FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                               

August 23, 2007   

CONTACT

Alexis DeLee or Chris Cutrone (512) 463-0223    

CRADDICK NAMES ORR CHAIR

OF LAND & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

(AUSTIN) – Today, Speaker Tom Craddick (R - Midland) announced the appointment of Rep. Rob Orr (R - Burleson) as Chairman of the House Committee on Land & Resource Management. Rep. Orr is currently the vice chair of the Committee, and he replaces Rep. Anna Mowery (R - Fort Worth) who recently announced her retirement from the Texas House of Representatives.

"With a clear grasp of the issues relating to this committee, Rep. Orr is exceptionally qualified for this chairmanship," Speaker Craddick said. "I congratulate him on this appointment and look forward to working with this committee under his direction."

The House Committee on Land & Resource Management, which consists of nine members, has jurisdiction over matters relating to the management of public lands, the power of eminent domain and the annexation, zoning, and other governmental regulation of land use. The Committee also has oversight of several state agencies such as the School Land Board, the Board for Lease of University Lands, the Coastal Coordination Council, and the General Land Office.

"I am honored that Speaker Craddick has named me to this position, and I appreciate his confidence," Rep Orr said. "I look forward to working with Speaker Craddick, my colleagues on the Committee, and all members of the House of Representatives on the important issues that come before the Committee."

"I also want to express my appreciation to Chairman Mowery for her service to District 97 and the state of Texas. She has been a tremendous mentor and has taught me a great deal about the committee process and the value of property rights."

Rob Orr is state representative for House District 58, which consists of Bosque and Johnson Counties. In addition to his new duties, he also serves on the House Financial Institutions Committee, the House Research Organization and the Republican Caucus Policy Committee. Prior to his election to the Texas House of Representatives, Orr served on Congressman Joe Barton's Congressional Advisory Committee and the Tax Reform Advisory Committee. He has served on the Johnson County Economic Development Commission, the Burleson Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and as Chairman of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Orr is a realtor by profession and has been President of the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors and served on the Board of Directors for the Texas and National Associations of Realtors. Rob and his wife, Pam, have five children - Chelsea, Randi, Michael, Taylor and James. They have one grandchild.

###