I was stunned when I read your staff writer, Robby Robertson’s take on “Gooden takes Brown to task at public forum.” It is amazing how we viewed the forum so differently. I went to the forum to learn more about Representative Brown’s opponent, but still have no idea what makes him qualified to represent us in Austin.
What I did come away with was the impression of a nice young man who wants to leap from working as an aide for Representative Brown for a portion of one session to taking her job. Gooden referred to Representative Brown as “a nice lady,” as if that were the sum of her existence. When he impatiently snatched the question out of the moderator’s hand on one occasion and re-read it himself, this spoke volumes to me.
I did admire his passion for the educators in his family, and feel sure he is supportive of teachers. However, Representative Brown seemed to trump that with having voted for teachers in every instance of her six years in Austin. Mr. Gooden did get the attention, and a few snickers, from the attendees when he said Austin should be as transparent as Washington.
Hopefully there will be another chance to hear Mr. Gooden speak, and perhaps learn something that will give a better insight into the man. We elected a president on youth, personality and promises - and look how well that worked out.
Ruby Fournet
Eustace
