Thank you Barbara and Chris!

During my search for mass transit-accessible entry level jobs suitable for somebody with a graduate education but not much paid employment outside of a college campus, I volunteered in several campaign offices. I was attempting to build up both my business skills and job-placement connections.

The Chris Bell and Barbara Radnofsky campaigns were two of the many offices I worked in.

Observing their passion for the many pressing issues which were driving the 2006 elections — but most importantly for life — I was genuinely awed by the can-do attitude found inside both statewide campaign offices.

Since campaign environments ultimately are grueling and unglamorous, what force drove these people’s very strong passions beyond the ‘official’ press-releases and bumper stickers? Did they actually believe they could make such a lasting difference?

Honestly, yes. Their current activities continue effectively demonstrating a sincere belief in the importance of civic engagement.

Resuming a journalism career begun prior to entering Houston City Council, Chris Bell is among the many contributors to this site. He already knows that people have to communicate their good ideas with each other for effective change to begin occurring.

Continuing to perform the excellent multitasking which I had personally witnessed in his gubernatorial campaign’s Houston-based finance office, he’s now joined the Patton-Boggs lobbying firm to develop public policy in Texas and simultaneously launched the Faith in Texas PAC to improve public education and infrastructure in this state.

Barbara Radnofsky is also launching a PAC. Her Believe U.S. PAC will increase the ranks of Democratic candidates so people actually have real choices on Election Day regardless of where we live and what type of election is being held. Having a choice for who we can actually vote for down the ballot is essential to having a fully functional democracy throughout the Lone Star State. Her account of her 2006 campaign, 'The Dancer’s Dead,' was followed up with 'Stepping Forward'.

Barbara, Chris — many thanks for personally being such inspiring role models to me and many other Texans!