|
Statement on Governor Rick Perry's Latest Controversy
This week, Governor Rick Perry claimed to have fired a handgun to kill a coyote near his rental mansion, leading many to ask if his action violates city and state law. The answer depends on whether Perry's rental mansion and the surrounding area are within Austin city limits or in an unincorporated area of Travis County. In response to the controversy, Representative Jim Dunnam issued the following statements in response:
"Aside from the whole claim being a bit suspect to anyone who knows how coyotes really act and hunt, frankly, I'm more interested in the fact that Perry is spending 9,000 taxpayer dollars each month on his rental mansion. It may not seem like a lot to the Governor, but that money could go a long way in my district."
"Rick Perry and the Republican leadership have asked nearly every state agency to cut its budget by 5 percent - all with serious consequences for Texas families. It's amazing that during these difficult financial times, Governor Perry thinks it's appropriate to continue spending taxpayer dollars on a mansion with a heated pool, a cabana, and a full outdoor kitchen. I want to talk about what how those dollars could be used to improve our state. Next thing we’ll hear is that the Governor personally skinned the animal to make a pair of boots."
Governor Perry began renting the $1.85 million mansion in the Austin area after the historic Governor's Mansion was set on fire by an arsonist in June 2008. By the end of his term, Perry will have spent over $360,000 in rent - all at the taxpayers' expense.
|