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Democrats Canvas Primary Elections and MORE!
Interesting video of the Democratic Party Chairs. The guy at the end was quite interesting. We're finally seeing a local public figure saying what employees and citizens have been saying for a while.
A couple of thoughts as I watch the video. Regardless of intention or what is "legal", Ken Morrison has not lived in Liberty County for 6 months prior to filing. I find his candidacy and his party's "hanging chad" argument to be weak. It's unethical. Secondly, Good Job to Bill Buchanan and i-dineout for covering the story and asking the hard questions. There is no denying Buchanan knows what investigative journalism is all about. He isn't always popular because facts are facts and that was clearly what he was trying to get at. This video reminds me of the Ray Akins/Lester Wisegerber video. There are some striking similarities between this report and Akins crusades of years past. Finally, its going to be a GREAT year for the Liberty County Republican Party.
None of that talking about residency being a state of mind made any sence to me. I do know that if you move you are required to change your address on your driver's license and put in a change of address for your mail to be delivered. Plus you must change your address for your car insurance. Does anyone know anything about what address Mr. Morrison's Driver's License and insurance has on it. And if you mail him a letter, what is the address you send it to? And when were these things changed. I thought you had to be a legal resident of Liberty county for at least 6 months before you can run for office.
can someone please help inform me on some information - the schoolboard wonts to biuld a new school - they just had a school tore down - we have kids in school getting caught with drugs - we have a high pregencie rate - im told by my kids and others there is a gang problem in school - that football gets the most funding even though track-baseball-basketball-tennis get little to nothing (so ive heard the tennis team has racked up lots of metals at tournments along with track)ive dealt personally with supervision at the high school and i will not comment there -i guess my questions are is priorities straight and can someone outside the city limits run for school board - im not being a smart a-- i along with other parents are not getting answers when the proper persons are questioned i believe education starts at home but were slipping somewhere
General Comments
I agree with voters who have noticed how well our courts have run and returned Cain to office. My vote will be for returning Rusty Hight also. With Judge taylor's retirement, my vote will be for returning a Zbranek back to a judge's seat too. The courts have run well, why change horses in the middle of a stream?
General Comments
Hospital District: Some of our friends and fellow residents in the area need help with their health issues. Here is the problem at hand; one signs up with our hospital district seeking help with a serious illness. The application process takes longer than it should then when one does get assistance one can finally see a doctor. That is great however,if you need a specialist or surgery you find out really quick that no doctor or hospital wants to take you on as a patient because our district will not or cannot pay what the doctors or hospitals charge as their fee. So here is the issue, why should we be taxed if the money is not helping the people who need the help. If our district will not pay what the doctors and hospitals charge then this plan should be changed. We taxpayers want to help those that need the help but when they are NOT getting the help they need something needs to change.
Hospital District: This Liberty Hospital couldn't help this person if they wanted to. The Liberty hospital is only a First Aid hospital. Anyone with a serious medical problem has to seek medical care at a real Hospital. This Hospital District is a waste of Property owners Tax money. It is just a matter of time before someone will have a lawsuit against this Hospital and guess who will pay the bill for that. This Hospial District should be put back on the balot and voted on, to abolish this whole FIASCO. When will the Taxpayers money stop flowing down the Trinity River?
General Comments
While people are talking about November elections could I interupt and ask people that are regretful about what has gone on tghe last few years with the collection and disbursement of tax money to vote for Dennis beasely for Mayor. Several years ago Bruce halstead helped us get out of that mess with the coal burning plant that the Picketts committed us to, now Mayor Pickett and family has sunk us pretty far into this hospital/bait and switch thing. Vote Beasely and send a message. He is very capable and can handle the job.
Forget Dennis Beasley. Let's get Bruce Halstead back!
Re: Forget Dennis Beasley. Let's get Bruce Halstead back! ---------- Hello, it is a little too late for Bruce this time. Get with the program. Anyway, Bruce would probably just want to annex the rest of the county. Then we would have two cops to patrol even a greater area, the council probably would build another building we don't need and all the while the drug dealers would keep on a dealing.
Halstead was a good mayor for Liberty and Dennis Beasely was part of his team. I like Carl Pickett but we need to elect Beasely before we end up back in Picketville.
Rather than get in a discussion about past political history and who is the best mayor ever or who built the fire station, I would like to agree that defeating Carl Pickett is the first step to encouraging voters to fight to shut down the hospital district. Dennis Beasely is a good man and a smart person and can easily guide this city as Mayor.
I am a staunch Republican and was disappointed Bruce Halstead did not run in the Republican party for county judge last time. He may have won had he run in the same party his wife ran in when she was egded out for County Court at Law. Whoever is saying it is past Halstead's time is closer to being a space explorer than a political analyst. Halstead was the best mayor Liberty has had in my five decades here. Some day he could hold a major office if he will put the right team together to plan his political career. And Beasely would be an improvement over a very nice but misguided Carl Pickett.
Re: Whoever is saying it is past Halstead's time is closer to being a space explorer than a political analyst. ------------------- This must have been written by a Harvard graduate. Hello Mr. or Ms. Moron. When I said it is a litte too late for Bruce, I meant the filing deadline had passed!!!
General Comments
Ken Morrison is easily the most qualified, the most intelligent, and the most ethical of all of the county judge candidates. Stay tuned for a coffe at our place that the public will be invited to so they can meet Kenny and bypass all of the chatter.
Sorry Phil, Ken Morrison has legally filed for county jdge in the county he is a resident of and he has spanked you in the primary. If I were as qualified as Morrison my only public comment at this time would be "next!"
Two Deputies Shot in Woodland Hills
Prayers to the officers and their families. Hope that no one else is hurt cartching this piece of shit...
Thank you for posting this story..... Prayers for these Officers,their families and for ALL of our law enforcement personel. Thank you to all who put their lives on the line 24/7 for mine and my family. I appreciate you all so much.
when will we find out who the suspect was???
what is it with the people in or near kenefick? are all of the men folk there gun wielding east texas, rednecks? the whole area needs to give up their guns and then submit to a straight jacket. loony toons one and all.
Like to start by saying, we should be thankful that God was looking over our deputies during this dangerous incident. Glad the Deputies will be ok ......... Officers can't control what people do before they get to a scene, or sometimes even after they get there. However our response as management "Sheriff", "Chief" Deputy" "Captain's" is full within our control. This guy that you people of Liberty County voted for continues to show his lack of respect for the employees of the Sheriff's Office, and intern lack of respect for the citizens. There is some good in this. The "Sheriff" did show up at this scene. Glad he could find time. When he gets there, and puts on his vest, (oh then turns it around because its on backwards)he still don't have a clue what the hell is going on. Him and his crew are running around in Blue Jeans, and button up shirts (see channel 11 Chief Cooper). Not long after that he send deputies home because he don't want comp time to build up. He sends other agencies away that had shown up to help. He is upset about Baytown SWAT being called. By the way these guys from Baytown are the best, they have the equipment, train together daily, and can handle any situation. I know there was allot going on out there, but the Sheriff left right after sending other agencies away. Figure he would be going to check on his deputies that were transported to the hospital. NOPE....Still hasn't showed up at the hospital where Deputy Marcantel lays because of gunshot wounds suffered while doing his job. Oh he probably sent his Chief.....WRONG AGAIN....... Maybe the Sheriff's brother had another procedure and couldn't attend. (thats why he didn't attend the Neyland benefit, so he says) DO WE THE CITIZENS OF LIBERTY COUNTY CONTINUE TO PUT UP WITH THIS? If you think yes, then so be it, if believe in justice, doing things right, show up and put this no-count and his boys out of office. This is terrible. This information obviously come from within, and no it's not from 1 or 2 disgruntle employees, it is all of us. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE...... Thank God again that our deputies were not hurt any worse then what they were.
"what is it with the people in or near kenefick? are all of the men folk there gun wielding east texas, rednecks? the whole area needs to give up their guns and then submit to a straight jacket. loony toons one and all." THIS IS THE MOST ASSANINE, DISCRIMINITORY, LOONY TOON STATEMENT I'VE HEARD IN AWHILE. 1st ain't nobody givin up no guns. If you don't like that....MOVE. This was 1 person. Don't pick up all the guns yet. Just keep huggin trees. I won't give up my guns but I will continue to pray for these and all officers.
To the person that made the commit about people who live in are near Kenefick. I take offence to your commit ...we live near Kenefick and yes we have guns but, we are VERY law bidden citizens, there is a lot of good people live in this area. So some person goes nuts that makes us all bad....you think we are the only ones that have guns. My heart and prayers go out to the officers and their families
To the one who thinks all of the people need to give there guns.You are the crazy one.All of the crazy dope headed trash from houston and such places are killing our small town. we use our guns for hunting and sports not all the stupid stuff so know what you are talking about
What is a mentally ill person doing with a gun? I thought there were safeguards against that? Whoever owned the gun should be responsible and held accountable for the shooting.
In response to POS sherrif why have you not shown up to check on your deputy? Greg would have already been there. You are the worst example of a public servant that has been seen in a long time. Hell your worse than Fitzgerald. Why dont you do the honorable thing and quit. All your doing is destroying the county. Everyone needs to attend the commisioners meeting and start demanding that he be relieved of duty. He does not deserve to keep killing our county. Lets get hom out of office now...
It was not if it was going to happen but when it was going to happen to a Deputy of Liberty County, being shot. Thank the Good Lord, their lives were spared. Patterson and his Posse (Cooper, Kelly and Green), continue to put the lives of our Deputies at risk, as they try to protect the citizens of this county, without leadership and lack of manpower in the sheriff’s department. They have to make calls, without backup arriving for a while, and finally it happens to the fine Deputies of our county. The Sheriff made no statement to any news media, at least expressing his concern for his two Deputies. If Liberty County voters ever get another chance to vote for Patterson again and give him the job, then the voters are making a vote against our Deputies and Dispatchers, who are doing their best to keep the Sheriff's Dept. at least answering calls. These men and women deserve to real leadership and backing in their very difficult job for low pay to boot. They are now like walking talking zombies, just trying to do their job never knowing when they will make a wrong step and be out the door in this economic climate. This situation should have every citizen outraged and protesting the lack of security we have now in our homes and protection of our property. The two Deputies are in my prayers.
I want to say first all that all the men and women that were out yesterday are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the 2 deputies recover quickly. I also want to let the suspects family know they are in my thoughts and prayers also. They need to know they have support also from us. They didn't do this crime..not all his family is crazy! I hope they are able to overcome this as I hope the deputies get well soon. Thanks
Thank you to Law Enforcement of Liberty County for a job well done. Condolences to the family of the deceased in their loss. We should all support each other in this unfortunate incident.
I am so thankful for the wonderful law enforcement officers that are always protecting the citizens of Liberty County. As to the person who commented about the citizens of Kenefick being 'gun wielding, east Texas rednecks', you sure do sound like one of the followers of your president, Obama. I can smell a liberal when I see/hear one. You are pathetic, I will NOT give up my guns or my right to the 2nd ammendment to the Constitution. I bet you don't even own a firearm, or how to use one. What a wuss!
I did not like the fact the sherrif did not make a pubic annoucement to asure the safety of the subdivison.He was no where in sight.After hearing he did not go to see the deputies.I think he should step down from office.
To the person that said we are crazy in kenefick area we must protect our self Mr Patterson dose not have enough patrol for the largest county in southeast texas look at a map! no comptime for the ones that wont to work overtime who will protect us till next election.A very special thanks for the two officers that responed it officer like yall that make us sleep better and feel safe.
The 2nd Amendment--A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall NOT be infringed. The Constitutional Amendments apply not only to Kenefick, Texas but the entire United States of America. These freedoms which our military has fought and died for through the years applies to every citizen of this exceptional country--even Communists like yourself.
