MADDEN: I have decided I will not seek re-election

 

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Later today I will be making an official announcement that it is with a heavy but happy heart that I have decided I will not seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives in District 67.

 

It has been my honor to serve the citizens of House District 67 for the past 19 years. I believe that I have reached the pinnacle of achievement for a State Representative.  

 

This year I was chosen as the 2011 American Legislation Exchange Conference (ALEC) Legislator of The Year nationally for my work on Corrections in 2010 I was honored by Governing Magazine as their Public Officials of the Year for my work on changing the Corrections system in Texas and was previously chosen one of the 10 Best Legislators in Texas in 2007.

 

These honors and the national respect of my peers that lead to them are the highlight of my career.

 

As the national spokesman for Texas I have had the honor of spreading our Conservative Smart Texas response on Criminal Justice to the nation. We have become national experts on justice reinvestment and on Right on Crime. As Chairman of the Criminal Justice committee my efforts saved the taxpayers of Texas over $240 Million dollars in this session alone.

 

A few of the bills I am the most proud to have authored or sponsored in the House are the Judicial Campaign Finance Bill the overhaul of Juvenile Justice in SB103 in 2007 the expansion of Drug Courts the consolidation of the Juvenile Probation and Youth Commission and the development of the Nurse Family Partnership.

 

I love Texas and together we have accomplished a great many things that make me proud to be a Texan. This would not have been possible without the help of so many people across our state. I could not have done it without a great staff three whom have been with me since the beginning: Mark Hey Karin Tucker and Denise Voss and more recent additions Marsha McClain and Teri Avery.

 

It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to serve the citizens of Plano Richardson Dallas and most of Collin County for almost 20 years. It has been a privilege few have received and I thank all of the citizens of District 67 for the faith and trust they have placed in me.

 

Having accomplished more than I imagined possible when I first took office I now look forward to spending a lot more time with my wonderful wife Barbara and on working on what has become the passion of my life the changes we have made in the juvenile and adult criminal justice system in Texas and being the spokesman nationally for programs in Criminal Justice.

 

While it is with a sense of nostalgia I close the door on my years of service in the Texas House it is an exciting challenge to discover the many doors that have opened to me to continue my work on a national level.

 

My term in the Texas House does not end until January 2013. I will continue to serve you at my District and Austin Capitol offices until that time so please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

I am grateful to the citizens of Collin County and other Texans who chose to work with me to make the changes that have made Texas an even better place to live raise a family and grow a business.

 

I have been blessed with the opportunities that came my way the work I have been able to accomplish and the friends I have made along the way.

 

Sincerely

 

State Representative District 67