Monday, November 2, 1998

Super Bowl time

Well, that day is nearly here - Nov. 3, Election Day.

No more time for political invective, innuendo and/or self-aggrandizing braggadocio, deception, half-truth and plain old lying.

The contest is not Republican vs. Democrat. It is Charles Stenholm vs. Rudy Izzard. Period.

It is like the Super Bowl. You, with your ballot, are the coach. The teams are set, the game plan established - but who will you choose to quarterback the 17th Congressional District for the coming two-year game?

Your choice is between starting a quarterback with 20 years of rock 'em, sock em, in the arena, on the turf football, who has been through the mill, or a "wannabe" who played a little high school quarterback 20 years ago and is attempting to convince you, the coach, that the veteran is a has-been, piece of weak-armed junk that can't even throw a decent interception!

Does proven ability have no validity over mouthy promises and a total lack of national political experience?

I experienced and know what the economic, social, educational and welfare situation was in this area in 1978.

Will someone please explain to me how that the ensuing 20 years of representation by Charlie Stenholm has caused the deterioration of those years into the state of prosperity that we now enjoy?

Look around you. Cast your ballot. Choose your quarterback. The game is serious.

JIM JOHNSON

Abilene

First-time voter

This will be my first opportunity to vote, and I'm happy to support Rudy Izzard.

I really liked what I heard from Rudy at the Cooper forum. Rudy had good ideas, and he was fun to listen to. Charlie Stenholm didn't show up for that forum.

I might not be an expert on politics, but I know that a guy like Rudy Izzard will do a good job representing us in Congress. I hope that he wins.

TAMARA ALEXANDER

Abilene

The quiet contest

Constantly, in recent weeks, we have been beset with political campaign ads. In Abilene the race that has been obsessively imposed on the public is the one between Mr. Stenholm and Mr Izzard.

Quietly, there is another race that has received comparatively little media attention. However, it may well be the race that holds the utmost importance. This office regularly shapes the future for an innocent child.

It is the election for judge of Taylor County's Family Law Court, the 326th District Court.

It is a tragic event when the parent(s) of a child decide to divorce. Child custody battles can be very traumatic. Attorneys often take child custody cases and utilize tactics that would make the campaign adds of Stenholm and Izzard appear innocent.

In the midst of this craziness, it is my belief that we currently have a judge capable of wise decisions in the tradition of Solomon. If readers are feeling apathetic about this election year, they should simply consider innocent children who themselves make no choice to be in Family District Court.

As the father of an innocent child, and from the bottom of my heart, I am sending forth this quiet plea for people in Taylor County to go to the polls and vote to keep Judge Hacker.

MATT HENDRIX

Abilene

Via e-mail

Rudy's a good man

I consider myself a strong conservative and a loyal Republican. I have found myself not voting in the past years because I felt I was fairly represented in our district by a so-called conservative.

However, now the "conservative" who has been our representative for half my life is up for re-election once again.

I truly believe Mr. Stenholm was once a conservative but has become so enamored with Clinton's slick political style that he has forgotten his conservative roots in the 17th District.

How can a "conservative" vote for the largest tax increase in history or vote against a bill that would prohibit U.S. troops from being under U.N. command? The 17th District needs a representative who will accurately represent his own constituents.

I have met Rudy Izzard, and he is a good man. Just as important is his commitment to conservative, family and Texan values.

Mr. Izzard said he is conservative, and after I read his issues, I believe he is the conservative for me and the 17th District.

Anyone who can play football at UT and still not have lost his mind will have no problem going to D.C. and keeping his conservative values.

REBECCA GODINES

Abilene

Gramm helps self

Sen. Gramm is giving wannabe-Rep. Rudy Izzard some valuable information about quotes.

In saying Izzard is right, he affirms his own tactics in getting elected - take information out of context, use half-truths, accuse others of doing what you are doing but don't mention you are doing the exact same thing, never tell things like they really are. Who's going to look it up?

