Wilson is better

Having watched the letters to the editor this political season, I want to start by stating I am not writing to attack any one candidate, only to offer my endorsement for another. We have had enough of that this year.

In the race for judge of the 11th Court of Appeals, I believe Randy Wilson is the most qualified candidate. Randy has close to 30 years of experience practicing a wide variety of law, both civil and criminal, both as plaintiff and defendant.

This broad background makes him uniquely qualified to serve as a judge who will be charged with the responsibility of reviewing all types of cases from both sides of the docket.

I have met Mr. McCall and found him to be a person who, were he running against a different opponent, I would feel comfortable voting for. However, when his experience is compared to Randy's, I feel Randy is the most qualified.

In the past 11-plus years I have practiced law in this area, I have had cases against Randy and have had cases where we worked together. I have always found him to be professional and prepared. These are traits that will serve him well at the Court of Appeals.

Therefore, I would urge the citizens of this part of the state to vote for my friend, Randy Wilson, for judge of the 11th Court of Appeals.

CHARLES SELF III

Abilene

Endorsing McCall

The political action committee of the Texas Civil Justice League has endorsed Terry McCall for justice on the 11th Court of Appeals. Our endorsement was made after a careful study of the experience and qualifications of the candidates.

Our endorsement of Terry McCall was made for two simple reasons.

First, his years of legal and business experience render him uniquely qualified for the job he seeks. Second, he is a judicial conservative who understands it is the role of the Legislature to write the laws and the role of the judiciary to interpret them, not the other way around.

The Texas Civil Justice League, the largest state tort reform organization in the nation, is committed to restoring fairness and balance to our judiciary and ending once and for all the abuses of the plaintiff personal injury lawyers. We are bipartisan, endorsing conservative candidates for the Legislature and the judiciary regardless of party affiliation. Our membership is composed of thousands of individuals, large and small businesses, health care providers and trade and professional associations across Texas and the country.

We hope this letter will assist voters in making their decision in this important race.

BILL TRYON

Texas Civil Justice League

Football credentials

I find it interesting that Rudy Izzard keeps talking up his football credentials in his campaign literature and letters to the editor (see Spike Dykes). I guess if you are a candidate who doesn't have anything of substance to say, it probably makes sense to dust off the football trophies when that's all you have to offer.

You don't hear Charlie Stenholm talking about his days as a high school athlete. Charlie discusses the issues that are important to all of us - Social Security, health care, education and jobs. On Nov. 3 I'm going to vote for a candidate with substance, someone who has a proven track record in serving the 17th District of Texas: Charlie Stenholm.

As for Coach Dykes, I'm a Texas Tech grad, and I think he should stick to coaching football and stay out of politics. Ever since he endorsed Izzard, Tech has been losing.

LESLIE FARMER

Abilene

McCall's credentials

It is our understanding that Randy Wilson has made certain statements concerning Terry McCall's experience that are untrue according to our Comanche County records.

McCall executed his first oath of office for Comanche County attorney at 9:45 a.m. on July 6, 1992, not July 17, 1993, as Wilson claimed.

At the time McCall took office, it is our recollection there were at least 400 cases still pending, and McCall took over their prosecution. During his nearly six years as county attorney, McCall filed 1,859 criminal complaints charging defendants with criminal offenses. He also handled numerous charges against juveniles, including an armed robbery of Allsup's in DeLeon, aggravated sexual assaults and burglaries of habitations and stores.

Finally, we are aware that McCall assisted our district attorney in prosecuting some of the felony DWI trials.

In short, McCall is accurate in his statement that he handled over 2,000 criminal prosecutions. You are certainly welcome to come to Comanche and review our records case by case with us.

Wilson is in error in stating that McCall only had three jury trials as county attorney. Our records show that he had at least 14 trials.

Terry McCall's honesty and integrity should not be questioned. He was an outstanding county attorney for our county and went far beyond the normal duties of county attorney in serving Comanche County.

