The Feedback Report
Check out the Feedback from recently posted stories. Click on the links to view the story itself.
The opinions expressed here are the opinions of our readers and do note opinion of i-dineout.com. Persons expressing alleged improprieties about people or establishments in covered stories will be identified to prevent libel charges against this site.
Major Accident US 90 at FM 1413
Major Accident US 90 at FM 1413: I travel this section on Hwy 90 frequently and see people disreguard this stop sign all the time. I hope all of these people are able to recover and lead normal lives. People need to slow down a little bit and not be in such a hurry to disreguard road signs, pass in right turn lanes, and on the shoulder of the roadway just because they are running late.
Mexican Cartels and Gangs Recruiting in Texas Schools
Re: Mexican Cartels and Gangs Recruiting in Texas Schools. How can this be happening? We have open borders. This cannot really be happening. We have Homeland Security! This must be a lie. Our borders are secure. This cannot be happening!
Democrats Gather for Meet & Greet
I am certain most people expected the approach we observe by our local Democrats when they said "'It’s not the White House, It’s the Courthouse,' that is most significant to Liberty County voters." They may want to add "it's not Austin" too. And then they may want to add "it is not Judge Fitzgerald or Janet Harrelson or Toby Wilburn or any of the other embarrassing Democrats". Why would anyone but a yellow dog Democrat run in that party now?
Hey Youngblood what's with the article on the Democrats' meeting? I mean it was so vague. who was there? Who is talking about running? Tell us about some of teh interesting conversations that were taking place Dude!
All I want to know is whether or not Cain and Fitzgerald were both in the same room for the kickoff of the 2010 Democratic primary?
I have eaten Nancy Archer's chicken spaghetti and know this must have been a great event!
Since you are the media I am anxious to hear what you observe and what you hear and what you think at both political party's early meetings. I hope you will attend the Republican party meeting too.
EDITORS NOTE: We plan to do just as the previous FEEDBACK REPLY says, but, only if we are invited to attend.
Somebody find out if republicans ever meet around here and make sure Mr. Youngblood is invited. THta way people can compare the coverage and see how even handed and fair he is. Some look at things like his pro active coverage of Marcus Brand and assume it is political bias but I believe he has, and will have, expose' on Lee groce as well. This ain't no KSHN on here. No agenda. No backroom creepy deals.
Whenever I see Judge Fitzgerald's name I tend to want to see Judge Cain's next to it. Both men, it seems to me, accused each other of wrongdoing. Both men should be, and hopefully are, under investigation. On the same subject .... when will the Texas Rangers rotate out the guy we have and get us a new one. I now agree with what I have heard for several years and belive we need a frsh start in that area.
General Comments
I heard on the news this morning that the State will fill in and close Rollover Pass. This is a popular fishing spot for hundreds, if not thousands of people. It is also where water from the Gulf of Mexico feeds into Anahuac Bay. Closing in the Pass will not stop the flow into Anahuac Bay, but it will change the way the water passes, and I feel the fishing spot at Anahuac Park will also be affected. I doubt there is little we can do to stop this process, but, I really hate to see it happen.
Yes, it is true the Army Corps of engineers will be filling in Rollover Pass. But they are also going to build a large fishing pier that extends into the Gulf. So if you've fished down there before, you'll still be able to fish in the future.
General Comments
The Liberty Lions Club, puts out flags on holidays. It is bad enough that they take our flags from the routes. But, it is really low to take a flag from a vetern's grave on Vetern's Day. Had a flag taken from a grave in the old City Cemetary. Shame on you.
General Comments
Noticed the construction on the library and the new bank is coming along. I also noticed that all the workers were Mexicans, which is just fine as long as they are not illegals. I wonder if the city required the contractor on the library to use US citizens. With unemployment at all time highs, US citizens should get first shot at the jobs.
I applaud this driver for having the truck go off road instead of causing an even more of an accident on the road. I wish more drivers do that.
Soaring Salaries at Non-Profits
Soaring Salaries at Non-Profits : This is a crying shame that people are that greedy in tight times as these now days. These people look at the CEO's of big companies and see the same greed and believe they are entitled to the same over paid saleries. They believe the choices they make should not be held against them. If they run the company or non-profit into the ground they think they are still entitled to the high salary and bonuses as if they were making good sound choices. I know I have curbed my donations due to not wanting to support someones high wages. Most of the time they are making a hell of a lot more than I am to start with. When the actaul money going to the cause is about 10% it's not worth donating to in the first place and thats what most of them actually use the rest is so called administration cost (over priced salaries).
General Comments
The family of Michael Lee Gooden would like to express our gratitude to everyone that has helped us get through these last couple of weeks! There has been such an outpouring of love shown to us, that we know we could never thank everyone personally! So to everyone that has given their time, donations, words of comfort, so many hugs and for those that have cried with us or have sat quietly and let us borrow your shoulder, thank you all so very much! God Bless You!!
1 in 7 Americans Went Hungry in 2008
5 out of seven are obese . We need to 'share the fat' !!
Sorry, but I have absolutely no sympathy for someone waiting in a soup line when they're standing there with a cell phone and cigarettes and alcohol on their breath. Many of your "hungry" are there, not because of a lack of resources, but because of their own poor choices. I understand offering a TEMPORARY helping hand to someone who is down on their luck, but we've got way too many people who have made receiving welfare checks and free handouts a life-long career. Let some of these folks go hungry for a while and maybe they'll eventually make the connection that they need to get off their butts and work and use their money for food instead of other unnecessary items.
We are seeing more and more "hungry" in this country because our government has enabled the behavior that leads to it. Look at what's happening, everyone. If you don't work, the government gives you money, food, housing, healthcare. You are free to squander the money on non-necessary "make me feel good now" items. Don't worry because the government will still take care of you. Want more money and decide to turn to a life of crime? Don't worry, you'll be provided free legal representation who will plead you're just an innocent product of your environment. You'll be set free on probation where you can still continue your wrong doings or you'll be housed in jail or prison where you'll still receive shelter, food, recreation, healthcare all far better than what our military troops endure overseas. If you do decide to turn your life around and work and make an honest living, all of the government perks stop. This country is slowly but surely turning its population into a bunch of helpless, mindless souls who will be totally dependent on the government. Scary thought.
General Comments
How do you spell cowards? GOP! I can't believe that the same people who seem to start some sort of war every time they are in power to prove they are badasses are afraid to try the 911 terrorist in the very place they terrorized!Un freaking real!Are these the same folks who continue the death penalty and oppose abortion? My god Charles Manson is sitting in our prisons and they are afraid to bring all these Gitmo folks to American prisons who are in shackles. They should call their party GOH"grand ole hypocrites".Bunch of damn pansies.Have you ever met a gop pres that won a war?Every time they feel threatened they jump stupid"IraqWar" Here is a list of what frightens the GOP:God,gay people,black people,liberals,democrats,arabs,free societies,smart people,scientist,the media,Oh yes most of all scared to care about someone besides themselves.OHH poor me lets not open the wounds again on New Yorkers thats crap. I bet 10 bucks that there is more New Yorkers that would like to get their hands on them than cry poor me I'm so scared!The trials should be televised all over the world to show we are "FAIR"even with people who weren't fair to us.Then when they are found guilty bring them to Livingston Tx to death row then treat them to the 190west ride to Huntsville Death Chamber which we do to fellow Americans all the time.That seems fair to me!So stop your whining GOP and think on your own for a change.
