State Representative Kristi Thibaut—Texas State Representative from District 133, representing Houston.

Texas’ largest professional membership association pledges its support

The Texas Association of Realtors today announced its decision to endorse Kristi Thibaut in her re-election to the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 133. Making the statement last week, Chairman Bill Jones commended Thibaut’s commitment to the interests of Texas homeowners.

“When lawmakers return to work in 2011, they will be faced with many difficult decisions,” said Jones. “That’s why we need lawmakers like Kristi Thibaut who understand the critical role homeowners play in keeping our state’s economy strong, which is why we’ve pledged our full support.”

Currently, Texas ranks 45th out of 50 states in homeownership. Electing lawmakers who understand homeowners’ concerns and act accordingly to bolster homeownership in Texas is the association’s top priority this election season. As a member of the Texas House, Kristi Thibaut has been supportive of policies and initiatives which are in the best interests of property rights and homeownership throughout the state.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Texas Association of Realtors,” Thibaut said. “As small business owners, Texas Realtors make the dream of homeownership more affordable for all Texans and I will strive to help support this important goal.”

As the largest professional membership association in the state, the Texas Association of Realtors expects to be a considerable grassroots force for Kristi Thibaut.

Texas Realtors have championed a number of legislative issues enhancing the lives of Texans, including playing a leading role in the passage of meaningful property tax appraisal reform, ensuring consumer protection in home equity lending laws, and advocating for billions in property tax reductions. To learn more about Texas Realtors’ legislative advocacy on behalf of its members and homeowners, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
The Texas Association of Realtors is the largest professional association in the state and represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas Realtors and private property owners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

The Houston Fire Department requests the publics help in seeking the person responsible for arson fires started at homes and apartments in southwest Houston. Arson investigators have identified more than a dozen fires in the area bounded by Eldrige, Wilcrest, Richmond and Beechnut that may be related.

About nine of the fires occurred within a short period of time in late-April and early-May, since then HFD Arson has had a very active investigation that has turned up a video that provides some information of a general description of a person wanted for questioning.

Arson investigators began reviewing cases that occurred earlier than the core grouping of fires and determined that there were other fires that appeared to be similar in origin.

In most cases the damage has been a few thousand dollars worth of property. In about three cases the damage was more severe. There have been no reported injuries as a result of these fires.

“Our investigation has been aggressive and that investigation has netted us important information,” said Chief Investigator Gabe Cortez. “But we also believe the eyes and ears of the public can help us be successful in our effort. So far, property damage has been the extent of the fire. We don’t want this to go any further.”

“This is a case where the power of the public to observe and report any suspicious activity can be key to solving this case,” said Amy Smith, Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. “We are offering a reward up to $5000 dollars for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for these crimes.

The Houston Fire Department has requested and received the cooperation of the Houston Police Department and Harris County Precinct 5 Constable in efforts to be on the look out for any suspicious person that may be responsible for the fire.

Anyone who believes they may have information on these crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713- 222-T-I-P-S.

Surveillance video can be viewed at http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/videoclips.html.

Read original press release here.

In an effort to prevent tragic fire-related deaths and injuries, State Representative Kristi Thibaut and the Houston Fire Department (HFD) partnered last weekend to install smoke detectors in households and raise awareness of fire safety in the Alief community in southwest Houston. Read More »

During her freshman tenure, Thibaut introduced legislation to provide major foreclosure reform, stand behind our teachers, lower utility rates, and freeze college tuition.