BestSouthwestBlog.org

2 Cedar Hill ISD Precincts Didn't Have Tax Hike/Bond Package Items on Ballots

2011-11-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

CEDAR HILL -- Two sources told The Ellis County Observer that several ballots in two unnamed precincts did not have the school district's 13-cent tax hike referendum or the CHISD's $53 million bond package on the ballot. Both measures failed in the election Nov. 8. This is the second ballot irregularity to surface after a husband and wife told The Ellis County Observer that their touch-screen voting machine popped up a message telling them they were "voting against too many" propositions.

Proposition 1 ($53 Million Bond Package)
FOR — 1,754 (votes) — 49%
AGAINST — 1,822 — 50%

Proposition 2 (13-Cent Tax Hike)
FOR — 1,609 — 45%
AGAINST — 1,961 — 54%

Source:

http://www.elliscountyobserver.com/2011/11/08/nov-8-cedar-hill-isd-election-results/

See Also: The Cedar Hill Cable: BestSouthwestBlog.org

Developing...

Mayor Rob Franke: Please Vote for Higher Taxes and More Debt

2011-11-13T16:45:00.001-08:00

CEDAR HILL -- Mayor Rob Franke's plea to voters in his city --- much of it overlaps with the school district boundaries --- in mass-mailed personalized letters seeks "FOR" votes in the Cedar Hill ISD's massive tax-and-debt referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot. I tried to get former Cedar Hill councilman Wade Emmert, now the chairman of the Dallas County GOP, to weigh-in on this election as either his current title or individually, and he wouldn't do it. Sly politician that Wade Emmert.

Mayor Rob Franke

Background on the CHISD bond election -- including their massive amounts of misinformation and deliberately deceptive "facts" and figures --- can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cedar-Hill-Cable/117465571695636

Cedar Hill ISD Election Results | Nov. 8, 2011

2011-11-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

CEDAR HILL -- Here are the results from the Nov. 8 property tax hike and $53 million bond election:

More: The Cedar Hill Cable newspaper: http://www.elliscountyobserver.com/?p=32289

Proposition 1 ($53 Million Bond Package)
FOR -- 1,754 (votes) -- 49%
AGAINST -- 1,822 -- 50%

Proposition 2 (13-Cent Tax Hike)
FOR -- 1,609 -- 45%
AGAINST -- 1,961 -- 54%

Source: http://www.elliscountyobserver.com/2011/11/13/2-cedar-hill-isd-precincts-didnt-have-tax-hikebond-package-items-on-ballots/

Freedom of the Press Group's Dallas County Newspapers

2011-02-01T12:01:00.001-08:00

Freedom of the Press Group's newest additions to the Best Southwest:

The Cedar Hill Cable
The DeSoto Disclosure
The Duncanville Dispatch
The Hutchins Horizon
The Lancaster Ledger

Huge Scandal Rocks DeSoto Police Department, Midlothian IRS Task Force

2010-10-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Haunting words from yours truly (Joey G. Dauben) on Nov. 4, 2008:

"Watch. This arrangement [IRS Task Force] will bite us all in the ass."

I told you so, I told you so, I told you so...back when Midlothian's police department (led by ex-DeSoto assistant Chief Carl Smith) hooked up with DeSoto's police department (Smith's friend Mike Brodnax is chief) and several others to form a federally deputized Internal Revenue Service money laundering task force to be run out of the scandal-plagued old Midlothian First Baptist Church building (that's a separate story altogether, one that comes with a separate FBI investigation), I opposed it on the grounds that Ellis County didn't need to be anywhere near the scandal-plagued, corruption-heavy DeSoto PD or the federal government: especially when local police officers would be federally deputized under the IRS and Treasury Department (terrorism task forces I can deal with and understand.)
I also questioned the make-up of this task force between several horrible police officers, namely Lt. Paul Pothen. (check the Flashback Links below)

So here's the big scandal to rock the IRS Task Force that is coming true:

--- Richard Arledge was literally a millionaire car salesman and note financier in Richardson, Texas;
--- Arledge sold a car, a brand-new Corvette convertible, to some men who put $15,000 down on the vehicle;
--- This same Corvette is later seized by the DeSoto Police Department; Arledge's companies, Richard Arledge Suzuki & Expressway Financial, are the lien holders on the car;
--- Arledge approaches DeSoto PD about getting the car back due to the men -- later to be found as drug dealers -- paying $15,000 down on the car and Arledge's company still holding the note; Lt. Paul Pothen tells him that in order to get the car back, Arledge would have to pay $15,000;
--- Arledge doesn't like this, so he calls DeSoto PD and lodges a complaint against Pothen (in the private sector, this would amount to extortion)
--- The day of the Corvette being seized, DeSoto PD and the IRS Task Force out of Midlothian show up to execute a search warrant, guns drawn and numbering about 60 officers in all, seizing everything from files, documents and records from Arledge's companies;
--- It's a fact that Arledge's companies -- mainly the dealership -- marketed and advertised in Southern Dallas County. DeSoto PD and the Task Force, plus lawyers for the government, say Arledge should have known he was selling cars to drug dealers;
--- DeSoto PD/Midlothian IRS Task Force agents end up seizing documents pertaining to "10 or 12 deals," when Arledge has done about 5,000 car deals;
--- Employees of Arledge's are indicted; Arledge is indicted as well; two employees accept probation plea bargains from federal prosecutors; Arledge and two others are fighting in a Nov. 15 federal court trial the charges; they refuse to accept deals, even though Arledge could face 30 years in prison
--- Midlothian's IRS Task Force sent undercover agents (a man and a woman) to buy cars from Arledge; they ultimately paid $75,000 for a BMW, but wanted Arledge to just take the money without filing a required IRS form, an "8300." Arledge refused, and it later came out that both of these BMW buyers were undercover and wearing wires; the audio exists and proves that after five times trying to get Arledge to sign over a car without the Form 8300, the form was in fact filed (it's federal law to file Form 8300 when one accepts $10,000 or more in a cash transaction);
--- Midlothian's IRS Task Force seized $1.7 million in cash and cars from Arledge's businesses the day of the original raid; there has been approximately $1.6 million sent back to Arledge's lender to date; Arledge could receive only a $33,000 payment in return due to this entire case being blown wide open;
--- Big down payments on vehicles were nothing new to Arledge; all customers filled out the same credit applications and other financial instruments to obtain vehicles

The indictments and allegations made by Midlothian's IRS Task Force and DeSoto PD of money laundering came after Arledge made a complaint about Lt. Paul Pothen for what amounts to blatant extortion.

And once again, I told you so. I told you so. I told you so.

"Watch. This arrangement [IRS Task Force] will bite us all in the ass."
-- Joey G. Dauben
(Nov. 4, 2008)

Flashback Links:
--- BestSouthwestBlog.com's Paul Pothen, Roy Orr, Richard Rozier, Ellis County Press archives: http://bestsouthwest.blogspot.com/2009/03/fred-orr-texas-constittion-outdated.html

--- Lt. Paul Pothen found passed out drunk outside bar; left loaded gun inside bar: http://eco2.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/midlothians-irs-task-force-lt-found-drunk/

--- Why ex-Midlothian City Councilman Ken Chambers voted against the IRS Task Force:
http://eco2.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/midlothian-why-chambers-voted-against-the-irs-task-force/

--- Midlothian PD has become an extension of DeSoto PD: http://eco2.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/political-real-estate-roy-orrs-boys/

--- YouTube videos of the IRS task force being discussed and/or approved: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh5-UW7RD-0

City of Duncanville Loses EEOC Sexual Harassment Case

2010-07-21T11:25:00.001-07:00

The city of Duncanville recently hired a new public works director to replace the one (Earl Grody) accused of groping, slapping and sexually harassing a former co-worker, Debra Carlson (who is now the Libertarian Party nominee for Dallas County judge, by the way.)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal agency, and Carlson was subjected to massive levels of harassment that ultimately led to --- though for an unrelated matter --- the firing of the offending public works director (Grody.)

From the Nov. 19, 2009 blog post:

Duncanville Service Center Should Be the Real ‘Cherry Pit’
Earl Grody was recently fired from the City of Duncanville for reportedly wrecking another city-owned vehicle, but count it as a measure that was meant to unload a huge liability.

Duncanville was nailed with a federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint by former Duncanville Service Center (water/sewer/etc department) employee Debra Carlson after she complained – repeatedly, to no avail – to higher-ups with the City of Duncanville.

Wonder if that’s why City Manager Kent Cagle is looking for employment elsewhere?

Carlson filed all sorts of allegations against the city. In the Personal Harm section of the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division complaint form, she states:
I have been invited to join Earl Grody and his wife at Swingers parties.
Earl Grody grabbed my hair pulling my head up and down, mimicking oral sex. Earl Grody stated “this is how he steers his women.”
I was repeatedly questioned about my sexual preference.
I was physically slapped on the butt.
I was physically held up against a wall and Earl Grody grinded his butt up against me.
Carlson also alleged that every time a Duncanville Service Center employee would see a woman in public (they did this while driving around to and from projects in the city), they would always comment on how they would be “sluts,” and “whores,” and “I wonder if her dad taught her the facts of life.”

Such a professional organization. Classy, Duncanville. Classy.

In Carlson’s pre-employment interview with Duncanville, she alleged three supervisors of warning her of the sexual harassment nature that would ensue should she get the job. Those three who told her she’d have to get used to the sexual atmosphere and “putting up with sexual language and hazing” were: Ryan Shelley; Mike Meyers and Grody.

Greg Weaver, the city’s personnel director, told Carlson while questioning her on her sexual harassment claims that, “we know, we know that part of your job was going to entail…[this type of treatment.]”

Grody later admitted to doing all of the things alleged and apologized.

I’ll let Carlson get on here and post more of the details. Talk about an amazing case. While still living in New Hampshire and visiting for the May city/school elections, I met up with Carlson for the first time and discussed this entire ordeal with her.

Begs the question of where’s ex-District 3 Councilman Paul Ford to bring this up to the city council when you need him? Man…

Flashback:

New information today regarding the City of Duncanville and City employee Earl Grody, water foreman for City of Duncanville, Joel Daugherty, superintendent of Water, Waste Water and I&I department at the City Service Center, located at 330 Shady Trail, Duncanville, along with various others, have been named in charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, aka EEOC. The EEOC is the Federal Agency that investigates and looks into claims that employers have discriminated against their employees because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability. The charges filed against the City of Duncanville include charges of sexual harassment including a sexually hostile work environment, discrimination, and retaliation. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against former or present employees because they have made a charge, testified, assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this law or because they opposed any practice made unlawful by the statutes. The City of Duncanville will have to be held accountable sooner of later for their actions and for whom they put in charge of their city. It looks like it’s going to be sooner than later!

he City Of Duncanville has "conveniently" released from employment the main person involved in the charges against the City who allowed this type of behavior to go unchecked and allowed. Originally the perpetrator of the most offensive behavior, Earl Grody, was to be fired for being involved in apparently a 4th incident in which he had a driving accident involving a city vehicle in less than 6 years. That's a vehicular accident approximately once every 18 months or so. His last vehicle accident involved him totaling a city vehicle by colliding with a PARKED CAR!! Sources state that when informed of his pending termination he requested to be allowed to resign without cause. So that of course means that he is able to have a favorable termination, keep his retirement, etc.. I know the City of Duncanville realized the liability Mr. Grody represented to them and welcomed the opportunity to relieve them of that liability. Regardless, the City of Duncanville along with Mr. Grody, Mr. Joel Daugherty along with City Officials who not only knew of the discrimination and harrassment but condoned it will not got through this that easily. Just because Mr. Grody is no longer an employee that does not relieve any of the parties involved of their responsibility to follow and implement Federal Law. Updates to follow..........

Dalton Lott, Parkland Defend Breaking Open Meetings Act, Premature Birth Actions

2010-06-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Is this the same Dalton Lott who is the political equivalent to Tony Soprano in Duncanville (the chair of Pro-Dunc PAC)? The same Dalton Lott who oversees Parkland Hospital's quality and risk management committee, the very body that was featured in the Dallas Morning News Metro section today?

Parkland, a taxpayer-funded abyss of a hospital, is apparently not meeting World Health Organization standards of keeping premature babies warm enough after they are delivered via C-sections (I refuse to acknowledge the offensive term, "preemies" that the DMN refers to these living human beings as.)

Not that I'm a fan of subscribing to a world body known for implementing the actual AIDS virus in African nations or promoting the widespread use of lethal doses of poison in children's vaccines, or better yet, hyping up the very-real BS of the H1N1 fear-mongering.

But the open meetings violations are extremely clear, judging by the questions these Parkland executives and busybodies were asking in haste towards the DMN reporters. How arrogant! The public agenda, according to the DMN, never listed an executive session item, but after some scrutiny over the premature birth temperature issue, Parkland's board went behind closed doors for almost four hours.

If this Dalton Lott is the very Dalton Lott I think it is, he is helping assist Parkland in violating the Open Meetings Act.

City of Duncanville Collects $3.5 million in Red Light Camera Revenue

2010-06-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Duncanville is making a killing off of the red light cameras: http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/red-light-cameras/duncanville/

Former Duncanville Councilman Paul Ford needs to run for his old seat next year. We need his opposition to this stuff...visit: PaulFordReports.com

Lancaster Police Shooting | Craig Shaw 1st LPD Officer Killed in Line of Duty

2010-06-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

There are lots of things floating around on the comments of the Dallas Morning News article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/062110dnmetlancaster.c20ebd52.html

But here are some questions I have:

Was the regional tactical unit that Craig Shaw belonged to the same tactical unit created/started/funded by and with the DeSoto/Red Oak/Midlothian/Ovilla/Cedar Hill tactical unit(s)?
Why are some in law enforcement and the TV media tipping The Ellis County Observer that Dallas Police Chief David Brown's son was one of the shooters? And is this/has this been looked into more?

Please remain mindful of all the victims and officers of this tragedy, plus their families. But only a thorough full investigation will get to the truth, and I want to be a constant reminder that no matter the situation or who is involved, the truth must remain the ultimate goal.

YouTube: Lancaster ISD Trustee Ellen Clark is so Honest She 'Squeaks'

2010-03-17T21:46:00.003-07:00

DeSoto Mayor Bobby Waddle Supporting Carl Williams for Mayor

2010-03-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

According to the Carl Williams for Mayor sign in DeSoto Mayor Bobby Waddle's front yard, it's apparent that Waddle is um, endorsing him?

However, Waddle has had numerous yard signs for various candidates in his yard before. Maybe Carl Sherman, Williams' opponent, hasn't printed up signs yet...

But it's interesting nonetheless.

I wish Carl Williams would get a better color scheme though. Orange on black is horrible.

Fake Ovilla/Cedar Hill 'Doctor' Bruce Hacker Arrested Again

2010-03-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

Why won’t JoAnn Livingston at the Waxahachie Daily Light report a damn word about this? She has helped cover up this case for the prosecutors’ office, and I’m getting sick of hearing that “Dr.” Bruce Hacker has once again been put in county jail for his “practicing medicine without a license” charade.

Archives: Pseudo doctor busted again (in Cedar Hill)

If readers will remember, The Ellis County Press story four years ago at the height of the DA Joe Grubbs/Rodney Ramsey campaign got this issue some very high-profile attention. Then Hacker went to Cedar Hill to do his deeds, and no telling what DA Craig Watkins has done – if anything.

Date: March 11, 2010

Please accept this Open Records Act request for the following:

1) Any mug shot, book-in photo taken recently (within the past 60 days) of a BRUCE HACKER or DR BRUCE HACKER, or any mug shot of a man arrested on suspicion and/or allegations of practicing medicine without a license or other similar charge;

2) Any recent (60-90 days) incident report, criminal complaint, or other document alleging the sexual assault of a child, abuse of a child, or any accusation or report taken of an accusation involving a KAREN WEAVER of Ennis, Texas (or area near Ennis.)

3) Any mug shot or book-in photo of Weaver if any

-Joey G. Dauben
Publisher
The Palmer Post
PO Box 221
Palmer, TX 75152
972-891-2135

Candidate Filings to Date: Deadline--Monday, March 8, 2010

2010-03-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Got this from DeSoto. Waiting for Cedar Hill, Duncanville and Lancaster:

Mayor, Place 1

Carl L. Williams

Carl O. Sherman

Councilmember Place 3

Denise Valentine

Paul F. Benson

Councilmember Place 5

Sandy Respess

Special Election to fill Vacancy – Councilmember Place 6 (unexpired term)

James Zander

James E. Collier, Jr.

Special Election to fill Vacancy – Councilmember Place 7 (unexpired term)

Jerry A. Edgin

Deadline to File for May 8 Election: Monday, March 8 @ 5 p.m.

About BestSouthwestBlog.com

2009-05-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Bookmark BestSouthwestBlog.com, as that will be the new blog for news updates from the six towns.

BSWBlog is a sister blog to The Ellis County Observer, so we will be sharing resources and themes.

Wilmer | Steele places Police Chief on leave

2009-05-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

WILMER - Police Chief Robert Wells has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation by newly elected Mayor, Jeff Steele.

According to the press release issued by the city, the City of Wilmer will not jeopardize the investigation being conducted by commenting.

Once the investigation is complete, details will be released.

Sergeant Victor Kemp will act as Interim Chief.

Wilmer's New Era | We Support Mayor Jeff Steele

2009-05-14T06:05:00.001-07:00

Because of her role at The Ellis County Press, Megan Gray cannot (obviously) endorse. She's the reporter now. I'm the blogger and the opinion-maker. Lastly, I am a fan.

I am a fan of Wilmer Mayor Jeff Steele, and I have been since the city council appointed him to replace Don Hudson, who stepped down and moved to Palmer. Steele's entire slate of candidates won on Saturday, May 9. Convincingly.

I am a fan of Steele's slate of candidates, if only they will all agree to a few principles of governance:

Make sure Wilmer fights off any outside attempt to regulate, regulate, regulate or regulate that inland port, or the areas near the inland port, or the business and economic engine that has resulted in massive property tax decreases and upped home values. We need a prototype for the free market, and Wilmer stands alone.
Be honest.
Come on to my radio show periodically and give the public an update as to what's going on.
Don't mess with the dirt/garbage politics of the past. Water under the bridge, move Wilmer forward...
Get a new city logo!

Actually, I'm hiring my graphic designer (don't use BestSouthwestBlog as that image in your head. The other designers do great work: EllisCountyObserver.com) to play around with a few different ideas for a new City of Wilmer logo. We would be happy to donate that should the city council vote for it.

