All the difference
One of your readers recently asked, "Whatever happened to campaigning on the issues?" She said Charlie Stenholm should be ashamed of himself for attacking a man's character in a TV ad.
Where was she two years ago when Rudy Izzard was calling Stenholm a "flag-burner" in his ads? Did she think it was OK for Izzard to accuse Charlie of writing hot checks? As an Izzard supporter, she probably didn't mind what was being said about Charlie. Talk about a double standard!
As a teacher for 41 years, she said she taught her children the importance of honesty and integrity. I am sure she did. But if honesty and integrity are so important to her, why isn't she troubled by Izzard's track record of not telling the truth?
Consider the following: Rudy filed late Federal Election Commission reports and then lied about receiving an extension. He has lied about Charlie's position on Social Security. He has lied about Charlie's views on tax reform. He lied about receiving an endorsement from Gov. Bush. And let's not forget the lies he told about how much money he spent on his last campaign.
Truth and integrity do matter. Charlie Stenholm's good name has been dragged through the mud, and he has the right to set the record straight. After faithfully teaching her students the importance of honesty and integrity, it is unfortunate she can't see the difference in the candidates.
LAURA MIDDLETON
Abilene
Vet backs Charlie
I am a Desert Storm veteran who has been ill since my return from the war. As the years went by, I reached a point where I was no longer able to work and support my family. I found myself in a four-year struggle with the VA in an attempt to get disability benefits. I found I was at a complete loss in dealing with the VA bureaucracy.
I needed help. I needed help in Washington, D.C.
I wish I could say I placed a call to my high-powered political connections, but I don't have any. I am just an average citizen whose involvement in politics tends to be limited to voting, and yet my voice was heard. State Rep. Hunter, U.S. Sen. Hutchison and U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm took up my case and pursued it until it was resolved. I found that I truly do have representation in Washington. And I am confident that this representation extends to everyone in this area, not just those with "political influence."
Many people in Abilene have supported us through these hard times, and many players have spoken on our behalf. I thank all of you. I would also like to thank Hunter, Hutchison and Stenholm. I have always leaned to the Republican Party in casting my vote, but I am looking forward to sending Stenholm back to Washington. Congressman Stenholm has proven to me that he is an able and willing representative for my family and all of the people of his district.
CHRIS YARGER
Abilene
Via e-mail
McCall qualified
Terry McCall is a candidate for justice on the 11th Court of Appeals at Eastland. This is an important position because the appellate courts interpret the law for the guidance of our trial courts.
I have known every judge who has served on the 11th Court of Appeals for the last 35 years, and I have appeared as a lawyer before all of them. I have known Terry McCall longer than that. He has every characteristic that is desirable for an appellate judge.
I can't think of anybody better qualified than McCall for this vital job. I commend your newspaper for endorsing his candidacy, and I strongly recommend him to all voters.
BOB BATJER
Abilene
No friend of Dyess
In the past few weeks I've heard Charles Stenholm say how we can't afford to lose him because of Dyess Air Force Base. Stenholm should stop playing on the fears of Abilene and the surrounding area and tell it like it really is.
I've lived in Abilene since the mid-1950s and watched Dyess grow and mature. Since 1978 I've also watched Stenholm and his relationship with Dyess. Charlie sure is quick to take credit for all the good things that happen at Dyess. However, lately I've noticed that Sens. Gramm and Hutchison are the ones who really do all the work for Dyess.
Just recently I read in the paper where Stenholm didn't sign on to Gramm's letter to the Air Force in support of locating the Airborne Laser to Dyess because he felt like he had already done his fair share of the work. If Dyess is to remain vibrant, we can't afford to have a congressman who won't do everything possible to assist in the efforts. Stenholm's decision not to sign on to the ABL letter shows he's only interested in Dyess when it is politically convenient or expedient.
The men and women of Dyess deserve a congressman who will support them all the time and in every endeavor. We need a congressman who's willing to do the little things that are important as well as take the credit for the big things.
J.F. KEELS
Abilene
Not for veterans
I have worked with the Taylor County Democratic Committee, including Stenholm, since shortly after my retirement from the Air Force at Dyess after 24 years of service. I believed in Stenholm and supported him and all the other Democrat candidates since the end of 1980.
Two years ago, however, I changed my mind. My feelings were later strengthened by Clinton's behavior as president.
I am now a totally disabled military service-connected veteran, and as such have lost my entire retirement pay. Congress and Stenholm say you cannot get both. I have written letters to this newspaper addressing Stenholm's record of support for veterans' programs.
I have even gone to D.C. to check on it. He has not supported even one.
When last asked about disabled military retirees concurrent retired pay and disabled pay, he stated there was no money to fund the program. There has always been enough money.
This is of interest not only to the military retired and disabled and their families but also to those in active duty.
I am not a Republican, but I see where there is an alternative. We have to get Charlie out. Don't let his camp brainwash you with Dyess closing, laser programs, contracts for Abilene, veterans clinics, etc.
I urge all military retirees and their families, disabled veterans and their families and active-duty military members and their families not to waste their vote on Stenholm. Check the Congressional Record once in a while.
