Report and Commentary by Joe Solis/ South Texas Republicans

Friends,

Susan “The Trendsetter” Combs, Candidate for Comptroller, is on a ROLL this election year. I’m happy to report and comment on some exciting news.

[Disclosure: I’m one of the Susan Combs for Comptroller Bexar County Co-Chair this year.]

Over the next two months, the citizens of Texas will be hearing about many positive and refreshing ideas Mrs. Combs will be implementing when she is elected to the position of Comptroller in November. 

Here are just a few:

1)       Use advanced technology to maximize the value of taxpayer dollars sent to the state of Texas. 

2)       Crack down on delinquent taxpayers, who now owe the state of Texas $1.8 billion dollars, in an efficient and effective manner.

3)       Establish an independent review panel to assure that taxpayers who protest tax claims are given a fair hearing in Austin.

4)       Implement a complete review of office and employee efficiency throughout the state of Texas.

5)       Use forensic accounting to catch tax dodgers.

6)       Revamp the application of information technology at the Comptrollers’ office to eliminate waste and duplication.

7)       Apply new money management strategies to assure taxpayers funds are generating maximum returns in the safest possible manner.

This is BEST part:  We will have a Comptroller who is committed to working with our Governor, Lt. Governor, and elected representatives in Austin. We will no longer have a Comptroller who is playing games with the numbers so she can be the media darling at press conferences. 

All of this will happen if all Texans pull together and support Susan Combs for Comptroller. Please contact me if you need bumper stickers, friend-to-friend postcards, signs, pens, and blue plastic Combs’ combs.

A NOTE to OUR Conservative Friends who have lost faith: I have read your numerous e-mails about your frustration with government waste, deficits, the growth of government and all the unnecessary taxation over the past few years. I have been a consistent critic of our leaders who are partaking in this waste. We’re in the same boat on these issues. Consider this appeal.

PLEASE get behind SUSAN COMBS. She is going to be our consistent fiscal conservative friend in Austin. This lady is tight with money and she needs to be elected. Tell your friends about this lady. THANKS!!!

COMING SOON!!!  Latinas for Susan Combs!!!
 

Two years ago, I attended a meeting of the Bexar County Republican Women. One lady pulled me aside and said, “I print your entire newsletter and share it with my mother who lives in a retirement home. She does not have a computer, but wants to read your articles.” 

As our population in South Texas ages, we hope all of you download and share the printed version of this newsletter with our wonderful seniors.
 

Our own Schuylar Crist, is a HAM Radio Operator (callsign KE5VIP), and he will join Hill Country REACT Team #4804 in sponsoring a WTC911 Commemorative Special Event Station on the anniversary of 9/11, in support of Bob Hejl, W2IK. He will be in attendance with this set up you see here on the left, a handi-talkie connected to a 2m/70cm antenna that also fits in a telescoping unit that allows the antenna to go as high as 14 feet in height.

“W2IK/WTC911″ will be in operation to commemorate the World Trade Center Disaster, for the second year in a row.

The City of San Antonio City Council and Bexar County have both issued a proclamation declaring Monday, September 11, 2006 to be "National Family Emergency Preparedness Day" in San Antonio in honor of the 5th anniversary of the World Trade Center Disaster on 9/11/2001. This FREE event will be open to the public from Noon until 8pm that day.

Contact: Schuylar Crist
Telephone: 210-663-6093
E-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com

The W2IK callsign was the first signal to emanate from "Ground Zero" on September 11, 2001, it is only fitting that this callsign be used for this commemorative station.

"W2IK/WTC911" will begin 8AM and operate until 10PM and can be found on the upper sections of HF Bands 15, 20 and 40 meters, all SSB.

A Venezuelan Exchange Student at UTSA logs contact information while Bob Hejl, W2IK makes worldwide contacts in 2005.

