Sunday, March 8, 1998

Melinda has grit

I've met few people I would unequivocally place my trust in for public office, but Melinda Cunningham is one.

My first impression of Melinda was at a Key City Kiwanis meeting. She was emphasizing the incredible role the Abilene Boys & Girls Club plays. I was impressed.

Since that first impression, I've visited with Melinda many times and witnessed her determination and grit. I've seen her stand for what is right, even when it hasn't been popular.

I've watched her put herself in others' shoes to understand their needs.

I continue to be impressed by Melinda, more so now than ever, because of her moral and ethical strength.

I heard someone ask Melinda if she were coordinating road crews paving county roads, if they could pave a private driveway "since they would already be out there."

Her response was quick and strong: "Absolutely not!"

That's the kind of moral strength I want in every public official. I want leaders taking the high road, never leaving themselves open to question. I want leaders like that from the city and county level all the way to the White House.

That may be idealistic, I know, but to perpetuate such a trend we must start at the grass roots level. I've seen Melinda's qualities and character that will make her an excellent county commissioner. And as a Taylor County Precinct 4 voter, I am quick to place my trust and my vote in Melinda Cunningham.

TOM CRAIG

Abilene

Person of integrity

As sole appellate attorney in the Taylor County District Attorney's office 1991-1996, I had occasion to review transcripts of trials being appealed as well as knowledge of office policies. I found James Eidson to be a person of integrity in both managing personnel and in the prosecution of cases.

It has been stated in both state and federal manuals for prosecutors that "the duty of a prosecutor is not to prosecute (only), but to do justice." Eidson is an excellent example of a prosecutor who follows that precept -- fair to the community by vigorously prosecuting where justice requires but careful in evaluating evidence to insure that no one is unjustly convicted.

Additionally, Eidson is an excellent trial attorney who had no reversals of cases he personally tried during my employment. In comparison, Sandy Self was reversed due to trial error in State vs. Suel (a murder case), which narrowly missed a second reversal on re-trial.

I urge voters to re-elect James Eidson district attorney.

NELDA WILLIAMS

Kirbyville

Self's courage

I want to praise the courageous spirit of Sandy Self for running for district attorney.

It takes a lot of guts to risk one of the best law careers Abilene has seen as an assistant district attorney to run for a position she really deserves.

Sandy is a working woman who through being in contact with the Child Advocacy Center and the Crime Victims Crisis Center sees it as her moral duty to run for DA. She knows more prosecutions need to occur to keep Abilene a safe place to live.

JANA YOUNG

Abilene

Trust in Chuck

In Texas, and especially in Abilene, we still proudly take a man at his word and know his commitment by his handshake. We like to think that when we ask a question of someone we will get a straight, truthful answer the first rattle out of the box.

When Chuck Statler shakes your hand and looks you in the eye, you know he means what he says and that you can trust him.

Taylor County needs hard-working commissioners who are decision-makers and an get the job done.

Chuck is the man for the job. It's a matter of trust.

PAT FROSCH

Abilene

Sandy misleads us

I had the privilege of attending the recent forum at the board of Realtors. It was refreshing to see everyone's opening remarks commending their families' support. However, Sandy Self's opening remarks were direct attacks toward James Eidson, and she was on the offense the whole time. Not once did she mention or bother to thank her family.

In regards to the "voter alert" in last Sunday's paper: If the current assistant district attorneys are not in any way in support of Sandy, don't you think this is telling the public something? These assistant district attorneys have worked with Sandy over the last 10 years.

Sandy shouldn't mislead the public into thinking the law enforcement agencies aren't supporting Eidson when in fact they are not endorsing either candidate. They know that whatever the outcome, they must work with the district attorney on a day-to-day basis and therefore must remain neutral.

Come on, Sandy, how about dealing with the issues at hand? Whether it is in Washington, D.C., or Taylor County, the public is tired of negative campaigning.

DONNA LONG

Abilene

Caring public figure

I am writing in support of Sandy Self as our new district attorney. As a school teacher at a Title I elementary school here, we do not get a whole lot of positive recognition. However, we were recently fortunate enough to have been visited by a well-known public figure in our community, who happened to be Sandy Self.

Sandy came to our campus for a reception honoring our outstanding students of the six weeks. She had played a key role in the adoption process of a disabled couple desiring to adopt a child. Thanks to Sandy's help, they succeeded in fulfilling their dream. The couple was awarded custody of a precious son.

Last six weeks, the parents came to our reception to witness their son receive an award as an outstanding student.

