The following report is fictional. It is commentary. This kind of revolutionary action in Austin would make a difference in the lives of ordinary Texans.

AUSTIN – April 2007- BREAKING NEWS:

State Officials and legislators have made it clear: Enough is enough for busy Texans. The Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles will be abolished in 2008. Legislators have structured the most innovative reform package which will abolish the bureaucracy of this state government institution which affects the lives of every Texan.

Benefits from Legislation:

1. The Department will be abolished for an online web infrastructure that will feature state-of-the-art, 24/7, online registrations in conjunction with authorized dealers who will conduct driving exams and associated services.

2. Current Department of Motor Vehicle employees will be given the opportunity to join state agencies in need of support. They will also be given the chance to work with the new authorized dealers who provide associated services.

3. The State of Texas estimates that savings from the elimination of this state agency to a web-based entity will save the taxpayers upwards of $200 million dollars. The comptroller has provided an indication that upwards of $100 million dollars in extra revenue from service-related fees will be shifted to taxpayers in annual rebate for Texas drivers. 

4. Real Estate from the Department will be sold off in the following two years.

5. Due to a massive inflow of income, the need for Toll Roads has been completely eliminated. Officials from Zachry/Cintra have filed suit against the State of Texas for loss of revenue for 50 years. Based on massive discontent, Governor Rick Perry has decided against toll roads in place of freeways for all Texans. His approval ratings have now surpassed 65% in places like Bexar County where he garnered 35% of the vote in 2006.
 

What are Stem Cells?

What are the Laws Regarding Stem Cells?

What Treatments are currently being used?

Dr. Bevery B. Nuckols will answer questions about stem cell research, medical treatments, current laws and bills before the Texas 80th Legislature at the January 30, 2007 meeting of the Republican Club of Comal County.

Dr. Nuckols, a Family Practitioner and bioethicist, is Legislative Liaison on the Board of the Texas Alliance for Life. She has given invited testimony on stem cell therapy at the Senate Health and Human Services and the House State Affairs Committees and will speak at the upcoming Texas Conservative Conference of the Federation of Republican Assemblies in February in Austin, Texas.

Join us for an informative evening and an opportunity to meet the 2007 officers of the Comal Republican Club. The meeting begins at 7 PM at the GVTC auditorium, 36101 FM 3159 - in the Spring Branch/Smithson Valley area.
 

Our speaker for February is Janis Roznowski. She is the extraordinary woman who founded Operation Comfort an all volunteer organization which has served the injured military personnel at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio since 2004. 

The mission of Operation Comfort is to provide support to any service member and /or their families convalescing at BAMC. Janis will tell us more about this special program and how, we too, can give back to our injured soldiers.
 

 She is currently Chairman of the Railroad Commission in charge of regulating our oil and gas industry. Cost to attend is $35.00 which includes a year's membership in Alamo City Republican Women. 

For reservations or information contact Barbara at 342-5482, Carolyn at 4993-6210, or ACRWreservations@gmail.com
 

By John Merrifield,
Professor of Economics
Director, Entrepreneurial Conservatism Institute
January 29, 2007

Texas’ existing fiscal restraints are too weak. The current spending cap based on expected personal income growth may be overridden by a simple majority vote in both chambers. That cap will be tested by the temptations inherent in a multi-billion dollar surplus. Small tax cuts are likely just because politicians like to have it both ways; say yes to as many spending pleas as possible, and still be able to claim that they cut taxes.  But much larger tax cuts may be needed in this time of plenty to: 1.) keep the government confined, as much as possible, to the few limited tasks which it can perform with reasonable efficiency, and should perform because the private sector cannot; and 2.) keep us out of the fiscal stress and pressure to increase taxes that results when politicians spend too much of the bounty of good times, and then face an ocean of red ink when economic activity slackens.

Texas needs a constitutional amendment creating a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) that is slightly better than already exists elsewhere, most famously of late in Colorado. For example, the Colorado version limits state spending growth rate to inflation plus population change, and requires taxpayer approval of new taxes and spending above the growth caps. Leftover revenue above permitted spending growth becomes refunds to taxpayers.