A special color QSL certificate (see photo to the right) will be mailed to each station making a contact that sends a LARGE SASE with their QSL card to the QRZ (http://www.qrz.com) address of W2IK. If you hear us, please work us and post this operation so others may work our station.

In addition, from 12pm-8pm we will have a numerous Emergency Preparedness oriented activities such as:

Fingerprinting Station               
HAM Radio
Balloon Animals                      
SA Fire Dept.
K-9 Search and Rescue           
Face Painting

Location: Joske Pavilion @ Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, where the river crosses Brackenridge Drive, south of E. Hildebrand Ave, and North of Tuleta Drive.

Participating agencies include:

Alamo Regional Citizen Corps, City of San Antonio Police, City of San Antonio Fire, City of San Antonio EMS, American Red Cross, SA VOAD, San Antonio Food Bank, Catholic Charities RSVP, Bexar Co Emergency Services Rehab, Texas Medical Rangers, and Other Agencies

Special Thanks to:

San Antonio Parks & Recreation

San Antonio City Council, District 6 Councilwoman Delicia Herrera's Office

About the Sponsors:

Hill Country REACT is a non-profit 501(c)3 all volunteer radio communications team that provides public service and emergency communications support in the San Antonio Metro area and four area counties (Comal, Kendall, Bexar and Guadalupe), working with area emergency management agencies and other authorities. For more information about Hill Country REACT, visit http://www.HillCountryREACT.org or call 210-771-7075.

The Alamo Regional Citizen Corps Council is made upof a twelve county area and its members represent all sectors of the community, including elected officials, emergency management and first responders groups, volunteers in community service, faith and community-based organizations, academic institutions, medical facilities, and others.

This program is administered through the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management/Fire Marshal’s Office, located in San Antonio, Texas. For more information call 210-335-0399.

For a map to the location and more information about this event, visit http://www.SanAntonioHams.org or call 210-771-7075.
 

A Message and Invitation from Joe Solis:

Marialyn Barnard is an experienced attorney with “stellar credentials,” as noted in the San Antonio Express-News!

Marialyn is an experienced civil litigator. She was an attorney to state and federal judges at both the trial and appellate levels before she became an Assistant United States Attorney in civil litigation. She has been a corporate attorney, as well as having worked on family law cases and probate matters. She has the broad base of legal experience needed for the 225th District Court. 

Marialyn is truly dedicated to public service in all areas of her life. She was a high school teacher and social worker before becoming an attorney. She has volunteered extensively through many charitable organizations, including San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries (SAMM), Habitat for Humanity, the Children’s Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Justice Program, and much more, all for disadvantaged individuals and families. 

I am hosting this special dinner for individuals who have never met Marialyn. This is not a fundraiser or campaign rally. It is classic “meet and greet” that includes a fabulous dinner by Chef Paul Arrendondo. There are only 40 seats available. Please contact me today if you would like to attend this special event.

When:  August 29, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Chef's Farmers Market, 7034 San Pedro (210) 320-3442, (210) 683-1082

We hope that you all enjoy this sensational food. It is also a pleasure to have you all at Chef's Farmers Market.

RSVP to Joe Solis (210) 582-5857 E-mail: SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net
 

Sara, Vrinda, 4th Court of Appeals Court Justice Sandee Marion, Joyce pose for a quick picture

4th Court of Appeals Justice Rebecca Simmons and Diane Rivera take a moment for a picture

Thanks to all of you who attended this reception.
 

BREAKING NEWS: Join Alamo City Republican Women And South Bexar Republicans for PATRIOT DAY On September 11th with Special Guest: Chief Albert A. Ortiz (Former San Antonio Police Department Chief)

Featuring Steve Hilbig, Candidate For The 4th Court of Appeals

When: September 11th (Monday)

Where:  Grady's Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216

Phone: (210) 805-8036

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Remarks at 6:45 p.m.)

