Rep. Diana Maldonado, D-Round Rock, cited her credentials as an educator while Republican challenger Larry Gonzales trumpeted his experience as a small business owner. Yet both candidates made it clear that they shared little in common on issues facing the district.

“I think in this race there is absolutely a clear choice,” Gonzales said. “There is not a whole lot of overlap. I think it’s very clear what camp you’re in.”

On that issue, at least, Maldonado expressed no disagreement with him.

“This election voters have a choice,” Maldonado said. “There’s many disagreements on the issues, and those disagreements are based on our experience.”

Education and fixing the state budget shortfall rose to the forefront of the debate.

Education

“Today, education is our new currency,” said Maldonado, who touted her experience as a PTA member and school board president during her time at Round Rock ISD. “And we need a leadership that understands that we cannot balance the budget on the back of our school teachers and cash in the dreams of our children.”

Gonzales, for the most part, echoed Maldonado’s sentiments that school budget funding should not be cut. But he added that success in education is not entirely about the level of funding schools receive.

“You see it in each individual child,” he said. “Their success or the failures you’re looking at largely depend on what they’re getting from the home.”

Gonzales said he supports eliminating Fund 6 diversions-transportation tax funds that go toward programs other than transportation, including education. Maldonado, on the other hand, repeatedly trumpeted education funding as untouchable.

State budget shortfall

However, when pressed on the issue, neither candidate offered large-scale solutions for making up the budget deficit. Maldonado primarily addressed promoting cooperative efforts among legislators and finding new sources of revenue or tapping into existing funds to make up the difference.

“It’s clear we will have to tap into the rainy day fund,” Maldonado said. “With regards also to where we’re going to raise and find new revenue, we’re looking at… different ways to raise the revenue.”

Gonzales said that finding new sources of revenue would mean increased taxes and fees, and emphasized he would not be in favor of raising taxes.

“This is not the time in a recession to continue to raise taxes and fees,” Gonzales said, adding that he would cut spending and end diversions. “You don’t spend your way out of a recession.”

Key differences

The two also highlighted differences over other key issues. Regarding gun rights, Maldonado said she is against allowing guns on campus, while Gonzales would vote to allow them. On voter identification, Gonzales would “absolutely support it,” while Maldonado called it voter suppression. Over the Arizona immigration law, Maldonado said such a law would hurt the state’s labor force; Gonzales said he supports Arizona’s right to pass the bill, but would want to make sure there was no room for racial profiling.

Maldonado also attacked Gonzales’ experience, both his lack of experience in primary education and his time working in politics.

“Larry is a gun for hire, political consultant and a lobbyist. Quite frankly, those jobs don’t solve our problems, they feed into them,” Maldonado said.

Gonzales later said he has never been registered with the state as a lobbyist.

Libertarian challenger Charles McCoy was invited to the forum, but was not able to attend.

The two candidates, along with McCoy, are scheduled to speak again at a forum hosted at Southwestern University, 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Red and Charline McCombs Campus Center ballrooms. For more information, visit www.southwestern.edu.

District 52 covers the southeastern portion of Williamson County, including Round Rock, Hutto, Taylor and portions of Georgetown.

Hispanic and Marine pride were each prominently on display, during ceremonies that drew nearly 400 people to the gymnasium at PFC Robert P. Hernandez Middle School, located at the intersection of Sunrise Road and Bowman Drive.

Round Rock’s 10th middle school (out of 46 campuses) is home to about 840 students. The building itself opened in 1996, as Hopewell Middle School. In 2002 it became the ninth grade center and the middle school called Hopewell is now north of Hernandez, on Gulf Way.

Round Rock ISD Superintendent Jesus Chavez addressed Tuesday’s gathering, emphasizing the occasion’s historic importance. In two ways, the naming is without precedent in RRISD.

“This is the first school named after a fallen military hero and it is the first school named after a Hispanic citizen,” Chavez said. “I’m very proud to be an American. I’m very proud to be a Texan. But I’m also proud to be of Hispanic heritage.”

Underscoring that ethnic heritage, District 52 State Rep. Diana Maldonado alternated her remarks between English and Spanish.

Looking out across the gymnasium – where about 40 Hernandez family members were seated in the front rows of folding chairs – Maldonado said: “The Hernandez family, it goes without saying, are icons of this community.”

In addition to Robert’s Marine Corps service, brother Jesse served in the Air Force, in Thailand, during the Vietnam era.

