tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62136614489694867722024-03-05T04:05:39.590-08:00Williamson County ConservativeOpinion and Citizen Journalism
by Holly HansenHolly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-11793012637175134002014-10-06T08:53:00.002-07:002014-10-07T10:45:33.049-07:00Round Rock School Board Election 2014: More at Stake than You Might ThinkI know many readers are chomping at the bit to cast a vote for gubernatorial candidate <a href="https://www.gregabbott.com/">Greg Abbott</a> next month, but please note that there are many, many other races on the ballot. (Check out your Williamson County sample ballot <i><a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/Elections/tabid/450/Default.aspx">here</a>.</i>) Residents of the Round Rock Independent School District in particular will enjoy the opportunity to vote in four contests for the Board of Trustees. (Places 1, 3, 5, and 6). While few voters really pay attention to local, non-partisan races, there is more here than meets the eye. To some extent these races are indicative of a power struggle between "the Elected" and "the Appointed" in public education. <br />
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For Place 1, <b>Nikki Gonzales</b> is challenging Claudio Cruz. Cruz was appointed last year when <a href="https://www.roundrockisd.org/round-rock-isd-trustee-brian-sellers-resigns/">Brian Sellers suddenly quit</a> before his term expired (a common occurrence in RRISD, maybe because it allows those in power to appoint a replacement without all that darned campaigning & election stuff.) Being new, Cruz does not have much of a record but is known via his work as an employee of Austin ISD. Many folks active in Round Rock schools and politics know his challenger <a href="http://www.nikkiforrrisd.com/">Nikki Gonzales</a> from <a href="http://www.nikkiforrrisd.com/about-2/">her work</a> with the PTA, the Texas State Legislature, and the Williamson County Sheriff's office. She has strong support from the families and taxpayers of the community who want to have an elected voice on the board. I would vote for Nikki Gonzales. <br />
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Hands down, <a href="http://www.bryanforrrisd.com/">Bryan Black</a> is the best choice for Place 3. A <a href="http://www.bryanforrrisd.com/about-1.html">former award-winning journalist</a>, Black is currently the Director of Communications for the Texas Department of Agriculture, has completed the Leadership Round Rock ISD program, and is a RRISD parent. His goals include making RRISD a role model for districts in not only student achievement and innovation, but in fiscal responsibility and transparency. The latter is something <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/09/rrisd-votes-to-stifle-democratic-process.html">RRISD </a>could use a little more of. (See "<i><a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/09/rrisd-votes-to-stifle-democratic-process.html">Shut Up, They Explained</a></i>," and "<i><a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/11/rrisd-tries-to-silence-whistle-blowers.html">RRISD Tries to Silence Whistle Blowers</a>?</i>") <br />
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Black is such a stellar candidate that voters should choose him regardless of who his opponent may be. It happens however, that he is challenging long-time board member Diane Cox. <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2011/04/will-real-diane-cox-please-stand-up.html">Cox</a> is definitely on the Left politically, and the only Round Rock resident who was willing to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7jpP4gV2OY">go on air</a> to support the disastrous Diana Maldonado campaign for State Legislature in 2010. Even for those who believe that school boards are magically non-partisan, Cox's tenure has been frustrating, and she seems to have been involved in most of RRISD's woes, including everything from the <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2011/02/rrisd-gave-superintendent-illegal-bonus.html">illegal bonus</a> and <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/11/rrisd-board-to-take-up-sex-ed-on.html">illegal Student Health Advisory Council</a> scandals, to a rather <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6213661448969486772#allposts">disastrous re-zoning process</a>. Cox has barely won her last two elections, usually losing in the Williamson County portion of the district, but scraping up enough votes in Travis County to hold her position. (In one case by a mere 7 votes.) <br />
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In Place 5 there are three candidates vying for an open seat thankfully being vacated by Catherine Hannah. <a href="http://www.allenmckee.org/">Allen McKee</a>, <a href="http://www.paulkemerson.com/">Paul K. Emerson</a>, and Suzi David are running, but the front-runner and most likable candidate seems to be <b>Allen McKee</b>. Like Bryan Black, Allen McKee is interested in having a stellar school district and promoting transparency and accountability. There's not a lot of information on Suzi David, but Emerson is mouthing those nice-sounding platitudes about being a "team player" and "non-partisan." Those terms sound innocuous and comforting, but anyone who has been paying attention to RRISD events for the past decade knows there is a great struggle underway regarding the fundamental role of the school board. In some minds the trustees should serve the ISD superintendent like an appointed cabinet supports an executive. For these folks, there should never be dissension on the board since the role of trustees is to implement directives and provide support to the superintendent. However, many Americans still believe in representative government and see the superintendent as the employee of an elected board: the superintendent answers to the board, the elected board answers to the people. This struggle received attention last year when the Texas Legislature overwhelming passed a bill <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/05/texas-legislature-confirms-democratic.html">affirming certain rights of elected school board trustees</a>. Unfortunately, Paul Emerson's rhetoric clearly places him in the "go-along-to-get along" camp, and I doubt he will be willing to stand up for parents and taxpayers if necessary. Frankly, I think parents and taxpayers want elected representatives who are courageous enough to ask questions and stand up for what is good, true, and right at all levels of government, <i>especially</i> school boards.<br />
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Interestingly enough, the most vocal member of the board, <a href="http://trusteeterriromere.com/">Terri Romere</a>, does <i>not</i> have a challenger for her second term. Huh. She has been accused of being a trouble-maker for asking questions and demanding answers, but I guess the community is pretty happy with her service. Parents have praised her for listening to their concerns, acting on those concerns, and refusing to rubber-stamp every proposal. While certainly one to ask the right questions, Romere is simultaneously a great cheerleader for RRISD and her commitment to the students and families of the district shows. She will begin her second term <i><b>unopposed</b></i>. <br />
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There is also a contest for Place 6. Paul Tisch is another appointee, replacing Democrat <a href="http://www.mugshotsonline.com/texas/austin/glen-higgins-colby/70089081">Glen Colby</a> who, like Brian Sellers, <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1rDoAtCXVw4MEIzSlo3QTdhblU/edit">suddenly quit</a>. Tisch is challenged by Tony A. Pitts. I can't seem to find a website for Tisch or Pitts, but here's a link to Tisch's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PaulJTisch/timeline?ref=page_internal">Facebook</a> page and <a href="http://www.taplawfirm.com/">Pitts'</a> law offices. While Williamson County liberals are usually happy with the ISD appointees, they were a bit miffed when Tisch took Colby's place. It appears Tisch is a Republican and Pitts is a Democrat. Tisch has not been in office for long, but one hopes his party affiliation indicates his willingness to affirm representative government. <br />
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RRISD has come through a lot of controversy, but seems to be on a better track, especially with new Superintendent Steve Flores. Voters now have an opportunity to continue this trend by electing solid candidates committed to excellence, accountability, and very importantly, transparency. In addition, I hope citizens will comprehend the deeper power struggle here between <a href="http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/122712-638554-obama-regulatory-surge-empowers-bureaucrats.htm">the elected and the appointed</a> in our local government. <br />
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Please make sure you are <a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/Elections/tabid/450/Default.aspx">registered</a> (the deadline is TODAY, Monday, October 6,) and please vote early if possible. Early voting begins on October 20 and continues to October 31. Election Day is November 4, but don't wait! <br />
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Remember, school board elections are supposedly non-partisan, so if you are a straight-ticket voter, you will still need to make selections on these local races. <br />
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<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-52247698531665798532014-09-25T08:22:00.003-07:002014-09-25T08:26:27.585-07:00George P Bush in Cedar Park<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtC_VM4eN56LI0GhuKNPBwLFkz4bw84NA6jsk_ywd9j5ymyMxoRmOPtCWpQvTia524xVsPRQ6rl_AKYDe_dpnxmWRfNeGvvbvHf73JB-JvMAxhA1qU9ldWNpRgxa4Hpvgk3MwhXipTyg/s1600/GPBush.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtC_VM4eN56LI0GhuKNPBwLFkz4bw84NA6jsk_ywd9j5ymyMxoRmOPtCWpQvTia524xVsPRQ6rl_AKYDe_dpnxmWRfNeGvvbvHf73JB-JvMAxhA1qU9ldWNpRgxa4Hpvgk3MwhXipTyg/s1600/GPBush.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://georgepfortexas.org/">George P. Bush</a>, GOP candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, will be making a special campaign stop in Cedar Park next Tuesday, September 30.<br />
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<a href="http://georgepfortexas.org/about/">George "P," </a>is considered a rising star in Texas politics and has lead efforts for Hispanic "inclusion" within the GOP. He has a very diverse background, but near and dear to <i>my</i> heart, he is a former history teacher and has been a proponent of education reform. <br />
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He is favored to beat his Democrat opponent this November, (former El Paso mayor John Cook,) but smart candidates never take anything for granted. If you can't make this event, be sure to support George P. Bush for Texas Land Commissioner.<br />
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<i>Just FYI: The Hansen Family has relocated to Harris County. I will only be posting limited items on the Williamson County Conservative blogsite from now on. Not sure what the Good Lord has in mind for the future, but I'm contemplating a <a href="http://thehollyhansen.blogspot.com/">new, less local blog</a>. Will keep ya' posted. </i>Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-84352275085594690362014-09-04T09:31:00.001-07:002014-09-04T09:31:58.150-07:00Enter the "Report Government Waste" ContestSenator Tom Coburn's annual "<a href="http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e7359436-1572-414e-8acc-0222cad1c7d5">Wastebook"</a> always leaves me gnashing my teeth over federal government waste. After all, when American families are struggling with stagnant wages, higher taxes and <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/happy-days-no-more-middle-class-families-squeezed-as-expenses-soar-wages-stall/2014/04/26/f4a857f0-7a47-11e3-b1c5-739e63e9c9a7_story.html">higher costs-of-living</a>, learning that my tax dollars have gone to essential functions like <a href="http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2013/12/17/2013-waste-book-is-here-what-the-govenment-is-spending-your-money-on-n1764579">studying romance</a> or developing zombie-themed video games, can certainly put me in the mood to vote early and often. <br />
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Although the federally-oriented "Wastebook" gets a lot of press each year, let's not forget that our <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2069616-60-million-dollar-texas-high-school-football-stadium-deemed-unsafe-will-close">local</a> government entities can be guilty of some pretty outrageously wasteful expenditures. Usually less subject to public scrutiny, local officials can slip in some crazy purchases. (They also really seem to enjoy attending very expensive seminars and '<a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/03/11/4675851/cost-distance-of-north-richland.html">retreats</a>' on the taxpayer dime.) <br />
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Ever in pursuit of more fiscally-responsible, common-sense government, this year <a href="http://www.texasaction.com/"><b>Texas Public Policy Action</b></a> is holding a contest for citizens to expose waste. Competitors can submit written essays or original creative videos to TPPA by October 24, 2014, and winners will be announced in November. As important (and fun) as it is just to document government waste, participants in the contest may win cash: $4,000 for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd place, and $1,000 for third. Hey, you could probably use the funds to pay at least part of your property tax bill this year!<br />
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I'm really looking forward to seeing more government waste exposed, and just knowing that you are watching might make your local elected officials <strike>less arrogant</strike> a little more careful! So please check out the details of the <a href="http://www.texasaction.com/">TPPA contest here</a> and see what you can find. <br />
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Good Luck!<br />