Sandy, out of her continued support, was there to share in the pride and joy along with the family. I also learned she is included in other major events that involve this couple's son.

What a caring and kind individual Sandy has proven to be. She portrays herself as being a civic leader who is sincerely involved with the people, no matter how big or small.

I feel that Sandy Self is the best choice for representing our city as district attorney due to her positive attitude that she generates toward all of the people in our community.

STEPHANIE BEVILLS

Abilene

Melinda works hard

I would like to encourage all registered voters to vote for Melinda Cunningham for county commissioner Precinct 4 in the Republican primary March 10.

I have known Melinda and her fine family for many years now. She has been an active member of our community. She is involved with her church, civic organizations and her children's school activities.

She is a hard-working and intelligent member of our community. She has recently served as the director of the Boys & Girls Club. Melinda has operated her own photographic studio. She has the integrity needed to run the county's operations and budget. Melinda has the experience needed to set a county budget. Melinda has the desire to make a difference in our local government.

Please vote for Melinda on March 10.

RAYMOND BLASINGAME

Abilene

Via e-mail

Flyer was unethical

I'm not usually one to publicly criticize. However, I do believe people need to speak up when they see something wrong. I'm referring to the flyer that county commissioner candidate Chuck Statler sent out with a logo of the Taylor County courthouse on it.

It is my understanding this was not an illegal act, but it sure doesn't look ethical. The fact someone from his campaign would go to the courthouse, ask for letterhead with a county logo and then reproduce it on his own brochure is intolerable.

How can the voters of Taylor County even consider placing a man in office who would so blatantly push the limits of right and wrong? It seems voters need to consider their reason for backing such a candidate.

Few letters have been able to affirm that Statler possesses any qualifications required of a county commissioner. Does he qualify because of his "sincere desire" for the position? Some voters feel his Church of Christ affiliation (and recent transfer of membership) should outweigh his unethical actions.

It's high time we stand up against questionable ethics and dirty campaign tactics in this country, and the best place to start is our own county. As a responsible voter, I will vote for the qualified and the honest. I will vote for Melinda Cunningham.

TRACI YANDELL

Abilene

Dodging the issues

After reading several letters that have been published, I would like to make a few comments.

In response to Mr. Bronson, of course you are going to support James Eidson; he signs your wife's paychecks. How else could you know some of the information that is not necessarily public knowledge?

Also, in regards to the ad that Eidson published and some of the prosecutors signed, again let me say, he signs your paycheck. I would back my boss, too. It is time for the prosecutors to get off easy street.

Why has Eidson not addressed some of the issues regarding cases that have been addressed to him? For instance, Quanah Parker, who is an attorney caught with illegal drugs (marijuana), not going to trial for several years, practicing law while waiting for a trial, then Eidson's losing the case because of a mistrial. Are we running a "good ol' boy" district attorney's office for defense lawyers?

I watched part of the capital murder trial that is in question as to who did what. I will have to vote for Sandy Self as leading prosecutor in the case.

Hopefully, the general public can see through all of the dirt-digging and get to the real issues. We need a change. We need someone willing to fight the defense lawyers, someone not intimidated by defense lawyers or murderers or parents who cannot pay child support.

We need Sandy Self.

MIKE COOK

Tuscola

Self's misconduct

As an attorney, I have had the opportunity to observe and work with both James Eidson and Sandy Self. Based on my experience, both are competent trial attorneys.

However, Sandy has made statements during this campaign that give a false impression of how business is conducted at the courthouse.

First, she complains about the backlog of cases, but then advocates reducing the number of plea bargains. Such a plan only serves to either increase the case load or require the county to hire substantially more prosecuting attorneys.

Second, at the recent Realtor's forum, Sandy said aggravated sexual assaults, especially involving children, should not be plea bargained, even if the case is weak.

Yet I have seen her plea bargain such a case, giving the defendant the minimum sentence -- as she should have done, given the facts of the case.

The issue all parties seem to avoid, including the Abilene Reporter-News, is whether Sandy engaged in misconduct in the Carlene Fulton case.

In that case, Sandy allegedly misrepresented to the jury that no favorable plea bargain existed for Fulton, who turned state's witness, when in fact such a deal did exist.

At best, Sandy must say, as a candidate for district attorney, she did not know the law required her to disclose to the jury the nature of her plea bargain with Fulton.

Based on these facts, I find no reason to replace James Eidson with Sandy Self.

