Rhetta Bowers - Democrat
http://rhetta-bowers.ruck.us/

Bowers is a dedicated wife, mother and public servant that possesses a real desire and drive for change. Her interest in politics began at a very young, as both her parents were passionate about community service and civic engagement.

Her father, an immigrant from the West Indies came to the states to further his education and became a nationally recognized physician and her mother, who worked beside him, emerged as a prominent community leader for her work toward advancements in higher education. It was through their example that her eyes were opened. Her first work on any campaign was phone banking for the late Congressman Mickey Leland. She has lent her expertise to numerous candidates, including her mother's campaign for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives and worked tirelessly as a field organizer during the 2014 election cycle.

As an accomplished organizer, she has strived to be the center of her family, all while working toward the betterment of her community. She has continued the legacy through her work within the Garland Independent School District both voluntarily, through PTA and Band Boosters, as an involved member and as a valued employee within the district.

A desire for positive change, specifically in the area of effective communication, is Rhetta's personal mission. Bowers believes in breaking barriers, bringing people together and that the path to success is through quality education.

She is a member of the Rowlett Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, where she has served for the last 8 years. She worked as a Legislative Aide, during the 84th Legislative Session, for a member of the Texas House. She has a proven record of working with community leaders in the City of Rowlett, as well as the City of Dallas. She currently serves on the Community Investment Program Task Force, an Ad hoc committee designed and created by the Rowlett City Council to improve the city's current status.

Rhetta is a native Houstonian, an Alum of both Spelman College and Texas Southern University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, with an emphasis in Broadcast-journalism. She is a faithful and active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the proud wife of a Gulf War veteran, MSG (ret.) John P. Bowers, Jr. and the devoted mother of John III, Jade and Jakia.

Cash on Hand: $11,240.00

Contact Information:
Phone: 972-379-8080

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Cindy Burkett - Republican (Incumbent)

http://www.cindyburkett.org/

GET TO KNOW CINDY BURKETT
Cindy Burkett married her high school sweetheart, Mike, just before he joined the Air Force. While Mike served, Cindy went to work at a local law firm – the best job she could find without a college degree. Together, they scraped dimes to raise their three kids and put Mike through college. Raising a family is how Cindy learned to be fiscally responsible.

“When people rely on you, you’ve got to be tough for them and give them every opportunity you can.”

ALWAYS WORKING, NEVER QUITTING
Cindy always wanted a college degree – so at the age of 37, with Mike’s job doing well and their kids approaching high school, Cindy started night school and continued to work at the law firm throughout the day. Eight years later, Cindy graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a 4.0 GPA and degrees in political science and business – and she quickly put them to work.

“Though times got tough, I learned that if you don’t quit, you will achieve your goals.”

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
After working for voters in a local Senator’s district office, Cindy became a small businesswoman, co-owner of Highline Enterprises, a company that owned and operated several Subway franchises. Cindy learned just how difficult creating jobs and making payroll is when government taxes and regulation get in the way.

“The simple truth is: small businesses create jobs, not the government.”

SERVING US IN AUSTIN
Compelled by her faith and convinced she would make a difference, Cindy ran for State Representative to strengthen our schools, lower our taxes, and fight for the American values she learned throughout her life. The people entrusted her and since then Cindy has served us down in Austin – keeping every promise she made.

As our state representative, Cindy balanced the state budget, made Texas the best place in the country for job creation, and cut taxes for hard-working Texas families. Cindy was so successful she was even recognized as a “Champion of Free Enterprise” by The Texas Association of Business.

Having grown up with two brothers with mental disabilities, Cindy became one of the state’s most determined leader on mental health, passing reforms affecting more than 630,000 Texans living with a mental illness.

For her keen ability to root out government waste, Cindy was appointed to the Texas Sunset Commission, the body responsible for eliminating duplication and inefficiency across all 130 Texas state agencies. And CLEAT named Cindy “Freshman of the Year” for her ardent support for law enforcement during her first term.

“I like to be the one people think of when they think ‘I want to get something done.”

MOVING TEXAS FORWARD
Today, Cindy continues to serve us in Austin, while working as a real estate agent here in North Texas. She and Mike are active members of Mimosa Lane Baptist Church, where they have worshipped for the last 20 years. From her life and actions, we know we can count on Cindy to keep fighting for our values. Cindy will never quit fighting.

“My job is to listen and ensure that every hard-working Texan has the  opportunity to achieve their American Dream.”

Cash on Hand: $71,832.44

Contact Information:
Phone: 214-460-5349

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