Lively fight for GOP nod in SW Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Three Republicans - David Sewell, Holly Turner and Paul Workman - are vying for the chance to take on incumbent State Representative Valinda Bolton, D-Austin, in their Southwest Austin district.

Bolton, who was elected in November 2006 opposed in the Democratic primary. She replaced a Republican in the district that is historically GOP-leaning.

The three Republican candidates have their differences besides their platforms. Sewell is an attorney who works on behalf of taxpayers to help protest Comptroller audits and claim refunds related to the Texas franchise tax, sales tax, and other state taxes. Turner is also a lawyer, but her firm counsels small businesses on how to avoid legal pitfalls. Workman founded a construction company that works on commercial buildings.

The candidates all name the job market and economy is among the main issues facing the district.

On the Texas economy, according to campaign materials:

• Sewell - "I understand the burden placed on families and businesses because of increased taxation. I believe we should restructure the tax code and reduce taxes to allow entrepreneurs and small business to help drive job creation because with less government interference and lower taxes, businesses will create jobs, not the government."
• Workman - "Unlike our current leadership, I will be mindful of the folks who pay for government programs, and not just those who benefit from government services. I believe we should reform the business franchise tax to protect businesses in a slowing economy. As a former president of the Austin Rotary and a leader in our local business community, I know what it takes to create jobs and opportunity in District 47 to help pull us out of recession. I will work to expand tax incentives for communities with higher than average unemployment rates and I will work to lower taxes, control spending, and reduce burdensome regulations so small business can grow and prosper."

Turner , who founded her own small business in Austin, emphasizes the need to cut taxes and end harsh regulations she says are crushing job growth. She says she sees danger to the Texas economy from out-of-control government spending in Washington D.C. and the threatened government takeover of healthcare. According to her Web site, she is "concerned that exploding government debt is putting our children’s future at risk. She believes that more people need to be taking care of themselves, not relying on the government." Turner supports ending illegal immigration by requiring companies to verify the work status of every employee and fining them for intentionally hiring illegal workers. She favors capping government spending, making property tax appraisal boards elected by the people - rather than appointed by politicians, and will vote for a senior property tax freeze.

House District 47 includes part of Austin, as well as many areas south and west of Austin, like parts of Shady Hollow, Lost Creek, Hudson Bend, Lakeway and Lago Vista.

A majority of the households in this district have over three people living under one roof. According to the 2000 census, nearly 70 percent of the households have both parents working. It is a highly urban district with 66 percent of the district's inhabitants between the ages of 18 and 66.

Over 67 percent of the district makes more than $50,000 a year and nearly half of the district has received at least a bachelor's degree. Less than 7 percent of the district has not received a high school education. Over 97 percent of the district is employed full-time.

Of those district households with children, over 90 percent of those kids attend public school.