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<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-83666107113787258972014-06-06T07:54:00.000-07:002014-06-06T07:54:36.044-07:00Pedernales Electric District Elections This MonthWhile some of you might be ready to turn off politics for the summer (especially after such a nasty primary run-off,) please check to see if you reside in the <a href="http://www.pec.coop/Home/Your_Cooperative/Meetings_and_Voting/elections">Pedernales Electric Cooperative</a>. If so, <i>congratulations</i>, you have another election this month. And you should pay attention; for years the PEC has been mired in <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2011/05/another-important-election-pedernales.html">controversy over transparency and environmental issues</a>. <br />
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This may be the weirdest election process in Texas, so pay attention, here's how it works:<br />
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Members of the PEC should have received either a ballot in the snail mail or an email containing voting instructions. However, if you haven't already mailed in your paper ballot, it's really too late to do so and be sure your vote will be counted. (And according to a note on the PEC website, they've already really messed up the mailed out ballots.) <b>You may still vote via the <a href="https://www.directvote.net/pec/login.aspx">online process</a> until</b> <b>June 13</b>, OR <b>in person on</b> <b>June 21</b> at the <a href="http://www.pec.coop/Home/Your_Cooperative/Meetings_and_Voting/Annual_Meetings.aspx">Annual PEC Board Meeting</a> in Cedar Park. <br />
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This year PEC members will vote for directors in District 2 and District 3. Although these are nominally 'single member districts,' the bizarre PEC election process allows ALL members of the entire Co-op to vote in each district election. So, no matter where you reside in the PEC, you control who represents the other districts.<br />
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District 2 includes portions of Williamson County; some residents of Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, and Liberty Hill all reside in PEC District 2. The candidates for this District are <a href="http://www.emilyforpec.com/">Emily Pataki</a> and William Boggs. Incumbent Boggs is part of the "Green Initiative" movement that continues to drive up costs and hurt PEC families. Pataki, a seventh-generation Texan, is a fiscally conservative businesswoman (and Mom) who is concerned about the direction of the PEC. Please check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWiuoMuH7Fk&feature=youtu.be">candidate forum</a> and <a href="http://www.emilyforpec.com/">Emily Pataki's website</a>, and take the time to vote this month. <br />
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I'm not as familiar with the <a href="http://www.pec.coop/Home/Your_Cooperative/Meetings_and_Voting/elections">candidates for District 3</a>; there are four of them, which makes it hard to unify behind any particular candidate. They include Judy Pokorny, Kathryn Scanlon, Arnold LeVine, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DonZimmermanforPECDirector">Don Zimmerman</a>. Zimmerman is a well-known fiscally conservative activist from Travis County. <br />
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This is one of those low-profile but high-impact elections that residents ignore at their own peril. Please take the time to make an informed vote. <br />
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<b>Best bet: Vote IN PERSON at the <a href="http://www.pec.coop/Home/Your_Cooperative/Meetings_and_Voting/Annual_Meetings.aspx">Annual Meeting</a> on June 21, 2014. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>When: June 21, 2014, 8:00-10:30 AM</b><br />
<b>Where: Cedar Park High School, LISD South Performing Arts Center, 2150 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX. <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/?version=1.0&hk=7-R5jHf7bW">Map</a>.</b>Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-30266884613417812362014-04-26T14:21:00.001-07:002014-05-08T04:16:37.871-07:00Cedar Park's Lowell Moore: Mo Jahadi's Criminal History Should Matter to Voters UPDATED<b><i>Updated to include <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/222852177/Cedar-Park-City-Council-Candidate-Fails-to-Follow-Ethics-Rules">Press Release</a> regarding Mo Jahadi's apparent failure to comply with Ethics Commission requirements. </i></b><br />
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The <a href="http://www.hillcountrynews.com/news/article_741750ee-1c93-11e3-9767-001a4bcf887a.html">City of Cedar Park</a> is one of many localities holding elections this Spring, and earlier this week the <a href="http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/AustinAmericanStatesman/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=QUFTLzIwMTQvMDQvMjQ.&pageno=MTM.&entity=QXIwMTMwNQ..&view=ZW50aXR5">Austin American-Statesman </a>reported that one of the candidates seems to have a troubling legal history. In addition to convictions for writing bad checks and drug-related charges, candidate "<a href="http://www.votefordrmo.com/bio/">Dr. Mo" Jahadi</a> also apparently has a warrant out for his arrest in another state.<br />
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From the Statesman article: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="InfoComponentTextChunk"><span class="InfoComponentTextContent"><span class="InfoComponentTextPrimitive"><span class="InfoComponentTextPara">The lawyer Jahadi has retained said he could “neither confirm nor deny” that the speeding </span>
</span>
<span class="InfoComponentTextPrimitive">
<span class="InfoComponentTextPara">ticket belonged to his client, and is in the process of obtaining information from the Salome Justice Court. </span>
<span class="InfoComponentTextIndent"> </span>
<span class="InfoComponentTextPara">“We’re still ascertaining whether
the person accused of speeding is Mohammad Jahadi, who’s my client, or
another Mohammad Jahadi,” lawyer James Sustaita said.</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
Yikes.<br />
<br />
Jahadi is challenging incumbent councilman <a href="http://www.lowellmoore.com/">Lowell Moore</a>, who is a pretty decent, conservative guy, and I'm not sure why Jahadi doesn't like him.<br />
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Although Jahadi seems to be downplaying the unpaid ticket and subsequent warrant as no big deal, Councilman Moore has pointed out that the City of Cedar Park itself has thousands of outstanding, unpaid tickets resulting in about $3 million in lost revenue for the city. (Moore's press release is below.) <br />
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Most Texas municipal elections (city councils, school districts, etc,) will take place on <b><a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/Elections/tabid/450/language/en-US/Default.aspx">May 10</a></b> this year, with early voting beginning <b>Monday, April 28</b>. In case you are suffering from 'election confusion,' this is <b><i>not</i></b> the same as the Republican Primary Run-off Election. <i><b>That </b></i>election takes place on May 27, with early voting beginning on May 19. Clear as mud? (Why is it that some folks think presenting identification to vote is a burden but having to keep track of four or five elections a year is not? Hey, at least it's not a <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-holiday-for-elections.html">Labor Day election</a> this time.) <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
(CEDAR
PARK, TX) On April 24, 2014 the Austin American-Statesman published an
article titled, “Attorney for Cedar Park candidate questions old warrant
from 1997 ticket”. The story detailed an outstanding arrest warrant and
multiple convictions of Cedar Park city council candidate Mohammed Jihadi.
The story listed the criminal history to include:<br />
<br />
-An outstanding
arrest warrant for an unpaid speeding ticket in Arizona<br />
-A conviction for
writing a bad check<br />
-A conviction for drug possession and failing a related
drug test<br />
<br />
In the article the interviewer wrote that Mr. Jihadi said that
at the time of his convictions he was a “teenager” and was “young” and “stupid”, but his most recent conviction occurred recently when he was in his twenties. “The detailing of Mr. Jihadi’s convictions and open
arrest warrant raise serious questions about his fitness for office,“ said
Cedar Park Councilmember Lowell Moore. “Being an elected member of city
council is an office of public trust. The citizens of Cedar Park expect
their elected officials to live up to the highest standards of respecting
the law and taking personal responsibility for their obligations to society”.<br />
<br />
“Mr. Jihadi’s failure to pay his speeding ticket and the
related arrest <br />
warrant is something that one may easily dismiss as not being important,” said Moore. “However, as an experienced councilmember I know that the City of Cedar Park currently has more than 3300 outstanding tickets over 10 years old that equals nearly $3 million dollars in lost revenue to the taxpayers of Cedar Park. Collecting money from fines not only serves the purpose of exacting justice for violating the law and hazarding public safety, but also helps pay for the critical law enforcement activities that help keep Cedar Park one of the safest cities in Texas”.<br />
<br />
“I respect the men and women in our
public safety departments and our municipal court system and I know that we
as citizens must honor the laws that govern our society. It seems clear, in
view of my opponent’s criminal history, that there is a stark difference
between the choices voter have in this election. I respectfully urge the
voters of Cedar Park to return me to city council where I pledge to continue
to craft conservative budgets, control taxes and proudly keep the police and
fire departments the number one budget priority for the continued protection of the citizens of Cedar Park,” said Moore.<br />
<br />
About Lowell
Moore: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Councilman Lowell Moore is a former Senior Vice President with a
Fortune 500 Company and if given the opportunity to serve for the next two
years he will continue to focus on bringing strategic economic development
to our city. He was instrumental in the development of the Cedar Park
Center that now is home to the three major sports teams, over 150 events
yearly, and rings thousands of visitors to our city each year. Moore was
elected to City Council in 1998 and served for four years. He returned to
the council in 2008 and presently serves on council.<br />
<br />
Election
information:<br />
Early Voting begins on April 28 and runs through May 6.
Election Day is Saturday, May 10, 2014.</blockquote>
<i><b>Update: </b></i>It seems that Mr. Jahadi has not complied with Ethics Commission filing requirements as of Tuesday, May 7, 2014. Councilman Lowell Moore released the following statement:<br />
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #262626;">“The Texas Ethics Commission publishes rules and
regulations regarding campaign finance.
Title 15 of the Texas election code, regulates political funds and
campaigns” said Cedar Park City Council Member Lowell Moore. “Title 15 specifies what must be reported,
the format of the report, and certain dates which must be met for required
reports. “ One such date is 8 days prior to an election. Opposed candidates must file a campaign
finance report with the appropriate authority.
According to the City of Cedar Park, as of Tuesday May 6, Mohammad (MO)
Jahadi had not filed the report required 8 days prior to the election, which
was due Friday, May 2nd. Moore said
“This is an important issue and shows continued disregard for the law”.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/222852177/Cedar-Park-City-Council-Candidate-Fails-to-Follow-Ethics-Rules">Click here</a> to read the full press release from Lowell Moore.Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-53646422288495318312014-04-15T04:54:00.003-07:002014-05-06T16:53:53.816-07:00We Know Carlos Salinas by the Company He KeepsOne way in which Democrats often attempt to gain a foothold in Republican areas is through so-called 'non-partisan' offices. We've seen this repeatedly through the local school board in Round Rock, but highly partisan 'non-partisans' are also a problem on the City Council.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nationaldmo.org/person/12156239/Carlos-Salinas.htm">Round Rock City Councilman Carlos Salinas</a> has tried to reassure the city's Republicans that he is really not that partisan, but his recent re-election campaign efforts are telling a different story.<br />
<br />
Salinas kicked off his campaign (<a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2014/04/round-rock-councilman-salinas-violating.html">at his possibly illegal downtown headquarters,</a>) with a whole slew of Democrats from out-of-town. Until last weekend, his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Re-Elect-Carlos-Salinas-for-Round-Rock-City-Council-Seat-4/782645215098443">Facebook page</a> proudly displayed photos of himself with some rather surprising characters. Most notably, former State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos (D-Austin,) Democrat candidate for State Senator <a href="https://joelforsenate.com/">Joel Shapiro</a>, and Democrat Congressional Candidate Louie Minor have all journeyed to Round Rock to help re-elect their Democrat comrade. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqcXMG9WZXcKn59hNSwqdBAzsGmUftn_6GbrFVWpVwuw-v_WnRIMZQnCqgOMiBIzN3kBla3dZpVFvUKxeYdcACgfZxO61xpO3_c0OtofrvoU7MHtHEwU5HuAjdLhNbKJr8IAx8grPGz4/s1600/Salinas+Barrientos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqcXMG9WZXcKn59hNSwqdBAzsGmUftn_6GbrFVWpVwuw-v_WnRIMZQnCqgOMiBIzN3kBla3dZpVFvUKxeYdcACgfZxO61xpO3_c0OtofrvoU7MHtHEwU5HuAjdLhNbKJr8IAx8grPGz4/s1600/Salinas+Barrientos.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Former State Senator and staunch Democrat Gonzalo<br />Barrientos drove up from Austin to attend Salinas'<br />campaign kick-off.</i></div>
<br />