I am an independent but agree with the Republicans and over 665 of the American public - we should try the 911 terrorists in the military courts. I am not scared, I just believe the precedents that have been set have worked and should continue to be followed. They are at war with us, whether liberals want to believe they are sincere when they repeatedly declare their war against us or not. I will accept that people have honest differences on this even though it does seem like common sense for this to be in a military trial.
The wtiter struggling to spell "coward" was right in asking how to spell it. They obviously do not know. When polled the military almost always has a strong tendency to vote Republican. If this country ever does have another civil war, what will the liberals do? I mean the ones who never want to fight? That is what a coward is....someone who values nothing enough to fight for it. Now which party does that sound like? I bet smart people can spell the word
Here is the stupidest thing I have read this year: "Here is a list of what frightens the GOP:God,gay people,black people,liberals,democrats,arabs,free societies,smart people,scientist,the media,Oh yes most of all scared to care about someone besides themselves". The part of the Republican party that is known as the "religious right" typically fears God and God alone. they are the people that pay their taxes AND give to their church AND give to charity MORE THAN THE REST OF AMERICANS. Name call all you want but the party that fled in huge numbers here in Liberty County because they did not want a black President, was NOT the GOP. Any "prejudice" or pre-judging they do is because they yield to scripture in the Bible. Your criticism might better be pointed toward the Bible and your rejection (no, not your interpretation) of it. Wise up, spend some time with a strong knowledgeable Christian and then write again how bad they are.
Is the nameless but brave American who wants to try the terrorists in New York calling two thirds of us cowards?
Undeclared warriors have no legal rights. Let the United States Constitution be your guide. Let your study of this application be unfiltered through the spokesmen of either party and you will want to put this people before a military tribunal and no where else.
What a loser! Who would say "I bet 10 bucks that there is more New Yorkers that would like to get their hands on them" and imply that is proof citizens of New York want this trial there. They do not! I have family that lives there and it is like two to one for a military trial. You should send all of the readers of i-dineout ten bucks for implying something that is so obviously wrong.
I am one of those people who is glad we continue to use the death penalty and I oppose abortion. Those two policies are consistent. People like the terrorist who are guilty and their actions are not acceptable to society should have forfeited their right to live. Unborn babies on the other hand continue to have a right to life. They are innocent and those terrorists and Charles Manson are not. I forgive you for calling me a coward. I expect you assume your service to this country has been more courageous than mine. A point to ridiculous to argue.
Answering the question about GOP Presidents that have won a war: Abraham Lincoln and US Grant preserved the Union. Dwight Eisenhower won WWII, Teddy Roosevelt and William McKinley won the Spanish American George Bush won the Gulf War. Reagan won the war in Grenada (big deal), but he also won the cold war...... What about Democrats? Woody Wilson promised to keep us out of WWI and he didn't (but his wife was running the country when we won). Under FDR Pearl Harbor was left for the Japanese, but Winston Churchill and people like Ike and Patton won the war. Kennedy and LBJ lost Vietnam. Is this spin? Sure it is. But a lengthy factual unspun discussion about wars and who deals with them best, Democrats or Republicans....well that is raw meat for the Republicans. Somebody needs their head cleaned out to point to this as a Democratic party strength.
Is Jimmy Carter writing on i-dineout now? i love it when he talks foreign policy. I wait before I form an opinion to hear how he and his party of donkeys view a potential war or an ongoing war. They are always right, they are always like the French, they always manage to say "count me out".
All of the bold talk from someone who fears Sarah Palin? Why is the only war the Democrats are willing to committ whole-heartedly to any war except the war they have declared on this woman?
To the person stating that the 'GOP' are cowards: First and foremost, you voted for Obama, I can firmly tell by your pitiful statements. You're the sucker in this situation. I hope and pray each and everyone of you who voted for this Muslim is now finally realizing what a mistake you have all made. These 9/11 terrorist should not even be given a chance to have a fair trial. Bringing them back to New York is not doing anything but telling them that it's okay to come back into our country, when it isn't. Obama is so blinded he doesn't even realize that the Fort Hood attacks were terrorist related, OR maybe he is hiding something. HOW this idiot became THE president, I have no earlthy idea. I just hope you all realize that Obama is a liar, and he is not going to save any of you. This country is going to hell, and it's sad how unpatriotic it has become. Our founding fathers are surely rolling in their graves right now!
General Comments
LIBERTY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD....It doesn't say much for the administrators and school boards of the county school districts when they choose Hardin's superintendent and a school board member to be their fiscal agents. Guess they all want to learn the process of sinking money needed for education into synthetic turf football fields and concession stands.
Sgt. Ricky Skarpa Retiring after 35 Years
Sgt. Skarpa, You sir are an inspiration. I think everyone in this city would have a story to tell involving you due to your length of service. You have helped so many people. You always did things "by the book" no matter what the cost. I am sorry to hear you are leaving our city. I can only wonder what will happen now that our rock is gone. I hope you know you have touched many lives are respected as no one else could ever be.
Another day, then another year. Oh! How many years you have worked here! From day to day, week to week trodding upon our city streets. To serve and protect our city each day Never knowing what expierences ahead may lay. Your bravery is outstanding in the eyes of most As you carefully watch over your assigned post. You put your life upon the line each day Being the unsung hero in every way. You do your job and do it well Always trying to get the bad guys in jail You strive to keep our homes and streets safe Doing your job regardless the stake. Fear is not to be part of your life Because you know you must return home to your kids and wife. You never question if what you do is worth the price,For you know you are helping so many lives. And though the pay will never be enough for what you do the commitment to your job rings proud and true. It takes a special kind of person to be who you are and in my life you are always a star. You're not just a Police Officer, you are also my dad. I understand all the things for which you stand. You'll never quite realize how proud your family is of you. We respect and believe in everything you do. This is just to say you are appreciated and loved. CONGRATULATIONS on a job WELL DONE!!! LOVE YOUR FAMILY
Sorry to see you go Sgt. Skarpa are you sure you can't go some more you done the city good also thank you so much for the funeral escorts always seeing you just got to tell you hi on sat at a funeral may god continue to bless you in your retirement take care
Congratulations to Ricky Skarpa on his retirement! Hope he enjoys his well deserved retirement!
General Comments
A true Liberty County Treasure....A.J.Walker...pioneer/cowboy...you will be missed....thank you,my friend....Chesney family
Car Crashed into Utility Pole on FM 1409
Once again FM 1409 gets another chance to prove why it is such a dangerous road. As I have stated before, the "racetrack" starts at the south end of the Kimmie Brown Elementary School zone and runs the distance to the Chambers County line. If folks would only realize that the speed limit is 55 m.p.h. on this stretch, it could help make a difference in the number of accidents. I have noticed more patrols by the DPS, Dayton P.D. and Pct. 4 Constables in this area and it has helped...thank you Officers for your presence and the jobs that you perform...you are very much appreciated! Now, maybe if we could get a DWI task force working on this Texas Farm to Market road we may be able to further enhance the safety of vehicle operators, their passengers and unsuspecting utility poles!
General Comments
Thelma Lou and I was very excited to hear that Church's Chicken was coming to Dayton, this past summer. Well, Thelma Lou is tired of driving to Crosby to fill her appetite for Great Fried Chicken and her favorite Honey, Butter Biscuits. Now, when I go to the grocery store, I have to hire a rodeo clown to distract her, while the groceries are unloaded. Church's Chicken, you lied to me and my 400 lb. beauty, Thelma Lou and we are both PO'd to say the least. Git-R-Done!!
