poverty, for example, the two issues which are inextricably linked, require constant attention," said Barrientos. "We must continue to ensure that each generation has a chance to do better than the previous one." He praised the "wonderful response" by citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a reminder that "we are at our best when we share our burdens as well as our blessings."