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Letters
Budgets could be leaner
In recent weeks I have seen articles regarding the county and the Kaufman ISD's budgets. Money is tighter for everyone and both entities should take into account that the money they use is tax dollars, not earned by them but taxed to us.
Yes, we need to have certain things in our schools to get our children educated, one being good qualified teachers. Therefore, instead of considering not to give increases to the teachers (as one article reported postponing), I wonder if the school board or superintendent has considered what positions can be cut that have nothing to do with educating children. How many administrative jobs could be combined? I think Terrell ISD has been doing some of that and should be commended for it.
And the county budget -- with all the growth we have in the county, there's a projected increase in revenue from last year, a projected $1.5 million more in spending, a budget of $36.6 million.
I understand that they are putting more back into road and bridge and that's a good thing and a 1/2 cent reduction in the tax rate is better than nothing. But after a 3% increase last year, I think they can do better than that.
To start with, elected officials making $60,000, $80,000 and over $100,000 in salaries plus a gas allowance do not need another increase after the $5,000 last year.
I commend Commissioners Jerry Rowden and Ken Schoen for supporting the elimination of the 3% raise for elected officials, but I encourage the constituents to contact them and the other commissioners to go through with it. The budget has not been ratified yet so it is not too late.
Taxpayers should be paying attention and see what our commissioner's court and school boards are doing and let them know when you agree or disagree.
Lori Cook
[Click here for full story]
Aug 16, 2008
Letters
Energy dependent
In June, a group of about 45 Kaufman County residents attended the Republican State Convention in Houston. We heard many inspiring speakers, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich.
Mr. Gingrich's speech was on our need, as a country, to open up the off-limit land for oil and natural gas drilling. These lands include ANWAR in Alaska as well as along the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
It is ironic that we will not allow our oil companies to drill off Florida but yet China and other countries are drilling there.
The slogan going around the convention was "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less."
The reason I bring this issue to your attention, is to contrast the difference between Republicans and Democrats.
When President Bush took office in 2001, one of the first programs he proposed was to open drilling in ANWAR. That effort was stopped. Had it been approved, we would have that oil in the system today.
When the Democrats won control of the House in 2006, gasoline was about $2 a gallon. Today, it is over $4 a gallon. How much more does the Democratic party want the people to suffer before they agree to let us recover our own oil and gas and not have to rely on foreign supply from unstable governments?
That week, a spokesman for the Democratic Party actually suggested that the oil refineries be nationalized. That's all we need, another government-run program.
So, for those of you that say there is no difference in the two parties, re-examine your thinking. This is just one of many.
Bill Baker
Chairman,
Kaufman County Republican Party
Jun 30, 2008
Letters
Republican party hijacked
I recently read the letter to KaufmanCountyOnline
written by Wade Gent and in general agree with him
regarding the state of the Republican Party.
I differ with him on the issue of RINOs (Republican
in name only). The term was coined to describe those
who fled the Democratic party only to be electable. We
have them in our county government from the very top
to the bottom.
I too think that the Republican Party has been
hijacked by a minority of radicals who think that
their very narrow vision is the only way and cannot,
will not, tolerate any other view.
I find it ironic that as recently as eight years ago
the radical faction automatically labeled any Democrat
as "evil". I speak from personal experience. I was
elected Pct. 2 county commissioner in 1994, the first
Republican to be elected to a countywide position
since reconstruction. I was castigated for agreeing
with Democrats when I believed them to be right on an
issue.
I consider myself to be a "traditional Republican."
The Kaufman County Republican Men's Club was spawned
on my coffee table. I have not been to a meeting in
several years since the club was also hijacked by the
radicals.
I personally believe that it is truly rare to suddenly
change one’s core values. During the state and national avalanche of
new Republican officeholders, the only way to get
elected was to be a Republican. Overnight, those who had been dedicated Democrats declared themselves Republicans and guess what?
Those aligning themselves with the radicals were
energetically supported by those “Republicans” who
castigated me for any contact with "evil" Democrats!
Have I supported and voted for Democrats that in my
opinion were the best qualified for a given office?