I would like to add to the comment about the sheriff's and Captain Kelly's behavior at the scene of the shooting. Captain Kelly I'm told still isn't wearing a firearm. I'm told he hasn't since ATF was here. I would bet that he is under some legal restriction that the sheriff won't tell us about. I'm also told that the sheriff and Captain Kelly were laughing and joking with each other until a LCSO detective went to Kelly and told him how inappropriate that was. They got into a loud verbal argument that probably means we are about to another of our few experienced officers. I would never have beleived that a department could be so ruined in just 13 months.
Thank you to Law Enforcement of Liberty County for a job well done. Condolences to the family of the deceased in their loss. We should all support each other in this unfortunate incident.
To all the folks wanting Sheriff Patterson out of the County Sheriff's Office better get someone better than him to run against him as a Republican when he has to run again! He ran as a Republican and that is how he won not because he was the best. I can almost guarantee that only someone brave enough to run as a Republican in a primary election will beat him. That is not easy because even though most folks here vote Republican in the General elections they are scared to run as one in local elections. Chap Cain read and understood the writing on the election wall. That is why he ran as a Republican, he wants to WIN! More people will go in the general election and just check that straight Republican box and who ever is brave enough to run as one will win. Think about it and watch when the results come in!
To the post about the sheriff and voting Republican. There is so much turmoil in the country and in our county that I have made this decision. When it comes to the election for president, congress, etc....I will vote straight Republican ticket, but when it comes to the local elections I will vote for the right person and not the party. There is several people in our county government that needs to go. For sure, the sheriff and his group needs to be replaced. The way Patterson runs the S.O. is unacceptable. If I am correct it will be 2 years before the election for sheriff will come up again. Until then if anyone out there knows someone that is qualified and would make a good sheriff you should talk to them about running.
I disagree with the idea that signing uo as a Republican is the best way to win for everyone. Some people signing up as a Republican will find a huge campaign mounted to beat them in the primary. Signing up as a Democrat is best not only for hard core Democrats, but for people that have developed longstanding enemies in the Republican party. This will be a two party system locally for the second election in a row, but it is definitely no where near a locally one sided commnuity dominated by Republicans.
Isn't Woodland Hills the same subdivision that the Rosser boy murdered a man a few years ago?
General Comments
I am looking for some HAM Radio Operators in Liberty County who would like to become a National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter. If you are a HAM Radio Operator and interested in becoming a spotter please contact John Cain @ jcain@daytontx.com or 936-402-4947
Allen Youngblood thanks for collecting nearly $200K for Dayton Independent School District and $33K county taxes, from the number one campaign contributor, the President/CEO for Global Tubing, which has taken $350K from The City of Dayton, where Steve Stephens is Mayor. No laws broken, except the ones that are taught to you by your Mother and Father and your Sunday School Teacher and then every Sunday the preacher tells us about how we should conduct our life, in all aspects. Steve missed one of those lessons to do with morals and how things look to others in ones dealings. Why Steve, they knew that Dayton City Councilman Jay Knight and President Jay Knight of the Dayton Development Board, would not have taken the money, because he was in a position to let Greed and poor morals, influence him with a sum of money in the building of the New Civic Center, that Steve gave us poor peons, I thought we voted for it. A vote for Steve Stephens in a couple of weeks will be a vote for more influence peddling and bigger Campaign Donations, they see he took some, so he will take more, under the table, and that is a fact. Steve Broke no laws except on of the Deadly Sins of Greed, to vindicate his poor boy status as a kid in Dayton and Liberty County. So, very sad to let him hoodwink good people and citizens for his vote, since he spent $10K to promote himself so he could head closer to the Pot of Gold, that awaits him, if he becomes County Judge, God Help us stay out of this man's grasp and hold our vote sacred, in the Son's Name, Amen.
Looks like some people want to trash Steve Stephens to try and get Ken Morrison (or the ultimate Democratic nominee) or Craig McNair elected. But this is no way to accomplish beating Mayor Stephens. First the individual, not the company, made the donation. The individual is someone who has gotten to know the Mayor and wanted to see him bring strong leadership to the county. There is nothing unusual about that. Some may say it is an indication you are honest by showing you have no campaign contributors, some may say if you look at my contributors you will see those who have worked with me think I would make a good leader. This is far from a conspiracy. As has been said, Mayor Stephens is just the mayor. He doesn’t manipulate who pays taxes and who gets off for paying late etc. All of the decisions having to do with the individual who contributed and having to do with the company he heads require approvals required from city councils, DCDC board members, etc. The idea that Stephens personally gave the discounts/credits is absolutely ridiculous. Whoever is making those allegations has too little understanding of government to weigh in on an election. If Morrison and McNair want to say something negative about the Mayor, they should point out PUBLICLY that his rush to start recovering from the hurricane, may end up in Dayton not being reimbursed by FEMA. Their people are already whispering this anyway. Stop the whisper campaign so those of us who desperately needed help can respond.
After the results on election night I went over to congratulate the Republican winners and was struck by the fact Craig McNair was not there. I was told he was not ethre all day. Absenteeism is a poor start to a run off campaign. But when you are running against ole "No Bid" Stephenson how hard do you have to work?
What a joke! Republicans are accusing our candidates of working together to win. Whew ew! Revelation time. But just because we are all on the same team doesn't mean we are looking through your pathetic mail, and it sure as heck doesn't we need Mr.Wisegerber's help for Judge Hight to win. Judge Hight's supporters don't have to make one phone call of give one speech for us to know who they are for. Republicans create a bunch of smoke and then say there must be a fire. Losing for over 100 years is a ahbit that is hard to break because of the habits developed along the losing trail. Trying to act like we are all Obama isn't going to work Andeeeee!
Liberty County makes it hard to vote, because of all the skeletons in the closet. You end up voting for someone you do not know.......because you know the otherone is up to no good. A good lesson I learned is : Put your skeletons on the porch, So you can keep stuff in the closet!
To the person that wrote this comment maybe you need to listen to Steve talk. Everything that comes from his mouth is I. I built the community center, I built the flag pole, and I cleaned Dayton up after Hurricane Ike I brought Global Tubing to Dayton. Everything is I did this, I did that, I am going to do. So maybe it s Steve his self misleading everyone that it is him and him alone calling the shots here In Dayton. To be quite honest with you he is good at two things wasting tax payer’s money and posing for his picture for the local newspaper. I believe the man has a fetish for seeing his own picture in the newspaper Mayor Stephens is just the mayor. He doesn’t manipulate who pays taxes and who gets off for paying late etc. All of the decisions having to do with the individual who contributed and having to do with the company he heads require approvals required from city councils, DCDC board members, etc. The idea that Stephens personally gave the discounts/credits is absolutely ridiculous.
Thank you, Alan, for shedding a little light on the Global Tubing tax status and their subsequent payment to their respective taxing entities. Since they just received another 100k from the DCDC about two weeks ago, I'm sure that they could spare the change and the county and school district sure could use the funds. Global Tubing is a good company and Mr. Bunch is a good man who will do well for, and in, Dayton and Liberty County. Maybe you can look at other political contributors and see who sent money to candidates but are delinquent on their taxes. This seems like a pretty good way for delinquent collections and it doesn't cost the taxing entities a thing for this service! Now, if you can just let us know when Ray Akins is set to appear in Judge Hight's court again then the first quarter of 2010 will be looking pretty good. I sure don't want to miss ths second round of that dog and pony show.
DPS Announces Indigency Rule for Driver Responsibility Program
How nice. So all of us gainfully (?) employed persons should quit our jobs so we qualify for lower traffic fines, or did I read this all wrong???
Come on now, even the major news networks are starting to question why the President keeps ramming Health Care down our throat. The majority of the American people do not want it, how many more times does he need to hear "NO".
General Comments
Fighting to save County Judge Phil Fitgerald and Lee Groce would give every GOP candidate in the county something like a five percent boost in the polls. It is clear Democratic primary voters know if the Democrats stand by their ethically-challenged comrades in arms, both the ones we already know about and any identified in coming months, they could be swept all across the ballot. Voters just like i-dineout.com associtaes are in the mood for cleaning up what is messy, but they also are willing to keep what is working well.
General Comments
On the night of the election I met Mr. Ken Morrison and his wife at the Democratic Head quarters for the first time. I did not see those take charge leadership qualities in his personality that I belive will be necessary to successfully preside over Commissioner's Court in the future. Then My Commissioner Todd Fontenot walked in and I told him that none of the people he represent's that I have spoken with appreciated him voting to use our tax money to pay Phil Fitzgerald's legal bill. I also told him that I thought that he had been up there two long. He then told me that it was only One Vote. I had to remind him that when he was first elected Commissioner he won by ONE VOTE. He then told me that he was inbetween a rock and a hard place on that vote? I assume he meant that he either had to show his loyality to Fitzgerald or the tax payer's who elected him so his vote went to Fitzgerald.
General Comments
We need mayor Halstead back..
TDC GUARD FOUND DEAD Rest in peace Ronnie Pechacek. Prayers of comfort and peace for this family.
what unit did he work at?
Consider the Liberty County Hospital District No. 1
I'll bet the City of Liberty is making up for the lost utility revenue from the hospital by charging me for their loss. NO way can I have a $300 + electricity bill 2 months in a row using only lights and TV at night. Even unplugging all appliances and leaving gas heat on 68 hasn't helped. Really makes me mad.
It is time for competent business leaders in the community to put their name on the ballot and try to solve this problem. Obviously, it is not being done at the present time; 2. If the climate does not change and the citizens continue to be taxed, I believe there will be a recall of the tax after the municipal elections. It would take a strong, localized and organized effort to repeal as they would need 20% of the registered voters within Hospital District #1 to recall this tax. That is a lot of voters to get to sign a petition to seek an election on this issue. I don’t have the answers, but someone needs to get to the bottom of what is going on and why we are continuing to be taxed while the agreements have not been signed and the taxes and utilities have not been paid.
The voters that voted in favor of the hospital district were led to believe the tax money was going to be used to help subsidize indigent health care, not take a huge chunk of it to use for overhead, and certainly not to buy or operate a hospital! Please, let's be given a chance to vote on this hospital district again!
The hopsital district election is coming up and we should all hope someone will run on the platform that they will take every opportunity to end the hospiatl district.
This hospital district was formed with a less than 10% voter turnout IN A SECOND ATTEMPT AFTER THE FIRST FAILED. I am sure the current board will elect who they want. I will be looking for someone who wants to unravel the whole mess. $2 million a year is what we are sinking in this hole. What could we be doing with that money? How about leaving it in the pockets of the peopel it bellongs to, Mr. Stratton and Mr. Pickett?
Instead of voting on new leaders why don't we just vote the whole district down and let the band aid station close. It is nothing but a waste of money. There are several clinics in town that are better equiped than the hospital. Thats sad when a clinc has better equipment than a hospital. Close it down and work on getting a new company to come in and build a new one.
I work as a nurse on the inpatient side. We offer more than just basic emergency care. I have the privilage of working with a dedicated group of well trained individuals who go over and beyond basic emergency care.
This Hospital will never be profitable in Liberty Texas unless there is more than partial emergency services made available to the people in this area. Where is the $1,000,001.00 at now? What kind of SCAM has this Hospital District pulled off this time. This is one of the biggest wastes of property owners tax money that I have ever seen in my 52 years in Liberty County. The vote needs to be to abolish this whole Hospital District mess and let a private company come in and get this Hospital back to where it is operational and profitable.
If these indigent people can afford alchohol and get in their car, drive down the highway and get a DWI. Then they should have to pay the same cost as anyone else. It is beginning to look lke I should become indigent, Then I can get free medical at the Liberty Hospital, food stamps, SSI and now a free ride if I get a DWI. "WHATS NEXT"
Allen please look for locations to host a petition to end the hospital district tax and let's roll.
If you want to test the public's resolve on the hospital district then watch the Liberty Mayor's race. The Pickett's are running for Mayor again and they also pushed this hospital tax. If Dennis Beasely wins, the hospital district has enough people who don't like it to defeat it in another vote.
