Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Willing to listen

I've seen Dr. Rudy Izzard out on the campaign trail a lot over the past couple of years. He has spent a great deal of time addressing the issues that are important to a number of people in this district.

But one of the most impressive things about Dr. Izzard has been his willingness to listen to the people he wants to represent.

In contrast to Izzard, I recently heard the current congressman speak, and instead of asking questions and trying to learn about our needs, he spoke at us and told us what he thought we needed.

I thought it was a stark comparison of the attitudes of both men toward public service.

I want a congressman who will listen to me and take what I have to say to Washington. The only person who has been willing to listen to me so far has been Rudy Izzard. Thanks to his sincerity, Rudy Izzard earned my vote this year.

MICHELLE WOOTTON

Abilene

Answering back

I am so sick of all of Rudy Izzard's ads on TV. I'm sure he knows the things he says about Charlie Stenholm are untrue.

The one where he says Charlie made the statement "We are a team again" was taken completely out of context. Charlie was talking about Social Security and tax cuts, not the sex scandal, with his fellow congressmen. Charlie voted for the impeachment inquiry because he felt this was the only way to move forward.

Charlie didn't answer Rudy's charges two years ago. I'm so glad he's answering back this time.

Izzard has made innuendos concerning Stenholm's FEC reports. I worked for Charlie for 14 years, and I did all of those reports. We were never late getting a report mailed in.

As for morality, decency, honesty and caring about family problems, Charlie leads the crowd. He is also dedicated to family, being a model husband, father and grandfather.

Charlie has pushed for a balanced budget since he was first elected. This was finally accomplished, and he is known as the father of the balanced budget amendment. He has been working to save Social Security, also. It seems the Republicans want to keep taking from the Social Security fund instead of putting money into it.

Do we want a freshman representative in Congress, or do we want one who has been there long enough to be influential and to be able to help the 17th District? I have heard other congressmen say, "Dyess Air Force Base would not still be here if not for Charlie Stenholm."

MARY KAINER

Stamford

Dirty politics

I have never written a letter to the editor before, but Charlie Stenholm's recent political ad has made me so upset that I felt prompted to.

I thought he was an honorable man, but now I see that is not the case. I was taught and will teach my children that they should treat others like they would like to be treated. Charlie Stenholm should remember this golden rule. I turn the channel every time it comes on because it upsets me so much.

And then, I was talking to a neighbor who had one of her Izzard yard signs stolen and found a Stenholm sign replacing it the next morning. That's dirty politics, too.

After he has been a congressman for 20 years, I would have thought Stenholm could stick to the issues and run a clean campaign. Instead, he wants to run a dirty and negative campaign.

I am certainly supporting Rudy Izzard, now I'm more sure than ever. I requested information from his office, and I like what I read. I would encourage others to do the same. We don't need a congressman who throws mud.

ASHLEY WILHITE

Abilene