BETTY CONWAY, County Clerk

JOHN WEAVER, County Judge

Comanche County

Term limits foolish

We have all been subjected to a lot of discussion about term limits. From the past I can guarantee that all first terms are a learning experience.

Why tell an officeholder he must quit just because he has been there long enough to learn what the job is about?

Do you know of any business that requires any officer, director or employee to retire based solely on the time they have held the job, especially after the time and money they spent training that person?

In a legislative body the same issues come up year after year. The worst thing about term limits is the loss of institutional memory.

I know of no better way to turn the process over to the bureaucrats and lobbyists than to fire all the experienced members.

Any elected official who is not doing the job as the constituents wish will be fired at the next election.

GRANT JONES

Abilene

Her name is good

Lesa Hart Crosswhite and her family are well known in Taylor County. A good name is worth more than a thousand words, and her name is good.

Lesa is the type of person we need as treasurer of Taylor County. I feel she will be outstanding in her performance.

She has a bachelor's of business administration degree with the required accounting and management courses needed for the treasurer's office. She has had experience in accounting, investing, personnel management and has operated her own successful businesses.

She is tireless in her efforts to do any job well, friendly, cooperative, honest and efficient.

These qualifications and personal attributes make her more than qualified to operate the treasurer's office in an organized, efficient and timely manner.

I feel certain the county commissioners would get complete, accurate reports on time as required by law.

This has been a problem for them in the past, according to reports in your paper, and a hindrance in ensuring that the cash accounts were being handled properly.

It is time for a change. The people in Taylor County need to vote for Lesa Hart Crosswhite to improve the management and the efficiency in the treasurer's office.

KENT & BETTY

SATTERWHITE

Merkel

Standing on record

My family has known Laura Browder for years. We know she is a strong Christian person, and, with her husband, Terry, is raising two fine young Christian children. Laura only knows how to tell the truth and to do all things in the proper, ethical way.

That is the way she conducts her office.

Laura only tells about herself when talking about why she is running for county treasurer. The facts speak for themselves, for she has turned a messed-up office into one that operates properly and efficiently.

Lesa Hart Crosswhite talks about her parents, her family and the fact that she is an excellent business woman and a Republican. My friends in Merkel tell me that until this year, her parents and she were strong Democrats. She and her parents tell my friends in Merkel that they support Charlie Stenholm and the Democrat ticket except for her. Her mother came to my door asking to put a sign in my yard and in our conversation told me the same thing.

If Lesa is such a good business person, why did she close her business? If she was such a good saleslady, why did she quit? I have yet to get a straight answer from anyone to these two questions.

We already have Hillary Rodham Clinton, who likes to include her maiden name and not stand just as Hillary Clinton. Do we want a Lesa Hart Crosswhite who also does not want to stand just as Lesa Crosswhite?

My family and I will be voting for Laura Browder. She will stand on her record and on her good name.

RICHARD JONES

Abilene

County needs Lesa

When I was asked by Lesa Hart Crosswhite to be her campaign treasurer, I was honored. Being a CPA, I do not take the endorsement of a candidate for county treasurer lightly, but I am confident Lesa will bring consistency and provide strong management to the office of Taylor County Treasurer.

I am supporting her bid for county treasurer because I believe Lesa is a person who can and will fulfill the duties of the office in a competent and timely fashion. She has a business background and impresses me as a very focused person who will accept the responsibilities of the office and offer no excuses for work not completed.

The main purpose of the county treasurer's office is to provide a checks and balances system for the management of our county's money. This system must be operational at all times.

Our county needs someone like Lesa to work cohesively with county commissioners and other elected officials so that our county government can be efficient and effective.

I hope you will join me in voting for Lesa Hart Crosswhite for a responsible county treasurer.

BILLY EDWARDS

Abilene

Laura is right

Get to know Laura Browder. Quote: "I am running for re-election because I believe I have made a difference in the county financial situation. Through aggressive cash management strategies my office is earning $84,000 per year more in interest than we were previously.