Cost: FREE 

Buffet Dinner Courtesy of Alamo City Republican Women and Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans

Note from Joe Solis: Friends, it is time to rally around Steve Hilbig for the 4th Court of Appeals. He needs our support in this very important race. We are hosting this dinner for his campaign. Please bring your friends, family members, business associates and neighbors to this dinner. 

Donations to the Steve Hilbig campaign will be accepted:  $10, $20, $50 and $100 donations can make a difference at this point. We encourage you to donate.

http://www.stevehilbig.com/

The Fourth Court of Appeals is one of 14 intermediate appellate courts in Texas court system. As an “intermediate appellate court,” each court receives appeals from the trial courts located within the court’s geographical jurisdiction. The decision of the Court of Appeals may be further appealed to a higher court although most decisions are not accepted for review by the higher courts.
 
The Courts of Appeals review both civil and criminal cases. If one side wants the decision from the Court of Appeals reviewed by a higher court, that review is conducted by a court that specializes in either civil or criminal law. For cases involving civil law, the appeal is made to the Texas Supreme Court. If the case concerns a criminal question, the case is appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
 

Original Source:  Bruce Davidson/ San Antonio Express-News/8/12/06: Court hopefuls tap gender issue

Court Hopefuls Tap Gender Issue

“At least two candidates for the 4th Court of Appeals believe too many women are on the court. “

“Democratic contender Richard Garcia Jr. said that if he wins, "I am putting some testosterone into the court."

8/28/06 Commentary by Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans.

One of the two Democrat “Testosterone Twins” issued a lame statement on 8/28/06 in the San Antonio Express-News claiming, “neither my gender nor my opponent's gender is, or should be at issue.”  That is a very convenient statement to make after you express to the public your true feelings about women.

Where is the outrage over these comments? Where is the “Republicrat” and other Democratic women on this issue?

This 18th century machismo has no place in the courthouse or anywhere else in 2006. We must all take a stand against these men who intend to set back the clock for our daughters and sisters. 

It is now time to SAVE THE 4th Court of APPEALS!!!

We must not allow the court to be hijacked by those who have Taliban style thinking.  
 

Several months ago, Carole Strayhorn went on a rampage against Secretary of State Roger Williams because she claimed he could not be trusted to verify and tally the signed petitions that would allow her to be on the ballot in November. (The Governor appointed the Secretary last year.) The media reports portrayed Mrs. Strayhorn on the verge of hysteria on this issue. 

What did the Secretary Williams do?  (I LOVE THIS!)

His office issued a solid statement: We will verify the petitions and get back to you in a timely fashion.

What happened? His team verified thousands of petitions in a timely fashion and put her on the ballot. End of story.

This is LEADERSHIP 101. Keep your cool. Do your work. Don’t get distracted or get thrown off course by the political maneuvering. 

This is why I think Secretary of State Roger Williams is one of BEST leaders in the State of Texas. The man can lead and that is why I am one of his biggest fans. Any questions?
 

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Ken Mehlman will be in town on Thursday, September 7th For A Lunch Fundraising Reception For The Texans for Nelson Balido Campaign!

The event will run from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Majestic Restaurant and Club Majestic Tower located at 222 E. Houston Street in downtown San Antonio.

$125 Individual

$200 Couple

Space for this event is extremely limited, so please RSVP early! For more information or to RSVP, please contact Katy at 520-5555 or Katy@nelsonbalido.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
 

Reception Sponsor: Quico Canseco

Cost:  FREE  (Campaign donations are welcome.)

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Remarks at 6:45 p.m.)

Location: Luciano’s By The Strand, 11255 Huebner Rd, #200 (210-561-9700)

We encourage you to attend this important networking event on August 31st. Come and meet Diane Rivera, Candidate for Judge of the 45th District Court, and Ted Terrazas, CEO of the “Fastest Growing Company” in the United States, according to Hispanic Business Magazine. 

