Senator Creighton Responds; Go Contact Texas A&M

This evening Senator Creighton responded to concerns raised by his constituents by posting a letter to his Facebook page. Below is his letter:

Dear Senate District 4,

On March 10th, I filed Senate Bill 1964 relating to the Jones State Forest at the request of the Texas A&M University System. Since that time, I have heard from many constituents and stakeholders and I would like to clarify the intent of the bill.

Texas A&M has owned this treasured asset since the 1920’s for the purpose of education. Tommy Williams, Former Senate District 4 Senator and current Vice Chancellor of Texas A&M, requested on behalf of the University that I file a bill to allow a public conversation to be held in the State Legislature. I am asking for a hearing to discuss the merits of the University’s request to use between 5-10% of the Jones State Forest (southern end near State Highway 242) for educational purposes.

During the five months of a Legislative Session, my office listens, discusses, and studies suggested state policy. We work hard to advance good policy and many times table policy suggestions that require more consideration.

This is a Texas A&M request for Texas A&M use within a Texas A&M asset. Whether or not the University uses a portion of the forest should be a public discussion. My intent with Senate Bill 1964 was to honor the request to begin this conversation.

As an 8th generation Montgomery County resident, I cherish the big thicket, natural timberland and foliage, including the wildlife that occupies the forest. I am not interested in clearing the forest or destroying any wildlife.

As for the conversation, please provide me with your viewpoints. When I became a Legislator, I took an oath to represent all of my constituents and put their needs above my own. I take this oath very seriously. My job as a Legislator is to balance many requests and to help decide what is best for Senate District 4.

I’m listening,

Brandon Creighton

While this letter is appreciated it does raise several questions for the Senator:

1. Does the Senator make it a habit of filing and sponsoring bills on behalf of organizations without fully understanding and agreeing with the language?
2. Is the filing of a bill required for a public hearing to take place?
3. What are the plans for the property that led to Texas A&M requesting the bill and Senator Creighton sponsoring the legislation?
4. If the intent of the bill is to allow for further academic/research use (as the Senators staff has indicated by phone), why does the bill ever mention commercial use?
5. Under the Texas Constitution Texas A&M does not have the ability to sponsor legislation. This is the Senator's bill, not the schools. Why are his constituents being directed to ask the questions he should have asked before filing the bill?

These are just a few of the many questions that should be addressed publicly. We look forward to the Senator finding the time to do that with his constituents.