You bet I have and will continue to do so. I believe
in the Republican core values and recognize the
differences between them and those of the Democrats. I
also believe that the difference doesn't make all
Democrats evil, just as strongly as I believe that
just stating, as a dedicated long time Democrat, that
you are now a Republican doesn't make you a Reagan
Republican. And aligning with the radical Republicans
doesn't make you a saint.
I see a swing back to the Democrats on the near
horizon, and the RINOs will make a mad dash back to
the Democratic Party.
The over-riding concern isn't so much that of a
particular party as is the jeopardy to our country by
the apathy of the general public. Apathy is what
allowed the radicals to gain and retain power.
I am hopeful that the Kaufman County Republican Party
will return to a more stable, sane, level-headed
leadership whose intent is serving all residents of
Kaufman County to the common good rather than that of
seeking power at any price.
Rod Kinkaid
Terrell
Aug 10, 2007
Letters
Spending out of control
Dear Editor:
I heard a shocking statistic a few weeks ago about the how the Texas budget has changed over the last few years.
In January, lawmakers went to Austin with an extra $14 Billion of our money -- an historic surplus. Like most conservatives, I watched in amazement as the Legislature decided to keep the money instead of return it to its rightful owners -- the taxpayers.
But the most ghastly revelation was not that they kept the surplus. It was that the amount of the surplus -- $14 Billion --was more than the entire state budget for 1985. The current budget tops $150 billion.
How many Texans who were working in 1985 have received a 900% raise since then? That’s the raise Austin has given themselves in the past 22 years at our expense.
Even more startling is that we continue to allow ourselves to be fooled by the rhetoric they feed us about their so-called fiscal restraint, while under our noses they hike our taxes to support their spending spree, generally to benefit their favorite lobbyists and special interests.
Since 1998, while most of us were pinching pennies at home, our Representatives increased spending from $87 billion to the current $150 Billion, almost doubling in just 9 years!
Austin spending is out of control. Government waste is out of control. We need to let our Representatives know that we will not stand for legalized theft of our money and our trust, and remind them that they still work for the people.
Wade Gent
Forney
Jul 26, 2007
Letters
Republican Party in danger
The Republican Party in Texas is in dire trouble. Not because our ideals are
wrong, or that we have lost touch with the issues that are important to voters.
No, the challenge we now face is an internal struggle within the party -- a
power struggle. And it’s going to drive the state back into Democratic
control.
We must recognize that there are two distinct sects
of “Republicans.”
The first group, the group to which most of us belong, believes in a core set
of personal values, and consider ourselves Republicans because the Republican
party’s core principles reflect our personal beliefs. We believe in limited
government, traditional Christian values, and the sanctity of human life. We
are Texans, fathers and mothers first, Republicans second.
The second group, a very dangerous breed, are the radicals. The radicals are
so blinded by power that they have lost sight of the true purpose of government
and the party. In their eyes, the party is their gang.
The radicals don’t view traditional conservatives as being real Republicans, and the traditionals will
never be allowed into their gang. In fact, they see traditional conservatives
as a threat, often recruiting and embracing Democrats into the party to run against and help “stamp out” what they
ironically call RINO’s (Republicans in Name Only).
A good example of the radicals in action is what happened in Austin last month
during the closing days of the legislative session. Tom Craddick, Speaker of
the House, refused to allow a vote on whether to replace him as speaker. In an
unprecedented abuse of his position, he claimed to have “absolute power,” making
a mockery of our system of representative government.
The radicals represent a small, but very vocal, minority of Republicans.
However, most traditional republicans vote only in November and ignore the March
primary elections. (Only about 7% of the population voted in the Republican
primary in 2006). So this radical minority continues to win. Traditional
conservatives, turned off by the radicals, either refuse to vote in protest or
simply lose interest, assuming their votes don’t count anyway. Whatever the
reason, they stay home in March, and the vicious cycle continues.
Eventually, this cycle will lead to the self-destruction of the Republican
Party. The only way to stop the downward spiral is to motivate the majority of
Republicans--the traditionals--to get out and vote in the March primary.
Without that, our party is doomed.
Wade Gent
Forney
President of the Kaufman County
Young Republicans
Jun 29, 2007
Letters
Protect the children first
[Mrs. Bartlett, a long-time foster and adoptive parent, sent this letter to those she works with to protect children and was willing to share it.]