Another brother, Tino, is perhaps best known as an organizer for both Annie’s Way, the communitywide Thanksgiving dinner, and the Christmas charity Just Because.

Robert, Jesse and Tino are three of Josephine and the late Tino Hernandez’ seven children.

Parents Tino and Josephine both retired from Round Rock ISD after years of service at C.D. Fulkes Middle School. He was head custodian and she worked in the kitchen.

Although he did not speak at the gathering, Maldonado’s Republican opponent in the Nov. 2 election – Larry Gonzales – was also in attendance.

That both major party candidates for state representative are of Hispanic heritage stands in sharp contrast to what Round Rock was like in Robert Hernandez’ childhood,

City Councilmember Carlos Salinas – the son of migrant farm workers – touched on that theme during his remarks.

“If you’ll recall, Latino children were not allowed access to the city’s swimming pools,” Salinas said. “You’ll recall days in which barbershops did not welcome all customers. You’ll recall our parents sitting around the dinner table …. [talking about how] servicemen were not allowed in the old Sam Bass Café, even though they were in full uniform and just back from Europe.”

Round Rock native Pete Correa, 63 – a former city councilman who now works for Pct. 4 County Commissioner Ron Morrison – said that despite discrimination, he and Robert Hernandez enjoyed a small-town boyhood that in many ways seems idyllic today. It seemed idyllic then, too.

“We would go fishing together, go swimming in the creek together,” Correa said. “All I have is good memories of Robert. I remember the good times me and Robert had growing up together.”

On the other hand, Correa said every word Salinas spoke was true, about racial injustice in those times.

But the times – as the Bob Dylan protest song from that era says – were a’ changin’.

Robert Hernandez was born and grew up during the civil rights era. Against that turbulent 1960s backdrop – which included war and assassinations – Hernandez graduated from Round Rock High School in 1967, one year after Correa.

“When you consider the way things were in those years you have to admire his courage,” Salinas said. “1967 and 1968 were very difficult years in this country.”

Hernandez volunteered for the Marine Corps in January 1968, receiving both basic and infantry training stateside before being sent to Vietnam.

Three days after his enlistment the battle of Khe Sanh began.

It was there – during the American evacuation of Khe Sanh, where Hernandez was helping recover the bodies of his fallen comrades – that a Viet Cong mortar found him.

Hernandez took a direct hit and was killed – five weeks shy of his 20th birthday.

Although there had been past attempts to name a Round Rock ISD school or stadium after Hernandez the effort gained momentum last year, in advance of Stony Point Ninth Grade Center being converted back to a middle school.

“We have schools that are named after superin-tendents, teachers and principals – people who gave their lives to the district,” School Board President Glen Colby said. “PFC Robert Hernandez is the first person a school is named for who gave his life for the district and for his country.”

And so on Tuesday, middle school band students young enough to be Robert Hernandez’ grandchildren struck up the “Marines’ Hymn.”

The familiar march echoed off gymnasium walls painted Corps colors of scarlet and gold.

Aging military veterans saluted the American flag. Young children stood, right hands over their hearts, and pledged allegiance to the same.

Tino Hernandez said his mother – who is now 85 – and the entire family were deeply moved by Tuesday’s tribute and the renaming itself.

“I’m so proud,” Tino said. “It’s mixed emotions. I’d rather have Robert here, of course, but the Lord had other plans.”

It has been said no human being can say for certain what those plans are.

But it has also been said God never closes one door without opening another.

“Countless young people will every single day walk up and down these aisles,” Salinas said. “[They'll] somehow see their lives shaped by this young man’s legacy.”

The forum is open to the public and will consist of a panel discussion including Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, and an expert from the Texas Transportation Institute, or TTI.

“Amid the current budget shortfall our state is facing, it is imperative that the legislature and local municipalities work together to find ways in which we can continue to grow and sustain roadways throughout the state,” Maldonado said in a statement.

The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Round Rock City Hall, 221 East Main St.

“This last session, Rep. Maldonado worked for Texas law enforcement and passed a bill that helps Texas peace officers get duty pay when called into administrative hearings on their days off,” said Noel Johnson, TMPA area representative.

Representative Maldonado filed and passed HB 1960 to require that cities and counties pay peace officers their regular salary when they are called as a witness on their days off. Prior to the law change, officers were not paid their regular salary when required to appear at some administrative hearings.