Earning more money in interest means taking fewer tax dollars out of your pocket."

Laura's work experience: Certified Public Accountant for 16 years; more than 19 years experience in accounting, including auditing, tax, general ledger write-up, regulatory research and government reporting.

I could go on and on about Laura and her family and the difference she and her family have made in and for Abilene and Taylor County. So vote Nov. 3 for Laura Browder, CPA, for county treasurer. It is the right thing to do.

PEG COOKE

Abilene

What's at stake

We are at a time in our economic growth that requires us to use all the positive influence we can muster in Washington, D.C. We have the opportunity of gaining the Airborne Laser Warfare Technology unit to Dyess Air Force Base. With this comes the Housing Privatization Industry Forum, which will create housing for the addition of 400 military families to Dyess.

In addition, we will gain the high-income technical personnel who will be employed by the Boeing-TRW-Lockheed Martin Company. It is hard to really imagine the enormity of this project and the full impact it will have on our economic future.

When you go to the polls to vote, I ask you to vote for Charlie Stenholm. Without Charlie, we will lose the opportunities mentioned above. There are a large number of private citizens from the Big Country who have been working on this and other projects for years. They will tell you that without Charlie, we would not have come as far as we have.

Just stop and think about putting a new man in Washington. For his first term, he will be the new boy on the block - just trying to find his way around. You have to pay your dues and earn your way to important posts in the Washington political environment.

We do not have the luxury of allowing someone into office who cannot pick up the ball and continue the effective work Charlie is doing.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with Charlie's opponent. I am asking you to consider what is stake.

JAMES SNELGROVE

Abilene

It's not for sale

Voters, let's send a clear message on Tuesday: The Taylor County treasurer's job is not for sale.

One candidate is clearly superior in terms of qualifications, experience and proven dedication in the office.

The other candidate has political connections and is good at getting signs up everywhere.

I encourage you to vote for Laura Browder, the incumbent. She took over the office in 1995 when no one wanted it, when the office was abandoned and in disarray. Despite great obstacles and despite being understaffed and overworked, Laura stuck to her task and straightened out a huge mess.

But even more importantly, Laura Browder's hard work hasn't even cost us taxpayers one penny. She paid her own way. She changed the county's system of handling cash and increased the county's interest earnings to a level that is $84,000 per year higher than when she started, from $14,242 to $97,848, an increase of 684 percent!

We could use a few more Laura Browder's in government. Am I right?

It was her 16 years' experience as a CPA and her conservative investment strategies that allowed us, the taxpayers, to win with her in office.

Why would we want anyone else?

The other candidate is definitely better at yard signs.

Laura Browder is not politically motivated; she'd rather not campaign at all.

But she's good at what she does - running the county treasurer's office.

Let's stick with a proven winner.

Vote for Laura Browder as county treasurer.

MERLIN MANN

Abilene

Via e-mail

Hypocrisy rampant

I am amused on what I find on CNN and in the newspapers recently. The airwaves are filled with Republican congressmen and women who preach family values and morals and slam the president for making a bad decision in his personal life.

I have overheard many local voters saying they are tired of Clinton's behavior with Monica Lewinsky and will never vote for a Democrat. I would like to remind these voters that after the Clinton affair with Lewinsky surfaced, there have been numerous adulterous affairs made public with the majority involving Republican leaders.

Most recently talk show host Dr. Laura was on Larry King Live berating the president and anyone else who has divorced or failed morally. Now Dr. Laura is in court attempting to block nude photos of her being displayed on the Internet that were taken by her lover during an adulterous relationship while her husband was out of town.

I encourage everyone to vote on Tuesday but be careful of the hypocrisy of the Republican Party. From President Clinton down to the local elected officials, they are all human and are capable of making mistakes regardless of their party affiliation.

