A Call To Arms: 2nd Amendment Saturday in Williamson County

It's no secret that our 2nd Amendment is under assault (and apparently some public schools are willing to teach blatant falsehoods 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 "2nd Amendment Saturday." 

Here's the scoop from the Wilco GOP:

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.

In addition, there will be a long range shooting demonstration, and vendors with the latest technology, door prizes, and other activities.

Featuring the author of our Concealed Carry Law Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Congressman John Carter, Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman, and others.

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.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:
Congressman John Carter, US House District 31
Constable Robert Chody, Williamson County Pct. 1

Silver Sponsor
Barry Smitherman for Attorney General

Bronze Sponsors
Representative Tony Dale
Representative Marsha Farney
Representative Larry D. Gonzales
Commissioner Cynthia Long
Justice of the Peace Dain Johnson
District Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield

For more info on this and other events: http://www.wilcogop.org/www.williamsoncountygop.org

“Kiddos”, of 17 or less are welcome if you feel that they are mature enough to attend. They must remain under your supervision.

Please send an email to Jewett@WilliamsonCountyGOP.org for more information.

Click here to purchase tickets.
 
Oh, and just in case you forgot, our Gov rocks on the 2nd Amendment.  (Okay, yeah, so I'll just use any excuse to re-post this video.)

Texas Leg to Strengthen School Board Trustees' Ability to Govern

Among the many bills filed for the 83rd Texas Legislative session is HB 628, "Relating to the right of a member of the board of trustees of a school district to obtain information, documents, and records."

The bill has strong bi-partisan support, and was authored by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats.  (Authors are Reps Tony Dale (R-Cedar Park,)  Marisa Marquez (D-El Paso,) Poncho Nevarez (D,) Dan Huberty (R), and Ed Thompson (R).) 

If passed, HB 628 will merely codify a 1983 ruling by the Attorney General which states that elected school board trustees must be given district information and documents without having to file open records requests.  

"I think if you're an elected official you need to have access to documents so that you can understand what's happening in your government organization so you can govern," said Dale.

The issue came up recently when it was discovered that El Paso ISD Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia had been engaging in fraudulent activity that resulted in his conviction and incarceration in federal prison.  Garcia was able to hide his criminal activity for a lengthy period since he refused to give El Paso school board trustees documents regarding the district.  Now, it also appears that even some of the trustees may have been complicit in hiding the district's illegal activity, and the U.S. Department of Justice may approve a board of managers to replace the trustees until new elections can be held.

Locally, Round Rock ISD Superintendent Jesus Chavez insisted at a November 27, 2012 Board meeting that he had the right to withhold district information from the elected trustees.  In this case, Superintendent Chavez is trying to prevent certain trustees and the public from scrutinizing the $25,000,000 campus they are building for at-risk (of dropping out) students.  Although Chavez denied trustees access to the relevant documents, someone within the district anonymously provided information to Trustee Terri Romere revealing that attendance in the so-called "Success High School" program averaged 40 students a day.

In an ironic parallel to the El Paso ISD scandal, several RRISD trustees seem determined to turn a blind eye to some of the recent revelations about Superintendent Chavez' activities.  Instead of holding him accountable for setting up a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) that unequivocally violated state law, they have merely swept the issue under the rug and even allowed Chavez to blame the board in recent news accounts.  And when Trustee Terri Romere shared the truth about the daily attendance numbers in the "Success" program, several fellow board members not only ignored the data, but voted to censure Romere. 

HB 628 is likely to pass, but will not take effect until September 2013.  In the meantime, it is likely that school superintendents will continue their clandestine activity.  Even after passage, it will still be incumbent on local school boards to govern their respective districts appropriately.  The El Paso trustees did not perform due diligence, and now will be removed from office.

Proposed text of HB 628:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1.  Section 11.1512, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:

(c)  A member of the board of trustees of the district has an inherent right of access to information, documents, and records maintained by the district, and the district shall provide the information, documents, and records to the member without requiring the member to submit a public information request under Chapter 552, Government Code.

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.

Williamson County Rep Tony Dale Joins House Energy Caucus

In case you missed it, State Representative Tony Dale, HD-136 (western Williamson County) has joined the newly created House Energy Caucus and has been elected Secretary.

