July 7, 2015
(http://www.thevindicator.com/news/article_f041a8d0-24e4-11e5-8bd4-3f773296825c.html)
John Otto announces retirement ~ endorses Hinch for HD18
AUSTIN – State Representative John Otto (R-Dayton), Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, announced today that he will not seek re-election and will retire from the Legislature after representing House District 18 since 2005.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of Liberty, San Jacinto and Walker counties in the Texas House of Representatives,” Representative Otto said. “I did my best to represent their values and ideals and I appreciate the support they have graciously shown me over the years.”
Among Representative Otto’s legislative accomplishments include authoring the most conservative budget in Texas history, passing a series of property tax appraisal reforms, including property tax breaks for disabled veterans, and expanding Highway 146 to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities.
Prior to serving in the Texas House of Representatives, Representative Otto served on the Dayton City Council, the Dayton ISD Board of Trustees, the Liberty County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and the Dayton Community Development Corporation.
Representative Otto and his wife Nancy grew up in Liberty County. They returned to Dayton in 1975 to work and raise their two sons. A CPA for over 40 years, Representative Otto owned a tax practice in Dayton until retiring from it in 2012.
Representative Otto has received several distinct accolades for his service in the Texas House. He was named to Texas Monthly’s “Ten Best Legislators” list in 2009 and 2015. Representative Otto’s work on property tax and appraisal issues earned him the “Legislative Achievement Award” from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. Representative Otto also received the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
“I want to thank the voters of House District 18 for their support and encouragement over the years. This was not an easy decision, but I never intended for this experience to be a lifelong endeavor. After accomplishing much of what I set out to do when first elected, the time is right for me to step aside,” Otto said. “I will always be grateful and humbled by my time in the Texas House.”
Following Representative Otto’s announcement, Liberty County Attorney Wesley Hinch announced he will seek election to the seat. Hinch has twice been elected as County Attorney and lives with his wife, Kimber, and their two children in Liberty.
“Wes Hinch has the values and experience needed to serve in the Texas House.” Representative Otto said. “I am honored to endorse him as the next state representative for House District 18.”