From Hispanic Business Magazine: TerraHealth No.1 on Fastest-Growing Companies List

July 31, 2006, Scott Williams

2006 Fastest-Growing 100® Companies

”Mr. Terrazas, CEO of TerraHealth, Inc., the No. 1 ranked company on the 2006 Hispanic Business 100 Fastest-Growing Companies directory…”

”Much of TerraHealth's 8,338 percent five-year growth rate is due to the specialized knowledge Mr. Terrazas gained working as a Medical Service Corps officer while on active duty with the U.S. Air Force. His knowledge of the Department of Defense procurement systems and military healthcare missions drove TerraHealth’s gross sales figures from $180,000 in 2001 to $15.19 million in 2005.”

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/newsbyid.asp?id=42727

This event is being organized and sponsored by Alamo City Republican Women and South Texas Republicans. 

Sponsorships are available:  Please contact Joe Solis for more information at SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net

Bio of Diane Rivera
 

Time: 6:00p.m.-7:30p.m. (Remarks at 6:45p.m.)

Cost: FREE Buffet Dinner

SPECIAL GUEST: Dawn Lothringer, State Republican Executive Committeewoman, Senate District 21 Ms. Lothringer lives in Pleasanton, Texas (Wilson County)

Hosted by Alamo City Republican Women, South Texas Republicans, & Quico Canseco.

Honored Guest Speaker:  U.S. Senator John Cornyn

Saturday, September 16, 2006 –

Location:  San Antonio Country Club

Time: 10:30 a.m.  (11:30 a.m. Luncheon) 

Silent Auction (benefiting the Center for the Intrepid)   

RSVP to:  Betty Hill at 210-681-9468
 

Joe, the answer is very simple – Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker!   What are you thinking about?  There is a more positive way to encourage the Congressman. 

Hugh Hornsby

Advice to Congressman Henry Bonilla

Give a great speech on how we can stop illegal immigration and Narco-terrorism on the border and why it is necessary to do so, give a mea culpa on the pork barrel spending you have been responsible for, and tell us why we need to support the war in Iraq and why you do. Be passionate. We don't care that you're the only Hispanic Republican. We want a Republican who is passionate about real conservatism and our country. If he or she happens to be Hispanic, fine. If not, fine. We simply want a Republican who is a true Republican.

We are not Democrats who pander to Hispanics, while secretly harboring disdain for them. We are not Democrats who mouth platitudes about "content of character," and then call an intelligent and well qualified black woman who becomes Secretary of State "Aunt Jemima": we are Republicans who truly see people for who they are, and not as a voting bloc. Give a speech about Republican values. People will not just walk, they will run for you.

A True Republican.
 

The Mayor's office claims Houston has no sanctuary policy and police can ask about legal status for those committing a "class C misdemeanor or above. Police officers inform us that they don't ask because Houston is a sanctuary city. Protect Our Citizens did an open records request asking for crime statistics for illegal aliens to Houston Police Department. We were informed that HPD had no documents or records period!

Mary Williams

Protect Our Citizens

www.protectourcitizens
 

This event will feature national speakers like Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family; Brent Bozell of the Media Research Center; Reverend Don Wildmon of the American Family Association; Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council; Paul Weyrich of the Free Congress Foundation and many more! As part of the entertainment, “Mr. President” Steve Bridges will be on hand doing his impersonation of President George W. Bush.

The costs to attend the ‘Washington Briefing’ in D.C. will be about $1,800. The package to attend all 3 conference days and gain admittance to the exhibit halls/book signings will cost $550. The hotel room on location (Omni Shoreham in D.C.) will cost $550 for 3 nights (needed by August 15th!!). Roundtrip airfare is expected to run about $400-600 (plus tax).

Ideally, to get whatever price breaks I can for travel, and the conference, I need the funds available by September 5th, 2006. This would allow for plenty of time planning arrival and transportation while in our nation’s capitol.