I’m going to deal with the issues raised by fiscal restraints in future pieces in this space. I want to conclude this piece with an explanation why every state needs a carefully crafted TABOR. It is NOT because politicians are evil people out to tax us to death on behalf of cronies beseeching the legislature for more money, never enough. Insofar as the character of public officials is concerned, quite the opposite is the truth. The vast majority are highly intelligent, high-class people mostly seeking to represent their constituents and pursue the public interest as they understand it. The problem is the political process. We define accountability through elections. Careful kowtowing to special interests can win votes. You see, spending programs and rules benefiting special interests can change the votes of the people that directly benefit. Per program, the increased spending per taxpayer is so small that very few voters would notice, much less change their vote as a result of a new government program supported by existing revenues. Likewise, cutting a government program angers its beneficiaries enough to change some votes, but the spending reduction benefits are spread so widely that it isn’t enough per person to notice, much less cause someone to vote differently.

States need a well-crafted TABOR because the political process is strongly biased in favor of increased spending when additional revenues are suddenly available, and against cutting when revenues are down. TABOR avoids a ratchet effect of ever larger government as booming activity increases spending, and then reduced economic activity begets a mix of spending cuts and tax hikes that leaves the government bigger with every repetition of the business cycle. For those interested in a detailed analysis of tax and expenditure limits see:  http://www.i2i.org/articles/2-2004.pdf
 

“Texas Children First” is a package of legislation based on a simple, unassailable premise: That safe and healthy children learn. Safe and healthy children learn, they grow, and they go on to lead lives that strengthen our state and make us proud.  By protecting our children, we protect our future. My plan will give our children every chance to become the next generation of Texas leaders, builders, and givers.

We know, for instance, that there are many violent crimes, but perhaps none more insidious than violent sex crimes against our children. Today, we have 46,000 registered sex offenders walking our streets in Texas, and more than half have victimized children.

Every single instance of this crime strikes at the heart of our civil society. And yet under Texas law, a first offense can result in as little as probation. That’s not deterrence. That’s a disgrace.

And we will not wait for more lost lives, shattered innocence, and broken families before we bring ultimate justice to these monsters.

That’s why I asked Mark Lunsford to be with us today. Mark lost his beautiful daughter Jessica to the hands of a repeat sex-offender, and I cannot imagine the pain he has gone through. 

The horror of this crime has sparked a revolution in the way we punish these predators. Twenty-six states have passed a Jessica’s Law. And Mark, I want you to know that Texas is going to have its own Jessica’s Law.

Our law will do justice to the memory of your daughter and every child who has been made a victim. As part of Texas Children First, I am proposing the toughest sexual predator law in the nation.

"Twenty-six states have passed a Jessica's Law."

If you’re convicted of a sexually violent crime against a child under 14 here in Texas, you’re going to jail for a minimum of 25 years, with lifetime GPS monitoring if you get out. We’re going to have our eyes on you 24/7.

And if you ever get out and, God forbid, you do it a second time, prosecutors will be able to seek the death penalty. Two strikes and you’re out forever.

Our message is this: There’s tough. And then there’s Texas tough. And if you’re going to commit an unthinkable crime against a child, we’ll show you what Texas tough means.
 

An Open Letter to Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst:

by Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans

Original Newsletter

Opening Note From Joe Solis: Wow!! The response to my commentary last week has been impressive. The unedited responses are included below these opening comments. 

1. Our readers who are devout social conservatives had the most passionate comments about my piece. Note to the Lieutenant Governor: this segment of the GOP will be your strongest ally on this issue. I kept thinking, “Can you imagine JESUS CHRIST telling his followers in 2007 that mentally disturbed sexual predators should be stoned to DEATH after TWO incidents?” I simply cannot follow the logic posted below.