Global tubing will pay their taxes and whoever is elected County Judge will gladly accept campaign contributions in the future regardless of how the relationship could benefit Global Tubing. There is no quid pro qup here. As a matter of fact this is routine.... companies in an area donate to people with political clout. I will vote for McNair and I think he will make the best county judge, but Steve Stephenson should not lose because of this or having to deal with FEMA. That is all spin.
Who will we vote for County Judge with a carpetbagger and another politician with FEMA trouble and this and campaign donations as our choices?
Just how surprising is that? Here we go again. Election is not even off the ground, so to speak! Woe is Liberty County.
You ask, "Why did they not forego contributing to Candidate Steve Stephens campaign and apply the $1,000 donation to their past due property taxes, and be a good neighbor?" It is simple. The donation was from an individual, Robert Bunch, not from Global Tubing. While you may not like what you have learned and while you may not like Republicans, there is nothing illegal or unethical about what you are reporting. Robert Bunch can spend his personal money how he chooses regardless of the behavior of his company. Did you attempt to contact Robert Bunch and ask him this question? Somehow I doubt it. If you would examine more of our elected officials (who are Democrat) in the same way you do Republicans you would find many more similar situations. This is a great example of the continued "black helicopter" reporting from i-dineout.
Just guessing here but do you think the $33,000 could be taxes they are protesting since their annual taxes run around $400,000 annually? I found this information on LCAD.
Some of you folks do not even read anything completely and understand, what is being said, no one reads, anything anymore. Read the story about Steve again and read it slow and try to savor each sentence. If you would have read the local newspapers, Steve takes complete credit for bring Global Tubing to Dayton, but that is a complete lie, because the deal was made a year before Steve even knew it was done. Why because the real person that made it happen ask that it be kept quite and it was for a year. So, why did Global Tubing’s President pick Steve to throw an election kick-off party for at their facility and bestow a large donation? Jay Knight was running and he is President of the DCDC and sits on the Dayton City Council. Why the pick of Steve and not Jay? For those of you that have never met Jay Knight, he is one of the most honest and pleasant person, you would ever meet. Steve takes credit for the New Civic Center, but the voters did that not Steve. In fact Jay drew up all of the landscaping, and the architect want to hire him, but Jay said no, it would not be right. So, he gave the drawings to RWS Architects of Houston and they put their stamp on them and Jay Knight did not accept a penny for them, and that is his profession and how he feeds his family by drawing and designing landscapes for homes and business. So, what do you think that contribution is worth, a fair penny, but he acted morally? Steve did not break one law, but he broke moral laws accepting the donation, when you look at it closely. Steve has talked to every news media outlet he could talk to about how FEMA has cheated Dayton out of over a million dollars, but he says it is because he would not play their game. He played the game on other FEMA contracts with contractors and now he is wringing his hands waiting for Wayne Dolcephino coming to Dayton, Why? He has been warned by others in the County, so he must have something that we do in the country that, you boys from the city do not, like Phil. What is the secret, that makes Steve worry about Wayne Dolcephino, he follows the money trail and what would that expose to the light of day? We all have moral compasses, but some people let power drop their moral compass and greed takes over. Allen did not say that Steve did anything illegal, except he has dropped his moral compass, that you folks in church each Sunday should recognize, but you turn away and refuse to believe what another Phil can do to this County we love.
Different party, same position, same type of person with same type of baggage and skeletons hanging in his closet. Liberty County beware, that hope and change vote might turn out as swell as it did on the national level. Where there is smoke there is fire and once again we will end up on the Houston news with Mr. Dolcefino pouring on the gasoline.
I would say Steve Stephens needs to withdraw his candidacy, but McNair and Morrison have their own problems.
Allen I appreciate your efforts to improve local government but you may have to get involved in candidate recruitment next time. Rumors about the Democratic nominee not being a Liberty County resident and other candidates either allowing their friends to get large no bid FEMA contracts or flyiny black brief cases for the Angel Bros. out in the middle of the night may all be bull, but we have people in this county that would make a better county judge than any of these people. Maybe early on in the next election you could take suggestions and we could get some people to consider running that would not otherwise.
Some Dayton good people know about the Steve problems but read it in print and you freeze and become scared to offend. Few comments to this story and that is sad, because you want to elect a party, but look at the man leading the pack. You know about it, so let's put it in the light. As, the weekend comes most of us will be in our respective church’s, hope we pray hard for people to do the right thing. The right thing is come to the surface and brings these flaws to light, so we do not elect another person, with things to hide. Craig McNair is a good man to represent the Republican Party, he has run twice and no skeletons have fallen from his closet. Please let's put Liberty County out of the mud and back with respect that our good citizens deserve. God Bless Liberty County and help us do the right thing in our hearts and not bring shame to you and ourselves.
Property Taxs were due January 31, 2010. I now wonder if Liberty County is charging them late fees on their property taxs, like they do home owners. If Companies can not afford property Taxs in Liberty County, then something is wrong,either Liberty County's Property Tax is too high or the Company doesn't make enough money to afford Property Taxs. I can see why they would try to help on a new Company's Property Tax in order to get them here and create new jobs for this area,but some of these back room deals sounds to me like another money SCAM. I wonder if the County Commisioners or DCDC would give a person this same discount on property taxs and electrical rates, if they were moving here and building a new house. The home owners are the ones being ripped off by these giveaway deals.
As with any election it is easy to point fingers and hollar "foul"...but it is easier to go to the courthouse, walk into Delia Seller's office and ask for each candidate's campaign financial report. That is an item of public record and anyone can do it...then you may see for yourself just what the "money trail" looks like. I only know of one County Judge candidate that didn't take any political contributions from anyone...as for the others...go check it out for yourself, don't rely on rumors and you can be the "judge" as which one will be honest and fair.
It's very simple why...separate accounts. The individual made the contribution, not the company. And your insinuations make this look like some type of conspiracy. The reason it's not a conspiracy is because of the number of approvals required - city councils, DCDC board members, etc. Making it look like Stephens personally gave the discounts/credits is absolutely ridiculous. He made his recommendations and put the right parties together.
General Comments
Anybody else wonder how many and who are the Reserve Deputies currently commissioned by the Sheriff's Department? and where do they all come from?
I'm so upset at what's happening at The Liberty Co Sheriff's Department the moral is at zero the deputies are scared to do their jobs. The administration Patterson,Cooper,Kelley, and Greene have made a mockery out of the Justice system when will this stop?
To the person asking about the Reserve Deputies being put to work for Patterson and wrecking crew. Two, ways they come in is, that they have just graduated from an academy and are wanting to be hired, so they have to be paired up with an experienced deputy, because they are supposed to work so many hours in a month and each year or so have to stay current on training that the state mandates. The second way, they come is, they are experienced officers, but are looking for another job, because of quitting, given the chance to quit, instead of termination at a another department or someone who has retired, but wants to keep their peace officers license valid, which is possible if they work the required hours or someone writes the hours down and they stay current on state mandate training. Not many folks do it to give back to the community as it was setup to do, similar to volunteer fireman. Patterson is using them to deceive the taxpayer, into thinking these people are working for free and therefore giving better coverage to the county, since he campaigned on stretching the budget and having more officers on the street than the last Sheriff had on the street. Patterson actually has fewer cars on the street at night than the previous Sheriff had, because he had a budget doled out after all the Commissioners get there money and the sheriff's department sucks hind teat. The last Sheriff did not use smoke, mirrors or lights to try to fool the taxpayer, he used the money, but only stretches so far and it is gone, since all the three stooges, Cooper, Kelly and Green all drive brand new cars, that we paid for, and they do nothing, Green shows up at major crime scenes, even up North which is Kelly's domain, but Kelly is trying to stay out of Federal prison. Patterson has not made one murder scene since being on the job and has never been interviewed by any media. So, you wanted change and we got it and have less coverage and all of the deputies that have survived, just take calls and stay hid in between, because if the do anything and there is a slight flaw, they will be terminated and more inexperienced people hired, but by Patterson. None of this is the Street Deputies fault and should not be blamed; it’s your New Sheriff’s.
General Comments
Ok this about the school bus's. We live out on 1409 about 9 to 10 miles out. And my granddaughter's are in school in town. Ok here is the beef, one get's out at 2:30 and is home at 4:00 the other get's out at 3:30 and get's home at 5:00. That is about 2 and half's on the bus. So will someone tell me WHY it take's so long to get home? And last week their bus broke down three time. Take some of OUR TAX'S MONEY AND BUY NEW BUS'S OR GET SOMEONE IN THERE TO FIX THEM!!!
Boy howdy, do I have a beef with the person who has a beef about the school buses. Texas guarantees free public education. In my book, that in no way means schools have to go fetch and deliver the kids. The school buses are a nice perk for those who wish to take advantage of the free transportation. If you don't like 'em, don't use 'em. Get off your rear end and YOU take your kids to school! Don't have the ways or means? Well, you should have though about that and planned better before you had kids.
About the buses - that is an hour and a half, not 2 1/2 hours. Not too bad considering how far they have to go to drop all the kids off. My beef with them is how often I see kids walking around while they are going 55 mph. Also, they are always hanging out the windows. Now, tell me why they can't stop this?
I am a school bus driver for a different district than Dayton. I have 22 years experience and just to inform the public, it is against the law for students to be up walking while bus is in motion, even when nearing their stop. The students should remail seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and brakes activated along with loading lights. If the bus was rear ended and a student was up walking he would be careened forward and seriously injured. If you see this you shoul report the bus number to school district then to DPS office. This is to protect the students.
About the buses and standing up- I do call, at least once a week, on the same bus numbers over & over again. It still does not end. So, any other suggestions?
Ok this is for the one that had a come back about me on the bus's. They are my grandkids, thier mom and dad are no longer in the picture. And the reason I can't take them to school is BECAUSE I HAVE A JOB. If I could take them to school every day I would but I can't. So the bus's thing is taking care of so don't worry about it!!!!
Allen, The Post Office has been in trouble for years. This is nothing new. The reason the Post office performs poorly is because it is Government run. The Post Office is in debt up to its ears just like all the other Government run operations (Social Security, Medicare & General Gov't operations)....And you want the Government to run our healthcare??! We all want our Country to be a better place for everyone, but the current options don't solve the MAIN problem: Costs. In addition, we would be burdening our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with TRILLIONS of dollars in debt. It is time for the President to start over, bring all sides together and produce true BI-PARTISAN results. Thank you, Main Stream Americans
Post-Office Peril: The first post is correct just look at and fat cats benefits that are in office. They don't pay social security but they sure draw a huge retirement for putting the screws to all of us and make us like it.
Post Office Peril. Know you facts. Civil Service Postal employees don't pay social security. FERS hired employees do. If really care to know what that is, ask. Don't just spout off you jaws, dumbass.
about the post office my husband is a city carrier and i would like to let everyone know that unless you know the facts you should keep your big stupid mouth closed every 2 weeks he pays social security federal tax medicare tax health insurance dental insurance just like everyone else who has a job so shut up and stop complaining about things that you dont even know about!!!!
THE POST OFFICE IS NOT GOVERNMENT OPERATED. IT IS SELF FUNDED AND IN NO MEANS FUNDED BY TAXPAYING FEDERAL MONEY. NOR IS IT BAILED OUT BY THE FEDS. SO PEOPLE PLEASE ACTUALLY GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU POST STUFF. GOOGLE WORKS WONDERS. THANKS
General Comments
Liberty County its time to start your office “pools” on how many and which county officials will be in federal prison by the end of the year. The leading candidate appears to be Captain Harry Kelly of the Sheriff’s office. A close second is Phil Fitzgerald even though he is about to loose his reelection, he will be a county official until the end of the year. Next is a toss up between the Sheriff Henry Patterson and Lee Groce. It would not be surprising to see both though. Chambers County residents, you too can play this game with your county officials. One last thing to ponder, if a person gets just 3 months in prison for each gun he steals, how long will that person be in prison for 500 stolen guns?
