Texas State Senator-Elect Konni Burton today announced the hiring of senior staff members to her new Senate office. Burton will be sworn in this coming January after winning the highest profile legislative race in Texas.
Konni commented on her first round of hires stating, “When evaluating and interviewing individuals to build the team for our freshman term, I wanted to bring in individuals from outside the Austin bubble and trusted conservatives to help set a bold agenda for the 84th Legislative Session. This team does just that.”
Art Martinez de Vara was selected as Burton’s Chief of Staff. Martinez de Vara served as Chief of Staff / Legislative Director for Representative John Garza in the 82nd Legislature. He currently serves as the mayor of Von Ormy, Texas, best known for its recent proposal to eliminate property taxes, with an eye on moving solely to a consumption tax. Martinez de Vara, a practicing attorney, holds an MA in both History and Theology, and is an adjunct professor of business law at Our Lady of the Lake University. The San Antonio Express News referred to Von Ormy, TX, a city Martinez de Vara has overseen since its inception, as the first “liberty city” in Texas. The Austin American Statesman pointed out that people have said Von Ormy is the “freest little city in Texas.”
Tyler Norris will serve as Burton’s Legislative Director. Norris served as Chief of Staff for State Representative James White in the 83rd Legislative Session and brings valuable policymaking and communications experience to the team. Norris previously worked with the successful Ted Cruz for US Senate campaign, as well as numerous successful campaigns around Texas.
Cathy Bean Scott will serve as District Director for Senator Burton. Scott served as field director for the Burton Campaign before being promoted to Campaign Manager for the general election. A former public school teacher, Cathy Scott resides with her husband Cody in the metroplex. Her knowledge of the district and grassroots campaign expertise will make her a valuable liaison to the communities in Senate District 10.