GARY REED

Abilene

Via e-mail

Sorry, Charlie

I believe Charlie Stenholm is an honorable man, and I agree with most of his positions. My concern is not with Charlie but with the current leadership of the Democratic Party, both in the White House and in the House of Representatives.

As I watch such TV programs as Meet the Press, who do I see as frequent spokesmen for the Democratic party? Such people as Dick Gephart, Barney Frank and Charles Rangle, all ultra liberals and influential voices from within their party.

Until something shocks the Democrats into replacing these leaders with more moderate heads, they will continue as the Democratic leaders and spokesmen.

Even though Charlie is not a representative of the liberal left within his party, a vote for Charlie indirectly allows the liberals to maintain control of his party.

Sorry, Charlie, but I'm voting for Rudy this time. Nothing personal, but I'm for shaking 'em up.

TOM BRITTING

Abilene

Via e-mail

GOP treasurer

I have known Lesa Hart Crosswhite for many years. I know her to be someone who shows respect for all people, keeps her word, exhibits honesty, is always dependable and is a very hard-working person.

In addition to these personal qualities, she has a degree in business administration, has held responsible positions and has been a successful business owner. There is no doubt she is the treasurer Taylor County has needed for some time now. She'll do the job right, will earn her pay and will not cause the county extra expense to get someone else to do the job for her.

In my opinion, a vote for Lesa Hart Crosswhite will insure accountability, prompt reporting and needed improvement in the treasurer's office. I am a Democrat, but I'll vote Republican for treasurer this time for the good of Taylor County.

AMIE TUTT

Merkel

Saying kind things

There has been an awful lot said in the press and in letters to the editor in recent days concerning this fall's elections. I, for one, have been somewhat disappointed in the tenor the races have taken on.

Despite all the other campaigns, I have been impressed by one candidate in particular. For all the negative things said about him, I am glad Rudy Izzard has stuck to the issues in his race this fall. I have seen and heard all of his opponent's remarks about Izzard running a negative campaign. However, I just haven't seen any of that at all.

Dr. Izzard has stuck to the issue and talked about things that are important to the people of this area. He has differed with his opponent on points and issues but has never denigrated his campaign to name-calling or mudslinging.

In fact, I heard him just the other day saying kind remarks about the character of his opponent. I wish the same could be said of his opponent.

With all the garbage filling up politics these days, I am glad Dr. izzard hasn't felt the need to lessen the process any further. Dr. Izzard's decision to stay positive has earned him my vote.

GREG JONES

Abilene

Working together

Neither Democrats nor Republicans have all the answers, but they can accomplish much when they work together. Charlie Stenholm has demonstrated this ability and has done an outstanding job working on the issues that matter to the 17th District.

As a retired teacher, I am concerned about three areas: education, health care and agriculture.

Charlie believes the educational needs of our children should be determined at the local level, but he has worked to bring federal aid to Texas. He was a founding member of the Rural Health Care Coalition, a group of Democrats and Republicans working together to address the health care needs that are so critical to rural areas.

As a landowner and chairman of the Jones County FSA Committee, I understand how important agriculture is to West Texas. Charlie is the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, while Larry Combest is in line to be the next chairman. Can you imagine what they could do for Texas agriculture together?

If Izzard were elected and received an appointment to this committee, his seat would be at the bottom of the horseshoe.

If ever strong leadership of both Democrats and Republicans working together for West Texas is needed, it is now.

Stenholm has accomplished a great deal because he has worked well with Republicans and Democrats alike. He is a man of principle who doesn't let party politics enter into his decision making.

We need more of his kind in Washington.

SHIRLEY JACKSON

Anson

Value of Dyess

What does Dyess Air Force Base mean to Abilene? There has been lots of talk about Dyess during the current campaign, with both candidates maintaining one can do a better job protecting it than the other.

Let's talk about housing. Abilene currently has a robust housing market. If Dyess were to close, the population could shrink by 25 percent in a period of four to six years. What would that do to housing?