This isn't the same Wilmer that I used to write about several years ago for the ECP. This is a new Wilmer. We owe it to those in Ellis County and other parts of Dallas County to ensure that this new council majority continues on the path of forward-thinking progress.

BestSouthwestBlog.com stakes a claim early and loud: we support Mayor Jeff Steele and his slate, and we will fight to the bone to make sure those guys are looked after.

A New BestSouthwestBlog.com is Coming

2009-05-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned, there will soon be a brand-new BestSouthwestBlog.com that readers will benefit from reading and browsing. It will still be under The Ellis County Observer umbrella, but it will be distinct.

For those wanting to get a glimpse of the daily debates among Best Southwest citizens, visit www.BestSouthwestBlog.org. There, readers can sign up - for free - and debate/read the goings-on of matters before they hit the blog.

BestSouthwestBlog.org was made infamous for its posting of the Duncanville Councilwoman Dorothy Burton DART personnel file before it hit the public. To date, no other publication besides The Ellis County Press has saw fit to report on Burton's soiled DART past in which she planted women's bloodied, soiled underwear on unsuspecting co-workers. The stunt got her fired.

Glenn Heights | Demand a Recount NOW!

2009-05-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

It infuriates me that the Glenn Heights City Council election is being relegated to distant memory. Unfortunately, it takes an upfront payment of $150 to ask for a recount, and then it's an on-the-clock payment plan thereafter.

Of course, I speak of the open council seat election that pitted anti-Loop 9 activist Elaine Holladay against relative newcomer-in-the-city Doug Burton. Burton, a member of the city's planning and zoning, is an avowed Loop 9 toll road supporter.

Throughout the election night (I clocked in three hours early on May 9 due to me being under the influence), I was monitoring the Dallas County elections Web site in which Holladay was winning. She even phoned The Ellis County Press' Megan Gray, who then phoned me, that we had won. "We" because I'm staunchly a Holladay fan.

Well, as luck - or grimey little election judge hands would have it - Burton ended up winning by two percentage points, 51 percent to 49 percent.

I remembered what my good friend Ken Halverson, who recently sued the cities of Waxahachie, Midlothian and Mid-Way Regional Airport over illegalities, told me about Glenn Heights: former mayor Jesus Humphrey had been "defeated" one election night and upon a recount that Halverson paid for, ended up winning by that same margin.

Glenn Heights is dirty, and I'm talking its politics. That city is a microcosm of California, where recall elections come every four years almost. Some officials have been thrown off the council because of petition drives. Halverson paying for Humphrey's recount only served as a reminder that Holladay could have suffered the same fate.

I mean, you're talking one of the most vocal opponents of Loop 9 and a supporter of Loop 9. Past history is a precursor of future behavior. Politics is not immune to that adage.

It costs $150 for a recount, and whatever the going rate is after that (by the hour.) Too bad my readers couldn't help pitch in and make sure that taxpayers weren't had in this race...

We need automatic recount ordinances like several states have. Some rules call for recounts (paid for by the taxpayers who are already funding the election) if the margin of vote is 1 or 2 percent. That would definitely apply in Glenn Heights, which is incorporated in both northern Ellis and southern Dallas counties. GH is about 11,000 people, but council elections can be won with less than 250 votes. Councilmen are elected on a place-system (Place 1, Place 2, etc.) at-large.

With what's been going on with the GH Police Department recently, it only fuels my skeptical mind.

Duncanville City Employee an Admitted 'Swinger'

2009-05-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Earl Grody, who works for the City of Duncanville at the Service Center, is an open "swinger" and has admitted this to numerous other city employees, according to sources who spoke with BestSouthwestBlog.com tonight.

It is unclear whether Grody, who serves as a water department supervisor, attended or frequented the infamous Cherry Pit swinger's club in Duncanville's council District 5 north of I-20, but sources in Duncanville say they have personally witnessed Grody making statements pointing out several homes in the city as where he and his wife had sex with other couples.

Several sources told BestSouthwestBlog.com that Grody's staff and others who work at the Service Center also exchange e-mails relating to sex, "titties," and pornography on city computers and on city time.

BestSouthwestBlog.com is currently formulating an Open Records Request to seek information - as well as individual e-mails - relating to the allegations provided tonight.

Developing...

StopLoop9.com's Surprise Ally

2009-05-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

We're going to hold Place 4 Cedar Hill Councilman-elect Chris Parvin at his word of being an opponent to the current route for Loop 9.

Parvin defeated our favored candidate, Mike Holley, on Saturday, May 9. Wallace Swayze, a former Ferris city councilman, finished third.

(Note: we hope Swayze and Holley remain involved, as we will need those two to keep Parvin's feet to the fire.)

After 800 citizens packed an anti-Loop 9 town hall meeting organized by the South Cedar Hill Homeowner's Association two weeks ago, Parvin, phoning from out of state, told organizer Janie Haga that he opposed Loop 9.

Parvin better follow through with his viewpoints in the form of voting. We'll be watching, and he'll be the first we crucify if he reneges on his statements.

The same could be said for Cedar Hill Councilman Wade Emmert, who is rumored to be looking higher in the Republican race for Dallas County judge. Emmert and future mayor Cory Spillman need to look to their southern flank should they decide to run for anything.

It has been said that Cedar Hill has already changed zoning for the areas in southern Cedar Hill from residential to industrial to make way for this 12-land behemoth of a toll road.

It's also been said that property values in some parts along this proposed route have dropped 20 percent.

Chris Parvin is going to be very closely monitored on the Cedar Hill City Council.

Side Note:
It's also a bald-faced lie that our local city councils can't change or reject certain plans for Loop 9.

If these cities can alter zoning and build in major highway provisions into their comprehensive plans, they can sure as hell tell the state and federal government to take a hike.

True leadership will rise out in some of these towns. Let's hope Parvin makes due on his commitment to Loop 9.

-Joey

2010: Paul Ford for Mayor

2009-05-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Readers, BestSouthwestBlog.com is openly urging a Paul Ford candidacy for mayor next May.

Here's the thinking behind this idea:

A: More people would be able to vote for Paul, not just a few hundred in one district.

B: Target the Duncanville citizens who have been wrongly ticketed from the red light cameras - and secure their votes!

C: A citywide candidacy would give rise to a multi-tiered campaign ground organization that would appeal to hundreds more.

D: The most important of all: a mayoral candidacy by Ford in '10 would give him higher name identification for another run for District 3 in 2011, assuming he's unsuccessful against Mayor David Green.

Plus, with a ground organization and plenty of time to prepare, we'd cause a lot of the ProDunc PAC people to spend a lot of money. Ford should throw a Donate button on his Web site and watch the national fans of his start funding his effort early.

And, I still want to develop MayorDavidGreen.com ;)

Ideas? Thoughts? Comments?

ECP-TV.com | Duncanville

2009-05-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here is footage of our visit to Duncanville on Saturday.

Saturday's Results, Eternal.....

2009-05-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

Freedom of the Press
Joey Dauben

Saturday's results...

Many were surprised that Duncanville Councilman Paul Ford lost re-election to his District 3 seat. I wasn't.

I know that Midlothian establishment folks are gearing up to do the same thing to Councilman Ken Chambers next year.

There are bits of silver lining from Saturday's results.

District 5 Councilwoman Johnette Jameson won re-election in Duncanville. She's an ally. An ally and a key "No" vote with Ford.

Now Chambers has company in Dr Hank Miller, who defeated a family legacy as well as a councilman, Wayne Sibley.

Venus tossed their mayor. Wilmer kept theirs. Lancaster ISD voters threw out three incumbents on Saturday.

The tea parties were a sign of things to come in both southern Dallas and Ellis counties. What we must not forget is that our new allies and those re-elected will need our support more than ever. Elections come and go, but ideas remain forever.

We must use the leverage in Midlothian and help support Councilman Joe Frizzell, an ultra-nice guy who I think could help in key decisions.

We need to monitor Lancaster ISD's progress, because the proximity of their actions will spill over into Red Oak, Ferris. Good, bad or indifferent, eternal vigilance is key to maintaining our rights and liberties.

There are those who say the voter turnout was too low. I say it's too high given who we got back in various offices around our coverage area.

If anything, this paper didn't level the playing field for allied forces, we destroyed the lack of any political coverage from the sell-out papers.

Now it's up to all of the allies in our towns and cities to prepare for battle next year, and even get ready for the March Republican/Democratic primaries.

Nothing is for sure in politics. One minute you're a media darling, the next you're putting "former" in front of your title.

Just ask Maypearl Mayor Kelly Jacobson, whose suspect behavior in a City Hall incident last fall ended up costing him a seat on the city council. Jacobson opted to run for council rather than mayor, and the result was surprising: last place.

We must support the ones that were elected and never give up.

Election Results

2009-05-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Wilmer

Mayor
Jeff Steele 229
Tiny Lange 146

Council
Vicky Vandygriff214
Marlena Dyess (I)198
Stan Bell1 91
Billy Wickliff 152
Eugene Lowe(I)14

Lancaster ISD

District 1

Marion F. Hamilton 104
Marie Elliott (I)44

District 2
Cynthia Corbin 63
Ed Kirkland 41

District 7
Ellen Clark 164
Debi Miller (I)155

Glenn Heights

Place 1
Doug Burton 256
Elanie Holladay 245

Place 3
Kathy Dixon 358
Brenda Garcia 154

Local Ballot Option
Prop. 1
The legal sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption only
For 304
Against 288

Duncanville ISD

Dorothy Wolverton 1,647
Timothy Miles 883

Duncanville

At Large
Dorothy Burton(I) 998
Buck Werner 674

District 3
Anthony Skinner 211
Paul Ford (I) 181

District 3
Johnette Jameson (I) 260
Gerald Hill 103

Desoto ISD

Place 6
Warren Seay Jr. (I)776
Susan P. Bryza 148
Amed Clinton 145

Cedar Hill ISD

Place 6

Chris Parvin 549
Mike Holley 469
Wallace Swaze 149

Cedar Hill

Place 6

Mike Marshall (I) 753
Cassandra L. Cooper 310
Quin Downs 56

Place 7
Sonya Grass (I) 738
James Charles 375

Radio Show @ 10 p.m. Election Night

2009-05-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Tune in for a special two-hour election program on EllisCountyRadio.com.

Megan Gray and I will be hosting. Last night, we welcomed Councilman Paul Ford and candidate Buck Werner on the show. Download that show here: EllisCountyRadio.com.

Elections | Polling Locations

2009-05-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 9 is Election Day!
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voting Locations are as follows :
Wilmer
Wilmer Community Center
101 Davidson Plaza
Glenn Heights
City Hall
1938 S. Hampton
Cedar Hill
Precincts : 4100, 4104, 4106, 4107 and 4107
Bray Elementary School
218 North Broad Street
Precincts : 4101, 4102, 4103,4105,4109 , 4110 and Ellis County precinct 101
Belt Line Intermediate School
504 East Belt Line rd.

Duncanville
Precincts: 4200, 4203, 4206, 4207, 4209
Byrd Middle School
1040 W. Wheatland Road
Precincts: 4201, 4202, 4204, 4205, 4208, 4213
Reed Middle School
530 E. Freeman Street
Precincts: 4210, 4211, 4212
FairMeadows Elementary School
530 E. Freeman Street
Lancaster
Districts 1, 2 and 7
Precincts : 3800, 3801,3803,3805
Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library
1600 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
Precincts : 3806, 3807,3808,3809,3810

Lancaster Elsie Robertson Middle School
822 W. Pleasant Run
Precinct : 3903
Wilmer Community Center
101 Davidson Plaza
Precinct : 3549
Singing Hills Recreation Center
1909 Crouch Drive
Desoto

Precinct : 3700
Glenn Heights City Hall
1938 S. Hampton Rd.
Precincts : 4102 and 4105
Belt Line Intermediate School
504 E. Belt Line Rd Cedar Hill, TX

All other precincts
DeSoto East Middle School
601 E. Belt Line Rd. , DeSoto, TX

Endorsed | Buck Werner

2009-05-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

Duncanville candidate Buck Werner, has been endorsed by MetroTex Association of Realtors.

Duncanville | Exclusive Interview

2009-05-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

Duncanville councilman Paul Ford and candidate Buck Werner joined us in a very special Pre-election show this evening.

You can listen by downloading here : Ellis County Radio

We extend our appreciation to these two gentlemen once again.

Thank you - Megan and Joey

Glenn Heights User 'Outed'

2009-05-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Joey has outed yet another critic.

Username "James" is registered to a "jwilliams" on AOL.

Dr. Jim Williams was a six-month mayor several years ago. He resigned after just a few months on the job.

Joey wrote that Williams' resignation was a "stupid move." Williams came to the ECPress office raving mad because Joey wrote that he should have "stuck it out." Glenn Heights has a history of elected officials resigning mid-term or even after several months.

Duncanville | Buck Werner

2009-05-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

Duncanville city council candidate Buck Werner has agreed to join us tonight on Ellis County Radio!

9 p.m.

Pre-Election Special

Call in : 646-478-5811

Paul Ford Reports

2009-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

This was sent to us directly from Mr.Ford.

So what actually happened at Tuesday’s City Council meeting? I was not assaulted by the police or arrested, even though I made the same type of comment on the same subject that brought on their attack at the last meeting. What did happen was that Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithey recused themselves from voting on a $184,000 contract for Paradigm Traffic Systems after I detailed the $5000 in campaign contributions they received from the company’s director.

Here are the comments I made about the Paradigm contract, Agenda Item 2C. The comment on “the new policy of arresting people who speak when the Mayor tells them not to” appears about halfway through:

“Award of bid to Paradigm Traffic Systems, Inc. in the amount of $184,020 for traffic signalization cabinets and accessories.”

Earlier in Briefing I asked that Agenda Ite m 2C be removed from the consent agenda because it represents a conflict of interest. Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithey received $5000 from a company to which they now want to give a city contract. David Green and Grady Smithey should recuse themselves from this vote because they have received thousands of dollars from Paradigm Traffic Systems. For them to now vote to give Paradigm Traffic Systems $184,000 of taxpayer money is a conflict of interest.

I shall vote against this contract, and here are my reasons why. Agenda Item 2C is a contract to give Paradigm Traffic Systems of Arlington $184,000 of taxpayer money for traffic signal equipment. A top official of Paradigm Traffic Systems, Jeffrey Bryan, has given Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithy $5000. David Green and Grady Smithey now want to give Jeffrey Bryan’s company $184,000 of taxpayer money. David Green and Grady Smithey should recuse themselves from this vote because they have received thousands of dollars from the company that will directly benefit from this contract. For them to participate in this vote in any way would be a conflict of interest.

Last year, David Green received $1000 from Jeffrey Bryan, who lives in Arlington, Texas. Bryan described himself as the “Manager” of Durable Specialties, another company that makes traffic signal equip ment and which is located in Duncanville. According to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, Bryan is also the Director and President of Durable Specialties. David Green received another $1000 from Jeffrey Bryan’s wife, Pam Bryan, who listed her address as P.O. Box 381788 in Duncanville. David Green also received $1000 from something called, “Durable Enterprises, A Partnership,” also listed at P.O. Box 381788 in Duncanville. In addition, Jeffrey Bryan was a member of Mayor David Green’s re-election campaign “steering committee.”
According to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, Jeffrey Bryan is also a director of Paradigm Traffic Systems. The Comptroller’s Office lists Bryan’s address as P.O. Box 381788 in Duncanville.

Grady Smithey received $1000 from Jeffrey Bryan and $1000 directly from Paradigm Traffic Systems. Paradigm Traffic Systems is a corporation, and it is illegal in Texas for a corporation to make a direct political contribution to a candidate. Grady Smithey claimed last year that he didn’t know it was illegal to accept campaign contributions from a corporation. Smithey said he would return the $1,000 he received from Paradigm, but I have not seen any proof that he ever returned it.

I shall vote against this=2 0contract because, in my opinion, it looks too much like a payoff. Jeffrey Bryan gives Mayor David Green $3000, Jeffrey Bryan gives Councilmember Grady Smithy $2000, and now Green and Smithey want to give Jeffrey Bryan’s company $184,000 of taxpayer money. Is that how we should do business in Duncanville?

In addition, something seems odd about the bidding process. According to the City Manager, bid notices were sent to 64 companies, but only two bids were received. One bid was from Paradigm Traffic Systems of Arlington for $184,000. The second bid was from another traffic signal company, also in Arlington, Consolidated Traffic Controls. That bid was for $270,000. One expects there to be differences in bids, but doesn’t a difference that big — 47% — for supposedly the same work seem rather excessive? I ask again, is that how we should do business in Duncanville?

And speaking of how we do business here in Duncanville, I want to say that the City Council’s new policy of arresting people who speak when the Mayor tells them not to is incompatible with a free society. If they can rough me up and charge me with a crime for speaking calmly about matters directly related to City affairs, they can do it to anyone. They can do it to you. This policy must not continue. It must be challenged. I will not let yo u down.

[As I said this, Mayor Green banged his gavel and said, “Mr. Ford, you’re moving off-topic” a few times, but even though my digression was as long as the one I made on April 7th, there were no rehearsed calls of “City Manager!” and “Chief Brown!” No rehearsed exit off the dais by Kent Cagle, Ken Weaver, Scott Cannon, Dorothy Burton, and Grady Smithey. There were three policeman standing in the back of the Council Chamber, and Chief Robert Brown was seated in the front row, but none of them made any move towards me.]

I shall now continue with Agenda Item 2. I ask again that Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithy recuse themselves from this vote. They have received thousands of dollars from Paradigm Traffic Systems. For them to now vote to give Paradigm Traffic Systems $184,000 of taxpayer money would be a blatant conflict of interest.

We as a City Council must reassure our constituents that any decision we make to award money to any company is done with the best interests of the community and the city in mind. If there is any appearance that our decisions may be influenced by money that we have received from people involved in that company, we must recuse ourselves from voting and recuse ourselves from participating in any discussion. I urge my colleagues, Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithy, to take that step tonight.
————————————

Grady Smithey mumbled through a lengthy response and said, “Sometimes I think your village back in Massachusetts is missing its idiot.” (I moved to Texas from Massachusetts in 1992.) But then he and Mayor Green did indeed recuse themselves from the vote. The Paradigm contract still passed by a vote of three to two –Johnette Jameson and I voted against it — but that’s progress, of a sort. . .

