As we have discussed in our previous endorsement, the Railroad Commission is a three-person board with a powerful responsibility to regulate and look over the ever-growing oil & gas sector in this State. The name is a misnomer, as the commission has very little to do with railroads, and instead exists as a sort of Energy Czar. When we look to the current commission’s members, however, we do not think of energy; nor do we think of competent and trustworthy mediators. Between Chrsti Craddick –the daughter of a former House Speaker– and Barry Smitherman, the religious zealot running for Attorney General, this board thoroughly laments the loss of skill and sensibility from the commission. While a background in the sector is, in fact, encouraged, for candidates, we would hope candidates would be able to present an open mind and use fair judgment, not being beholden to any special interests.
Accordingly, we recommend strongly against a vote for Wayne Christian, Ray Keller or Ryan Sitton. Specifically in the case of the former individual, we see no reason to continue in a tradition of business-as-usual, supporting politicians with no credentials in the field to speak of, merely a conservative record in the Legislature. Such a record does not suffice, in our opinion.
