Dirty Pitts Screws Austin Out of Vote

The Texas House of Representatives passed a regressive school finance bill this week by one vote. Now it turns out that the deciding "yes" vote came from Rep. Jim Pitts of Waxahachie, who signed a paired absentee voting agreement (see below) with Rep. Dawnna Dukes of Austin, who would've voted "no." Then Pitts changed his mind and voted anyway. The bill won final House approval Thursday and is headed for the Senate.

Aside from being an egregious violation of parliamentary procedure, Pitts effectively robbed East Austin of its vote on a bill that would lead to tax increases for the vast majority of its citizens. Be sure to remember that if you ever have the misfortune of conducting business with this thief.

Perhaps Austin restaurants should start asking for Pitts' credit card before he's allowed to order. If he's out shopping, it might be prudent to have an employee follow him around as a precaution. Maybe Pitts' name and photo can be posted by the cash register next to all the bad checks. Just be sure his money is in your hand before lifting a finger.