General Comments
I have hoped that this hospital board our bluebloods created would do the right thing and allow the hospital to fail and give an opportunity for people that make money investing in the appropriate type of medical facilty for a community to come forward. I had hoped that they would not insult the voters and ourcongressman and elected officials by continuing to use the license expiring (as if we could not have another one fasttracked with the right help). But that has not happened. Now since two of the board members thought that this was the wrong way to go, I am asking them to do the principled thing. Either ask the others to resign for incompetence or resign themselves in protest. This whole thing is shameful. The way the district was formed by voter gerrymandering or voter shopping and all of the wheeling and dealing. It all stinks. Send them a message.
I wodered aloud what resigning would do besides let the worst board members have their way. I was quickly chastised by all in the room. "Why would they stay on a board that essentially is involved at the core in something they were against." "It says you three can out vote us on every issue, but we will shine one last light and express how passionately the people should be against this". "I wouldn't dirty my habds". etc etc etc
Three of the board members on this Liberty County Hospital District, have set themselves up in the other two Corporations they have created. These three amigos are the officers of these Corporations and will be the officers, even if they are voted off of the Hospital District. These Scam Artist have set themselves up to run and use our Tax money as they see fit, without any vote by this SCAM Hospital District. I think the Attorney General of the State of Texas, US Attorney General or the FBI should look into this whole Scam, since it is TAXPAYER money they are playing with. Isn't this called Taxation without representation?
The only thing the other two hospital board members can do that makes any sense is resign and refuse to involve themselves with people that are setting themselves up with what I believe to be illegal corporations. They may not have to worry like the others about defending themselves in litigation but they may have to hire counsel if lawsuits are filed to stop this. I suggest they get their name off of everything they can and try to distance themselves from the triplets.
what is going on this scam of a hospital board now? This does needs to be investigated by the correct officials (outside the county) from the beginning. What is up with fruad corporations being formed now? I am sure it is to line the pockets of these so called people with special interest that currently sit on this so called board.
How wonderful to read that the little dog was rescued from the Tarkington accident. Poor little critter, he's going to need some loving arms, not a cold cage.
I care about "putting an end to racial fear-mongering and misinformation in the media" and Lou Dobbs has done a great job of doing both. I see no racial bias in Dobbs, just the same common sense approach most nations have tp controlling their borders. Lou Dobbs speaks for the majority of Americans on this issue and he goes against what many gutless politicians say about immigration. Legal immigration from the good neighbors we have south of our border is a good thing and should be made easier. Illegal entry into this country needs to be stopped. I guess some point to Lou Dobbs hypotheticals concerning terrorists efforts in a pourous border is fea mongering - I say it is wisdom. Whereever Dobbs goes I will follow so I can hear his insight on the matter.
Lou Dobbs Resigns from CNN. YEP anyone who disagrees with obama is a racist but people who join COLORofchange couldn't possibly be.
I read with interest your article about Lou Dobbs. I too am glad he's no longer at CNN - now he can go to FOX where he can really do some good for the American people. Good luck Lou Dobbs.......
LOL does anyone think on their own anymore? Slippery slopes,cliffs,give me a break.I'll bet $10 that most of the GOP hillbillies around this place have no idea what communism is.Unless Fox tells them.If you are so worried about a government run health care agency to compete against the multimillion dollar "ram it in your ass" insurance companies that don't give a rats ass about anyone but themselves. I feel sorry for you.Since we are talking about government run health care lets shut down Medicare and the VA "thats veterans administration for you jethro's"and completely do away with social security.Let me guess you had no clue that they were run by the government.Yep its true not a new concept now is it. Last time I checked the government has not came in and took over Wal-mart and began distributing all its goods for the better of all.Have they? They haven't seized farmers crops and began distributing them to all the population equally have they?I haven't been told how much gas or guns or bullets I can buy.Nope My life hasn't changed much in the last 10 to 15 years.Except my premiums on my capitalist insurance.Has anyone seen how many agencies have endorsed this inside the health care business.Probably not fox,hannity and rush limpballs do not discuss this.I fear the cowardly GOP way more than I fear communism.If its not about starting endless wars(IRAQ) or repealing Roe V wade. They are not worth a dam at it. LOL.They really are teabaggers! LOL
Contrary to the person that thinks ad hominim attacks are a sign of intelligence and a reason to claim victory in an argument, healthcare costs will go up under Obamacare and the quality will go down. And I have heard no one accuse him of being a communist. He is a socialist. these words have meanings beyond the way these hateful people use adjectives and this word describes Obama perfectly. By the way if hayseeds believe like the name caller says they do then Texas is 70% hayseed and Democrat proof in statewide elections. The name caller is a bright shining light to most of us or a lost goose. "You decide, we report."
I guess Lou Dobbs was one of Bush's harshest critics. He was pretty even handed when it came to his opinions. Didnt seem to matter whether it was a Republican or a Democrat. His being asked to resign should make anyone connected to the press a little nervous. A free press is one of the most important things in keeping America free. It is largely left up to the press to expose corruption in government. Without a free pree then we no longer have freedom of speech. I dont always agree with Allen's editorials bur I agree with his right to express them. I never understood the fuss about the Presidents birth certificate. We have all been required to present our birth certificates. I never have understood why it was such a big deal in making his public since it was a requirement to hold that office. I didnt always agree with Lou Dobbs but now there is one less voice letting us know what is going on in congress.
I say good riddance to Dobbs and now its time to get rid of Beck.
who cares about lou dobbs resigning from CNN, what about whose resigning after 34 years of service from our own local police department?? Sgt. Ricky Skarpa, you will be missed terribly! The Liberty Police Department will NEVER be the same without you, the most honest trustworthy officer the department has ever had! You know who is on your side and who is not!
I applaud him for what he did at the age of twenty. At least he was willing to let the child be raised in a normal enviroment.. it takes a man to admit that he cannot raised a child and willing to be strong to watch this child day in and day grow up before your eyes and not be able to say I'm proud of you son... so pick another battle to fight this this guy... our past mistakes when we are irresponsible kids shouldn't have to be our future mistakes... lay off of him... he has paid this price for 20 plus years so the price for his mistake has been paid. It is not up to us to keep hammering in... let it go!
Lou Dobbs Resigns from CNN Who's next? Rush? Glenn Beck? O'Reily? Hannity? Looks like "change" is making it's way through America. You say something against the new administration and you are going down!! Forget the "freedom of speech" stuff, we've made a few "Changes"!
To the loud mouth telling everyone how stupid they are: Some of us do know that the government runs medicare and the va. And one of your biggest fears should be a helthcare system run like the va. As for medicare it is one of the reasons your healthcare is so expensive. You see, they pay doctors what they want to pay them and the insurance companies make up the difference. I dont like the idea of the government getting into the insurance business with my money. Along with the government run medicare program that is infested with fraud and waste we can look at the post office-broke, social security -broke and any other thing run but the government. And what gives the government the right to tell employers they have to provide insurance, or me I have to but it? One day thousands are dying because they dont have insurance the next they are costing everyone else by getting free care. Which is it? They get on tv and tell us the problem with the best healthcare system in the world is cost. Then they put up a bill that does nothing to address the problem. they just want to use tax dollars to provide it to people. they will tax the rich. ha. here is a news flash for ya, Businesses dont pay taxes. To a business taxes are just an overhead cost. just like their rent or electric bill. they pass this cost on just like any other. dont believe me? What happened when the gov raised the tax on tobacco a few monthes ago? Did tobacco companies make less money? no cigs went up a dollar a pack. So all of you that want to jump on the "tax the rich" band wagon be careful what you wish for.
