Friday, March 6, 1998

Too busy for DA

I understand Sandy Self is president-elect of the Junior League of Abilene. The Junior League is a wonderful organization, involved in many projects that benefit the citizens of our community. It is well-known that the members of this organization devote a great deal of time, energy and money to Abilene through their various efforts.

The president of the Junior League has a big job to do, coordinating many different projects. I am sure Self is a very capable woman, but I wonder how well she would be able to manage the DA's office, do all the marvelous things she would have you believe she will do and still be able to preside over a large civic organization.

How can the citizens of Abilene -- or the Junior League -- expect to get her optimum attention if she begins two new responsibilities at the same time? Do you want a district attorney who is trying to adjust to an extremely important government office while she also tries to give adequate attention to a large civic organization? Which is more important?

James Eidson has proven himself to be an extremely successful district attorney and has managed his office -- both the legal side and the business side of it -- with honor and distinction. His attention is focused on the job to which he was elected, and does it well. I hope you will join me in voting for James Eidson for district attorney on March 10.

LAURA LEE HINES

Abilene

Via e-mail

Super role model

It is difficult to sort through all the election hype (mud, if you will) in a hotly contested race and get to the real issues. Looking at all the facts available and individual concerns, we have one strong candidate who has shown the courage to lay it all on the line, both job and reputation, in an effort to make Abilene a better place to live.

Sandy Self has proven her excellent and professional capabilities to make the kind of necessary changes as our new DA and to promote the kind of support, faith and trust needed in enhancing the goals of our local government. Her devotion and dedication to family and community make her one super role model.

In my opinion, and based on facts available, Sandy Self has capably and successfully answered all the election rhetoric (propaganda). She is a sincere Christian lady who wants to help us strive toward that lofty goal in our Pledge of Allegiance: "with liberty and justice for all." She has the compassion for victims of heinous crimes that is needed in a Christian community.

After looking at the issues, I am convinced that a vote for Sandy Self is a vote for the Abilene area and good law enforcement.

KENNETH SAUNDERS

Abilene

Let's 'swatta' Matta

I have been keeping up with the stories on incumbent Justice of the Peace Sam Matta regarding the sexual misconduct against one of his employees. I do not understand how any person could make up the things he is accused of.

I also understand Matta wrote love letters to this employee professing his lust for her and referring to himself as a "silly rabbit." Is Matta saying this lady is lying about the letters? His only response is that this is a political plot made by some people against him.

I believe it is time to "swatta Matta," and the best way to teach him that "no" means "no" is by voting for his opponent, A.L. Deatherage. Matta needs to run for national office and move to D.C., where this type of behavior is normal.

PHYLLIS DYER

Abilene

EDITOR'S NOTE: Justice of the Peace Sam Matta has denied the charges of sexual harassment brought against him by a former employee and has asked a judge to lift a gag order in the case so that he may respond.

Shadle's character

I wish to express my support for Kollin Shadle as Republican candidate for the 11th Court of Appeals.

I have known Kollin since my family moved to Aspermont in 1963. I know him to be a hard-working family man of strong moral character and sound judgment. Kollin's honesty, diligence and integrity are without question.

Kollin's diverse background working alongside the people of this district, in conjunction with his legal accomplishments, uniquely qualify him to serve the people of this district as Justice on the 11th Court of Appeals.

Although I do not presently reside in the 11th District, my family and many friends do. I urge you all to cast your vote for Kollin Shadle.

DAVID BINGHAM

San Angelo

Backing Melinda

Please, everybody, remind all your friends and relatives to vote in the primary elections March 10. It is a great privilege to vote, so don't miss the opportunity.

Just a brief note regarding the Precinct 4 county commissioner race in the Republican primary. I must vote for and support Melinda Cunningham, as I've known her for some time and knew of her very fine work as executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. I've heard some nice things about her opponent in the race, but I know Melinda and her husband personally and so will support her in this campaign.

NOBLE HARRIS

Abilene

Misled by Statler

As a person who casually watches political campaigns, I am tired of being misled by candidates. Lately I have tired of being misled by Chuck Statler.

I read his campaign survey that appeared to have come from Taylor County government. Nothing could be further from the truth; it actually came from Sherri Statler Enterprises. You know, the one who sent the library newsletters out and who is running Sandy Self's campaign. While this newsletter was not illegal, it was misleading and, I believe, unethical.

Although I have found some of the letters supporting Statler's campaign clever, they have also been full of negativism and unnecessary stabs at Melinda Cunningham and her family.

We need Melinda Cunningham to represent Taylor County. She has business experience. She has valuable experience as a servant leader with the Boys & Girls Club of Abilene. She also has the ability to give straight answers to straight questions without misleading us.

Cast a vote for honesty, integrity and ability. Vote Melinda Cunningham.

STEVEN KAHLA

Abilene

Via e-mail

Voice for 'Butch'

I have lived in Eastland most of my life. James Eidson (we called him "Butch") was reared in the same neighborhood, went to the same schools, played in the same sports as my two sons. So I know James and his family quite well.

I know him to be a man of high morals, honesty and integrity -- attributes that are rather rare in today's political arena. He would never resort to "dirty politics" to win an election.

