Dec
18
Written by:
William Lutz
12/18/2009 5:55 PM
One of the hardest-working, most effective advocates for conservative policies and values in the Texas Legislature, Rep. Carl Isett (R-Lubbock), announced he won’t be seeking re-election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2011. “It has been a great honor and blessing to serve the West Texas area,” said Isett. “The support that I’ve been given over the last 13 years has been so humbling, and I am very thankful to have had this opportunity. I want to thank the many members of my staff who gave so much of themselves in the process. Perhaps more important, I want to thank my family for their support through the years and the incredible sacrifices they have made to allow me to serve the citizens of Lubbock.”
Isett is a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve and is commanding officer of the Defense Logistics Agency. “I am looking forward to new opportunities and challenges specifically regarding my Navy career,” Isett said. In addition to his naval work, Isett is also an accountant.
Isett has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2003 and served as Chairman of the Sunset Advisory Commission in 2008-09. Isett has worked hard toward keeping government limited. He regularly filed bills to limit the growth of state government to inflation and population growth. He passed a bill out of the House – that was later killed in the Senate – to put the brakes on high property taxes. Isett’s bill would have lowered the rollback rate for cities and counties – the maximum tax increase allowed without an election. Isett was fought in this effort by the taxpayer-funded lobbyists at the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties. TML and TAC are two of the main reasons why Texas property taxes are so high.
Isett’s retirement comes as a surprise to many conservatives. “We at Americans for Prosperity are saddened to hear that Rep. Carl Isett will be retiring from the Legislature, " said Americans for Prosperity Texas director Peggy Venable. “Carl Isett has been a taxpayer hero. He was often a lone voice advocating for taxpayers, but has mentored other legislators. I am confident the issues he has championed will ultimately prevail. The fact that Rep. Isett will be serving his country in the military demonstrates his selflessness and dedication. He is a true patriot"
“We’re very sorry to see State Rep. Carl Isett retire from politics,” added Texans for Fiscal Responsibility President Michael Quinn Sullivan. “He has been one of the strongest conservative leaders in the Texas House, especially on budget and tax issues. Isett’s principled, practical leadership has well served the people of Lubbock and all Texans. Carl Isett has been, and remains, a shining example of honorable service to the people of the Lone Star State. As he takes on new challenges, we wish him and his family all the best.”