General Comments
I certainly wish there was a possibility, or miracle that we, the people of Liberty County could trade Henry Patterson for Chip Fairchild as sheriff.
Chip Fairchild has great instincts in solving crime, he understands the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and he is politically savy enough to steer clear of any problems in that area. Who wouldn't vote for someone like Chip Fairchild for Sheriff. I get excited about the next election just thinking about how safe and secure I would be with a Sheriff Fairchild in charge. Please consider running Detective Fairchild. No one has the experience you have. No one would do the job you would do.
I was happy to exchange Sheriff Arthur for Patterson and will be happy to exchange him for Chip Fairchild. It was impossible to go from Arthur straight to Fairchild but we can get there this way.
Chip Fairchild is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes and Chap Cain is like Oliver Wendell Holmes and me ,well I am the Eveready Bunny....
Motion for Re-Sentencing Coming Nov. 13
I am shocked by Judge Cain's decision and his insensitivity toward the family who lost their child to a drunk driver.
Judge Cain needs to start recusing himself from cases he has some passion for since he seems to recognize why courts don't allow the parents of DWI victims to pass sentences.
Judge Cain use to have a rep for thumping bad guys pretty good. When he goes soft I always wonder why......
I do not think the average person appreciates the number and the gravity of decisions a district judge has to make in his career. The criticism of the Honorable District Judge Chap Cain has been so vigorous and so numerous on here and on the streets that there is no way he can respond to all of it. Every decision a District Judge makes has the potential to make the other side mad and I hope people that read or hear on the streets all of the negative things about the Judge and his decisions will take that into consideration. There is another side to every story you hear.
Motion for Re-Sentencing Coming Nov. 13 : This is terrible just like allowing a officer off with blood alcohol results over the limit because of shady work. The courts seem to be on the wrong side of the law most of the time now days.
Your article on re-sentencing just reminds me all over again that I would want a change of venue if I was ever accused and brought to trial in this county. Strange things happen in our courts.
Candidate Marcus Brand Responds
DEAR MR. BRAND, I would like to address your response. Do not and I repeat do not let these small minded people of this county get to you. This was your decision not theirs. This is a choice you made. Have we not all made bad choices? As long as we grow and learn from our mistakes then we will have accomplished what is suggested. Please don't respond to these people sir. It is not for anyone to judge you except God. I am glad you made the decision to relinqish your right to where your biological son could be cared for instead of having children over and over with several different people for the government to take care of. I wish you the best in this election.
Oh my how quick some people are to attack Marcus Brand over child custody. It is not our business to be in the attack business. Could we all back off, give this young man a benefit of a doubt, because if we knew the whole story we may not be so rush to judge? My Dad also gave up custody of his first born son. It was not because he did not love the child, it was because the child's Mother was relentless to have my Dad out of the picture, so she would be more comfortable going on with HER life. She had picked out another man to be the "daddy" and would have it no other way. My Dad always checked up on his son, as well as he could, since 'MOM' always blocked any communication between them. After whe child grew up he saw my Dad sometimes. Dad tried to help him every way he could. As an adult this now adopted young man admitted he had a life at home with his Mom filled with depression for both he and the Mom. He went on to become a Dad himself which gave him a better understanding of why my Dad made the decision to give him up to the Mom's husband. My half-brother is doing fine and well, our Dad has passed away several years ago. His Mom killed herself.
Interesting, shinning a light on Republican candidate Brand's past. It is such a shame you did not take advantage of all the information available about our president and post it here for our enlightenment before that election. Will you be digging in the Democrats' personal closets between now and election time? I suspect even a yellow dog Democrat could run as a Republican next year and win, because we Republicans are going to be voting straight ticket again!! You can thank what the liberal national officials are trying to do to our country and our rights for that.
Editor Allen Youngblood wrote - "Politicians must run on their record and not what they say they believe. Actions speak louder than words and a person’s ability to make the right decision and, “Do the right thing,” should be the measure with which voters use to make decisions about who best can serve their needs in political office." Let's look at experience. Say you have a man serving in the US Senate. He's a Jr Senator. His first 2 months in office he votes on every bill, 56 total. Over the next 17 months and 599 bills he votes 294 times which is 49% of the time. Is he experienced? He votes to deny 455 million to Amtrak and turns around on the next vote and gives Amtrak 1.55 billion. Is this experience? Please tell us where experience comes from i-dineout? When you are a newly elected official where do you get your experience from?
One thing you will see over and over, republicans have to be perfect and the rest are just excused for their behavior!
Thank you for you web site, I-dineout.com. I feel you are doing a good service to our county. If you find time, I would ask that you do an article describing the role of our County Commissioners and perhaps our County Judge. Please list there duties and responsibilities. Thank you again.
By all means Kill the Messenger, who delivered message after message about Phil Fitzgerald, a Democrat, not but just weeks ago, but when the story about him stuffing his pockets with our tax money after Hurricane Ike. Nothing has been as damning to an elected official as what was reported on this web-site by Allen Youngblood. The highest elected official in the county and then questioned the voting of the County Commissioner's that voted lock step with the County Judge on questionable things. Allen, just recently brought forward the Contract Cowboy mess at the Sheriff's Department and how, Commissioner's Court was paying them, all Democrats. Tell Marcus Brand that nothing can hurt him in this right wing Christian (?) county. If John McCain drew a loud clapping of hands at the Republican Convention, when the story of him and his stripper, in the red corvette story was told to a crowded convention or right wing religious zealots, then anything goes with Republicans as long as the wealth are satisfied and oil is flowing. McCain’s wife and children waited for him during his POW days, then he came home after his wife's severe car wreck and disabilities, she still carries today and started cheating on her and then got a marriage license to marry the little rich girl, before the divorce to his loyal wife was gaveled by the Judge. He bragged about graduating at the bottom of his Naval Academy Class, like that was ok! Senator Obama was a family man, with no baby’s mammas, and graduated at the top of his class at Harvard Law School. Can you imagine Obama, coming on stage with one of his daughters, knocked up and not married, like Sara Palin did, that colored fellow had to be perfect, but you nuts are still dogging him about his religion and his birth certificate! Who, has to be perfect not Republicans, for sure, they do it all and hit them knees on the front pew, every Sunday! That is Bull-Sh*t and you all know it and owe Mr. Youngblood an apology. You screw up in Liberty County and he will report it, unbiased, unlike Mr. Feel-Good over the airwaves. Like Bart Simpson says, "Bite me".
