Saturday, October 31, 1998

Stenholm's mission

When Charlie Stenholm went to Washington in 1980, he went with definite priorities -- balance the budget, reduce deficit spending, strengthen and fight for a stronger voice in agriculture and oil, strengthen our national defense and best represent the people of this district.

He has done that. He has made decisions on what he felt was best for this area and this country. He has been trying to wake Washington up for 19 years and has finally made them aware what a balanced budget is and got their attention on deficit spending.

Never in all of his elections has he been attacked so viciously. His negative responses have been self-defense. It's hard to be attacked on issues such as the Social Security issue misrepresentation without responding. The letter to the editor written by Glyn Hammons, our past Social Security administrator, confirmed the misrepresentations made by Mr. Izzard. Hammons is one who should know.

Charlie is honest, he is knowledgeable, he knows how to get things done in Washington, and he fights for his constituents. As long as we have people representing other districts with strength, longevity, seniority and influence, it's certainly to our advantage to have Charlie, who has those qualifications, representing the 17th District. In addition, we are represented by a person with integrity. We need that characteristic in Washington.

Let's continue to help the Big Country by returning Stenholm to Washington.

JAMES PARKER

Abilene

Lousy committee

I have received two flyers in the mail from the Stenholm for Congress Committee. There were three glaring problems that bothered me after reading these political advertisements.

-- Not one time was the word Democrat ever used in these flyers. Is Stenholm ashamed to be a member of the Democratic Party? It was President Clinton's lack of moral judgment that brought embarrassment to the nation, not Charlie Stenholm, or the Democratic Party.

-- I personally do not like to receive "junk mail" calling an opponent a liar. Stenholm has represented this area with pride and integrity for many years without having to stoop to this kind of campaign tactics.

-- On both of the flyers mailed to my address, my wife's name was omitted on the address. How many of the committee labels were addressed to the male member of the family? Mr. Stenholm, my wife is a bright, articulate lady and like half of your voters has a voice in your re-election.

You are an A-plus congressman, but your committee is receiving a failing grade.

ROBERT FERGUSON

Abilene

Via e-mail

Caught in a lie

Charlie Stenholm has been caught in a lie.

It's about time. He's been calling everyone and anyone who reads and talks about his record a liar. Now it's time we called him one.

He says on his commercials that his Social Security plan doesn't cut benefits. But then in the paper he admits that it does.

Charlie Stenholm, you are a disgrace. You've lied to us for the last time. And what's worse, you've lied to us about your opponent.

Rudy Izzard has my full support. I encourage everyone in Abilene to get the facts -- and vote for Rudy.

PATRICK JENKINS

Abilene

Winning at all costs

With all the false attacks on U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, Rudy Izzard is out to win this time, no matter what!

LAZELLE ROSE

Abilene

League fires back

On behalf of the League of Conservation Voters, I wish to correct assertions by U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm and the Abilene Reporter-News about our campaign to inform voters about Stenholm's anti-environmental record in Congress.

Our ad campaign focused on Stenholm's vote to allow other states to send nuclear (not merely "hazardous," as the Oct. 27 editorial misstated) waste to Texas. Our polling found 88 percent of district voters oppose Texas becoming a dump site for nuclear waste from around the country. Voters have a right to know how Stenholm voted on the issue to hold him accountable.

Your editorial classified the waste as "hazardous." However, this "low-level" radioactive waste includes highly radioactive power plant waste and can give a lethal dose in about five minutes. Your editorial also claims it is completely safe; however, there have been 1,485 radioactive material transportation accidents since 1971.

In addition to voting to allow nuclear waste to be trucked across the district, Stenholm consistently votes against public health protections like clean water and clean air 85 percent of the time.

As for the "outside extremist" labels to discredit our message, district polls show voters strongly support environmental protections. I was born in Texas, have lived here 43 years and my home is a half-hour drive from the district. But no matter who informs voters about Stenholm's record, voters have a right to hold him accountable.