There was a puppy on the news last night whose snout had been bound by a wire to keep a muzzle on. He had to undergo surgery to repair the damage. This morning, the first thing I heard on the radio was about this puppy; how he had suffered and so on. I heard that someone had posted a large reward for information to identify the dastardly individual who inflicted such pain and suffering.
Also last night there was an Amber Alert for two 9-year-old boys that were missing from their apartment complex. This morning, I had to look up this story on the Internet to find out what had happened. There was no mention of the boys on the radio station I was listening to this morning. The boys were found safe and sound in another complex. They weren’t maimed or killed so they were not newsworthy.
In the past 15 years, I have seen first hand the broken bones, burns, bruises, skull fractures and affects of unseen injuries on children as young as one day old. All of these children were injured at the hands of an adult. Not one time has anyone come forward to post a reward for the apprehension or conviction of the perpetrator against any of these children. Not one time has a news team reported on the horror of these children’s suffering. Out of 50 plus children that have been in our home, only three perpetrators have been arrested, four have been charged and only two have actually served time.
Something is wrong with this picture. Do not misunderstand; I do not condone in any way the abuse of animals. I am glad there are those who care so much about these animals to advocate for them. However, what about the children who are tortured, broken and terrorized?
I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you do for the children. Your tireless efforts to protect the children and to ensure they have every opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe environment do not go unnoticed. I notice. Others around you notice. I just wanted you to know there are many children out there who have benefited from your dedication. Actually, for most of you, there are children out there who are alive today because you cared enough to do what you do best. I just wanted you to know that you are a hero.
Judy Bartlett
Kaufman
Apr 13, 2007
Letters
Children need your help
For many children, spring is the time of infectious laughter, joyful memories, and incredible weather.
While most would envision children with their friends playing soccer or building a fort, there are approximately 200,000 children in Texas alone who are reported as being abused or neglected every year. This is a severe situation that we cannot ignore.
April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and May as National Foster Parent Month. This is a special time for everyone to think about what we can do to make every child feel loved. That is what Texas CASA is all about.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are people who fight to ensure that children have a safe and permanent home. A child advocate volunteer is a voice for an abused or neglected child. They are there to provide care and support for a child going through a complicated legal process. They do not replace the attorney or the caseworker; instead they help in ways attorneys and caseworkers cannot. CASA advocates play a key role in fighting against child abuse.
Right now, there are 67 CASA programs operating in 201 counties across the state, including Lone Star CASA serving Kaufman and Rockwall Counties. For more information about CASA programs please call 972-772-5858, or visit www.texascasa.org.
This spring, will you take the time to volunteer in your community? Together we can work towards the goal that every child who needs a CASA has a CASA to speak up for them.
Lucille Bell
Executive Director
Lone Star CASA, Inc.
Apr 6, 2007
Letters
Humane Society benefits Kaufman County
Kaufman County residents,
Please know that the City of Kaufman, Kaufman County, and Crandall Animal Control officers bring your stray animals to the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake. Our shelter is located in Henderson County, 10200 Arnold Hills Road, Seven Points, 903-432-3422.
In 2006, we took in over 3,000 animals, of which 46% were from Kaufman County. Of that 46%, more than 600 were from Kaufman County, more than 300 were from the City of Kaufman, and more than were from Crandall. As you can see, our extension into Kaufman County reaches well beyond Mabank.
In late November 2006, a new Kaufman resident lost his pet German Shepherd and had no idea who to contact or where to go. Kaufman County Animal Control had brought the animal to our shelter the week before Thanksgiving, and thanks to our board members and the shelter staff, the two were reunited just days after Thanksgiving.
So, if you are reading this letter, please let other Kaufman County residents know about our shelter and its role in Kaufman County Animal Control. If you are interested in volunteering/working at our shelter or taking part on one of our committees, please contact Melissa, 903-451-2051; if you would like to donate to our shelter, our mailing address is PO Box 43531, Tool, TX, 75143.
Janeen Gledhill
President, Board of Directors, Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake
[Click here for full story]
Mar 16, 2007
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Last Updated: Jan 4th, 2009 - 18:57:55
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