Buddy Speaks at March 17
Press Conference
Thank you ALL so much for coming today and being our guests. This means so much to Shirley and I, and our family.
First of all, I just want to say what a privilege it has been serving this district for the past 15 years,
And how important it is that you continue to put your faith in me for my 9th term as your State Representative. Since 1992 we’ve accomplished many legislative feats together, but there is still more work to do.
I am confidant that with your help, and with your vote, that we can get back to Austin and continue to get things done for this area.
Teacher pay raises, teacher retirement, school police officer benefits, public and higher ed funding, water rights, controlling the border, and energy policy are just a FEW of the issues I’m ready to get back to Austin to work on.
I am also humbled and honored to have received the support of my two former opponents, Randy Rives and Jesse Gore.
Both of these men are my friends, and have placed their faith in me to continue to be the experienced and conservative leader for this district.
I want to thank some very special guests today for traveling long distances to be here today and support me. These guys are not only my colleagues, they are my dear friends.
State Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, State Rep.Jim Pitts of Waxahachie, State Rep. Delwin Jones of Lubbock, State Rep. Jim Keffer of Eastland, and State Rep. Edmund Kuempel of Seguin.
I want to first recognize Jesse Gore to speak, and then I believe a few of the reps would like a moment to speak.
Again, thank you all for coming. Please stay and eat with us. And don’t forget to vote for me March 31st-April 4th or on Election Day, April 8th!!
CONSERVATIVE LEADERS
ENDORSE REP. BUDDY WEST
(ODESSA) State Representative Buddy West will host a press conference and luncheon Monday, March 17, at 11:00 AM at the MCM Elegante Hotel. Invited to join Rep. West will be two of his former political opponents, Randy Rives and Jesse Gore, members of the community, and local and state officials who support Rep. West. Additionally, all members of the Texas House of Representatives have been invited.
“I am humbled and honored by the outpouring of support from this community,” said West.
“This community and the people here mean so much to me. I’ve been so honored to serve my community for nearly 16 years. I look forward to another term delivering on the issues and programs important to West Texas,” West continued.
Rep. Tommy Merritt (R - Longview), one of many sitting legislators who has endorsed West, said, “Buddy West is an asset to our party and we need him back in Austin. The people of his district need him back in Austin.”
Rep. Jim Pitts (R - Waxahachie) said, “I’ve served with Buddy for 15 years. As Buddy’s desk-mate, I continually see firsthand the passion and heart Buddy brings to this office. Buddy is passionate about the needs of his community, and I know he will continue to deliver positive results for the people of the Permian Basin.”
Rep. West serves on the House Committee on Law Enforcement and the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. He is currently serving his 8th term in the Texas House.
REP. BUDDY WEST ENDORSEMENT BY FORMER OPPONENTS GORE AND RIVES
(ODESSA) – State Rep. Buddy West today said he is honored to accept the endorsement of two of his former opponents – Randy Rives and Jesse Gore – in his April 8 run-off election.
“We had a spirited primary campaign that will determine the future of West Texas and I could not be more proud that two of my honorable opponents have decided to join my effort to continue to be the conservative, experienced voice for this district,” West said.
West will be joined Monday, March 17th at 11AM at the MCM Elegante Hotel, for a press conference by his two former opponents in the District 81 race for State Representative.
“I told Buddy at the beginning that if the district didn't choose me to do the job, then I hoped that they would choose him,” Rives said. "I support Buddy as a personal family friend and my family supports Buddy."
Gore, also a personal friend of West, also endorsed the experienced incumbent. “Buddy has been a close friend of mine and my family’s for many years and our values are much the same. I know he will continue serving this district well, and I encourage all of my supporters to vote for him in the runoff.” Gore was even spotted last week spray-painting his own signs with West’s last name.
West currently serves on the House Committee on Law Enforcement and the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. He is currently serving his 8th term in office. If you are in need of additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 432-367-2721, or visit us on the web at HYPERLINK "http://www.buddywest.net" www.buddywest.net.
Texas DPS Officers Association Endorses Buddy West
Dear DPS Officers Association Member:
We are pleased to inform you that State Representative Buddy West has received the endorsement of the DPS Officers Association-PAC (DPSOA-PAC) for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives. We believe that Representative West has a strong record of supporting state employees, law enforcement, and the state’s commissioned peace officers, and we want to add our voice in recognition of his efforts to champion these good causes. The work of Representative West to make Texas a better place is appreciated by us and the more than 3300 DPS officers and employees who are proud members of the DPS Officers Association.