2. The Lieutenant Governor is going to spend valuable political capital pushing this issue in 2007. His goodwill with Democrats and independent voters will disappear if he succeeds on this issue. Why? This is going to activate dormant liberal groups who totally oppose capital punishment. It will also bring out legal and political activists. Try explaining to the Archbishop of San Antonio that twice convicted Roman Catholic priests will be put to death under this new law. What a waste of political capital for a 2010 candidate for Governor.

3. Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio and central Texas, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will play a significant role in process. I predict he will find a balanced approach to this issue. In the end, this pragmatic and skilled politician will develop a plan to gut this proposal. The state is simply going to go broke fighting the endless lawsuits and death row appeals if thousands of felons are sentenced to death every year under this new law.

-------------------------------------------------------

Commentary #1 From Paula Moore

Hi, Joe,

The Culture of Death is a term attributed to those who take innocent lives. It is very familiar to those involved in the pro life, pro family movement. The Culture of Death consists of abortion, with 50 million babies being aborted since Roe v Wade, euthanasia, the killing of innocent individuals who can no longer care for themselves, as in the Shiavo case, or as in the Netherlands where family members can decide if their parents can live any longer, without parents' permission, assisted suicide, unnecessary in many cases, for which Dr. Death is in prison, infanticide, killing babies who survive abortion or those who have birth defects. 

Your argument stating “Let’s not contribute to the culture of death” does not apply to the death penalty for child molesters. They have been proven over and over to continue to commit heinous crimes, preying on innocent children. It is equating the molester to innocent human beings. They are not. Bringing up genocide, Darfur, etc. is  equating child molesters with Christians who did nothing except accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

We have known each other a long time. I am concerned about the path you seem to be taking in some instances.

Your amiga,

 Paula      
________________

Commentary #2 from Jay Tope

It's Jay Tope - hope all is well!

I love your newsletters, and look forward to reading them. I do have to disagree about the Bill O'Reilly topic regarding David Dewhurst. Bill O'Reilly did call out Perry and Dewhurst to be tough on sexual predators, but O'Reilly is in fact against the death penalty. Therefore, Dewhurst is paving his own dangerous path, and not adhering to O'Reilly's beliefs.

Just wanted to point that out; everything else is great!

Best wishes,

Jay Tope

Senior Editor, SAsports.com

  __________

Commentary #3 by Jim Miles

Joe:

One of the problems we have with these sex perverts that prey on our children is that a good many are repeat offenders. Time and again they prey on children. Eventually they wind up killing their victims. If they can't be sent to prison and kept there then the death penalty is the right alternative. The "bleeding heart" mentality of some is the reason so many of these creeps are running around loose in the communities across the nation. The death penalty is a just sentence for these creeps and is a measure of self defense for society as they won't be around to commit the same offense twice. I do say the death penalty should be reserved for the most heinous of cases. Others should be locked up and kept in prison for a long time. No more early releases, probation and half-way houses. Also putting signs in the front yards of sex offenders is a farce.

My advice to you Joe is quit sounding like a Democrat and a whiner.

Jim Miles
____________

Commentary #4 by Andres Gutierrez

Dear Joe,

I don't understand why you are against the death penalty for these pieces of crap that are not only raping young girls in their teens but little boys and girls before the age of 10. I don't believe these people will change. It's been proven time and time again that when they get out they do it again. I don't believe that by killing these people we are trying to cleanse our population. These people carry the nickname of child predators therefore they can't be out with the rest of a civilized world. I think our justice department is too weak because of this kind of support. I am sure Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst has a very difficult job taking calls from parents telling him to kill the person that sexually assaulted their child and letters like this asking him to be less harsh on these predators. Is this the general consensus from other Republicans that receive your newsletter? I am almost positive that there are a very large number of people that share my opinion.  

Andres Gutierrez
_____________

Commentary #5 by Robert M. Smith, Cibolo, Texas

A response to your open letter to Mr. Dewhurst.

My responses are in red.