Here's the official release:

 AUSTIN -- State Representative Tony Dale, R- Cedar Park, has been elected as Secretary of the newly created House Energy Caucus (HEC). This caucus, which includes Republican and Democratic Members of the House, will study and address issues related to traditional and alternative energy sources, as well as the energy industry's effect on the rest of the state.

"I look forward to taking a leadership role on energy issues," Dale said. "The energy industry is critical to the overall economic health of our state, and this caucus will work to see that Texas remains a national leader in energy production and innovation.

"Energy production is a critical part of our state's economy and vital to our national security," the HEC Chair State Representative Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, said addressing the members during the organizational meeting. "The importance of this production is never lost on the communities supplying the men, women, and businesses supporting the oil patch, the mine, or renewable fields spread over most of our state."

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Texas is first in the nation in production of oil, natural gas, and wind energy. Texas coal and lignite production is also a key supplier for energy demands. As technological capability and demand has increased, the growth and expansion of these forms of energy production has affected all areas of the state, including central Texas, where the energy industry has brought significant job growth. Companies like National Oil Well Varco, Tolteq, Corvalent, EEstor and 3Ps Solutions have created well-paying primary jobs in southwestern Williamson County.

The House Energy Caucus will provide educational opportunities and information on policy issues regarding traditional energy production such as oil, gas, and coal, as well as alternative energy including biomass, wind and solar power, and emerging technologies like clean coal/coal gasification. In addition, the HEC will also identify, research, and build coalitions to help resolve social and infrastructure issues faced by areas of the state experiencing significant impacts from increased activity related to the energy industry.

"The Caucus will help to educate its members on the impact to energy production of legislation addressing water, transportation and workforce development needs," Rep. Darby said. "This state's energy industry is revitalizing our state through innovative technologies and significant economic investment and I want to see that continue."

"Energy is a vital, growing industry in Williamson County, and this leadership post will help me advocate for constituents who work in the energy sector," Dale said. "In addition, strong energy policies will benefit all of my constituents, and my role in this caucus will give me an immediate policy impact during my first term in the Legislature.

Dale was elected to the House in November 2012.  He is a small business owner and veteran of the U.S. Army who previously served on the Cedar Park City Council.  He represents western Williamson County, including the communities of Cedar Park, Leander, and Brushy Creek, as well as parts of north Austin.  

Wins and Losses

Good news:  Republicans in Williamson County won every race.  Congratulations are in order for State Rep-elects Tony Dale and Marsha Farney, State Rep Larry Gonzales, and our new State Senator Charles Schwertner.

Also in the good news column are wins for Tom Maynard (State Board of Education, District 10) and the four Republicans elected and/or reelected to the Third Court of Appeals:  Bob Pemberton, Jeff Rose, David Puryear, and Scott Field.

In the Round Rock School Board races the results were mixed:  Pauline Law won handily, but Tere McCann lost to Chad Chadwell.  Both Law and Chadwell were first in ballot order, and both have good "candidate names."  Considering that most likely voters went into the polls to vote for president without much knowledge about the local races, those factors probably played the most significant role in the ISD campaigns.

In the ACC races, winners were Barbara Mink and Allan Kaplan, although Libertarian candidate Caldwell actually won the vote in Williamson County.  As I've pointed out previously, the layout of the ACC district effectively neutralizes the voice of Williamson County and other more conservative areas. 

Sadly, a great Texas Congressman, Quico Canseco, lost to Democrat Pete Gallego, and of course we are looking at four more dark years of Barack Obama.   I can't be angry, however; I know full well that Obama and every other politician will go the way of Ozymandias, and in the end the Creator will have the last say.

In the meantime, I'll be praying for my country, for my enemies, and for my beloved family and friends.  

Blessings!

Watch Out for The Matt Tax!

Here's a new ad from Texans for Tony Dale:

Both the Democrat Matt and the Libertarian Matt have suggested raising the Texas gas tax.  What is it with these Matts?

Get Out the Vote Rally With Tony and Ted

This Thursday, October 25, U.S. Senate nominee Ted Cruz will join State Representative nominee Tony Dale at the Cedar Park branch of the Williamson County Republican Party Headquarters for a Get Out The Vote rally.  The event will be from 4:30 to 5:45 pm, and attendees will have a chance to meet Ted Cruz, Tony Dale, and many of the other Republicans on the November 2012 ballot. 

If you need to get up to speed on the Senate race, a great source on Ted Cruz is Lawrence Person's Battleswarm Blog. 

