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.

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.

The event was held on Saturday morning, May 1st in Alief’s Braes Village neighborhood. Thibaut, who represents the Alief area in the Texas House of Representatives, and members of the HFD met with volunteers at the Braes Village community club house. Prior to visiting homes in the area, volunteers received training on how to safely install smoke detectors and effectively inform homeowners about fire safety. Smoke detectors, batteries and literature were distributed to over 300 homes in Braes Village.

Volunteers came from the American Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), the National Society of Collegiate Scholars at the University of Houston, and the Houston Fire Department, as well from Representative Thibaut’s office. HFD toured the streets in fire trucks, signaling homeowners about the event and resupplying volunteers with equipment.

“I am very grateful to the Houston Fire Department and all who volunteered for the important event,” Thibaut said. “A significant proportion of my constituents have either non-functioning smoke detector devices or have none at all. This event brings us one step closer to ensuring that households in our community are protected against fire danger.”

The installation event is part of the HFD’s “Get Alarmed Houston!” program which not only helps those who would not otherwise have a working smoke detector in their home, but also seeks donations of smoke detector devices.