On The Record: Allen McClinton

For today's edition of On The Record, we speak with Allen McClinton, legislative aide to State Representative Rick Noriega.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

I just got into it this past year. I was finishing off my masters and I ran into Lon Burnam, and he invited me to an energy policy gathering. There I met lots of people and kept in contact with them. I applied for a position in the legislature and they assigned me in Noriega’s office, and I still work there today.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning the state?

Education, border security, and the issue of undocumented people in Texas.

Who are some of your political heroes?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, F.D.R., Senator Ellis, Lon Burnam, and Representative Noriega.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I really look forward to a larger minority voter turnout. I would like to see some of the more heavily minority-populated districts come out and vote and show that they support Democratic leadership and want to see them elected.

What would you say the political breakdown of your family is? Is it mostly Democratic or are you somewhat unique?

They are all Democratic. I’m the first person to participate in politics in my family, but they are all active Democratic voters.

What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?

The first step getting into politics is an incredible part of life. As you get farther in it, I would say to pray for God to give you the insight and wisdom to be able to help make changes and have a vision that will help aid all people.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics?

How human we all are. We are all different and lead different lives. We must realize that we’re going to be affected by the same things, and that most people in politics want to do good and we should do what we can to help spread that.