Now retired from the legislature, Senator Gonazalo Barrientos is well-known not only for being allowed to stay in office after his <a href="http://www.kvue.com/news/Lawmakers-have-faced-DWI-trouble-in-Austin-before-198529811.html">DWI arrest and conviction</a>, but for his <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/5435/gonzalo-barrientos#.U0bWLVdWiMQ">100% Pro-Abortion </a>voting record from the <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2013/02/06/naral-dinner-promotes-abortion-abortion-and-more-abortion/">National Abortion Rights Association</a> (NARAL). He also stinks on 2nd Amendment Rights and received an overall <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/5435/gonzalo-barrientos#.U0bWLVdWiMQ">"D" rating from both the TSRA and NRA</a>. Barrientos' ratings on Budget, Spending, and Tax issues ranges from a low of 5% to a high of 25%. I'd say he is pretty darn partisan, but gosh he sure seems to like Carlos Salinas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlR4tQ_S1iOsanBbGKiSZxGy5OQ_4kUalzo24_JSfwIHyiWZbxtE1vxeG13_8BKiUsDACLSJGMq3UO9tkTEHvq0FvQn6WyC_qSRVbIdolzwYReladj7zPW_GnKmR3BYE4xvTSfj2j-MXs/s1600/1011583_788065807889717_666134252_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlR4tQ_S1iOsanBbGKiSZxGy5OQ_4kUalzo24_JSfwIHyiWZbxtE1vxeG13_8BKiUsDACLSJGMq3UO9tkTEHvq0FvQn6WyC_qSRVbIdolzwYReladj7zPW_GnKmR3BYE4xvTSfj2j-MXs/s1600/1011583_788065807889717_666134252_n(1).jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Democrat Congressional Candidate Louie Minor<br /> drove down from Bell County to help Salinas. This<br />photo has now disappeared from Salinas' page.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Also helping out with the Carlos Salinas campaign is <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/shaking-up-texas-politics-gay-style-10162726.html">Democrat Congressional Candidate Louie Minor</a>. Mr. Minor joined the demonstrations in <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/02/hoes-before-embryos-the-pro-abortion-sign-that-says-it-all/">Austin</a> last year <a href="http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2014/01/27/abortion-rights-rally-draws-support-from-political-candidates">in support of late-term abortions</a>, and favors expanding the government takeover of healthcare. He is running against Round Rock's <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/49296/john-carter#.U0bhHFdWiMQ">Congressman John Carter </a>on the November 2014 ballot. These aren't exactly moderates showing up here to help Salinas.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, shortly after my post last week on how Salinas is benefiting from the $400,000, 5-year, interest-free loan he voted to give to a local developer, someone has 'scrubbed' Salinas' re-election page removing embarrassing photos like the one above of Louie Minor. The only photos available from last Saturday's fundraiser are of...the food. Now why wouldn't Salinas want everyone to know who his powerful friends are? <br />
<br />
Salinas is also a member of the <a href="http://www.nationaldmo.org/?page=About_DMO">Democrat Municipal Officials</a> association, a national group whose stated goals include building a "Democratic future," and "capitalizing on America's cities and towns as <b><i>laboratories</i></b> for policy innovation." (emphasis added.) The group also provides members with <a href="http://nationaldmo.site-ym.com/?page=Preemption_Toolbox">sample press releases and statements</a> that will make them <i>sound</i> reassuringly conservative to those pesky Republicans in their respective districts. According to the Democrat Municipal Officials' <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w-hmJxUOrU">promotional video</a>, as a member Salinas gets to network with other <a href="http://www.nationaldmo.org/?dmomonthapril2011">municipal</a> <a href="http://www.nationaldmo.org/?dmomonthmay2011">Democrats </a>from 'successful' cities like <a href="https://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/Newark-City-of-NJ-credit-rating-600025371">Newark</a> and <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/05/usa-chicago-bonds-idUSL1N0M201W20140305">Chicago</a>. <br />
<br />
Swell.<br />
<br />
The problem with these hardcore Democrats holding local 'non-partisan' seats is that local offices are the launching pad for higher office. In fact, the above-mentioned Democrat Municipal Officials video specifically states that they are teaching folks like Salinas to "run for other offices." You would think Round Rock residents would have learned their lesson after the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHXLQ-zT_TU&feature=channel">Diana Maldonado</a> disaster of 2008-09. Serving on the 'non-partisan' school board led to her election to the State House, where her pro-abortion, anti-business, pro-tax partisan stripes became painfully apparent.<br />
<br />
Democrat Carlos Salinas will face local businessman <a href="http://www.willpeckham.com/about-1.html">Will Peckham</a> in the <b>May 10 Election</b>. A Round Rock native, Peckham has been active in the community and unlike Salinas, isn't trying to fool anyone into thinking he's something he's not. He has served in many non-partisan <i>and</i> partisan roles on behalf of the Republican party. (Disclosure-He and I have been fellow delegates to the State GOP convention on several occasions.) Most recently, Will Peckham served as chairman of the Organization Committee at the Williamson County Republican Party Convention. <br />
<br />
Early Voting begins <b>Monday, April 28 and concludes on Tuesday, May 6.</b> Election Day is <b>Saturday, May 10</b>. The <a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/Elections/tabid/450/language/en-US/Default.aspx">Williamson County Elections website</a> has a full list of times and locations. <br />
<br />
Update: Apparently Democrat candidate for Williamson County Commissioner Tom Mowdy is assisting Salinas too: According to his campaign finance reports Mowdy donated $200 to the campaign. Another former Democrat candidate, <a href="http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/docs/salinas_coh2.pdf">Brig Mireles donated $300</a>. Again folks, don't let Salinas fool you- he is a committed Democrat. <br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-38733966061610617592014-04-11T04:19:00.002-07:002014-04-16T09:33:22.914-07:00Round Rock Councilman Salinas Violating Law With Sweetheart Deal? Updated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilU_m9gHT6TX4cQTL3hyphenhyphenbdhHPW5i7j6HdF4FlbjwRN4kH8WiK_8AoiAku9ACsuWgN8mH9o0q55HQqu0sQSQG432HwcCltjvJHFSvvYE_fS7jw-Hm8Qblw5dDu26Z495AnS7LlBr1DDQ0/s1600/Nelson+Building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilU_m9gHT6TX4cQTL3hyphenhyphenbdhHPW5i7j6HdF4FlbjwRN4kH8WiK_8AoiAku9ACsuWgN8mH9o0q55HQqu0sQSQG432HwcCltjvJHFSvvYE_fS7jw-Hm8Qblw5dDu26Z495AnS7LlBr1DDQ0/s1600/Nelson+Building.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Salinas Campaign Headquarters in the Historic Nelson Hardware
Building <br />whose owner received an interest-free loan from the city to purchase and</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i> is now leasing the space back to Salinas at an estimated 80% reduction from market value.</i></span></div>
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UPDATED: This post has been updated to include "Exhibit A." See bottom of page. <br />
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Although the City of Round Rock is notorious for <a href="http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/round-rock-pflugerville-hutto/council-races-uncontested-for-third-election-in-a-row/">canceling elections due to a literal lack of interest,</a> this year there are actually two contested seats on the city council. This is a good thing in that it invites citizens to scrutinize the activity of the council and its respective incumbents. It may, however, be a really, really bad thing for incumbent Councilman Carlos Salinas.<br />
<br />
Salinas has<i> </i>sat on the Round Rock City Council for some 9 years unchallenged and
appears to be benefiting from his position in a way that violates both city and state codes.<br />
<br />
According to official <a href="http://roundrock.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=roundrock_5efecb322cfb991289689522521a6c3e.pdf&view=1" target="_blank">City Council Meeting Minutes</a> from October 25, 2012, Councilman
Salinas (and other council members,) voted to approve a development agreement
[<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/217627645/Round-Rock-Nelson-Building-Resolution"><i>Resolution Number R-12-10-25-H3</i></a>] for the <a href="http://roundrock.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=11&clip_id=1098" target="_blank">City of Round Rock to provide a $400,000, 5-year, interest-free
loan to a local developer</a> in order to complete the purchase of the historic
Nelson Hardware Building. Supposedly this transaction was to further the City Council’s goal of making the “Main
Street area an authentic dining, entertainment and retail shopping destination
for local citizens and tourists alike.” While we can certainly argue the merits of government
choosing economic winners and losers in this way, there is an even more
disturbing aspect to this story.<br />
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Rather than an attractive new restaurant or shop, now it appears that the Nelson Building's main tenant is...Councilman Carlos Salinas. During the first week of March 2014, Councilman Salinas' re-election campaign began occupying ground floor space at 201 East Main Street. Since then, Salinas has held numerous campaign meetings and fundraisers with his out of town Democrat allies (like Travis County's <a href="http://www.kvue.com/news/Lawmakers-have-faced-DWI-trouble-in-Austin-before-198529811.html">Gonzalo Barrientos </a>and Democrat congressional candidate <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/shaking-up-texas-politics-gay-style-10162726.html">Louie Minor</a> of Bell County, who is running against Round Rock's John Carter.) <br />
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Is this the dynamic downtown development Round Rock taxpayers are supposed to be subsidizing?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ILrsinNW2FUk0Cki8dbEAlsKbHTFRW5JOKBar1N80nPEs49UQB939hCKtDsoKxl5QKCJ2sZfa-aMDO1Yw4BOE63D_gjjPHoXtJNOEssmWEembFAIgsVGMLTB-i3wDaosVNE9UFf4xAw/s1600/Salinas+Barrientos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ILrsinNW2FUk0Cki8dbEAlsKbHTFRW5JOKBar1N80nPEs49UQB939hCKtDsoKxl5QKCJ2sZfa-aMDO1Yw4BOE63D_gjjPHoXtJNOEssmWEembFAIgsVGMLTB-i3wDaosVNE9UFf4xAw/s1600/Salinas+Barrientos.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Re-Elect-Carlos-Salinas-for-Round-Rock-City-Council-Seat-4/782645215098443">Salinas' website</a> of Austin Democrat former State Senator <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/5435/gonzalo-barrientos#.U0RoVFdWiMQ"><br />Gonzalo Barrientos</a> with Councilman and Mrs. Salinas in Round Rock.</i></div>
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The real kicker is that, according to Salinas' financial reports, he is 'renting' the Nelson Building space for a<b> <a href="http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/home/index.asp?page=1858">mere $1,000 per month</a></b>. Based on the advertised price of the lease space and estimates by local brokers, the market value for this location is estimated to be approximately <b>$5,500 a month</b>, making this a sweet $4,500 monthly financial benefit for Salinas.<br />
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Not only does this apparent 'gift' seem unethical, it is also clearly <i><b>illegal.</b></i> <br />
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Such a gift would be in violation of Section 2-118(a)(2) of the City of Round Rock Code of Ordinances, which states:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>Gifts</i></b>. <i>No city official shall intentionally or
knowingly solicit or accept any contribution, gift or economic benefit with
actual or constructive knowledge that is given in consideration of the favorable
exercise of such official’s judgment or discretion in the past.</i></blockquote>
Even more serious than the city ordinance is Councilman Salinas' possible violation of state statutes, specifically <a href="http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.39.htm">Section 39.02(7) of the Texas Penal Code</a>, which states:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>An offense...is a felony of the first degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $200,000.00 or more.</i> </blockquote>
Salinas voted for the <a href="http://roundrock.granicus.com/wordlinkreceiver.php?clip_id=f2fb0b87-aa4d-4e4c-ae15-1ab975789971&meta_id=3a20c5c3-ccc0-4ba7-9591-af65dfdd6fcd&time=4492">$400,000 interest-free loan</a>, and therefore cannot claim he did not know about the agreement with the city. Since a campaign office is clearly not a part of the original development agreement, Salinas could be guilty of official misuse of city subsidized property. Legally speaking, some $400,000 of that building is government property, which would make abuse of the building <i>a <a href="http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.39.htm">first degree felony</a>. </i><br />
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Councilman Salinas’s use of the Nelson Building does suggest an abuse of the
city development agreement’s intent and stated purpose, which violates both City
Ethics and State Abuse of Official Capacity laws. Furthermore, Councilman
Salinas’s below market lease rate could constitute an illegal gift, which violates
both City Ethics and State Abuse of Official Capacity laws.<br />
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If you’d like to go see the Nelson building and the benefits of incumbency
for yourself, Mr. Salinas is holding a fundraiser in his totally awesome taxpayer-subsidized digs <i><b>this</b></i> <b>Saturday, April 12 from
11:30-3:00pm.</b> (201 East Main Street) Admission is only $10, unless of course you're counting your taxpayer-funded loan to the owner.<br />
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This entire situation demonstrates the importance of holding elections, vetting candidates, and electing
individuals who aren’t afraid to ask questions. Our local leaders manage
huge amounts of money and wield tremendous power over the community. The last
thing we need are a bunch of officials sitting around a dais holding hands and
singing Kumbaya instead of delving into the implications of their decisions. As the recent arrests of <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-yee-sf-crime-figure-arrested-corruption-raids-fbi-20140326,0,6304631.story#axzz2yVKcSOsq">Leland Yee</a>, <a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/04/10/4831665/fbi-seized-gun-and-cash-from-charlotte.html">Patrick Cannon</a>, and <span id="goog_1604805571"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Ron Calderon<span id="goog_1604805572"></span></a> demonstrate, corruption is rife in politics.
