Ralph M. Hall – The Greatest Generation
Hon. Ralph M. Hall
I hold in my hands a campaign advertisement from Steve Clark. It came to my home via Parcel Post. Steve has gone overboard with disingenuous claims against my friend and revered Congressman Ralph M. Hall.
First of all, Steve Clark calls himself a “conservative Republican”. Ralph is a genuine Republican, my son David is a genuine Republican, Ken Dickson is a genuine Republican, and I am a genuine Republican. How do I know my fellow genuine Republicans? I regularly meet them at Republican meetings where we have genuine conversations about important issues.
To my knowledge, and to the best of my memory, I recall only ever seeing Steve Clark at the Men’s Club one time. Strong Conservative?
Second, let’s examine his implication that Ralph opposes term limits. Last month, I asked my Congressman about his stand on term limits. He sent me a large manila envelope containing copies of several documents pertinent to his actions on term limits. Sitting on my work table, fewer than three feet from my eyes, is that envelope containing a copy of an “Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.J. Res. 2 Offered by Mr. Hall of Texas”, dated March 8, 1995. This amendment, had the bill become law, would have established involuntary term limits fifteen years ago. A copy of another document, a press release from the Term Limits Legal Institute, dated April 12, 1995, “applauds Rep. Ralph Hall for voting YES on final passage of congressional term limits”. In fact, he voted for four term limits bills. The bills failed due to lack of a super majority favoring them.
I asked Congressman Hall why he submitted the amendment. “Because my constituents wanted me to”, he answered.
Third, about Clark’s defamatory claim that Ralph Hall is “losing touch with us”, it is easier for me to talk with my Congressman than to get time with some folks who never leave Rockwall County. Indeed, I make it a point of visiting his Rockwall office, calling or sending email to comment on issues and I always get a reply. If the case is such that Steve Clark is not in touch with Ralph, it can only be because he doesn’t want to be. [Click here for Ralph Hall's biography]
Hall Urges Democrats to Drop Government Takeover of Health Care
Tom Brokaw’s book titled “The Greatest Generation”, tells the stories of “individual men and women, the story of a generation, America’s citizen heroes and heroines who came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America.” Among these, the Greatest Generation, were orchestra leader Glenn Miller, American Airlines President C. R. Smith, 41st President George H. W. Bush and Congressman Ralph M. Hall.
To Steve Clark I say, we in Congressional District 4 continue to re-elect Ralph Hall because he represents us and he works hard to maintain personal contact with the people of his district. As Dean of the House, no one has greater prestige among the members of the House of Representatives. We Republicans are poised to retake the floor of the House and Congressman Ralph M. Hall is prepared to demonstrate that The Greatest Generation has the Right Stuff to reverse the perilous course of action undertaken by the Democrat majority.
John White
Rockwall County TEA Party Organizer
Ethics: Discipline for Moral Leadership
Ethic Defined by Moral Principles
People build everything on some foundation: houses, tall buildings, businesses, local churches and so on.
Here in the North Texas area we learn the importance of our homes’ foundations. Over time clay soil around here shrinks and expands as moisture content changes, moving concrete slabs, subsequently cracking walls, ceilings and floors. Uncorrected, the black land clay will eventually destroy a house.
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3
A convergence of life-preserving principles, first things, came to American soil in the hearts of persons persecuted for their Christian faith. To be sure, other reasons motivated Europeans to colonize America. We know from history books various peoples came for three essential purposes: religious freedom, economic prosperity and escape from tyrannical government. By the unseen hand of God, they three eventually became inextricably intertwined. However imperfect our genesis, however flawed our progress, the fame of American colonists became known around the world as a refuge from religious persecution and a safe haven from tyranny.
America in Decline
Some hold “the media” culpable for moral decline. Is that reasonable? What is the root cause of moral decline in our beloved country? These questions moved me to clarify my principles, to articulate them.