BETH JOHNSON

Granbury

Led the debate

I was extremely disappointed to learn Charlie Stenholm has been subject to political attacks for his efforts to strengthen Social Security. As a Republican, I am particularly disappointed that some in my own party have resorted to the type of irresponsible rhetoric that we have justifiably complained about when the issue of Social Security has been used against us.

Charlie is one of a handful of House members who have provided the leadership that will be necessary to move beyond partisanship and find a bipartisan solution to strengthen and protect Social Security. Charlie has joined with me in speaking out against those in either party who try to demagogue on Social Security for political purposes.

His willingness to speak honestly about Social Security is one of the reasons he has so much respect among Republicans and Democrats alike on this and other issues.

Charlie Stenholm has led the debate, and even though we come from different political parties, I'm proud to stand with him in the effort to strengthen and protect Social Security.

U.S. REP. NICK SMITH

7th District, Michigan

Tenure overrated

I've recently seen and heard U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm and his supporters saying the only way to protect Dyess Air Force Base is to return him to Congress. Stenholm talks a lot about seniority. But after thinking about it for a while, does seniority really matter?

Consider for a moment the case of Rep. Henry Gonzalez. Gonzalez actually has more seniority than Stenholm. However, even with more seniority, Gonzalez was unable to prevent the Air Force from closing Kelly AFB in San Antonio. Kelly was closed because it made sense for the Air Force to close the base. No amount of seniority could have prevented it from happening.

For Stenholm to threaten the people of Abilene with the possibility of closing Dyess is absurd. If anything, Stenholm's own argument gives more credibility to Dr. Izzard's arguments. Dr. Izzard has been assured a seat on the National Security Committee. From that seat, Izzard will have a prominent position from which to defend Dyess.

Everyone knows Stenholm's focus is on agriculture. We need a congressman who will not only look out for our agriculture interests, but Dyess, too.

AARON CLENDENEN

Abilene

Do your homework

In the Oct. 22 Abilene Reporter-News, one reader said Charlie Stenholm has voted to steal money from the Social Security program. If she had done her homework, she would understand what a foolish statement that was. If her motive was politics, she should be ashamed of herself.

She would do well to read the Oct. 18 letter from Glyn Hammons, former district manager of the Social Security Administration here in Abilene. Mr. Hammons does advisory work for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. He praised Stenholm for the work he is doing on behalf of Social Security.

Vote for the candidate you think is best for office, but do your homework first. Apparently some folks will say anything to get somebody elected.

MANDY HOPKINS

Stephenville

Agriculture value

If anyone has any doubt about what Charlie Stenholm means to agriculture, consider all he has done to help bring much-needed relief to the areas hit by drought this year.

It was Charlie Stenholm who found the money in the budget to provide crop insurance this year and to fund agriculture research. I have heard him speak about the 1996 Freedom to Farm bill and the fact that it needs some adjusting to provide a safety net for the farmers who are being hurt by continued low prices. We need to send him back so that he can help to make these changes.

He is fighting to open new markets for U.S. producers overseas. Many folks consider him the "voice of American agriculture," and it is a voice we cannot afford to lose in Washington.

Vote to return Charlie to Congress. We need him there.

C.L. McELMURRAY

Trent

Recipe for disaster

To have Rudy Izzard as our representative would be a prescription for disaster for Abilene and the 17th District. We cannot afford this.

Can you imagine Dyess being closed? What would happen to the economy in the Big Country? Charlie Stenholm's experience and expertise is what's kept Dyess open all these years. Ask yourself and your neighbor if we can afford to lose all this.

Charlie will keep us all working in the Big Country. Izzard will put us all back on the unemployment rolls. Think about it very seriously.

We have got to keep Stenholm or suffer great consequences in the Big Country. I don't think you want that, and I sure don't. Vote Charlie Nov. 3.

