Still vote Republican

Editor:

In response to Col. Colin Chauret’s letter in the Feb. 28 edition of the Herald:

I’m a far-right Christian Republican who voted for who I believe is the best candidate. If I don’t agree with a candidate’s platform, it doesn’t mean I’m going to turn the other way, give up on a Republican candidate, and vote Democrat. I carefully look at what each candidate stands for, whether Republican or Democrat.

No candidate is perfect. I believe some people are not asking in-depth questions from the candidates. People are taking the words “hope and change” so seriously that they are not looking at the long-term outcome.

Dena Warneke

Schertz resident

What is really priority one?

Editor:

“Financial responsibility has, and will continue to be, priority one with me regarding public funds,” Live Oak Mayor Henry O. Edwards Jr., said in his letter in the Feb. 21 edition of the Herald. Looking at facts concerning the dismissal of four employees, it seems his comment only applies selectively.

An investigative report released Jan. 7 by Peden Investigations, former Chief Mark Jackley purchased a laptop computer for $1,821.55 (P.O. 03-15466). This item, which no one knew he had, was purchased using drug forfeiture funds by him, for his personal use. “He allowed it to be used in his home and wanted it cleaned of information” — a state felony violation — the investigation stated.

The mayor said he “would return Mr. Jackley to duty immediately after suspension by city manager” before results were released. Additionally, Mr. Edwards testified on behalf of two other employees during their dismissal hearing before Texas Workforce Commission Tribunal (Appeals # 086590-1-4 and # 989248-1-3). The city manager dismissed them for misconduct based on the “fact both individuals were trying to self-deal or did in fact self-deal with contacts that presented potential for conflict on city time with city resources. Nothing of their efforts were for the benefit of the city.” Yet Mayor Edwards praised both employees’ work. The employee Mr. Edwards had numerous disagreements with was implied to have lost city funds and needed hasty termination despite being subsequently cleared.

It appears that his “Priority One” is conditioned on who it is, not facts.

Richard R. Lamothe

Former Live Oak councilman

Lady Knights a shining example

Editor:

Congratulations to the Steele High School Lady Knights basketball team for reaching the state final four tournament in only its second year of varsity competition. In an era when the likes of Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton receive far too much attention, and for all the wrong reasons, it’s good to know that these young ladies serve as positive role models for their peers and future generations.

Over the past several decades, our society has arguably lost its focus on the importance of teaching core values and the character traits that naturally lead to individual and community success. These young ladies have attained self-esteem and achievement the old fashioned way: they earned it, through hard work, discipline and perseverance. No matter what path in life they choose, these young ladies will be far more successful as a result of the lessons they learned through competitive sports.

There is an ongoing debate about the value of athletics and extra-curricular activities in our public schools. It’s no coincidence that most successful business and community leaders were heavily involved in sports and extracurricular activities. Most adults would readily admit that some of the most valuable lessons they’ve learned in life came as a result of participation in these activities. Our education system should fully support athletic and extra-curricular programs that enable our students to develop the habits and character traits to be good citizens and successful members of society.

Again, thank you Lady Knights for a great season. Your community is very proud of you.

Gary W. Inmon

SCUC board member

True presidential choice

Editor:

A letter writer in the Feb. 28 edition of the Herald suggests we should participate in the Democratic primary because one of those two candidates will win. Gee, based on that you have to wonder why they bothered to play the Super Bowl. Oops, bad example.

Much has been written lately about the tepid campaigns being waged by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and that their attacks on each other are of the more personal nature. That might be because they agree so much on the issues. Both promise to immediately surrender the war in Iraq. Our enemies have to be thrilled with the prospect of moving their sworn Jihad against the West to a more distant battleground. Wonder what they have in mind?

They both also promise to provide medical care for everyone. Never mind the cost will be in the billions and we’re sitting in an economic downturn. As recently noted, those with the top 20 percent of incomes already pay 80 percent of the tax bill, so where is the money to come from? Obama goes a little farther and will reduce the tax burden on “typical” families by $1,000, which means even less tax revenue will be available.

The choice in March for Texas Democrats is between a pair of Socialists. As the letter writer said, John McCain will make a good president.

Ken Coleman

Universal City resident