CHARLES RICE

Abilene

Self under-qualified?

There has been some focus on the abilities of Sandy Self as a qualified prosecutor.

If Sandy Self were so under-qualified, why did James Eidson have her as the first assistant for so many years? If she was not qualified, why did she handle so many important cases and also sit with him on several cases? It seems to me Eidson thought her to be very qualified until she decided to run against him.

Self has worked alongside Eidson for some time now and can see what is done in the office and what needs to be done. Sandy has proven her skills as a prosecutor. She also has people skills that help run an efficient office. She is efficient enough to get her work done and also have an outside life with her family and supporting the community at the same time.

My hat is off to you, Sandy. You have my vote!

SEAN BRADY

Abilene

Thanks in advance

Thank you, Sandy Self. I can't stress enough the renewal that our prosecutor's office will experience with you as district attorney.

Your outstanding record for prosecuting criminal cases, even a capital murder case that resulted in a death penalty conviction, will get crime off the streets.

You are what Taylor County needs for a strong, accountable DA.

DENISE TAYLOR

Abilene

Ask, don't speculate

I wonder if Mr. McGlothlin (March 4) noticed that the Abilene Police Officers Association is not endorsing anyone in any of the races on the ballot. Not justice of the peace. Not county commissioners. No one.

Instead of "speculating" about what they are thinking, why don't you ask them? I know the reasons why the assistant prosecutors are supporting Eidson. How? I asked them.

Try it. You'll find that what Sandy Self is saying is not fact but misrepresentations to the voters of Taylor County, again.

REBECCA SLATE

Abilene

Via e-mail

Kollin's experience

I have known Kollin Shadle and his family professionally and personally for four years. Kollin is a man of high moral character and integrity and constantly displays his fairness and respect for others in every facet of his life.

I have observed Kollin in the courtroom and know him to be an excellent prosecutor. I have also seen the work Kollin has done during his tenure as appellate attorney for the Taylor County District Attorney's office.

Kollin has always taken pride in upholding the law and seeing that justice is served. Often, personal beliefs may differ from what the law says, and that is particularly hard for a prosecutor. Kollin is able to remain impartial when such a situation arises. I firmly believe Kollin will maintain that same professional integrity as Justice for the 11th Court of Appeals.

I would encourage every voter to look long and hard at the experience Kollin has and compare that to his opponents. I don't believe a "part-time" juvenile prosecutor from another county can possibly understand and interpret the law as diligently as Kollin, a man who has truly been "in the trenches" of our courtrooms.

The case load for the 11th Court of Appeals is more than 70 percent criminal matters. It is vital we elect a "tried and true" criminal prosecutor to this important position.

Do not be swayed by glossy television ads that don't tell the real truth about experience or issues.

Vote for the candidate best qualified -- Kollin Shadle.

LAURIE BECK

Abilene

Via e-mail

DA's office effective

This past year I had two occasions to see our district attorney's office at work. I served as a juror in a juvenile trial represented by Harriet Haag and was a spectator in a court matter represented by Tamara Osborne. They are among the better jurists I've seen in action in Taylor County.

Their cases were impeccably prepared, and no detail was left unresearched.

As a native Abilenian I have seen district attorneys come and go. I don't know of any other administration that I have had more confidence in than James Eidson's. Not every legal matter needs to go to trial. I trust Eidson and his staff to decide which ones will.

KAREN ST. PIERRE

Abilene

Lewis is the one

The citizens of Taylor County's Precinct 2 would be well represented by Danny Lewis if he wins the nomination on March 10. Informed voters can make that happen.

I had the honor, privilege and good experience of serving with Lewis on the Clyde Consolidated Independent School District board of trustees for 10 years. During that time our board worked very hard planning, policy-setting and establishing budgets to improve the district schools. The students and taxpayers in the Hamby community were well represented by Danny, a land owner and farmer who continues to live in the area.

Lewis' decisions and voting record reflect his conservative philosophy, his commitment to students and taxpayers alike and his thoughtful decision-making.

Danny has always been a tireless volunteer for the community of Hamby, serving many years on the rural water development board and the volunteer fire department and serving on the school board for more than 20 years in Hamby and then continuing in Clyde after consolidation into the Clyde district.

Along with his wife, Vivian, he is an active, supporting member in their church and has a special ministry for the college-age members.

I urge voters to take advantage of Danny Lewis' honesty, integrity and decision-making experience and vote for him as your next county commissioner, Precinct 2.

RONNIE LEE

Clyde