Sunday, November 1, 1998

Educators line up

We are writing to ask voters to support Allan Butcher in the State Board of Education District 14 race. Allan's platform is very important to everyone who believes in quality public education. Very simply, he is running as a strong supporter of public schools. And unlike his opponent, he sends his child to public schools.

The SBOE is the 15-member board, elected in districts drawn by the state Legislature based on census data, that governs Texas public schools. You may not be aware that ultra-conservative State Board of Education members supported by religious and home-school activist groups could hold 10 of the 15 seats on the board if moderate candidates like Allan do not win their races.

We should all be concerned about the curriculum, management of the $18 billion school fund, vouchers and for-profit management of charter schools if these ultra-conservatives take control of our schools.

Allan is challenging the incumbent, Rev. Richard Watson, who has expressed publicly his disdain for grants for reading programs. Watson also home-schools his children, an action incompatible with serving as a state official elected to oversee our public schools and determine what is taught to the 96 percent of Texas children who attend public school.

For the sake of public education, we urge you in the strongest possible way to support Allan Butcher's candidacy. We would not make this appeal if we were unsure of his support of public education in our state.

SKIP CASEY,

Superintendent, Coleman ISD

LARRY BUTLER,

Superintendent, Stephenville ISD

STEVE MAIKELL,

Superintendent, Sweetwater ISD

DAN OWEN,

Retired Superintendent, Holliday ISD

GAYLE LOMAX,

Superintendent, Snyder ISD

BOBBY PARKER,

Superintendent, Waxahachie ISD

A wife's appeal

In the paper last Sunday, Cindy Stenholm said she had been "hurt" by negative ads against her husband. There are other candidates' spouses and children who get hurt, too. I read that when her husband designed an ad stating, "You just can't believe Rudy Izzard," she applauded him.

I wanted to let you all know that while it's been very difficult for me, I have refrained from lashing back with name calling or rejoicing over anything negative said about Mr. Stenholm.

We are not obeying our Lord when we slander someone's character.

Rudy may have "attacked" Stenholm on the issues or his voting record, but he has never called him a liar on TV or in mailouts. He has not disrespectfully bounced his face all over a TV screen. Instead, I'll just tell you that I've know Rudy for 20 years and that he is a down-to-earth, compassionate, strong-willed person who is as real as any of you.

No, he's not a seasoned politician; no, he's not perfect. But he is sincere and absolutely the hardest-working person I've ever known. I wouldn't stay married to him if he were a liar.

Mrs. Stenholm stated she just turns off the TV when she sees a negative ad. Did she turn off the TV when her husband's "lie detector" ad was on? Or is it OK to do it to someone else, but just don't do it to me or mine? Please explain that theory to my children.

JANICE IZZARD

Abilene

Mattox no hero

A few days ago I read a letter from a young woman telling that Jim Mattox helped her mother collect child support.

Let me tell you about the experience of thousands of others who desperately needed some help in the way of child support.

Then-Attorney General Jim Mattox put out the information that if we would send him a cashier's check, made out to Jim Mattox (not to the attorney general), we could have assistance from the attorney general's office in collecting child support.

Thousands of us, already in dire need, got together the $20 he asked for and mailed him the cashier's checks.

We did get a "response" letter; it said, "We have a three-year waiting list, and you have been added to the list."

I do not know if he has learned how to collect child support, but he does know how to get us to send money to him.

By way of interest, I am still waiting for someone to learn how to get the job done.

LISSA DeANN HURLBURT

Abilene

His wide support

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association recently mailed a notice that supports Charlie Stenholm.

Bob Stallman, president of the Texas Farm Bureau, openly supports Charlie.

The largest newspaper in the area, the Abilene Reporter-News, has given its opinion and support to Charlie.

Glyn Hammons, former Social Security district manager in Abilene, has made a public statement that Charlie has done an outstanding job to ensure this program remains solid and beneficial to all Americans. Hammons also said Izzard is misinformed regarding some problems and issues related to Social Security.

Sen. Phil Gramm and many Republicans have highly praised Charlie throughout his time in office.

The idea of term limits was originally brought up by Republicans in the Contract with America. May I ask some questions regarding the length of time someone stays in office or on the job?

Ma'am, have you been a teacher or a nurse too long?