An Open Letter to Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst:

You are a good man. It is obvious that you have a genuine passion for serving the citizens of Texas. This is something I admire and respect.

Repeat sexual predators are terrible human beings. These sick and perverted people should be locked away under the toughest possible laws you have articulated in recent political speeches. 

This makes sense because the children of Texas deserve no less. 

This legislative year you are advocating the death penalty for repeat sexual offenders. This does not make sense. Sir, there is something that is not right with this concept. Think about this for one moment.

You never make any case for why it does not make sense. It seems this is an emotional ideological issue to you not one of justice.

Are Texans supposed to rally around the notion that we should double or triple the number of executions in this state because this group of criminals is very unpopular in the mainstream media? I don’t get it.

Are we supposed to feel good about this?

Yes, because justice has been done. 

Will this make us safer as a society?

Yes, because the element has been removed from society making it safer and the burden to house, feed, and care for the element has been removed from the backs of the society. 

Will the children of Texas be safer?

Certainly!

I don’t think so.

The culture of death, in my opinion, revolves around the fact that our problems will disappear if we execute or eliminate the people we really dislike. History has shown us that this is no way to conduct our affairs in a civil society. We all know the stories: Nazi Germany, Darfur, and ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia .

Executing career criminals, repeat offenders, has nothing to do with “executing or eliminating the ‘people’ we really dislike”. History has not shown us this and there can be no “civil society” that is not a just society. The examples of Germany, Darfur, and Yugoslavia  can hardly  be compared to killing of repeat sex offenders or any other career criminal. Where did you get this reasoning? It is insane.

You are going down a very dangerous path. Let me ask you two final questions.

Which group is next? When does this end?

Which group is next? We are not talking about Jews, Christians, etc., we are talking about criminals, repeat criminals who are a danger and burden to society. It never ends until the criminal stops harming society.

In two years, will you call for executions of people who sexually abuse seniors or some other group? What other group of people will you and your legislators go after? Remember, we are talking about putting these people to death.

You claim to be a Conservative but this is very Liberal thinking. In a just society you must have Corporal punishment, Capital Punishment, and Restitution. Punishment to the criminal and restitution by the criminal to the victim should be mandated but never at the expense of the victim or society.

It is common knowledge that talk show commentator Bill O’Reilly is publicly pressuring you and Governor Perry to be “tough” on repeat sexual offenders.

I do not care for Mr. O’Reilly but he is correct here and you are wrong. 

It is simply astonishing that the two of you are taking your orders on this issue from a New York commentator just so you can prove you are “Texas Tough.”

I oppose your efforts to impose the death penalty for repeat sexual offenders. Yes, go ahead and toughen our laws this legislative year. Give them life with no parole. Do whatever you have to do to find a way to deal with this ongoing problem.

Yes, we should be more concerned with what has and is happening to our Constitution in the State of Texas and the United States of America. The current administration and Congress have spit on and torn asunder the Law of this once great Nation.  

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, please take a step back and reconsider this move as you launch your run for Governor in 2010.

I hope he does not take a step back on this but moves forward. If he steps back let it be to re-examine what government is doing to law abiding citizens and do something about those things. 

We get it. You love the children of Texas. Your goal is to protect them. You want to score points with voters. Got it.

A new round of mass executions in the great state of Texas is not the final solution to this problem.

No, it isn't the final solution as we must still deal with an out of control bunch of Judges and Politicians, but it is a damned good start.

It takes vision, discipline and strength to deal with tough challenges.

Yes, it does take all of these to deal with tough challenges. How much vision does it take to remove the criminal element from society and the burden of caring for them from society? How much discipline does it take to do what is right for the rest of society and the victims and future victims? How much strength does it take to remove the evil from the land providing a safe, productive, and just land for “we the people” to live?

This is one of them.