I appreciate someone who can admit they are not good at math. 3 years for every gun, 500 guns, that would be 1500 years. But that is for the person that stole the guns. That is no time for the Sheriff or the mayor or the Governor. Anyone with any management or legal experience should recognize that firing someone before the completeion of this investigation and an indictment would just open the county up to a large lawsuit. Instead of the constant drumbeat to make the Sheriff's office an open seat that needs to be filled, how aboutletting the system work? Are do you believe reacting to your comments are the only way the system will produce the results you want. Or do you believe that your comments themselves wound the Sheriff so badly that a new Sheriff will be needed?
Attempted Abduction in Daisetta
Judge Rader,$10,000.00 bond ARE YOU KIDDING????I MEAN ARE YOU REALLY KIDDING?If it was your baby that the PERP touched would it still be $10,000.00?OUTRAGEOUS....
Why the hell didn't they charge this perv as a sex offender or something that would keep him away from kids or THE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK, Let this axxxxxe come near my kid and see what happens, There will be no charges on him
The reason the guy in Daisetta wasn't charged as a "sex offender" is simple. There isn't a "sex offender" offense in the penal code. Once a person is convicted of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, public lewdness, or something similar, then they get LABELED as a sex offender. Under the circumstances that were reported, all the man did was try to "abduct". Maybe, if he was successful in his abduction, a sexual offense MIGHT have occured. Be he didn't even complete an abduction. You can't charge a person with a crime that they MIGHT HAVE DONE, at some point down the road. In this case, the most they can charge him with is the unlawful restraint.
This PERV should be locked up WITHOUT any bond set on him. I agree that he should have some type of sex offence against him regardless. I'm so glad that the girl is ok physically, but I know she isnt mentally right now. My heart goes out to her and her family right now.
Rader can only set bail for what someone is charged with.
Sexual Predators are roaming, because of our Justice System .. The Laws are not upheld to protect our children until something happens to them (physical harm or death) evidentially .. What a sick society we live in!
Good job Deputy Ewing, Sgt. Ungles, Constable Hulsey, and Deputy Beeves. I'm glad to see that your quick response may have avoided an even greater problem. My heart goes out to the child in this matter.
Before all these posters rush to judgment blaming Judge Rader for setting a low bond they should now the facts and the law. Deputy Ewing (according to the story) booked this suspect into jail for attempting to kidnap this child under the state jail felony offense of unlawful restraint which was technically the incorrect charge to file on this suspect. The correct charge that should have been filed is the Second Degree Felony of Attempted Aggravated Kidnapping. Under this charged offense his punishment if convicted would be no less than 2 years and no more than 20 years in prison, not mandatory probation or less than 2 years in state jail as is the case with a state jail felony. Additionally, Judge Rader would have been able to set a much higher bond amount.
I know that Judge Radar done his best on this, it's our system that puts a stop to what really should be handed down to those who do wrong.
... Now I have a question for the parents of the little girl, "Why was a 9 year old child out at 7:30 at night, with out any adult supervision?"
Great job Allen on the election coverage! It is nice to sit at home and just crank up all of the results on the computer. We use to would have to stand out in the weather, you changed all of that though. On top of that we can print out and look at the results from home and analyze what you post one precinct at a time. The main thing I think people like about i-dineout are the constant updates on what is going and the give and take in the feedback section. The news and the opinions are interesting and hard to beat. Many of us look forward every day to a time when we can sit down and take a look at our computer. Thanks for all you do and please keep up the good work so we can continue to enjoy it.
I kept looking for all of the hot air to show us one Democratic loss during this election, but you know something? The only people Republicnas beat were other Republicans. This ain't Massachusetts and it ain't Washington and it ain't Austin. Most of these positions have not had a Republican in them since the late 1800's.
Ho hum about the elections. Unless you get excited about the Republican County Chairman being so arrogant he did not campaign and he lost to his challenger, what was there to do anything but yawn about? Everybody knows Fitzgerald is saving his energy and his money and that he is going to try and win the old fashion way - disqualification. Ken Morrison better get ready, but the rest of us witness anti climatic boring politics. No tea and no party!
The uninformed Liberty County voters have reared their tiny heads again. It looks like a couple thousand people didn't realize that a vote for Andy McCreight was really a vote for Ray Akins by proxy. Not a big deal, though. Andy will keep letting Ray steer his ship, and he'll have a front row seat when Ray sinks it!
Go phil ! they are alot of people behind you and we all love and support you and the people who talk about you out loud will be the first to vote for you ! just wait and see good luck
FAREWELL PHIL. Go back to pumping gas and fixing flats.
Do you really want Larry Wilburn, the man that abused being president of DYSA and was ran out of that position, to be Liberty Co. Pct. 4 Judge? Just look at his family history!Does anybody these days read up on who they are voting for? Why don't you do your history homework on Larry Wilburn before you vote for him again!
To Phil Fitzgerald: "Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye!"
If Mark Twain would be alive and lived in Liberty County, what would he have written about the Democratic and Republican Primaries for County Judge? A man who grew up and has lived in the county all his life, that sounded like Foghorn Leghorn, Boy, this ain't the city, we do stuff here different, when being interviewed by a seasoned reporter from Houston. This reporter is not liked by the guilty, but has sure ended several political futures and most of the time gets it right, when the feathers quit flying. Then a fellow comes to Liberty County and no one I have asked if they knew and no one did, never mentioning his family or actually where in the county he even lives in, but taunts his membership in a local Baptist Church as music director. This man we know nothing about takes 60% of the Democratic vote, so many people just voted against the local boy, who should kept his mouth shut and not sounded guilty to the camera, but 900 voters cast their vote for him. Then on the Republican side of the coin, two fellows that for the first time entered the county political arena, who both grew up in the City of Dayton about 13 years apart at Dayton High School. The third fellow ran four years ago as the Republican candidate for County Judge, who was beat by the Democratic candidate. The Republican race for County Judge was based on name recognition, and the fellow with the least name recognition in the north part of the county, especially, was out of the contest by less than 100 votes. So, one Republican county political first timer who garnered 41% of the vote and the second time Republican candidate who received 30%, will battle for the slot in a run-off and will go on to take on the Democratic unknown, who got about 200 votes less than the number three Republican candidate in November. William Jefferson Snodgrass, where are you now we really need your truth through humor headline this morning after, the Liberty County Judge primaries. What a fine mess you got us into this time, Ollie!
The biggest thing I noticed about Liberty county is that Republican voters outnumbered Democrat voters 5200 to 2200. Should be interesting in November.
Anyone want to take a wager how long it will be before Phil contests the validity of Ken Morrison's residency claim? He might have a good change of winning, too. The way I hear, Ken's residence is a travel trailer with only electricity, no water or sewer hookups. I'm sure he's more comfortable in his house in Kingwood.
I see that you are reporting that there will be a run off election between Larry Wilburn and Bobby Graves for J.P. pct 4. When will this runoff election take place? I want to be sure I am able to cast my vote on this matter.
Morrison may have heard Republicans question his residency but if he wants to campaign on the idea that is dirty politics, he would do better to take aim at his fellow Democrat Phil Fitzgerald. But no matter what anyine thinks about Fitzgerald and no matter what the precise wording of the law may be, if Morrison has property he claims as a residency and the water is not turned on and the electricty is not on...... well let's just say most people would not consider it dirty politics to tell voters about the claim of residency versus the reality of living in our community.
Lester Ray is a good guy and I know he is like everyone else and hates to lose but it is not because he is not well liked. Lster Ray is well knwn in the largest most influential voting area in the county. He is still known from his run for county judge and of course his two terms as county chairman. But with all of those advantages he and the people he has around him didn’t seem to know much about politics. But they have done a great public service by keeping the Republican party going at a time when East Texas is finally becoming a two party system. He deserves a pat on the back and many attaboys rather than just being left with feeling that he lost.
Marcus Brand may have been old enough to serve our country but he is not old enough nor is it credible to think he could do anywhere near as good a job as Charlotte Warner at being the commissioner here in the Hardin area. Charlotte is also the only one who can beat Lee Groce.
Graves and Wilburn are both good Dayton folks but Judge Pruitt should have been left alone to serve his last term out without all of these politics. Next election Judge Pruitt will be 84 years old and these men knew this was his last hoorah and they are trying to steal his thunder. I think we should all show our appreciation for the great job the Judge has done by giving him his best victory so far.
To the wonderful people of Liberty County: My sincere appreciation and thanks go out to all of you who supported me in my campaign for County Judge. To my fellow candidates and friends, Craig McNair and Steve Stephens, thank you for running a great race with me and being the gentlemen that you are...it has been a pleasure to be on the campaign trail with you both. The "fiddler" may have finished this song, but the concert isn't over yet and I look forward to the outcomes in April and November. To all the voters...please make your choices wisely in this and all of the precinct and county-wide races...It is for your future and for the future of our great county. Again, my many thanks to all and until the next time we meet. I remain, Jay Knight
Phil and Miss Lisa needs to do as my grandson says...move it, move it...
I am fired up for the first time in years about the Governor's race. We have the best candidate we have had since Governor Ann Richards. Bill White as Mayor of Houston did many things big and small. For instance,he made the SafeClear law that required travelers whose vehicles broke down to be towed in short order. it made traffic flow better. The guy is a problemsolver like that. He would immediately access CHIPS money and get more of our Texas children covered with health insurance. He is a mover and a shaker and he is the reason Democrats across the state have a chance to turn Texas back to the Democratic Party.
Good riddance with the defeat of Phil Fitzgerald. He was the gift that keeps on giving to the Republican's chances of winning a race or two. I was worried because the Republicans have been as critical of Fitzgerald as i-dineout and the Democrats were not really saying anything publicly. They should have denounced him. I remember when Janet Harrelson was helped by several Democrats in getting her son from prison to a house party in Dayton and the party helped to stop an investigation of all of the other people involved. It still gets brought up. I am glad Phil is out and I hope we will start following i-dineout's lead and just be open about problems and move the bad apples out.
To the Pruitt supporter who commented and said that Pruitt was too old to challenge and that he should have been shown "respect" and no one should have run against him: SAY WHAT?! This is the people's position. The Justice of the Peace is not a lifetime appointment. I like Judge Pruitt and I am not going to say he is too old to run. but surely his supporters can't ask voters to think he has been there too long to vote against.
I can't help but respond to the comment on here that says: "Marcus Brand may have been old enough to serve our country but he is not old enoughto....". Charlotte Warner could probably do a pretty good job as commssioner but let's be real clear about Marcus Brand. The military prepared him for not only this job, but for honorable public service. His time in the military trained him to always be honest and to solve the same kind of problems that this job requires. He was old enough whenhe went in and he is now old enough and dedicated enough to continue to serve our community. I was in Vietnam for four long years and I don't like anyone implying that our men that come back from war should take a backseat to those people who were over here building up their resume's. Talk to the man, he is thrity something and you can tell he has his head on good.
The Republican Party did not help themselves with the new County Chair being Andy McCreight, even though I thought they could do better than Lester Ray. McCreight is in bed with Ray Akins and Eddie Shamwow, so he will take his marching orders from two indicted men in Liberty County, who have a deep hatred of everything or anyone who go against them. They both spewed hatred for Greg Arthur and Chip Fairchild, citing many illegal activities they were involved in. Well, for over a year, neither man have done anything, but one part-time retired and the other working everyday at the Liberty Police Department under a Chief that is a very honorable man. Texas Ranger Huff arrested Eddie, so he continues to be a target for their hatred. District Judge Rusty Hight has been the District Judge in Akins case, so he now is guilty of all kind of things the two can spew about him. Not a sound has come from Eddie and Ray about Henry Patterson or Harry Kelly, why, Ray was treated like rock star, when he turned himself into Cooper and Patterson, getting special treatment at the Sheriff's Dept or so it appeared to employees. After the Primary win Andy was patting Akins on the back and thanking Eddie, and then Akins thanked him, like a Republican told me it was a regular Love Fest between the three stooges. If you hook your wagon to Ray Akins and Eddie Shamwow, the moon will not be your destination, but the Hudson River will be your landing and Captain Sullenberger retired yesterday.