Sir, have you been a lawyer or a banker too long?

Charlie's job is the 17th District. An example: Charlie spent some 18- to 20-hour days working with Secretary of Agriculture Glickman trying to save Texas agriculture and help the economy of the Big Country. At that time, Izzard was criticizing Charlie because he did not take time off for a debate.

Anyone who would classify Charlie as wealthy has not looked at his financial statement. The "$2.5 million retirement fund" -- where in the world did they get that?

A.C. SNAPP

Bangs

Women's vote vital

Every woman's vote will count this year because there's so much at stake for women and their families.

Women in this country have only been able to vote for 77 years, and yet some women in Texas say they don't think their vote counts. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who never lived to see women gain their right to vote, deserve better from us than cynicism or apathy.

Every woman's vote counts. So many elections have been won and lost by a few thousand votes, and many issues have been decided by only one vote.

Women around the world risk their lives to go to the polls to ensure a democratic future for their children. I want to make my vote in Texas count because women had to fight for the right to be heard. Please carefully research the candidates' policies and join me at the polls Nov. 3.

SHARON RATHBUN

Abilene

Via e-mail

Laura best for job

Voters, I wish to express why I believe Laura Browder is the best person to fill the office of treasurer for Taylor County.

She already has my trust because she has proven she can organize and straighten out a mess that was left for her to do.

Laura has integrity, experience, knowledge of the office, skills and is a CPA.

Ask yourself, is party label more important or is education, experience, knowledge and skill most important in holding a job as treasurer for Taylor County?

LuGENE LEWIS

Abilene

Too good to lose

I am writing my first letter to the editor. I am a 74-year-old man who has lived in this area all my life except time spent in college and the Army during World War II.

I feel it is time I speak out and give my support for our congressman, Charles Stenholm. I have supported Charlie from the time he first ran for Congress, and I feel he has done his best to support this district in every facet of our lives. I know he hasn't done everything just as we might have liked but feel he has done the best he was able to do considering all circumstances. If we had more congressmen who were as conscientious as Charlie is, things would be working much better in Washington.

People who think it is time to change who represents us in Congress ought to stop and think. If you were going to have a major operation, would you choose a doctor just starting his practice or one who has performed many of the type of operations that you were going to have? Seniority does count in Congress, so why kick a man out just because he has been in Congress for a good many years, even though he has been doing a good job?

Rudy Izzard has told us what he plans to do if and when he gets elected. Saying something doesn't mean it will come to pass. As the old saying goes, "Talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy whiskey."

Wake up, people of the 17th District. Give your full support to Charlie Stenholm for Congress or you might wish you had.

HARLAN WEINERT

Weinert

Haywood effective

Tom Haywood is an effective and genuinely caring legislator who understands this region and the needs of West Texas, as exemplified by his sales tax bill to return a portion of the tax to the hard-pressed rural Texas cities and his dedication to the battered oil and gas industry.

The senator has important projects in progress, and I feel it would be a mistake to undermine his efforts and underestimate Haywood's value to West Texas as our representative in Austin.

I completely support his re-election and feel the people in his district will be faithfully and actively served.

STATE REP. JIM KEFFER

Eastland

Confidence in Lesa

As a CPA, I understand how important it is to have a qualified person as county treasurer. This person is responsible for managing the tax dollars collected, overseeing the payment of bills and preparing timely, accurate reports.

This position is critical in the checks and balances of our county government.

I am pleased to voice my complete support and confidence in Lesa Hart Crosswhite for county treasurer.

As a former successful business owner, controller, personnel director and office manager, Lesa knows how to budget, balance bank accounts and the importance of timely, accurate reports. In my conversations with Lesa, I am impressed with the research she has done to decide to run for county treasurer and to prepare herself to hit the ground running. I believe she can use her prior work experiences to turn the treasurer's office into a responsible and well-managed office.

Lesa did not take the decision to run for this office lightly. And likewise, we as voters should not take this office or election lightly. We need a qualified, competent county treasurer, and I believe Lesa is the best candidate for this position.

Please join me in electing Lesa Hart Crosswhite as Taylor County treasurer.

JERRY LOVE

Abilene

Republican women

As a lifelong Republican, I am encouraged by the strength of our party. This particular election presents many opportunities for Republican women.

We are increasingly making strides at the local, state and national level.