No, this is not one of the tough ones, the answer has been known for thousands of years

Robert M. Smith

Cibolo, Texas
 

Recently, Joe Solis wrote a scathing article taking umbrage to Lt. Governor Dewhurst requiring the death penalty for child sex predators (Jessica’s Law to be more precise) who commit another offense after being convicted once. The first offense would garner a mandated minimum sentence and lifelong GPS monitoring. A second offense would clearly demonstrate the predator chooses not to follow the law and does not seek to be reformed, and require the death penalty.

After I wrote a letter of oppositional response to Joe Solis prior to publication of this newsletter, he offered me the chance to defend the death penalty given my Christian values, which also says that life is precious. I gladly accept the challenge.

We must be about the business of protecting the ‘least of these’ (Matt. 25:40 and Matt. 25:45), our children. We have too many judges who think predators can be rehabilitated, and too many predators that get out early, just as sick as when they went in. There is not even a pretense of 'rehab' for these folks in prison, largely due to budget constraints. Though, studies have shown that these folks are never truly rehabilitated anyway, regardless of counseling. Of those we have caught, we know 13-30% will recommit. That may be a minority...but is the risk worth it to you? Are you willing to risk your children? There is of course no means to determine the recidivism rate for those we never re-arrest, and that number is far too large! Absence of a re-arrest does not mean there is no recommitting of a crime.

If a sex offender did what John Couey did to Jessica Lunsford, not just raping once, but continually brutalizing and torturing her, then burying her alive, he deserves to die. In Couey's case, Jessica was not his first victim. That’s right, he was a previously convicted sex offender, one of those 13-30%. It should also be noted that most child sex predators also kill their victims for fear of being caught.

As a Christian, I can defend capital punishment easily. Here is how:

Genesis 9:5-6: "And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man."

Leviticus 24: "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
19 And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;
20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.
21 And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.
22 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God."

‘Now wait,’ you say. ‘that is the OLD Testament. We no longer live under the law, but under grace’. It is true, we are under Grace as Christians. You may also say ‘look at Exodus 20:13, which states “Thou shalt not kill”,’ Ah, but there you would be wrong. The original Hebrew word which has been translated as 'kill', Ratsach--raw-tsakh, means ‘to murder, or unlawfully take a life with malice.’ One must also look at the context of a verse to determine whether ‘kill’ or ‘murder’ is a more appropriate translation.

We must understand that God instituted civil authorities to maintain order in our world. They exist to restrain evil and they should be obeyed for this purpose. In the New Testament we see that even Jesus surrendered to the governing authorities because He was submitted to God.

John 19:11: "Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above..."

Romans 13 (RSV)
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
2 Therefore he who resists the authorities, resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Matthew 5:17:  "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill."

Clearly, God has granted the governments of the world the ability to carry out capital punishment. But, in so doing, he laid out the parameters for doing this as well. Many of our own laws are based in chapters 21, 22 and 23 in the book of Exodus and Numbers 35:15-34. In reading these chapters you will note that God made a distinction between the penalties for manslaughter (usually killing in self defense or by accident without malice) and murder (premeditated vengeful killing or violent killing with anger and malice). This shows that God sees MURDER as punishable by death, while it is permissible to kill in self defense or in defense of our nation. Our judicial system requires that a murder must receive a fair trial, be able to face his accusers, and can only be found guilty by the preponderance of evidence and witnesses. Even this is based on Biblical principals. God’s laws reign, both in the Old and New Testaments...and even TODAY!

Some argue the death penalty is not a deterrent because offenders get unlimited appeals; therefore punishment is not swift and sure. This does not mean the death penalty should be outlawed...it means we need to find ways to ensure a swift and sure punishment! Other death penalty opponents say, “Man is not perfect; therefore we could kill an innocent man.” This is true, but that is simply a reason to pray for, and elect Godly men and women to positions of authority who seek His wisdom and not their own.

Some who profess Christianity think the Bible condemns capital punishment. This is not the case as I have shown above. God has given us BOTH law, and grace. A nation cannot stand if it fails to keep and enforce its laws. Laws tell us how far we can or cannot go. It gives us our boundaries. We have free will to do good or evil. With this freedom, comes the responsibility of accepting responsibility for our actions. A man is influenced by many things…but he is never out of control of his own behavior (save during intoxication, but he is still held liable for his actions considering he could have chosen not to drink to begin with!).