Representative Buddy West is running for re-election in House district 81 in the March 4, 2008, Republican primary. Be sure to vote on March 4, 2008, and ask your fellow officers, friends, and relatives to vote, too. Polls are open that day from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Your support for this very fine Texas public official will go a long way in returning a good friend to serve the people of Texas in state government.
Thank you for everything you do for Texas.
Very truly yours,
Brian Hawthorne Gary Chandler
President Chairman of the Legislative Committee
Texas Association of REALTORS Endorsement
(PDF FORMAT)
REP. BUDDY WEST FILES FOR RE-ELECTION
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- Rep. Buddy West (R-Odessa) has filed for re-election for his 9th term as State Representative for House District 81.
A life long west Texan and resident of the Permian Basin, West has proudly served his constituency since his January 1993 swearing in. He has dedicated his public service to the economic and educational growth of Ector, Andrews, and Winkler counties.
West has continued to uphold and protect the traditional values which frame the communities of District 81. A staunch believer in small government, local control, and family values, West will continue to rally for the beliefs and ideologies of his constituency.
Representative Buddy West stated, “It has been truly an honor to have had my constituency place their faith in me over the last fifteen years. Not only has it been a profound experience working with the Texas Legislature, but it has also been an extraordinary gift to have gained invaluable friendships by representing my fellow West Texans.”
West has made great strides for the Permian Basin during his tenure. A central figure in establishing the state-of-the-art National Guard Permian Basin Readiness Center, West demonstrated his support for our troops with the $5 million, 38,000 sq/ft armory. He also worked to pass legislation which provided $54 million for a new UTPB Science and Technology Complex, as well as $45 million for an Arts Convocation and classroom facility at the CEED. UTPB benefited from this past 80th Legislative Session by West passing House Bill 1157 which will provide for a new modern student services building.
A retired safety engineer from Amoco, he remains a strong supporter of the oil and gas community. He, along with local, state, federal officials, business and community leaders, continue to work diligently to see that the federal, near-zero emissions, FutureGen clean coal plant makes its home in the Permian Basin.
Representative West currently serves on the House Committee on Environmental Regulations, as well as the House Committee on Law Enforcement. He is proudly serving his eighth term in the Texas House representing Andrews, Ector, and Winkler Counties in District 81.
REP. BUDDY WILL BE HONORED BY
CLEAT FOR "PINTO'S LAW"
AUSTIN, TX.--Rep. Buddy West (R-Odessa) will be honored by Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT) this Wednesday, December 5, at 2pm at the Presidential Museum.
West is being honored for his amendment to a piece of legislation that increases the penalty for killing or engaging in conduct likely to kill a police service animal to a felony of the second degree.
"When Pinto, a police dog in Andrews, Texas, was killed in a police car hijacking on January 15, 2006, the city lost a heroic and accomplished public servant," stated Rep. West.
"Police animals provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Texas. Canines serving as police officers lay their lives on the line protecting us each and every day. Increasing the penalty was long overdue."
CLEAT is Texas’ largest police officers’ union, and the state’s largest legal services provider specializing in representing law enforcement officers.
Representative West currently serves on the House Committee on Environmental Regulations, as well as the House Committee on Law Enforcement. He is proudly serving his eighth term in the Texas House representing Andrews, Ector, and Winkler Counties in District 81. Constituents may contact his office at 432-367-2721.
REPRESENTATIVE WEST PLEASED TO LEARN
RETIRED TEACHERS WILL RECEIVE "13TH CHECK"
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- State Representative Buddy West (R-Odessa) is please to learn the news that retired teachers will be receiving the "13th check" the legislature granted them this past 80th legislative session.
Eligible retired teachers who retired on or before December 31, 2006, should expect a one-time supplemental payment, or "13th check," (up to a maximum of $2,400) in January 2008 from the Teachers Retirement System (TRS).
"Due to fiscal concerns, there had been a lack of confidence in the ability for TRS to provide retired teachers with the supplemental check which we, the legislature, has granted them this past legislative session." stated West, a supporter of Senate Bill 1846 by Senator Rober Duncan.
"No doubt upon hearing the news that it seemed a load had been lifted from my shoulders. I carried the thought that we appeared to have gone back on our promise to our retired teachers, and I am greatly pleased to say differently."
West received notice from Representative Vicki Truitt, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Pensions and Investments and House sponsor of the legislation that increased the state contribution rate from 6.0% to 6.58% to make possible the "13th check." In addition, TRS investments earned $14 billion in 2007. These two factors are the reason the supplemental payment will be granted.
