A Web site called Get a Life helps middle-schoolers answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The Web site is new from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.

Before each election, newspaper columnists write about low voter turnout and general lack of participation in the democratic process. Writers decry our political culture for being divisive, overly partisan and controlled by big-money interests.

This was why it was gratifying to see Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, a Republican, and Democrats state Rep. Mark Strama of Austin and Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe all commend the leaders of Austin Interfaith and the Texas Industrial Areas Foundation Network for their work in helping to create and pass legislation creating the $25 million Jobs and Education for Texans fund.