Pre-Election Show Tonight !

2009-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Join us as your host Joey Dauben, returns for a brief visit in Ellis/Dallas counties for a run down on the latest and most up to date election day information.

Tune in at 9 p.m.

Ellis County Radio

Call in : 646-478-5811

News From Around the Area...

2009-05-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

+ Dr. Hank Miller has a letter to the editor in the recent Waxahachie Daily Light issue. He's also made a larger stance public on The Midlothian Observer.

Something that is a bit worrisome, and this is proof that every expenditure on every credit card from every city needs to be posted online:

• The city currently has 90 credit cards in use and has charges ranging from $42,600 to $78,000 per month for the past six billing months.

+ Midlothian Councilman Steve Massey has land in Milford, that part is no secret. Students at Midlothian High School are very resourceful. The students are telling The Ellis County Observer that after Massey's youngest graduates, off to retirement land he goes. Special election if Massey wins? Should we question his commitment?

+ The Duncanville City Council meeting was Tuesday night and the video is posted at Duncanville.com under the Streaming Video link. Check out the blatant double-standards. No, no councilman was arrested this time, but Mayor David Green and Councilman Grady Smithey are on our political hit list ...they're both up for re-election next year.

+ Before the Mid-Way Regional Airport board - appointed by the city councils in Midlothian and Waxahachie - approves having hogs shot from helicopters, one needs to ask and make sure that the person or persons shooting have special licenses to do so. That was a concern issued by several pilots this week. By the way, board president Al Castleman resigned. That part didn't make the Daily Light, but this did:

The board also discussed a proposal that would allow the hogs to be shot from a helicopter operating under certain guidelines. The helicopter would go up in the morning about daybreak and would maintain a height of about 10 feet above the ground. The hunter would use a shotgun-type ammunition, eliminating the chance of a ricochet. Airborne Imaging, which is based at Mid-Way, has already secured a permit to do the hunt, with the board noting several additional details remain to be worked out.

+ Daryl Spence needs poll workers for Saturday's election in Ennis. With all the steam coming out from Ennis taxpayers about the crap going on, why is it so hard to find candidates and activists? We didn't fight a bloody Revolution and declare war against Great Britain so people could just sit around and bitch...

+ The Ellis County Press this week has every candidate and every voting location in the county (and southern Dallas County) in its May 7 issue this week. Pick up a copy or read it online fully at elliscountypress.com.

Elections | Glenn Heights

2009-05-06T16:22:00.001-07:00

Total early votes for Glenn Heights - 192

Dallas County School Board Candidates

2009-05-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Any resemblance to any candidate or anyone else is purely coincidental. I believe I`ll be thanking - Like Steve Martin in the satire book Pure Drivel. I`d like to thank the Titanic on the Trinity for the ballroom vintage photo.We could work in twenty more dancers at $100.00 a head. Hey, just a thought.

I'm Coming to Town, Ladies and Gentlemen

2009-05-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

My plane ticket is bought and paid for. I’m leaving Boston on Thursday morning and I’m leaving Dallas on Sunday.

I’ve got some business to do, but half the time I’m in Dallas I will be working these elections:

1) Midlothian

2) Ennis

3) Duncanville

The Nazi-like code enforcement officers and city officials won’t intimidate me from holding signs, or walking on a sidewalk. Nope.

You guys really shot yourselves in the foot now. Think the election observers in Ennis and Midlothian will be threatening?

I am the election Observer.

You guys have all just been put on major notice. When I walk into your businesses, your areas, your polling locations, I’ll have a video camera and I’ll have a digital tape recorder.

Yes, I’m being hired by a couple of friends to come down, but this time boys and girls, this is business. Bye-bye journalist Joey, hello partisan Joey.

Disclosure of my hotel in Cedar Hill will not be revealed except to close associates.

Sobriety Checkpoints Could Become Legal

2009-05-05T10:12:00.001-07:00

May 5, 2009

Dear Fellow Texan,

I’m writing today to call your attention to SB 298 which has passed the Senate 20-11 and is scheduled for a public hearing before the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence tomorrow, May 6.

PLEASE CONTACT HOUSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS TODAY:

Chair: Rep. Pete Gallego, District: 74, (512) 463-0566, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Vice Chair: Rep. Wayne Christian, District: 9,(512) 463-0556, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Allen Fletcher, District: 130,(512) 463-0661, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Terri Hodge, District: 100, (512) 463-0586, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Carol Kent, District: 102, (512) 463-0454, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Robert Miklos, District: 101, (512) 463-0464, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Joseph E. Moody, District: 78, (512) 463-0728, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Paula Pierson, District: 93, (512) 463-0562, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Debbie Riddle, District: 150, (512) 463-0572, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Allen Vaught, District: 107(co-author of House companion bill HB 169),(512) 463-0244, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768

Rep. Hubert Vo, District: 149,(512) 463-0568, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768
I urge opposition to SB 298 as a violation of the 4th amendment right to unreasonable searches and seizures. SB 298 enables law enforcement agencies in Texas to set up and operate sobriety checkpoints for the purpose of identifying drunk drivers. There are more effective and less invasive means of combating alcohol-related driving accidents.

Perhaps in an attempt to admit that this bill is bad policy, it has been amended to apply only to large population centers, (counties with a population in excess of 250,000). Further, it requires that vehicle selection be “non-arbitrary” and that operator intrusion be minimal (a rationalization, perhaps, that a “little” violation of individual liberty is o.k.). Recall Franklin’s admonition, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Here is a synopsis of the bill from John Bush and the folks at TAG:

Sobriety checkpoints violate our unalienable right against unreasonable seizures

The United States Supreme Court decision (Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Stitz) states that while checkpoint stops constitute a 4th Amendment “seizure,” the seizure is not unreasonable because the “subjective intrusion” to motorists is minor in light of the alleged effectiveness of checkpoints in reducing drunk driving.1 We reject this lackadaisical interpretation of the constitution and hold that an individual’s right to be left alone shall not be violated as a means of attempting to reduce drunk driving.

Sobriety checkpoints have been conducted in other states in conjunction with active duty military

On December 12, 2008 the California Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the San Bernardino Sheriffs Dept and USMC military police, conducted a sobriety checkpoint.2 This act was in direct violation of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act which bars military from engaging in civilian police activity. By authorizing sobriety checkpoints in the state of Texas we are opening the door for non-state agencies such as the Department of Defense and/or the Department of Homeland Security to attempt to include themselves in the execution of our State checkpoints.

There are more effective ways to combat alcohol related fatalities

According to a NHTSA study, there were 411 fewer alcohol related deaths in 2004 than in 2003. It is worth noting that of the 411 fewer deaths, 394 of them were in the 11 states that did not operate checkpoints.3 These states are better able to utilize their resources and law enforcement personnel in conducting more effective measures such as saturation patrols. A 2003 FBI Law Enforcement memo comparing sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols stated that "Overall, measured in arrests per hour, a dedicated saturation patrol is the most effective method of apprehending offenders."4

1 Michigan State Police v. Sitz, 496 U.S. 444 (1990)

2 "CHP TO CONDUCT SOBRIETY/DRIVER LICENSE CHECKPOINT." Memo to California Highway Patrol, CHP News, California. December, 10 2008

http://freespeech.vo.llnwd.net/o25/pub/images/chp01.png

3 "Alcohol-Related Fatalities in 2004." Traffic Safety Facts: Crash Stats, National Highway and Traffic Administration. August, 2005.

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/809904.PDF

4 Greene, Jeffrey W. "Battling DUI: A Comparative Analysis of Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. January 2003 Volume 72 Number 1

http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2003/jan2003/jan03leb.htm

Toward Liberty,

Debra Medina

State Coordinator - Texas

Campaign for Liberty

Texas Senate Guts Property Rights Bill

2009-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Texas Senate's State Affairs Committee stripped out the "public use" provisions in SB 18. Southern Dallas County's Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, is the vice chairman of this committee:

[Direct Link: http://www.ij.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2681&Itemid=165]

Texas Senate Guts Property Rights Legislation

Key Provisions Stripped from Eminent Domain Bill Prior to Passage; Meanwhile, Strong Bills Languish in the House

Austin, Tx.—The Institute for Justice Texas Chapter issued a warning today to property owners across Texas: despite politicians’ claims to the contrary, Senate Bill 18, which passed through the Texas Senate yesterday, will not end eminent domain abuse in Texas. The Institute litigated the infamous Kelo eminent domain case before the U.S. Supreme Court, and its Austin-based Texas Chapter has led the way to eminent domain reform in the Lone Star State.

“As it stands, SB 18 represents a bait and switch on Texas property owners,” said Matt Miller, executive director of the Institute for Justice Texas Chapter (IJ-TX). “This bill helps protect rural property owners but leaves urban and suburban property owners exposed to private development schemes.” The definition of “public use”—which was the entire focus of the Kelo litigation—was stripped from the bill in committee. All that’s left is a collection of procedural safeguards. Although helpful, those provisions do not address the central problem of Kelo.

Property owners across Texas should be worried about SB 18’s momentum because more meaningful bills are now being stalled by legislative leaders. Property owners from Houston, El Paso and San Antonio, all of whom are today being threatened by eminent domain abuse, rallied at the Capitol in March. They were met with assurances that this session Texas would finally address Kelo once and for all.

“The Governor opened this session saying he wanted a constitutional amendment to address Kelo,” said IJ-TX Staff Attorney Wesley Hottot. “Now, with mere weeks left in the session, time is running out for the legislature and Governor Perry to make good on their promises.”

With SB 18 gutted, Texas property owners must pin their hopes on two bills in the House. The first is a strong constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 14, by Frank Corte (R-San Antonio), which offers Texans the strongest protection for their homes and businesses. The second is House Bill 417, by Bill Callegari (R-Katy), a bill that would address the problem of cities using bogus “blight” designations to justify eminent domain for private development. Both bills are out of committee, but have not yet been scheduled for a vote.

“Texas property owners should have the opportunity to curb eminent domain abuse through their Bill of Rights, and Rep. Corte’s constitutional amendment does just that,” said Miller. “Combined with HB 417, HJR 14 would give Texans some of the strongest property rights in the nation. Chairman Dennis Bonnen did what he said he would and got those bills out of his House committee. Now it is up to the Calendars Committee, the Senate and Governor Perry to follow through.”

“If SB18 passes but HJR 14 and HB 417 do not pass, this legislative session will be a failure for anyone who owns a piece of property in Texas,” said Hottot. “People need to pay attention right now and demand passage of the real reform measures, otherwise we will once again have been denied the protection we were promised. This legislative session is starting to look like a repeat of 2005 and 2007 when genuine property rights protection was promised by Texas political leaders, but never delivered.”

# # #

Source:

Institute for Justice Texas Chapter

816 Congress Ave, Suite 960 Austin, TX 78701

(512) 480-5936 Fax(512) 480-5937

www.ij.org

LISD | 6:00 p.m. meeting tonight

2009-05-03T23:49:00.001-07:00

Lancaster Independent school district will be meeting at a different time.

Same place, Admin Building located on 422 S. Centre Ave.

6:00 p.m. start time.

Agenda items worthy are next year's budget, a possible new financial officer finally may be revealed and two law firms Schwartz and Eichelbaum and O'Hanlon McCollom and Demerath are set to make presentations to the board to choose a new law firm in hopes of reducing their legal fees. (Currently they are paying about 200k a year out.)

View the agenda here : MAy 4 Agenda

Elections | Early Voting

2009-05-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

While out with some friends going to the movies I noticed quite a few Lancaster ISD election signs about town.

Just a reminder that if you are looking for change there, or anywhere for that matter ( I drove through Cedar Hill too) you should go out and vote.

Early voting is quick, easy and doesn't mess up your weekend plans for those that have had concerns over that.

Last day is today, so make sure you get out there.

If you miss it, you have May 9. =)

Councilman Paul Ford's Arrest Generating National Attention

2009-05-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

The arrest of District 3 Councilman Paul Ford is going viral, and it's hitting national publications and Web sites, as this story from TheNewspaper.com can attest:

Texas: City Councilman Arrested for Opposing Red Light Cameras
Duncanville, Texas mayor silences anti-camera councilman by having him arrested.

The mayor of Duncanville, Texas had a member of the city council arrested last Tuesday for speaking out against the use of red light cameras during an official meeting. The incident took place during the discussion of whether the city should spend $59,000 to make street repairs. Mayor David Green recognized Councilman Paul Ford to speak on the contract item.

"Thank you," Ford said. "I want to let you know that earlier this evening during briefing, Mayor Green threatened me that if he told me to stop talking and I didn't, he'd have me arrested, and I want to let you know what I told Mayor Green."

Green became outraged and shouted, "Mr Ford, you are out of order. You are not recognized Mr Ford. You need to cease right now."

While Green yelled, Ford continued his brief statement without stopping.

"Unlike those thousands of people who are getting red light camera tickets, I will have the opportunity for a jury trial. It will be a jury of my peers and I will confidently put my fate in their hands. And now I'm going to discuss agenda item number three. I will vote against it, and here's why."

Before he had a chance to explain that the city could find the money for those necessary street repairs by cutting the city manager's salary from $179,000 to $160,000 and reducing payments to local chambers of commerce by $40,000, Police Chief Robert Brown grabbed Ford. Ford repeated several times the statement: "Chief Brown, I will not leave voluntarily, but if you believe I am violating the law by discussing this agenda item, I will submit to arrest."

Brown did not respond. Mayor Green had the audio of the city council video tape turned off as Brown dragged the councilman out of the chamber. Ford ended up hospitalized from injuries sustained during the arrest.

Ford's comments referenced an earlier, private briefing of city council members where the mayor complained that Ford had attempted to "take control" of past meetings. To stop this, Green announced that he would instruct the city manager to remove any council member who disrupted a meeting. Over the past few council sessions, Ford raised the mayor's ire by insisting that the city code be amended to allow motorists the option of a jury trial when contesting red light camera citations and by his pointing out that only five percent of the 43,955 red light camera tickets issued in the city went to motorists accused of the straight-through violations most consider to be "red light running."

"I'm not the one who brought the red light camera scandal to Duncanville," Ford responded at the private meeting. "I'm the one who brought it to light, but I'm not the one who imposed it on us... I recognize that there probably is no city employee in this room who will stand up to you guys... Unlike those people who are getting red light camera citations, I will have an opportunity for a jury trial when you arrest me for whatever it is that you've discussed, whether it's disrupting a public meeting or disorderly conduct. I will have a jury trial, and it will be a jury of my peers, not yours. In other words, people who are not getting money from this city. And I will with conscience place my fate in their hands."

Mayor Green's expulsion of an elected member of the city council violated standard rules of procedure. Under Robert's Rules of Order, the binding code of conduct for most municipal organizations, Green would not have any authority to have Ford removed for making off-topic comments that lasted less than thirty seconds. The use of force to remove a member is considered an extreme measure and a last resort.

"Although the chair has no authority to impose a penalty or to order an offending member removed from the hall, the assembly has that power," the Rules state.

Under this set of procedures, a mayor would first have issued a warning to an unruly member and, if ignored, put the question of what to do about it to the entire city council. A majority vote would be required to have a sitting member removed from the chambers after that member is given an opportunity to speak in his own defense. Under Duncanville's city charter (2.15), only the full council can change the rules of procedure, not the mayor acting alone.

Ford has been released from the hospital but the mayor had a warrant issued for his arrest. Ford announced yesterday his intention to turn himself in. Since March, Ford has attempted to gather 1300 signatures to create a referendum on the red light camera program in Duncanville.

View Arrest video:

Help Us Get Rid of Mayor David Green

2009-05-03T13:26:00.001-07:00

Petition to get rid of Duncanville Mayor David Green: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/getridofgreen

Fundraising for BestSouthwestBlog.com

2009-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

BestSouthwestBlog.com has grown faster in two months than I expected, so here's the situation we are now faced with:

1) Continue to grow;

2) Prepare for a full-fledged news Web site;

That means we'll be revamping from a blog to a news Web site. I want to be the Dallas area's Rupert Murdoch. Lofty ambitions indeed.

However, while folks think about the potential for a bigger presence in our four-to-six-town Best Southwest area, here's a easy way to directly mail our message out to voters (I'm thinking long term, not May 9.)

1) 5,000 full-color double-sided postcards (6x4) for $195. That's horribly cheap.

2) Fundraising among Best Southwest readers to get $195 would allow for this blog's URL (BestSouthwestBlog.com) and a smattering of photos/color text to market directly to select voters in Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster and elsewhere.

Postage costs I can pay for.

But for $195, 5,000 citizens would get the BestSouthwestBlog.com/EllisCountyObserver.com mail piece and we would market ourselves exponentially.

Radio | UPDATE

2009-05-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

May 9 at 10:00 p.m. - Readers, PLEASE mark down the time change. We will be host to election night history.
Who will stay and who will go??
May 9
10:00 p.m.
www.elliscountyradio.com
Stay tuned.

Why Ellis County, Texas?

2009-05-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Even though I made mention of just Ellis County in the first video, there are others coming that name names for those in Duncanville and other Best Southwest cities:

Here are my personal endorsements for the upcoming May 9 election:

Paul Ford Reports Again & Tuesday's Council Meeting

2009-05-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

District 3 Councilman Paul Ford pinpoints a few of the faces behind a recent direct-mail piece and a YouTube video. Check this out:

[Source: PaulFordReports.com]

The YouTube video to which they are sent, like a previous YouTube Video, “District 3 Councilman Paul Ford Displays Lack of Civility” mentioned in the last “Pro-Dunc” editorial -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK8-clKOdz8, a clip from the July 17, 2007 City Council meeting -- was uploaded by a person using the pseudonym “labrats10.” Who is “labrats10”? “labrats10" is the screen name of Larry Bratton, member of the Duncanville Independent School District Education Foundation and, like Glenn Repp, a top official in the Duncanville Rotary; check out this link: http://www.myspace.com/labrats10.

Ford also endorses fellow colleague Johnette Johnson in her District 5 race and Buck Werner over current Councilwoman Dorothy "Soiled, Bloodied Women's Underwear" Burton. Nothing prevents a sitting councilman or elected official (other than judges) from endorsing in races.

To read the entire update, visit PaulFordReports.com.

And here's the Tuesday agenda for the Duncanville City Council. This could or could not be the final public meeting for each of those incumbents, but we'll see.

[Click Here to Read the D'ville Council Agenda for Tuesday]

Question 1: On Agenda Item 6C, pertaining to a cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of Rowlett, isn't that the same city that just hired the former assistant DeSoto city manager? Hmm.