My four conservative principles:
- An uncompromising belief in the Right to Life
- Acceptance of personal responsibility
- Unwavering respect for the Constitution
- Insistence on small government
I do not hesitate to identify myself as a Christian who believes in the deity of Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Our founding fathers, ordinary men with an extraordinary God-given mission, believed as I do. Individually imperfect and incapable of constituting this nation; collectively anointed to fulfill the mission.
Rockwall Conservative Forum
Rockwall Conservative Forum exists solely to reinforce and restore societal foundations through education and enlightenment.
And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8:32
What is Truth? Well, I think the simplest answer I ever heard is this: “Truth is the way things really are”. Merriam Webster says, “conformity to reality or actuality”.
Our Journey to Truth
Discussion facilitators will educate us and engage us in conversation across a broad range of topics: the family institution, history, the Constitution, how the insurance industry works, how to insert ‘planks’ into the ‘platform’ of your political party, comparative religions, racial and societal reconciliation.
Along the way, we will discover the role of the four conservative principles in marriage, family, community and government.
Our first forum is a discussion about the state of the American family, divorce and how to strengthen families. Todd and Deven Smith serve full-time in the FamilyLife ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. My wife and I invest into this ministry because we believe strong, healthy families are one of the foundations of American society.
The Truth about Insurance and Insurance Companies
Questions, Questions
What’s the difference between insurance products and insurance companies?
How do insurance companies make their money?
Just how does life insurance work, anyway?
What role does the State of Texas play in insurance rates?
I hear insurance companies invest – why?
Why should I care how the insurance industry works?
I think of the Insurance Industry as the real Fort Knox. The industry’s investments in municipal bonds fund construction of roads and bridges and other vital infrastructures. Insurance is an important component of the Financial Services Industry that includes banking, real estate and other related businesses.
Our Speaker – Gary Freedman
Gary Freedman, an insurance executive for over 35 years, will be speaking. His topic is “The Truth about Insurance and Insurance Companies”.
Known locally as “The Voice of Rockwall”, Gary plays important roles in Rockwall County community leadership. Over the years, Gary has been active in many civic organizations in Rockwall and he has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations. As a member of the board of directors, he is particularly passionate about the Rockwall Community Playhouse. Gary is a valuable, and probably the best known, member of the Rockwall County Republican Party where he has been active for a number of years, as well.
Gary Freedman’s rich experiences in the insurance industry, as charity auctioneer, professional speaker and community leader promise an engaging and interesting presentation.
Gary will answer your questions about insurance products and services in Texas.
Meeting Place & Time
La Madeleine Restaurant – rear meeting room
987 E. Interstate 30
Rockwall, TX 75087-4824
972-722-6650
Saturday – February 6, 2010
9:00 am to 10:00 am
We start promptly, end promptly. Come early to order your favorite beverage and breakfast and to get a seat before the presentation begins.
There are never any fees or dues. Speakers volunteer their time as a service to the community. La Madeleine graciously opens the facility for no charge.
For More Information
Contact John White
972-771-3514
Rockwall Reagan Day Dinner
Rockwall GOP Annual Reagan Day Dinner
February 13, 2010
6:00 to 9:30 PM
Bella Harbor Hilton Hotel
Theme: A Salute to America’s Heroes
For Tickets or Information
Visit Rockwall GOP Headquarters
105 South San Jacinto
Rockwall, Texas 75087
972-772-9195
Find us on line http://rockwallgop.com/Tickets.html
Click on links below for a warm welcome by:
Co-Chair Joe Fox
Co-Chair Steve Clark
Enterprise-Success Publisher David Peek
Rockwall County Criminal DA Kenda Culpepper
Rockwall County GOP Chairman Bill Broderick
Posted by the Rockwall Conservative
Rockwall County: GOP Primary Candidates
The Rockwall Conservative asked common questions of all Rockwall County GOP Primary candidates, those running for County government and GOP positions. Questions covered Republican Party involvement, fiscal responsibility and constituent accessibility.
Answers are unedited and posted without prejudice. Click on the links below to review each candidate’s perspective on community leadership, fiscal responsibility and economic outlook. Avail yourself of easy contact information to communicate with them and view their photographs.