ROY DILLON

Sweetwater

Experience needed

Many voters do not really know if the things they read and hear about the political races are truth or fiction.

Social Security is one issue that has called forth many half-truths from Rudy Izzard. He appeals to those who do not know the facts or do not care as long as another Republican is elected. There are none so blind as those who do not want to see.

If Izzard is so uneducated on this one issue, what would he do with the complexities of the Washington scene?

The hazardous waste ads on TV are totally misleading. The Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Consent Act, required by federal law, requires all states to provide for disposal of their waste. This has been approved by Texas' governor and the Legislature. No site has been chosen yet, so it is doubtful if any trucks have run down Texas highways spilling waste.

Izzard believes his dental expertise has prepared him for working with health care. U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm has worked tirelessly for rural health care. We in this area are already enjoying the benefits.

Stenholm has the experience, which is absolutely necessary. He has earned our respect, our confidence and our gratitude for his hard work and dedication. I worked for him for many years, and I know he will represent us well.

MRS. L.M. PREWIT

Stamford

Defending Watson

Richard Watson, incumbent candidate for State Board of Education, District 14, is in a critical position in the philosophical war of values being waged on the educational front.

As a member of the Review Committee (for English) on the TEKS and later acting in that capacity for the Texas Alternative Document, I was increasingly aware of his dedication and courage.

Watson stands for English language proficiency for every student just as quickly as possible. He stands for history that reflects facts of our heritage without gloss. He believes "critical thinking" is pushed prematurely in the early grades at the expense of acquiring a body of core knowledge fundamental in building those "higher order thinking skills."

Finally, Watson rejects the unquestioning, rigid teaching of the theory of evolution while ignoring the growing evidence of weaknesses in the theory.

One criticism I hear about Watson is that his children are presently home-schooled. But his children were enrolled in public schools for 11 years. His Democratic opponent, with one child in first-grade, has one year of contact with public education. Also, home-schooling heightens the knowledge of educational systems and philosophies because stiff economic and social sacrifices are usually the price for undertaking the daunting task.

Watson is a man of high moral integrity, a watchdog for the children of Texas. If you stand for the issues he fights for, support him with your vote.

NAOMA HUFF

Clyde

Great statesman

As a retired reserve officer in the U.S. Army, I am writing on behalf of a great statesman, U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm.

Congressman Stenholm has worked hard on behalf of veterans and military retirees. This has included working with the VA to establish outpatient clinics in several communities in his district.

Stenholm has also earned the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as the Vietnam Veterans and Gulf War Veterans Coalition. His stature and hard work indicate his willingness to go the extra mile for those of us who have served our country.

I strongly encourage all voters to re-elect Congressman Stenholm.

JOEL MEADOR

Stephenville

Asleep in class

Someone was sleeping in class! I have to respond to the man who wrote, "I've noticed that Sens. Gramm and Hutchison are the ones who really do all the work for Dyess." Your reader needs a civics lesson.

Legislation to fund the federal government (and Dyess) originates in the House. After action is completed there, it is referred to the Senate for further action. So how can our senators do all the work if Stenholm is the one who starts the ball rolling in the House?

By the way, watch Gramm's voting record and then try to match it up with his press releases and TV spots. No one can beat Gramm's ability to take credit for things -- even when he opposed them in the Senate. And since this reader is such an expert, perhaps he can tell us why Gramm voted last week against a bill to provide relief for our farmers and ranchers.

MARIE CONNER

Clyde

NRA man for Rudy

I am a life member of the National Rifle Association, and I am not surprised at Stenholm's vote earlier this year for the Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform bill.

At my first meeting with Stenholm, I asked him then what he thought about the Brady Bill and a five-day wait. His response was, "I don't see a problem with a waiting period." I knew then he was and is a politician. His positions and votes since that time have reflected my evaluation.

The issue at the heart of the Shays-Meehan bill is constitutional protections and the preservation of a free society. The NRA opposed this legislation because it was a direct attack on its ability to work within our political system to ensure the future protection of our Second Amendment rights.