It’s time to start paying attention to your local government and local
elections. Now.<br />
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This year Salinas has a worthy challenger in Will Peckham. A local small business owner, Peckham has long been active in the community and has served in a variety of volunteer and leadership roles. His <a href="http://www.willpeckham.com/home.html">campaign website is here</a>. <br />
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Early Voting begins <b>Monday, April 28 and concludes on Tuesday, May 6.</b> Election Day is <b>Saturday, May 10</b>. The <a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/Elections/tabid/450/language/en-US/Default.aspx">Williamson County Elections website</a> has a full list of times and locations. <br />
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<b>Update:</b> In my original posting, I left off the below document: "Exhibit A," which details the problematic agreement between the City of Round Rock and"Lewis". I do not know if other developers were invited to apply for this 'super special' loan. <br />
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Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-2830022140738894762014-01-28T09:16:00.000-08:002014-10-07T10:48:40.767-07:00Matt Stillwell's Bizarre Report to RRISD Board in QuestionIn the Fall of 2012, I wrote about how the Round Rock Independent School District had run afoul of the law in the way it was 'handling' the <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/10/about-that-formal-recommendation-to.html" target="_blank">School Health Advisory Council, or SHAC</a>. At that time, an attempt was made to alter the district's sex education curriculum without following state-proscribed procedures. The RRISD board was forced to dissolve the illegal SHAC and create a new one, which has been <a href="http://www.roundrockisd.org/about_r_r_i_s_d/citizens__committees/school_health_advisory_council/" target="_blank">meeting since February 2013</a>. In accordance with the law this time, RRISD Trustees and the Administration appointed volunteers to serve.<br />
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One such appointee is our <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/09/heartache-matt-stillwell-not-native.html" target="_blank">old friend Matt Stillwell</a>; the perennial candidate who claimed he wasn't a liberal when he ran for <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-all-wrong-reasons.html" target="_blank">school board</a> in 2011 but proudly claimed to be a liberal when he ran for <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2012/09/matt-wants-higher-gas-taxes-do-you.html" target="_blank">State Representative in 2012</a>. (He is now running for Austin City Council in the newly-created <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:%2F%2Faustinredistricting.org%2FFinal%2Fab9Plan1120.kmz&hl=en&sll=30.2961,-97.732971&sspn=0.608281,1.014862&t=h&z=10" target="_blank">District 6</a>). Appointed by Trustee Diane Cox, Stillwell was elected chair of the RRISD SHAC in a curious chain of events that seems to have allowed election before the approval of the SHAC bylaws. In early 2013, it appeared that Stillwell would have firm control of the RRISD SHAC. <br />
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However, later in the year, the SHAC vice-chair resigned, and the committee was called upon to elect a replacement. At the November 12, 2013 SHAC meeting, Stillwell's favored candidate lost the election to Kyle Swartz. Apparently this was very upsetting for Mr. Stillwell, because he subsequently appeared at the November meeting of the RRISD Board to give an unofficial 'report' to the Trustees. In his report (<a href="http://roundrockisd.org/about_r_r_i_s_d/live_streams_and_archived_video" target="_blank">video of which can be viewed here</a>,) an emotional Stillwell complained that his committee can't accomplish anything because the meetings are <i>so</i> contentious. At times almost tearful, he implies that certain SHAC members are just mean trouble-makers because they dared to ask the vice-chair candidates about their respective philosophy regarding SHAC issues. At the Board meeting Stillwell very nearly received permission from the board to remove members of the committee (which seems a clear violation of <a href="http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.28.htm#28.004" target="_blank">state law regarding SHAC composition</a>.) <br />
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Following Stillwell's controversial 'report' to the board, it seems that his committee members were not in agreement with his statements; the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2y3YTH_krHldGJxMmxKZWFLQlk/edit" target="_blank">approved minutes of the November SHAC</a> meeting convey a different story, as does a letter sent to the board by Vice-Chair Kyle Swartz, the latter of which is available to the public via open records, (<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/202836671/Redacted-Documents-Released-by-RRISD-L" target="_blank">you can see what RRISD sent me <b>here</b></a>.)<br />
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In his letter Mr. Swartz states that SHAC Executive Committee members were <i>not</i> given prior notification of Stillwell's report, were <i>not</i> asked to help prepare the report, and were <i>not</i> invited to attend the Board meeting. He also notes that the SHAC had discussed and progressed on a number of key items, including those related to the sex education curriculum. More importantly, Swartz states:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Mr. Stillwell indicated the Vice-Chair candidate was asked about their stance on abortion. <b>This is false</b>. The question was, if the candidate felt that a Christian curriculum provider is unacceptable, would the candidate feel there would be a conflict of interest if an abortion provider, or affiliate, provided human sexuality curriculum or instruction. </i>(Emphasis added.)</blockquote>
Perhaps what Mr. Stillwell is really upset about is that he is not able to control the SHAC and implement his agenda. According to his 2012 campaign website, he was affiliated with the Texas Freedom Network, which <a href="http://www.tfn.org/site/PageServer?pagename=involved_activist_tools_SHAC" target="_blank">teaches volunteers to advocate for radical sex education</a>. Despite the agitation from TFN, note this significant statement in the November RRISD SHAC meeting minutes:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Discussion focused on who is asking for changes to the curriculum. The Trustees are not asking for changes to the curriculum. Parents are not asking for changes to the curriculum. Georgetown is asking RRISD what we are doing because statistics are so good. Question was raised as to where the call for a change is coming from.Member pointed out that perhaps we don’t need to change the curriculum but make changes to the execution.</i></blockquote>
Regardless of his possible agenda, clearly Stillwell is not particularly adept at providing leadership to his committee. It appears that when the November SHAC meeting didn’t go his way, he sought to
have the board of trustees aid him in circumventing both state law and the
bylaws of the committee. Had he been successful, RRISD would have found itself
embroiled in yet another controversy and this time with more serious legal
implications. Now it seems that Stillwell, along with Board President <a href="http://www.tfn.org/site/DocServer/TFN_Winter_06_web_final.pdf?docID=324" target="_blank">Catherine Hanna</a> (also a <a href="http://www.tfn.org/site/DocServer/TFN_Winter_06_web_final.pdf?docID=324" target="_blank">TFN volunteer</a>,) and <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2011/01/good-news-more-elections-coming.html" target="_blank">Diane Cox</a>, have fed their version of the story to the <a href="http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local/round-rock-school-districts-sex-ed-curriculum-caus/nc4cc/?icmp=statesman_internallink_textlink_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch" target="_blank">Austin American Statesman</a>. Citizens should be sure to read the <a href="http://www.roundrockisd.org/about_r_r_i_s_d/citizens__committees/school_health_advisory_council/?portalId=32799&pageId=148602&objectId.256764=1963049&contextId.256764=1961828" target="_blank"><i><b>official</b></i> posted meeting minutes</a> as well as <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/202836671/Redacted-Documents-Released-by-RRISD-L" target="_blank">Kyle Swartz' letter</a> so that they will have all of the relevant information on this situation.<br />
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Update: Wow, so much interest in this story and messages wondering who besides Mr. Stillwell is running for Austin City Council District 6. Check out <a href="http://www.jaywileyforaustin.com/meet_jay">Jay Wiley & his website here</a>. Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-5307633699318777362014-01-07T12:31:00.000-08:002014-02-15T13:12:56.302-08:00Nouveau Republicans: Agricultural Comissioner Edition: UpdatedWhile we love to welcome converts to political Right, it is always a good idea to question the sincerity of new candidates who 'suddenly' became Republicans. It is common in Texas and more conservative counties like Williamson to find a number of 'newbies' filing to run in the GOP Primary; unfortunately, it seems that some of these nouveau Republicans are less than enthusiastic about the party platform.<br />
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One contest drawing concern is that for Texas Agricultural Commissioner. Four 'Republicans' have filed: J Carnes, <a href="http://www.tommymerritt.com/" target="_blank">Tommy Merritt</a>, <a href="http://www.ericopiela.com/" target="_blank">Eric Opiela</a>, and <a href="http://www.millerfortexas.com/" target="_blank">Sid Miller</a>. Opiela just received the endorsement of the <a href="http://ericopiela.com/texas-alliance-for-life-endorses-opiela/" target="_blank">Texas Alliance for Life PAC</a>, Miller is a State Rep with some good conservative credentials, and Merritt is also a former GOP State Rep, but hasn't gotten much love from conservatives, and up until last Fall it was <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/2013/10/18/tommy-merritt-run-ag-commissioner/" target="_blank">rumored</a> he might run on the Democrat ticket. <br />
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Uvalde Mayor <a href="https://jcarnesfortexas.com/" target="_blank">J Allen Carnes</a> is a bigger problem. According to his voting records, he voted in the Democrat Primary in 2008 (Hillary or Obama?) and in 2010 (<a href="http://www.texasgop.org/icymi-bill-white-is-open-to-tax-hikes-private-property-seizures/" target="_blank">Bill White</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-OrvhE4ORw" target="_blank">Farouk Shami</a>?) only switching to the Republican Primary in 2012. Carnes has also donated to Texas Democrats <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/5505/pete-gallego#.Usxb_7SbiV4" target="_blank">Pete Gallego</a>, <a href="http://votesmart.org/bill/10637/29181/5486/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act#.Usxcq7SbiV4" target="_blank">Henry Cuellar</a>, and <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/16389/ciro-rodriguez/38/health-and-health-care#.UsxdArSbiV4" target="_blank">Ciro Rodriguez</a>. Unsurprisingly, Carnes has been <a href="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/texas-politics/2013/12/republican-candidate-for-texas-agricultural-commissioner-talks-industry-growth/" target="_blank">reluctant</a> to discuss issues important to key Republican voters like, abortion or Obamacare.<br />
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For those of you who naively argue that the Ag Commissioner (or <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/12/wilco-primary-update-republicans-who.html" target="_blank">Williamson County Treasurer</a>) won't have anything to do with most GOP platform issues, don't be stupid. Every elected office is a potential launch pad for higher office. Why should we care about the political philosophy of the Agricultural Commissioner? Because <a href="http://governor.state.tx.us/about/" target="_blank"><i>Rick Perry</i></a>. Yes, another party switcher, but one that proved to be sincere. I'm not seeing such sincerity from Mr. Carnes at this point. The last thing we need right now is a bunch of <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/12/why-it-matters.html" target="_blank">wishy-washy Republicans</a> who can't be counted on to stand strong for core values.<br />
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I haven't endorsed anyone, but I'm a definite "no" on J Allen Carnes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u4ktkOMP1pP7dS1qnRFpwBdTXuFQdoG92XbQzhZpvggENlIxL5i3WD8DxT11MSXYTkB-sNbXT56C7Xsqf19Xg7nM_zupxlLTtlyuBNYUftw9tbZ1q3nLWEAIBukq4u_XcPkcwmlypmg/s1600/mauricephoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u4ktkOMP1pP7dS1qnRFpwBdTXuFQdoG92XbQzhZpvggENlIxL5i3WD8DxT11MSXYTkB-sNbXT56C7Xsqf19Xg7nM_zupxlLTtlyuBNYUftw9tbZ1q3nLWEAIBukq4u_XcPkcwmlypmg/s1600/mauricephoto.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jeff Maurice in 2010- another party-switcher for a season. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ran as a Republican for County Attorney in 2012.</i><br />
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<i><b>UPDATE: </b></i>Oh dear, while this was not intended as an endorsement piece, some have interpreted my choice of words as downplaying Sid Miller's credentials. This was completely unintended. For those unaware, Miller has been endorsed by several groups, including Texas Right to Life, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, and the Young Conservatives of Texas. And of course, Miller has garnered the essential <a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tednugent/heybaby.html" target="_blank">Ted Nugent </a>vote too. <i> </i>Rock on.<br />
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<i><b>UPDATE: </b></i> And Tallion Taylor, "Republican" for Judge of the Williamson County Court at Law #3 is also a 'recent convert' with no evidence to suggest he much cares for Conservative principles. Stick with <a href="http://keepjudgearnold.com/">Doug Arnold</a> on this one.</div>
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Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-47897611009828334402013-12-12T10:08:00.000-08:002013-12-14T11:20:59.417-08:00Williamson County GOP Primary UpdateThe filing period for the 2014 Elections closed this week, and we have an interesting assortment of GOP candidates in <a href="http://www.williamsoncountygop.org/2013/10/2014-regionallocal-williamson-county-republican-party-primary-candidates/#more-2853" target="_blank">Williamson County</a>. Some qualified, some trying to use shiny Red Herrings as qualifications, and some might have filed with the wrong party?<br />
<br />
Here's a <i>quick</i> run down:<br />
<br />
Judge <a href="http://www.mathewsforjudge.com/about-stacey.html" target="_blank">Stacey Mathews</a>, newly appointed by the Governor to replace disgraced Judge Ken Anderson , has been challenged by <a href="http://voteryanlarson.com/" target="_blank">Ryan Larson</a>.<br />