Chris Florance, County Judge (incumbent)
Lorie Grinnan, Commissioner – Pct 2 (incumbent)
Fred Lively, Commissioner – Pct 2
David Magness, Commissioner – Pct 4 (incumbent)
Stan McWhirter, Commissioner – Pct 4
Shelli Miller, County Clerk - DID NOT RESPOND TO QUESTIONNAIRE
Kay McDaniel, District Clerk- DID NOT RESPOND TO QUESTIONNAIRE
Larry Holloway, JP – Pct 2 & 3 (incumbent)- DID NOT RESPOND TO QUESTIONNAIRE
David Karr, JP – Pct 1 & 4 (incumbent)
Paul Wilson: GOP Chairman
Paul Wilson
Website http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-Wilson/205998977442
http://www.votepaulwilson.com/
E-Mail pcwilson2400@yahoo.com
PARTY INVOLVEMENT
- In which Republican clubs and/or meetings do you participate?
- GOP Executive Board
- Women’s Club
- Men’s Club
- Lunch Bunch
- With what frequency do you attend meetings of one or more of the above?
While living in Rockwall the past four years I joined the Rockwall Republican Men’s Club attending 2 out of 3 meetings each quarter of membership. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to represent my Precinct as Precinct 3 Chairman, Election Judge and as a member of the Rockwall County Executive Committee, attending all but one committee meeting during my tenure.
FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY
- What are your feelings about raising property tax?
I am adamantly against raising property taxes. The 2009 tax rate for Fate-2.059 %, Heath-2.188%, Rockwall-2.348%, Rowlett-2.375% and Royce City-2.46% is more than adequate and will remain so for some time. For year end 2008, Rockwall County was rated as the fastest growing county in Texas, the fastest growing state in the U.S. As the population growth continues so will the tax base. To supplement this population growth and increased demand for civil services (utilities, roads, etc..) I am of the strong opinion that current gasoline taxes, earmarked for TXDOT, should return to the county and remain there.
- Are you familiar with the budget for the office which you seek?
- What are you willing to cut out of your budget to limit spending?
The current budget is a zero sum game solely dependent on charitable donations and is not labeled as public money. However, I am of the strong opinion that fundraising efforts must be improved in an effort to more effectively unite the Republican Party with the community through an extensive PR campaign designed to develop a positive image, recruit and nurture future candidates and ultimately expand on membership and volunteerism.
- What do you think will happen if the US government does not reign in runaway spending?
Although, the challenges to our nation are many, I am convinced the out of control spending of our federal government is at the top of the list. Our President and his administration have been responsible for increasing our debt ceiling to $13 Trillion in anticipation of more spending. Or rather, printing of money we don’t have. We are looking down a double barrel shotgun. The barrel on the left brings us a devalued/destabilized dollar and the other barrel contains runaway inflation. Simply put, if our representatives continue to sit idly by, the law of supply and demand for goods and services will apply to the dollar as well. The more money printed and circulated, the less it will be worth. We must exhort our citizenry to demand accountability.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Will you have an open door to your constituents?
- Presently, Commissioners Court meets during business hours, limiting participation by citizens. Will you support holding Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement?
Brenda Zielke: GOP Chairman
Brenda Zielke
Website http://www.bzforgop.com/
E-Mail bzielke@sbcglobal.net
PARTY INVOLVEMENT
- In which Republican clubs and/or meetings do you participate?
- GOP Executive Board
- Women’s Club
- Men’s Club
- Lunch Bunch
- With what frequency do you attend meetings of one or more of the above?
GOP Executive Board, Women’s Club, and Men’s Club.
As Rockwall County Republican Women’s Club President – Active Member, officer since 2007
Men’s Club – Active Member
GOP Executive Board – Ex Officio, as Rockwall County Republican Women’s president
Attendance: Regularly attend and volunteer
FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY
- What are your feelings about raising property tax?