Bill White's victory over a very successful very wealthy primary opponent was no accident. White is no ordinary Texan. Though born in San Antonio, he was educated at Harvard. He was a great Mayor and all over Houston media for years. Bill White is the reason Democrats should be excited and hopeful and should not listen to all of the doom and gloom about Democrats. If we had more Bill Whites around the country President Obama would have the support to get the unemployment down and the economy back on track and universal healthcare passed. He will be one of the best Governors Texas has ever had.
I heard a rumor that Phil Fitzgerald did not even campaign because he is going to blow the whistle on Ken Morrison and get him disqualified. First let me point out that unlike when Ray Akins claimed two residences when he tried to run to put a stop to us having the hospital district, Ken is legitimately claimimg one of his properties as his residence. Second who is this man wanting to invoke rules. Phil Fitzgerald. The voters rejected your idea of rules. When your dump trucks received rent monies from people who appeared before you wanting your blessing as County Judge, your idea of what is fair became highly suspect to this county. Anytime a jduge is renting or leasing property to someone who he effects by his decisions as judge, there is a conflict of interest. Two words for your campaign strategy Phil: YOU LOST!
I am definitely not a fan of Phil Fitzgerald, and think that the best man for the job of judge was Jay Knight. Just because Ken Morrison ran against someone with as many legal issues as Phil is it okay for Morrison to "stretch the truth" about his residency? Enough wrongs don't make a right.
Helen Green should be very happy. She helped get Phil elected and now she is helping someone else.
I am always amazed when someone thinks voters should line up with the media. The voters in this state are mostly conservatives and the media is mostly liberal. Why would voters line up with such people? The media will probably pee in their pants over Harvard graduate and lawyer Bill White, but he is way too liberal for most Texas voters.
Let me tell you something about Helen Green and her husband. They are vindictive people with deep pockets who don't mind destroying people that do not do what they want. Whom ever she is supporting and pushing beware because she will own you if you do get elected. She nor her husband have no morals or values and are not below slinging lies and paying people to go along with their lies. What comes around goes around. One day she will have to answer for her actions.
To the person promoting charlotte as better that marcus brand. The problem with this is charlotte has been in the public here for many years with txdot. You cant tell me that she don't have people waiting in line with thier hand out for paybacks. We have enough of the good ol boy favorites in liberty county already. What we need is fresh blood. not just new face in office. Marcus brand would be better for this than charlotte because he has no past dealings and wont have to pay back favors. Please vote for Marcus Brand. WE NEED A NEW START WITH NEW BLOOD. Please keep the old way out in November.
All I have heard from friends from Dayton is how they are going to take over county government and get their fair share. When I saw all of the county judge candidates and District Judge Rusty Hight were all from Dayton I understood what they meant. But dang if these people don't all have a bunch of baggage. Dayton may be running the county when this is over but there is going to be some knock down hard fought politics before the dust settles.
I saw Helen Vickery for the first time in months Tuesday night. She was at the Republican headquarters checking out the election results. I have to strongly disagree with the negative comments about Helen. I do not always agree with her, but I always enjoy her passion about what direction the community should take on different issues or different candidates. When I saw her I hugged her and told her I never know which side of an issue or which candidate she will be for. She is a great person and a really good citizen. Her participation should be encouraged. The fact that she is smart and that she is attractive and that she may have a little money and that she is persuasive may make those who want to control the county nervous but it makes someone who loves democracy look forward to hearing how someone like Helen Vickery feels about the next thing we will vote on. Don't mess with Helen!
I am from Dayton and I am not voting for Dayton people to "take over the county". The idea that Dayton has not gotten our fair share sounds like something Hitler may have said back in his day. How about we vote for the best candidates and work together as a county. Let the chips fall as they may with Republicans and Democrats alike. Who cares about that? If a man does not live here and has no electricty or water running on property he has here, don't vote for him. If someone is using FEMA like their own checking account, don't for him. If someoneis leasing his black robes and gavel out to the highest bidder, let's get him out of office. But who cares which party they are from. I-dineout and others are shedding light on people that are running and we need good honest people in office.
Having had Rusty Hight both as a lwayer years ago and appearing before him in a case more recently, I can say uncategorically that he is a good lawyer and an incredible judge.
I want to thank Rusty Hight and Melanie Gilmore. My child is looking so forward to this year's rodeo because of the encouragement these two gave them last year. You are truly community minded people.
On the night of the election I met Ken Morrison and I found him to be very intelligent and someone who could easily be an inspirational leader for this county.
Mr. Youngblood, Thank you very much for you article of the lone Senator blocking the funding. I read this article and saw the report on TV. I was in doubt as to which way to vote, and you settled that dilema for me. Oh, one more thing, you did tell us where the Republican voting places were. Could you please post these location, as I have decided to go right this time. All of that 'Hope & Change" from 2008, I don't think I can take very much more of that stuff.
this bit of grandstanding is soooooo so repubican! we're supposed to believe that only ONE senator acted on that issue? just ONE? only he thought it was wrong to go this route? ill never believe it, they all talked it up, and he volunteered to be the one to block it, just for the publicity. the republicans are mean spirited, they dont care about whats right, they only care about how to stick it to the blue collar workers as usual. every stinking congress person has an income, has health care, has retirement, they also have the luxury of stalling a bill that would release the misery of many unemployed. and to the person who wrote that as long as they got money while they were off they didnt want to return to work, and as soon as their benefits ran out they went and got a job? you my friend are a liar, a bold face, tea party drinking liar!
s Paul Harvey would say, "And now, the rest of the story." Bunning has held up the benefit package because our wonderful speaker, Harry Reid, has opted to call it an emergency funding, thus adding to the deficit. Senator Bunning wants it to be paid for out of the previously approved stimulus package, thus saving taxpayers $10 billion in additional taxes. My question to Reid and the rest, why would you want more money when you can take care of it with the money you already have? I think that's a fair question from a taxpayer.
General Comments
SAMPLE BALLOTS; Both Democrat and Republican ballots for individual precincts can be seen on line at Liberty County's site before you go to vote at this url: http://www.co.liberty.tx.us/SampleBal030210.htm
General Comments
VOTERS BE AWARE! Noboby has been more proactive in cleaning up messy politics than the Archers. John Archer was very active in shaming Janet Harrelson when after she won the County Treasure's race, he discovered she had pulled all kinds of manuveurs to get her son out of Jail. Nancy and John Archer have done just about everything humanly possible to help Ken Morrison so the cloud of Phil Fitzgerld's behavior does not hang over Liberty County. If voters listen to Republicans they will believe that Republicans have been the watchdog for good government. The truth is that our local government has run as smoothly as it has because Democrats have policed themselves and insisted on honest open government.
When the results are in and the votes have been counted, what will have really changed after tonight. Fitzgerald will win. Cain will be judge. Lester and Nan C. will still be running the parties. No tea party here. Just the same ole same ole.
Voters beware? Somebody is all into their own version of reality. Voters have caught on and they went in two to one numbers to the polls because they are worried about the lack of integrity in our officeholders.
Republicans Block Unemployment Benefits
Republican blocks extending benefits: Bunning says he doesn't oppose extending benefits -- he just doesn't want the money that's required added to the deficit. He proposes paying for the 30-day extension with stimulus funds. The Senate's GOP leadership did not support him in his objections.
To be fair, the readers of these feedback responses should check out for themselves exactly what the reasoning was for the action Rep. Jim Dunnam is condemning. According to the news reports the senator from Kentucky was pointing out that the measure should be paid for by the Fed and not just added to the already astronomical debt that is piling up. Sort of a pay-as-you-go according to the news media. Just an independent observation.
Seems to me Mr bunning is just trying to do as the president said. Is he the only one who remembers the pay as you go speach?
Funny thing about unemployment. when i was on unemployment that's all i did was draw it. do you want to know what happened when mine ran out? do you really? People like you would have me draw unemployment forever. when mine ran out guess what. I GOT A JOB. i nearly lost everything because i wanted to sit home and not use that time to find a job. i kept telling myself i could get a job next week or when ever. there was no hurry. As long as it was free money why would anyone go find a job. I'm glad someone is saying enough is enough. we can't stay on welfare forever. someone has to do something to force people to really look for work. as long as there seems to be an endless supply of money you would have to be an idiot to get a job.
Earthquake in Chile PART II EDITORIAL
Allen Youngblood you are one crazy kook. You don't have a clue about the end time. What on earth are YOU doing for heaven's sake?
Mr. Youngblood, I am sure you get a lot of email in regards to pretty much anything you say or do here in Idineout. Let me add my 2Cents worth. In regards to what you said about the Almighty NOT pulling the plug because there is so much to do here, re-read the story about Lot. He not only pulled the plug he litterly tore up that area, lest we not forget the great flood either.
Allen Youngblood you are one crazy kook. You don't have a clue about the end time. What on earth are YOU doing for heaven's sake?
General Comments
I would like to address a comment and a question to the community about the LCSO. In reading the news over the last year we see: 1. a sheriff elected who has been all but invisible to both the public and his officers 2. a FOS ( friend of the sheriff ) getting a lucrative contract to handle livestock. 3. an FOS appointented a Reserve Deputy apparently terrorizing a family at gunpoint over an alledged traffic violation. 4. another FOS appointed a Reserve Deputy and receiving arms from the Cleveland PD in suspicious circumstances. 5. a sheriff captin caught in a number of acts including as I am told foundn by the ATF be be carrying on the the handguns from Cleveland PD that he claimed was destroyed as his duty firearm. 6. the loss of nearly all experienced officers within the SO who at the salaries our county pays are allmost irreplaceable. 7. Personell from the South end of the county are forbidden to talk to other personell in the North end. My question to the public is this, isn't there some legal means by which the authoities ( county judges, district judges, or commissioners court ) can appoint an overseer for the Sheriff's Department in order to serve our interests as citizens of the county?.
General Comments
As a participant and helper at the Neyland-Vavra Benefit last Saturday, I want to say that the employees of the Liberty County Sheriffs Department did an exceptional job, with special shout outs for Sergeant Investigator Missy Watson. Warrant Clerk Lin Pruitt, Sergeant Investigator Joel Davila, and Sergeant Investigator Kenny Dagle; and for Liberty PD Investigator Chip Fairchild. I know there were many, many more people to mention but as a non-employee, these are the ones I saw. The love and dedication to Don Neyland and Barbi Vavra was evident; the return of that love and dedication back to the fellow employees from Neyland and Vavra was also evident and very special. The people of Liberty County really came out for the live auction and did themselves proud once again. It wasn’t all about what you were bidding on, but what you were bidding for. From the Poker Run, to the three wonderful bands (who donated their time), to the food, to the silent auction, to the many different raffles, and the live auction plus the Elks Lodge donating their facility………..there was great attendance, a whole lot of fun, much participation, lots of hugs and tears and an overwhelming sense of caring. I am not an employee of the Liberty County Sheriffs Department, but I do know both Neyland and Vavra; and there were volunteers from other Law Enforcement agencies as well as volunteers from other Liberty County agencies that do work with law enforcement. It was a very close and heart warming time and I wish both Don Neyland and Barbi Vavra the best of luck with lots of love.