Yes, as Christians, we must forgive those who sin against us…no matter what that sin is. That does not negate any punishment that is required by law. Those of you who are parents can think of it this way: Your child breaks curfew (a sin by God’s law because he has disobeyed and dishonored his parents, breaking the 5th Commandment). You as his parents must forgive him for his actions (you love him, so this should not be a question), and you probably already have before he even gets home. Does that mean he isn’t grounded for the next 2 weeks without the car? On first offense, maybe…a second offense, noooo waaaay! You made the law, junior must abide by it, right? This principle is borne out through the entire Bible.

Sincerely,

Schuylar Crist, IT/Media Director, South Texas Republicans, P.A.C.
 

I suggest that you watch an interview with Senator John Carona about the Trans Texas Corridor at www.dallasblog.com

I hope to see you on March 1 at the Senate Transportation Committee hearing. Following is my response to Senator Carona's interview.

FINALLY Texans will have a fair opportunity to share our thoughts with someone who has an ear to hear! The TxDOT hearings were a ruse, which affirms Senator Carona's call for its Commissioner Williamson to be replaced.

Turning Texas "free roads" into "toll roads" is WRONG! Selling Texas infrastructure to a foreign company is WRONG! Sending Texans tolls/ taxes to a foreign company for the next 50 years is WRONG! Taking 580,000 acres of Texas ranch and farm land is WRONG! Allowing Texas roads to fall into disrepair so as to NOT COMPETE with the TTC is WRONG!

Thank goodness for Texas Senator Carona's courage to let the people's voices be heard. He's right, the Trans Texas Corridor was a MISTAKE!
 

 Lyle Larson didn’t have a friend on the Metropolitan Planning Organization board when he tried to stop it from approving the first toll plans in 2004.

But when the Bexar County commissioner made a last-ditch effort Monday to stop tolling of U.S. 281 and revert to a gas-tax plan, he managed to pull five other votes. Read more here: http://satollparty.com/post/?p=505

TxDOT guilty of taxpayer funded lobbying

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=508

Bidder on San Antonio toll roads buys up TX newspapers!

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=509
 

As the Republicrat, I apologize to the readers for allowing the fight to escalate into a heated verbal name-calling battle. While some dubbed it the match of the birkies vs. the pumps, it is time to say, “Game over.”

Moving on to the city council races, we see that candidates are coming out of the woodwork. Let’s see who have stepped forward so far.

The first candidate, who publicly announced amid hoopla with cameras flashing, is Mary Alice Cisneros for District 1. She is seeking the seat her husband Henry and brother, Roger Perez, held in the past. Sounds like a family affair. Can you say, “Dynasty?”

Everyone is anxiously waiting to see if her name ID will scare off possible challengers. My early prediction is that she will get a bye and run uncontested.

In the District 2 race, sources say that a guy named Keith Toney will contest incumbent Sheila McNeil. Word is that an Eastside neighborhood association called the  Neighborhoods’  First Alliance has  members looking to unseat McNeil for her  takeover of the Martin Luther King March the last two years from longtime activist T. C. Calvert who is president of the group.

Reports are that many of them are still angry that she was responsible for injecting a military flyover into the march last year when Dr. King was openly opposed to the Viet Nam War and would not have approved.

This year many of the longtime volunteers for the march complained that they did not receive an invitation to participate, while others chose not to participate in the annual event on their own.

Some former participants also complained that the low turnout this year was due to McNeil’s inability to organize. With all due respect, to the NFA, the weather played a major part in this year’s March attracting a low turnout. It was extremely cold and rainy if I remember. Most participants just stayed home.

In District 3, we have Incumbent Roland Gutierrez running for re-election. Currently there is no word as to whether he will face an opponent. Again, it is too early to tell.