I support a commitment of government to exhaust all available resources in order to stay within a balanced budget with existing revenues before considering tax increases. Our leaders face a big challenge of remaining competitive and providing services while not ignoring the financial crises of businesses and families. We live in an electronic environment, providing almost instantaneous access to financial data. This provides local governments with greater management tools in which to make informed and prudent decisions. It also affords the opportunity to adjust to trends or financial forecasts quicker than in the past. Given the current state of the economy and supporting data, we should expect a downward adjustment to property taxes.
- Are you familiar with the budget for the office which you seek?
The GOP Party’s revenues and expenses are generally governed by statute. However, it is the charge of the GOP county chairman to ensure the county party remains fiscally sound. I support greater transparency in order to maintain the trust and support of all county Republicans. To my knowledge, over spending/over budget is not an issue.
- What are you willing to cut out of your budget to limit spending?
The GOP has responsibilities of elections in cooperation with the Rockwall County Elections administrator, and oversight from the Secretary of State. In addition, we are the local arm of the Republican Party of Texas. I take this responsibility very seriously. We not only have a responsibility to the state, and the GOP Party, but to our own local clubs and fellow Republicans. I am interested in maximizing the funds through prudent management that we, the Party, have raised for not only the required aspects of elections, but also to support our precinct chairmen, Republican nominees and campaigns to Get out the Vote.
- What do you think will happen if the US government does not reign in runaway spending?
Fiscal restraint not only speaks well of a family, but also a nation. We are on a disastrous course if we do not reign in spending. If we continue, we will either assume more debt or have to raise taxes.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Will you have an open door to your constituents?
Absolutely!
- Presently, Commissioners Court meets during business hours, limiting participation by citizens. Will you support holding Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement?
According to the Texas Constitution, the Commissioner’s Court is the governing body of the County and is to carry out the administrative and judicial responsibilities for the State. It would not be practical to hold general sessions during the evening. The hub of commerce that impacts the county is carried out during the business week. However, some issues warrant greater citizen participation or input. This could be done by appointing ad-hoc committees to study issues and report back to the court or by holding special open forums, providing the opportunity for greater interaction with the citizens of Rockwall. There are other creative ways to ensure commissioners are aware of the opinions of the county residents. I would encourage them to seek out those in their precinct and get better acquainted with their concerns and issues in order to intelligently represent them.
Michelle Sutton: JP – Pct 1 & 4
Michelle Sutton
Website www.michelleleeksutton.com
E-Mail michelle@michelleleeksutton.com
PARTY INVOLVEMENT
- In which Republican clubs and/or meetings do you participate?
- GOP Executive Board
- Women’s Club
- Men’s Club
- Lunch Bunch
- With what frequency do you attend meetings of one or more of the above?
I plan to continue to attend the monthly Lunch Bunch meetings, be actively involved with the Women’s Club, and am considering joining the Men’s Club and offering my assistance in achieving their group goals.
I am a lifelong Republican. I was a College Republican at Southern Methodist University where I was educated by (among others) Sen. John Tower. I participated in the 1988 Bush/Quayle presidential campaign and have volunteered, contributed to, and promoted conservative values and candidates since that time.
FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY
- What are your feelings about raising property tax?
I do not believe property tax rates should be raised.
- Are you familiar with the budget for the office which you seek?
I am familiar with the Justice of the Peace Precincts 1 & 4 portion of the Rockwall County 2010 Proposed Budget Draft #2 filed August 21, 2009.
- What are you willing to cut out of your budget to limit spending?
Proposed Budget Draft #2 indicates $600 (2010 001-471-415) is allocated for visiting judges/arraignments. I would endeavor to make arrangements with the Justice of the Peace for Precincts 2 & 3 and the County Judge to ensure that it is unnecessary for the county to hire a visiting judge in the unlikely event that I am unavailable to perform my duties.
Proposed Budget Draft #2 indicates that there is significant inequity in salary and expense payments between Justice of the Peace 1 & 4 and Justice of the Peace 2 & 3. Whether or not there is an eventual leveling of salaries and expenses between the two Justices of the Peace (because I will be performing all of the duties expected from the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 & 4), I promise to work hard and be a courteous, efficient, and productive Rockwall County official. I will endeavor to perform all that is asked of me by the County Commissioners and citizens of Rockwall County. I recognize that the needs of a county fluctuate and I will be flexible in the execution of my duties.