Checks/Money Orders can be made out to me, and mailed to:

Schuylar Crist

9570 Autumn Shade

San Antonio, Texas

78254

You may also reach me by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail at skyskyrider@hotmail.com

You can also check out conference information at www.frcaction.org

Thank you in advance for your prayerful and thoughtful consideration.
 

When: Friday, September 22, 2006

Where: Aggie Park Banquet Hall 6205 West Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78213

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $32.50 per person

(Hors d’oeuvres, libations/beverages and $1000 play money included)

Contact: Mary Fox 210-341-8262, mafox2@aol.com OR Carolyn McCollister 210-493-6210

Limited 200 guests - reserve your tickets early - dressy casual.

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 19, 2006

Ace’s Table:  10 Tickets - $750

King’s Table:  8 Tickets – $500

Queen’s Table:  5 Tickets -$250

Jack’s Table:  2 Tickets - $100

(The Ace’s Table, King’s Table, Queen’s Table and Jack’s Table will be listed as sponsors.)

All proceeds go to our local candidates.

Political ad paid for by Sharon Kemp, ACRW/PAC Treasurer
 

By Phyllis Schlafly
Eagle Forum
Monday, August 21, 2006
It’s not just U.S. ports that are fast slipping into foreign ownership; it’s highways, too. A Spanish company, Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte, S.A., has bought the right to operate a toll road through Texas and collect tolls for the next 50 years….

Read the rest of this article here

Here’s some alternatives to the Trans Texas Corridor and toll roads posed by Gubernatorial candidate and State Comptroller Carole Strayhorn.



Perry’s Contradictions

Yet Perry dismissed the alternatives out of hand. Out of one side of his mouth he says the point of the hearings was to solicit alternatives (versus gain public input on the project), and then out of the other side of his mouth through his Transportation Chair Ric Williamson says, “The TTC is the ONLY feasible option.” So which is it? They also claim there are no signed contracts, but it’s public knowledge that there is a SECRET contract with Cintra-Zachry that the Attorney General has ordered opened. TxDOT also claims the TTC construction has NOT begun, yet Perry’s own campaign web site said construction began in 2005 (at least until we pointed that out; now that text has been removed). So again, which is it? These are more than contradictions; it seems to be a blatant attempt to mislead the public on just about every aspect of these toll corridors.

National Attention Now on Toll Corridors

With high profile, well-respected national conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum and Pat Buchanan now taking this issue on in earnest, it seems to indicate the current Republican regime is about to come to an end as there is a massive national shift to the right. Even Democrats and Independents are moving to the right on immigration and the issue of open borders (read about the document Bush signed to merge the U.S. with Canada and Mexico) being pushed by Bush and globalist Republicans that put international trade agreements and the almighty dollar above national security, American production of goods (which is the source of REAL wealth, not simply transporting other countries’ goods), and American jobs.

Pat Buchanan summed it up well on Drudge this week:

“The Republican Party, a wholly owned subsidiary of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is in the grip of a cult called ‘Economism.’ It is all about money now. The GOP worships at the ‘Church of GDP’…

…Powerful Mexican and U.S. elites seek to erase America’s borders and merge the United States and Mexico into a ‘North American Union.’”

TxDOT FLUSH WITH CASH!

The taxpayers are fed up and are tired of the weak excuses as to why our transportation costs should balloon some 600%+ if we take Joe Krier and Ric Williamson’s word for it. We’re not falling for the scare tactics…

According to Comptroller Strayhorn:

“This biennium, TxDOT has $15.2 BILLION to spend – up from $7 billion before Perry was promoted to Governor. That is a whopping $8.2 billion more – a 117 percent increase. If the Governor can’t figure out how to build freeways with that kind of cash, we need a new governor. Strayhorn has pointed to $4 BILLION in Texas Mobility Bonds, $3 BILLION in revenue bonds, increased federal dollars and increased tax collection at the state level to build FREEways.”

