Polk County Enterprise (Livingston, Tex.), Vol. 127, No. 7, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 22, 2009 Page: 4 of 18
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PAGE 4A
OPINIONS
THE POLK COUNTY ENTERPRISE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009
House elects San Antonio
Republican as new speaker
AUSTIN — The 81st regular
session of the Texas Legislature
convened Jan. 1.1
On a voice vote. House members
unanimously elected state Rep.
Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, as
speaker. Straus succeeds Rep.
Tom Craddick, R-Midland, in that
powerful role.
Craddick, a House member for
the last 40 years, will continue to
represent his district. He was first
elected speaker in 2003 and was
reelected to the post in 2005 and
2007. His three sessions as speaker
were contentious. For example,
Craddick's refusal to recognize
members who sought to question
his authority sparked bipartisan
dissent.
When Craddick succeeded Hale
Center Democrat Pete Laney as
speaker in 2003, Republicans
had a 26-seat majority, 88 seats
to the Democrats' 62. After the
general election last November
the GOP majority had eroded to
only two seats, making the split 76
Republicans and 74 Democrats.
Now, with a near balance of
major party membership in the
House, Straus suggested in his
acceptance speech that members
should work closely on the
state agenda regardless of party
affiliation:
“Our challenges this session are
great, yet our opportunities are
endless,” Straus said. "Together,
we will build a House where
members have an opportunity to
express their views and a chance
to do something great for their
districts and for Texas.
“We will create an atmosphere
where everyone’s voice can and
should be heard: a place where
we respect each other’s points of
view, Democrat and Republican,
urban and rural, liberal and
conserva,. e.
“I know we will disagree at
times. On a daily basis, we will
debate. These disagreements and
debates are necessary because the
end result will be stronger and
better laws.”
The full House also met Jan. 14
and 15 and adjourned until Jan.
22, giving members who wanted
to, ample time to attend the Jan.
20 presidential inauguration of
Barack Obama in Washington,
D.C.
Senate starts with disagreement
While a congenial spirit
permeated the House Chamber
in the days after the election of
Speaker Straus, the atmosphere
in the Texas Senate was
comparatively raspy.
Senate rules normally require
that 21 members (two-thirds) of
the 31-member body consent to
allow a bill to be heard.
But 18 of the Senate’s 19
Republican members voted to
change the rules so that only
16 votes - a simple majority -
would be required to introduce
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
State i Capital
HIGHLIGHTS
By Ed Sterling
legislation.
The one Republican who joined
Democrats in voting to retain the
traditional rule of requiring a two-
thirds’ vote was Sen. John Carona
of Dallas.
Now, even if Democrats vote
as a bloc, they will not be able to
prevent certain bills from being
introduced.
In the debate on the rule change,
Democrats expressed concern
over “voter ID” legislation that
was pushed by Republicans last
session and will come up again
this session. Voter identification
legislation proposes to require
voters to present their driver’s
I icense or other state-issued picture
ID card in addition to their voter
registration card at the polls.
Last session, Democrats fought
voter ID legislation, arguing
that it unfairly burdens the poor,
minorities and older Texans.
The Senate adjourned and will
be back in session Jan. 26.
Comptroller estimates revenue
For its 2010-11 budget period,
state government can expect
to have $77.1 billion in funds
available for general-purpose
spending. Comptroller Susan
Combs said earlier this month.
This represents a 10.5 percent
decrease from the corresponding
amount of funds available for
2008-09, she said.
General revenue-related tax and
fee collections in 2010-11 likely
will reach $76.7 billion, with tax
revenues accounting for 89 percent
of the total.
About 65 percent of state tax
revenue will come from the sales
tax. Other significant sources of
general revenue include motor
vehicle sales taxes, the franchise
tax, the natural gas tax, insurance
premium taxes, and lottery
proceeds.
In addition to the general
revenue-related funds, Combs
said, the state stands to collect $91
billion in federal receipts and other
revenues dedicated for specific
purposes and cannot be used for
general-purpose spending.
State revenue collections from
all sources and for all purposes
should total $167.7 billion.
