Published: October 16, 2009 02:54 pm      

Orr to seek fourth term

State Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson, announced Thursday his intention to seek a fourth term in the Texas House of Representatives.

Orr serves District 58 consisting of Johnson and Bosque counties.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy and look forward to serving the citizens of District 58,” Orr said. “I am proud of my conservative, business-friendly, pro-life and pro-family voting record that has not changed since I entered the legislature in 2005.”

Orr made his announcement at an event hosted at the Cleburne home of Dr. Joe Martin and Kathy Martin, which was attended by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, who voiced support for Orr’s campaign.

Orr discussed his accomplishments over the past three legislative sessions, including passage of a conservative budget for the state, reduction of property taxes, appraisal district reforms, and increasing protections for property owners through prior written notification of oil and gas drilling.

Orr said he also supported enhanced funding for Texas state parks and secured groundwater conservation districts for Johnson and Bosque counties.

He also worked to increase the availability of immunizations for children and to reduce the onerous regulations between physicians and advance practice nurses.

“I am also extremely proud to have co-sponsored legislation that added God into the pledge to the Texas flag,” Orr said.

The Texas Association of Business recently named Orr a champion of free enterprise.

Orr said he has long advocated for private property rights, especially regarding eminent domain.

“I believe that property owners should be treated fairly when eminent domain is exercised.” Orr said. “This is an area I have and will continue to work on.”

Orr and his wife, Pam Orr, own Orr & Associates Real Estate in Burleson. They have five children and five grandchildren.

Orr previously served as chairman of the board of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce, president of the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors and as a member of the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation. Orr and his wife attend St. Matthew’s Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burleson.

Orr will face Cleburne Mayor Ted Reynolds, who last week announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination in the March primary for the District 58 seat.