Friday, Apr. 25, 2008

Dear editor

Editor:

After months of suggesting, cajoling, and pleading – a large group of concerned citizens of Keller have convinced John Baker to run for Keller City Council. There are few people in Keller that have the qualifications for the job to the extent that John has. His opponents in this race may be capable, but cannot hold a candle to John.

He is a retired Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force, an airline pilot/instructor, parishioner of St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Catholic Church, husband, father, grandfather and involved citizen. I have known John for over five years and we share many common interests. I have come to know that as a result of his military experience, John adheres to the military "Honor Code" which states, "I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do."

As a pilot, he has been trained for years to quickly and calmly assess a situation or problem, weigh options and implement the best solution. As a person, he possesses the intelligence and demeanor to represent all the citizens of our city in a fair and equitable manner, and also represent Keller in the surrounding communities. Keller needs John, so along with Jim Thompson and Tom Cawthra, I will proudly cast a vote for John Baker to sit on our City Council.

Frank Peterson

Keller

Vote Youngblood

Editor:

I am writing to highly recommend Charles Youngblood for Place 5 in the Keller ISD school board election May 10.

Charles understands that the raison d’etre for a school board member is to represent the voters who put them there, not to become a third arm of the district when the interests of the district and the interests of the students diverge, as they sometimes do. Charles was involved in a protracted battle with the district to change policy to parental notification when children are detained and questioned by law enforcement.

His children were detained on school grounds and questioned for hours on a false charge before he was notified by district officials. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a child under that type of duress can and sometimes do admit to almost anything under police pressure. It was unconscionable that the board did not support him in his attempt to make sure the next child that KISD allows this to happen to has his rights protected. I suppose they thought the liability of the district was more important than the liability of a child.

As egregious as this event was, Mr. Youngblood is far from a one-issue candidate. He will be a valuable proponent for progress in this district, a stickler for the appropriate use of funds and resources, and a dogged pursuer of accountability at all levels in the district. His lengthy and successful career in the military will help bring more transparency to district activities and expenditures, and will serve us well for as long as he is a member. As a voter, you need to know that the people you vote for hold themselves accountable to you, not James Veitenheimer. This is not a contract for employment with the school district that these candidates are running for; the district can hire whoever they want. They are running to fill a contract with us, the voters, and Charles Youngblood is thoroughly aware of that.

My youngest son will graduate this year. I wish there had been more people like Mr. Youngblood on the board during his school years, but with him on the job, there is hope for the future.

Steven Phillips

Fort Worth

Power politics

Editor:

While browsing through some past issues of The Keller Citizen, I came across something that speaks volumes about this election. Who should I find on Julie Tandy’s list of 2007 supporters but Messrs. Tom Cawthra, John Baker and Jim Thompson? And imagine my surprise when I found a bunch of Tandy supporters and outspoken Town Center Library/Vote Yes supporters on the Web site of the PAC backing Cawthra, Baker and Thompson.

What did the Star-Telegram call the political smoke and mirrors surrounding the Town Center Library? If I remember correctly, it was "small town power politics at its ugliest."

Are you ready to abandon the council who is fixing roads, fixing drainage systems, building fire stations, all while holding down taxes to return to that? Or do you want to finish the job that the Tandy council ignored while they pursued their Town Center Library "vision?"

You have a clear decision to make. Either continue forward, or go backward. If you want to continue the positive track we’re on, re-elect Bob Kirk and Mark Harness.

Rochelle Snow

Keller

Jerome’s record

Editor:

Kevin Jerome and I served together on the Maumelle City Council. I also served with him on several task forces he chaired. Before we lost him to Texas, he was responsible for reopening our transfer station and implementing the city’s first garbage collection system. He negotiated the purchase of new trucks, established a reasonable collection fee and implemented the program in record time.

He was always professional, accommodating, honest and trustworthy. You could always count on him to come prepared to discuss the issues in an open and honest manner. I never saw an issue he couldn’t tackle. Keller would be well served to have Kevin on your city council. He’d make an effective member of your local government and would work tirelessly for you.

Melody Pake

Maumelle, Ark.

Ethics facts

Editor:

I am respectfully responding to Mr. Hughes’ April 18 letter titled "Campaign ethics." He appears to find comfort in nuances between a "financial interest" and a "conflict of interest." The point is: a financial interest for the Harnesses became a conflict for Mr. Harness when he voted on this matter.

Mrs. Harness spoke against the Laundromat because of "crime concerns." She believes these concerns would ultimately decrease the value of Old Town Keller businesses, of which she owns one. Texas is a community property state. Damage to Mrs. Harness’ interests also damage Mr. Harness’ interests. According to the Keller Code of Ethics, a councilman "shall not participate in any vote or decision on a matter in which they have a direct or indirect financial interest." Mr. Harness should have recused himself from acting on this matter.