Tackling challenges the
Barbara Jordan way
A s the New Year begins, 1
/\ want to start by thanking
xlLTexans for sending me
back to Washington for another
six years.
Together we can make the
great slate of Texas an even more
prosperous and peaceful place to
raise our families, work, and plan
for the future.
I couldn’t be prouder to represent
a state where folks value hard
work, family, faith and freedom;
it’s what makes Texas a land of
opportunity. From business to
education; energy to medicine-
Texas leads the way with its spirit
of independence and legacy of
accomplishment.
That’s why I find that many
of the best ideas and solutions I
take to Washington come from
Texas. As I roll up my sleeves to
start work in the 11 Ith Congress,
1 do so with confidence, knowing
that so many Texans stand ready
to help me make a difference in
Washington.
At the top of my list this year is
the state of our nation’s economy.
While Texas has fared better
than most, we are not immune to
the recession. Last year brought
layoffs and salary cuts, and
thousands lost their homes. But
with a combination of pro-growth
policies on the federal level and
ingenuity on the local level, we
can turn the economic tide back in
our favor.
I will oppose any effort to
increase taxes on working families
and small businesses — the
backbone of our economy.
Instead, I will push for
significant tax relief that will keep
more of the hard-earned money
in your pocket. Our first step
should be to permanently extend
tax relief that will soon expire;
otherwise Americans will be hit
with the largest tax increase in ,
history. Things like small business}
investment incentives and
individual lax relief will help grow
SEN. JOHN
CORNYN
jobs, expand
opportunity
here at home,
and make
us more
competitive.
In other
words, these
efforts will
bring a
little Texas
common
sense to
Washington.
Another Texas hallmark that
has been missing in Washington is
government transparency. I have
and will continue to make open
government a top priority. I have
worked to shed light on the federal
government for all Americans
to see their tax dollars at work.
My goal is to create a federal
sunset commission, based on the
successful Texas model, to comb
through and weed out ineffective
or wasteful government programs.
With the new Administration
intent on passing a more-than
$700 billion stimulus package, we
need this commission now more
than ever.
Equally important is the need
to finally pass a comprehensive
energy plan. Last year, with
gasoline above $4, energy
independence was the popular
pledge.
But as quickly as gas prices
dropped, the topic also disappeared
from the political spotlight.
Today we are no closer
to reducing our dangerous
dependence on foreign oil. I will
push for new domestic production
and refining capacity. Texas
already leads the nation in energy
production, but we can do more.
We must cut through the red tape
and allow Texas producers to tap
into our rich natural resources
while fully developing clean
energy alternatives like wind,
solar and biomass.
Also on my agenda
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are
enhanced benefits for our troops
and veterans. These fine citizens
have made tremendous sacrifices
for our protection; we owe them
the best benefits and care possible.
We need additional resources
to research posttraumatic stress
disorder and other “invisible
wounds” froln the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
We have a solemn obligation to
help our wounded warriors make
a successful transition back to
civilian life or return to military
service, if they so choose.
I will not give up on achieving
broad immigration reform that
until now has been blocked by
partisanship. Continued inaction
is a serious risk to our national
security. 1 am committed to fixing
our flawed system while enforcing
the rule of law and securing our
borders.
I will continue to work with
Texas law enforcement. Border
Patrol, and community leaders to
learn firsthand the challenges that
face our border.
This year will also bring
opportunities to make real
differences in health care and
education — especially for low —
income Texas children who need
more affordable preventive health
care and college tuition.
In Texas, when a problem arises,
we don't wait for someone else to
fix it, we tackle it.
I hope all Texans will join me
in tackling this year’s challenges
by sending me your ideas, your
concerns and your priorities. !
Together we can take Texas to
new levels and help the rest of tlje
nation get back on the right track-
Letters to the Editor Policy
The Polk County Enterprise encourages readers to submit letters ex-
pressing their views and opinions. The letters will be published in the
Enterprise’s “Letters to the editor” column on Thursday or Sunday.
The letters may be written on any subject or issue of general interest.