Well, some of us do.

Charlie Stenholm doesn't half do a job; he is thorough in his research and calculated judgments.

His Biblical upbringing makes him seek the best choice in difficult situations.

In most cases involving Gramm, his decisions seem to promote Phil Gramm, the person about whom he's most concerned. His mind appears to work to better Phil Gramm's political and monetary status. In his visit to endorse Rudy Izzard, Gramm is probably looking for a future payoff.

RUTH SELLERS

Abilene

Charlie unessential

I'm sick of all these letters written by Charlie Stenholm's campaign about how we can't survive if we lose. There are many things that our economy can't survive without. Stenholm is not one of them.

Dyess Air Force Base - which, by the way, Charlie didn't pay a wit of attention to until Phil Boone ran against him - will be safely protected by a Republican congressman.

And the best reason the Abilene paper could muster up for keeping Charlie was that he has veteran staff. Give me a break.

Rudy Izzard is an upstanding fellow who sincerely cares about the district. We need him in office.

If I wasn't convinced of that before, Charlie's negative ads have certainly convinced me of it now. He's been there too long.

BRENNAN SHIELDS

Abilene

Proven leadership

I have known Charlie Stenholm for many years. Before he went to Congress, he was a leader in the Stamford community. Not surprisingly, as a member of Congress, he is not only an outspoken advocate for us in Washington, he is an outstanding leader for our nation.

I've heard all the talk about term limits, needing new blood and a time for a change. I think that is foolish nonsense. True leadership is a rare and precious commodity. Once you lose it, you may not get it back.

So when you vote, remember Stenholm's proven leadership for his district, Texas and the nation. The only logical choice is Charlie.

CHRISTIE JONES

Abilene

Bipartisan solution

I am disappointed to learn Charlie Stenholm is being criticized for our bipartisan proposal to strengthen Social Security. I've worked closely with Charlie to develop this proposal, and these criticisms are irresponsible and unfair. As a Republican, I can attest that Charlie has a strong and unwavering commitment to strengthening Social Security.

Charlie has been a leader in finding a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for our children, provide more retirement income for today's workers and give Americans greater personal control over their retirement money. The plan Charlie and I helped develop would make Social Security financially strong for the next 100 years without raising taxes or cutting benefits for those on Social Security or those soon to be on Social Security.

Social Security is an important issue that deserves to be discussed in an honest and forthright manner, without resorting to partisan attacks and demagoguery. I am proud to have worked with Charlie Stenholm to take partisan politics out of Social Security and find a bipartisan solution to strengthening it.

U.S. REP. JIM KOLBE

5th District, Arizona

Both resolutions

I saw in Sunday's paper where U.S. Rep. Stenholm voted for both the Democrat and Republican impeachment resolutions. I didn't understand his argument in the paper, so I decided to look up his remarks on the subject in the Congressional Record.

In those remarks, Stenholm said every member had an "obligation" to vote his or her conscience. After reading his comments, my question to Stenholm is really very simple: Which conscience was he voting when he supported both resolutions?

I found Stenholm's vote for the Democrat proposal to limit an impeachment inquiry even more perplexing considering his comments to MSNBC after the vote in which he stated, "My personal belief is no limitations makes sense." For those who don't believe me, Stenholm's comments can be found at MSNBC's Website for Oct. 7.

Clearly, Stenholm was casting political votes, not voting his conscience. Stenholm had to support the president in Washington, but he also had to appeal to angry voters here at home.

Stenholm should have been true to his conscience, whatever that may be, and not played politics with this important vote. I'm tired of politicians telling us one thing and then doing another. Stenholm's deceit is disturbing.

I was unsure about this fall's election until I read what Stenholm himself had to say. I guess it's time we brought Charlie back to West Texas so we can reacquaint him with our values and telling the truth, no matter what the consequences.