Stenholm has always tried to court the vote and support of the NRA. However, his primary concern has been Stenholm.

Just look at the size of his $2.5 million retirement fund. Or look at the pay raises he has voted for himself. Or look at the fact that he looks at the power and money of being a congressman as a career instead of a duty. He apparently thinks he is the best and only one to do this job. He will continue to profit as a politician until we fire him.

The person who has benefitted most from his 20 years of service is not the people of this district but Congressman Stenholm. My vote is going to remove the politician and put in place a man who believes in the Second Amendment, Rudy Izzard.

CHRISTOPHER TILL

Comanche

Izzard is for Dyess

I got a call the other day from someone telling me that Rudy Izzard didn't want to protect Dyess Air Force Base. Fearing others might have gotten the same call, I wanted to set the record straight. I'm active duty military, and I don't take kindly to push polls from Clinton Democrats.

Rudy Izzard has a written commitment for a position on the National Security Committee. He worked hard for that commitment so that he could, on a daily basis, work on issues that affect our base and work to protect Dyess.

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger from Fort Worth was in town talking about how she is a freshman member of the National Security Committee and how many great military projects she was able to secure for her district. Rudy Izzard will be able to do the same things for Dyess. In fact, Izzard is the man we need in Congress to make sure that the ABL comes here.

MICHAEL RAGAN

Abilene

Missed a story

I am extremely disappointed that the Abilene Reporter-News did not cover an event I attended Thursday -- a press conference with U.S. Rep. Kay Granger.

The congresswoman is a respected freshman member of the House who has been very influential. In fact, she has secured many military projects for her district as a member of the National Security Committee.

I am excited that we, too, have a congressman on the National Security Committee. Granger restated that Rudy Izzard will be on this committee. She is a fine example of exactly how much good Rudy can do for Dyess and for Abilene.

A vote for Rudy Izzard is a vote for a positively brighter future for Abilene.

ANN THOMSON

Abilene

Baird should win

Your recent endorsement of Judge Charles F. "Charlie" Baird for re-election to Place 1 on the Court of Criminal Appeals was right on target.

Texans have always recognized the need for a strong and independent judiciary. Judge Baird has provided that type of judicial leadership for the past eight years and should be re-elected.

Hopefully, voters will not blindly follow party or ideology but will decide that race on the basis of merit and qualifications. If they do, Judge Baird will win in a landslide.

JOE PELTON

Abilene

Re-Elect Hacker

Judge Aleta Hacker should be re-elected. She has earned an honorable and distinguished position while serving as judge of the 326th District Court of Taylor County and should be allowed to continue in that position.

ANN WAGNER

Abilene

Hispanic concern

We have known Rudy Izzard for the past five years and appreciate his support and leadership in the reform of the Interim Payment System.

IPS is a product of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. It is a program designed and implemented by Health Care Financing Association. With IPS, the per beneficiary limit means each Medicare recipient is limited to a set amount for home health services, thus reducing the services to the ill or the homebound elderly in our community.

When Rudy was informed of the problem the IPS would cause the homebound elderly on Medicare because of the reduction or closure of services by home health agencies, he immediately wrote letters to all appropriate members of Congress to force HCFA to suspend IPS or to implement a prospective payment system in a timely manner.

This is the kind of leadership we need. Through Rudy's efforts and capabilities, Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth Jr., R-Del., states, "The package goes to the heart of the problem and insures that there will be more equity and fairness in the home health payment system" (Business and Society Health, Oct. 17).

Throughout the district, Rudy has met with many groups from the Hispanic community to listen to their needs and concerns. We have received many telephone calls of appreciation for the time Rudy has given to these groups to listen to the needs within the Hispanic community.

It is time for a change. Vote for Rudy Izzard on Nov. 3.

ELIZABETH ZUNIGA

Ballinger

Out of context

This is in response to the ad placed in the Abilene Reporter-News by J.T. and Ann L. Reeder.