I am uncertain as to any other specific budget cuts I am willing to make to limit spending. What I promise is that when I take office I will take time to evaluate how the Court is run, I will be open to suggestions for change from the County Commissioners, court staff, county employees, and citizens, and that I will apply my MBA, and business, law office and court management experience to develop a budget that is fiscally sound with a focus on efficiency and limiting spending. Additionally, I will apply county, state, and personal performance measures to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of my plans.
- What do you think will happen if the US government does not reign in runaway spending?
The $1.417 trillion federal budget deficit will continue to balloon which could result in the eventual financial collapse of our nation.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Will you have an open door to your constituents?
Yes, absolutely.
I am subject to Rules of Court, Procedure, Evidence, and Judicial Conduct which may limit what I may hear or discuss, but I will respectfully notify a constituent if, or when, his or her concerns infringe upon these Rules.
Additionally, my court and staff with be courteous and respectful and will strive to be a model of competence and efficiency.
I will expect courtroom decorum and observing my court docket and other job duties will be paramount, but I will make myself available to constituents as I am able.
- Presently, Commissioners Court meets during business hours, limiting participation by citizens. Will you support holding Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement?
I support citizen participation. Citizens have the power to elect Commissioners willing to hold Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement.
Jack James: JP – Pct 1 & 4
PHOTO NOT
AVAILABLE
Jack James
Website www.jackjames4jp.com
E-Mail jackjames4jp@gmail.com
PARTY INVOLVEMENT
- In which Republican clubs and/or meetings do you participate?
- GOP Executive Board
- Women’s Club
- Men’s Club
- Lunch Bunch
- With what frequency do you attend meetings of one or more of the above?
I have attended the Republican Mens Club breakfast for the past 4 months.
FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY
- What are your feelings about raising property tax?
I am not for raising property taxes because I believe that in most budgets there are enough discretionary funds to make up for any deficits. People as well as government agencies need to live within their means.
- Are you familiar with the budget for the office which you seek?
Yes
- What are you willing to cut out of your budget to limit spending?
Before cutting the budget of the office I am seeking, I would want to conduct an audit of how things are currently operating. I think to make cuts without evaluating the needs of the citizens would be detrimental to the county. However, if I am elected and I see line items that are not necessary, I have no problem making the budget cuts.
- What do you think will happen if the US government does not reign in runaway spending?
If the US government does not reign in runaway spending, the country will go bankrupt. Our children and our grand children will suffer immensely. The government needs to stop spending money they don’t have on programs and bailouts that we don’t need.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Will you have an open door to your constituents?
Absolutely. I have only one campaign promise and that is, “I will never forget that I work for you”. (the citizens of Rockwall county)
- Presently, Commissioners Court meets during business hours, limiting participation by citizens. Will you support holding Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement?
I am running for Justice of the Peace and would not want to make a decision for the Commissioners.
David Karr: JP – Pct 1 & 4
David Karr
Website
PARTY INVOLVEMENT
- In which Republican clubs and/or meetings do you participate?
- GOP Executive Board
- Women’s Club
- Men’s Club
- Lunch Bunch
- With what frequency do you attend meetings of one or more of the above?
FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY
- What are your feelings about raising property tax?
I AS A TAX PAYER DO NOT WANT TO TAXES RAISED
- Are you familiar with the budget for the office which you seek?
- What are you willing to cut out of your budget to limit spending?
LAST BUDGET SESSION IT WAS REDUCED AND AT THAT TIME I OFFERED TO GIVE UP MY LAST RAISE IF THE COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS WOULD DO THE SAME IN ORDER TO HELP KEPT FROM PUTTING MORE ON THE TAX PAYERS. SINCE WE WERE IN A RECESSION AND PEOPLE LOSING JOBS AND HOMES. MY OFFER TO THE COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS STILL STANDS.