6C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050506 authorizing a cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of Rowlett.

Question 2: Is there a current transit service being provided to downtown Duncanville? There is now, if there wasn't before: 11C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050511 approving the Dallas County Improvement Program Project Supplement Agreement to the Master Agreement Governing Major Capital Transportation Improvement Projects for public transportation improvements to Main Street MCIP Project 41005 from Nance Street to Carder Street.

Question 3: Who owns the property at this address for a "paint grant?" 13C. Approval of an expenditure of 4B funds in the amount of $1,960.00 for a paint grant for property located at 202 E. Cherry Street.

Question 4: Someone please have their video cameras ready for this one:

16. Receive Councilmember Reports.

Councilman Ford will discuss the new City Council policy and the importance to democracy of a free exchange of ideas; the $1,100,000 City budget deficit; the upcoming election; and reserves the right to discuss any other item on the posted agenda.

Radio | Election Day Special

2009-05-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

As per demand, www.elliscountyradio.com will be back hosting a May 9 election day special. Be sure to tune in.

We will give results as they come in, the highs, lows and highlights of this election season.

You don't wanna miss it!

Election Day Special

Call in: 646-478-5811

Time : 9:00 p.m.

Early Voting | Don't forget

2009-05-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

Early Voting Locations

Ellis County

Bardwell

City Hall

100 Planters Gin Rd.

Midlothian

Conference Center

#1 Community Circle

Ovilla

City Hall

105 S. Cockrell Hill Rd

Glenn Heights

City Hall

1938 S. Hampton

Palmer

City Hall

113 W Jefferson St

Ennis

City Hall

115 W.Brown

Maypearl

City Hall

104 E. Second St.

Waxahachie Independent School District

Admin Building

411 N Gibson St

Best Southwest :

Wilmer

Wilmer Community Center

101 Davidson Plaza, Wilmer, TX 75172

Cedar Hill

Government Center

First Floor

285 Uptown Blvd.

Duncanville

Library/Rec Center

201 James Collins Blvd.

Another Ellis County Press Issue, More Burton/Smithey/Loop 9

2009-05-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

The April 30, 2009 issue of The Ellis County Press is out, and on the front page and Page 3, there are Duncanville/Cedar Hill matters listed.

[Click Here to Read the Entire Issue Online - in PDF Format]

Page 3 is home to my Freedom of the Press column. Click here to read that column.

Cedar Hill | Elect Holley

2009-04-30T02:16:00.000-07:00

This email was sent to me from Janie Haga :

Dear South Cedar Hill Neighbors and Supporters:

I hope you were able to join us for the Town Hall meeting last Thursday April 23 at the Noble Champions Arena. We don't have a firm count yet, but we believe that over 800 citizens attended.

I will be sending out a separate email with the answers we received from TX DOT, but for now, I can tell
you that we learned our City officials can make a difference in where this road goes. If the City of Cedar Hill decided NOT to support the road running through our town, TX DOT would have to respond. Getting a member on the council who supports saying "NO" to TX DOT is an important first step.

Mike Holley, who stands to lose his home to Loop 9, chose to run for City Council to try and give us a voice at City Hall. We owe it to him to get out and vote for him. Just getting him elected will demonstrate to Cedar Hill and neighboring communities that we mean business and that we are not going away.

Absentee voting started today, Monday, April 27 and runs through May 3. Polling place is the new City Center on Uptown just west of WalMart. Go Vote Tomorrow. Vote for MIKE HOLLEY PLACE 4 FOR CITY COUNCIL.

City Council members have been elected in this city with a few hundred votes. We can do this if we just take action...and isn't your home and neighborhood and your family worth the effort?

If you need a ride to the polls, call Donna Gersten at 817-925-1011.

Our letter writing campaign will help raise visibility. We need to contact local, county and state officials. I sent an email last week that included the kit. I've attached it to this email just in case you missed it. Please take the time and effort to respectfully ask our elected officials to represent us.

VOTE TODAY! Janie Haga

Loop 9 | Letter Writing Campaign

2009-04-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

What CAN I DO ABOUT THE LOOP 9 PROJECT AND PLANS TO LEVEL MORE THAN 1,200 HOMES IN SOUTH DALLAS COUNTY?

YOU CAN
WRITE/CALL/FAX/EMAIL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

THIS PACKAGE GIVES YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED!

INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE:

1.List of City, County and State elected officials with contact information

2.Sample letter format for local and state elected officials

3.Talking points to supplement/customize your letter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Prepare your letters as soon as possible. We need action now!

2.Address and send letters to all applicable elected officials (those that represent your area/city in which you live and surrounding areas, all Austin representatives and senators that serve on the Transportation Committees in both houses).

3.Use the sample letter format.

4.Customize your letter with a) your name and contact information, b) your position on Loop 9 in your own words, and c) the action you are requesting your elected official to take.

5.Fax or mail your letter to the offices of the elected officials.

6.If you can hand-carry the letter to the district office or better yet, the Austin Office, do so! This is the most valuable contact you can make.

7.Make a follow-up call to confirm receipt and take the opportunity to restate your position and request for action to the staff person. When you call, always ask for the contact person listed by name. Be sure and state your name and the city in which you live, then give the reason for your call.

8.Email your letters as a follow-up to faxing or hard copy mailing; don’t use email as primary means of communication. Emails can be deleted without reading.

9.Repeat your letter writing and calls every week.

10.ALWAYS BE POLITE, RESPECTFUL AND CALM. SIMPLY STATE YOUR REASON FOR CALLING AND WHAT ACTION YOU ARE ASKING TO BE TAKEN.

THIS INFORMATION PACKAGE HAS BEEN EMAILED TO ALL THOSE ON THE SOUTH CEDAR HILL HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION AND LANCASTER AREA COALITION CONTACT LISTS.

IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE THIS INFORMATION ELECTRONICALLY, EMAIL YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO:

FOR CEDAR HILL: Janie Haga: jhaga@mesh.net

FOR LANCASTER: Mannix Smith: okeith1972@yahoo.com

LIST OF CITY, COUNTY AND STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS TO CONTACT ABOUT LOOP 9
LOCAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
City of Cedar Hill
NAME
OFFICE HELD/AREA
REPRESENTED
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Rob Franke
Mayor
1132 Stony Creek

Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Home:972-291-8450
Call City Secretary for Council Fax

972-291-5100
rob.franke@cedarhilltx.com

Cory Spillman
Mayor Pro Tem

Councilmember, Place 1
1702 South Joe Wilson Rd

Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Home:972-293-8468
Call City Secretary for Council Fax
972-291-5100
cory.spillman@cedarhilltx.com

Wade Emmert
Councilmember, Place 3
C/O City Government CenterOffice of the City Secretary
285 Uptown Blvd
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Home:469-878-7368
Call City Secretary for Council Fax
972-291-5100
wade.emmert@cedarhilltx.com

Daniel Haydin
Councilmember, Place 2
1521 Kari Ann Dr.
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Home:972-299-5355
Call City Secretary for Council Fax
972-291-5100
haydin4citizens@sbcglobal.net

Makia Epie
Councilmember, Place 5
P.O. Box 310
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Home:469-454-2462
Call City Secretary for Council Fax
972-291-5100
makia.epie@cedarhilltx.com

Greg Patton
Councilmember, Place 4

(Not Running for Re-Election)

Mike Holley, South Cedar Hill Homeowners’ Association Leadership Council is running; Mike is opposed to Loop 9. He needs our votes on May 9.
714 Mobley Rd
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Home:972-291-1128
Call City Secretary for Council Fax
972-291-5100
greg.patton@cedarhilltx.com

Clifford Shaw
Councilmember, Place 6
151 E. Little Creek No. D9
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Office:817-763-4601
Call City Secretary for Council Fax
972-291-5100
clifford.shaw@dcma.mil

City of Lancaster
NAME
OFFICE HELD/AREA
REPRESENTED
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Marcus Knight
Mayor
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
mknight@lancaster-tx.com

Carol Strain-Burk
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember, District 1
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
Cstrain-burk@lancaster-tx.com

Todd Love
Councilmember, District 2
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
tlove@lancaster-tx.com

Susan Anderson
favoDeputy Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember, District 3
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
sanderson@lancaster-tx.com

James Daniels
Councilmember, District 4
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
jdaniels@lancaster-tx.com

Sue Wyrick
Councilmember, District 5
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
swyrick@lancaster-tx.com

Nina Morris
Councilmember, District 6
211 N. Henry St.
Lancaster, TX 75146
City Hall:972-218-1300
Call City Hall for Fax
nmorris@lancaster-tx.com

City of Glenn Heights
NAME
OFFICE HELD/AREA
REPRESENTED
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Clarke Choate
Mayor
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
Home:
426 Pearly Top Drive
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
City Hall: 972-223-1690 Ext. 400
Home:972-223-8384
Home Fax:972-223-4264
clarkchoate@glennheights.com

Open – Elaine Holladay is running for this seat against two opponents
She has spoken out against Loop 9. She needs our votes on May 9.
City Council, Place 1 - Open
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154

Dan Freeman
City Council, Place 2
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
Home:437 Sleepy Top Drive
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
City Hall:972-223-1690 Ext. 402

Home:972-274-0377
Call City Hall for Fax
danfreeman@glennheights.com

Kathy Dixon
City Council, Place 3
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
City Hall:972-223-1690 Ext. 403
Call City Hall for Fax
kathydixon@glennheights.com

Mary Ann Chancellor
City Council, Place 4
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
City Hall:972-223-1690 Ext. 404
Call City Hall for Fax
maryannchancellor@glennheights.com

Chance Harvey
City Council, Place 5
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
City Hall:972-223-1690 Ext. 405
Call City Hall for Fax
chanceharvey@glennheights.com

Victor André Pereira
City Council, Place 6
City Hall:
1938 S. Hampton Rd
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
Home:
801 W. Bear Creek RDd
Glenn Heights
City Hall:972-223-1690 Ext. 406

Home:972-274-0012
Call City Hall for Fax
victorpereira@glennheights.com

Dallas County
NAME (PARTY)
OFFICE HELD/AREA
REPRESENTED
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Jim Foster (D)
Dallas County Judge
Main Office:
411 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7949
Call for Fax Number
None listed; call for email address

John Wiley Price (D)
County Commissioner, District 3 (DeSoto, Lancaster, Glenn Heights)
District Office:
1506 E. Langdon Rd
Dallas, TX 75216

Main Office:
411 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-6671
214-653-7057
None listed; call for email address

Kenneth Mayfield ( R)
County Commissioner, District 4 (Cedar Hill)
He is Co-Chairman of the Loop 9 Task Force and Chairman, Transportation Excellence for the 21st Century (TEX-21) State-Wide Transportation Coalition
District Office:
4403 West Illinois Ave
Dallas, TX 75211

Main Office:
411 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75202

Home Address:
1541 Kari Ann Drive
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
214-653-7361
Call for Fax Number
None listed; call for email address

STATE GOVERNMENT
Texas House of Representatives - Cedar Hill/Lancaster/Waxahachie
NAME(Party)
[STAFF CONTACT]
DISTRICT/AREA
REPRESENTED
OFFICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Helen Giddings (D)
[Tamara Hobbs, Chief of Staff - Austin]
[Sarah Wehland, Chief of Staff - District Office - DeSoto]
District 109-Dallas County – Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster
P.O. Box 2910
Room 1N.5
Austin, TX 78768-2910

1510 N. Hampton Rd. Suite 340
DeSoto, TX
75115
512-463-0953
972-224-6795
972-228-6796
972-228-6796
Tamara.hobbs@house.state.tx.us
Sarah.wehland@house.state.tx.us

Jim Pitts (R)
[Jason Nelson, Legislative Director]
District 10-Ellis, Hunt Counties-Waxahachie
P.O. Box 2910
Room 1W.2
Austin, TX 78768-2910

310 W. Jefferson Suite 1
Waxahachie, TX 75165
512-463-0516
972-938-9392
512-463-1051
972-937-2842
jason.nelson@house.state.tx.us

Texas House of Representatives – Other Members of Dallas County Delegation
NAME (PARTY)
[STAFF CONTACT]
DISTRICT/AREA
REPRESENTED
OFFICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Kirk England (D)
[Theresa Huchingson, Chief of Staff]
District 106- Part of Dallas County-Grand Prairie and Irving
P.O. Box 2910
Room E2.910
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0694
512-463-1130
theresa.huchingson@house.state.tx.us

Roberto Alonzo (D)
[Jesse Bernal, Chief of Staff]
District 104-Part of Dallas County-Oak Cliff
P.O. Box 2910
Room 4N.6
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0408
512-463-1817
Jesse.bernal@house.state.tx.us

Vicki Truitt (R)
[Terra Taylor, Chief of Staff and Sophia Lecky, Legislative Aide]
District 98-Part of Tarrant County-Keller
P.O. Box 2910
Room GW-18
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0690
512-477-5770
Terra.taylor@house.state.tx.us
Sophia.lecky@house.state.tx.us

Texas House of Representatives - Transportation Committee
NAME (PARTY)
[STAFF CONTACT]
DISTRICT/AREA
REPRESENTED
OFFICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Joe Pickett (D) CHAIRMAN
[j. Markey Culver, Legislative Aide]
District 79-Part of El Paso County-El Paso
P.O. Box 2910
Room E1.308
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0596
512-463-6504
Markey.culver@house.state.tx.us

Larry Phillips (R) VICE CHAIR
[Sara Haenes, Chief of Staff]
District 62-Fannin and Grayson Counties-Sherman
P.O. Box 2910
Room E2.604
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0297
512-463-1561
Sara.haenes@house.state.tx.us

William A. “Bill” Callegari (R)
[Amy DeWeese, Legislative Aide]
District 132-Part of Harris County-Katy
P.O. Box 2910
Room E2.806
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0528
512-463-7820
Amy.deweese@house.state.tx.us

Ryan Guillen (D)
[Keith Cook, Communications Director
District 31-Parts of Several Counties-West Texas-Rio Grande City
P.O. Box 2910
Room E2.902
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0416
512-463-1012
Keith.cook@house.state.tx.us

Tommy Merritt (R)
[Jennifer Foster, Chief of Staff]
District 7-Part of Gregg and Smith Counties-Longview
P.O. Box 2910
Room 1N.12
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0750
512-463-9085
Jennifer.foster@house.state.tx.us

Yvonne Davis (D)
[Lemuel Price, Legislative Director]
District 111-Part of Dallas County-South Dallas
P.O. Box 2910
GW.7
Austin, TX 78768-2910
5787 S. Hampton Suite 447
Dallas, TX 75232
512-463-0598
214-941-3895
512-463-2297
Lemuel.price@house.state.tx.us

Linda Harper Brown (R)
[Ashley Hodgini, Chief of Staff]
District 105-Part of Dallas County-Irving
P.O. Box 2910
Room E2.608
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0641
512-463-0044
Ashley.hodgini@house.state.tx.us

Todd Smith (R)
[Judy Coppolo, Chief of Staff] -R
District 92-Part of Tarrant County-Euless
P.O. Box 2910
Room GW.6
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0522
512-463-9529
Judy.coppolo@house.state.tx.us

Jim Dunnam (D)
[Russell Devorsky, Legislative Director]
District 57-Parts of Several Counties-Waco
P.O. Box 2910
Room 4S.2
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0508
512-463-5934
Russell.devorsky@house.state.tx.us

Ruth Jones McClendon (D)
[Janis Reinken, Chief of Staff]
District 120-Part of Bexar County-San Antonio
P.O. Box 2910
Room 4N.4
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0708
512-463-7071
Janis.reinken@house.state.tx.us

Wayne Smith (R)
[Lauren Smith, Legislative Aide/Scheduler]
District 128-Part of Harris County-Baytown
P.O. Box 2910
Room E2.214
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0733
512-463-1323
Lauren.smith@house.state.tx.us

State Senate - Cedar Hill/Lancaster/Waxahachie
NAME (PARTY)
[STAFF CONTACT]
DISTRICT/AREA
REPRESENTED
OFFICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Royce West (D)
[LaJuana Barton, Chief of Staff]
District 23-Dallas County – South Dallas, Part of Lancaster
P.O. Box 12068
Room 1E.12
Austin, TX 78711-2068

5787 S. Hampton Rd, Suite 385
Dallas, TX 75232
512-463-0123
214-467-0123
512-463-0299
214-467-0050
lajuana_d.barton@senate.state.tx.us

Robert Deuell (R)

[Don Forse, Chief of Staff]
District 2-Several Counties – South Cedar Hill and South Lancaster
P.O. Box 12068
Room E1.706
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0102
512-463-7202
Don.forse@senate.state.tx.us

State Senate – Other Members of North Texas Delegation
NAME (PARTY)
[STAFF CONTACT]
DISTRICT/AREA

REPRESENTED
OFFICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL

Jane Nelson (R)
[Steve Roddy, Chief of Staff]
District 12 – Lewisville, Denton County (Part) and Tarrant County (Part)
P.O. Box 12068
Room 1E.5
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0112
512-463-0923
Steve.roddy@senate.state.tx.us

Chris Harris (R)
[Jeff Jeter, Chief of Staff]
District 9 – Arlington, Grand Prairie, Dallas County (Part), Denton County (Part) and Tarrant County (Part)
P.O. Box 12068
Room 3S.5
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0109
512-463-7003
Jeff.jeter@senate.state.tx.us

Senate Transportation & Homeland Security Committee
NAME (PARTY)
[STAFF CONTACT]
DISTRICT/AREA
REPRESENTED
OFFICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
FAX
EMAIL
John Carona (R), CHAIRMAN
[Margie McCloskey, Chief of Staff]
[Steven Polunksy, Transportation & Homeland Security Committee Director]
District 16-Part Dallas County-Dallas
P.O. Box 12068
Room 4E.2
Austin, TX 78711-2068

P.O. Box 12068
Room 445, Sam Houston Bldg
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0116
512-463-0067
512-463-3135
512-463-2840
Margie.mccloskey@senate.state.tx.us
Steven.polunsky@senate.state.tx.us

Florence Shapiro (R)
[Tara Korstad, Office Manager, Session Scheduler]
[Sarah Bagwell, Legislative Director]
District 8-Part of Collin and Part of Dallas County – Plano
P.O. Box 12068
Room 1E.3
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0108
512-463-7579
tara.korstad@senate.state.tx.us
sarah.bagwell@senate.state.tx.us

