Hopson says Straus election will be good for East Texas

State Rep. Chuck Hopson said the likely choice to replace the incumbent Texas Speaker of the House will be good for East Texas.

Hopson, a Democrat from Jacksonville who is heading into his fifth term in the House, praised the choice of Joe Straus, a San Antonio Republican who appears to be the heir-apparent to one of the most powerful posts in the state.

"I think (Straus' election) will be really good for Texas. It was time for a change and Joe will he good for East Texas," Hopson said Monday.

Straus appears to have garnered enough votes to win the seat, which in a surprise Monday move was vacated by Tom Craddick, R-Midland. Craddick has served in the House for 40 years and as speaker for the past three sessions.

Hopson said he and Straus have a good relationship — so good, in fact, Hopson tried to get Straus for a "deskmate" on the floor of the House during the last session.

"Joe understands rural issues. We've talked to him and had a lot of dealings with him and he's someone you can talk to — unlike Craddick, who was there for six years. Last time, (Craddick) declared he had absolute power and tended to act that way," Hopson said. "Straus is a very moderate person, and I think Republicans and Democrats will be able to work together."

Tops among the issues facing East Texas is water, Hopson said.

"Cities like Austin, Houston, San Antonio — we have the water and they're going to get it," he said. "We're happy to sell it but we're not going to give it away."

Another issue important to all Texans is tax relief. Hopson, who was still working at his Jacksonville pharmacy Monday, said he has already filed a bill to raise the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $30,000.

"Texans' tax relief has gone away because appraisal districts have raised our appraisals. This bill will give all who own property a true $15,000 savings on their taxes," he said. "We tried to do $35,000 last session but it didn't pass."

He said Tommy Merritt, R-Longview, was "very supportive of that measure last time."

A call to Merritt was not returned at press time.