“Rep. Maldonado believed that if officers were called to testify because of their job, they should be compensated for that time,” said Tom Gaylor, Deputy Executive Director for TMPA. Gaylor continued, “She worked with other members of the legislature to ensure the bill got through. That’s commitment, that’s dedication, and we appreciate her efforts.”

During the 81st Texas Legislature, Rep. Maldonado also filed and passed HB 2806 that cleaned up local problems caused when officers must leave to serve in active military duty. Promotions are made to fill the vacancy created, and surplus in ranks are created when the active military servant returns to work in the police department. Rep. Maldonado worked with officers to develop a reinstatement system that was based on seniority and fairness.

“We need Rep. Maldonado back at the Capitol,” said Tom Gaylor, “She proved to be a real asset to officers and firefighters last session; she is a really effective team player.

Recently, the county helped Sears Teleserve, the customer service call center for retail giant Sears and a major employer in the area, secure local and state incentives to expand its workforce and its current facilities.

And Wilco is looking to help entrepreneurs. For laid-off workers interested in starting their own business, there are training programs “to become CEOs,” said Charlie Ayres, vice president of Round Rock’s Chamber of Commerce business retention and expansion program.

Thanks to a growing young population, the public school systems in Round Rock and Cedar Park are also a significant source of jobs.

Katherine Kisiel sat down with the state representative to talk about balancing work and life.

WATCH STORY

The group works to recruit, train and support Democratic women candidates. One of those women is State Representative Diana Maldonado.

By a slim margin in 2008, Maldonado became the first Democrat to represent District 52 in 16 years. She previously worked as a school board president and state government worker.

“They came knocking on my door, we had a conversation and from that point on it has been history,” Maldonado said.

Genevieve Van Cleve is the deputy political director for Annie’s List.

“We are responsible for two-thirds of net gains in the House since 2006,” she said.

Van Cleve said the group has given $1.5 million to candidates since its inception. Annie’s List also provides training camps across the state and gathers seasoned staffers to help lead candidates’ campaigns.

The nonprofit organization started after a 2002 election cycle where the House lost five Democratic women and stayed stagnant in the Senate due to Republican-led redistricting.

“Getting rid of women in the Texas Legislature is not good policy, not good for Texas families,” Van Cleve said.

Aside from Maldonado, Annie’s List has helped elect Texas Sen. Wendy Davis and Rep. Valinda Bolton.

The politicians say their presence on the floor helps better protect families, education policies and the environment.

“It’s about the presence of authority,” Maldonado said. “To say ‘hey it’s a different perspective and we need to have a voice.’”

It is a voice that Annie’s List organizers are confident will continue to grow.

“Ultimately we are not looking just to put women in the legislature, but to build a pipeline of women leaders to move up the chain. We want another Ann Richards. We want statewide leaders who are women,” Van Cleve said.

Annie’s List also played a role in helping Houston Mayor Annise Parker get elected.

“I lost my daughter in 2008, so I wanted to be at home; I didn’t want to go anywhere,” McCallie said. “My husband got me to come here, he said ‘Let’s go, babe, you need to get out of the house.’ I’m even dancing now!”

The Senior Center is located inside the Taylor Resource Center at West Ninth and Hackberry in the old Taylor Middle School building. They share the space with the Meals-on-Wheels program, Taylor ISD’s clothing bank and the Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry and thrift shop.

Andrew Shells, the executive director of WBC Opportunities, the organization that helps run the senior center. Shell commented on the changes that they had seen once the center moved to its current location: the home-delivery numbers for Meals-on-Wheels had doubled since the center moved just over a year ago. The lunchtime meals went from an average of about ten people to an average of 55 per meal.

“(Here we’re) more visible,” Shell said.

The Senior Center offers a host of activities and organizations for seniors to be a part of, but it also offers companionship for the elderly in the area.

“I love to be with people,” McCallie said. McCallie and her friends are big fans of all of the bingo the center offers.

“I’m here every time,” Eva Roman said. Roman takes the bus to the center daily to enjoy time with her friends and get out of the house.

The center also offers a craft class that is enjoyed by many. Their most recent crafts were ragdolls, Easter bunnies and personalized pin cushions for sewing.

This month the center is also offering new workshops and support groups for the elderly who are looking for information to enrich their lives.

July 14 and 28, an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff benefits counselor will be at the center to assist with questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other similar programs.