Tony Dale is the popular Cedar Park City Councilman and longtime activist who handily won the primary contest for Texas House District 136.  Both Matt Stillwell and Matt Whittington, the Democrat and Libertarian candidates, have suggested raising the state gas tax, which is now coming to be known as the "Matt Tax."   Dale has a solid fiscally conservative record on the Cedar Park Council. 

The Williamson County Republican Party HQ-Cedar Park is located at Railyard Shopping, 601 Whitestone Blvd, Suite 218, Cedar Park, TX.

Hope to see you there!

California Gas Prices: A Cautionary Tale for Texas

"All In Perspective" Column for the week of October 15.  "All in Perspective" is published bi-weekly in the Hill Country News, Georgetown Advocate, and Jarrel Star-Ledger print editions.  
 
It’s been a tough year for California. Stockton and numerous other Golden State cities have filed for bankruptcy. The state government, already struggling under $618 billion in debt, has created a budget that includes as much as $28 billion in deficit spending, and residents are being asked to approve a slew of tax increases for the coming year. Now, Californians are paying the highest gas prices in the nation.

Although fuel prices in California have been rising faster than the rest of the nation for some time, this month the state’s average price reached a record high of $4.67 per gallon. The immediate cause for the latest price surge was a temporarily disabled refinery in the southern part of the state, however, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

As even the left-leaning New York Times has noted, California’s stringent environmental policies and high gas taxes are underlying causes of this latest crisis. The state’s tough emission standards effectively eliminate use of gas blends from other states, and therefore California must rely heavily on in-state refineries. Additional regulations have reduced the number of refineries by 20% since 1985. To make matters worse, California touts the second-highest gas tax in the nation.
These policies have drastically reduced fuel supplies while demand has continued to climb, a dynamic that ultimately leads to higher prices. Higher fuel costs mostly impact the middle class and poor, and, as in the case of ethanol mandates, actually contribute to higher pollution rates while driving up food costs too.

While Senator Diane Feinstein has been quick blame energy producers for the crisis, it’s no secret that the goal of the Democrat’s radical environmental policy is higher prices. Barack Obama stated in 2008 that he actually wanted to “boost” the price of gasoline to European levels, and since the price per gallon has more than doubled since 2009, I guess this is one of the few campaign promises the President did keep.

Although certainly feeling the effects of the Obama economy, Texas has fared better than the rest of the nation. Not only has the state economy grown during the recession, gas prices have remained lower than the national average. ($3.53 per gallon as of October 12.) Taxes on gas are relatively low, and the state has much more reasonable environmental policies. Common-sense environmental regulation has kept gas prices manageable and has improved air quality. In fact, in the last decade, Texas reduced NOx and ozone levels at more than twice the national average.
 
Unfortunately, there are those who want to impose California-style energy and tax policies on Texas. Locally, Democrat candidate for the legislature Matt Stillwell has suggested raising state gas taxes. He has complained that state tax revenues are not enough to maintain and construct roads, but does not mention, that only half of the state’s fuel taxes are used for highway construction and maintenance, while the rest is diverted to other uses, some of which have little to do with transportation.

Despite Texas’ environmental successes, Democrats in the state want much more stringent, California-style environmental restrictions. The aforementioned Mr. Stillwell even questioned if Texas should impose further regulations on the proven technology of fracking for domestic oil exploration, even though the United States Geological Survey, the EPA, and the University of Texas have all concluded that there is no evidence that fracking causes groundwater contamination. (Or earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes, for that matter.) Stillwell also rejects local and state conservation efforts, and desires federal intervention in Williamson County on behalf of salamanders.

Clearly Texas has been doing something right; we are consistently ranked one of the top states for business, and the Lone Star State created about 37% of all new American jobs last year. At the same time, that notorious Texas pride has led to sound conservationist policies that strive to preserve the state’s natural beauty and resources. The key factor has been a balanced approach to policy. The last thing Texans need is to become more like California. Seriously, don’t mess with Texas.

Heartache: Matt Stillwell Not a Native Texan After All

Awkward...

Oh dear; it seems that Matt Stillwell, Democrat candidate for House district 136, has sent out some erroneous information on one of his campaign mailers.  As I noted yesterday in a brief update to "Matt Wants Higher Gas Taxes, Do You?" the campaign sent out a mailer this week in which Mr. Stillwell was described as a native Texan.  I wasn't sure at the time, but my memory did serve me well:  Mr. Stillwell was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  

I guess there were quite a few folks who noticed the problem- allegedly Mr. Stillwell has now had to send out an email apology to his supporters.  