A wise man: “Learns from his mistakes” Yes your findings in the court records are true, but there is more to the story. These records prove nothing about Marcus Brand and his values at this time. Getting to know his current values would have been a better choice. Every politician has a past. We all do. We are all human. There was only one person who did not make mistakes, His name is God. Questioning a very personal decision is not normal, ethical or news worthy. Had this been a decision impacting anyone outside Mr. Brand’s inner circle, it should have been reported. But as witnessed in your editorial, opposing party candidates are given no consideration and are subjected to modern day yellow journalism. Not evident in the court records were reasons behind Marcus’s actions; actions that deeply saddened him, actions which he has regretted. While in the Army learning to serve our country, the teenage relationship Marcus was involved in was falling apart. The decision was made in haste, but at the age of 19, both parties felt it would be better for their child to be raised in a stable home and not a broken one, a remarkably wise decision by a pair of young adults. Personally, I know how great a father he has been to the two children we share. He is a great spiritual leader, supporter, role model, teacher and confidante for the children. He has taught us all what it means to believe; belief in country, believe in your own faith and belief to act upon personal convictions. There is much more to Marcus Brand than one regrettable decision years ago. He is a wise man. He has learned the importance of decision making and a person I truly rely on when it comes to decisions. He understands the importance of working hard, missing only one day of work in his life. This commitment has allowed him to rise “out of the oil field” into the corporate arena. One should never forget, but for the grace of God in forgiving us of our sins, we would all be doomed to hell! I can assure you all he has my full support, utmost respect and my vote as a leader. I can only pray that our son grows into the man his father is today.
If the man was a killer, a robber, a pimp, a child molester, a rapist BUT only did it once are we still supposed to look past the one time he made a mistake??? If so let's let all the people out of prison who have only made one mistake! I KNOW this is a little out of context and the things listed above are horrible and Marcus has done NONE of these things and is probably a good man. BUT don't ask me to support a person and overlook just one bad discision. you have to judge the whole. I am extremely greatful the child has a loving home I think it's terrible it should even be brought up I hope this child is shielded from all of this. When a person runs for public office he is throwing his soul to the community, we will count on this person to spend our money wisely we should know what type of person this is. This is not about just Marcus, this is about Liberty county trying to clean up its act. If everyone would have know all of the Judges dirty little secrets would we have voted for him. PROBABLY NOT. Marcus I hope you win your election I hope you put this in the past, now as long as you have no other skeletons in your closet focus on your campaign
People can scream “dirty politics” all they want but I have no problem with journalists looking into the backgrounds of politicians. The public revelation of one of the candidates for precinct 2 is fair game as far as I am concerned. Of course recent news stories onb ABC about Lee Groce’s relationships and decisions are even more imporatnt than what his opponent did almost two decades ago as a teen. Journalists reported that a Las Vegas trip for Lee Groce was paid for by the winner of a lucrative hurricane cleanup contract. The man getting that contract the report says is a lifelong friend of Groce and the bid was higher than other bids. That kind of report is fair game. The report about the company handling the trust properties for Liberty County and Lee Groce and his son’s connection to it is fair game too. Linebarger, Goggan, Blair and Sampson, LLP, where Groce’s son works handles our trust properties, thereby creating a conflict of interest for the commissioner. Groce said he would abstain from any and all business concerning the firm where his son works, but it seems he has voted on matters that could be seen as a conflict of interest since then. That is fair game. The staunch energetic support Lee Groce gave Phil Fitzgerald for County Judge is another matter that is fair game. So are many stories and decisions Lee Groce has made over the years. These things that directly speak to the kind of work and ethics Lee Groce has on the job are all fair game. We should all weigh the decision Marcus Brand made when he was nineteen and the decisions Lee Groce has made in the last nineteen months and decide who we will trust our vote to in the next election. I appreciate Mr. Youngblood offering a venue for vigorous debate. I look forward to the next round.
Marcus hang in there. Lee Groce has skeletons in and out of his closet that should cause people to at least hesitate before considering electing him again. the thing about it is a great many of his bad decisions are job related!
I see that the ex has to put in her 2 cents worth. Rumor has it that she was a major influence in Marcus' decision on giving up his child after their first born arrived. So he knew the great joy of having a child,but he gave up his first born anyway. If your going to let a women influence you that much to give away a child, how easily would you be influenced to turn corrupt like the rest of Liberty County. And EX, don't even try to deny this. You know it is so true. Only half of Liberty already knows the story and they will be coming out with it in a matter of time. The best thing you can do is keep taking your Valtrex and sit back and enjoy the show.
n response to the feedback concerning Mr. Brand's current lifestyle, let's talk about Mr. Brand's PATH in the last 15 years. Yes more to the story is correct! As a longtime friend of both Mr. Brand and the mother, I would like to get the truth out there. First of all Mr. Brand and the mother were in a 3 yr. relationship when the child in question was conceived, but yes the relationship ended during the pregnancy. Very soon after Mr. Brand was expecting his 2nd child at which time he married the mother. When the child in question was 14 mos. old and Mr. Brand now expecting his 3rd child he then decided to relinquish his rights to his first born. As public records will show all 3 of these children are 1 yr. apart and Mr. Brand is also on his 4th marriage according to these documents, two of which are to the same person. As to the comment concerning the difference of opinion between Mr. Brand and the mother, she did not want him to give up his rights. When child support became a factor is when their became the indifferences. In fact Mr. Brand aren't you children currently being raised in a broken home? Something which you didn't want as so stated by your ex-wife in her feedback. No one is perfect and im not throwing stones but how Mr. Brand did you come to the decision to give up your first born when your second child was already 4 mos. old? Especially considering you were there for his birth? Is money that important to you? What would happen if you were to have another child? In closing Mr. Brand you have stated that you have Family Values, Honesty, Integrity and Ethical Decisions. How did that demonstrate your FAMILY VALUES??? You'r 34 yrs. old and this has all taken place in the past 15 yrs. So were does this show that you have changed? I honestly don't care if you win or lose, but if your claiming to be a honest person then you should tell the TRUTH!!!
The more I hear about this young man's teen years and the more I hear about Commissioner Groce the more I am tired of mudslinging and creepy officeholders who look out for themselves and their friends rather than do their job properly.
marcus--you state that you made a hasty decision that changed your life forever, but which decision was that: 1. to relinquish your parental rights? 2. to have unprotected sex with the girl? 3. to become a republican? i guess it doesn't matter since any of the three would have been a stupid decision!
And Allen -- and advertisement for Ann Coulter....!!!!
Whoever listed a few of Lee Groce's most recent questionable actions left out his typical response. It goes something like this: 'This is Liberty County and just about everybody knows each other here and we do things diffferent here'. That sounds like Huey P. Long to me! Or for you young people, just an ole fashion con man.
he news about Mr. Brand is a serious consideration for me as I ponder who should get the next four years as our commissioner. There is absolutely no way I will vote for Lee again if he runs, but I would like to compare Mr. Brand to another candidate if someone is considering running.
Before you decide to run for public office, count your friends. Like in the old westerns, there are usually a lot more indians circleing the wagons than there are cowboys inside the wagon circle. And there "aint" no calvery coming to rescue you.
Oh my. I have spent months reading and listening to the news about local politicians, state & national politicians. There's so much wrong-doing out there. The corruption even hits home as some of the deacons of my church are the biggest womanizers around. In an ideal world, our leaders should be held to a higher level - extremely honest and of tremendous moral fortitude. Unfortunately, we are being led by corrupt people who are loosely standing on their name and guarded by their friends. What an evil world we live in.
I have a question for Mr. Brand? The young lady you conceived a child with and then gave up parental rights on....how old was the young lady when you got her pregnant? You had better be honest because you know it will come out. Like many people here have stated "there is more to the story"....I want to hear the rest of the story!
In reguards to a question about a comparison for candidates in the election against Lee gross I heard a man named Tim Wells was running in the race also,maybe you could check him out Allen
After reading all the drivel in idineout about Marcus Brand, and all the absolutely ridiculous comments in response to it, I'm glad I live in Chambers County.....Maybe all the muckraking will stay in Liberty County.