Kirk Watson (D)
VICE CHAIR
[Trent Townsend, Chief of Staff]
[Sarah Chanslor, Deputy Chief of Staff]
District 14 – Part of Travis County-Austin
P.O. Box 12068
Room E1.712
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0114
512-463-5949
Trent.townsend@senate.state.tx.us
Sarah.chanslor@senate.state.tx.us

Rodney Ellis (D)
[Brandon Dudley, Chief of Staff]
District 13 – Part of Fort Bend and Harris Counties-Houston
P.O. Box 12068
Room 3E.6
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0113
512-463-0006
Brandon.Dudley@senate.state.tx.us

Wendy Davis (D)
[Hector Nieto, Chief of Staff]
District 10 – Fort Worth, Tarrant County (Part)
P.O. Box 12068
Room E1.608
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0110
512-463-3745
hector.nieto@senate.state.tx.us

Joan Huffman (R)
[Jim Sheer, Chief of Staff]
[Jonathan Stinson, Legislative Director]
District 17-Parts of Several Counties-Houston
P.O. Box 12068
Room GE.5
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0117
512-463-0639
Jim.sheer@senate.state.tx.us
Jonathan.stinson@senate.state.tx.us

Robert Nichols (R)
[Steve Albright, Chief of Staff]
District 3-Many Counties-East-Jacksonville
P.O. Box 12068
Room E1.708
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0103
512-463-1526
Robert.Nichols@senate.state.tx.us

Eliot Shapleigh (D)
Eduardo Hagert, Chief of Staff]
District 29-El Paso
P.O. Box 12068
Room E1.610
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0129
512-463-0218
Eduardo.hagert@senate.state.tx.us

Jeff Wentworth (R)
[Joe Morris, Chief of Staff]
[Chelsy Hutchison, Scheduler, Caseworker]
District 25-Parts of Several Counties-South
San Antonio
P.O. Box 12068
Room 1E.9
Austin, TX 78711-2068
512-463-0125
512-463-7794
Joe.morris@senate.state.tx.us
Chelsy.Hutchison@Senate.state.tx.us

SAMPLE LETTER FORMAT – LOCAL, COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
YOUR CITY, STATE, ZIP

April 24, 2009

The Honorable [INSERT NAME OF ELECTED OFFICIAL]

[INSERT ADDRESS FOR ELECTED OFFICIAL]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP FOR ELECTED OFFICIAL]

Dear [USE TITLE OF OFFICE, LIKE “MAYOR”] [LAST NAME OF ELECTED OFFICIAL:

I am writing to you to express my deep concern regarding the Southeast Loop 9 Project in our area and to ask for your help. I am not necessarily opposed to the idea of an outer loop connecting the major north-south interstates in North Texas. I do, however take exception with the road, as it is being planned and aggressively pursued by TXDOT.

From the information I have gathered, I believe you are on record as in favor of the Loop 9 Project as it is currently proposed. I want to ask you to reconsider your position. Our neighborhood leaders have brought our concerns to many elected officials in Austin. These state representatives and senators have advised us that local elected officials do have a say in where Loop 9 will be positioned. This does not mean just advocating one of the alternatives identified by TXDOT. Local leaders do have a voice and you can make a difference in TXDOT’s plans.

Please consider the negative impacts that this road, following either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 as currently planned, will have on my family, my neighbors, our community and the North Texas region.

My objections are based on the following facts:

1. The perception on the part of local communities that Loop 9 will bring opportunities for massive increases in property and sales tax revenue is false. The road is currently proposed as a limited-access toll road that is not conducive to quality business development. A good local example is the southern Dallas County leg of Loop 12.

2. Local communities will be forced to invest millions in new infrastructure to accommodate the feeder roads for the toll road. Cities will be required to modify roads to accommodate a privately operated toll road without receiving benefit from tolls paid.

3. More than 1,200 families in just the southern portion of Dallas County will have their property seized by eminent domain. These families not only face the loss of their homes, but financial ruin since most homes have decreased in value due to the worst economic downturn since the great depression.

4. Neither current proposed alignment being studied by TXDOT’s contractor, Cintra Zachry, can be considered an outer loop as both routes run through what are now well-established residential communities.

5. Many more hundreds of homeowners will be personally and financially harmed because properties located adjacent to construction zones and high-speed toll ways will also decrease in value. Current route is over 40 years old and does not constitute an “outer” loop when the recent and projected growth in the area is all focused on cities far south of the currently identified alignments.

6. According to TXDOT officials, no alternatives beyond the extremely narrow southern Dallas County study area have ever been considered. No studies have been conducted to identify and evaluate lower-cost alternatives such as the use of toll lanes on existing rights of way.

7. Beyond the “ground zero” of the Loop 9 Project, our entire community will be facing a complete destruction of the character of our community. Most residents in our area chose to purchase their homes and property because they wished to live in a quiet, less suburban setting. On this point, all local residents will be harmed. With a toll road intended to link interstate highways, we will be exposed to constant noise and air pollution, as well as the crime, drugs and guns that have become commonplace along other major transportation links such as I-35 and I-20.

8. TXDOT officials have advised neighbors in private conversations that the current alignments for Loop 9 are designed specifically to support the development of the Inland Port in Lancaster, Texas. If existing rights of way and other alternatives have not been considered in order to support this for-profit, private development, then we are facing a situation similar to that in Arlington, Texas where thousands of home owners were forced to sell their property to make room for the Cowboy’s new stadium.

Based on these facts, I ask that you please consider taking the necessary steps to support my family and our neighbors by:

1. Working with your fellow elected officials to develop and send to TXDOT a formal notification to that neither current proposed alignment is acceptable

2. Requesting that TXDOT expand study efforts to:

a. Identify alternative alignments for Southeast Loop 9 that reflect the current and forecasted population growth areas of the greater North Texas metropolitan area – expanding the study area at least 30 miles south and east of the currently proposed alignments

b. Identify and assess EXISTING RIGHTS OF WAY in the expanded outer loop area to reduce construction costs and eliminate the need for massive seizure of private property

I thank you for your kind consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

[SIGN YOUR NAME]

YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER

YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

SAMPLE LETTER FORMAT – STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS

YOUR CITY, STATE, ZIP

April 24, 2009

The Honorable [INSERT NAME OF ELECTED OFFICIAL]

[INSERT ADDRESS FOR ELECTED OFFICIAL]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP FOR ELECTED OFFICIAL]

Dear [USE TITLE OF OFFICE, LIKE “REPRESENTATIVE”] [LAST NAME OF ELECTED OFFICIAL:

I am writing to you to ask for your help in getting TXDOT to consider other options to those currently proposed for construction of the Southeast Loop 9 toll road in South Dallas County. I believe that alternatives exist that will save Texas taxpayers billions of dollars and will prevent the loss of thousands of homes in Dallas, Ellis and surrounding counties through eminent domain seizure.

More than 1,200 homes will be destroyed to make room for the proposed Southeast Loop 9 toll road that is now planned to plow through dozens of neighborhoods in Cedar Hill, Glenn Heights and Lancaster as well as other communities to the south and east of our area. Families stand to lose their homes, their land, their financial security and their way of life. Many more thousands of families will be negatively impacted because they will find themselves in properties just feet from a 14-lane, 85-mile-per-hour roadway.

Although plans for a road in South Dallas County are not new, many things have changed since it was first identified in the 1960s. I believe that TXDOT’s current plans do not take into account the changes that have occurred in the southern area of the metroplex over the proceeding 40+ years. I also suspect that the route’s location may have been heavily influenced by private developers seeking to optimize infrastructure to support the inland port in Lancaster.

The stated objectives of the Loop 9 Project is to create an outer loop linking road connecting the major interstate highways running north to south in North Texas. The edge of Dallas County is no longer the southern boundary of the regional metropolitan area. Recent and projected population growth and development are all focused to the south of Dallas County. If this project is allowed to proceed, I believe that a road will be built that does not respond to the population growth over the past four decades. It’s location far to the north of what is now the outer area of the North Texas metropolitan area will lead to the requirement for yet another “outer loop” road in less than 10 years.

Estimated costs for the current project are $2.4 Billion. However, Dallas County road department officials have advised our community leaders that the actual cost may be as much as four times that amount - $10 Billion! These costs are due in part to the massive requirements for eminent domain seizure of existing high-end homes and high-value property as well as significant construction costs due to the current alignment’s location through hilly, rough terrain and a major wetlands area.

Despite TXDOT’s announcement that the Trans-Texas Corridor will not be pursued in its original form, efforts to make Loop 9 a reality are continuing with additional support being proposed in the form of funding in bills introduced in this session of the legislature. It is difficult to accept that our own tax dollars are being used to assist a foreign-owned for-profit construction company in completing plans to ruin our lives and destroy our neighborhoods. It is even more difficult to accept that the same company with whom TXDOT has contracted to build the road is conducting the study to determine whether or not it should be built! Something is very wrong with this situation!

I believe that other, lower-cost, less destructive alternatives to establishing an outer loop do exist. The highest potential alternative is the use of existing east-west rights of way to the south of the current identified study area and alignments. The areas to the south of the current alignment have experienced explosive population growth in the past decade. Despite this growth, existing highways have little or no congestion according the TXDOT and North Texas Council of Government studies and projections. I believe these existing rights of way should be carefully evaluated before billions of dollars are spent and thousands of families forced from their homes.

According to TXDOT Loop 9 Project Managers, no study of existing, east-west rights of way has ever been conducted for the Southeast Loop 9 requirement. No effort has been made to assess options for adding toll lanes to existing roads, as is now under contract to Cintra Zachry for S.H. 183 and I-635 in North Texas.

I humbly ask that you consider the alternatives that exist and take the necessary legislative and/or administrative actions to required TXDOT to look at alternatives before proceeding with the Southeast Loop 9 Project. I recommend that TXDOT be required to modify their current Southeast Loop 9 Study to:

Ø Identify existing rights of way south of those currently proposed that would better serve the areas of explosive population growth in Ellis County and provide a true outer loop linking road

Ø Assess existing rights of way for use with added toll lanes similar to the projects recently awarded to Cintra Zachry for S.H. 183 and I-635 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area

Ø Establish a plan to meet the requirement for an outer east-west linkage with North Texas interstate highways that avoids/minimizes the seizure of private property.

For the sake of my family and the many others that will be negatively impacted by the Loop 9 Project as currently proposed, please consider this request.

Thank you for your service to the State of Texas and to the people of Texas.

Sincerely,

[SIGN YOUR NAME]

YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER

YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

SOUTHEAST LOOP 9 TALKING POINTS

1.Current study area for the Southeast Loop 9 Project is in the same location first identified over 40 years ago by Dallas County for a two-lane county road.

2.The road is now proposed as a 6-lane elevated, limited access toll road with a 600- to 1,200-foot right of way for development under an agreement with Cintra Zachry, a private, for-profit company with foreign ownership.

3.The corresponding northern leg of the North Texas “outer loop” has moved northward by over 40 miles in this same time period in response to demographic changes, community growth and development.

4.The stated Southeast Loop 9 Project goal is to create an east-west connector road with major interstate highways by means of an outer loop – following a path at the outskirts of the greater North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

5.Neither current proposed alignment being studied by TXDOT’s contractor, Cintra Zachry, can be considered an outer loop as both routes run through what are now well-established residential communities.

6.Running a toll road through residential communities poses serious health and safety concerns to neighborhoods and families.

7.TXDOT is proceeding with current study efforts at an accelerated pace with two proposed alignments that will require eminent domain seizure of more than 1,200 homes in Midlothian, Cedar Hill, Glen Heights and Lancaster.

8.Proceeding with development of the current proposed alignments will be extremely costly due to land acquisition costs, construction costs over rocky and hilly terrain, and will destroy the homes and lives of thousands of families in Dallas and Ellis Counties.

9.A number of existing east-west public rights of way are located south and east of the current study area that offer low-cost alternatives to achieve the Southeast Loop 9 Project goals.

10.Regional traffic studies do not forecast significant congestion for these existing roadways through 2030.

11.Toll lanes could be added within these existing rights of way at comparatively low cost without displacing thousands of Texas families and negatively impacting the lives of thousands more.

12.Without legislative intervention, TXDOT intends to proceed with their current plans and will likely begin eminent domain seizure of family homes early next year.

Duncanville | Early Voting

2009-04-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

EARLY VOTING INFORMATION

EARLY VOTING DATES & TIMES:
Monday, April 27, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 1, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, May 4, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

DUNCANVILLE EARLY VOTING LOCATION:
Duncanville Library
201 James Collins Blvd
Duncanville, TX 75116

Elliott | $40,000 in the hole?

2009-04-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Marie Elliott seeking re-election for LISD school board May 9, has been reported about her forclosure on her home,as seen earlier here : Read about Elliot's Mortgage forclosure Here

With the Tarrant County IRS leins and the Dallas County IRS documents viewable here:
Dallas County IRS

It seems like even her husbad is having difficulty paying child support.

Child Support

So far, past obligations of back taxes, defaulted mortgage, and her husband's child support has Elliot owing over $40 thousand.

When a political official is in dire need of money to resolve a personal problem, their risk of temptation to bribes is, arguably,greater than the ordinary risk.

When hitting up the polls May 9 or voting now(early voting is in full swing through Sunday) is this someone you would want to be questioning large sums of money involving your childrens education?

Duncanville City Employees Harass Sign Holders @ Library

2009-04-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

When I fly into Dallas next week for some business related matters, I'll stand out in front of that Duncanville library with yard signs and we'll see if they ask me to leave.

I guarantee that'll be the biggest mistake that city employee ever makes...I'm waiting for our blood to be so boiled that these city officials start getting visited at home. I'd take 50 people with yard signs and picket this piece of crap's home (in front of it, on a sidewalk of course.)

Lawsuits won't work. We need about 50-75 citizens that are tired of this harassment fascism crap.

Duncanville, Texas is still in the United States of America, last I checked.

Greetings All:
Did you know that a friend of mine is helping with Buck's campaign at the library by standing and holding one of his signs and she was told that she would have to leave the area? According to Greg Contreras, an employee of City of Duncanville Code Compliance her sign was too big. Mr. Contreras did not take the time to measure the sign but he did take the time to get out of his car on his way to work and forced my friend Marie to remove the sign and told her to leave the area. Now where we do have a city codes and we did comply with those codes, he had no authority to bully this young lady. Today, when she went back and we convinced Marie to continue helping us, Mr. Conteras returned and measured the sign and told Marie she was ok but could only hold the sign up no higher than three feet off the ground. In this day and age when we are able to get folks to help us, especially young folks and for them to have to endure such behavior is plain wrong. In addition to this, Marie was heckled by two ladies screaming and taking photos of her and asking "how much is he paying you to do that"? With her reply that she is a volunteer. One of the ladies that Marie described was a fair skin black female with short red hair and hazel brown eyes, my, my that description certainly fits someone we all know. When Buck went in to vote yesterday he was told by the election officials to remove his Dallas County Reserve Medical Corp badge that had his name on it and get this he was the only voter in the room at that time and was told if he did not remove the badge he would not be allowed to vote. Well it is official folks it does not get any sillier than some folks. All in all it would be greatly appreciated if you would email to all of your friends and family to get them out to vote for Buck Werner for City Council At Large - Duncanville. Because one still has to ask themselves, why are there people still trying to stop Buck Werner?
Thanks.
Cindy Werner

Note: Cindy Werner is a member of the Duncanville ISD school board. He faces Dorothy "Planted Soiled, Bloodied Underwear" Burton for the May 9 race for city council at large.

Those election judges were wrong. Nothing says you can't wear a nametag. You can't electioneer, or wear campaign paraphernalia.

Someone find out who was working at the polls today. Their reputations are now mine.

BestSouthwestBlog.com Lancaster ISD Endorsements

2009-04-29T14:58:00.001-07:00

BestSouthwestBlog.com comes out fully for the challengers in the Lancaster ISD school board races on May 9:

District 1
Marie Elliott - Incumbent
Marion F. Hamillton - BSWBlog Endorsed!

District 2
Ed Kirkland - Incumbent
Cynthia L. Corbin - BSWBlog Endorsed!

Steve Snyder Article: Loop 9 Hearing Gets Emotional

2009-04-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'll let the readers weigh in on this article:

Loop 9 hearing gets emotional

By STEVE SNYDER
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 12:22 PM CDT

Today Staff
Hundreds of people from Cedar Hill and several Ellis County cities dropped by or attended a Loop 9 information meeting in Cedar Hill April 23.

Texas Department of Transportation officials provided information on the current status of Loop 9, which is in the middle of undergoing a federal Draft Environmental Impact Statement. TxDOT's Tom Nesbitt said that review is expected to be done sometime this summer, with not too much specificity as to completion date.

As to when work might start on the loop, which was first put on the drawing board back in the 1950s, TxDOT's has said that the project could be started about 2013, with the road not likely to be open until after 2020.

Some residents from Lancaster, or unincorporated areas between Lancaster and Wilmer or Hutchins, wanted to know if the loop was being pushed in conjunction with the development of the Dallas Logistics Hub by The Allen Group. Nesbitt said no, pointing out that the current phase of Loop 9 location study work began in the mid-1990s.

The greater Dallas Planning Council first identified the concept of an outer loop freeway around the Dallas Metroplex in 1964. In 1968, the Texas Highway Commission authorized this outer loop around Dallas and designated it as part of what became known as Loop 9. The Loop 9 Feasibility and Route Alignment Study was authorized in 1995.

After that, homeowners and landowners in the area asked more specific questions.

A number of area residents thought TxDOT would try to lowball them on their home values, asked if the agency would pay them based on purchase price, or on current value.

TxDOT's Travis Henderson covered that topic extensively.

“The law requires us to offer fair market value,” Henderson said. “We would contract with independent appraisers, and we would encourage homeowners to meet with appraisers.

Henderson said people would be compensated for the value of the land, value of improvements and loss of land.

He was then asked about businesses.

“By law, we can't compensate for business income, but we do pay relocation expenses,” he said.

One an appraisal is complete, a property owner can either accept the appraisal, or file a protest. TxDOT then reviews the protest. It may not adjust the appraisal at all, it may adjust it, but not much as the protesting property owner seeks, or it may adjust it that much. If, under the first or second occurrences, the property owner still disagrees, then the eminent domain process starts.

In the back of the room, at a table, Cecil Saldana explained more of the appraisal process.