It's a bit silly to make a claim that can be so easily disproved.  I can only guess that Mr. Stillwell's handlers thought they could mitigate his liberal politics by appealing to the Daughters of the Republic or something.  Do they really believe that 'Native Texans' are just a bunch of rednecks waiting for an excuse to "Git a rope" for transplants?  Some of my best friends are 'Native Texans,' and they seem like a pretty sharp bunch to me.

Maybe this is what they had in mind?

Matt Wants Higher Gas Taxes, Do You? UPDATE: Not Sure Where He Comes From?

Residents of western Williamson County have noticed recently that Republican Tony Dale does actually have an opponent in the race for Texas House District 136.  Democrat Matt Stillwell has managed to throw out some rather interesting campaign signs.  The signs, which seem designed to look hand-made, include various enigmatic questions, “Matt wants quality schools, do you?” and “Matt wants a water plan, do you?”  (Self, doesn’t Texas already have a water plan?)

Mr. Stillwell has been telling anyone who would listen (and the Austin American Statesman always listens to Democrats,) that he is a “social liberal” and a “fiscal conservative,” but nothing about his campaign suggests fiscal conservatism.  In fact, his real stances scream “fiscal liberal.”

For example, in some of the literature Mr. Stillwell has handed out, he calls for higher gas prices via tax increases.  He makes the argument that the State’s gas taxes are not high enough to maintain and construct roads, but makes no mention of the fact that over the past 25 years, some $10.8 billion in state transportation funds have been diverted to other uses.  Also, according to Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation, “Congress has transferred $7 billion in Texas-paid gasoline tax to other states.”  So maybe we don’t have a “revenue problem” after all?

Perhaps Mr. Stillwell ought to consider his party’s war on domestic energy producers, and have a little compassion for families and businesses struggling to keep up with gas prices that have increased 103.79% since Obama took office.

Advocating higher taxes doesn’t sound too fiscally conservative.

While in his literature Stillwell pays some vague lip service to the fiscally conservative policies that have made Texas successful, his endorsements tell another story.  A thinking person might conclude that endorsements from the Texas AFL-CIO and other unions imply that Mr. Stillwell would like to dismantle Texas’ “Right to Work” laws, and other fiscally conservative measures that have made the state successful.  As Stillwell stated in a recent interview, his support comes from labor unions and environmentalists.  ‘Nuff said.

One thing on which Stillwell has been quite truthful:  he is indeed a social liberal.  Not a moderate, mind you, but a liberal.  He is not only adamantly pro-abortion, but also advocates gay marriage.  Before his handlers recently scrubbed his campaign website, Stillwell accused supporters of traditional marriage of “the same type of thinking that has been proven wrong again and again over the last century,” and ridiculed attempts to protect marriage.  He is an opponent of the Defense of Marriage Act, something Texans have overwhelmingly supported at the polls.

Interestingly enough, the Austin American Statesman has been eagerly reporting Stillwell’s assertion that House District 136 is somehow a swing district and winnable by a liberal Democrat.  Their evidence?  That Governor Rick Perry and Senator John Cornyn won by only 15% points in the 2010 elections.

Dude.  On what planet is a 15-point advantage a close race?

Of course the rumor on the  streets is that Stillwell and his Democrat handlers know he can’t win, but they’re propping him up anyway so that he can do a little better the next time he runs for the Round Rock School Board.  The RRISD has been trying to boost him by appointing him to some boards, so maybe there is a method to this madness.  I wonder if the parents of Round Rock are ready for such an overt social liberal?

In the meantime, I think voters in HD 136 are smarter than Stillwell gives them credit for.

UPDATE:  This week Mr. Stillwell's campaign sent out a mailer claiming that he was a "native Texan."  Sounds good; the only problem is that he hails from out of state- New Mexico if I have my facts straight.  Either Stillwell's campaign is being run by someone who doesn't know him, or...

Dale: Jollyville Salamanders Are Blind, Policy-Makers Don't Have To Be

Cedar Park Mayor Pro Tem and Republican nominee for Texas House District 136 Tony Dale  penned the following editorial about the salamander issue in Williamson County.  I touched on this issue in my column (Lessons From Gatorland,) but salamander politics continue to plague local residents.