KRIS SCHAAF

Abilene

McCall has edge

I wanted to take the opportunity to point out that, regardless of apparent suggestions to the contrary by his opponent, Terry McCall is an experienced, knowledgeable and talented attorney who has served the law honorably and well for more than 35 years.

Frankly, with McCall's background as a criminal prosecutor, civil and criminal trial attorney and appellate counsel, I am hard pressed to figure out how anyone could be more well equipped to fulfill the duties of judge for the 11th Court of Appeals.

Most of my professional experiences with McCall have been as his adversary at the courthouse. He is a worthy opponent, a worthy person and the right man for the court.

It might also lend some credibility that I say all this about McCall even though he is running on the Republican ticket and I am a Democrat. I have reached that age and point in life where I am convinced our courts must have the best people, whether Democrat or Republican.

Quite simply, from one who knows, if you want the best man for a job few know much about, you will want to vote for Terry McCall as our Court of Appeals judge.

JIM PARKER

Comanche

As Truman said

Harry Truman used to say, "When you hear someone praying too loud in church, you had better get home and lock the smoke-house."

When one of your readers talked about political candidates who "run their opponents down with misrepresentations," I thought to myself, "I am about to see an opponent get run down."

Sure enough, the bad guy was supposedly Charlie Stenholm. For evidence the writer talked about some very old votes. Well, I happened to remember one of those votes.

The writer was mistaken in saying Stenholm didn't support the Contras.

To refresh memories, the Contras, or "freedom fighters," tried to overthrow the communist Sandinista government in Nicaragua.

For the record, Stenholm helped lead the effort in Congress to get assistance to those brave men and women.

What I don't understand is why someone would spread bad information about a vote that occurred so many years ago.

DAVID WILKS

Abilene

Only valid candidate

If U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm's opponent had any real credentials to offer voters, he would not need to rely on the Republican governor's endorsement or the support of two strongly financed lobby groups seeking to discredit Stenholm.

Nor would Stenholm's opponent need to rely on the misrepresentation of facts and inflammatory election rhetoric.

Don't be fooled. Stenholm has always served the best interests of this district. While I have not always agreed with every vote he's cast, I do respect his commitment and honesty, and I respect his 20 years experience and the position of authority he has earned. It is exactly that experience and authority that is why the Republicans targeted this race as one of the most crucial at this time.

Stenholm's opponent claims he will be fair if he is elected, but he has, in fact, been anything but fair in his campaign tactics. Were he completely honest, he would admit that the only legitimate complaint he has with Stenholm is a basic political party difference. Even that is not as valid as he would make out because Stenholm has been one of the most consistent conservative leaders in Washington.

Not any of his noise can overwhelm that fact that Stenholm's actions speak for his honor and integrity.

Charlie Stenholm is the only valid candidate for this district and his opponent nothing more than a resounding gong and clanging cymbal.

KAY DILLARD

Abilene

Via e-mail

Recommends Lesa

I take this opportunity to personally recommend Lesa Crosswhite to the voters of Taylor County.

Lesa is a candidate for the office of Taylor County treasurer.

Lesa is an honest, qualified individual who will execute the duties of the office of county treasurer in an efficient, conservative manner that will promote confidence in her and the electoral process.

Your vote and support are important to Lesa, and she will work diligently to justify your selecting her for this office.

STANLEY WHISENHUNT

View

Check the facts

I wanted to respond to James Riddle's letter concerning term limits. It seems as though Mr. Riddle neglected to check out the facts before he put his pen to paper.

Riddle said the term limits organizations aren't criticizing other politicians for their tenure in Congress. Term Limits has criticized the politicians Riddle listed in the past for their length of tenure.

Many of the politicians listed have expressed their support for term limits. In fact, many of them have voted numerous times for term limits legislation, something Charles Stenholm has refused to do. Even politicians with long tenures understand the importance of term limits.