Letters must be accompanied by a name and mailing address and will
be subject to editing for grammar, punctuation, spelling and length.
Letters must include a telephone number for verification. We will not
publish the telephone number.
Readers should keep their letters brief and to the point. Each letter
should contain no more than 650 words. Letters exceeding that length
will be subject to editing or withheld from publication. Letters will also
be subject to editing for libelous statements and commercialism.
This column is not meant as a forum for political candidates, although
we welcome comments from the public concerning campaign issues.
During election campaigns, we will not allow reference to specific local
candidates.
Letters may be submitted in person; mailed to "Letters to the editor,”
Polk County Enterprise, P.O. Box 1276, Livingston, TX 77351; sent by
fax to (936) 327-7156 or sent via e-mail to polknews@gmail.com.
Deadline for letters is 5 p.m. Tuesday for Thursday’s newspaper and
noon Friday for Sunday’s newspaper.
POLK COUNTY
ENTERPRI
fW.W.'l ALVIN HOLLKY. PUBLISHER
«•<*“T™ Telephone Number 936-327-4357
(USPS 437-340)
WEBSITE: www.E«stTtusN*wt.Com
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Enured as Periodical Matter at the Post Office at Uvltt|Mon,TX 77331
Any erroneous reflection upon the chancier, atanding or reputation of any peraon. firm or corporation which
may appear in thia newspaper will be gladly corrected upon being brought to die attention at the puHiaher.
Opinions expressed in columns are those of the writer aiyd not necessarily those of this newspaper. Opinions
expressed in editorial are those of the Enterprise. POSTMASTER: Periodical pottage paid at Livingston, TX.
Please send address chances to PO. Box 1276. Livingston. Texas 77331.
In report .1 diiniiigcd/mivsins paper or in report a hroki n vemlitm mat him t ill e\t. III?
Great multicultural
festival thanks to
community support
We wish to thank the entire
community for another successful
multicultural festival. You have
done it again! We are grateful for
another splendid year.
I especially want to thank all of
our participants at all levels and
to anyone who helped, we thank
you.
We could not have executed
the mission without financial
assistance from many sources
(personal and businesses as well).
Please know that it is our desire
to mention every participant and
supporter by name, however,
when we consider this sizeable
undertaking (over 600 strong), we
know you understand.
As coordinator, it was a pleasure
to work with the entire community
across all ethnic and racial lines to
culminate such an event.
A special thanks to Mr. Elgin
Davis for his labor of love in
helping to assure success of this
annual event. We are anticipating
and looking forward to an even
greater event next year as we
celebrate the 10th Multicultural
Festival honoring a great
American, Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.
I salute you for your attendance
and support.
Sincerely,
Col. Howard Daniel, Jr.,
(Ret) U.S. Army,
Spokesperson for the Assoc,
for Community Action
Empty Stocking
serves 210 families
with 745 children
Dear Editor:
Thank you to the community
groups and volunteers who
contributed to the Empty Stocking
Program this year. Seven hundred
and forty-five (745) children,
including 2I0 families, received
gifts because of the donations
made to help needy families in our
area. We are especially grateful
for the Christmas kindness shown
this year when so many have faced
a financial crisis.
The Empty Stocking Program
has been serving families for 19
years and appreciates the continued
support of the community. We
could not do it without you. Your
generosity is priceless and much
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Angela Figgs & Peggy Wooten
Livingston
Community came
together after tragic
death of teenager
Last week, the people of
Revival Center Church of God in
Onalaska suffered a tragic loss.
One of our precious youth, Ryan
Garrido, was involved in a terrible
accident, and went home to be
with our Lord, Jesus.
Amidst this tragedy, we saw our
community come together and act
in one accord on behalf of Ryan’s
family.
So many people reached out
in so many ways, and together
offered sympathy, condolences
and support to the family in their
time of loss. We would like to
take this opportunity to express
our appreciation to the following
friends; family and local business
owners.
First, we want to thank our
mayor, justice of the peace,
police chief, the Onalaska Police
Department, and the Onalaska
Fire Department/EMS for their
hard work and dedication.
