Rep. Otto named among Texas Monthly’s 10 best legislators
Polk County Enterprise - June 2009

DAYTON — State Representative John Otto (RDayton) has been named one of the Ten Best Legislators in the July, 2009 issue of Texas Monthly magazine for his outstanding work on the state’s budget and for the passage of six noteworthy property appraisal reform bills during the 81st Legislature. “Otto whacks away at Gordian knots like the state budget and the property appraisal system, which threaten to snarl everything. He’s the Legislature’s premier fi scal watchdog,” the article states. Rep. Otto was also commended for his achievement on property appraisal reform, which the article notes as “a contentious issue that has confounded lawmakers—and the public—for 30 years.

One of his proposals would prevent appraisal boards from raising the value of a residence based on nearby commercial development. The best measure of the respect Otto has earned is that his reform package passed the Senate on a calendar that is reserved for uncontested legislation.” “I am truly honored to be considered one of the best legislators in Texas,” Otto said. “I have worked hard to accomplish what I set out to do when I fi rst ran for offi ce, and to be acknowledged for those efforts is gratifying.” Texas Monthly has been compiling its list of Ten Best and Worst Legislators since the Sixty- Third Legislature in 1973. The magazine considers such factors as the credibility and accomplishments of lawmakers when assembling the list.