This weekend i was fortunate enough to be involved in the fundraiser for DON NEYLAND / BARBI VAVRA. IT GIVES YOU SUCH A GOOD FEELING TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP THESE TWO WONDERFUL PEOPLE. I am thankful to all who let me be a part of this. Never have i seen the brotherly and sisterly love in an organization like this. Not only the LCSO but also LPD, brothers and sisters from both departments and there spouses came together as well as the community to organize and support this great event.I hope the people who came out see the love that i saw. It is a shame that the closeness of this department does not start at the department head. I guess maybe he was to busy to support his own people or just does'nt care. whatever the reason he needs to be thankful of the people who work under him, because they are the best group of people that i have ever had the oportunity to help. THANK YOU ALL, AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL. BEST WISHES TO DON AND BARBI
What a great benefit for Don Neyland and Barbie Vavra..I went and everyone there was like a great bid happy family..what a great atmosphere and I saw a some old sheriffs and chief and even captains...but where was the current sheriff and his admin...saw Jim Cooper and Steve Green...but noooooooo Henry Patterson of Harry Kelly. Do have a statement to say about that...I guess this really shows what kind of people you are...and lets not forget Joy Vyrol..where were you, did you not used to work for Don and Greg...Great Guys huh...bet I wasn't the only one who noticed that yall were not there...Lets see who else did...........Good luck this week Don and Barbie...my prayers and thoughts are with you because I do care.
Missy Watson there are no words that can thank you enough for all the hard work and time you put into that benefit for Don Neyland & Barbie Vavra, you had a bunch of awesome helpers, Chip, you cracked me up at the auction, but did an awesome job, to all the other helpers, you were wonderful...Don and Barbie are blessed to have you as friends. Just wanted to let the public know what a great job yall did, for those of you that didnt come out and enjoy the bar-be-que, auction and fellowship, you truely missed out on what family is all about, whether you are blood related or not. We truely enjoyed hanging out and spending money and have NO regrets. You are a wonderful bunch of people. If i am ever in need, you would be the ones i want helping me and my family....again GREAT JOB!!!
Neyland-Vavra Benefit All I can say about LC Sheriff not being there is why would you expect to see him there. Hell if he was there noone would recognize him. This is the worst mistake that has been made here in a long time. I sure hope that Greg runs against him next election. I think people have learned the straight ticket election problem with the outcome of the last election. People please dont pull straight votes all it does is mess up the good ones from the wrong party.
i am glad that there was such a great big turn out for the benefit this weekend. i am not surprised that the leaders of the lc sheriff office could not show there face because they are such big cowards it is unreal. for all of you that voted for that big jerk patterson i hope you see what kind of person he really is.
I am not the type person to ever ask anyone to pray for something or someone, worried about it seeming not genuine. Today, is different, I have spread prayers for Don Neyland and Barbi Vavore, to people, I know that and participate in prayer groups. I have prayed and everytime I think of the two of them, I will pray again. Don will get a second chance at life and Barbi will go through her whole life with God's Blessings and all she does in her life will be a Special Blessing from our Creator. I have know Don for years, but have not met Barbi, but I hope to as soon as she is able. God forgive Henry Patterson for being so cold and calloused as not to even show at the benefit for his two employees, for a critical cause. I know our last Sheriff was in attendence and I know that was appreciated by the now, Liberty County Sheriff's Department personnel. My prayers are with the two and I know god will guide the hands of the Surgeons, during this event. God Bless Don & Barbi!
ALLEN THOSE CONSTRUCTION PICS WERE ABSOLUTELY HILLARIOUS NICE TO GET A SMILE ON YOUR SITE . LIFE CANT BE SERIOUS ALL THE TIME THANKS
Re: Just for FUN! Editorial. I view your blog daily, mostly for local news and events, but did found this article interesting and fun, trying to understand the situations and people behind each. I suppose some could even give a rationale for most of them, but the build-in toilet paper holder inside the shower/bath enclosure defies reasoning. I thank you for the effort and time you devote to our community.
This is cute. I know more than one person through out our town has had to do a quick fix and for got to make things right.
Pretty funny actually. And think about it, we ALL need a good laugh these days. I liked the article.
thanks for the laughs..enjoyed these pics
Put a GFI receptacle in the tub and we are ready to go with the shower and wet toilet paper!
thanks for the laughs..enjoyed these pics
Three Republican votes to one Democratic vote in early voting. I wonder if those numbers will hold true on Tuesday? and again in November? If so you can bet we will have some change coming to Liberty County.
I don't think that the Republican-Democrat split means a lot except that the only choices at this primary are on the Republican side. When November comes around, I'm confident that Liberty Count voters will once again demonstrate that they look at the candidate rather than just the party. Liberty County will overwhelmingly elect Republicans on the state and national level because the state and national Democrat party is so so liberal. On the local level, I think it will depend on the candidate. I expect for some incumbents (not Fitzgerald) to keep their jobs because they have the experience and the qualifications. I'm not trying to start a fight, these are just my thoughts.
After reading all of the mud slinging and misleading information about the candidates, I have to comment as follows: Ken Morrison and many of his supporters have been treated rudely and intimidated by Republican supporters and their families. These Republicans insist on being un-informed and spreading lies about Ken's residency (Republican dirty tricks). The Texas Supreme Court has already ruled on this type of issue, and determined that the facts surrounding Morrison’s residency claim are sufficient to establish Morrison as a legal resident of Liberty County (Mills vs Bartlett, TX Supreme Court, 1964). Republican Candidate family members trying to discredit him, have harassed Ken and his wife. And about the comment about his Indian heritage and living in a teepee……HOW RUDE AND RACIST! In the two weeks of early voting more people voted in the Republican primary because of the hotly contested local races in that primary, and in the Governor’s race, but you have to realize that 2/3 of the Republicans voting in the primary for county judge will lose their races. They will then be available to be convinced to vote for the Democratic Nominee. This has been historically correct in the two-party system in America. Ken Morrison has committed to running a clean campaign. He is a man of his word and practices his beliefs. If he wins in the primary, he is committed to do his best to meet as many of the citizens in Liberty County as humanly possible. He is the most qualified candidate to run for this office in the last 20 years. Ken Morrison will be accessible and his door will always be open to citizens of Liberty County. WIN WITH KEN!
These last minutes attacks on good people running for office.Fine people who are trying to contribute their talents and expertise to the community. making a differerence in people lifes. Is the very reason that people don't run for politicalofffice. It's what keeps the Best people from serving. Who needs to hear complete falsehoods over and over again? Who needs to be attacked? Do not reward this reprehensible behavior, vote for Ken Morrison for Democratic Liberty County Judge. You will send a clear message: Gutter Politics is not welcome in Liberty County!People without any intergrity are afraid of Public officials with interegity! If "they" don't have anything to offer to the voter, they attact the other person. Tell them , loud and clear by your vote , No More. Ken Morrison is a honest, hardworking man. He will work tirelessly as County Judge.I don't want lies, stealing any more! You the voter can speak through your vote!, I don't want corruption in Liberty County any more.Phil take that ole' saddle and ride out of town and take your friends and relatives with you.... Liberty County has a new Judge in Town, Ken Morrison. We all will win with Ken in 2010! God Bless Texas and God Bless this election to be Honest and Just for the people of Liberty County. Go Vote!!!
To the person blaming the Republicans for questioning the residency issue for Morrison and denouncing the comments about the Teepee and his Indian blood: I am the one that made the comment and if you read the comment fully, it said, I would not vote for Morrison, because unlike the State of Texas and now, your Supreme Court ruling that makes it law in your opinion for him to run for office in this county, I am the person casting the vote and that is my Constitutional Right to make up my mind and cast my vote accordingly, no matter any Texas Law or Supreme Court ruling, that makes what Morrison is doing legal or not! This is not a criminal matter; it is a civil matter, so it does not affect me and my Constitutional Right as an American. What he is doing is not right in MY ignorant humble opinion, so I will penalize him, with my vote, plain and simple, like many others will also in my opinion. See, I am no longer a fan of Fitzgerald, but so called allegations, are criminal in nature, but he has not been charged or indicted, but will not vote for him, as it is my ignorant humble opinion, he at least admitted his involvement, but says he does not think it is wrong, so I cannot in good conscience vote for him either at this time as long as investigations continue. So, please do not blame a Republican for my comments about your friend, Morrison, I am a life long Democrat, who for the first time in my life voted in a Republican Primary, not to do harm, but to vote for someone that I feel is the most honest and has a stake in Liberty County, for a life time, not just someone that meets the State rule or Supreme Court ruling. See, I also have Indian Blood in my veins and it is Apache, but that and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee maybe in some cafes. So vote as you please and I will vote as I please and my opinion is just as valid as yours, like noses we both have one and eventually they both sneeze.
Republicans are such ostrich heads. Almost every newspaper and radio station in Texas is supporting Rick Perry's opponent but Republicans are voting for Perry. Nuts!
I think of that often. December 2012 is the big end date according to many calendars. It seems like everything is lining up to make me believe it to be true. Frankly, I have been counting on it. The end of world is my retirement plan.
Come on Allen, I give you more credence than your statement suggests! Please don't let the lunacy of religion, folk lore, and mythology cloud your thinking. There is a scientific reason for the earth rumbling clear and simple...
People are proven ignorant beings when it comes to where we choose to live even though we know better. We have been aware of hurricanes for hundreds if not thousands of years yet 90% of the people live along the coasts at or below sea level. We also have known for thousands of years where earth quakes happen and we choose to live on fault lines...
Science flies you to the moon... Religion flies you into buildings.
Well, I’m glad it was the church that you “used” to go to – hopefully your new church is a bit more positive and doesn’t take the Bible so literally. It seems like “the last days are upon us” having been going on for about the last two thousand years or so…
The reason I will not bne shocked if everything I believe doesn't happenat the end is because I will just plain be gone. But if everything I believe is true. If the Bible is correct,the joy of receiving the grace offered by Jesus Christ will be fulfilled. No point in arguing over it, the stage is set and we will all see the curtain open real soon to witness "the last days". One way or the other.
Hey Allen, the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. You need a better start on your wisdom there boy!
Every generation since that prophecy have thought they were the last...that's been documented too. A friend here has seen her church shrink to almost nothing too but another church, 2miles away, same denomination, is exploding. Thanks for giving me another reason to disavow organized religion.
General Comments
I don't understand why certain people at the courthouse act like they really like Judge Phil when he is around them then bad mouth and back stab when he is not there. There is one person in particular that talks from both sides of their mouth,yet allows him to constantly hang around them. And another thing, Dennis Odell needs an extension added to his arm so that he can continue to pat himself on the back because no one else will.
The person who is sickened by people talking behind Judge Phil's back and friendly kissy face when he is around sure does whack Odell with a anonymous remark. How are you to his face? It may be that he deserves some encouragement for helping bring order to chaos and the big headed "me-me's" up there never give him any.
Hey Mr. Youngblood, nice video on the failed marriage of Gov.Sanford . Another family bites the dust.Wow, encouraging news. Now how about a story on ol' Charlie Rangel, I bet he could put out a great video about his illeagal Carrabean trip!
General Comments
I guess I also fall in the category of “VERY UNHAPY CLIENTS” in a previous statement when it comes to Ms. Michelle Merendino. Several years ago I hired Ms. Michelle Merendino to represent me in a non contested divorce. I paid her full fee prior to our court appearance. The divorce was granted and all the necessary papers were signed in the Court Room. Over the next 23 months I made numerous calls to Ms. Michelle Merendino regarding getting a copy of the divorce from the County Clerks Office. None of my phone calls were ever returned. I was advised by the County Clerks Office that if the necessary paper work was not filed my Divorce case would be dismissed. I spent numerous hours and finally one week later Ms. Michelle Merendino took the necessary paper work to the County Clerks Office and I received a Certified Copy of my Divorce. Under normal condition this process takes an Attorney about 3 weeks. After having this experience with Ms. Michelle Merendino there is no way I would recommend to anyone to consider her for the job of Judge over this Districts Court. It’s imperative that this Judge should have the knowledge of procedures and paper work that goes along with this Job.
I know they are trying to punish him for it, but I thank God Chap Cain spoke up about this FEMA scandal. Phil or his little team can write in all they want to and it will not change my husband and my vote. I have never met Ken Morrison but I know he is not Phil Fitzgerald. While we will not be voting in Chap Cain's primary and some people may wish him ill will, we will forever be grateful for taking a first step in unashamedly choosing to have a moral compass rather than a political one when acting as a public servant in our local government.