TxDOT would contract with one or more independent appraisers for Loop 9 right-of-way. A second appraiser would then review those appraisals.

That said, worries about slumping home values may be overstated. Information on first-quarter home sales throughout the Metroplex show that the average price on Cedar Hill home sales rose 6 percent in the first quarter of this year, while Ellis County prices rose 8 percent.

Other people asked about right-of-way width. Nesbitt explained that the road would need about 450 feet of width in straight areas, and possibly as much as 600 in curves.

Other people in attendance suggested developing more public transportation. At this time, neither Cedar Hill nor Lancaster is a Dallas Area Rapid Transit member city, and DART doesn't extend into Ellis County. The North Central Texas Council of Governments' Regional Transportation Council has long discussed light-rail lines leading south from Dallas to Midlothian and Waxahachie; however, neither of those would address the primarily east-west focus of Loop 9 traffic.

The bottom line, though, as Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price noted, is for many of the people, it's the bottom-line fact that their houses or land, and not somebody else's, are in the currently proposed Loop 9 alignment.

TxDOT estimates about 400 properties will be affected by the road, but worried homeowner groups claim the number is closer to 1,200. Whether the difference is due to TxDOT's narrowing the right-of-way from an old proposal of 1,200 feet, or something else, was not clear.

“It doesn't matter where you put it. You're going to have this kind of rancor to some degree,” said Price.

And rancor there was.

While the vast majority of people who stayed around for most of TxDOT's presentation, some people talked over Nesbitt or Henderson's presentations, such as making comments of apparent disbelief while they were speaking.

Other people seemed to support one citizen speaker's contention that local officials were all “moles” of the Council of Governments, whose members are nominated by local cities and school boards. That comment drew the ire of the normally low-key Cedar Hill Mayor Rob Franke, who said the comment was “out of line.”

Duncanville Candidate Forum Coverage in Today Newspapers

2009-04-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Readers, there's a feature at the end of this article that allows users to submit opinions and editorials. I can't believe no one called Burton out on her past record...

Duncanville candidates speak

By BETHANY BERRY
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 12:22 PM CDT

Today Staff

Duncanville City Council Chambers was a packed house April 23 for the Candidates Forum hosted by the Duncanville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Residents had the opportunity to meet with candidates vying for seats on the Duncanville School Board and the Duncanville City Council.

Moderated by Dr. Jim Tilger, each candidate was given three minutes to provide an opening statement, one minute to address each question and one and a half minutes for a closing statement. Unopposed candidates, Councilman Ken Weaver of District 1 and Place 7 boardmember Dr. Deborah Harris, were given the opportunity to provide statements, but declined to address the public.

Timothy Miles, candidate for Duncanville School Board Place 6, announced his concern for the district's long-term debt. He said his 15 years experience as a restaurant manager has prepared him for leadership, where as a boardmember he will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the taxpayers and his “watchful eyes” will assist in solving the population growth dilemma.

Miles stated that not only will he be a great leader he will serve as a “fiscal watchdog.”

“We are heading in very historic times,” he said regarding the district's debt, adding that he has been “thinking outside the box.” He mentioned that win or lose, he plans to discuss with Superintendent Alfred Ray his ideas about how the energy plan and stimulus bill will produce solar wind power. He added the time has come for a “reexamination of the school tax exemptions afforded the church.”

Incumbent Dorothy Wolverton said her experience serving as boardmember along with community involvement makes her a qualified candidate for Place 6 and believes she has a “feel for what the community wants.”

Wolverton, who served the last three years as board president, said there are concerns the district should be focused on including the continuous changing of technology, effective use of taxpayers' dollars, improvements in better education and other goals all “require teamwork.”

“We have that team in place along with Superintendent Alfred Ray,” she said adding the current board has been successful because not only do they work well together, but they care about keeping children first.

Wolverton mentioned concerns about the district's dropout rate and her anxiety for school funding saying the district receives less money than Coppell ISD, whose district is the same size as Duncanville, Cedar Hill and DeSoto ISDs.

Vying for the District 3 seat are Paul Ford and Anthony Skinner, both who have prior experience serving on the city council.

In his opening statement, Skinner, who served on the council from 2005-07 and a Duncanville resident for more than 30 years, said while serving on the council, he was able to build a “workable and powerful relationship” between councilmembers, city staff and the citizens of District 3.

He commented on his achievements saying not only did he help build a major hotel and expand the community theater, he also brought tax revenue to the city, assist in cutting property taxes all of which relieved tax burdens of citizens.

Ford, a Duncanville resident for more than 15 years, mentioned during his statement that he has been “dedicated to the people” by his votes against wasteful spending and in banning red light cameras. He said his work to create an “openness and transparency” in the city government is something he has promised and delivered to the citizens of Duncanville.

Ford said that if re-elected, he would push for Duncanville to be a low crime, low tax, effectively run suburban city, returning it to the “basic principles of city government.”

“Those principles are city governments that live within its means,” he said. “Efficient city services to live in and a city leadership dedicated to doing what's best for the people it's selected to serve.”

Both expressed agreement regarding the expansion of local businesses to increase the city's economic growth, with Skinner stating the city must “aggressively pursue” businesses to fill the empty spaces, something he pushed for during his term. Ford retorted saying local businesses are the “core and backbone” of the community.

Ford also mentioned his concern that too much time and taxpayer money has been spent on “pie in the sky” ventures such as the retail spaces and condominiums.

Johnette Jameson, who is being challenged by Gerald Hill for the District 5 seat, mentioned her achievements as councilmember, working to remove graffiti and her successful negotiation of the I-20 service roads.

“I've continued to increase my knowledge and improve my understanding to better serve my community,” she said, and said she has been able to do her accomplishments by keeping an open dialogue. “I support economic development in Duncanville along with the requirements of an acceptable return on your tax dollars.”

Years working for AT&T have prepared her for the role of directing large groups of people, Jameson said. She said she has developed relations with state representatives, senators and councilmembers of other cities, creating open lines of communication.

Hill said he understands the concerns of District 5 residents and will fight for their voice to be heard. His background of leadership in running a small business qualifies him to be councilmember. He said the city must use the assets it has successfully and not spend what it doesn't have and also find ways to entice new residents into Duncanville.

He said he has walked the neighborhoods of District 5 and talked with people who are afraid of losing their “motive life in a unique area.”

Both candidates believed cooperation between the other Best Southwest cities is successful and the relationship can always be strengthened. Jameson mentioned the Logistics Hub that could bring in 60,000 jobs to the area. Hill added the Tri-City Animal Shelter along with local police and fire departments is proof of the unity between the BSW, saying “sharing is the only way.”

While Buck Werner was unable to attend the forum to protest his qualifications as Councilmember At-Large, his presence was made with representative from his campaign present, issuing out flyers and pamphlets.

Dorothy Burton said the election race is about the citizens and the future of the city. She asked audience members to look around the room and see the face of someone who might be affected by job loss or an economic crisis, saying “daunting days are ahead” as we are faced with “unforeseen challenges in our lifetime.”

She said that while serving as councilmember at-large for the last six years she has put “people above politics,” adding a leader is someone who has been tested and comes out tried and true.

Burton stated that regardless of the economic issues, “a house divided cannot stand,” adding the city must work closely “hand in hand.”

She closed her statement saying throughout her campaigning process, she has “focused on the positive.”

“We may be a little bruised,” she said, “but one thing we know about champions is that we know how to get back up again.”

The forum concluded with Tilger thanking each candidate for participating and a reminder that early voting runs through May 5. Election Day takes place May 9.
Submit Comments on this Article by Clicking This Link

Joey's Personal Endorsements

2009-04-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

I don't live in Texas anymore, so that makes me a tad bit confident in posting these list of endorsements - so far - for the May 9 local elections.

Ovilla City Council
Bill Vansyckle, mayor
All non-incumbents

Midlothian City Council
Bill Redding, Hank Miller

Midlothian ISD School Board
No opinion

Glenn Heights
Elaine Holladay

Cedar Hill City Council
Wallace Swayze/Mike Holley

Cedar Hill ISD
Any non-incunbent

Duncanville City Council
Buck Werner, council at-large
Paul Ford, District 3
Johnette Jameson, District 5

These are just personal endorsements, and should not be viewed as BestSouthwestBlog.com endorsements.

Coming to Dallas Next Week...

2009-04-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

Friends,

I’ll be flying to Dallas next week (May 4 or 5) just in time for the May 9 local elections. I’ve got some internet business to take care of, but should any candidate or friend need my help while I’m in town, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me: joeydauben@hotmail.com

I’d like to visit Duncanville and Midlothian, as well as meet with the organizers of the Loop 9 “toll party.”

I’m looking at hotels right now, but if someone wanted to put me up for a day instead, that’d be easier :)

Glenn Heights | Detective Caught on Tape?

2009-04-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today and all day yesterday concerned residents of Glenn Heights have been contacting me about the corruption and cover ups in the police department.

According to at least one witness, Det. Kevin Howard was caught on duty beating his wife on camera.

Why all the hush hush if somebody is already fixing this?

Allegedly, Howard has been known to cheat and his wife was apparently fed up with it when he caught her speeding down the road.

He is now seen with a black eye around town according to phone calls…Would that be a defense wound???

Anyone know anything else about this or the other apparent cover ups that I have been hearing about??

Hmm…sounds to me like that department is in bad need of a clean up.

I filed an open records request with the department this afternoon asking for a copy of the audio/video.

Damn! Ellis Hobbs got Traded to the Eagles

2009-04-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

DeSoto High School product Ellis Hobbs is an Eagle again, but this time in Philadelphia. Hobbs, who played for the New England Patriots since being drafted out of Iowa State, was traded to make room for a new cornerback the Pats picked in Saturday's NFL draft.

I was really looking forward to sporting a No. 27 jersey to a Pats game from my new home state of New Hampshire. Aside from the Red Sox logo on every street corner and every car, there's a Pats sticker as well (even on my car.)

I saw Hobbs play a few high school games. I'm still a big fan, regardless of the team. I started my journalism career in 1999 covering high school football for Focus Daily News in DeSoto. Got to see some pretty awesome players from both DeSoto and Duncanville play.

Councilwoman Dorothy Burton: 'This is Above My Pay Grade' on Illegal Aliens

2009-04-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

In The Dallas Morning News city council questionnaire, Duncanville Mayor Pro-Tem Dorothy Burton, already in heat over planting two pairs of soiled, bloodied women's underwear of an ex-co worker in an office - a stunt she was fired over - during her days at Dallas Area Rapid Transit - answered a question on illegal immigration with a now-famous requote of our president:

DMN: Some cities have taken an aggressive stance against illegal immigration. What changes in local laws, if any, should your city adopt to address this issue?

Dorothy Burton: This is above my paygrade. Not ducking the issue at all, but in my opinion, this is and always has been a federal government issue, not a municipal one.

By doing the stunt with the women's underwear, I'm guessing she wasn't paid very much at DART either. So, is this what it meant when former Duncanville Mayor Glenn Repp reportedly told a former councilman at Starbucks one day that Burton was "going black on us [Pro-Dunc PAC]?"

John Wiley Price | ' I support Loop 9'

2009-04-26T13:14:00.001-07:00

Dallas County Commissioner, John Wiley Price, directly said " I support Loop 9."

By doing so, this of course ended up with the crowded practically booing him away from the podium.

To see what Price had to say along with other public officials watch this video below:

*Note, BOTH State Reps had spokesman there on their behalf since they were unable to make it.

Letter Writing Campaign | We Don't Have Much Time

2009-04-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Readers, we need to enact a flush of letters to the editor about Dorothy Burton's past record at DART, and we don't have much time left.

It will only take a few minutes of your time, but by having multiple letters from various taxpayers in The Ellis County Press or Today Newspaper, the psychological effect could be worth it.

To send a letter to the editor, e-mail the 300-word maximum editorial to: press@elliscountypress.com.

If anyone needs help writing or editing a letter, contact me directly: joeydauben@hotmail.com

Video | Loop 9

2009-04-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't yet finished adding headlines to everything but all the videos from last night's meeting are now uploaded.

As I get more footage and other pictures I will post those up as well.

There is hope to have the whole meeting broken down in parts for those who couldn't attend available for online viewing.

I will keep y'all posted.

Here is one of my favorites :

Helen Giddings Wasn't At the Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting

2009-04-24T09:54:00.001-07:00

According to those at the town hall meeting - except one - state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, and state Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, sent in a video to play at the massive Loop 9 Town Hall meeting in Cedar Hill. (photo by Andy Goth)

Here's an excerpt of what Today Newspapers editor Steve Snyder reported on the paper's blog:

And, in between? The woman who may run against BOTH “Foster Gump” and JWP’s hand-picked robot, Clay Jenkins, in the Democratic primary — State Rep. Helen Giddings. (I didn’t see Rep. Jim Pitts there.) Her willingness to show up for a meeting like this in person, rather than send somebodyfrom her staff, tells me Giddings is still giving serious consideration to the judgeship run.

So, I'll wait for Megan Gray of The Ellis County Press to respond to this again.

More Photos: EllisCountyObserver.com or on the Stop Loop 9 Facebook group.

Loop 9 Town Hall Photos + Today Newspapers Controversy

2009-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

(photos on the below link c/o Andy Goth)

We've got a little confusion going on from last night's packed Loop 9 Town Hall meeting.

[[[Click Here for a Link to Dozens of Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Photos]]]

First off, citizens organized the town hall meeting. The misinformation put out by a few government people about state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, putting this on was wrong.

[[[Click Here for a Link to Dozens of Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Photos]]]

Second, we're questioning - at least Megan Gray is - Today Newspapers editor Steve Snyder's account of the town hall meeting. Megan was there and she reports that Giddings had sent in (as did state Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie) video responses because lawmakers were in Austin. When Megan asked about this publicly on the Today Newspapers blog, her comment/question was deleted. Snyder says Giddings was at this town hall meeting.

[[[Click Here for a Link to Dozens of Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Photos]]]

Third, organizers on the ground know the accurate number of people who attended the town hall meeting. I was getting reports that they expected 1,000 but had close to 700 people in attendance. Snyder admits to sending an e-mail to a TV reporter with a more "accurate" number. Still, 700 people who were opposed (give or take a few who weren't) is a massive number.

No wonder the local and state governing bodies -- including the traitors at the North Central Texas Council of Governments who helped push the Loop 9 agenda -- didn't want to admit citizens organized this. Seven hundred people could alter a few city council seats on these towns where Loop 9 is planned.

(Ken Chambers, make a note: take Bill Redding and Hank Miller to the Highway 67 neighborhood in Midlothian that is depicted on the ECP April 9 front page)

[[[Click Here for a Link to Dozens of Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Photos]]]

Apparently, the misinformation coming out about this town hall meeting is evident. The politicians don't want to think that they really have this much opposition I guess. Megan met hundreds of people when she introduced herself as The Ellis County Press. At last count, Megan handed out hundreds of copies of The Ellis County Press April 9 issue.

Even before the town hall meeting, I was getting more and more sign-ups over at StopLoop9.com. Today I'm still getting them.

[[[Click Here for a Link to Dozens of Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Photos]]]

The momentum cannot subside. We must remain vigilant and continue to fight this.

[[[Click Here for a Link to Dozens of Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Photos]]]

Interesting

...

I also find it interesting that Focus Daily News publisher Marlon Hanson (they're family friends; good people; funny people; hard-working people) lives on South Duncanville Road near where this town hall meeting was located. Could we see a coming battle between Today and Focus?

Throw in the ECP and now we have competition to give us what's really going on...

The Ellis County Press is Out, and Hopefully Dorothy Burton Will be Too

2009-04-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

No, little Dorothy, we aren't in south Oak Cliff anymore. Your black racism can't escape accountability from every media outlet...

Duncanville Councilwoman/Mayor Pro-Tem Dorothy Burton will have a very interesting time tonight at the Duncanville candidate debate.

The Ellis County Press hit news stands today, and its Web site, EllisCountyPress.com, now has the entire issue up online.

Page 3 — which is where my Freedom of the Press column is carried — has Burton’s soiled Dallas Area Rapid Transit past in print.

The Best Southwest Dallas County area has two newspapers - Today and Focus Daily News, where I got my start in journalism in 1999. Both papers have just been punked out by a paper not fully in their coverage area. Sucks to be them. Cover-ups have no place in journalism, which is why the newspaper industry is being shredded to bits.

Readers, feel free to send in your photos and video of the distribution of our papers at tonight’s debate, or just of the debate in general. I know for a fact one of the Duncanville activists picked up 50 copies of the ECP to hand-deliver to folks.

Burton has never been held accountable for her DART past. The documents are public record, and so is her DART employment history.

She was fired for the stunt she pulled. And hopefully on May 9, voters will fire her from the mayor pro-tem spot.

Cedar Hill Militarizing Police Department

2009-04-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

In a small section of text on TodayNewspapers.net, this information is included in a recent Cedar Hill city council news report:

The council also approved applying for a federal Community Oriented Policing grant that will pay for two new police officers for three years. After that, the city will be responsible for their salaries.

I've been blogging over at The Ellis County Observer, the BSWB's sister blog, about the militarization of the Midlothian Police Department (by way of DeSoto Police Chief Mike Brodnax' IRS task force), and it looks like we'll need to keep a closer watch on CHPD.

CHPD, for those who don't remember, used a battering ram on the infamous Cherry Pit swinger's club in Duncanville. Totally unnecessary.

Councilwoman Dorothy Burton: 'I Don't Like White Boys'

2009-04-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

I was shipped a package of documents - again - and the best document of all (this included hard copies of all the documents from Duncanville Councilwoman Dorothy Burton's record at Dallas Area Rapid Transit -- the ones that show how she admitted to placing soiled, bloodied women's underwear on unsuspecting co-workers) is a notation in scribbled meeting minutes that state:

Dorothy Burton: "I Don't Like White Boys."

Burton should address this and her DART records that are now reported about in The Ellis County Press tonight at the candidate forum in Duncanville.

I know of 50 copies of the ECP that will be distributed at the candidate forum tonight. Might put some pressure on Focus Daily News and Today Newspapers to actually report something of substance on this matter.

WFAA Channel 8 Loop 9 Segment

2009-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

WFAA Channel 8 did a Loop 9 segment last night:

[http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa090422_mo_outerloop.fff0577e.html]

Elliott Seeking re-election with troubles behind

2009-04-22T23:44:00.000-07:00

Marie Elliott, Place 1, for Lancaster Independent School District and seeking re-election this May 9 after siding with ex-super Larry Lewis and Ed Kirkland -who is also seeking re-election this May 9-has been in more financial trouble.