This November, we have the opportunity to continue this trend in Taylor County. As a former successful business owner, Lesa Crosswhite can bring valuable experience as well as "real-world" knowledge to the office of county treasurer.

On Nov. 3, I urge you to join me in voting for Lesa Crosswhite for Taylor County treasurer.

REBA BOYD-SMITH

Abilene

Protecting heritage

We Texans are known for being fiercely protective of our heritage -- our families, land and history. We don't make careless decisions that will affect this heritage. So why do some professional activists from Washington, D.C., think they can sway us into making a bad decision by using misleading, hysterical rhetoric?

The League of Conservation Voters is pouring money -- lots of money -- into a negative ad campaign attacking Charlie Stenholm's record on environmental issues. They figure if their allegations are wild enough and they shout them loud enough, they will scare us into voting Charlie out of office. Well, we don't scare so easily.

The League of Conservation Voters is a liberal extremist group -- opposed to property rights, careful use of fertilizers and pesticides. Their ads attack the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact, which Gov. Bush urged Congress to approve. This is an agreement between Texas, Maine and Vermont on the disposal of low-level radioactive wastes such as those that come from X-ray machines and other hospital equipment. This agreement was supported by our senators and almost the entire Texas Congressional delegation. What does the League expect us to do about low-level nuclear waste from hospitals? Ignore it? Shut off the X-ray machines?

The League of Conservation Voters should keep its unfounded opinions and allegations out of Texas. Show the League that Texans think for themselves by sending Charlie Stenholm back to Congress.

JERRY & NELDA HARRIS

Lamesa

Voting Republican

To pay my respect to all the American soldiers who have given their life for their country, I will vote Republican. They did not die for what is going on in the White House. A vote for a Democrat is a vote for the White House.

FRED CRENSHAW

Abilene

Just vote Democrat

Having been bombarded all summer with the smut dredged up by the wildly partisan, vindictive Starr Wars aimed at deposing the current elected president, I finally found a moment of truth and respite when I discovered I could make the voting obligation so simple and maybe pleasurable.

I voted early, as did my wife, and simply brought up the slot for punching in a straight Democratic ticket -- the first time in our voting careers to make our votes thus simple and easy and send a message to the good brother Starr that enough is now too much!

Under these sad circumstances, I highly recommend this easy way out. Just punch one hole in the ballot.

BEN PAXTON

Abilene

Keep a treasurer

When it comes to choosing a county treasurer -- someone who oversees large sums of money -- tax payers obviously need someone who is competent, honest, and proven. For this reason we are voting for Laura Browder.

She is competent -- the only CPA running for office. She is impeccably honest. Browder was our next-door neighbor for many years; we attend church and Bible class together; we know Laura and her family close up. We would trust her with our money any day; we certainly trust her to oversee the county's funds.

Finally, she has already proven to be an effective county treasurer, earning increased returns on our investments. It makes good sense to keep Laura Browder as our county treasurer.

DARRYL & ANNE TIPPENS

Abilene

Via e-mail

Slippery politicians

Congress passed a bill during the Carter administration to raise some quick money. This bill said anyone born between 1917 and 1926 would be paid $125 less on their monthly Social Security checks. This included me and my wife. These people are called "notch year babies."

This bill has come up twice before Congress to correct and failed both times. Rep. Stenholm and Sens. Hutchison and Gramm voted against any relief.

A few years back I attended a town hall meeting in Big Spring conducted by Stenholm. When I mentioned being a "notch year" victim, he told me it wasn't costing me anything.

Also, our city water was in noncompliance by exceeding federal limits on chlorides. He said, "I just got the word, you have a new pipeline coming in." Either he lied or someone lied to him. Of the federal law, he said, "I am not familiar with that."

So much for town meetings. You can't corner a politician.

When millions are sent to Dyess, your editorials consistently laud the benefits that creates for Abilene and business. I used to think military installations were for national defense instead of providing an economic boon to an area. Of course, when the appropriations are announced, immediately come calls from Stenholm and Hutchison to the local dignitaries saying, "I helped to get that." Why? Because if they throw federal money in an area, they are buying votes. Is that blackmailing some votes with taxpayers' money?

CHARLES HERRING

Big Spring

Rudy's character

I have been listening to the personal attacks, by Charles and his supporters, of the character and integrity of Rudy Izzard.