We value their commitment and
the services they provide for our
community.
Also we want to thank the
Methodist Church Ladies
Auxiliary, First Baptist Church
Ladies Auxiliary, Revival Center
Church of God, Ladies Auxiliary,
Revival Center Church of God
Youth Dept, and Pastor Gerald
and Sister Doris Reeves, Jdmes
and Betty Dunaway, Beau and
Lana Reynolds, Louis Fresquez,
Donna McLaren, Teny Melton,
Ronald Peavy and Glenda Key
Each of these contributed in a
special way, together overcoming
difficult circumstances and
financial obstacles to provide final
services for the family.
It was a truly amazing exper-
ience, reminding us of Proverbs
3:6...
“In all thy ways acknowledge
Him, and He shall direct thy paths
ti
We express our deepest
sympathies to the family of Ryan
Ganido. He was loved by many
aud will be missed by all. We pray
God grant them peace, comfort,
and hope in the difficult times to
come.
Love,
Revival Center Church of God
Onalaska
Kudos to Col. Daniel
for successful festival
Year after year for almost 10
years, Col. Howard and Marie
Daniel have coordinated and
supervised an evening of food,
fellowship, information and
entertainment for Polk County to
celebrate cultural, ethnic, creed
and colordi versity in remembrance
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
But of course THIS year was
different, as the festivities marked
the eve of the inauguration of
America’s first African-American
President ... perhaps something
that Dr. King with his “I have a
dream” speech would not have
envisioned by the year 2009.
Although Rev. and Mrs. Daniel
are very humble and refuse to take
credit for their inspiration and
ability to organize and produce
such an all-inclusive celebration
annually, without them there
would not have ever been such an
event.
Hats off to them and their
accomplishments in inviting and
hosting ALL Polk Countians to
come together as one to enjoy and
get to know each other better.
And thanks to alI the contri butors
of time, effort, money and talents
which have made this yearly event
possible and successful.
Barbara WagstafF
Livingston
Shame on whoever
abandoned little dog
I have adopted your dog, the one
you left on the side of the road.
The puppy you had for a little
while and you no longer wanted
her around. I
I happened to glance to the side
of the road and saw this little dog.
I stopped and called and here slje
came running as best she could,
with joy. j
I picked her up and placed her
on the floor of the cab of my truck,
but she would have none of that.j
She crawled onto my lap ar(jd
there she stayed until reaching
home. She was 14 inches taijl
and weighed nine pounds. Site
was so emaciated that you cou^i
count every single rib, every joint
of her spinal cord on her wea^
dehydrated body. She was j ust or
step away from death. ;
Fortunately, Jessy's story h{
a happy ending, but it took a Ity
of time, effort and caring to git
her back to a normal healthy life
style.
A couple of months later sl^p
has grown a few more inches ar 1
weighs 43 pounds.
Jessy was shou'ered with lo\
and affection and she demonstrate
in every way that she is greatfil
and is a very happy beautift
puppy.
Would you treat an animal th;
way? There-are 44 states that hav :
made animal cruelty a felon
and hopefully the other six wi I
get on board soon. It is cruel anil
inhumane to drop off any animig
like you discard your garbag<$
People that choose to act in thi%
manner should be apprehended^
convicted and serve time in prisojl
with a heavy fine.
When observed please repoif
it to the Humane Society or thfc
ASPCA immediately. ;Ij
William L. Rozejl
US Army retired still serving
Dallardsville
IE
Give praise for good
things happening $
2009 is starting out great... T^ifc
inauguration of Barack Obama, tfiS
Hudson River Miracle, the cea$8
fire in Gaza. What else can yqi
think of that is going well? Lod§
for the good and praise it. .!£
Bobbylee Rusk is
Cleveland
S
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Reddell, Valerie. Polk County Enterprise (Livingston, Tex.), Vol. 127, No. 7, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 22, 2009, newspaper, January 22, 2009; Livingston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth820283/m1/4/: accessed July 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Livingston Municipal Library.