According to these documents and also first reported by BSWB this past Nov., Elliott is in some sort of financial bind.

These records, Click here tot view, show from as far back as the early 90's that she owes the IRS.

Extensions are ran until 2010 when it appears she might be expected to pay the nearly $14,000 she owes.

Lewis Divorce

2009-04-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

Larry Lewis', ex-superintendent for Lancaster Independent School District, divorce from his wife details.

Register Of Actions
Case No. DF-09-00845
LARRY LEWIS vs. SYLVIA LEWIS §
§
§
§
§

Case Type: DIVORCE
Date Filed: 01/21/2009
Location: 255th District Court
Party Information

Lead Attorneys
PETITIONER
LEWIS, LARRY D
NASH, VALENCIA

Retained

RESPONDENT
LEWIS, SYLVIA A
HICKS, DONALD W

Retained
Events & Orders of the Court
DISPOSITIONS
04/09/2009
AGREED JUDGMENT (Judicial Officer: HOCKETT, LORI CHRISMAN)
Vol./Book 6713, Page 103, 1 pages

OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS
01/16/2009 ORIGINAL PETITION (OCA)
01/30/2009 ORIGINAL ANSWER - GENERAL DENIAL
03/20/2009 MEDIATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Vol./Book 6685, Page 125, 1 pages
04/09/2009 PROVE UP (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer GARCIA, DENNISE)
Result: HEARING HELD
04/09/2009 REPORT TO AUSTIN
08/13/2009 CANCELED DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer HOCKETT, LORI CHRISMAN)
CASE CLOSED
Financial Information

PETITIONER LEWIS, LARRY D
Total Financial Assessment 235.00
Total Payments and Credits 235.00
Balance Due as of 04/21/2009 0.00

01/16/2009 Transaction Assessment 235.00
01/16/2009 PAYMENT (CASE FEES) Receipt # 3647-2009-DCLK NASH, VALENCIA

LISD | Superintendent search team selected

2009-04-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

Arrow Education Services, is the team behind the search for the new superintendent over in Lancaster.

You may view their site here : LISD Search

Loop 9 | News Release

2009-04-21T19:33:00.001-07:00

The controversy surrounding Loop 9 is gaining momentum around here.

Our own Joey Dauben is even being recognized in his efforts on the news release sent out today to media outlets across the metroplex.

Southeast Loop 9 Toll Road Will Level More Than 1,200 Homes

Town Hall Meeting in Cedar Hill with Citizens, TXDOT, Elected Officials

Set for April 23

More than 1,200 families stand to lose their homes and property in south Dallas and Ellis Counties if TXDOT officials have their way. Despite TXDOT claims that the toll project is to provide an “outer” loop around the southern boundary of the DFW Metroplex, the current alternatives will plow through neighborhoods in Midlothian, Cedar Hill, Glenn Heights, Seagoville and Lancaster. City leaders in all these communities are in support of the project despite the pleas from citizens who stand to lose everything.

According to the TXDOT website, www.Loop9.org, plans are to complete study efforts and finalize the route by year end so that homes and property acquisition by eminent domain seizure, could begin as soon as early next year. The Southeast Loop 9 Project is one of 6 toll road projects under contract to the foreign-owned Cintra Zachry firm. These projects were “grandfathered” in 2007 when the legislature passed a moratorium on all such projects as a result of public outcry.

In response to constituent pleas for assistance, State Representative Helen Giddings, whose district encompasses most of the south Dallas County area to be affected, has organized a town meeting to be hosted by local community groups that have joined together to recommend less costly, less destructive alternatives.

Giddings and State Representative Jim Pitts of Waxahachie, whose district also includes citizens who stand to lose their homes, are scheduled to attend. Giddings has invited TXDOT to present a Southeast Loop 9 status report to the citizens. District staff members representing State Senator Robert Deuell and other members of the Dallas County State delegation have also been invited. County Commissioners Kenneth Mayfield and John Wiley Price have been invited by the community groups as have representatives from the city governments of Cedar Hill, Glenn Heights and Lancaster.

Citizens from all three affected communities are invited to attend. Community organizers have been distributing flyers, posting signs and sending emails to get the word out to all those with questions on the proposed road and those who are asking for elected officials to intervene and to ask TXDOT to look at alternatives that would save homes and neighborhoods.

WHO: State Rep. Helen Giddings, State Rep. Jim Pitts, County Commissioner John Wiley Price, County Judge Jim Foster, Jim Nesbitt, TXDOT Southeast Loop 9 Project Manager

WHAT:Town Hall Meeting

WHERE : Noble Champions Sport Horses Arena, 1302 S. Duncanville Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2009

In addition to the TXDOT presentation, citizens will have opportunities to ask questions of TXDOT and other elected officials and representatives.

Community group leaders also intend to present their case for studying other options before TXDOT and elected officials.

Citizen questions and comments will more than likely be passionate and intense as these folks are fighting for their homes, financial security and safety.

WHY: Citizens in the communities in south Dallas County have come together through grassroots organizing to seek redress of their grievances with their city governments (who are not supportive of efforts to move the road out of neighborhoods because they view the road as a golden goose of property and sales taxes), TXDOT (that has planned this road with the usual MO of very little public notice or input), and county and state officials (who seem to be unaware of the high cost of the current road and its devastating impact on literally thousands of families in Dallas County).

After giving up on ever getting any help or support from city leaders, the community leaders went directly to State-Elected officials to seek help. The town meeting is a result of those appeals.

Mannix Smith is the Loop 9 Project Coordinator for the Lancaster Citizens’ Coalition. Donna Gersten is the Town Hall Meeting Coordinator for the South Cedar Hill Homeowners’ Association. Both Smith and Gersten have homes that will be adversely affected by the proposed Loop 9 route.

Email addresses for Smith and Gersten:

Mannix Smith: okeith1972@yahoo.com

Donna Gersten: Donna.Gersten@gpisd.org

The community groups do not have an active website. A dedicated website: www.stoploop9.com was created by Joey Dauben, publisher of The Ellis County Observer. The site provides background on the project and documents the reasons for citizen opposition.

Dauben can be reached at: joeydauben@hotmail.com

Steele to Canvass Clayton Mobile Homes

2009-04-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mayor of Wilmer, Jeff Steele, will be going door to door with his campaign this Friday at Clayton Crossing Mobile Homes in Wilmer from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If the weather holds, he should be there during the same hours Saturday as well.

Wilmer | People Not Politics

2009-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Jeff Steele, mayor,up for election May 9 will be hosting a political advertisement on this blog as well as the Ellis County Observer.

Are you a candidate and want to place an ad?

Just contact us.

LISD | Ed Kirkland, Who is her?

2009-04-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Larry Lewis,ex-superintendent of Lancaster Independent School District, was claimed in the Jones Report to have prevented distribution to the school board members the Texas Education Agency draft report from Feb. 2008.

In this post you will be able to listen to an audio file (go to around the one hour mark)when Lewis is speaking about Katrina refugee students, that was held in April of last year, TEA made it clear that they had sent the district administration copies of the audit they intended the ENTIRE school board to see.

From the date of the April 08 meeting until the June 08 release of the FINAL report, Lewis did NOT distribute the audit copies.

During the Jones investigation he continued to claim he remained confused about whether TEA had sent board members copies for the entire period between February and June.

The audio makes clear Lewis knew, in April,that he was supposed to provide trustees the draft of audit.

Ed Kirkland up this May 9 for re-election, has supported Lewis in all events last year.

Kirkland's participation in the April 08 meeting indicates that as a board member,DID in fact have knowledge of the draft audit but did NOT share with other trustees.

This violates board policy.

Kirkland has yet to get back in touch with me about his actions over the course of this past year.

Listen to entire meeting here : LISD.mp3

LISD | Meet The Candidates

2009-04-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT
When:Event Starts: 4/21/2009 07:00 PM CST Event Ends: 4/21/2009 08:00 PM CST
Price:FREE Admission
Where:Lancaster ISD Administration Bldg.
422 S. Centre
Lancaster, TX 75146

I stumbled across this going through my emails. Anyone get any video or recording of the meeting at all?

If you live close enough, it might not be too late to catch a candidates attention before they leave.

Question to ask, Why did Marie Elliott leave the called meetings this weekend when it was time to go over the superintendent selection and why did Ed Kirkland not show up at all?

WFAA Channel 8 Needs Loop 9 Opponents

2009-04-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

WFAA Channel 8 called and they need Loop 9 opponents for an interview. Contact Channel 8 reporter Jason Whitely at 214-977-6473 or jwhitely@wfaa.com.

We're also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=69094663681&ref=mf

Reminder:

Thursday, April 23 - Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting
@ 1302 S. Duncanville Road | Cedar Hill
(corner of Bear Creek/Duncanville roads)
Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Send us your photos/video of the event: info@stoploop9.com or info@elliscountyobserver.com.

Duncanville Police Follow Paul Ford While Campaigning

2009-04-21T11:26:00.001-07:00

The Duncanville Police Department, acting on alleged directives from its chief and possibly City Manager Kent Cagle, had an officer follow controversial District 3 Councilman Paul Ford to a senior citizens center when the incumbent councilman, who was arrested at the last Duncanville council meeting, was campaigning.

Ford faces former councilman Anthony Skinner in the May 9 election.

The identity of the officer who followed Ford is not known currently, but when we do find out, his TCLEOSE records will be made public and he will be followed.

Is this really that necessary? Come on people. Ford is an outspoken activist on the city council, he isn't a terrorist.

I think Duncanville PD ought to be dismantled and a new team be brought in to shape those guys up.

Ford is a vocal opponent of the city's red light cameras. His Web site, PaulFordReports.com, has exposed numerous upon numerous of conflict of interest votes and decisions made by his council colleagues.

More Conflict of Interests. More Real Estate Corruption Deals.

2009-04-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

The user "Rosy" posted these damning allegations over at The Ellis County Observer's popular Paul Ford Arrest Video blog post. Does anyone want to address them, or vouch for the information contained?

Do you know where the Paul Ford campaign begain? Probably not… but check this ONE THING out… We (Duncanville taxpayers) paid a church $500,000 for a piece of property located at the intersection of I-20 and Main… this property was on the DCAD for $49,000.00…Why did Duncanville (taxpayers) pay 10 times the value… NO ONE knows.. I myself have asked for an appraisal and was told that none was available… BUT it gets better… later… the city of Duncanville taxpayers) GAVE… LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR>>> GAVE… the property to Paramount Properties… check it out… they have a for sale sign on the property… and you can view it on the internet… it is for sale for $1 million+… and WE GAVE IT TO THEM… WHY??? BURIED… try asking Mayor Green… Kent Cagle… and I guarantee you will recieve a personal profile on your life… I mean… if you ever farted in church… it will be brought out… THIS is the tactic that our PRO-DUNC… (otherwise known as … using our money for their own gain… as we sleep) ACT. Ever wondered why we are spending millions on the revalitizing of downtown Duncanville… COUNT the buildings… then divide it by how many of these properties are owned by the HEAD of PRO-DUNC… Dalton LOTT… not to mention the little property owned by Scott Cannon… (Councilman… ALL FOR IT)… Like I said… I am wanting to paint and re-landscape my home… I truly think it will enhance my neighborhood and probably raise property values and tax revenus… therefore… I … LIKE Dalton Lott… think that my neighbors… and all taxpaying citizens of Duncanville should contribute to my expense… Again… I need only $2,800.00… A lot less than LOTT… FUNNY… let’s do it again… A LOT LESS THAN LOTT…

Somehow when I read it again.. it is not so FUNNY!

Ad | Buck Werner for City Council

2009-04-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Readers, pay attention to the ever-changing and always-informative sidebar.

Duncanville City Council candidate Buck Werner, a retired Army major, is now advertising with us. His ad will be linked to the actual logo so when folks click it, it will take them to his campaign Web site.

Another blog that will have the Werner ad: EllisCountyObserver.com

It should be specifically noted that we will sell ads to any candidate. The presence of the ads do not indicate an endorsement of these candidates.

With the No. 3 Most Politically Influential Blog in Texas (BlogNetNews.com ranking), it’s a marketing situation more than a support/non-support issue.

Werner faces incumbent Duncanville Councilwoman/Mayor Pro-Tem Dorothy “Soiled Underwear” Burton in the May 9 election.

Duncanville Tea Party Activist Responds to Today Newspaper Editor

2009-04-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Over at The Ellis County Observer, the sister blog to BestSouthwestBlog.com, this reader responded to Today Newspapers editor Steve Snyder over remarks he made about tea party protesters in Duncanville last Wednesday:

TEA

April 20th, 2009 at 15:50 | #4

Reply | Quote

steve you are a bloated windbag too full of your delirious Utopian madness to see the truth. I was one of those people you interviewed at the Taxed Enough Already rally in Duncanville and I see you don’t even bother to be a journalist and report what’s going on. Your ignorant biased whitewashed opinion is all that’s here.
Next time try and show up on time, not when it’s over and every ones leaving. Oh I know you are attempting to show that we were a meager group of 4, when actually we had 31 concerned US citizens show up, There will be a next time and I do hope you have the guts to show up then but I doubt it.

Snyder's original comments:

Tea-party protestors stand outside Duncanville city hall.

First, it’s nice to be read on the editorial page, even if disagreed with.

That said?
First, you ARE represented. If (assuming you’re Republicans) your party is out of presidential power after eight years …

It’s called “democracy.” Deal with it.

As for “overtaxed”? Nobody’s increased your tax rate. Even above $250,000, it’s still only being moved back to what it was when Clinton became president and less than what it was when Reagan left office.

Fortunately, nobody I talked to personally was a Ron Paul-style goldbug.

Gold has little intrinsic value; what pricing it has is largely assigned by human greed.

As for tea-party pusher Dick Armey, if his flat tax idea is so good, why did he never, ever propose a flat tax for corporate income taxes?

Comments (0)

Councilman Paul Ford Faces May Court Date

2009-04-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

If this case goes before Duncanville's municipal court, which I think has jurisdiction in this case, District 3 Councilman Paul Ford will appear before Judge Kent Traylor. Traylor, it should be noted, is from Midlothian. Nice guy.

Council member jailed, faces May court date

By RITA COOK
Focus Daily News

DUNCANVILLE—It might affect the election outcome for one Duncanville city councilmember, or then again it might not. Politics being a fickle business, councilmember Paul Ford stresses that his main objective in what resulted in his arrest this week was what he says is his “firm belief that city government should be open and transparent and that citizens have a right to know what is going on in Duncanville and in [the] council meetings.”

Ford, who turned himself in Monday afternoon, says he found out there was a warrant for his arrest on television.

Indeed, Ford, who walks with a cane and says he has had back surgery twice, had just returned from the hospital on Saturday following a stay after his back gave out on him when he was taken out of the Duncanville City Council meeting by Duncanville Police Chief Robert Brown and one other police officer.

Ford was charged with a Class B Misdemeanor - Disrupting a Public Meeting. The bond amount, which Ford paid, was $500.

Duncanville City Manager Kent Cagle confirms that charges were brought against Ford for “disruption of a public meeting” adding that the reason the City of Duncanville decided to file these charges were because of “repeated disruptions of public meetings.”

In continuing council division Duncanville’s Mayor David Green said that Ford has been disruptive in past meetings, and Mayor Green discussed future actions in the briefing session before last week’s council meeting. The Duncanville City Council, according to Cagle, adheres to a modified version of Robert’s Rules of Order “plus it has its own rules of procedure,” he adds.

Ford explains those rules of procedures in more detail, “The charter says that the mayor is the presiding officer at the meeting and they use that to imply that he has absolute authority to do whatever he wants, and if people don’t like it they can contest his decisions before the whole council, but they don’t even do that because there was no vote on having me dragged off.

The presiding officer reference in the city charter is actually reductive as it starts out taking away the mayor’s authority and then putting it back in, ‘the mayor shall preside at the meetings of city council and shall be recognized as head of government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governmental purposes of military law, but shall have no regular administrative duties.’

Then it adds back in that he may still participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the council and he shall be entitled to vote the same as a member of the council.

They take that ‘shall preside at all meetings’ as if he can do anything he wants, but if that is the case why would the charter have any other rules governing the mayor‘s actions?”

In the future, Cagle says that the city plans to do “any combination of recessing the meeting, adjourning the meeting, conducting the meeting over Mr. Ford’s shouting or having Mr. Ford removed.”

It is unclear why police did not arrest Ford at the last council meeting instead of deciding to escort him out and arrest him the following week.

Ford, however was clear when he said twice, “Chief Brown I will not leave voluntarily, however, if you believe I am violating the law by discussing this agenda item I will submit to arrest without resistance.”

Cagle had noted the following day, “Paul Ford was not arrested last night. However, charges may be filed and he may be arrested at a later date.”

Ford’s trial will be in held in May, at which time the words he spoke to Mayor Green in the briefing room before the council meeting last week might ring true.

“When you arrest me for disrupting a public meeting or disturbing the peace, I will be entitled to a jury trial, and it will be a jury of my peers not yours. In other words, people who are not getting money from the city, and I confidently place my fate in their hands.”

Loop 9 Town Hall Meeting Could Get Big

2009-04-19T23:35:00.001-07:00

So far, there are 1,000 people expected* at the Thursday, April 23 Loop 9 Town Hall meeting in Cedar Hill.

Location: 1302 S. Duncanville Rd.
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Residents and activists from Cedar Hill, Ovilla, Glenn Heights, Midlothian and places in between are expected and invited to show up.

The Dallas Morning News reports that state Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, and state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, will be in attendance. TxDOT plans to shovel one of their Loop 9 gurus to this town hall meeting as well.

(does anyone know what 1302 points to? I was thinking it has to be bigger than a house…maybe a conference center or a church?)

Since the launch of StopLoop9.com two weeks ago and subsequent Ellis County Press articles, my Inbox and BlackBerry have been bombarded with e-mails and phone calls. Let’s keep this grassroots activism alive.

Dorothy Burton's Emotional Strategy Won't Work This Time Around

2009-04-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Councilwoman Dorothy Burton, the mayor pro-tem, won't be able to use her emotional pull the way she did in 2007's election:

“My parents abandoned me when I was 6-months-old, I was sexually abused as a girl and sexually assaulted at 16. I decided to work my way and go to school, some days I didn't even know where I was going to stay or what I was going to have to eat, but I didn't quit. And I'm asking you not to quit on me. We've come too far, and we have too far to go.”