I support Mr. Izzard and his belief in limited terms in Congress. An entire generation of leaders in West Texas has come and gone while Stenholm has been in office. I think there are many others out here in West Texas who have positive ideas for the future of this area and this country.

The only thing Stenholm has run on this time around is his experience. It's important to remember that while Stenholm has been in Congress, we witnessed the growth of the national deficit, and it wasn't until a Republican Congress led the fight that we balanced the budget. If a business were run the same way Stenholm and the other politicians run Washington, it would have gone broke a long time ago.

It's about time we let someone else lead.

TRACY DAVIS

Abilene

Getting up to speed

I, like most of your readers, have had a new job position where it has taken a few weeks, or even a month or so, to get acclimated to the new job responsibilities.

I fail to understand why it took the current treasurer nearly two years.

The current treasurer states she has made the county all this "new" money with a "new" banking contract.

This is not "new" money, this is money we should have been making the past several years if a contract had been secured when it should have been.

Our county is finally banking like most other counties and large businesses. We are utilizing sweep accounts and using a float system of banking to earn more interest.

Keeping money as long as possible in an interest-bearing account is not a new way of banking - just finally being utilized in Taylor County.

I am confident Lesa Hart Crosswhite will provide consistency in the treasurer's office and will get the work done. She gets my vote, and I encourage you to vote for her also. She will bring respect to the county treasurer's office.

RUTH THURMAN

Abilene

Get out for Izzard

I hope everyone will get out and vote for Rudy Izzard on Tuesday. I've been a volunteer at his campaign and really enjoyed it. Rudy really takes the time to listen to people, and I appreciate that.

Twenty years is way too long for someone to be in office. Congress is not like every other job - experience doesn't make you better.

Twenty years in Washington just makes you less in touch with West Texas.

NIKKI DALO

Abilene

On Laura's behalf

I am compelled to speak on behalf of an unusually well-qualified county treasurer that currently holds that office.

Laura Browder is the only one in the race who is a trained, experienced financial professional with the experience to manage the cash funds for the complexities of a $26 million revenue budget and $29 million portfolio. The county treasurer's responsibilities are embarrassingly minimized when it is described as merely balancing checkbooks.

I have known Laura Browder for more than 17 years. She has a stellar reputation for integrity, competence, stability and hard work. She is definitely a proven financial professional and public servant.

Informed voters should know how laudatory the independent auditors have been of her work. They should know of the significantly enhanced earnings on county funds she has brought to that office. Voters should know she is the only financial professional in the race. Further, she was singled out by Gov. Bush to assist with a committee where grant decisions were being made for municipalities in our area.

This incumbent is one who should receive careful and discerning recognition of her successful results, ability, work ethic and professional qualifications. A comparison of the facts presented in each candidate's information mailouts leaves no doubt as to professional qualifications for this very important and frequently overlooked county position.

DAVID CARTER

Abilene

Industry in trouble

The No. 1 industry in the 17th Congressional District is in trouble.

Not one town in this region could survive without the economic impact of agriculture. And 1998 may turn out to be the worst year in history for all of agriculture across Texas.

Thank God we have an advocate in Washington, D.C., fighting for our livelihood. Charlie Stenholm has worked tirelessly to bring relief.

First he brought the Secretary of Agriculture here so the administration would understand. Then he spent the last two months convincing the rest of Congress we are in trouble.

While Charlie's been up in Washington getting this important legislation passed, his opponent has been slinging mud all over the district misleading folks about Charlie's record.

If that's not bad enough, when Charlie had to be back to vote on the disaster bill, Dr. Izzard was on the news traveling through the district with Sen. Phil Gramm. Mr. Gramm obviously did not notice the state of our economic base because he left here for Washington so he could vote against the legislation carrying the much-needed help for our area.

Is that how you would have voted, Dr. Izzard? You've already shown your regard for agriculture by bringing Dick Armey to the district.

It sure seems strange that the most anti-agriculture congressman known would be one of your largest contributors. I guess you figure those of us in agriculture are so down and out that we won't bother to even vote.