By Tony Dale:

If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately you may have noticed articles about various salamanders that are the subject of federal and local attention. One may ask why a creature only 2-3 inches long should be in such a spotlight, and why you should care. If you own an average home in a subdivision, an empty lot you want to sell, a ranch, or 1,000 undeveloped acres you may be impacted.

The controversy started in June 2011 when the Obama Administration settled two lawsuits filed by national environmental groups. Those groups petitioned to list an astounding 779 species as endangered. To put that in context the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) currently has 603 animals listed as endangered or threatened. In the settlement the Administration agreed to list over 250 new species. Included in that number are the Jollyville Plateau and Georgetown salamanders. These salamanders appear in springs in Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock and Georgetown.

So how does this impact everyone with a home, business or land? Simply put the likely listing will result in new land use restrictions on private property that may reduce the value of the property. It could also make some land completely undevelopable. Under federal law landowners are not compensated for the loss in value. So if for example a new retail establishment cannot be built, or its planned size is reduced, that means less sales tax revenue to cities. As a result cities will have to rely more on property taxes from single-family homes. Cedar Park leaders have worked hard to diversify the mix of sales tax and property tax to relieve the burden on homeowners. New development rules would also increase the cost building of new schools and roads at a direct expense to taxpayers. Also, less development means fewer job opportunities for Williamson County families. I believe that a strong economy leads to strong families and this federal intervention harms both.

Evidence collected by Williamson County’s scientists shows that humans and salamanders can coexist in a rapidly developing area. It is also important to note that of approximately 90 known locations for the Jollyville salamander more than 80 are already protected. Many of us involved in working on this issue have seen that the USFWS is using data that does not support their likely conclusion that the species is endangered. In 2002, the county created the Williamson County Conservation Foundation (WCCF) to provide for conservation of endangered species in Williamson County while helping to promote responsible development. The Foundation is in its second year of a five-year study, but the federal settlement has short- circuited that work.

As a former board member of the WCCF and a current member of the county
task force related to this issue I’m proud of the county’s history of protecting
habitat and developing in a responsible way. When you put people at the center
of your policies you typically get good results. However, when you fail to use valid

science or abuse our legal system, as I believe the national environmental groups
have, poor decisions are made. A glaring example of that was reported recently
regarding the golden-cheeked warbler. Texas A&M published that the population
of warblers in Texas is over 263,000 as opposed to number less than 10,000
when it was listed. This bird was central to battles between environmentalists and
developers in the 1990s. As reported in the Austin-American Statesman the “Texas
regional wildlife director for the Environmental Defense Fund, said in an interview
that the species would ‘probably not’ have been listed as endangered in 1990 had
the Fish and Wildlife Service had these figures then”.

It is time for the US Fish and Wildlife Service to slow down and let Williamson
County complete its study so they do not make the same sort of mistake they made
with the golden-cheeked warbler.

Tony Dale is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Cedar Park. He is a former board member of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation and currently serves as a member of the County Task Force studying endangered species issues.

Early Voting Begins Monday

Governor Rick Perry in Wilco last week

to endorse Charles Schwertner,

Tony Dale, and John Bradley. (video below)



Well, the feds have graciously permitted the State of Texas to hold a Primary Election (no photo ID required to vote,) and Early Voting begins on Monday. 

Lots of local races to vote on in addition to the race for senate; on the latter Lawrence Person at the Battleswarm Blog has followed the race closely for the past year. 

Oh, yeah, that presidential nominee thing too. 

Governor Rick Perry visited Williamson County this week to endorse Charles Schwertner and Tony Dale, and then rocked the county when he endorsed District Attorney John Bradley for re-election. 

Bradley has been endorsed by most Republicans in the county; his opponent, controversial County Attorney Jana Duty has been endorsed by public sector unions and several Democrats.

For Williamson County Commissioners Court, Lisa Birkman (Precinct 1) and Val Covey (Precinct 3) are the right choices for Republicans.  Both have done outstanding jobs on the court.  Birkman's challenger, Leann Seitsinger, seems woefully uninformed and stopped attending forums after a few embarrassing performances.  Ms. Seitsinger is supported by the union-lite group, the Williamson County Employees Association, as well as Democrats who want salamanders in the county declared endangered so that they can bring in more federal oversight. 