As a close friend of Rudy's for more than 25 years, it upsets me that the "honorable" incumbent of 20 years must resort to these tactics. Why can't he just stick with the issues and let his voting record speak for itself?

Stenholm talks about what he is going to do to get the farmers and ranchers out of their economic slump. This slump did not just pop up in the last few years. If Charlie is so valuable to the agricultural community, why is it in the shape it is in now?

I know drought and weather are factors, but everything can't be blamed on that.

When Rudy speaks of term limits, Stenholm acts personally offended; it seems he doesn't think he can make a living anywhere except politics. He probably can't make as much as he is making off of the taxpayers!

It is honorable that Rudy promises to take his turn at representing the people of the 17th District and then turning it over to someone else instead of trying to make a career out of politics.

As for the attacks on Rudy's integrity, they are unfounded. The newspaper reports and quotes have been distorted and taken out of context. I know Rudy to be of high moral standards, and I know he has a true desire to represent and serve the 17th District.

DAVID HILL

Early

Via e-mail

Leadership role

Anyone who has had to represent the interest of thousands of people has subjected him or herself to criticism. Any leader who has had to gain or protect benefits for others has never won every battle.

The democratic process never promised our own special interest would always be provided; however, it is the finest form of government in the world.

Special interests often try to bring our government to a standstill, and if we did not have leaders such as Charlie Stenholm, they might get that done.

Our founding fathers did not establish our country on selfish motives or gridlock. It was in the spirit of cooperation and freedom. When Republicans and Democrats become deadlocked, it is Charlie Stenholm who often brings both sides of the aisle together. The people of the 17th District have gained much more than they will ever lose because of his leadership.

Mr. Izzard, please do not attack the proven integrity and record of Charlie Stenholm. Provide your own qualifications, then let the voters decide.

DEAN CHURCH

Sweetwater

Via e-mail

Even more negative

I don't believe Rudy Izzard is really interested in representing the people of the 17th District. He moved into this district for the sole purpose of running for political office. He claims to be a rancher, but he doesn't have a ranch. He is a dentist, and I don't think he understands the concerns of farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Newt Gingrich wants to defeat Charles Stenholm, and Izzard is simply a pawn in the game.

Rudy's campaign this time is even more negative than the one he ran in 1996. And the Republican Party has shoved Izzard down our throats with generic TV ads and slick mail-outs. Izzard has run around with politicians looking for presidential votes for the year 2000.

Rudy signed a pledge to limit his time in Congress to three terms -- for a total of six years. Did the state agency certifying Izzard ask him to give back his dental license after six years of drilling?

What rubbish! And now he is saying he would be in Washington for 12 years. He's already gone back on his pledge.

If elected, Izzard said he would say no to all new taxes. Well, he didn't say no to new taxes while serving on the San Angelo City Council. Izzard would continue to be a pawn of Gingrich and Dick Armey, jumping when they said jump.

The 17th District doesn't need his kind of representation. On election day we should vote for Charles Stenholm. This is his home. He has worked hard for us, and he shares the interests and concerns of the citizens of this area.

JUDITH MARTIN

Stephenville

Charlie's influence

Being a congressman in today's political environment is not about one or two issues.

It's about having the influence to persuade 30-50 other congressmen to obtain the majority to pass legislation. One vote, one issue does little.

Because of Charlie Stenholm, the 17th District is a major player in the hundreds of decisions that affect us as well as the nation each session. It is obvious Charlie has that influence when you see the special interest groups attacking him.

Many of the groups that lead these attacks would make a West Texas conservative cringe if we knew who they were. That should tell us something.

We are fortunate to have a proven leader representing this district. There are other districts that would love to move up the ladder of influence, especially since many consider rural issues (Abilene included) a waste of time.

With every issue, every vote, there is an abundance of information that has to be considered. Many times people get upset at a vote because they have only limited information. It's very easy to create deceptive political attacks when people only consider the surface of an issue.

Whether you agree with Stenholm on every issue should not be the driving force of this election. It should be whether you want the opportunity and ability to have influence on the hundreds of issues that affect Abilene, our rural community and the nation. I would hate to see us give that to another part of the country. They would gladly take it.

CRAIG HATERIUS

Stamford