There would be an increased supply of houses and a lower demand for housing. A lower demand for housing would cause property values and housing prices to go in the tank.

Dyess brings $250 million into the local economy each year. Whether or not you work directly for Dyess, it makes an important contribution to Abilene. And if you don't think Dyess counts, take a look at what happens to an American city when an air base is shut down.

Charlie Stenholm is the only person who has a proven record of protecting Dyess. To me, it will be an easy decision to vote for Stenholm.

PEGGY MANNING

Abilene

Praise, not ridicule

In 1996 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued more stringent air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter that even the agency's own Science Advisory Committee found hard to defend.

With minimal supporting science and real costs facing constituents, Congress responded in a rational manner with legislation to hold off implementing the new rules until sufficient data could be collected to provide a better understanding of the science underlying the new rules.

Close to 200 members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, showed their political courage by co-sponsoring this important legislation. Among this bipartisan group was Rep. Charles Stenholm. He is now the target of a misleading ad campaign paid for by an environmental organization.

Stenholm should be commended, not ridiculed.

The Texas Conference of Black Mayors has examined this issue in detail and has concluded that, absent compelling scientific justification, EPA's new rules are unwarranted and unfairly penalize those minority business interests whose children's futures depend on the economic revitalization of America's urban centers. This is what led the TCBM to adopt a resolution at its 1997 Annual Conference in Austin in support of this legislation.

Our hats are off to Stenholm for demonstrating the wisdom and courage to tell it like it is and represent their constituents accordingly.

BARBARA BURTON

Executive Director

Texas Conference of Black Mayors

Memory matters

You have been running a lot of good letters on the election for the last few weeks, but I have yet to read one that mentions the problem of memory.

It seems to me that one of the best arguments against voting for a Democrat Nov. 3 is the problem of memory. So many Democrats seem to have a strange failure of memory at strategic junctures in their lives.

This can be a real problem for a leader. Imagine, for example, a president forgetting a crucial clause in a treaty with a foreign power.

The foreign power would say he agreed to such-and-such and the president would say, "I have no recollection of that." Then would follow a diplomatic blowup, maybe even war.

Memory in political leaders is very important.

ARLIE HOOVER

Abilene

Via e-mail

Credibility, trust

Two issues I find the most important in having a person represent me in any capacity are credibility and trust. Over the years I have always gone to the polls and voted my mind. I have continued to vote for the people who have done well for our community and me.

This year I have decided to vote for Rudy Izzard to be my representative in Congress. He talks straight and believes in the same issues that I do, as strongly as I do. He believes in lower taxes, strengthening Social Security, family values and supporting veterans' issues.

Charlie Stenholm has been here too long and not done enough. I want someone who will be in the majority and can look out for the people of the 17th District.

Rudy Izzard has come through for people in the past as a city councilman and a dentist, and I know he will come through for me. I just don't feel Stenholm has done enough for me in the past 20 years.

NICOLE KNIGHT

Abilene

Asset to any position

I am writing to encourage you to vote for Lesa Hart Crosswhite for Taylor County treasurer.

I have known Lesa and her family for a long time and I think she would do a great job in this position. She is an honest, hard-working and dedicated person and would be an asset to any position.

DONNA BRNOVAK

Merkel

Lesa special person

I would like to take this means of informing the voters of Taylor County about a special person we have who is running as a candidate for the office of county treasurer.

She is honest, cooperative, dedicated, dependable, educated, informed and has work experience in accounting, supervising, management, budgeting, investing and reporting. She has been formally trained in accounting and management, with a bachelor's of business administration degree.

She comes from a family who taught her the value of hard work and good work ethics and who have given a lifetime of service to others. This person wants to follow her family's example. She wants to serve the citizens of Taylor County by being our county treasurer.

Who is this person? She is Lesa Hart Crosswhite, daughter of Don and Mitzi Hart and wife of Randal. She is the granddaughter of the late Winnie Billingsly.