From the beginning of time, words, sentences and phrases have been taken out of context from the Bible. This is what the ad in Wednesday's paper was doing.

They took a large sheet of paper, large print and words taken out of context from U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm's speeches to make him sound evil. They are wrong.

Charles Stenholm has 20 years of experience as our representative from the 17th District in Congress. He has served with integrity and honesty all of those 20 years. He not only represents the interest of the Democrats but also the interest of the Republicans. He is a conservative person who thinks of his district before he votes.

I do not think Mr. Izzard would be as honest in Congress as Stenholm. Mr. Izzard would vote the Republican way, not what was good for the district. The Republican interest would always come first and the district second.

Before you vote, compare these two individuals. Compare their integrity and honesty, then vote for who you think would do the best job in Washington. If you consider all of the facts, I think you would agree that Charles Stenholm should be our representative from the 17th District.

MARY LAMBERT

Abilene

An apology owed

Your newspaper owes Rudy Izzard a retraction and an apology.

In your editorial of Sunday, Oct. 25, you accused Rudy of taking a "cheap shot" at his opponent. You base your cheap shot on a TV commercial that "shows a hazardous waste truck putting traffic at risk and blames Stenholm for approving a dump in far southwest Texas that permits such dangers to pass through here. Pretty scary ad."

You blame this commercial on Rudy Izzard and his campaign. This is a gross error and grave injustice to Rudy. The ad was paid for by the League of Conservation Voters, without any prior knowledge or approval by Rudy Izzard or his campaign.

You knew or should have known that this League was the sole sponsor of the commercial.

We strongly support the freedom of the press to write and print your editorial opinions. But responsibility of the press begins with accuracy -- with getting the facts straight and truthfully informing your readers. You failed in your responsibility to your readers and to those affected by your failure.

Since you either deliberately or recklessly misrepresented important facts, Rudy Izzard deserves a retraction and a personal apology from your paper. This should be done before the election to make it meaningful.

KEN PEERY

San Angelo

Via e-mail

Counting on Counts

In my 31 years of classroom teaching experience, I have had many pieces of campaign information cross my desk.

In the checklist "Responses to the 1998 Texas State Legislative National Political Awareness Test," Scott McLaughlin checked that he was in favor of vouchers being awarded to students to attend private or parochial schools, funded with state money.

On McLaughlin's Internet site, "McLaughlin on the Issues," under "Education Improvements," is the quote, "I also favor a school voucher program, which would allow parents to decide which school is best for them."

There is no mention of how this would be funded.

On Oct. 18 in the Big Spring Herald McLaughlin is quoted as saying, "I remain opposed to school vouchers that use state dollars to attend private schools." That statement doesn't match the first two positions.

I think I will continue to support a candidate who is a champion of children's right to get the best education the state of Texas offers, which is our public schools.

State Rep. David Counts has been true to his word to go to Austin to build strong support for public schools. He is well-informed in what the school population in District 70 needs to continue to be the best possible.

His influence touches all the schools in Texas.

I know I can count on Mr. Counts to stay the course and not switch horses in the middle of the race.

JAY MORRIS

Sweetwater

New blood needed

This past month I attended an ice cream social with all those political types from the area. I was surprised to find that Rep. Stenholm was not there, but his opponent, Mr. Izzard, was.

After a little while of listening to him talk, I decided to ask him a question of my own. I asked what he would do different than our current representative. He smiled and said, "Many things, but one that is important for all of us is how to correctly deal with Social Security."

He went on to explain that Stenholm has voted twice to raise the retirement age.

Rudy said he is for preserving all of the benefits we are entitled to and will ensure that, if elected, his first act as a congressman will be to introduce legislation that will make sure Social Security is around for all of us and our children.

I believe some new blood representing our district will be what we need, not a career congressman who doesn't show up to community events.

DANIEL IMBORNONE

Abilene