This is sad, but unfortunately this has no bearing on how a councilperson or a taxpayer-funded public servant should act. The disgusting act of Burton placing soiled, bloodied women's underwear for co-workers to see when she was at DART isn't going to fly.

And neither will Burton's emotional problems.

Pro-Dunc's Tentacles on the Duncanville ISD Education Foundation

2009-04-19T11:07:00.001-07:00

Bolded names are part of the Pro-Duncanville Political Action Committee that virtually controls all of Duncanville politics. Additional affiliations noted in parenthesis.

Duncanville Independent School District Education Foundation

2008-09 OFFICERS

Brandon Sturman, President

Sheila Casey, Vice President- Administration

Southern Lifestyles Magazine

Carla Fahey, Vice President – Development

Community Volunteer
Ken Weaver, Treasurer
City Councilmember

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Larry Bratton (Pro-Dunc)

Retired AAFES

Robert Brown
Duncanville Police Chief

Dr. Michael Burton (Dorothy Burton's Husband)

1^st Eye Care

Mike Chrietzberg

Principal, DHS

Ray Dorton (4B Board)

Lockheed Martin

Lannai Gaines

Wells Fargo Bank

Kevin Gilbert (Close to Earle Jones Jr.)

Hilton Garden Inn Duncanville

David Green

Mayor of Duncanville

Rick Jaynes

Jaynes Memorial Chapel

Earle L. Jones, Jr.(4B Board director)

Duncanville Director of Economic Development

Dalton Lott (Pro-Dunc)

Club Marketing Services

Rhonda Martin (Steve-Martin's sister- in-law)

Inwood National Bank

Natalie Nickerson, DDS.

Dentist

Dan Pickering(Works for Dalton Lott)

Club Marketing Services

Don Pope

Raymond James & Associates

Bobby Turner (on 4b Board)

Retired Dallas ISD Administrator

Terry Webb

Duncanville Fire Chief

Ronald White

Nationwide Insurance

Doris Whitley

Retired DHS teacher

Dr. Alfred Ray

Superintendent of Schools, Ex-Officio

Sherry Wheat, Secretary

Who's Behind Pro-Dunc? Here's the List...

2009-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Fred Gingerich
Steve Madison
Joseph Piwetz
Dan Pickering — works for Dalton Lott
Glenn Repp
Doyce Smith
Duane Starkey
The P.O. Box on their website and on contribution envelopes is registered to Duane Starkey.

Dalton Lott is the single largest contributor.

Attendees of last year’s Pro-Dunc party at Dalton Lott’s house include the following —

Dalton Lott
Steve Madison
Glenn Repp
Tommy Wolverton
Jim McDonald
Ray Pursley
Allen Conley
Leon Miller
Dan Jespersen
Fred Gingerich
Joseph Piwetz
Doyce Smith

The Launch of BestSouthwest.org

2009-04-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Aside from BestSouthwestBlog.com, there is now BestSouthwestBlog.org.

BestSouthwestBlog.org is now home to the Yahoo! Discussion Group that this blog maintains. It is a live-discussion (via e-mail) forum in which users can post files, photos, documents, etc., as well as engage in some pretty controversial political-talk.

It's free and simple to use. Readers, if you join, make sure you add bestsouthwest@yahoogroups.com to your Safe List so that e-mails sent to/from won't go to the Junk folder.

Freedom of the Press: Dorothy Burton's Soiled Past

2009-04-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

My column I submitted for this week's Ellis County Press:

Dorothy Burton’s soiled past

There’s an anti-Loop 9 town hall meeting Thursday, April 23 – the date on this paper – at 6:30 p.m. in Cedar Hill. Exact location: 1302 S. Duncanville Rd. Those concerned about a massive 14-lane toll road headed towards their property should attend. Check StopLoop9.com for updates.

Southern Dallas County’s political heavyweights now live in Ellis County. That list includes: Roy Orr. Richard Rozier. Lester Martin. Three former DeSoto mayors. DeSoto Police Chief Mike Brodnax lives here. Former Duncanville school trustee Joe Gray lives in Midlothian.

What happens north of us will almost always trickle down into Ellis County.

Enter Dorothy Burton. Burton is Duncanville’s mayor pro-tem and is fighting two races for May 9: one against Buck Werner, a retired Army major whose wife is an anti-tax Duncanville school board trustee, and one on the public relations front.

Burton, when she worked for taxpayers at Dallas Area Rapid Transit as a vice president of transportation, was fired for placing not one, but two pairs of “soiled, bloodied women’s underwear” in the middle of an office for her co-workers to see. The co-worker who had the accident was so embarrassed by Burton’s act that she quit, according to DART documents obtained by this paper.

Close to 50 documents were sent to this paper. Burton admits to planting the underwear and even admits that it was wrong, according to the investigation reports now available at BestSouthwest.org.

The documents state Burton told her DART staff not to remove the underwear. The underwear was later placed in a filing cabinet for an unsuspecting employee to stumble upon.

First elected in 2003, Burton has never been held to account for her disgusting DART record. Today Newspapers reported in 2007 that Burton used a lawyer to have a temporary restraining order issued on the mere possession of the documents.

In her only public statements on this issue, Burton said she disagrees with some of what was said in her now-public personnel file (her legal intimidation act two years ago centered on her belief that personnel files were not public record), and that she won’t be withdrawing from the race.

DART cleared her on “hostile work environment” and “sexual harassment” charges, but fired her over the taxpayer-funded underwear stunt. Keep in mind she was paid for with tax dollars while at DART.

Burton, who helped craft the regional transportation policy that now has Loop 9 directed straight towards home owners in both counties, doesn’t believe the Open Records Act should air her – sorry the pun – dirty laundry.

Burton can’t escape accountability and responsibility for her record this time. Ellis County will make sure of it.

Duncanville | Buck Werner

2009-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

This was sent over from Buck Werner's campaign.

Biggest Issue Facing The City of Duncanville

The Biggest Issue Facing The City of Duncanville is the downturn in the economy. The city is currently facing a shortfall of $1,100,000.00. Tax revenues are down & property values decreasing. This projection is for 2009 and expected to continue in 2010. I would recommend to the City Council to implement a Homestead Act & freeze taxes on senior citizens ( age 65 & over ) Seniors on a fixed income are the least likely to survive a tax increase. I would establish the following priories;

1. Police Services

2.Firedepartment Services

3. Emergency Fund Balance

Duncanville is already lean. Number one out of 25 surrounding cities. I would ask each Department to recommend services that could be reduced & to cut supply cost. The largest cost of an organization is personnel cost. Each Department would be given a percentage reduction cost based on the number of employee in the Department. They then can decide what & where to cut ie eliminate personnel positions, hiring freeze, everyone takes a pay cut & everyone has a job, reduce health and dental benefits and early retirement are just some considerations. It is important that the people who live with these decisions be a part of the process to make the decisions.

LISD | Superintendent Search Begins

2009-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and now again today at 1 p.m. Lancaster Independent School District is starting the search or more like pre-process to pick a firm which will select a superintendent.

Anyone feel free to post comments if they have heard anything or shoot me an email.

Today's agenda can be found here Agenda

Duncanville-to-Midlothian | Real Estate 'Options'

2009-04-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

In light of all of the Duncanville real estate transactions and conflict-of-interest votes involving downtown projects on their Main Street, is it time to start scrutinizing the entire Midlothian Mid-Towne development?

Monte Anderson of Options Real Estate is the go-to brains behind Mid-Towne, which is a beautifully designed New Urbanism concept plated for the area near downtown Midlothian and Midlothian High School. Anderson is an MHS grad, by the way, which probably explains his genius vision.

But, what are the deals behind bringing this Mid-Town project to fruition?

And what, exactly, is going on in Duncanville?

[Original Post: BestSouthwestBlog.com]

[sic] I love Paul Ford... of course it was to the Idiot "Anonymous"... He has a full load... but it is coming out the wrong end... I am so sick and tired of these Pro-Dunc people taking this town down to it's knees... this newest committment to Monte Anderson will cost us dearly.. .and may be our end... Unless you can tell me how we are going to sell Condos in Downtown Duncanville for $150.00 PSF... ROSY

Where to start...there's this comment-rich discussion about the "Pro-Duncanville" Political Action Committee's nefarious votes and alleged kick-backs.

It's not like Midlothian has been foreign to controversial corruption involving real estate deals. The deal that bought the old First Baptist Midlothian facility is rife with blatant corruption that no one sans Councilman Ken Chambers has spoken out on.

I think those in Midlothian could have a lot in common with the activists in Duncanville seeking answers to these questionable real estate deals and the votes from the connected on the city boards and commissions.

[User Rosy]...DUNCANVILLE.. (NODUNC)… Citizens wanting to take back this town to a day when business were thriving… NOT stupid CONDO;s in downtown… Ask a local REALTOR… NOT YOUR SAVY???????????? Earle JONES… Mr. Green… Kent Cagle… who are being run by the Dalton Gang… PAC… This is a NO SELL… and thie only WINNER is MONTE.. PAC… MONTE.. PAC… MONTE…. PAC… MONTE… PAC… GET IT!

* Earle Jones is a former Duncanville councilman;
* Kent Cagle is the Duncanville city manager
* Green is the Duncanville mayor
* Dalton is the landowner in a substantial part of downtown Duncanville

How Much Longer Will Today Newspapers Cover Up Dorothy Burton's Soiled DART Past?

2009-04-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Now that we know the whole truth about Duncanville Councilwoman Dorothy Burton's sickening record at Dallas Area Rapid Transit -- she was fired for the stunts she pulled, by the way -- one must ask, "How much longer will Today Newspapers cover it up?"

In 2007, the "personnel" files became the subject of a Duncanville Today article and about Burton's strong-arm tactics to get people from possessing and distributing copies of her ill-claimed "private" personnel file. But the article by Angel Morris never mentioned what was in that personnel file.

Unfortunately for her, BestSouthwestBlog.com and The Ellis County Observer --- and next week, The Ellis County Press newspaper --- refuse to cover up for Burton. And unfortunately for her, we won't cower to her Jewish lawyer, either.

Note: The entire contents of the Burton personnel file documents are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/bestsouthwest | Registration is free.

In case readers are new to the blogs, or don't know about Burton's firing at DART, here is what we have so far:

[Updated 4/13/09: Dorothy Burton's personnel file from DART has one key documents out of the dozens I have received: DART reports that she admitted to not only planting one pair of bloody, soiled women's underwear, but two pairs, and then instructed fellow DART co-workers not to remove it from plain sight. And Burton is a "motivational speaker?" She teaches "leadership?" And the voters elected her? What in the world...Later in the personnel files, now available at http://groups.yahoo.com/bestsouthwest she admits that she was wrong for planting them. This brazen act of disgusting "leadership" got her fired. All public record. She tried getting a cease and desist on a former councilwoman for possessing the documents, but she'll have a harder time stopping me, hahaha.]

The Texas Open Records Act is a great tool. Web 2.0 and blogs are even better.

BestSouthwestBlog.com and The Ellis County Observer received scores of documents via e-mail on Duncanville at-large Councilwoman Dorothy Burton, who serves as the city's mayor pro-tem, about her past record of employment at Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the taxpayer-funded public transportation agency.

Burton, who is seeking re-election on May 9, was fired for a sexual harassment and hostile environment complaint filed by a co-worker. The allegation(s)? Dorothy Burton, whom Duncanville voters elected in 2003, placed a pair of bloodied, soiled ladies underwear in a filing cabinet in an attempt to force a co-worker to resign and embarrass her.

The details:

Link 1 | Complaint Against Dorothy Burton Page 1

Link 2 | Complaint Against Dorothy Burton Page 2

Burton, who is black, is running against Buck Werner, whose wife is outspoken taxpayer advocate/Duncanville ISD school board trustee Cindy Werner. The quotes attributed to Burton on Page/Link 1 are very disturbing.

Link 3 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton Page 1

Link 4 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton Page 2

Link 5 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton Page 3

Link 6 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton - Burton's Response Via E-Mail

There are scores and scores of documents that they would be nearly impossible to post here. So, to better have a permanent "archive" on the Web, the documents have been circulated and are available on two Yahoo Discussion Groups (these are free to sign up and users can participate in the discussions via e-mail to the members of the group.)

Yahoo Group 1 | MidlothianTexas.net Yahoo Groups

Yahoo Group 2 | Best Southwest Yahoo Group

Lawsuit Tossed, Judge Says Cities 'Abused Procedures' of Law

2009-04-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

This latest story had some Lancaster implications, as the city's finance director, Carl Wessels, came from Waxahachie. He left his finance director role in Waxahachie on an "early retirement" when the lawsuits against Waxahachie, Midlothian and the Mid-Way Regional Airport that both cities' taxpayers subsidize started revealing Wessels helped break the law.

That is exactly what Ellis County Court at Law No. 1 Judge Greg Wilhelm wrote in his opinion when he threw out the lawsuit (See Link 5.)

The taxpayers in Lancaster should be very leary of who they hired as their finance director...but just because the statute of limitations ran out doesn't mean the fact Wessels and others helped break the law is going away...

Original Post: The Ellis County Observer
[Update: Just because the statute of limitations ran out on this lawsuit filed against the cities of Midlothian, Waxahachie and the Mid-Way Regional Airport Board doesn't get the public officials off the hook...]

Note that the documents and public record still show the cities to have been in violation of numerous rules and laws, meaning, public officials in Midlothian, Waxahachie and the Mid-Way Regional Airport Board broke the law. See Link 5.

Boast and gloat all you want, Mayors Ron Wilkinson and Boyce Whatley, but the records are still what they are:

[I know the documents are small when scanned, but it pays to read very slowly]

Link 1 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 1

Link 2 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 2

Link 3 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 3

Link 4 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 4

Link 5 | Judge Wilhelm: Cities ‘Abused Procedures Prescribed by Texas Statutes’

Link 6 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 6

Link 7 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 7

Link 8 | Post-Halverson Lawsuit Page 8

County Court at Law No. 1 Judge Greg Wilhelm, R-Midlothian, threw out a lawsuit against the cities of Midlothian, Waxahachie and the Mid-Way Regional Airport board filed by construction contractor Ken Halverson.

There’s a history online of the Halverson vs. Mid-Way Airport legal battle all over the Internet, mostly on this blog, but there is total outrage over this decision.

The taxpayers just got screwed again. This case was - I think - deliberately delayed, delayed, delayed. Halverson might not have won in court, but we definitely won in the Court of Public Opinion.

Public Opinion shows everyone involved in this case as being crooked, corrupt, unethical, irresponsible, unaccountable abusers of the law, the laws and the entire contracting process. The Public Opinion also shows the Nay Company probably couldn’t build a dog house properly.

Public Opinion - while the public officials engage in a short celebration - will destroy any credibility these “servants” of ours had.

Since 2006’s first round of lawsuits that Halverson filed, I have buried more public officials’ names in the ground than I can count. I don’t apologize for that, but I get the satisfaction of knowing that personnel changes were instituted, more people left or changed roles and finally, a simple Google search on any of the involved will pull up with the archives of this Web site.

Yeah, it stings that we didn’t get a chance to show a jury what Public Opinion has shown so far, but there’s a reason for everything, and while I don’t personally agree with Judge Wilhelm’s abnormally slow process of dispensing justice, I’ll deal with it, because Public Opinion is on my side. Is on Halverson’s side. And is on the taxpayers side.

Today Newspaper Editor to Duncanville Tea Partyers: 'Get a Clue...'

2009-04-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today Newspaper editor Steve Snyder, who derided "self-inflicted ignorance" on the part of homeowners pissed off over the Loop 9 toll road coming their way, had a little message for the tea party protesters in Duncanville yesterday. Here's what he posted on his SocraticGadfly blog today:

Dear tea-partiers in Duncanville and elsewhere

Get a clue.

If you need one, even though this isn’t PR by Faux News, start by reading this.

Beyond that?

First, you ARE represented. If (assuming you’re Republicans) your party is out of presidential power after eight years …

It¹s called “democracy.” Deal with it.

Fortunately, nobody I talked to personally is a Ron Paul-style goldbug, although many pity partiers (a truer name for them) are.

Gold has little intrinsic value; what pricing it has is largely assigned by human greed.

You want something material to back our Federal Reserve notes? Try oil or coal instead.
As for “overtaxed”? Nobody’s increased your tax rate. Even above $250,000, it’s still only being moved back to what it was when Clinton became president and less than what it was when Reagan left office.

Councilwoman Dorothy Burton to Drop Out of Race?

2009-04-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

Rumors coming out of Duncanville say that incumbent Councilwoman Dorothy Burton, the city's mayor pro-tem, is set to drop out of the race due to the embarrassing personnel file records from her employment at Dallas Area Rapid Transit that came to light this week on The Ellis County Observer and BestSouthwestBlog.com.

In case readers are new to the blogs, or don't know about Burton's firing at DART, here is what we have so far:

The Texas Open Records Act is a great tool. Web 2.0 and blogs are even better.

The details:

Link 1 | Complaint Against Dorothy Burton Page 1

Link 2 | Complaint Against Dorothy Burton Page 2

Link 3 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton Page 1

Link 4 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton Page 2

Link 5 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton Page 3

Link 6 | Investigation Against Dorothy Burton - Burton's Response Via E-Mail

Yahoo Group 1 | MidlothianTexas.net Yahoo Groups

Yahoo Group 2 | Best Southwest Yahoo Group

Anti-Loop 9 Meeting Set for April 23

2009-04-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

What: Anti-Loop 9 Neighborhood Meeting
Where: 1302 S. Duncanville Rd. on the Cedar Hill/Ovilla boundary
When: Thursday, April 23 @ 6:30 p.m.

"We are expecting a large crowd and TxDOT is sending [an official] to speak," said one of the organizers.

This neighborhood sits in the direct path of Loop 9 - many residents are from Cedar Hill, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.

DeSoto Rep. Helen Giddings Eyes County Judge Race in '10

2009-04-14T20:42:00.001-07:00

According to my favorite Dallas Morning News political columnist Gromer Jeffers, state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, is looking at the 2010 county judge race against incumbent Jim Foster: click here to read the column.

So, who'd be up for Giddings' seat should she opt for a countywide race? Anyone want to call up state Rep. Yvonne Davis, D-Duncanville, and tell her it'll be safe to actually say she lives in DeSoto? It must be nice to have two state representatives from DeSoto :)

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