It’s been all change at the Sunset Advisory Commission as Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst made his Senate appointments to fill three vacant seats. However, there’s still no word on who will be filling the empty slots reserved for House appointees.
The 12-member Sunset Commission is the most significant auditing force in Texas politics, and appointees serve for a four year term. This time around, there are seven empty seats ready for filling, three from the Senate, four from the House.
Yesterday, Dewhurst made his selections public. Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, is the youngest member of the Senate but, as last session’s vice-chair, he moves up to the big seat. Out go Republicans Craig Estes and Bob “Thundersticks” Deuell, in come Houston Democrat John Whitmire, and GOPers Robert Nichols of Jacksonville and Joan Huffman of Southside Place (there was an empty seat, due to Republican Kim Brimer losing his seat in the general election and Dewhurst deciding to leave his Sunset position empty).
Rounding out the roster is Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, who still has two years to go on his appointment, as does public appointee Charles McMahen.
No word yet on which three states reps will join Republicans Reps. Carl Isett and Linda Harper-Brown from the House side, or who will be the other public appointee (replacing the outgoing Ike Sugg). Called for comment, Speaker Joe Straus‘ office said they are expecting to have a decision next week.
This article appears in October 2 • 2009.
