FortBendNow.com

Attorney Dean Hrbacek, the former Sugar Land mayor, is considering running for state representative in District 26 against incumbent Charlie Howard in the Republican primaries.

“We’re evaluating it right now,” Hrbacek said Friday. “We’ve been meeting with people in the community about it. I’ve designated a campaign treasurer, but we haven’t made a final decision.”

Hrbacek said it’s no secret he has an interest in running for the post, adding, “I’ve told Charlie (Howard) I was considering it.”

He said he’s doing due diligence now, conducting some polling and attempting to determine interest in the district. “Are they content with their current representation, or do they think it’s time for a change?

Added Hrbacek: “I’m like the relief pitcher.I’m warming up, but I’m not in the game yet.”

Hrbacek, who was mayor from 1996 to 2002, said there would be several issues he would campaign on, should he decide to enter the race, however, “it would be premature” to discuss them.

One key issue, though, will be the Texas Legislature’s “inability to deal with school finance reform.” Hrbacek said he thinks state legislators need to spend “less time worrying about being re-elected” and more time directly addressing the questions surrounding the issue.

Howard announced his intent to seek re-election on Oct. 27. “I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in the state Legislature, and with the experience I have gained in the process in Austin, I still have much to contribute by representing the diverse interests of Fort Bend County,” he said at the time.

Meanwhile, Sugar Land businessman Ron Booker, founder of physician practice management company iMed Group, Ltd., announced on Nov. 1 that he intends to run against Howard for the District 26 seat in the Republican primary.