These are the facts. No one is defaming, slandering or otherwise attacking Mr. Harness’ personal life.

I will be voting for John Baker and a "breath of fresh air" on May 10.

Jeff Duncan

Keller

Uniting Keller

Editor:

John Baker is a proven and wise leader. In forming his campaign team for a seat on the Keller Council, he sought out a broad coalition of people from Keller’s political factions. His team is composed of folks who had previously opposed each other in Keller elections and projects. He has not just had a vision of a united Keller, but has begun it in his own campaign!

John’s strong character shows itself in his personal life as a caring husband and father. His leadership skills have been evident in his roles as a pilot, community organizer and servant to his nation. John’s educational background in finance will be a great asset as a city council member.

This man will show respect to all and provide a positive vision for Keller’s future. Our city desperately needs a breath of fresh air like John Baker. I heartily endorse John and urge you to vote for him as well as Jim Thompson and Tom Cawthra for City Council!

John Salvesen

Keller

In the 'no’

Editor:

I am a 75-year-old Korean War veteran and I am offended by Mr. Carson’s continued attack on many of our community programs. In December, he tried to kill the funding for the Veterans Memorial sculpture, "The Protector of Freedom," after the program was almost complete and had been budgeted for two years in a row. His 11th-hour political posturing was exposed in the Star-Telegram editorial, "Brushed Aside," Feb. 9. But his one "no" vote is the tip of the iceberg for his "Just Say No" mantra.

Mr. Carson had two "yes" votes on gas stations. He then voted "no" on: the Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy and its resultant $800,000 grant monies for FM 1709 turn-lane improvements and clean air, various parks and trail matters, our modest art program, the 2006 budget, regional transportation plans and many more issues. In fact, through March of this year, he voted "no" on 27 out of 39 votes during his term as councilman. The rest of the council collectively cast 21 "no" votes during this same period. Mr. Carson is not only against a modest community art program, he is virtually against everything that makes our city great.

Mr. Carson has not offered balanced leadership for the greater good of Keller. He has forced his own uncompromising and rigid personal principles on us – principles that often cost us big dollars. Unfortunately, the rest of the council has offered little resistance to his agenda of negativity.

This is truly a time for change in Keller politics. Please join me in electing a more balanced and positive team for Keller. That team is Baker, Cawthra and Thompson.

Walter D. Cornelius

Keller

Inappropriate

Editor:

With the upcoming election of City Council members on May 10, I have been studying the Web sites of all the local candidates. While doing so, I found something profoundly disturbing on Councilman Jim Carson’s Web site. Buried in a link called "Random Thoughts," Councilman Carson states: "Last weekend I saw a show on Broadway titled 'Avenue Q,’ it was the funniest puppet sex I have ever seen."

It goes on to say Councilman Carson received a letter from a Keller parent politely objecting to "my somewhat racy attempt at humor … I knew very well that a few people would find my remark inappropriate. .... But I ultimately decided to say it, because these are my views and this is my sense of propriety…"

I look to my city officials to uphold a standard of conduct for my children and grandchildren. I urge you to vote against Jim Carson and put someone in office that doesn’t post his puppet sex preferences on his official Web site where our children can read it.

Lisa Harper Wood

Keller

One for Cawthra

Editor:

It is seldom that you run across someone you feel you can trust as soon as you meet them. Tom Cawthra is that exception. I have worked as a volunteer with Tom on the Keller Economic Development Board and continue to be impressed with his straightforward manner, his careful and thoughtful analysis and his respectful handling of sensitive issues when there are multiple opinions.

Tom is running for Keller City Council, where I think that he will be a valuable asset to our community. I urge you to support this dedicated and enthusiastic professional. I do!

Alison Benton

Keller

Natural choice

Editor:

Eight years ago this month, this tranquil little town with its towering oaks and gentle hills lured us away from the big city. I know personally from selling real estate in Northeast Tarrant, that the natural landscape Keller provides truly differentiates us from our neighboring cities. Protecting this environment should be a top priority for the future of Keller.

I am proud to call Tom Cawthra a friend. I am even prouder that he is volunteering his time to run for Keller City Council. Tom shares the same passion I do about protecting the natural environment of our city. I would like to see restoration of our current parks and the dedication of land for future parks. I would like to see a council that puts their energy into manageable growth, but uses their wisdom in protecting our landscape.

As a father of three, Tom recognizes the need for children to have safe places to play, and families to congregate. Tom stands behind revising, developing and maintaining the comprehensive land use plan for the future of Keller. We need more people like Tom Cawthra on our City Council who truly believe that the land we have left is an invaluable resource.

Chad Collins

Keller