<br />
Judge <a href="http://www.rickforjudge.com/" target="_blank">Rick Kennon</a>, newly appointed by Governor Perry to fill Judge Burt Carnes' unexpired term, is being challenged by Donna King.<br />
<br />
County Court at Law <a href="http://keepjudgearnold.com/about-judge-arnold/" target="_blank">Judge Doug Arnold</a> has been challenged by GOP newcomer <a href="http://rippytaylor.com/attorneys/tallion-taylor/" target="_blank">Tallion Taylor </a>(Taylor used to vote Democrat, but recently switched to the Republican party). <br />
<br />
Three candidates have filed to replace retiring Williamson County Treasurer Vivian Wood: Leander City Councilwoman <a href="http://michellcantwell.com/web/" target="_blank">Michell Cantwell</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jerri-Jones-for-Williamson-County-Treasurer/1377549019147579" target="_blank">Jerri Jones</a>, and Ralph Pruyn. As I've previously written, <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/12/wilco-primary-update-republicans-who.html" target="_blank">Jones is an alleged Republican</a> who publicly supported a Democrat for District Attorney in 2012. (Yes, <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/12/why-it-matters.html" target="_blank">I have a problem with this</a>.)<br />
<br />
Williamson County Commissioner, Pct. 2 <a href="http://www.cynthialong.com/about.html" target="_blank">Cynthia Long</a> has been challenged by unknown Michael Sorenson. <br />
<br />
Williamson County Commissioner, Pct. 4 <a href="http://www.ronmorrison.com/" target="_blank">Ron Morrison</a> has been challenged by Round Rock attorney <a href="http://rickguzmanlaw.com/" target="_blank">Rick Guzman</a>. (Unrelated I know, but the latter is married to Round Rock author <a href="http://www.lilaguzman.com/" target="_blank">Lila Guzman</a> who writes good stuff for junior readers.)<br />
<br />
Entertainingly enough, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 <a href="http://billforjudge.com/" target="_blank">Bill Gravell</a> is being challenged by <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/06/williamson-county-commissioners-court.html" target="_blank">Robert Lloyd</a>. Lloyd is suing Williamson County because he doesn't think it fair that he was asked questions about his political philosophy when seeking a political appointment to a political office. Not sure Mr. Lloyd has filed with the correct party... pass the popcorn on this one. <br />
<br />
Pct. 3 Constable Kevin Stofle will face <a href="http://www.jeffeckert.org/" target="_blank">Jeff Eckert</a>.<br />
<br />
County Surveyor Joe Baker is challenged by Shane Shafer. <br />
<br />
Unopposed:<br />
Congressman John Carter (HD-31)<br />
State Senator Charles Schwertner<br />
State Reps Marsha Farney (HD-20), Larry Gonzales (HD-52), and Tony Dale (HD-136).<br />
Chief Justice, Third Court of Appeals Jeff Rose<br />
County Judge Dan Gattis<br />
County Court at Law Judges Suzanne Brooks, Tim Wright, and John McMaster<br />
District Clerk Lisa David<br />
County Clerk Nancy Rister<br />
Justices of the Peace Dain Johnson, Edna Staudt, and Judy Hobbs<br />
<br />
Will try to provide readers with more information after the holidays.<br />
<br />
<i>Updated on December 14 to link to Stacey Mathews' (one "T"!)</i> <i>website and to correct Pct 3 Constable (It's "Kevin," not "Ken"). </i>Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-43703179089885784862013-12-05T11:31:00.000-08:002013-12-05T11:31:04.430-08:00Attorney Who Bankrolled Williamson County Democrats Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonAustin attorney Marc Rosenthal, who was <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/03/donor-to-williamson-county-democrats_5.html" target="_blank">convicted</a> on charges relating to racketeering, conspiracy, bribery, extortion, tampering, and mail fraud last March, has been sentenced to t<a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/news/austin-lawyer-gets-20-years-in-racketeering-case/nb99c/" target="_blank">wenty years in prison</a>. Prior to his <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2011/08/major-donor-to-wilco-democrat-arrested.html" target="_blank">2011 arrest</a>, Rosenthal played a prominent role in funding Democrat candidates in Williamson County. <br />
<br />
In both 2008 and 2010, Rosenthal gave generously to State Representative Diana Maldonado (HD-52) and other Democrats. According to T<a href="http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/main/search.htm" target="_blank">exas Ethics Commission</a> reports, Maldonado received $51,000 in cash and another $7,000 in "air travel." Allegedly, the latter consisted of Ms. Maldonado's use of Rosenthal's private jet. (Although Texas District 52 is entirely contained within Williamson County). <br />
<br />
Maldonado eked out a win in 2008, partially due to support from naive Round Rock "Republicans" who ignored her liberalism because they thought that she would represent their geopolitical interests. After a <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2010/09/representative-diana-maldonado-voters.html" target="_blank">disastrous</a> single term, Maldonado was soundly defeated in 2010 by Republican Larry Gonzales. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately for local Democrats, Rosenthal won't be able to fund any campaigns for quite some time. <br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-8449395121730297442013-12-04T05:15:00.000-08:002014-02-15T13:16:33.769-08:00Why It MattersThroughout my years of political activism, I have been challenged by those who do not believe the core principles I cherish have anything to do with certain political offices. Yesterday I wrote of my concerns over <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/12/wilco-primary-update-republicans-who.html" target="_blank">Jerri Jones' 2012 support of Democrat candidate Ken Crain</a> for District Attorney. One reader asked me if it really mattered since the Williamson County DA wouldn't be prosecuting any abortionists. I do not condemn this question; it is legitimate, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to address it.<br />
<br />
True core principles and beliefs are not those which can be kept in isolation. I do not pull out my views on unborn children only in cases involving abortionists. The belief that parental rights supersede government rights must by nature permeate school board decisions. Principles of private property rights vs neo-marxist collectivism are at war in our courts constantly. These things cannot be set aside for only the 'big' cases, but play a role in every decision. <br />
<br />
That is not to say that every Republican adheres to these core principles either. There is no shortage of Machiavellian Republicans who are more than willing to set aside core conservative principles in favor of crony capitalism, patrician socialism, or a warped sense of geopolitics. (Like those who want to make sure that all our district's elected officials are from Round Rock, core beliefs be damned- see the 2008 race for State House District 52 where local "Republicans" supported liberal, pro-abortion Diana Maldonado because she was from Round Rock while the Republican Bryan Daniel was from Georgetown.)<br />
<br />
Yes, there are times when we do not like the GOP nominee, but does that mean we then actively work to elect someone who has adhered to the Democrat Party's values?<br />
<br />
Consider:<br />
<ul>
<li>Parental Rights vs Government Rights over our children,</li>
<li>2nd Amendment Rights vs citizens without the power to protect themselves,</li>
<li>Right to Life vs least costly option,</li>
<li>Property Rights vs Government Management of private property,</li>
<li>etc., etc., ad naseum. </li>
</ul>
<br />
On any given day, one or more of these issues will be at play in the courts, even those small courts right around the corner. No, not all Republican office holders will always adhere to conservative core principles, and they must be held accountable. But the 21st Century Democrat Party worldview is destroying this country already, and we must hold the lines where we are able. <br />
<br />
UPDATE: You can also add Tallion Taylor to your list of 'moles' on the Williamson County GOP ticket: Taylor has traditionally voted Democrat & recently switched parties. There is zero evidence to suggest that he is conservative. Stick with <a href="http://keepjudgearnold.com/">Judge Doug Arnold</a> on this one. Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-12784653636161991612013-12-02T18:33:00.001-08:002013-12-02T19:23:31.274-08:00Wilco Primary Update: "Republicans" Who Work For DemocratsIn a relatively conservative area like Williamson County, sometimes potential
candidates feel that they can only win if they run on the Republican ticket.
However, <i>filing</i> as a Republican is not the same thing as actually
embracing a conservative philosophy. Therefore when we are evaluating our GOP
Primary candidates, it is important to look beyond the standard campaign lingo.
Unfortunately, among the declared candidates for the Williamson County GOP
Primary, there are a few problems.<br />
<br />
For the contest to replace retiring County Treasurer Vivian Wood, there are
two candidates: <a href="http://michellcantwell.com/web/" target="_blank">Michell
Cantwell</a> of Leander and <a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/news/opinion/the-voter-id-debate-williamson-politics-government/nRpP3/" target="_blank">Jerri Jones</a> of Georgetown. Cantwell has served on the Leander
City Council since 2003, and has been an active member of several local
Republican and Conservative Groups. There is little question of her commitment
to conservative principles.<br />
<br />
Jerri Jones is retired from the Marine Corps (Lt. Col.) and lives in
Georgetown. Although a member of the Georgetown Area Republican Women, Jones
has been less than committed to her fellow Republicans. In the 2012 election
cycle, Jones seemed <a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/news/opinion/the-voter-id-debate-williamson-politics-government/nRpP3/" target="_blank">a little bitter</a> about the Primary results and publicly
supported <a href="http://wilcodemocrats.org/2012/09/an-open-letter-from-ken-crain/" target="_blank">Democrat Ken Crain</a> for District Attorney, and, according to <a href="http://www.wilco.org/Portals/0/Departments/Elections/CampaignFinance/Crain_Kenneth/Crain_Kenneth_20120716.pdf" target="_blank">campaign finance reports</a> even made a $100 donation to
Crain.<br />
<br />
While voter participation in general elections runs at about 60%, less than
30% vote in Primary elections, and many local elections see less than 10%
turnout. The percentage of those who actually make a <i>campaign contribution</i> is
probably less than 1%. This is a passionate supporter indeed.<br />
<br />
Now there have been times that I have been disappointed in the results of a
Primary race, and I have quietly refused to vote for a particularly nasty
Republican. However, I cannot imagine publicly <i>and</i> financially
supporting any Democrat candidate, unless he/she were pro-life, pro-family,
pro-Second Amendment, and fiscally conservative, which means, basically,
<i><b>never</b></i>.<br />
<br />
That Jerri Jones would go so far as to support a Democrat in this way is very
troubling. I’m sure she is a lovely person, but the political implications are
too much. <i><b>Jones actively worked to elect a Democrat to a powerful
county-wide office.</b></i> Either she believed in Ken Crain’s liberal
Democrat message or she was feeling very spiteful and vindictive over the
results of the primary. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for her prospects as a
Republican leader in Williamson County. Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-59671346391284830122013-11-18T14:06:00.001-08:002013-11-18T14:06:13.223-08:00Leander ISD Truly A Poster Child for Bad CAB Debt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GIFRhULwctkCbOXooZvgVATeJYcBTJd9WQf0ItNwPn48OrlOkOYokrS0mCb-Ga8gEddBH9VE51Drs0PajKIutX7jfx432xFqE4SX5FejEjGHnwBxCsL9OG3ivwrfQ9NZQWOEaMKfezI/s1600/TPSF+presentation+to+SBOE+7_31_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GIFRhULwctkCbOXooZvgVATeJYcBTJd9WQf0ItNwPn48OrlOkOYokrS0mCb-Ga8gEddBH9VE51Drs0PajKIutX7jfx432xFqE4SX5FejEjGHnwBxCsL9OG3ivwrfQ9NZQWOEaMKfezI/s400/TPSF+presentation+to+SBOE+7_31_2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and this chart from the Texas Permanent School Fund certainly tells a horror story. The PSF, which included this slide in a presentation to the State Board of Education earlier this year, does try to downplay the danger of school debt, but it's really hard to spin a chart like this. <br />
<br />
Not only does Leander have over <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/09/leander-isd-doubles-down-on-debt.html" target="_blank">$2.7 billion</a>, repeat BILLION, in debt, school district officials continue to exploit controversial Capital Appreciation Bonds which defer payments for anywhere from 15 to 40 years while massively increasing total payback. Irresponsible CAB borrowing has been banned in other states, and by certain local governments including the City of Cedar Park and Williamson County. <br />
<br />
Furthermore, while LISD officials keep whining that 'everyone is doing it,' the chart above shows that no one is 'doing it' like Leander. <br />
<br />
For those of you on Facebook, check out the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MacKayForLISD?ft[tn]=P%3A&ft[qid]=5947721870913989149&ft[mf_story_key]=-3602808052065757866&ft[ei]=AQKOaBib8EgfFrzn52kqCpWRsrGgjENU6g8VF6L1zGIZszrkwB97wwxf1KX5t_x6ZL_8IFp30jXdgzywN6aTe_CKe3jXhpz7ZwlnU61OVcx4tJBup5NF5FHBnZ6e9cL21n3FGq0BI_eiTe8WyDoM2Vi76EG_gaEk9S9zxm1D7knTB7KOBFRQ4P6DMCh0Tw5QmBfDP_-GMxR_KAIcdruSH5PlVTLZ-83fZrTc8g_ijV8O6RA3WUf3o0v5HqMz8RCNsrldiQeh4tz4CPBjHTyNyFSsuEvdfumthgBeHZEjKZNeU_nE-eCM3mhcKOohAyCfqAttRh8xdYQ1TrJuWCeOtIR2qFuK6G0MQ9y6d7ZCToZxaWpQxXSrg1yGWiQFHwYZ7yIf4E8BiUCeP64XGLfTT3EtE4f98OVt_4jDWLhATN0q7JTsu2juoOfNUPN_nrAgpn9cvW4lrigoMlbfNm-uxCDAnHFBts0qI9UtrQJoUCFx0j54rshX5m2dtFs6Ceqpm9KRsXL7UIjbzc9I1JvDzWSuOzpa8VXh2aOF25Q1eCpLcM8pWW5jvVuDz_ZYsuMc2IA8oc46TwijWGou7aYPZomXmTIWaNqo5fQH-qOl4AGLH0Af0EIadyeI5-BI5cHdywY5ISFaQP7wV0t-JKxGD1JpEz71LoxCMOpwIalVn5fJ7WgbePqg9GXINi_RW7oGGiuCD-ryX5wGZK8Ol9xb7FwgYfhJ6VgZHSnBSUTcKvF7eNbYqkMV3vD1LS0gLjT9EO4KLWjjQdkqyiZddbqfaMLUossd-MoVtKdiG8DprJcZzRdTbUgDTrNIfQXdkIFxdmxxifKoFsSdzl_43_lxYIa18PaCi2GZHQ6cbZgl7PP7lryP0Qy-TiHIoFir-JMBA4lhShODdNwBpO5QWqzY0Pw_KIk0hVq2j4kWdK9rqMfZTdg_fdbEF7qGUHskCxcJJQOY7eQ5UJMJq405PMja-L1I2ixmPs7-ULFsvaY-ThA40qItKpIeVTropFU2e8r6tjVKCzN7vYo570fN53fvzHG9N6o-woOlo3beuqaDsW13MWH7nd8zJoLH0rcZEn2mSd4xhVztL2jn6buAn0jPdG-lSU99T8udGrPto1n0kJHbPqYkFB0kFScN1KQgiXk8kvuYh7B_dnTNpgGsZYLgurS0XLuQelwPR37PeFptbVPQZe0iDTkP7TLTFORwGMpJORZiV5njvbPS66DUDwVqmr0IPBWGZowAITeVNwXVlveVhteKxHe7UnCWiWi0dVtI0v9v3qnXILC1IrnWN1I1F3BBtXTzKMCeE1XkHTFPONHcbPhFhu6TOpKhp79p8UQU_LAnOeLJZ57vY0t2wKLPm-OetvgWm6PQQkJ7IA84a-dWr8f4Wd8aOY0-mAA40nCOxfIH-mWxtS4dg3Ok0RU-qb3_ioWNCI7sbtTfq9iJl7nLPMcaJ9vo00ldeyL-93_7X66cjsH3pUxt-uoGlzmhQvg-oT3UDMTtHpLK4uWYNr0sdFHkguiVyqCpe0cVzFf9s_rFX4G1GcJpByyZ94ulpx7qEOJP2bTADiv4SxaYn9_iW2hHfyUFvSL7f2gLRoBFyHNvxXGj8v9-12FGh6xc4WSV6nq_6jpf-8k_3mttjgWVHNENcojRFzw2RVg26zv7HyKrMU4LTnIJKFE78CLWwNGiH1B3Hp3DXFfbQhJWbr3Pel7LuwqoU28Jeu-5N46t13QJR1FG8XOAUFFhjZxL5L9tHLIbl3pXqpxDBqoBzGLxAzxWpWdWmEM6PNlvmXTQdn8sSLstIsPk9zpRdKRefCaJGWe7fZ3XSHbq1Fu1XFKa19Mddf3Clhudxmkpd_A5Wcx9qHsMzsSBJdWIbVm3X5K_qxL5TS96yCw2ljZ51BtWuXbszwWzSIhbkah7a3p6L75Ly5Q55y0KL6hCV1pCqtpp-GFx9-XoXurxvPIT7oAfUi6g2DuDmZQxwdptNi-ak7vJKcAnTxoU61n-prJPiqlEo8SHMO8479hZZCQr0qY0VMBlqLBlBEJRx_pJqCYy8tWrzXn7koMDr_O6wCunYfsvjIiEnkMsZMGlGjm8lPydjQ&__md__=1" target="_blank">On Board With Leander ISD - Information and Analysis</a>" page. The administrators are working to educate the community on the problem and have been posting relevant information. <br />