For a full list of candidates on the ballot in Williamson County, check out the GOP webpage. 

Here are the Primary Election Dates and Times for Early Voting Locations:

Monday, May 14 through Saturday, May 19

8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, May 20

12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Monday, May 21 through Friday, May 25

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

FULL-TIME LOCATIONS:

Main Location:

Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown

Branch Locations:

Parks and Recreation Admin. Bldg., 1101 N. College, Georgetown

Cowan Creek Amenity Center, 1433 Cool Springs Way, Georgetown

McConico Building, 301 W. Bagdad St., Round Rock

Round Rock Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock

Brushy Creek Community Center, 16318 Great Oaks Dr., Round Rock

J.B. and Hallie Jester Annex, 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock

Anderson Mill Limited District, 11500 El Salido Pkwy, Austin

Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park

Cedar Park Randalls, 1400 Cypress Creek Rd., Cedar Park

Pat Bryson Municipal Hall, 201 N. Brushy, Leander

Taylor City Hall, 400 Porter St., Taylor 

Hutto City Hall, 401 W. Front St., Hutto

Election day is Tuesday, May 29th, the day after Memorial Day.   

Limiting the Little Gods Of Government

Last month President Obama announced new national health care rules requiring all employers to provide 'free' contraception. He claimed the rules constitute a compromise with Catholics, because supposedly the insurer, not the employer, will absorb related costs. Certain Catholic Bishops who initially supported Obama's health care plan, reacted with dismay and anger, since the President had promised to respect their beliefs about contraception and abortion. But they should not have been surprised by the betrayal; although their intentions were good, their efforts were doomed by a misplaced faith in Government.

While the President touts the new rules as a compromise, opponents note that a number of employers self-insure, and even outside insurance companies indirectly pass the costs to employers. Directly or indirectly, employers will bear the costs of 'free' contraception. But this isn't just about birth-control pills. 'Contraception' as defined by government bureaucrats includes surgical sterilization and chemical abortions. President Obama's new rules will force coverage of abortion procedures.

While not all Americans agree with Catholic values regarding the sanctity of life, all should take heed of the dangers of investing too much power in the hands of Government.

Misplaced faith in the institutions of government is nothing new. People of various faiths have repeatedly turned to 'Government' to cure societal ills and take care of all needs. Ancient Jews infamously begged for monarchy, Thomas More suggested an imposed Utopia, and even Plato proposed a powerful Philosopher King. The premise is that a benevolent dictatorship can eradicate human suffering and allow us to all live happily ever after.

Unfortunately, the 'Government' on which we want to depend does not exist. Rather than better angels, government is made up of mere humans -who at best will make mistakes. At worst they will be utterly corrupt, and the majority will fall somewhere in between. In order to reach a theoretical Utopia, we must surrender rights and liberties to other mortals. Unfortunately, men and women in government often resemble the capricious and petty gods of Olympus, and our Philosopher King is more apt to behave like Zeus or Hera rather than a just and virtuous deity.

The Catholic Bishops were deceived when led to believe the President would respect their religious principles. However, even if Obama were a devout Catholic (hard to imagine, I know,) he is neither eternal nor omnipotent. Eventually some other 'god' would become president or king, and other judgments and values would be imposed. By then, government control over Catholic employers would have been firmly entrenched and religious objections rendered inconsequential.

Differences between various belief systems will never disappear, and with those differences there will always be a degree of intolerance. Recently in Central Texas, an anonymous person left notes objecting to Bibles on the desks of Cedar Park City Councilmen Tony Dale and Matt Powell. Apparently, 'Anonymous' would like the power to forbid Bibles on government property. But inordinate government power can lead to persecution of any group, and we could find that the Qur’an, Bhagavad Gita, or Communist Manifesto are banned as well.

The lesson here is that while we all desire a better society, surrendering too many of our rights and liberties to 'Government' is doomed to failure. Many countries have attempted a government-imposed 'perfect' society, but the worst of human nature usually takes the helm and produces the kind of suffering that characterized Stalinist Russia. Government can provide a framework for society and work to protect the innocent, but its power must be limited. Excessive trust in the god of 'Government' never results in Utopia, but may very well create Hell on earth.