I applaud him for what he did at the age of twenty. At least he was willing to let the child be raised in a normal enviroment.. it takes a man to admit that he cannot raised a child and willing to be strong to watch this child day in and day grow up before your eyes and not be able to say I'm proud of you son... so pick another battle to fight this this guy... our past mistakes when we are irresponsible kids shouldn't have to be our future mistakes... lay off of him... he has paid this price for 20 plus years so the price for his mistake has been paid. It is not up to us to keep hammering in... let it go!
Come on people~ what no one is thinking about is the un-named child. I have children that had to deal with negative talk about their father in this community too.... and the kids are the ones that get hurt. All anyone wants to do around this town is talk about the past... move on. Just stop!
Come on Mr. Brand do not let this get you down. All these people sitting around with nothing better to do than gossip probably don’t even vote. Those are the ones you need to think about. Bringing kids into this is low. How low can they get! GO BRAND!!!:)
First off thanks Allen for posting his response so his side of the story is told. Both parties have jackasses in them in office and running for office. I do take offense that this was a mistake though a 3 year relationship and he was 21 that is not a mistake. The other offense I have is he already had another child by a diiferent woman and by the time the court time came around he had another one on the way? Were the other 2 mistakes also? Sorry that is not a mistake. He took an easy way out, not to have to support his child. He says it's hard to not be able to say he is proud of him at times but that was his choice on his so called mistake. The way I see it he was not man enough to step up to the plate and be resposible for his actions when he was 21.
So the guy saying "both parties have jackasses in them in office" is calling Bobby Rader or Wes Hinch or Henry Patterson a jackass? That is really persuasive intellectual argument for voting for the Democrat in our commissioner race. I will spread the word.
The other two? Are you all about mudslinging or just thick. Marcus is a good husband and a father of two. We don't want young people having children out of wedlock, but we don't want two young people to marry each other when they feel their relationship will not last. Why would anyone dwell on this for so long. There was a simple point made initially, some will say legitimately, some not. Now let's talk about the other aspects of the race and the candidates.
Ok i understand were people are coming from but it still does not make sense to me that even if the relationship did not last between the mother & father is that a good enough reason to relinquish your rights totally to your child??? People do not always stay together for what ever the reason may be but you dont see all of those people signing the rights away. Both parties involved were the same age when the unmentioned child was conceived and when rights were relinquished, so how could the mother be mature enough to go on and raise the child and the father not be??? Not a good enough excuse for me Mr. Brand not at all especially since your second child was born and was 4 months old when you gave up your first born.
Servicemen and their families make great sacrifices. It must have been very difficult for Private Marcus Brand to leave here to serve his country. His decision at a young age to allow his ex girlfriend and their family to have total custody of the child he helped to conceive must have been difficult. I don't know that I would have chosen that. But I have no problem with a serviceman or anyone else having another relationship after one has failed. I am glad he is happily married and am amazed that him having two other children bothers anyone. In fact I am guesing it mostly bothers people that want to continue to elect our current commissioner and are worried all of the negative stories about their candidate are going to make that difficult. Unfortunately, whipping up comments about Marcus Brand and his family and his ex girlfriend and her family does nothing to answer questions about Commissioner Groce's ethics problems. Mr. Groce should do exactly what the Marcus Brand did and respond directly to his accusers, admit what he did wrong and, if he feels he still can earn the trust of the voters, stay in the race.
I am kind of late to the discussion but now that I am tuned into the much talked about i-dineout.com I acn't help but note this comment: "What’s really funny is, outside of Marcus Brand, you have not attacked, nor mentioned, any Republicans." Then there is a list of people mentioned. Two things about the list that are evident. All or officeholders, Marcus is not. None of the comments about the men on this list are about when they were 19 or 21 and I saw nothing about their sex lives or their children. As for the "Republican" angle, my first impression after reading tons of this site at one time to catch up is that the editor tends to favor the general policies of Democrats and it effects what he posts. I am a Republican for the most part and have no problem with the owner of a website having an opinion. The radio man denies ahving one which makes him appear to be a liar and a fool, but I see nothing like that on here.
General Comments
I see that Harry Kelly got 10 days off without pay for sending the anonymous fax about the new chief in Cleveland... Wonder what is going to be done about him using the county firing range for personal benefit?
Getting to Know Republican Candidate Marcus Brand
If open records act discloses Brand decission to give up is parental righs, what else could be learned of his history. I posted a comment that I would give a new breath of feresh air a chance. NOT NOW. If you won't support your children, you sure as Hell won't support me, the working man. Drop out now, dead beat Dad!
I am sure this will be a problem with alot of voters. Giving up on your son and not giving him a chance and not wanting to help support him? Come on now you want us to trust you to make the right choices?
This editorial attack against Marcus Brand's character takes i-Dineout to a new low. Only one side of the story is presented with no mention of any attempt to contact Brand for his comments on the situation. People can relinquish parental rights for perfectly legitimate and responsible reasons, such as for adoption purposes. I suppose you would have preferred Brand encourage an abortion instead. Your "Getting to know the candidates" editorial is at best a fine display of ignorance and at worse a hit piece that lacks any journalistic integrity. I believe your efforts will backfire and do more to help Brand and Republicans in 2010.
Well, Mr. Youngblood, you nailed another "Cafeteria Christian" as I like to call them that pick and chose scriptures, to justify their life, while telling others, how to they should live. President of the men's Bible class at the Methodist Church, yet he does not support his first born son and to accomplish this, he gave up all parental rights to the child. How sad for the child, questioning why his father gave him up completely and failed to even support him. All the comments about how wonderful he is, but now he is at the bottom of my books, turning his back on his own young son. Never met him would never vote for him, and hope to never meet him or I may be politically incorrect! Thanks i-dineout for finding the chink in this soldier’s armor!
Regarding (Getting to know Marcus Brand) .. Come on people GET REAL! What prudes! Can any of you cast a stone .. didn't think so! What's in your closet!
It's about time you people bring on the slime of Marcus Brand. Giving up your rights of your child is about as low as a man can go. You are really not a man to do this, but a coward. We, the people of Liberty County, DO NOT need anymore bogus people running anything in our county.Its time for ole Marcus to lick his wounds and take his butt back to the oilfield were he belongs. He don't know crap about politics. He is nothing more than a deadbeat biological donor. He can't be called a father,as he knows nothing about fatherhood.
What Marcus did at 21 is a whole lot different than what he would do at 34. Give me a break, I would like to know what all of you did when you were 21, I am guessing it is not something you would be doing now!!!! I dont know the situation that led Marcus to give up his son, but I am sure it was not done just on a whim, that is a decision that it not made easily and with Marcus being the age he was I would believe he had help making that decision. Go Marcus!!!
I think that you should look at Mr. Brand as to what he is doing NOW. To give up fatherhood and responsibility at such a young age as he did is COMMON. It's known as a MISTAKE. At least he did not pay for an abortion like many Dems would have. When you find a perfect person to run for any office, local, state or national, you let me know.
Wow, Youngblood,you want to hold this man accountable for what he did ( or,perhaps did not do- we haven't heard from him concerning this matter)but when the high priest of the left ,Oboma was running for president, all of his communist friends from college,his muslim friends from his birth,heck, even his (then) current pator, we were supposed to overlook those things from the past. What hipocracy!...
I personally know Marcus Brand's biological son and he has a great father..although I think Marcus should offer help and love to this young man, he hasn't suffered nor has he been without a daddy!!! For the person that said at least he didn't pay for an abortion, apparently you forget the child has a mother and it was her decision to keep him and she didn't run away from her parental obligations!!!