<br />
More media outlets are beginning to notice the Leander ISD problem, and Mark Lisheron at Watchdog.org has written a great piece <i><b><a href="http://watchdog.org/114596/texas-schools-pass-debt-next-generation/" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></i>I've been trying to raise awareness for years, but Mark's article is excellent- a must read not only for Leander residents, but every citizen in the State of Texas. <br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-47660676851438454842013-11-14T12:17:00.000-08:002013-11-15T11:25:31.409-08:00Round Rock ISD Turns To Harlingen CISD for Leadership GuidanceLast month Round Rock ISD Trustee Brian Sellers joined that vast club of politicians who have suddenly discovered they "want to spend more time with family," and resigned without fulfilling the elected term of office. Sellers' abrupt and unexpected resignation gave the existing trustees the power to appoint a replacement without voter input, and this week they chose newcomer<a href="http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/northwest-austin/round-rock-isd-selects-claudio/" target="_blank"> Claudio Cruz, </a>who works for Austin ISD.<br />
<br />
Some members of the board were very excited about Mr. Cruz since he has experience in passing bonds and, like both the former and current Superintendent, he also hails from Harlingen CISD. I have been inundated with emails and phone calls asking me if I can shed any light on what the fascination may be with Harlingen, but I'm afraid I've got nothing. I'm sure Harlingen has a lovely school system, but if the Round Rock folks are looking for a successful program to emulate I'm not sure why they would recruit from a district with <a href="http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2013/srch.html?srch=D" target="_blank">student achievement scores</a> some 17 points below ours. (RRISD received a score of 88; HCISD received a 71) Maybe <a href="http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/statesub.php?year=2012&fips=48061&f=0&off=0&elect=0" target="_blank">this</a> has something to do with it?<br />
<br />
It is unclear as to how long Mr. Cruz has been in Round Rock, but surely he knew Superintendent Steve Flores back in Harlingen? <br />
<br />
Next year, the Round Rock board will be trying to convince voters to approve a bond package, so get ready for the so-called "Citizen" bond committee. And oh, by the way, this week four of the board members voted against any transparency or 'conflict of interest' policies for the 'citizen' bond committee members, so expect plenty of business as usual. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-8757821938598268572013-10-18T06:36:00.001-07:002013-10-18T06:36:39.557-07:00Combs Endorses Hegar for ComptrollerThus far the GOP candidates for Texas Comptroller are State Senator <a href="http://www.hegar.senate.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">Glenn Hegar</a>, State Representative Harvey Hilderbran, former State Representative Raul Torres, and Debra Medina. This morning, however, current Comptroller Susan Combs announced her endorsement of Hegar. <br />
<br />
Combs has been very popular with fiscal Conservatives and has worked very hard to educate the public about our growing local <a href="http://www.window.state.tx.us/news2013/130903-debt.html" target="_blank">government debt</a> issues. I'd say this endorsement is <b><i>huge</i></b>.<br />
<br />
Here's the press release from the <a href="http://www.glennhegar.com/" target="_blank">Hegar campaign</a>:<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i>Texas Comptroller Susan Combs Endorses Glenn Hegar for Comptroller</i></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></i></div>
<i>
</i><i>San Antonio, Texas - Calling him a "man of conservative principles," Texas
Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs today endorsed State Senator Glenn
Hegar in his Republican Primary race for Texas State Comptroller.<br /></i><br />
<i>
</i><i>"I've known Glenn Hegar for many years. He is a man of conservative
principles, strong values and great integrity. He loves his state and nation
and I trust him to help lead Texas as our next Comptroller," Combs said. "Glenn
is a fighter, and has a proven track record of reducing government
inefficiencies and saving taxpayer dollars. He understands that business is the
engine of our economy and he is committed to keeping it strong. I hope my
fellow Texans will join me in supporting my friend, Glenn Hegar."<br /></i><br />
<i>
</i><i>Combs made the announcement this morning at a breakfast event of
republican leaders at the Texas Federation of Republican Women Convention in
San Antonio.<br /></i><br />
<i>
</i><i>"Susan Combs is a bold leader and has had an
enormous impact on Texas. She has helped us create an economy equal to none in
the country and has worked tirelessly for the citizens of Texas," commented
Hegar. "I'm honored that she supports my candidacy and will faithfully carry on
her legacy of transparency and government accountability if elected."</i><br />
Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-64852471462892902962013-10-02T08:58:00.000-07:002013-10-02T08:58:15.758-07:00Some Animals are More Equal than Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-7DkaIYzHX5Rp3akPMZGk3q7YLSbEJ2pj2Y0dntI2NQ1KmxBzeMIdbVpCUvafW2ztEs05Nj_KqpjBV-F1bh95QZwwCqD0wKt2V6ESxzBioUG7TWOVa_gU911-XcKgNIv7T1Bc9bDnO8/s1600/dreamstime_xs_5368400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-7DkaIYzHX5Rp3akPMZGk3q7YLSbEJ2pj2Y0dntI2NQ1KmxBzeMIdbVpCUvafW2ztEs05Nj_KqpjBV-F1bh95QZwwCqD0wKt2V6ESxzBioUG7TWOVa_gU911-XcKgNIv7T1Bc9bDnO8/s320/dreamstime_xs_5368400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</xml><![endif]-->In the allegorical fable <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Animal
Farm</i>, George Orwell sought to describe the unpleasant outcomes of the
Russian revolution, but ended up illustrating some unpleasant truths about the
nature of government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the novel, a
set of revolution-minded animals establish an idealistic government based on
the idea that “all animals are equal,’ but the idealistic mantra is
short-lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pigs that govern the
animal farm begin to elevate themselves above the others and eventually declare
that while all animals are equal, “some animals are more equal than
others.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Orwell himself was a socialist
who wished to preserve hope in some Marxist ideals, but his story demonstrated
the inevitable outcome of any government-imposed notions of ‘fairness;’ those
in power will enjoy special privileges denied to ordinary citizens.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The implementation of Obamacare has provided ample
opportunity for those in power to grant special privileges, especially to…those
in power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although many groups are
seeking exemption from the most onerous requirements of the new health care
law, it seems that Obama has moved to make members of Congress and their
respective staffers much ‘more equal’ than others before this law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In August, via the Office of Personnel
Management, the President quietly decreed that those on the Congressional
payroll will continue to receive a generous taxpayer-funded subsidy to cover
health-care costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So while the rest of
Americans struggle to cope, Washington’s elite will enjoy a de facto exemption.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an effort to preserve the notion of “equality before the
law,” Senators David Vitter (LA) and Mike Enzi (WY) have responded with a proposal
to require everyone working in Congress and the White House to fully comply
with Obamacare <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">without</i> the special
subsidies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While ordinary Americans from
all sides of the political aisle might think the Vitter/Enzi measure makes
perfect sense, some members of Congress are screaming like stuck Orwellian
pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rather than embrace efforts to uphold constitutional
concepts of equality before the law, Democrat Senator Harry Reid has declared
war on David Vitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to
re-airing Vitter’s personal indiscretions, Reid and company are actually
drafting ‘punishment’ legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
Reid is successful, any member of congress voting for the Vitter amendment,
along with his or her respective staff, would become ineligible to for future
health care subsidies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happily, informed American voters are now getting wind of
the special subsidy and are demanding that Congress fully and joyfully embrace
the ‘merits’ of Obamacare like the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is frustrating that our leaders would attempt to give
themselves special privileges, but that is the nature of government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While many policy ideas are rooted in the
best of intentions, the devil is in the implementation details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When those details prove to be excessively
painful, history has shown that those in power will create exemptions for
themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trend is apparent in
everything from gun control laws to school choice measures: laws for thee, but
not for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even more disturbing is the attempt to justify such
exemptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like their porcine
counterparts in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Animal Farm</i>,
defenders of the congressional exemption are justifying the subsidy as
necessary so as to be able to hire quality employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if the rest of American employers are not
facing the same challenges to adequately compensate workers while complying
with growing government demands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, not everyone has the power to vote themselves a generous subsidy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s a bit difficult to believe there’s
any shortage of talented and ambitious individuals seeking employment on
Capitol Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps Congress ought to
just come right out and confess their belief that some animals are just ‘more
equal’ than others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hopefully Senator Vitter will be successful in ensuring that
Capitol Hill gets to enjoy Obamacare as much as rank and file Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will need to be vigilant however, in
watching to make sure our elected leaders remember the democratic principles on
which this country was founded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
Americans should be equal under the law.</div>
Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-24067958369097837552013-09-25T05:35:00.001-07:002013-09-25T05:35:29.956-07:00Leander ISD Doubles Down on Debt<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwj7ktAnAqzJijhWFqAu2ZtvxRyaWYMhw1MtgC0f6pd59M1dDtHMJwKnxaCMQLFac2VuOHtsXS2Q9qxcAEcghQ0omhIWJlcj324i6w3RFUrQ8Fq09ghSoRNSFXhaswDAHOHjJc5ejTz8/s1600/Will+Work+to+Pay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwj7ktAnAqzJijhWFqAu2ZtvxRyaWYMhw1MtgC0f6pd59M1dDtHMJwKnxaCMQLFac2VuOHtsXS2Q9qxcAEcghQ0omhIWJlcj324i6w3RFUrQ8Fq09ghSoRNSFXhaswDAHOHjJc5ejTz8/s1600/Will+Work+to+Pay.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Although one might think a <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120518005985/en/Fitch-Downgrades-Leander-ISD-TXs-ULT-Bonds" target="_blank">downgraded bond rating</a> and a whopping <a href="http://www.brb.state.tx.us/lgs_search.aspx?action=isd" target="_blank">$2.7 billion in debt</a>, the caretakers of the Leander ISD might be doing the <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/article/the-truth-about-debt/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a> thing and trying to exercise some measure of fiscal restraint. Alas, four of the seven school board members decided that $2.7 billion is no big deal, and last week voted to double-down on that debt burden for future generations. <br />
<br />
In voting to sell even more bonds, the ISD will use the funds to build a 6th high school at a cost of $106 million, but that's only the initial cost. By utilizing even more of the highly controversial Capital Appreciation Bonds, LISD will defer payments for 15 years (Merry Christmas, Kids!) so that even with a 5.85% rate, the total cost of the high school will rise to <i><b>$614 million</b></i>.<br />
<br />
The move is certainly shocking, especially considering the devastating impact of <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/04/take-action-to-support-crucial-cab.html" target="_blank">Capital Appreciation Bonds</a>. "CAB"s have been banned elsewhere and were nearly banned by the 2013 Texas Legislative session. The 2015 session will certainly re-engage on this issue and hope to reform this dangerous borrowing procedure, but in the interim some folks are willing to continue to <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/04/leander-isd-staff-proposes-cuts-that.html" target="_blank">spend like drunken sailors</a>. <br />
<br />
Debt apologists on the LISD Board, along with the oft-fined and censured <strike>loan shark</strike> bond salesmen at <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/04/leander-isds-financial-advisor.html" target="_blank">Southwest Securities</a>, argue that 1) everyone is doing it, and 2) they must <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/02/making-education-priority.html" target="_blank">keep building</a> since they are the "<a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/08/leander-isd-second-fastest-growing.html" target="_blank">second-fastest" growing district</a> in the nation. The only problem is that neither 1 nor 2 is actually true, but what is true is that Leander ISD continues to be a poster-child for <a href="http://www.fastexas.org/study/exec/spending.php" target="_blank">poor fiscal government.</a> (Pardon the poor pun.)<br />
<br />
<b>Here's who voted to <strike>party on</strike> increase the LISD debt with CAB's:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Pam Waggoner</b><br />
<b>Don Hisle</b><br />
<b>Russell Bundy</b><br />