Who knows, maybe you are right.

MATT MUELLER

Haskell

McCall only choice

Terry McCall is the only choice for 11th Court of Appeals judge. Terry not only has experience in types of law besides criminal, he also has the conservative philosophy this district needs.

Terry won't try to rewrite law from the bench. He knows what this job demands - maturity, wisdom, a level head and the desire to see the law upheld.

He has been endorsed by the Abilene Reporter-News, the Eastland Telegram, the Texas Civil Justice League and the Texas Medical Association, just to name a few.

Let's all follow this example and vote for Terry McCall for justice on the 11th Court of Appeals. He's the best candidate for the job, and he's proven that already.

ELAINE FRASER

Abilene

Clout and respect

I am writing in my capacity as a private taxpayer. This letter was not prepared, printed or mailed at university expense.

I've had the privilege of working with U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm in a number of capacities, including district attorney, Texas Senate and now as chancellor of Texas Tech. Through my years in West Texas, I have come to rely heavily on Stenholm's advice and effectiveness.

Having visited the halls of Congress regularly, I assure you Charlie has clout and respect. He has positioned himself as an effective advocate of West Texas.

Along with Rep. Larry Combest, Stenholm has been instrumental in securing funding for Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, together with numerous other universities in the West Texas area.

With regard to projects such as the U.S. Plant Stress Laboratory, Charlie's effectiveness has been ably demonstrated. It is critical in these times that we maintain a strong bipartisan representation for agriculture, ranching and energy in the halls of Congress.

With Stenholm as the ranking minority member on the House Committee on Agriculture and Combest slated to become chairman, West Texas has an unprecedented opportunity for effective representation in Washington. Additionally, Stenholm and his staff always greet his constituents with a friendly smile and a helping hand.

Let's keep Charlie Stenholm as our congressman.

JOHN MONTFORD

Lubbock

Doesn't need fixing

Everyone has heard the phrase, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

In 1996 Laura Browder, our county treasurer, inherited an office that was very broken. It's true that it took time, some very trying times, to achieve her undertaking. There were some pretty big obstacles to overcome, along with some bad press before she "fixed it." But with Laura's perseverance, she stood up for what she believed to be right and fair. Laura worked endlessly to achieve her undertaking to bring the treasurer's office up to date and make it cost-effective.

We like the idea of Laura's saving the county $84,000 in interest by changing banking procedures. Doesn't it make sense to have someone with 16 years' experience as a Certified Public Accountant, along with knowledge of governmental reporting, to be our county treasurer? Nothing can take the place of experience and knowledge.

As Taylor County taxpayers, we are fortunate to have someone with Laura's integrity and credentials in our county government. Help re-elect Laura Browder as our county treasurer.

LARRY & CAROLYN WILSON

Abilene

More than signs

As I drive down the street, I see Lesa Hart Crosswhite signs everywhere. I do not know this lady, and from what I have read, she has nothing more than a lot of campaign money. Her experience will never equal that of Laura Browder.

I am not impressed by someone who goes door to door asking to put signs in yards. I am also not impressed by someone who uses dirty campaign tactics. I am more impressed by the experience and qualifications of Laura Browder.

She has worked hard to turn around the county treasurer's office since 1996. She has been a certified CPA for 16 years. She and her husband, Terry, have run a successful business since 1981.

Who would you rather be in charge of your money? Someone who's experience peaks at running a video store (Crosswhite) or someone who has been in charge of millions of dollars for years?

Laura has the treasurer's office running smoothly, and there is no reason to elect an inexperienced candidate just because she has her name up all over Abilene or has her face in the background on the news every chance she gets. Laura has not had as much time to campaign as Ms. Crosswhite because she has had a job to do.

Please, when you go to the voting booth, think of the most qualified person, Laura Browder. It just makes $ense.

LACY MABERRY

Abilene