I understand his opponent has already had to retract some untruthful statements made earlier in the campaign.

Dear Abilenians, you have an excellent district attorney. Keep him!

RUTH SMITH

Eastland

McCall twists words

I support Kollin Shadle for the 11th Court of Appeals. He is honest and forthright, and I respect his vast knowledge of the appeals system. I feel very strongly that he will be a fair and impartial judge.

On the other hand, I take issue with some of the comments by opponent Terry McCall.

In his television commercial, he talks about his knowledge of the criminal justice system. But as a county attorney, he does not handle felony cases, whereas Kollin Shadle has years of experience with felonies and the appeals system.

McCall may have support from some important organizations, but if you have a case against someone in the medical or legal field, for instance, you don't want a judge whose opinion might be swayed in their favor. If you were having to spend your money to have an attorney present your case at the appeals level, you would want a judge who remained fair and impartial.

I feel McCall is twisting words to say what he thinks the public wants to hear. Shadle has run a fair campaign and has not spoken out against McCall, but I felt some things needed to be said because I, as a former colleague of Shadle's, know what a respectable man he is.

Even if I believed McCall were a good candidate, of the two men I would still wholeheartedly put my trust in Kollin Shadle's integrity. I will vote for him and hope that you do, too.

MRS. CAL (JULIE) SUMRALL

Abilene

Eidson has his vote

What's all the fuss about? I've been listening to the candidates in the DA's race going back and forth over the number of trials versus the number of cases plead over the last 10 years. It seems to me that the streets of Abilene are safer than they have ever been.

With the cooperation of the neighborhood watch groups keeping an eye on things, the police department arresting the criminals, and the DA's office putting the guilty behind bars, we've got a pretty good system at work here. I don't see any reason to change any part of the equation.

Mr. Eidson, you've got my vote.

LESLIE BRANNON

Abilene

When he reads it

I've been around a while and can smell bull when I read it. I saw the "voter alert" ad in Sunday's Abilene Reporter-News. Looks to me like some of the prosecutors are going to have to go to trial and stop slapping criminals on the wrist with plea bargains if Sandy Self wins. I'm voting for Sandy so those concerned prosecutors can go to work.

DAVE SARTEN

Buffalo Gap

Self in left field

I saw the "voter alert" that was printed in last Sunday's paper, and I think it says a lot when Sandy Self's former colleagues don't want to work with her.

What I hear the remaining prosecutors saying is that Self is way out in left field with her accusations and the picture she is trying to paint of the DA's office. Self seems to be full of negative comments and complaints about the DA's office; however, nothing she's said can be backed up.

I don't know Sandy Self, but from what I've read, I don't want her to be my district attorney. James Eidson has an excellent record running the office, managing employees and prosecuting. Let's re-elect him.

CARRI JURECEK

Abilene

Support from afar

As the current president of the National Association of Chamber Ambassadors, I would like to brag on one of our members, Chuck Statler of Taylor County.

Chuck is a past president of our organization, serving two terms, longer than any other president. Across the country, he is regarded as one of the primary leaders in the chamber ambassador field.

When we experienced growing pains and faced serious financial challenges, we were faced with folding or knuckling down and working our way out of our dilemma. Chuck led the charge and challenged the board to turn the organization. His common sense approach to business matters was crucial. He established short-, medium- and long-range goals and a business plan that worked!

I admire Chuck as a "worker bee." He doesn't seek the spotlight. He made it possible for our organization to gain nationwide attention as an educational resource organization for chambers of commerce by providing training in organization, recruiting and membership development. He presided at three national conferences and brought the 1994 conference to his hometown of Abilene.

Based on my experience working with this honest and hard-working man, I know he can tackle tough jobs. He's proven it to me.

LINDA CARPENTER

Montrose, Colo.

Change at DA's post

We believe it is time for a change in the leadership of the Taylor County District Attorney's office.

Changing leadership in government is always a tough decision since with change comes some form of insecurity. Consequently, we continue to re-elect leaders with abilities and records that fall well below our expectations.

Sandy Self is the most qualified person to lead the district attorney's office into the future. Her performance as assistant district attorney the past 10 years aggressively prosecuting difficult cases has been exceptional. The only time we ever saw James Eidson prosecute a case in the last few years was when it was a highly publicized, sure-win case. This is typical behavior for a politician, not an effective district attorney.

We have also been troubled by the behavior of the district attorney's office during this current campaign. It appears Eidson is more concerned with making personal attacks against Self than publicly discussing the issues of the campaign.

Self has a vision for the future of the district attorney's office. She has pledged to aggressively prosecute criminals, alleviate the accumulation of pending cases and work closely with local law enforcement agencies. She has the skills to professionally manage the district attorney's office and make it an efficient part of the justice system.

We encourage the voters of Taylor County to give her the opportunity to lead the district attorney's office into the future.

CORY & PENNY PITTMAN

Abilene

Willingness to work

It is my pleasure to endorse Chuck Statler for county commissioner.

His background in business coupled with his good common sense will help him make sound decisions for the people of Taylor County. Chuck's willingness to work overtime if elected is further evidence of his commitment to make certain the job is done well.

Chuck is a great listener, concerned for others and just what we need.

DENISE JONES

Abilene