- What do you think will happen if the US government does not reign in runaway spending?
ACCESSIBILITY
- Will you have an open door to your constituents?
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN OPEN DOOR POLICY.
- Presently, Commissioners Court meets during business hours, limiting participation by citizens. Will you support holding Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement?
IT IS NOT FOR ME TO TELL COMMISSIONERS WHAT HOURS TO BE IN SESSIONS NOR IS IT THEIR RESONSIBLITY TO SET MY DAYS AND HOURS.
Cathy Penn: JP – Pct 2 & 3
Cathy Penn
Website http://cathypenn.com/
E-Mail cmp@cathypenn.com
PARTY INVOLVEMENT
- In which Republican clubs and/or meetings do you participate?
- GOP Executive Board
- Women’s Club
- Men’s Club
- Lunch Bunch
- With what frequency do you attend meetings of one or more of the above?
A life-long Republican, but new to politics, I joined the Rockwall Men’s and Rockwall Women’s Clubs in the fall of 2009. As a practicing attorney, meetings during the week often conflict with my court obligations, however I do my best to visit the “lunch bunch” each month. People I meet in these organizations tell me they want their county officials to be qualified by education and experience and that the judge, who determines the law, should be an attorney. As the only attorney candidate for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 2 & 3, I am a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Texas and Rockwall Bar Associations, the Municipal Judge and Justice of the Peace sections of the State Bar, and the National Association of Counsel for Children.
As a candidate for Justice of the Peace and the Presiding Judge for the City of Rockwall, I pledge that partisanship will never influence my judicial decision-making.
FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY
- What are your feelings about raising property tax?
All officer-holders owe a duty of fiscal conservatism, particularly in the current economic crisis. I am against raising property taxes. Through my previous involvement as a board member with Helping Hands, I am aware that there are many families in Rockwall that qualified for home loans, but face losing their homes due to an unexpected expense, loss of a job, or even reduction in income. It is not all good news out there. Although we reportedly have the second highest median income in Texas, the impact of a property tax increase could be devastating to many throughout Rockwall County as we are seeing foreclosures in even our most affluent neighborhoods.
- Are you familiar with the budget for the office which you seek?
I am familiar with the published budget for the Justice of the Peace Precincts 2 & 3 and will closely examine all items to determine where spending can be reduced. Two specific budget line items stand out: reporters records and substitute court reporter. These budget line items do not make sense because this is not a “court of record” and it does not appear that this particular court has conducted examining trials or inquest inquiries in recent years. The Justice Court receives revenue from the disposition of criminal cases and there are several areas with respect to this function that I would address immediately. First, I would evaluate the current collection efforts to insure that all possible revenue for the office is collected in a cost-efficient manner. Second, I learned that the current court refuses to prepare complaints on traffic tickets. This means that when the Statute of Limitations runs, the Court loses jurisdiction and the State’s attorney cannot prosecute the case. This is a bonus for traffic ticket scofflaws at a cost to the taxpayers of Rockwall County. In addition to holding a Juris Doctorate, I have a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston which will enhance my ability to operate and manage the Justice Court in a financially sound manner.
- What are you willing to cut out of your budget to limit spending?
- What do you think will happen if the US government does not reign in runaway spending?
Historically, unrestrained spending drives down the international value of the dollar and may eventually cause national bankruptcy, as it did in the Soviet Union.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Will you have an open door to your constituents?
Did you know that the Justice of the Peace office for Precincts 2 & 3 is closed every Friday? If I am elected, this will change immediately and the office will be open during the regular work week, just like every other local government office. Government officials must always be mindful that they are public servants.
While working as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney, my door was always open. As a private attorney, my clients know they can reach me anytime. Subject to restriction of improper ex parte communications, my door will be open to the people in our community, as well as other governmental entities, departments and organizations necessary to the proper operations of the Court.
- Presently, Commissioners Court meets during business hours, limiting participation by citizens. Will you support holding Commissioner Court evening meetings to facilitate citizen involvement?
I support holding Commissioner Court meetings during the evening to facilitate citizen involvement.