The above column was published in The Hill Country News and the Jarrell Star Ledger.  I was amused by one critic who said including the Communist Manifesto was inappropriate since it is a political work.  However, it takes a great leap of faith in the 'little gods of Government' to believe in the Communist Manifesto!  In fact Marx used the work to draw up a 'catechism' entitled Draft of a Communist Confession of Faith.  I would suggest that it is indeed, a work of theology.  I guess my critic missed the point entirely. 

Texas House District 149: Meet the Candidate

Tony Dale, Republican candidate for the newly-created Texas House District 149, will hold a "Meet the Candidate" event on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Crystal Falls Golf Club in Leander.  Special guests include Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long and Leander City Councilman Christopher Fielder.  There is no cost to attend (but I'm sure Mr. Dale would appreciate any campaign contributions).   

Dale currently serves on the Cedar Park City Council, is a decorated Army veteran,  and has a very impressive resume of Republican activism.  I cannot imagine a better candidate to represent western Williamson County. 

Tony Dale Launches Campaign With Community Support

Last Tuesday evening Cedar Park City Councilman Tony Dale kicked-off his campaign for Texas House District 149.  The event at El Patron's in Cedar Park was attended by approximately 200 members of the local community.  By the time Dale addressed the group, the crowd was overflowing out into the dining area, where attendees were straining to hear the speeches from Dale and other community leaders. 

What is particularly remarkable about this event, was that the campaign effort had only been in existence for 6 days.  In fact, campaign signs were not delivered until after the event began, and many supporters had brought their own hand-made signs expressing support for Dale's candidacy.   The crowd was pretty animated and responsive to Tony Dale's rousing campaign speech, and one attendee remarked to me that he had not heard such a great "conservative speech since Ronald Reagan." 

Those in attendance included County Commissioners Cynthia Long and Lisa Birkman, both of whom spoke on Tony Dale's behalf.  Texas HD 149 includes portions of both Long and Birkman's respective County precincts, and support from these two leaders is essential.   Others present included State Representative Larry Gonzales, Williamson County Attorney Jana Duty, Cedar Park City Councilmen Matt Powell, Don Tracy, and Mitch Fuller, elected leaders from the City of Leander and Brushy Creek MUD, County Constable Robert Chody, members of both the Leander and Round Rock School Boards, and many, many others.  In fact, just about everyone previously mentioned as a potential candidate for the HD 149 seat, was on hand to help launch the campaign.

Councilman Tony Dale is well-known in the community, having resided in Williamson County for over a decade.  Prior to serving on the Cedar Park City Council, Dale had served on several local boards regarding planning & zoning and transportation, and last year was appointed by State Senator Florence Shapiro to a task force to ban 'designer' drugs K-2 and 'spice.'  In 2009 the Railroad Commission of Texas appointed Tony to the board of the Alternative Fuels Research Education Division.  He was a delegate on the VI Texas Trade Mission to Mexico sponsored by the Office of the Texas Governor in 2005.  In 2004 he was a member of the State Textbook Review Panel for the Texas Education Agency.

Along with his wife Mary and their two daughters, Dale's parents were on hand.  Like his father and grandfather, Tony Dale is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.  (and a decorated former Army Captain.)  Mary Lopez Dale was also a former Army Captain. 

In the 2012 Republican Primary, Tony Dale will face Corbin Van Arsdale, a lobbyist who has been leasing a house in Cedar Park since last Spring and who first registered to vote in Williamson County June 30 of 2011.  Van Arsdale announced his campaign with a press release and had listed a few local supporters, but when Tony Dale announced, Williamson County Constable Rick Coffman immediately removed his name from the Van Arsdale campaign. 

Update:  Corbin Van Arsdale sent his supporters an email last Friday, September 16, saying he would withdraw.  He made the official announcment Monday, September 19.

Texas House District 149 Update: Updated Update

While a handful of Williamson County residents are already publicly endorsing candidates, I think this is a good time to point out that the filing period for the 2012 Primary Election is a few months away, and we still don't know which candidates will actually file to run. 

In the newly created Texas House District 149, former State Representative Corbin Van Arsdale, who recently moved to Williamson County, is the only candidate who has announced.  However, according to long-time residents of Western Williamson County, there are at least three strong candidates with deep roots in the community who may file to run for the new Texas House District 149 seat.  One of these in particular has been described as a 'game changer.'