There has been some good points made from the feed back Mr. Brand should be allowed to respond to this to have his side told. But we learn from our so called mistakes. If he was 21 he should have known what he was doing and should be held accountable for his actions, don't try to use he was only 21 and it was a mistake as an excuse that will not fly in my book. I was 18 when my first one was born and I married her, and still married to her and have raised 2 sons. So I would like to hear why he was not man enough to step up to the plate and be responsible for his actions. When you want to run for public office you are opening up the closets. Allow the man to voice his side of the story on this Allen and then let the voters decide. You have been fair and honest in your news and I expect it will happen in this situation as well. Keep up the good work and keep us informed please.
I was married at 19 had my first child at 21. I think a 21 year old man knows right from wrong. I am glad the child has a "dad" that loves him, its the most important thing in the world to have parents that care. I do believe a mans past choices make him who he is today, you have to judge the whole man not the half you like.
I would like to comment on this story. I am the mother of the biological child that is being referred to in all of this and I feel like my voice needs to be heard....My Son has grown up to be a very happy & healthy young man. I was fortunate enough to marry a wonderful man that took my son in from day one as his own and has raised him to be a very respectful and loving child. My son has never wanted or needed for anything, we have raised him together in a happy and loving home. We have had a very quiet life and my child does not dwell on this he considers my husband to be his father always has and will. He has known about his biological father from a very young age and has had numerous friends and family in his life that love him & are always here for him. I know almost all of Liberty knows about this it is no big secret and the reason why i decided to comment is simply this. I do not want my child to be drug into the middle of this he does not deserve it and he WILL keep living his life normally like he always has and I just wanted people to know that the love and bond my husband and son have for each other is stronger than any biological or DNA relationship.
To the concerned mother about her child being drug into a political mud sling. I applaud you for you and your husband rearing your child in a manor that is becoming a proper parent. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and yours. We, the public have are concerned with the character of our candidate that runs for public office. I can only speak for myself. What ever the reason Mr. Brand denied his birth child is irrelevant to me, the fact is he did it and that is irrefutable. I would not want a person to represent me in a public office that can not or will not meet his obligations as a parent or a community leader. I'm sure there is no offense intended to the child. We the voters only want the best candidate for the office. I feel this “MISTAKE”, as it’s called is a character flaw. I will cast my vote for another candidate due to this flaw in his charactor.
What’s really funny is, outside of Marcus Brand, you have not attacked, nor mentioned, any Republicans. Let’s look at the list:
Phil Fitzgerald (D)
Norman Brown (D)
Frank Jordan (D)
Lee Groce (D)
Chap B. Cain III (D)
Bruce Halstead (D)
Mike McCarty (D Candidate Pct. 1 Commissioner 1996)
Glenn Vickery (D)
I am sure there are others, but Marcus Brand is the 1st Republican that I can remember. This guy needs to get his facts straight.
Remarks by the President at Memorial Service at Fort Hood
Remarks by the President at Memorial Service at Fort Hood: I would like to know if the President knows that this is called a terrorist attack, since he does not say it. It is a nice speech except for the fact that he never mentions terrorism, when in fact a terrorist was an Officer (Major) in the Army and he was a Jihad terrorist. I watched it on many different channels today, because I just wanted to see how they would televise it, and I knew that our politically correct news would not tell it like it is, and it is terrorism. I only watch fox for this reason, and fox is the only channel telling the truth to the American people. The Soldiers were so young, many of them still had baby faces, I am sad for their families. It is so sad that we had a terrorist that they knew was writing and was in contact with other terrorists, but he was promoted because it was politically correct to promote him instead of do the right thing.
To the person that commented on the President's Speech at the memorial service at Ft. Hood, yesterday. I love it when a person, who probably professes to be Christian, can judge someone that they know nothing about, except what some talking heads on Fox tells them to believe. Criticize the President, who is obviously a Christian, for not calling the brutality by a man a terrorist attack, since nothing has been proven, by the investigators in the case, so far. This was the case of a man, an American Citizen, who happens to choose Islam, for his religion, just as you can chose yours, who killed 13 great American's, because he flipped his lid, because the Army would not release him from duty and was fixing to send him overseas. My old Pappy always said you back a coward into a corner and he will kill you. I hate to shock you, but Islam is the 4th largest religion in the USA. I think we actually have members of Islam religion serving in our legislative branch of America. I guess you still believe the conspiracy theory of the “Grassy Knoll” in the JFK assassination in 1963! Ignorance is bliss.
I'm sorry... Did I miss something?!? I am a conservative Republican but I still have not seen evidence that the attack at Ft.Hood was a "terrorist" attack. I know the Major was Muslim but that does not mean that he was a terrorist... I haven't seen/heard anything that confirms he was. Since when are people justified in being angry at the President for not reporting something that isn't verified and, to the best of my knowledge, not even true?
Concerning President Oboma's speech at fort Hood; To the writer that says President Oboma is obviosly a Christian : You have accused some one of proffesing Christianity who did not. Yet, you judge (which is your accusation to the previous poster) our president to be a Christian.Please explain how a man who supports third term abortion, as president Oboma does, can be a Christian?
We do know a little about this terroist murderer now. We know that he was trying to contact alquida, and we know that he was being investigated because of his radical beliefs, actions and statements. I think these facts combined with the fact he shot about 40 people while shouting some muslum religous phrase qualifys this as a terrorist attack. If he had used a bomb instead of a gun would that have convinced you? it makes me sick to turn on the tv and see muslim americans using this tragedy to try and muster sympathy for their religon. I dont care how big the muslum religions is. If they are concerned about the blackeyes these radicals are putting on their religion maybe they should speak out a little more, provide a little intel on some of these radicals. If your not part of the solution your part of the problem. As far as obama obviously being a christian, how many times has he been in church since he has been in the white house?
Well Frank got the reconition that he wanted... Did't expect him to follow through with it anyway..afraid of someone picking up on some of the things that he has done....
Is this the guy selling that colon cleansing stuff :)
General Comments
Mr. Youngblood, Please remember to make it known that present elected County officials falied to take advantage of government stimus funds, which were available to bring high speed internet to rual Liberty County. All current elected officials should be shame of themselves for thier failure to take action to obtain this much needed resoure for the citizen (especially school age children) of Liberty County. I know you will be able to word this topic in a more diplomatic version.
I don't understand all this talk about Liberty County not having high speed interent. DSL IS HIGH SPEED, and yet it runs directly through regular phone lines. There is no need for cable, digital, or satellite.
High speed internet? Most of the county does not have access to any kind of high speed internet to this day. DSL does run through the phone lines but Verizon will not spend the money to make it availible unless they can make 100% pay back with in a few months. The ones that live in the city have it but if your out of town a few miles it's not even in their plans to install the equipment. Verizon only has high speed internet if you pay the 4 times higher rate for wireless internet and it's not unlimited. So get your facts right before you start saying it's availible to everyone now in this county. I am sure if it benefited good Ol Phil and the other three pupits in his court we would all have it now.
High Speed Internet: I will disagree with the poster that said rural areas can get high speed DSL through a phone line. I live in rural Liberty County and have tried for years to get a decent internet service but to no avail. AT&T has told us for years that the phone lines are too old and out dated, it not possible until they update the lines, which they are not planning on doing any time soon. We do not have time Warner or any other major cable companies in the rural ares, we only have small companies that supply the basic cable. If you want anything else (T.V. or Internet) your only choice is satellite and we pay out the you know what for these services but have no other options available to us.
