Linda Harper-Brown {Linda Harper-Benz}

Almost 8 years ago, the people of Irving gave Linda Harper-Brown the privilege to represent their interests in Austin. All hardworking Irving families have to show for it is the worst, long-term, state budget shortfall in recent memory. She, on the other hand, got a brand new Benz.

Until she got caught, Linda Harper-Benz was driving around a sleek, new 2010 Mercedes ME550 Sedan – one that was bought and paid for by Durable Enterprises Equipment Ltd., a company with long and deep ties to Harper-Benz and her husband.

Now the truth is surfacing. Over the years, Durable and its sister companies have received over $12,300,000 in lucrative contracts with the Texas Department of Transportation. At the same time, Harper-Benz has slapped her official state license plate on not one but three vehicles owned by Durable – two E-class Mercedes sedans and a Chevy Tahoe.

Everyone knows that it helps to have friends in the right places. For Harper-Benz, the “right place” is square in a coveted seat on the Texas House Committee on Transportation.

And in perhaps the worst insult to Texas taxpayers, Harper-Benz unsuccessfully tried to bill the Texas Department of Transportation after she hit a pothole on a state highway and injured the wheel of her hot, new Benz. From a July 7th article in the Dallas Morning News:

Not only does she get a free Benz, but she wants taxpayers to pay to keep it flawless. This all sheds light on who Harper-Benz is really working for – herself and her big business pals instead of hardworking Irving families.