Despite his 2008 Primary loss to Republican Allen Fletcher, Van Arsdale has indicated he would very much like to return to the State Legislature.   He has been meeting with many local leaders and trying to learn about the community.  Prior to purchasing his home in Cedar Park last April,  Van Arsdale resided in West Austin, and has remained involved in government issues as a lobbyist.  He seems capable enough, but residents are still learning about him, and many are waiting to see if one of their own will enter this race.

At this point, I would say any endorsements are premature.

Update:  The cat is out of the bag as they say:  Cedar Park City Councilman Tony Dale is announcing this Tuesday.  Details here. 

Update:  Corbin Van Arsdale sent an email to his supporters last Friday, September 16, and Monday, September 19, he announced he is withdrawing from the race.

Good News: More Elections Coming

Now that the noise from the partisan elections has died down, we are gearing up for a whole new set of campaigns this Spring.  There will be numerous municipal and school board elections in May, and candidates are already in preparation. Late last year Craig Morgan announced his candidacy for Round Rock City Council Place 5 (Councilman Rufus Honeycutt is not seeking re-election,) and today Cedar Park Councilman Tony Dale announced his re-election bid.

Although these races are 'technically non-partisan,' both Morgan and Dale are known Republicans. Morgan has volunteered in GOP campaigns for years, and has served on the city's Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Dale was appointed to the Cedar Park Council in 2009, was unopposed in his special election in 2010, and now must run for a full term in 2011. During his tenure, Dale has tackled city issues with a commitment to balancing the budget and keeping taxes low while still providing core services.

Less encouraging for area residents was the announcement that Diane Cox would seek a third term on the Round Rock ISD School Board. A staunch Democrat, Cox was a die-hard supporter of former Representative Diana Maldonado, and appeared in her television commercial in 2010. Allegedly, Maldonado will serve as Cox's campaign manager.

The filing period for these races begins February 1, and ends on March 1, so we do not yet know who the candidates will be. However, rumors are swirling about the RRISD race, since many parents and residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Diane Cox and her approach to the Board. I predict there will be a strong challenger and Cox could very well be unseated this year. If so, hopefully she will not follow her purported campaign manager's example in giving one of the most classless concession speeches of 2010.

Cedar Park Council Votes for Tax Increase, Is Round Rock Next?

So often I find certain local Republicans can talk all day about applying fiscal conservatism at the Federal level, but are unwilling to apply the same principles to local government.  One need only examine Williamson County city and school board budgets to see that 'big government' spending trends are not limited to politicians in Washington D.C. 

Last week in a 4-3 vote, the Cedar Park City Council approved a new budget and tax rate.  According to news reports, the 3 dissenters "preferred a different proposal," but the truth is that Tony Dale, Matt Powell, and Don Tracy were voting against a tax rate increase.  While proponents of the increase gave the usual reassurances that the .45 cent increase is just such a teensy, weensy amount that no one should care, property owners know that these near-annual teensy weensy increases add up. 

The City of Round Rock will approve a budget and tax rate on September 23, and also seems to be on target to increase the property tax rate from 39.7 to 41.2 cents (per $100 of valuation).  This will be in addition to the new charges homeowners will pay for the city's recycling program, and a new drainage 'fee.'  (Don't you just love it when they call a tax a 'fee' or a 'surcharge'?  Makes you feel so much better.)  The City did cut the budget in some areas, but also added new expenses, such as a new commuter bus service to Austin.  Frankly, I was not aware of the overwhelming demand for such a service, but perhaps I missed something?

Each city asserts that they 'must' raise the rate since sales tax revenues and property values have declined.  It is truly disturbing that these leaders are either unwilling or unable to acknowledge that Williamson County families are purchasing less because of declining income levels, higher unemployment, and an increasing federal tax burden.  Families are cutting their respective budgets and cannot demand employers 'adopt the effective salary rate.'  The message from some elected officials to taxpayers seems to be "We don't care that you have less to spend, we are going to make sure you still give us the same amount of money in taxes NO MATTER WHAT!" 

Happily the elected members of the Williamson County Commissioners Court listened to the people of the county and did not increase next year's county property tax rate.  Perhaps the difference is that Commissioners run in partisan elections and know that it was Republican voters who put them in office, and such voters have certain expectations regarding spending and taxes.  City council and school board candidates have the luxury of hiding behind the 'non-partisan' mantle, and run in May elections when few are paying attention.  But, as these budget votes prove, party matters.