« McKiiney calls bond electionThe Observer interviews Jerry Hoagland and Cheryl Williams »

DMN - McCall next chancellor of Texas State Universities

Yikes! Another special election?

------------------------------------------------

Plano legislator McCall is lone finalist for Texas State University chancellor job

Monday, March 29, 2010
By THEODORE KIM / The Dallas Morning News

State Rep. Brian McCall, who has been Plano's face in the Texas House of Representatives for nearly two decades, plans to resign to become chancellor of the Texas State University system.

The Board of Regents on Monday named the 51-year-old Republican legislator as its sole finalist for the job. Law requires the institution to post McCall's name for three weeks before taking final action.

Board of Regents Chairman Ron Blatchley said the system is "honored by Dr. McCall's interest in leading the Texas State University System as it enters its centennial year."

McCall said, "My interest in higher education has been long standing."

He said he decided in November not to seek re-election to his District 66 seat, which includes most of western Plano, so that he could pursue the Texas State chancellorship. His resignation could compel Gov. Rick Perry to call a special election to fill the remaining term, which concludes in January.

McCall said he plans to meet with Perry today to discuss election options. Republicans Mabrie Jackson and Van Taylor are in a runoff for the House 66 seat.

McCall, who was once a candidate to be House speaker and is chairman of the powerful Calendars Committee, said he plans to move to Austin soon for his new job.

He called his legislative tenure, which began in 1991, a "humbling experience."

"I showed up every day, I voted when I had to, I returned every phone call, I read every piece of mail," he said. "I served in the House without a hint of scandal. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my home."

He stands poised to take over a system of nearly 70,000 students and seven institutions, including Texas State University at San Marcos and Sam Houston State University.

McCall received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University, a master's from Southern Methodist University and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Dallas.

link to this article at The Dallas Morning News....

This entry was posted on March 30th, 2010 at 06:01:05 am and is filed under News Clippings, Politics, Education, State of Texas.

7 comments

Comment from: Broke Taxpayer [Visitor]
Please not another expensive special election which is entirely unnecessary amid a massive state budget deficit. TSU can wait until November or December. There is nothing more selfish than resigning the term you were elected to and forcing the taxpayers to pay for a special election. An interim TSU chancellor can keep McCall's job waiting for him just fine.

-------------------
The Observer comments:

I agree. It's not only budget constraints that should be considered, but also voter burn-out. I think I've already counted 9 election days in Plano for 2010.

As the 3% turnout in the city council run-off showed, we ask too much (or at least more than we'll get)from the typical voter.

Bill
03/30/10 @ 08:40
Comment from: MikeO [Visitor] Email · http://northtexasteaparty.org/
Please, save us all a boatload of money: announce the appointment in November!
03/30/10 @ 09:56
Comment from: Mark Greer [Visitor] Email
"The true democracy, living and growing and inspiring, puts its faith in the people - faith that the people will not simply elect men who will represent their views ably and faithfully, but will also elect men who will exercise their conscientious judgment - faith that the people will not condemn those whose devotion to principle leads them to unpopular courses, but will reward courage, respect honor, and ultimately recognize right." - President John F. Kennedy, Profiles in Courage

It is sad to see Brian leave Plano but I will be forever grateful for his service to our City. It's not often that a local elected official is someones politcal role model, but Brian embodies the professionalism, loyalty and courage that I pray will be said of me one day. He is the definition of a gentleman and he is a true public servant. Elizabeth and I wish Brian the best as he answers the next great call of responsisbility in his life.

03/30/10 @ 10:51
Comment from: Collin County Citizen [Visitor] Email
Just a word - Mabrie or Van will officially be the nominee in April, then formally become the representative-elect in November, but won't hold office until January 1, 2011.

So, what this means, is that once McCall resigns the 66th District will be without a legislator until January 1st without a special election.

And, believe it or not, legislators do A LOT leading up to session (committee meetings, drafting bills, meetings, politicking for speaker, etc.) which means that Plano's interests would be largely left out of planning and discussions if someone isn't elected to fill the vacancy.

I know it sucks, but its not just something that can be fixed by waiting until November 1st.

On another note, I think the world of Brian McCall, and I'm so sad to see him go, but I think the chancellor position is well suited. He's a class act, and I wish him the best in the world!
03/30/10 @ 13:02
Comment from: I bring good news! [Visitor] Email
Mark Greer-

A very moving eulogy, but I have great news -- Brian is still alive! He just took another job! Praise Jesus!
03/30/10 @ 16:10
Comment from: Mark Greer [Visitor] Email
I bring good news-

I agree, Brian will do a great job serving in his new position as Chencellor as he did serving Plano for two decades.
03/31/10 @ 09:46
Comment from: Eric Barna [Visitor] Email
Go Bobcats! Although I'll always call it Southwest Texas State.

The Texas State University system played a major role in educating our family. Two of the four at Lamar and the other two at Southwest. Great education at affordable prices.

Glad to see McCall over the system soon. The move can only signal great things to come.

04/01/10 @ 10:24

Comments are closed for this post.