Trautman Makes It Official

Houston, TX—Democrat Diane Trautman announced today that she will run for the position of Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector in 2010.  Trautman ran for this position in 2008 against longtime incumbent Paul Bettencourt who promptly resigned after winning the election denying voters the opportunity to choose their new Tax Assessor-collector.

“I have decided to run again for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector in 2010 because I think that we must restore integrity, trust, and services in the Harris County Tax Office,” Diane Trautman said.  “Under the current Tax Assessor-Collector, the office is rife with conflicts of interest and controversy that distract from its duties.  I will run the Harris County Tax Assessor Collector’s office in a fair, nonpartisan manner that focuses on successfully serving the taxpayers rather than engaging in political gamesmanship.”

In 2008, Trautman ran against then Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt.  It was a very close race with over half a million Harris County residents casting a vote for the Democratic challenger. Using his position as the incumbent, Bettencourt won that race even though he had no intention of serving in the office.  He quickly retired after the election so his replacement could be appointed by Republican Party insiders instead of elected by the voters of Harris County.

Under newly-appointed Tax Assessor-Collector Leo Vasquez, the office has been criticized after revelations that Harris County Voter Registrar, Ed Johnson, is also a paid Republican political consultant for Campaign Data Systems (CDS) – a firm founded and owned by State Rep. Dwayne Bohac. While Ed Johnson has been working as a Harris County employee who reviews voter registration applications and provisional ballot affidavits, CDS received at least $145,000 in fees and payments from Harris County Republican candidates.  The office is also facing a law suit from the Texas Democratic Party and the Harris County Democratic Party alleging the Republican official was involved in an overly aggressive campaign to purge voter registration rolls.

Trautman will begin this race with a proven fundraising base and a wealth of voter data that will allow her to quickly put together her operation.  She also enjoys a positive profile as a former college professor of education and ethics.  The Houston Chronicle wrote of Trautman in their 2008 endorsement of her candidacy:

“We believe the Democratic challenger, Diane Trautman, will clear the air of partisanship while offering able administration of the office’s core duties. We recommend a vote for Trautman as Harris County tax assessor/collector.”

“I know we can do better in the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.” Trautman said.  “Once elected, I will work hard to increase efficiency in order to save taxpayers money and serve them better.  I will also increase transparency because the public has a right to know how the office functions.  With the support of people from every part of the county, my campaign will build early momentum with an eye toward 2010.”

For more information about the Diane Trautman Campaign, please visit www.dianetrautman.com.