Texas Gubernatorial Candidate, Hank Gilbert, will address the Lake Travis Democrats at their Tuesday, November 10 meeting at 6:30 pm at the Lakeway Activity Center. Gilbert is vying for the Democratic Nomination for Texas Governor. The Democrats request meeting attendees bring non-perishable canned goods to help stock Lake Travis area food pantries as the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays approach.
The Tuesday, November 10 meeting will begin at 6:30 pm with wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks served as part of a social time. The business and program part of the meeting will begin promptly at 7 pm. The Lakeway Activity Center is located at 105 Cross Creek in Lakeway.
In the 2006 statewide elections, Hank Gilbert garnered more votes than any other Democratic candidate for a statewide executive office. In addition, in 2006, Hank had more votes than Rick Perry in 91 counties and Hank also had 400,000 votes more than the 2006 Democratic Nominee for Governor, Chris Bell. The Democratic Primary is March 2, 2010 and the Gubernatorial General Election is November 2, 2010. Gilbert is one of several Democrats who have filed for the gubernatorial office with the Secretary of State. The filing deadline for statewide candidates is January 4, 2010.

Born in Houston in 1959, Hank Gilbert spent his formative years on a 150-head cattle ranch east of Tyler. Hank earned his bachelors degree in Agriculture Education from Texas A&M University. After graduation, Hank was hired to teach high school agriculture in East Texas. After 13 years of teaching, Hank concentrated on building his Simbrah cattle operation and his small business. Although no longer in the teaching profession, Hank continued his work with East Texas youth as a volunteer 4-H leader and assisting the local FFA chapter. In 2005, Hank created the East Texas Jr. Invitational Livestock Expo in Smith County. The Expo has to date awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships. Hank has also served as director of the Texas Simmental/Simbrah Association and is the immediate past President of Walnut Grove Water Supply, a 2500 member-owned cooperative. As its president, he cut operational expenses and reduced member’s water rates by 35%, while still making the necessary improvements to the system. He also currently serves as President of the Pineywoods Sub-regional Planning Commission, a state-recognized 391-member commission formed to force state agencies, such as the Texas Department of Transportation, and federal agencies, like the EPA, to coordinate with local entities on projects that could have an adverse effect on their communities. Hank’s deep appreciation for agriculture and the values of responsibility and accountability he developed from his days on his family’s ranch as a youth motivated Hank to run for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 2006. Hank Gilbert surprised pundits and the political establishment in his first run for Agriculture Commissioner carrying 46 counties across the state-many of which had not been carried by a Democrat in years. On Sept 21, 2009, Gilbert announced his candidacy for Texas Governor in 2010. He kicked off his campaign with a 13-city, three-day tour beginning at a Dallas union hall, saying there are many issues the state needs to address, from education to the economy.
The November 10 meeting is open to all area Democrats, whether you are a member of the organization or not. Information about the meeting can be found at www.laketravisdemocrats.org or contact Judy Donohue, Lake Travis Democrats President, 214 228-1532. For information about joining the Lake Travis Democrats,
contact, Jo Ann Richmond, Membership Chair, ltdmembership@yahoo.com, 627-9451