Her education, work experience, personal attributes and willingness to work hard make her fully qualified and the perfect choice for Taylor County treasurer. She will bring both efficiency and proper management to the office and the county commissioners will not have to wonder about the condition of county finances. She will keep them informed and report on time.

This special person, Lesa Hart Crosswhite, aims for perfection, and so do I. She'll get my vote, and I encourage you to give her yours.

BESSIE BUCHANAN

Tuscola

Lesa has it

Lesa Hart Crosswhite has the education, experience, ability, dedication and desire to be the treasurer of Taylor County.

She is a quality person who does quality work in a timely, professional manner. She will be an asset to Taylor County, not a liability.

Join me and vote for Lesa Hart Crosswhite to be our next treasurer of Taylor County.

She'll make us proud and she will bring good management and efficiency to the treasurer's office. We need that!

RICHARD BEAVER

Trent

Rudy's allegiance

Where will Rudy Izzard's true allegiance be if he is elected this November? He is not from the 17th District. He actually lived in the 21st Congressional District before he decided to run against Charlie Stenholm. Goodfellow Air Force Base is in the 21st District.

In addition, I recently read that Izzard was seeking information on Sheppard Air Force Base before he met with the editorial board of the Wichita Falls paper. The article said he was trying to seek their endorsement. That's not even in the 17th District. Why would he be concerned about an Air Force base outside this congressional district?

And finally, Rudy Izzard doesn't even have a membership in the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Does that sound like someone who is concerned about the future of Dyess? During the next round of base closures, which one will Izzard fight to save - Dyess or Goodfellow?

I hope we don't have to worry about the answer to that question. Vote for Stenholm.

JUSTIN WHITE

Abilene

Mabry is interested

This letter is to urge all readers to get out and vote for Richard Mabry for 326th District Court judge. He is running as an opponent to incumbent Judge Aleta Hacker.

For years I have been aware of persistent reports of Hacker's flawed decisions. However, I have recently had occasion to witness her behavior on the bench during a civil procedure that involved a friend of mine. A judge is supposed to be disinterested (unbiased), but she was obviously uninterested (mentally absent) during the proceeding, constantly looking impatiently at the clock and seemingly unaware of much of the testimony being given.

By contrast, Richard Mabry is aware and interested in proper administration of justice, including proper observance of the Code of Ethics governing the behavior of attorneys and judges in Texas.

JOHN DAVIS

Abilene

Via e-mail

Need a Republican

I have been a lifelong resident of Abilene and have always been Republican. For some 20 years, this district has been represented by a so-called conservative congressman.

I was overjoyed in 1994 when the Republicans took over in the House and Senate. Two of the elected leaders of the new Congress are Texans, Majority Leader Armey and Majority Whip DeLay.

I came to think that if we as citizens of the 17th District and as Texans want to get things done here, we will nee someone who can work with the leadership and the majority party.

It seems that as Congress has become Republican, our representative, Charlie Stenholm, has become a liberal.

Since the takeover, he has voted along with Clinton many times on issues like education and higher taxes.

I want a representative who can work in the Republican majority and stay conservative. Rudy Izzard is someone who can help out our district and stay true to conservative values that are good for the 17th District of Texas.

STACY MILLER

Abilene

Tremendous work

While visiting the Washington, D.C., area, we visited U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm's office. We were very pleased to meet the office staff and certainly were impressed with the work they are doing.

As a constituent in District 17, we are very thankful for the tremendous work Charlie and his staff has done in passing the Ag Disaster Bill. We have been in farming/ranching and farm equipment sales for more than 30 years.

With Charlie's sincere work ethic and high moral character, our district has greatly benefitted from his outstanding leadership. Charlie's superior reputation he has established over the years is a valuable asset to District 17.

We strongly recommend voting for Charlie in the upcoming election.

JAKIE & MARY LAUGHLIN

Morgan Hill