In District 4 Philip Cortez who has run this race before is back in. I hear Philip held a fundraiser this past weekend. I haven’t heard any details on who showed up but rumor has it that former Mayor Ed Garza endorses him.

 Rumor also has it that former Bexar County Judge John Longoria is seriously considering the race but has made no formal announcement to that effect. One other name is surfacing as well. Perennial candidate Jay Alaniz who has lost every race he seeks may be considering yet another run. Alaniz is the Milton Fagan of the Southside.

In District 5, local activist Lourdes Galvan, formerly known as Lourdes Rodriguez is seeking the seat. Galvan’s ex-husband LULAC activist Henry Rodriguez openly supports his ex-wife for the position. Now that is loyalty.  

In District 6 Delicia Herrera is seeking a second term. So far, it is relatively quiet in District 6. But then again, anything can happen.

Now we look at District 7 where the fire works may cause a meltdown in the campaign. Embattled incumbent Elena Guajardo will face at least one opponent. However, expect to see the possibility of more candidates entering the fray.

That is of course, unless her detractors coalesce against her and support Justin Rodriguez. The one other name that pops up for a possible run is Cynthia Test who ran unsuccessfully last time and barely missed the run off.

The Graham Central Station controversy that caused a Zachry employee to commit suicide after an email he sent to Elena was forwarded to his employer for complaining about the noise from the nightclub ending in his firing and eventual suicide. That incident won’t go away. Look for a really nasty and lively campaign.

The word on the street is that her declared opponent Justin Rodriguez, is part of the developers’ group and former Mayor Ed Garza that is also endorsing Philip Cortez in District  4.

Justin is currently an SAISD Board member with an unexpired term left.  Former State Senator and State School Board member Joe Bernal and his wife, Mary Ester, a longtime SAISD board member actively supported him to replace Mary Ester when she decided not to run the last time in the last board election.  

Democrats are saying that Joe & Mary Ester are livid that he is challenging Elena. They complain that he promised to finish his term on the board before he thought about running for higher office.

Mary Ester is telling friends that she or Joe are considering running against him if he loses this race and decides to run for re-election on the school board.

In District 8, there is a whole bunch of candidates running. You have Mario Obledo who used to work in State Senator Leticia Van de Putte’s Office, Diane Cibrian who works with the City, Ken Lawrence, Gloria Sanchez who has been running for a year and rumor of a guy named Morris Stribling.

Mario is running around the district hosting breakfasts and Diane declared this past weekend at the Wurzbach Estate. I don’t know much about Ken Lawrence, but I am sure we will very soon. Gloria so far has been very low key.

In District 9, we have incumbent Kevin Wolff who has more money in his campaign treasury than God. He is also gearing up for possible run for Mayor next time around. No names have popped up so far in his race.

In the District 10 race, the only name I have heard is John Clamp who ran once before against Chip Haas. At that time, John was the frontrunner and no one expected Democrat Chip Haas to beat Republican John Clamp in District 10. 

And, finally, we have the Mayor’s race. So far at this time, there are two declared opponents to the invincible Phil Hardberger. The first is Patrick McCurdy, owner of Joseph’s Bakery.  His invitation states that God told him to run for office. While I wouldn’t even dare to question whether God spoke to him or not, I am not so sure from a political standpoint, I would have stated it that way. But then again, I am not running for an office so I make no judgment on McCurdy. 

Lastly, we have the editor and publisher of the conservative internet newsletter, R.G. Griffing, who is also running for Mayor. Now he is fair game because of his unprovoked attacks on local politicians, I believe that will come back to haunt him. I would offer him some unsolicited advice not to do phone interviews with the mainstream press, since he could say something damaging on tape that they will use against him in the campaign.

Remember R.G. has a history of taping his conversations and plays them on his newsletter to humiliate those he interviews. The question is, “Are we ready for another round of elections?”

And that, is the moderate viewpoint, I AM the Republicrat PLUS!