We don’t need to sell or lease our public infrastructure to foreign companies and exponentially increase the cost of driving. We already pay plenty of taxes for roads; TxDOT’s budget has exploded and continues to increase without raising taxes, WE DO NOT NEED TOLL ROADS TO SOLVE CONGESTION! This shift to tolling is simply a carefully orchestrated special interest money grab.

Politicians: Promote these toll corridors at your own peril

The winds of change are blowing and it isn’t a gentle breeze! Politicians now hear this: either demonstrate your total opposition to the corridor, open borders, the merging of North America, and the foreign management of our public infrastructure by November 7 or receive a pink slip from the taxpayers. (http://satollparty.com/post/?p=374, http://satollparty.com/post/?p=375 and http://satollparty.com/post/?p=369).

Read more and stay tuned for a full candidate endorsement list here: http://satollparty.com/index.php
 

This is a series by an anonymous political insider in Bexar County. The views of this author do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans. 

Recent hushed rumors and innuendos are circulating that Democrat Judicial candidate Peter Sakai’s campaign supporters are quietly in-fighting and a power struggle is occurring. 

Word is that Mary Alice Cisneros, of all people, is spearheading a group of big name Democrats that are planning on hosting a fundraiser in Terrell Hills (San Antonio). She is not telling his public relations coordinator about it. What is that all about? If I know about that as a Southsider, how many others are in the know, and is it really a well-kept secret?

At press time, we still don’t know who the final candidates for the 23rd and 21st Congressional Districts are going to be. Next week we can be more specific.

We know that for the 23rd, Henry “the Horrible” is the lone Republican and Ciro “the persistent” is his Democratic foe. It is confirmed that Lukin Gilliland has filed and the UTSA Professor Dr. Richard Gambitta is supposedly waffling.

Of course, we can’t forget Rick Bolanos from El Paso. With absolutely no base of voters, Bolanos will fare poorly in Bexar County. Unfortunately, he has no clue as to what is about to happen to him. An honorable veteran who survived Viet Nam along with his brothers, Bolanos will fade into the woodwork. I have a brother who served in Vietnam and lived to tell about it. Although his commitment to his country is laudable and his service is noteworthy, his constituency in Bexar County will not serve him.

At last count, the Southside is up for grabs and no one knows for sure who will be left standing when all is said and done. With too many Democrats in the mix, it is unlikely that Bonilla will lose. Sad as it is, that is reality. Democrats only shot would be one Democrat vs. Bonilla. Not the case and Bonilla will slide in once again to do damage to Democrats and Republicans as well.

I agree with Joe Solis. I would love to attend Bonilla’s retirement party, but it is not going to happen this time around. Sorry, Joe.

The 21st Congressional District is also not much better. Last week I said that the 21st was quickly becoming a circus. You have the long dead dancer Gene Kelly who hurts legitimate Democratic candidates every time he enters a race, the progressive candidate John Courage who honestly thinks a liberal can carry that district, and the political neophyte Tommy Calvert who is running as an Independent. I read on the Democratic website again that Tommy Calvert is causing a stir among Democrats for not running as one. Seems the editor is taking heat for putting Calvert’s name on the website.

I also read that State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon hosted a successful fundraiser and lots of Republicans attended. No surprise there. Wouldn’t it be nice if we Democrats and Republicans could get along?

The new Democratic Party office is also very nice. A little small for my tastes but considering the Party is broke, not bad. The food was good at the opening and I visited with lots of Democrats. Overhearing a number of conversations, I was tickled at some of the comments people were making. I even saw two Democratic opponents talking to each other and acting as if they were long lost friends.

Let’s see how they act when the filing deadline is over and they have to square off against each other. Not a pretty picture, I am sure.

Finally, on a more positive note, Democratic Mayor of San Antonio Phil Hardberger announced he would run again for the top job. By the time this information hits the internet, his announcement will have been a reality for days. Now that is a no-brainer. 

That is the moderate viewpoint. I AM the "Republicrat"!