Representative West currently serves on the House Committee on Environmental Regulations, as well as the House Committee on Law Enforcement. He is proudly serving his eighth term in the Texas House representing Andrews, Ector, and Winkler Counties in District 81.
BUDDY WEST RECIPIENT OF JBS INSTITUTE'S
OUTSTANDING STATE LEADERSHIP AWARD
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- State Representative Buddy West (R-Odessa) is the 2007 recipient of the distinguished Outstanding State Leadership Award by the John Ben Shepperd (JBS) Public Leadership Institute.
At Saturday's, October 13th Austin evening awards banquet during the JBS 23rd Annual Texas Leadership Forum, West will be honored with the Outstanding State Leadership Award.
"To be honored by such a revered and respected establishment is most humbling. I champion all that the JBS Leadership institute does to educate and enlighten young Texans on the merits and magnitude of ethical leadership and public service. " West stated. West is a member of the first graduating class of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, home of the JBS Institute.
Former Attorney General and founder of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, John Ben Shepperd's last major project was the establishment of the JBS Leadership Forum to encourage young people to seek public leadership.
Representative West currently serves on the House Committee on Environmental Regulations, as well as the House Committee on Law Enforcement. He is proudly serving his eighth term in the Texas House representing Andrews, Ector, and Winkler Counties in District 81.
REP. BUDDY WEST RECEIVES OA
POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- Rep. Buddy West (R-Odessa) receives the distinguished honor as the Odessa American's Politician of the Year Award .
A life long west Texan and resident of the Permian Basin, West has proudly served his constituency since his January 1993 swearing in. He has dedicated his public service to the economic and educational growth of Ector, Andrews, and Winkler counties, as well as protecting the ideals and values of his community.
"I thank the OA and it's readers for this humbling award. Dedicating my time and energy to public service has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have garnered in my lifetime. I am fortunate to have the great people of the Permian Basin place there trust and support with me as their voice in the Texas legislature," West stated.
"I thank God daily for providing me with the strength, guidance, and ability to continue to serve my constituents," stated West.
West has made great strides for the Permian Basin during his tenure. A central figure in establishing the state-of-the-art National Guard Permian Basin Readiness Center, West demonstrated his support for our troops with the $5 million, 38,000 sq/ft armory. He also worked to pass legislation which provided $54 million for a new UTPB Science and Technology Complex, as well as $45 million for an Arts Convocation and classroom facility at the CEED. UTPB benefited from this past 80th Legislative Session by West passing House Bill 1157 which will provide for a new modern student services building.
A retired safety engineer from Amoco, he remains a strong supporter of the oil and gas community. He, along with local, state, federal officials, business and community leaders, continue to work diligently to see that the federal, near-zero emissions, FutureGen clean coal plant makes its home in the Permian Basin.
Representative West currently serves on the House Committee on Environmental Regulations, as well as the House Committee on Law Enforcement. He is proudly serving his eighth term in the Texas House representing Andrews, Ector, and Winkler Counties in District 81.
REP. BUDDY WEST REQUESTS FLAG BE FLOWN
AT HALF MAST FOR FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS.
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- Rep. Buddy West (R-Odessa) has requested for Governor Rick Perry to order flags in Odessa to be flown at half mast in honor and memoriam for Odessa police officers, Arlie Jones and John Scott Gardner.
"I was shocked and greatly saddened by the news of the shootings of Officer Jones and Gardner. My family and I are keeping the loved ones of the officers in our prayers and extend our heartfelt condolences. These men are true heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the safety and welfare of our citizens. In loving memory, I, along with the City of Odessa, have requested from Governor Perry that local flags be flown at half mast." stated Rep. West. "We also thank officer Abel Marquez for his unwavering bravery and pray for a speedy recovery."
"Of course I urge the friends and families to contact my office if they are in need of anything during this difficult time. My door is always open."
Representative West currently serves on the House Committee on Environmental Regulations, as well as the House Committee on Law Enforcement. He is proudly serving his eighth term in the Texas House representing Andrews, Ector, and Winkler Counties in District 81.
Experience Matters.
Results Count.
Success with West!
Contact Information:
Phone: 432-559-5003
Email Buddy at Buddy@Buddywest.net
Email Erin at EC1178@txstate.edu
Campaign Address:
PO Box 13015
Odessa, Texas 79768
If you would like a yard sign, want to make a donation to the campaign, or would like to blockwalk with Buddy sign up here: buddy@buddywest.net