Does Phil think we have forgotten the favcts that were clearly laid out about how our county FEMA money was spent?
It is time that Liberty County has some experienced and educated leaders in the courthouse. We already know what Phil is capable of. Jay Knight seems to be the all around best candidate for County Judge. I talked to him the other day and he answered all of my questions without hesitation. While I did not agree with all of his answers, he is a very real everyday type man and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. We need someone with his values and leadership skills that will put a good foot forward towards cleaning up the mess that has been going on for a long time in this county.
Has anyone noticed that there is little or no information out there about Craig McNair? And for that matter, Steve Stephens never refers to his family, wife or anything else personally. Ken Morrison does not mention his either. Jay Knight has put it all out there. He seems to want the public to know who they will be voting for if they choose to vote for him. Are the rest of them hiding something?
I absolutely hate to do it but it only makes good sense. I will vote in the Liberty County Republican primary so there will be choices for me to help decide, then I will turn right back around and vote Democrat to indicate what I decide in the general election. My only concern is I sure want Bill White to beat the foreign guy.
The election for county judge is Tuesday and I am voting with Lester Ray for Jay Knight. Jay has thought long and hard about how this job should be done. He is ready to take office on day one.
Wow! Jay Knight has the worst resume' of any of the candidates for county judge (if you don't include the FBI portion of the incumbent) and now we are suppose to ignore that because of what exactly?
I think it is wise for people who run for public office who have committed some bizarre act that does not speak well of their character or their integrity to turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, but I am not so sure how smart it is form them then to turn to the public in the name of Jesus Christ and ask for their votes.
People remember when you go down and cast your vote in the Republican primary you are giving strength and encouragement to a party that denies women the right to make decisions about her own body and the planning of her own family. When you cast a vote in their primary you are saying "yes, let's deny gays and lesbians equal rights. You are saying "make it on your own to the poor" and "wealthy people should not have to share the benefits they reap with their countrymen who have helped to build this country". If you vote for the George W. Bush party you are saying "any war, any time". If you vote for the Rick Perry party, you are saying "no to giving millions of children healthcare coverage."
When the Election is over the only change's we will see at the Courthouse will be a new County Court at Law Judge, a new County Judge and maybe a new Commissioner. Chap has always been very Conservative and should do very well as a member of the Republican party. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be re-elected by a large margin.
Re: Liberty County Judge Candidate - Wow?!? "Jay Knight's resume' is worse than all the others except Judge Phil's"? The man has 2 college degrees, experience as a construction manager, facilities planner and college educator plus public service time with the Dayton Community Development Corporation and the Dayton City Council. That's way more than any of the other candidates! You must not like Aggies, can't read or be just plain ignorant. Vote for Jay... let's get Liberty County back on track!!
It looks like to me the people with the best resumes are Ken Morrison, Michelle Merendino, Jay Knight, and Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Joe Biden. But areany of these people really leaders? And where will they lead us?
It is great to see al of the early voting but difficult to say xactly what we can redict from that. My whol entire amily including two aunts and an uncle went and voted Republican to cast a vote against Chap Cain. It has not been hat long ago when he told Lonnie hat if all of th conervaives left the Democratic party he wasn't sure what that would accomplish. Wll Judge the why the he** did you leave. I will tell you what it accomplished, Lonnie and sevn others of us went down early and held our noses to vote in The Republican primary for your opponent. I am sure there are many othr Democrats doing the same thing.
Texas is just the opposite of Washington. All of the whackos down here are Republicans.
General Comments
I am very excited that Mike Parrish and his band will be playing at the Neyland/Vavra benefit! I have heard his CD and absolutely love it. I have been looking forward to seeing him in person! He's a great guy, a great police officer, and a great singer and from what I hear, he and his band are doing this show for free for them. Amazing. Also, I hope enough money is raised for Don and Barbie. Don is also a great guy and Barbie is a hero!
Following the Money Trail After Ike
Ya know Im tired of hearing how certain people ripped off the county, the work got done and its over, I lost my father during hurricane Ike, the news needs to consintrate on stuff like that instead of messing with the ones that came out and got the job done..
Following the Money Trail After Ike: The first post sure looks like Ol hand in the cookie jar Phil or one of his family members that profitted on the clean up. Shame on you a blind eye should not be turned when someone or a group are not held accountable for not following laws and rules. Do you think Phil and his family members should recieve a cool million dollor bonus every three months from the county? Or illegalaly using county owned property to profit in his own business. He didn't do it out of the goodness of his heart it was out of greed in his pocket book. He deserves a nice pair of silver bracklets around his wrist with a nice guided walk to he cell.
Following the Money Trail After Ike: No That your wrong about, I have nothing to do with Phil or any of the others that have been on the news because of the hurrican money...Ive never met him nor do I want to.. I just know what I went through during hurrican Ike, my father was dying and NO one would help me get him out so I sat it out in my parents mobile home just to take care of him. The county emergency told me on friday morning it was too late so i called the state but by the time they called me back I was mad and didnt want to attempt it...When the hurricane was at its worse my father took his last breath...Im not alone either, there are alot of stories out there of people just like me.
Are Your Tax Dollars Paying for a Family Affair?
CLCND is a Self-liquidating Navigation District that operates under Chapter 63 of the Texas Water Code. The district suffered tremendous damage to its property and equipment as a result of the calamity of Hurricane Ike. Chapter 63 provides for that situation as follows. Be sure to note 63.170. 63.168. Bids for Contract (a) Before the commission enters into a contract requiring the expenditure of more than $15,000, it shall submit the proposed contract for competitive bids. (b) The commission may reject any and all bids, and if the contract is for a public improvement, the successful bidder shall be required to give the statutory bonds required by Chapter 2253, Government Code. (c) The contract shall be awarded to the lowest and best bidder. Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 110, ch. 58, � 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971. Amended by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 805, ch. 299, � 3, eff. Aug. 29, 1977. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 757, � 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, � 5.95(19), eff. Sept. 1, 1995. � 63.169. Notice of Bids (a) Notice of the time and place the contract will be awarded shall be published in one or more newspapers with general circulation in the state, one of which shall be a newspaper published in the county in which the district is located if a newspaper is published in the county. (b) The notice shall be published once a week for two consecutive weeks before the time set for awarding the contract, with the first publication being made at least 14 days before the day for awarding the contract. Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 110, ch. 58, � 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971. � 63.170. Application of Certain Sections The provisions of Sections 63.168�63.169 of this code do not apply to: (1) improvements carried out and performed by the United States; (2) calamities or emergencies which make it necessary to act at once to preserve the property of the district; (3) unforeseen damage to district property, machinery, or equipment or necessary emergency repairs to them; or (4) contracts for personal or professional services or work done by the district and paid for by the day as the work progresses. Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 110, ch. 58, � 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971.
General Comments
Like most people around here I would guess,I have friends that are in both political parties. It has been the strangest kick off to this election year as my friends on both sides are making all kinds of accusations in the race between Chap Cain III and Michelle Mangum Merendino. Both Republican candidates are being accused of having serious ties to the Democratic Party. I guess both sides feel this is the way to ruin their opponent in the Republican primary. I am not sure that is a smart strategy for either campaign however since so many of my Democratic friends are voting in the Republican primary because voters in the Democratic primary have nothing to decide until the general election.
Are Your Tax Dollars Paying for a Family Affair?
Another Chambers County mess. Why can't people just do the right thing. You have 4-5 board members, Commissioners. You would think at least one of them would have spoke up about the bidding process. It's a state law that requires the county, the Chambers-Liberty Navigation District to go out for bids over a certain amount of money. Are they all just bumps on a log. Do they not have a brain. Or is it they don't have a backbone
General Comments
As the time approached for the election process in Liberty County, I looked at all the candidates in both parties, I tried to find someone I thought I knew over the last 17 years living in Liberty County and the 45 years my parents have owned property and lived in the county. So, I marked Fitzgerald off first because of the hurricane business and federal investigation, then Morrison may own land and go to church and have some county dwelling, but he does not live permanently in Liberty County, in my opinion, no matter the definition defined by the state to run, 6 months do not pass my litmus test for the job. So, then I looked at the other three candidates and thought of Steve Stephens, the first thing, was his age and lack of a formal education, but then looked at his life from the window and he came up poor in Dayton, but in 67 years, he had done alright for himself in the insurance business, so then looked at his time as Mayor and looked at the new community building and nice new paved roads leading to it with curbs and gutters, then looked at city streets and saw they were really bad all over town, with patch over patch and then found out he charged the city for right of way (easement, is what it is called on my property) to run utilities to his home. I then by chance met a close friend a relative. This person had no axe to grind and could careless about Liberty County politics and something she told me rang true and he fell off my list, ASAP. I had seen Craig in his last bid for County Judge and but seemed a bit timid and then thought about his wife’s position in the County Attorney’s Office and said no, it could be a conflict, that would put us back into the Vickery DUI case. So, the last fellow that I looked at was Jay Knight, who I had known of for my whole time in Liberty County, but really knew his wonderful Father the best. Since his Parent’s car wreck, I had gone by and talked to Jay about his parent’s condition and he was always very nice. So, then I talked to classmates of his that are my friends and the deeper I dug the better he looked, he graduated A & M, he has run a business, I liked his time on the DCDC, so then it was time for a visit, to get my impression of him. He pasted my all my test and feel like a friend now and have voted for him in the first step of the election process, hope he gets to the big show, so I can vote for him for Liberty County Judge.
Ken Morrison is a graduate of the University of Houston . He earned very penny to pay for his education. Ken Morrison and his wife are life long Baptist. They live by the Ten Commandments. Ken Morrison owns one residence and that is CR6244 in Dayton Texas. Ken Morrison is of Cherokee Indian decent. His wife is a third generation native Texan.
So, the commenter says that Morrison lives by the 10 Commandments and is part Cherokee and paid his way through University of Houston, is a Baptist and lives on CR6244 in Liberty County. As the Church Lady would say, "Isn’t that Special!" State of Texas Election Law says he has to be a resident of Liberty County, for 6 months, before he signs up to run for County Judge. The day after he signed up to run, I just happened to be on CR6244 and in front of Morrison's Property and there was no structure on it, so I guess he lives in a Indian Teepee, with that Cherokee blood line, since that would not have to be on the Liberty County Tax Rolls. A structure sure has to be on the tax rolls in this county or at least my small shed has to be. Morrison is registered to vote in Harris County to vote until 12/31/2010 and his home in Humble (Kingwood) is homesteaded. Now, he tells the local newspaper that is his son‘s home, well he must have a son over 60 yrs of age, that would be quite a feat of divine intervention, since Morrison is not much older than 60, himself. I know the remedy for this is his opponent, to take it to District Court to be resolved, most people could not afford to do that, but his opponent has a few banks full of money, because that old Moss Hill boy has no formal education, but he can seal a deal with anyone including the Devil (Trump calls it the “Art of the Deal“). So, maybe he will protest it and maybe he will not, but I know one thing, this old poor boy will not vote for him, no matter his blood lines, his wife’s heritage, his U of H college or the location of his Teepee. In my rights as a voter, I find him to be a Cheat and we have had enough of those, and do not need another.
Two Students Charged with Possession of Marijuana
These two young children have a full life a head of them. I do not understand why they have to ruin there lives with drugs.What is our younger gererations coming too?
I say, "GREAT JOB!" to Barbie Miller and Liberty ISD for taking a stand against drugs in their schools. It's nice to see a district that gives students REAL consequences and is willing to face the drug problem and do something about it instead of hiding from it and pretending it doesn't exist!
The school did their part, law enforecement did their part, now let's see if the judicial system will do their part in handing down some tough consequences for these little dopers. If it's the usual "slap on the wrist", then these two will only become heroes to their buddies and a mockery will be made of our laws against drugs.