<b>Grace Barber-Jordan</b><br />
<br />
<b>Board members who voted against (and <i>for</i> fiscal restraint): </b><br />
<br />
<b>Lisa Mallory</b><br />
<b>Will Streit</b><br />
<b>Aaron Johnson</b><br />
<br />
The Board graciously allows you to contact them through this page: <a href="http://www.leanderisd.org/default.aspx?name=abt.board.communicate" target="_blank"> http://www.leanderisd.org/default.aspx?name=abt.board.communicate </a><br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-46414574602315291402013-09-19T07:55:00.001-07:002013-09-19T08:30:06.796-07:00A Call To Arms: 2nd Amendment Saturday in Williamson CountyIt's no secret that our 2nd Amendment is under assault (and apparently some public schools are willing to teach <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/09/18/texas-high-school-work-book-stirs-controversy-over-edited-definition-second/" target="_blank">blatant falsehoods</a> about our Constitutional right to bear arms.) Here in Williamson County we prefer to uphold the Constitution and stuff, so on Saturday, October 12, the Williamson County Republican Party and the Best of the West Shooting Range are sponsoring the first annual "<b>2nd Amendment Saturday</b>." <br />
<br />
Here's the scoop from the Wilco GOP:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl">Shooting events for every
skill level. Come out and try Cowboy Shooting, International Practical
and International Defensive shooting. Go through the shooting
portion of the CHL course. Conventional rifle, pistol, trap ranges with
instructors on hand for the novices. and much, much, more.<br /> <br /> In addition, there will be a long range shooting demonstration, and vendors with the latest technology, door prizes, and o<span class="text_exposed_show">ther activities.<br /> <br />
Featuring the author of our Concealed Carry Law Land Commissioner Jerry
Patterson, Congressman John Carter, Railroad Commissioner Barry
Smitherman, and others.<br /> <br /> So, come on out, get your picture taken
with the people defending your 2nd amendment rights. Try out the
various shooting styles, and perhaps become a member.<br /> <br /> A special thanks to our sponsors:<br /> <br /> Gold Sponsors:<br /> Congressman John Carter, US House District 31<br /> Constable Robert Chody, Williamson County Pct. 1<br /> <br /> Silver Sponsor<br /> Barry Smitherman for Attorney General<br /> <br /> Bronze Sponsors<br /> Representative <a href="http://texansfortonydale.com/" target="_blank">Tony Dale</a><br /> Representative <a href="http://www.marshafarney.com/" target="_blank">Marsha Farney</a><br /> Representative <a href="http://www.larrygonzales.com/" target="_blank">Larry D. Gonzales</a><br /> Commissioner Cynthia Long<br /> Justice of the Peace Dain Johnson<br /> District Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield<br /> <br /> For more info on this and other events:<a href="http://www.williamsoncountygop.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.wilcogop.org/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wilcogop.org/</a><a href="http://www.williamsoncountygop.org/" target="_blank">www.williamsoncountygop.org</a><br /> <br />
“Kiddos”, of 17 or less are welcome if you feel that they are mature
enough to attend. They must remain under your supervision.<br /> <br /> Please send an email to Jewett@WilliamsonCountyGOP<wbr></wbr>.org for more information.</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<b><a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=FeAM7F_yUIDBJN2OZeFplg7j9qyNwMi1pjePY-efJaURd8y1EyQ0cisN03q&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b08198c3bf94e94910b98592d3f6a39690aaea" target="_blank">Click here to purchase tickets</a>.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Oh, and just in case you forgot, our Gov rocks on the 2nd Amendment. </b>(Okay, yeah, so I'll just use any excuse to re-post this video.)<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IvDUJSMAm1c" width="560"></iframe>Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-65166038386290298872013-09-17T09:34:00.000-07:002013-09-17T09:34:44.350-07:00A Conversation With Greg Abbott: Creating a Better TexasYesterday I had the opportunity to visit with Texas Attorney General and Gubernatorial candidate <b>Greg Abbott </b>in Round Rock. After a campaign event at the <a href="http://www.620cafeandbakery.com/" target="_blank">620 Bakery & Cafe</a>, General Abbott sat down with me for a one-on-one interview about his approach to several issues. Here are the highlights of our conversation.<br />
<br />
<b>Individual Independence a Touchstone for This Nation.</b><br />
<br />
A major theme of Greg Abbott's work as the Attorney General and now of his campaign for Governor, has been the fight against inappropriate federal intrusion into state issues. In the courts, Abbott has defended Texans on a variety of conservative issues, including <a href="http://www.gregabbott.com/statement-by-greg-abbott-on-proposed-san-antonio-ordinance/" target="_blank">1st</a> and <a href="http://www.usacarry.com/30-influential-pro-gun-rights-advocates/" target="_blank">2nd Amendment</a> rights and <a href="https://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=4507" target="_blank">Voter ID</a> laws.<br />
<br />
If elected Governor, he has indicated that he will continue to fight federal intrusion by working with state agencies. I asked him if he was concerned about the way that sometimes our state agencies are being used to circumvent the will of Texas voters and implement Obama policies. (Case in point: Common Core <a href="http://www.wnd.com/2013/01/obama-interested-in-allah-is-god-curriculum/" target="_blank">architects</a> were invited into <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/02/want-to-see-what-cscope-and-common-core-even-homeschooling-lessons-look-like-these-parents-opened-up-to-theblaze/" target="_blank">Texas</a> to help create <a href="http://www.gregabbott.com/the-end-of-cscope/" target="_blank">CSCOPE</a>.) General Abbott was emphatic about keeping agencies accountable to voters and Texas law, and not permitting any "back door implementation" of Obama policy. He added, <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"We see the pathway that some other states are going down...they've bought into these federal programs, or tried to replicate them at the state level. We see how devastating it is for their states and for their people. Conversely, we've seen the Texas Model. We've seen it work for creating jobs, but it also works for something more important: preserving individual independence. Which is, I believe, the touchstone of this nation. Without individual liberty we have nothing. So we will continue to fight for individual liberty."</i></blockquote>
<b>Room for Improvement in Texas Right to Work Law.</b><br />
<br />
We talked about the need to protect the <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/01/solutions-for-poor-texas-model.html" target="_blank">Texas Model</a>, and I asked General Abbott about the growth of labor union membership in the state (which increased by <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/02/no-labor-unions-in-texas-think-again.html" target="_blank">65,000 in 2012</a>). Did he think we were doing enough to preserve our 'Right to Work' status and strong economy? He agreed that union growth was a concern and stated that one of his goals is to stay "ahead of the curve" on keeping union power in check. Abbott has vigorously enforced Texas right-to-work laws, and in 2011 he filed legal action opposing the National Labor Relations Board's attempt to punish Boeing for expanding into South Carolina (another right-to-work state.) Earlier this year, he encouraged Senator <a href="http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2013-02-20/lawmakers-file-bill-strengthen-right-work-law" target="_blank">Seliger</a> and Representative Anderson to craft state <a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB1524" target="_blank">legislation </a>protecting the right to cast a unionization vote by secret ballot, and to provide a Texas <a href="http://www.oag.state.tx.us/newspubs/releases/2013/02202013_right_to_work_notice.pdf" target="_blank">Workers Bill of Rights</a>. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I asked, "Do you think there's room for more tweaking of our right-to-work laws?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Abbott replied, "Yes, absolutely."</i></blockquote>
Abbott noted that the impact of union control is even more "devastating" on the public sector side.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"You saw what happened in Chicago, you see what's happening in Illinois, Wisconsin, California, where the public sector unions are running the state, and running the state into the ground. I can guarantee you that will not happen in Texas."</i></blockquote>
<b>"School Choice is a win-win."</b> <br />
<br />
The last topic we tackled was education reform. During his speech, Abbott mentioned education as one of the top three issues facing the state. Noting that the legislature had failed to act on any parental choice measures this session, I asked if he saw Texas eventually embracing the kinds of reforms that have been enacted in states like <a href="http://www.federationforchildren.org/facts" target="_blank">Florida, Louisiana, Indiana</a>, etc. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"In the last couple of weeks I've been studying up on what happened in Florida, what happened in Louisiana, and some ideas that we have here in Texas, looking for where we are going. We are going down the pathway of more school choice, and what we are looking for is more school choice options. </i><br />
<br />
<i>School Choice is a win-win for several situations. First and foremost, if you look at the driving force, the most effective component...it is parental involvement. And the best way to have parental involvement, is by having the parent of that child be involved in where their child is going to be attending school.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Second, you shouldn't have one set of rules for the wealthy and well-to-do, and one set of rules for the poor. The well-to-do have school choice...the impoverished don't have school choice. Their child is trapped in a bad school, trapped in a school filled with violence, trapped in a school filled with drugs, trapped in a school with failing teachers and administrators. The impoverished parent has nothing to do, no avenue to pursue. We need to give the kids in those bad schools, and parents of those kids options and opportunities. When we have school choice it really injects competition into the school marketplace, which is going to improve the quality of education across the board. </i></blockquote>
<b>A Spine of Steel to Stand Up to Unions</b><br />
<br />
This brought us back to the issue of unions, since <a href="http://teachersunionexposed.com/blocking.cfm" target="_blank">teacher unions</a> can be one of the obstacles to allowing parental choice in education. General Abbott was very direct on this issue:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I was very serious, although it was funny line, I've proven I have, and that I <b>will have</b> a spine of steel in fighting against these unions. You need someone with a proven stiff spine to be able to deal with things like that. It's a funny way of characterizing it, but I do have a stiff spine and I will use it on these types of issues, where I'm not afraid of going up against those unions because they're wrong- they're wrong for the future of Texas and I have one single goal and that is creating a better Texas. </i></blockquote>
Texas has been a largely successful state, but we are under assault and our next Governor will indeed need a stiff spine. It sounds like Greg Abbott fits the bill. <br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
One personal note: I've met numerous politicians over the years, and I have found some to be shockingly arrogant and condescending; some truly ooze slime, and I can spot a womanizer from a mile off. But there are good ones too, and my impression of Greg Abbott is that while he may be in a wheelchair, he 'walks the walk.' I have met him on several occasions and found him to be genuine and straightforward, but always kind, never patronizing, and never condescending. You might find a few political issues on which you disagree with him, but I think he is a man of solid character. We need more like him in modern politics.<br />
<br />
Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-70426308281240888142013-09-12T11:21:00.000-07:002013-09-16T08:18:45.897-07:00The Ad Hoc President<br />
Who could have imagined, a mere 26 years after Reagan’s world-changing “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MDFX-dNtsM" target="_blank">Tear down this wall</a>” speech, America would be reduced to clown status on the
world stage? Events of the past month demonstrate that U.S. leadership has
little grasp of realpolitik, no consistent or coherent foreign policy, and now
the international community has little if any respect left for the United
States.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the Obama administration’s “off the cuff” approach to nearly
everything is proving disastrous for the nation.
<br />
<br />
From the beginning of the Syrian crisis, the President has inspired little
confidence in his ability to lead. His ill-considered vow to retaliate if Assad
used chemical weapons left Obama in the precarious position of having to put up
or shut up. The administration’s convoluted diplomatic response, has been
harshly criticized from all sides of the political spectrum. The President seems
to have persuaded no one that military action is prudent, and as the commander
in chief, he has displayed a dangerous naiveté about military strategy. The
President’s performance on the world stage has been about as graceful as a <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/08/miley-cyrus-vma-performance-stuns-crowd/" target="_blank">Miley Cyrus</a> dance number. Like Ms. Cyrus, Obama’s awkward public contortions have left
Americans hanging their respective heads in shame.<br />
<br />
Not to be outdone, Secretary of State John Kerry seems to have doubled down
in the ‘careless comments category.’ Perhaps in the <a href="http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/columns/call-response/17484-literary-criticism-and-postmodernism" target="_blank">post-modern world</a> of higher
academia, words (“just words”) can be deconstructed and disregarded as
meaningless utterance, but in the real world of diplomacy, words matter very
much. Consequently, Kerry’s offhand “rhetorical” comments were seized upon by
the astute and savvy Vladimir Putin. In complete contrast with the events of
1987, the United States has just been thoroughly humiliated by the Russians, and
now has a drastically reduced ability to influence anyone in world politics.<br />
<br />
Careless words are not the only problem for America’s foreign policy goals:
the Obama administration appears woefully ignorant of historical events and
precedent. A little familiarity with Russian/Soviet history might have alerted
Obama that Putin isn’t his choom-pal in some international fraternity of world
leaders, but rather a formidable opponent always ready to exploit weakness.