PEDRO ARROYO
Abilene
Upset with Perry
I was rather upset with Rick Perry when he said he would give reading teachers a $5,000 raise if he was elected lieutenant governor. Does he think math, language arts, science, music, computer and social studies teachers do not deserve the same pay raise?
I, for one, think all teachers need more money, and I do not appreciate his ideas on this topic.
What do all the teachers in Texas think of Perry's idea.
RUTH SMITH
Abilene
Lesa an asset
I would like to invite you to join me in voting for Lesa Hart Crosswhite for Taylor County treasurer. I believe that with her experience in business management and accounting, she will be an asset to our county government.
Exercise your right. Please vote.
LINDA HUNT
Merkel
We need Hacker
Judge Aleta Hacker is a full-time, hard-working judge of the Family Law Court in Abilene, the 326th District Court. She deserves to be re-elected.
According to the Texas Judicial System annual report, Judge Hacker handled 2,621 cases to a conclusion in 1997, while the state average was only 1,821 cases. These outstanding numbers do not reflect the temporary hearings she handled on appeal.
She decides all sorts of extremely complex issues involving military and civilian retirement, business and real estate, as well as child custody. Judge Hacker possesses the judicial temperament to work with the highly charged emotional issues that are constantly litigated in her court. Taylor County cannot afford to lose the quality and experience of this fine judge.
CHARLES SCARBOROUGH
Abilene
Wrong priorities
Several of us were talking about the congressional race for the 17th District the other day.
I commented it's strange that a man whose good character, 20 years of hard work for his district, conservatism that matches his constituency and the respect he receives from other congressmen of both parties should have any difficulty in being re-elected, particularly when seniority is the magic wand that enables a member to get difficult things accomplished.
One of the group responded: "We are going to bring Charlie Stenholm home. We (he and some fellow Republicans, I assume) talked to him for 10 years and asked him to switch to the Republican Party. He refused every time. Now he's going to have to pay the price."
Is political party more important than the candidate, his or her qualifications, experience and clout?
If Stenholm did not work hard and successfully for his district and the nation's fiscal health, there might be some basis for change. But it takes at least three terms for any new congressman to develop the knowledge and skills - and more importantly, the seniority - to get things done. Wiping out that seniority resembles shooting yourself in the foot.
Before they vote, both Republicans and Democrats who really love Abilene and the Big Country should ask themselves: What's best for our community and our district? Is party label really more important than which of two conservative candidates can be more effective for the Big Country?
DICK TARPLEY
Abilene
Lesa takes the time
The Taylor County treasurer's office will be on the ballot this November, and I think the voters of Taylor County should pay close attention to this race. There has been controversy with the last two treasurers, an I think it is time for a change.
I have met Lesa Crosswhite while she was speaking to our group on two different occasions. Once was before the primaries, and the second was just a few months ago. All candidates were invited, and Crosswhite's opponent didn't bother to show up either time.
I appreciate Lesa's taking the time and caring enough to let the voters know her and her qualifications for the job. She has a business background, and it is obvious by all her hard work on her campaign that she is willing to work hard. My vote goes for Lesa Hart Crosswhite, and yours should, too.
RONALD ASHMORE
Abilene
Experience at job
I have known Taylor County Treasurer Laura Browder for more than 15 years. During this time, she has proven to be a very conscientious person, diligent, hard working, dedicated to whatever she has undertaken.
Yes, Laura has an opponent in the Nov. 3 election. Many good things are being printed and spoken about both candidates.
The first months Laura was in office were very difficult and would have been for anyone stepping into that office at that particular time. She has done everything the job requires, has never complained, never tried to push off her responsibility to bring the county treasurer's office to a position of accountability to the citizens of Taylor County.
The county commissioners have all acknowledged that her office is in good condition; county and state reports, deposits, investments are all submitted as required. Her diligent efforts and knowledge of investments have been to the county's financial benefit.
A business owner, a manager and organizer, a professional, dedicated person - all true about Laura. But most important, she has experience fulfilling the position, of doing the actual work demanded of that job.
In the years I have worked, experience is very much in demand. Vote for Laura Browder to continue to be your county treasurer.
ELSIE PIERCE
Sweetwater
Tale of 2 candidates
Last December I met two women, both of them Republican candidates for Taylor County treasurer. Since that time, one of them has switched to a Democrat.
The other, Lesa Crosswhite, has remained true to the goal she set for herself. She has spent the last 10 months tirelessly meeting the people of Abilene, spreading her message for good, sound fiscal responsibility. She would be a treasurer that the citizens of Taylor County could be proud of.
I think it it time Taylor County voters use this opportunity to invest in their county by using their voting power. As president of Taylor County Republican Women, I am proud to support Lesa Crosswhite for Taylor County treasurer, and I encourage you to do the same.
LISA COMPTON
Abilene
Laura does the job
I would like to invite all of the voters to Taylor County to go beyond the negative half-truths and look at the facts. The facts are that Taylor County Treasurer Laura Browder took on an office that was in total disarray. It took a little time, but she finally waded through the garbage she had inherited and straightened it out so that she now has a first-class office.
Please vote for a lady, Laura Browder, who is a CPA and has proven that she can handle the office of treasurer of Taylor County.
ROY LEWIS
Abilene