When I read the story about the teenagers who were caught with weed on campus, I couldn't believe it. Several years ago (when I was a student at LHS) , three students were caught up with drugs on campus and no charges were filed against them. At the time I didn't think much about it, but now I can't help but wonder why those kids got off so easy, but these aren't being afforded the same courtesies. Could it have been because of who their families are? Shame.
about drugs at high school im glad they were caught I have a child that attends LHS and I do not want them around that its hard enough for kids to not fall to peer pressure away from school with out that extra headache I hope they make examples out of them that this will not be tolerated in our schools they should have to finish the rest of thier school years at the alternative school case closed no questions asked I dont care who a kids mommy or daddy is if you get caught with drugs thats it its called ZERO TOLERANCE!!!!!!!
the drug laws in this country are counterproductive. i can only imagine the hell that is going to happen to the families of these two kids because they were found with pot.the time has come to change these laws on drugs so they arent so destructive to the users, and approach the problem in another way instead of incarceration.
In reference to the two students caught..Chad has always been a troublemaker and has never been caught. Good for you Barbie for finally catching him!
Just curious to those who are saying to keep their children away from drugs. First off I am glad that those kids did get caught for foolishly bringing marijuana into a drug free zone. Yes I do smoke marijuana and I am not afraid to admit it at all, but then again I respect peoples thoughts on why they are against it, even though I may disagree with it, but when it comes to kids having this stuff at school, they do deserve to be expelled, they do deserve to get in trouble, because as I am sure they may think that it is not a dangerous others don't believe the same, and school is a place for learning in which you should have a straight head and be substance free at all times, you are just wasting your life if you are a young kid and going to school messed up. You guys should understand one thing though, marijuana is not a drug, to my knowledge a drug is something that is processed through many steps, like cocaine, ecstasy , heroine, pain killers, etc etc. But marijuana is not processed unlike these other items, therefore I don't see how you could call marijuana a drug, it even grows naturally. When you guys say drugs, let me ask, do you readers have children? If so do you keep any kind of alcohol in the house, do you have any pain killers in the house, or do you have cigarettes in your possession at any time?
Good grief. What's with the reader that thinks marijuana is not a drug because it's natural, not processed. Better go look up the definition of the word, boy. And, by your own words, you admit that it can mess with your head. No wonder employers are finding it harder and harder to find workers that can pass the pee-test.
General Comments
It looks like the sheriff and his department have been caught in yet another lie. I heard on KSHN where they were accusing the Cleveland Advocate for irresponsible reporting, saying that the reporter did not make attempts to contact the sheriff. Now, according to KHSN, the phone records show the reporter DID call the sheriff for comment, but that he did not return calls. Talk about irresponsible reporting!! Do those guys over there at the SO even talk to each other? It makes you wonder.
I am not taking sides but to be exact on what was said on KSHN this morning we need to recognize that Vanessa Brashier offered to show her phone records. KSHN, nor anyone else, has said they have seen her phone records. Even still a phone call record that shows Ms. Brashier called the Sheriff's Department still does not indicate what was communicated.
General Comments
If this proposed bond election passes my property tax bill will be more than it was when when the rates were cut a few years ago. In the last few years the citizens of Liberty have bought or have participated in buying: 1) A waterpark. 2) A bell tower 3) A new elementary school 4) A new junior high school 5) A refurbished auditorium 6) A hospital district 7) A vacant, unusable Walmart building. How do we get all the leaches to get out of the pockets of property owners?
Please don't worry about what we here in Liberty have spent on high ticket items before a few more of the elite's pet projects are passed. We need to revoke the hospital district and sell either the WalMart building or some of the other real estate taht using the WalMart building will free up.
Liberty has been on a shopping spree for sure. And when you consider the bills (taxes) for the hospital district just keep on coming in year after year. And the old WalMart building still has to be rennovated and we will get to spend millions more on that. It's like we have Mayor Obama and County Judge Biden around here.
Re: LISD bond election: I agree with the idea of using the auditoriums since it is used rarely so that the district can host meetings and have room for large board meetings. It makes more sense that spending millions to hold a meeting once a month. I went to school in the 7th grade at the admin building and the building is in much better shape now than it was then. Again, if the district would do regular maintenance we would not have to teat down old buildings to make way for new ones(i.e. the old San Jacinto and Liberty Middle School. I still feel that these buildings were not taken care of). In fact, why didn't the district try to save the old middle school for admin since it was newer than the present building and find a more suitable site for San Jacinto that would have included an appropriate playground and gym for the students enrolled at that school.
RE: LISD proposed debt. I would probably vote "yes" for improvements to LHS and LES because both are older buildings and probably do need the upgrades. However, I am dissappointed in the way that the school district maintains its buildings/grounds and would need to know more about the upgrades before making my decision. I would not vote for a new administration building or stadium upgrades. It does not seem like the right time with current economic conditions. They are already spending half a million dollars on a press box that will be used maybe ten times per year. If LISD cares about kids, they will ask us to consider school upgrades separate from the stadium or administration building. If they add pork (aka administration building and stadium upgrades) to the school improvements, I will vote "No" for everything.
General Comments
I want everyone in Liberty County to get THE TRUTH ABOUT DAYTON'S MAYOR. First of all as tax payers, WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD STEVE STEPHENS. Do you want your county to be ran like the city of Dayton is? Lets take a look at what Dayton has accomplished in the last 5 years. We now have a new $14 MILLION Civic Center (photo in the paper )that don't even have a budget for inside or outside maintenence. Steve's quote on KSHN "First of all, the tax payers voted 60 to 40 to approve the bond and I don't know if we can pay for the new Civic Center, I wanted it to help bring in businesses". DUH! I guess Steve thinks that will be free like the flag pole (PHOTO in the paper) that we now have. Steve told the citizens that the flag pole was "at no cost to the tax payers". Call and ask Dayton Sand and Clay if they donated over 30 loads of dirt. The city employees must have been up there working for free. What about the "new city hall building"? (Photo in the paper) That was another smart move. The new water tower out Hwy 146. Why? So they would have a water tower out that way to paint a bronco on? IT'S EASY TO SPEND SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY. How many of you have land that was annexed by the city of Dayton? Let me tell you that in your life time you will probably never see city utilities to your land. But your paying city taxes. Our new sewer plant has only a 7 year growth capacity. That means that the city needs to begin expansion on the new sewer plant or break ground on a new sewer facility immediately. We know thats not going to happen so TO ALL OF US THAT WAS ANNEXED, KEEP PAYING YOUR CITY TAXES AND BE HAPPY, YOUR GETTING GARBAGE SERVICE! (1st lie) When Steve Stephens first ran for Mayor, He told us that he was going to see to it that the land that the city could not provide utilities to "WOULD BE DE_ANNEXED". (2nd lie) Steve says he's responsible for bringing in Global Tubing, when I know the fact is Global Tubing purchased the property from an individual and the city was not actually sure they were coming until Global went to the DCDC for a grant. I could go on and on, but whats the use? We have to stop the UNNECESSARY SPENDING! The damage is done so remember this when you go vote. Jay Knight has been fighting this battle as a city council member so lets give Jay the opportunity to do whats right as Liberty County Judge.
The truth about Steve Stephens is that he told everyone that he would deannex some of the most resent annexed strips out 1960.This would include his house.guess where the new water line stops the mayor is the last house on the line.and if you listen he will tell you I done this and I done that.The mayor can not vote on city business. VOTE JAY KNIGHT
Jailer Arrested for Shoplifting
Not Civigenics again...
In Texas the Sheriff of a Texas County is responsible for the County Jail. I do not find it odd that the Sheriff and his Captain are under investigation for stealing 500 guns, so now a Jailer is stealing less than $100. It seems that law enforcement is marred by stealing and it is exponential to your ranking in the system. The Crooks all carry a badge in the County Law Enforcement and steal in their uniforms, a Jailer has a uniform and a Captain wears a button down shirt and Dockers. Do not know what the Sheriff wears, he is never photographed at a major crime scene and only works a few hours a day.
Personally, I don't think this had anything to do with the sheriff. Rather, it's the mindset of some of the people hired as jailers. I have known several of them who were basically nobodies, but the uniform made them feel empowered and important. These people would go around wearing their uniforms out in public even on days they were off. One lady wore her uniform every time she volunteered at my school. She may have felt important and empowered, but it didn't change her true nature. She was suspected on several occasions of stealing items from the teacher's lounge and even stealing money from a book sale.
It doesn't surprise me that this is going on, I have seen more jailer doing the wrong things to get them landing in jail, they get out and return to work at the same job, I not only seen that here in Liberty County but in the prison system also, also the jailers go to work under the influence of alchol and drugs, isn't there a random drug test for the jailers that are suppose to keep the inmates safe. Also there are abuse in the jails also, I think all jails and prisons should be under investigation. Thank you for your time
Unsung Heros EDITORIAL
I'm all for getting rid of corruption but let's not forget innocent until proven guilty.
Allen, Your editorial is right on the mark...Thank you for voicing and wording the concerns of all Liberty County Tax payers with no real voice! Thank God above for men like Bradshaw....doing what should have been done years and years ago! Shame on Chief Hines for turning a blind eye...Allowing such craziness to manifest and infect for so many years. These people (Patterson, Kelley, Cooper and Greene) are worse than Cancer! Had Hines done his job in the first place NONE of what Patterson, Kelly, Cooper and Greene would have happened! It's a shame that their poison went undetected for so long. How many good people of Liberty County have been damaged because of these men? Isn't it time that Patterson, Kelley, Cooper and Greene's of the world pay their due? The rest of us have to abide by the law, why don't they? By the Grace of God - Patterson, Kelley, Cooper and Greene have been exposed! Now it's up to us - "THE CITIZENS" to stand up and be counted!! There are people out there that are scared to speak up against these men. If you keep your mouth shut out of fear - then you shall live in fear for the rest of your lives!!! Come on folks! Don't be like Chief Hines and hide your eyes and mouths to the TRUTH!!! SPEAK UP! TELL US WHAT THEY DID TO YOU, YOUR NEIGHBOR, YOUR FAMILY. Help the ATF and RANGER's and whatever other agency is out there investigating these men! Help them find the facts that will finally rid LIBERTY COUNTY of SELF SERVING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS and EMPLOYEES!
PATTERSON "PLEASE STEP DOWN"
We these guys are going to hang on as long as they can and try to plea bargain for a lower charge I bet. They all should be treated harsher than your everyday criminals because they knew better and was supposed to know the law. Ignorance is no excuse is the line they always tell everyone else until it comes to them, then they want to be treated special. I say put them in the same cells as the other criminals they have put behind bars. They don't deserve any special treatment at all. This goes for the clowns at the court house also.
LYRIC'S TO A SONG -"STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU" - Come to mind when I see the ATF, ATTORNEY GENERAL, and the TEXAS RANGER'S roaming around the SHERIFF'S OFFICE...the lyrics go this way; "Clowns to the left of me (Patterson & Kelly), Jokers to the right (Cooper & Greene), here I am stuck in the middle with you (Liberty County Employees)!"
Re: The comment about former Chief Ike Hines turning a blind eye......I maybe wrong, but from what I know and from what info has been given.... Ike Hines only mistake was TRUSTING that Henry Patterson was DOING HIS JOB. Henry Patterson was working at Cleveland PD, many years before Ike Hines. I believehe was already in the rank of Sgt by the time Hines came on board as a patrolman, and worked his way up thru the ranks. Patterson was in charge of property room and its contents. That was PART of HIS JOB!! If there was no appeareant signs of anything wrong, and the records all SEEMED to be correct, there was nothing to give HINES a reason to think there was anything wrong going on. I dont believe Steve Green worked for Cleveland PD. I have heard some discussion regarding that.. I am not trying to start an argument or anything....this is just MY own opinion. Thanks
This is a bad situation for all of the employees of the Sheriff's Department and a worse situation for the good citizens of Liberty County. There will be ramifications from this for years to come. The real problems are just beginning.
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