<br />
Furthermore, our past experiences with Middle Eastern intervention should
have taught us to carefully consider taking sides. The Syrian evidence indicates
that while Assad is a ruthless dictator, the <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10311007/Syria-nearly-half-rebel-fighters-are-jihadists-or-hardline-Islamists-says-IHS-Janes-report.html" target="_blank">rebellion</a> primarily consists of
equally ruthless Al Queda. Why we would risk American lives, fortunes, and
sacred honor on radicals who long to destroy us is beyond comprehension. At some
point however, we must ask if anyone who has risen so far in politics could
really be so stubbornly obtuse about Middle Eastern geopolitics.<br />
<br />
At best, the President’s foreign policy appears dangerously ad hoc, but he
seems to have an off-the-cuff approach to domestic issues as well. Ever since we
had to pass Obamacare to find out “what’s in it,” the administration has
repeatedly had to conjure quick fixes for the latest implementation fiasco. Most
recently, in an attempt to protect his union cronies from the worst of the new
health care rules, the President floated the idea of granting exceptions for
organized labor. However, Congressional leaders last week <a href="http://waysandmeans.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=348960" target="_blank">officially notified</a>
the administration that any union exemption would be <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/322251-administration-tells-unions-they-cant-have-obamacare-subsidies" target="_blank">patently illegal</a>. Unless
Obama chooses to violate his own law, he must once again return to the drawing
board to try to come up with yet another ad hoc solution.<br />
<br />
Without a doubt governance does require a measure of flexibility and
adaptability. However, an effective leader must have at least some clear
principles on which to govern, and some coherent strategy to implement those
principles. This president seems to have neither. The public perception is that
we have an administration that is floundering at every turn. Equally disturbing
is the sneaking suspicion that all of this policy chaos might be intentional.
<br />
<br />
Either way, we are in trouble.Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-90751563237950010432013-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:002013-09-10T13:21:48.684-07:00Williamson County Courts Primary Election Bingo Cards<a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/08/primary-pre-season-ground-rules.html" target="_blank">Pre-Primary Pre-Season</a>, Part II<br />
<br />
There is a good deal of PPPS buzz in Williamson County over judicial candidates these days. What with the imminent demise of beleaguered Judge Ken Anderson of the <a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/DistrictCourts/277thDistrictCourt/tabid/478/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">277th District Court</a>, there's blood in the water and many possible candidates. Thus far, the best-known GOP possibilities include <a href="http://pview.findlaw.com/view/4614877_1" target="_blank">Ryan Larson</a>, an assistant attorney general in Greg Abbott's office, <a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/DistrictAttorney/DistrictAttorneyStaff/tabid/686/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Stacey Mathews</a>, a prosecutor assigned to the 277th Court in the District Attorney's office, and <a href="http://www.wilcobar.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=5" target="_blank">Terrence Davis</a>, a local attorney. <br />
<br />
In addition, Judge <a href="http://wilco.org/CountyDepartments/DistrictCourts/368thDistrictCourt/tabid/480/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Burt Carnes</a> of the 368th District Court has 'unofficially implied' that he will retire sooner rather than later, like <b><i>next month</i></b>. If so, Governor Rick Perry will appoint a replacement, who will then run for election in 2014. Local attorney <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RickForJudge" target="_blank">Rick Kennon</a> has formally announced his candidacy (Kennon has previously run for County Attorney and is well-known in Republican circles.) Other candidates include Round Rock attorney <a href="http://rippytaylor.com/attorneys/tallion-taylor/" target="_blank">Tallion Taylor</a>, and <a href="http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/DistrictAttorney/DistrictAttorneyStaff/tabid/686/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Lytza Rojas</a>, another assistant district attorney. (Rojas and the aforementioned Mathews seem to have teamed up on a number of projects and may be perceived as a ticket?) <br />
<br />
Austin attorney <a href="http://www.legaldirectories.com/Fitzpatrick-Lesli-R-Gordon-583405-Atty.aspx" target="_blank">Lesli Gordon Fitzpatrick</a> has also indicated that she will be running, but has not decided if she is aiming for the 277th or the 368th.<br />
<br />
There are other rumored candidates and a few curious treasurer's reports that have been filed with the Texas Ethics Commission, but not enough to report on yet.<br />
<br />
Will keep ya' posted...Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-9450988029414955362013-09-05T11:19:00.000-07:002013-09-06T05:28:15.958-07:00Critically Thinking About Critical Thinking<i>My "All In Perspective" column for September 5, 2013</i>. <br />
<br />
Well, September is here and school is back in session. Most parents are filled with high hopes for their child’s academic success, and educators across the nation have assured us that they are capable of teaching everything Little Johnny and Jane need to know. Along with learning to read and cipher (hopefully,) we are told that the kids will also be learning those essential ‘<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/08/30/new-age-education-fuzzy-math-and-less-fiction/" target="_blank">critical thinking skills</a>.’<br />
<br />
Visit any education-related website and you will find references to ‘critical thinking.’ Everyone claims to be teaching it, and every person from every point on the political spectrum agrees; we must teach critical thinking! The term itself sounds so good. Hard consonants, nice number of syllables, rolls off the tongue, and just sounds so…smart. The problem is that most folks don’t do much critical thinking about ‘<a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/phi-beta-cons/42995/stanley-fish-critical-thinking" target="_blank">critical thinking</a>.’<br />
<br />
What does it mean? An online search produces a variety of definitions that can be used to support an amusing diversity of educational approaches (including “It means <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oAf3g5_138" target="_blank">whatever</a> you want it to mean.”) While traditional critical thinking is based on the ancient Socratic method of seeking truth, in the common vernacular the term ‘critical thinking’ has become nothing more than an empty phrase that looks very nice on one’s promotional literature.<br />
<br />
Considering the frequent misuse and abuse of the term, I suggest that when we hear the term “critical thinking,” we immediately ask three important questions.<br />
<br />
First, anyone who bandies about the term ‘critical thinking,’ must be forced to provide a definition. While traditionally ‘critical thinking’ refers to the ability to identify <a href="http://www.logicalfallacies.info/" target="_blank">logical fallacy</a>, solve problems, and discover truths, for many Lefties critical thinking means that you have adopted <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/phi-beta-cons/41356/college-critical-thinking-doesnt-mean-learning-logic" target="_blank">critical attitudes </a>about anything traditional. In other words, if you don’t come to the conclusions that America is a horrible aberration, <a href="http://www.peterkreeft.com/topics-more/20_arguments-gods-existence.htm" target="_blank">there is no God</a>, and that Republicans caused global warming, then you aren’t critically thinking.<br />
<br />
I would also ask so-called critical thinking proponents what tools they believe are essential to critical thinking. If the answer is “an <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ipads-transform-classroom-ben-johnson" target="_blank">iPad</a>,” then we are ridiculously off course. The truth is that while ‘progressive’ educrats disparage any program that involves memorization, knowledge of basic factual information is essential to higher analysis. The student cannot make sense of algebraic equation unless he/she has memorized the multiplication tables and Order of Operation rules. One cannot effectively analyze the causes of the American Civil War without knowing the timeline of events that preceded the conflict. Yes, <i>quelle horreur</i>! I am suggesting there is merit in memorizing a few dates! In accordance with <a href="http://www.mybrightbox.co.za/blooms_taxonomy.html" target="_blank">Bloom’s Taxonomy</a>, factual knowledge is the building block for higher analysis.<br />
<br />
Finally, I would ask how and when said school/teacher/program proposes to teach critical thinking. Will you teach informal logic and the fallacies of argument? Will you present them with all of the scientific evidence, or just that which fits the latest politically correct theory? Unfortunately, even some of those who can actually define critical thinking are ignoring our scientific knowledge of brain development and trying to teach rhetorical exercise too early. In order to engage in true critical thinking, a child must reach a certain level of brain maturity. Anyone who claims they can teach your five-year old critical thinking is full of bunk.<br />
<br />
Although not all of those who use the term ‘critical thinking’ understand the full implications, they are right about one thing: the United States is suffering from a shortage of critical thinking. When <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/08/bad-people.html" target="_blank">Slate Magazine writers</a> argue that getting drunk before the basketball game is an equivalent academic exercise to analyzing literature, or that providing a lousy education is good for society in the long run, then we have completely abandoned reasoning as a hallmark of civilization. In light of such views it is not surprising that our civic leaders would embrace empty gestures like <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/357137/austin-may-spend-175k-statue-honoring-homeless-katrina-trinko" target="_blank">purchasing a statue</a> to honor the homeless rather than actually helping the homeless.<br />
<br />
Sadly, one essential element of traditional critical thinking is a stumbling block for the post-modern world: the pursuit of truth. When society has exchanged truth for relativism, and life has become a cheap and meaningless biological existence, then real knowledge has little or no value. Unless we return to teaching our children that some things are true and some things are false, there will be little use for critical thinking in any venue. Johnny and Jane may yet learn to read, but what comfort will that provide to a crumbling civilization? <br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-29343969101636235642013-08-30T08:55:00.000-07:002013-08-30T08:55:24.089-07:00Leander ISD Second Fastest Growing District? Not So Fast...Regarding the recent budget and tax rate debate, reader has pointed out a slight discrepancy <a href="http://www.leanderisd.org/default.aspx?name=budget.info" target="_blank">in the claim</a> that Leander Independent School District is among the <a href="http://teaching.monster.com/careers/articles/4379-10-fastest-growing-school-districts#comment_form" target="_blank">fastest growing</a> in the nation. <br />
<br />
According to her research, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/16/denver-public-schools-has_n_1971615.html" target="_blank">Denver Public schools</a> added <i><b>2,261</b></i> students from 2011-12 to 2012-13, while LISD added <i><b>970</b></i>. Secondly, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2012/nov/02/frisco-isd-fastest-growing-highest-debt/" target="_blank">Frisco ISD</a> claimed around 3,000 per year last November. <a href="http://www.nisd.net/administration" target="_blank">Northside ISD</a> claims it is growing at 2,000 to 3,000 per year. And Biz Journal's list of the top 15 "<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2013/04/15/americas-fastest-growing-school.html?s=image_gallery" target="_blank">Fastest Growing School Districts</a>" doesn't even mention Leander ISD. <br />
<br />
My reader also points out that while the alleged source for the "second fastest growing district" talking point is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, <a href="http://www.gatesfoundation.org/search#q/k=Leander%20ISD" target="_blank">a site-wide search</a> for "Leander" "LISD," or "Leander Schools" on the Foundation Website yields nothing. <br />
<br />
Hmmmm. Perhaps there is a reasonable explanation for this mystery, or perhaps they are counting on the fact that so many Americans today are <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/08/bad-people.html" target="_blank">intellectually on par with Allison Benedikt</a>? <br />
<br />
Truth or Propaganda?<br />
<br />
<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6213661448969486772.post-36503048047493199422013-08-30T05:26:00.001-07:002013-08-30T05:28:27.760-07:00Bad PeopleI know most everyone with a brain has already jumped on this idiot, but not all of my followers read <a href="http://hotair.com/" target="_blank">Hot Air</a>, etc., so I would just like to bring your attention to the Slate piece entitled "<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2013/08/private_school_vs_public_school_only_bad_people_send_their_kids_to_private.html" target="_blank">If You Send Your Kid To Private School You Are a Bad Person</a>."<br />
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In the article, Allison Benedikt 'argues' that if everyone in the nation sent their kids to public school, eventually the public schools would be great. She actually writes:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I am not an education policy wonk: I’m just judgmental. But it seems to
me that if every single parent sent every single child to public school,
public schools would improve. This would not happen immediately. It
could take generations. Your children and grandchildren might get
mediocre educations in the meantime, but it will be worth it, for the
eventual common good</i>.</blockquote>
In short, your kids will get a lousy education, but in the long run, public schools might improve, and you are bad for not sacrificing your children to her idea of the common good. Never mind that even parents who opt out still pay for public school.<br />
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Another gem from the article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Reading Walt Whitman in ninth grade changed the way you see the world?
Well, getting drunk before basketball games with kids who lived at the
trailer park near my house did the same for me. In fact it’s part of the
reason I feel so strongly about public schools.</i></blockquote>
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Benedikt says many other shockingly stupid things and expresses pride in her shoddy education and inability to reason. Her 'argument' has already been thoroughly destroyed, <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2013/08/29/slate-only-bad-people-wont-sacrifice-their-children-on-altar-of-public-education-or-something/" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.aei-ideas.org/2013/08/please-sending-your-kids-to-private-school-doesnt-make-you-a-bad-person/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.cato.org/blog/school-monopoly-what-great-idea" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Sadly, like <a href="http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/07/male-chauvinist-worries-that.html" target="_blank">Ben Sherman at BOR</a>, I think Ms. Benedikt is being brutally honest about Leftist views. For the so-called Progressives, it's not about quality education, but social engineering. <br />
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If this is what public education is producing...<br />
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<br />Holly Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14746324218254265886noreply@blogger.com0