The Final Word.

• Author: Andrade, Jane Carroll
• Position: Texas House of Representative speaker Dennis Bonnen - Interview

Dennis Bonnen

Speaker, Texas House of Representatives

Only 24 when he was first elected to the Texas House in 1996, Dennis Bonnen became speaker this year after serving as speaker pro tem for the past three sessions. Bonnen is the CEO and board chairman of Heritage Bank. A native of Angleton, Texas, he graduated cum laude from St. Edward's University in Austin with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Are leaders born or made?

Both. There are all kinds of leaders in life. I think that many times in history we're surprised by our leaders sometimes in that they rise above an occasion more than what we thought they were capable of. Most people have leadership within them and the question is, do they open up to that leadership opportunity and do they take advantage of those challenges?

You placed cups in the House members' lounge printed with the message: "School finance reform--the time is now." Why?

Every member has identified that the No. 1 issue for them is significant school finance and property tax reform. I thought it was important to show that I hear the message and that I will use the strength of the speaker's office to help ensure that we're successful on the No. 1 issue for the members.

Your brother Greg serves with you in the House. He's older, but you're the speaker. So, who's the boss?

Legislatively, I would be the boss because I have significant seniority on him--he's in his fourth term and I'm in my 12th. It's wonderful working with him. He's an incredibly smart, hardworking legislator. And any time, whether it's your brother or any other member, that's the kind of member in the Legislature you want to work with.

What prompted you to run for office at such a young age?

My parents. I'm the youngest of four children and they taught us all--and showed us through the years--to always be involved, civic-minded and engaged in our communities.

My mother was one of the founders of the Friends of the Angleton Library in our hometown and has been on the board for years. My father was a longtime member of many civic clubs and...