STAFF REPORT

For the first time in his four terms in the Texas House, State Rep. Patrick M. Rose has drawn a Democratic Party primary opponent in Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District board member Andrew Backus.

Backus and other water district members were infuriated when Rose declined for the third time earlier this year to sponsor legislation expanding HTGCD’s authority to increase existing well construction and utility connection fees and implement new well owner registration and well production fees. Rose instead proposed legislation that would have allowed the district to charge a $2 per month fee to some well owners to finance an aquifer study.

Backus did not respond to a phone call seeking an interview about his candidacy.

Rose, a Dripping Springs Democrat, originally won election in 2002 in a tight race against incumbent Rick Green, who is currently running for the Texas Supreme Court. He has won handily over Republican challengers in the three elections since.

District 45 includes Hays, Blanco and Caldwell counties.