During lunch Wednesday, the center was paid a visit by District 52 State Representative Diana Maldonado, who chatted with the seniors, answered questions and enjoyed lunch with them.

Verna Guejardo is the coordinator for the center, and she’s excited for the upcoming programs the center is putting on.

“We have lots of things that we do all month long,” Guejardo said. Every month, birthdays are celebrated with a theme party —July’s theme is a hoedown.

“(When we) had Easter, we had a bunny rabbit come and we had a egg hunt outside for all our seniors,” Guejardo said. “We try to do our best so that they can have fun.”

The Senior Center is open Monday through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless the event notes otherwise. For more information, call (512) 352-3889.

What are your major successes?
Being able to work with people, bringing people to the table and bringing common-sense solutions to everyday problems when it comes to your pocketbook issues, driving issues and education. These issues are what keep people awake at night. I want to make sure those areas are well taken care of and well represented.

How are you different from your opponent?
I already hold an elected position. I moved to the Round Rock area 13 years ago. I have been in office since 2003, so I have proven track record. We also handled a difficult budget with the school district. We worked really well with our taxpayers, including the families who have children in school verses those who don’t have kids in school. The record speaks for itself with regards to being fiscally responsible, having transparency, and getting message out to our citizens. Professionally, I’ve worked more than two decades in state government. [In those] 20-plus years at the Texas Comptroller’s office, I became a budget efficiency expert and managed different areas of the agency in the revenue administration area.

Why are you seeking re-election?
I just finished my first term. It was very successful in delivering back to the district. We still have a lot of work to do, which I’m really excited to come back come back and represent district 52 in the House. When it comes to being fiscally honest in the upcoming budget deficit that we’re facing, reported at $18 billion, we’re at the point as leaders we cannot pick and chose what bills to pay. We have to make sure that we work on looking at the areas of investment that will be most profitable to the district and the state. Investing in education is one of the priority issues we need to look at.

How have you ensured you are representing the wishes of your constituents?
We filed more than 17 bills. As a freshman you usually pass two to three bills, but I’ve successfully passed six bills. One of them had to do with a higher education facility in the Hutto-Taylor area, where you’re going to have multiple college offerings housed. I brought home a $10 million road project to the Round Rock area, where you have the biggest explosion of growth. While I don’t sit on the appropriations [committee], I was able to secure more than $17 million specifically for this district. More than 70 percent of the legislation we filed came from constituents. It was about reaching out and listening to the people in the district and making sure they had a voice at the Capitol.

How can people make their voice heard to you?
We have a district office here very conveniently accessible to Hutto, Taylor, the rural areas and Round Rock, where a lot of the growth is. I have the capitol office open Monday through Friday. We send out newsletters, have Twitter, Facebook and different ways for people to reach us, as well as us putting out the information through all these different mediums to let people know of the activities that are going on.

When did you know you wanted to be in government?
Not really knowing I wanted to be in government, education had a big impact on me growing up in a border town. I saw the inadequacies when it came to being in a different part of Texas. As I grew up, I wanted to make sure students had a voice. When I moved to Austin in 1984 I started volunteering for civic organizations, which continued that advocacy for education. When I graduated from St. Edwards University in 2000, I had the opportunity to run for school board. It’s the perfect opportunity to serve education and know where taxpayer dollars are going. While I don’t sit on an education committee, [my service] has expanded to state, defense and veteran’s affairs, and it has broadened my horizons on how I can serve Texas better. Education still continues to be a special priority project for me.

How will your past legislative experience help or hamper you?
I had a very successful first year. It was very exciting, It was a privilege and honor to serve. I’m looking forward to coming back again because of the relationships I’ve built. I just see it as helping me further the advocacy in and the representation in District 52 and the overall issues of Texas.

What is your opinion of alternative parties, such as the Tea Party?
I think with any group of folks, they have the right to organize as long as they can get support in whatever way they see fit. It’s a democracy. Nonetheless, we have different parities that we represent. While we represent certain parties, as a public servant, we must look toward working in different areas and with different groups of people to make sure we focus on the policies that are important to people in their daily lives.

Who influenced who to run initially?
I would say it was business leaders from the Round Rock and the Hispanic community. They approached me to run for the school board, which I hadn’t entertained. I was actually looking more into city council because I was looking at government structure to see where I could serve. That’s what triggered it. They had done their homework and approached me because of the work I’d done at different civic organizations and had a background at the Texas Comptroller’s office. They saw it would be a good fit for Round Rock.