I had no idea about the DSL not working for everyone. I live near Kenefick and have family in Tarkington and we all have DSL. Don't you all get tired of the same jerk responses stating "get your facts straight!". That term is way over used on here.
Internet: I have wireless here in Daisetta, and it is with Internet America. It is not cheap, since I pay 41.18 a month to have it. It is the fastest I have ever had and I am thankful to have it. I know that the children at the High School have it since that is where the antenna is at that my connection comes from, but I wish the schoolchildren had it at most of their homes, but they do not. The people who live in Raywood and Hull do not have it, unless I am wrong. When I got wireless they come and put a box in my front window facing the high school, and my computer is hooked up to the box, and since I have it I can go through many pages on the internet and it is very fast compared to what I had before, and before this I had dial up. Dial up is terrible, and I am thankful to have wireless. I wish all children had it, because even though there are terrible things on the world web, there are more good things to learn. I know I use my computer to read history, and I love to look up books and read as many as I can on my computer. The best book I have read lately is “Liberty and Tyranny” by Mark Levin, and it is a great book, but if it were not for the internet I would not have found it and then I bought it.
It's a shame not everyone can have access to high speed internet. I live in Kenefick and we have DSL. We've only had the internet for about a year and it's great. Had we not had the internet I would have never found Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, which is currently treating my daughter's condition free of cost. It's a shame Liberty County didn't take advantage of the funds.
Late Night Observation Leads to Recovery of Stolen Items
Great job to the officer for checking into the suspicious activity ! But, certainly the cart belonged to Walmart as well. Had he charged them with theft of the shopping cart, plus the other junk, it woulda been a Class 'B' theft and at least a little jail time.
Getting to Know the Candidates
I wish we would of had the chance to do this before before Patterson was elected. Patterson has totally disgraced our County.
Norman Brown’s Decision to Change Parties EDITORIAL
Mr. Youngblood I thought I was reading thoughts out of my own head when I started reading your editorial about Norman Brown's changing parties. The only part I disagreed with is your conclusion. Norman Brown has spent his entire political career as a Democrat and to conclude he findly has found his home anywhere other than in the Democratic party almost seems like you are tying an anvil around the Republican's neck named Norman Brown. As you correctly implied Norman Bbrown had eight years to question the ethics and to point out the misbehavior of public officials and he did not do it. What we must all remember is all of these public officials referred to were Democrats. Norman Brown was at home with that kind of behavior and at age 79 I doubt he is uncomfortable with it now.
...Seven plus years ago I would have voted for Brown had he run in the Republican primary... and I would hold my nose I guess and do it now, but if another qualified candidate runs I will vote against the Democrat that is now in our party. Republicans should be actively looking for someone... to run for Commissioner over here.
Brown couldn't find his way out of a paper bag much less detect any wrongdoing in the courthouse. If he wants to point fingers let him stand up like a man and tell what he knows. He knows nothing. He has always been full of himself. He was full of himself as a Democrat. He will be full of himself as a Republican. And people that want a commssioner with a paper bag over their head will support him if he runs in the Tonka Toy party.
As someone who hopes to vote for as many Republicans next election as is reasonable I would like to point the television people who hired the Liberty man and took him off of the ballot for County Judge to one Norman Brown. You could let him MC a late night show on insomnia. He would be a drug free solution to insomniacs all around the country, and save many Republicans from their second worst nightmare....a Republican primary with Brown in it... These are scarry times!
Excellent editorial on Norman Brown, trying to wring out 4 more years, after years of bad decisions and block voting to weave a web of deceit and under handed deals and then throwing the “Hail Mary” pass of ethics and then a change of parties. He obviously thinks the electorate is stupid and maybe they are if he is re-elected. Thanks Allen for the honest assessment of the situation and promise of future editorials on the upcoming 2010 elections. I am looking forward to them.
It has really been hard watching Liberty County being smashing on T.V. whether warranted or not. We all need to come to the point of saying enough is enough, this day and time it doesn't matter if you call your self a Republican or Democrat. Where is integrity and honesty. No one's word is worth a plug nickel these days. We then wonder why voting turn-out is so low. If our country and county does not get back to basics of real principles instead of what's in it for me, we will keep putting the same candidates in office. NO matter your party affiliation if you run for a public office, remember you serve the public not your own agenda. People here are tired of all the negitive ways our county is being portrayed. We need strong leaders, people who are not afraid to stand-out and say that is wrong and I want no part of it. We need some decent candidates to step forward and lead our county into the future. Keeping the status quo will not do, it's time for change no matter the party, it is time to vote for someone decent, not what party they are from. Hopefully the editor will continue to report on each candidate. Vote, Vote, please vote - this is your say and voice.
oh well here we go again mr brown thinks he'll jump and run in republican race. well mr brown you won't get our vote. i called several times about our big mud holes in sreets think you would fix to get votes so they have not been fixed. your to old to run again. you don't need the little pay you get when you own 1/2 of brown road. must be nice to be rich. you talk a good talk but don't walk a good walk. PLEASE DON'T VOTE STRAIGHT TICKET THIS TIME NO BLACK WILL BE ON BALLOT please vote for GREG ARTHUR hes a fine man so is family. he honest works all 24 hrs a day don't go home at noon why do you think ken defoor left. hes a 24 hr man too. so watch what you vote this time get NORMAN BROWN OUT a reader
General Comments
I would like to encourage fellow Republicans to ask qualified people that they think would do a better job to run for local office but to continue to vore for the best candidates. Let some of the the Democrats continue the attitude they have had for years that says "I will vote for the Democrat even if they are a yellow dog because Democrats are better". One hundred years of no competition has produced good ole boy corruption and just plain incompetence and to some "left Liberty County as a dumpinbng place for the big city".
General Comments
Well our elected officials have done it again and passed the Health Bill which "Will (require) most Americans to carry Health insurance and provide subsidies to the ones who can't afford it". I wonder what they will do if you decide, you don't want or dont need their insuance plan. Is this another law like, if you dont leave during a mandatory evacuation, you can be arrested. It sounds to me like, you go get the insuance or else. These subsidies to the ones who can't afford it, we all know who these people are. Although this plan is looking even better to me, since I am retired. The ones I feel sorry for are the people that are still working and have to pay for this through income TAX. I also wonder if the Medicare TAX will be dropped from your payroll with holdings, since you won't need Medicare, if you have Health insurance. Will this Mandatory Health Insurance be like the Mandatory Auto insurance, A fine if you don't have it. There are a lot of questions we will learn in the near future about all this.
To the poster on the mandatory health insurance. We are no longer on the slippery slope of communisim, we have fallen off the cliff. If this health care bill passes as it, this will be the first "tax" on breathing that I know of. We are taxed on all kinds of things, but all of them I can think of are choices that each of make. You have a choice to own a home and pay property taxes / or rent. You have a choice to buy things and pay sales tax / or not to comsume. You have a choice to work and pay income tax / or be a bum and live under a bridge. But if this health insurance plan passes, it will be mandatory for everyone to have health insurance, regardless of your choices in life, or you face mandatory taxes / fines, and you can be jailed for not paying it. It especially hits young people, who for the most part, don't have health insurance because they can't afford it and mostly don't need it. They are the ones who are going to be forced to pay for something they don't need, don't want, and can't afford. Their money will be used to subsidize the older people. So all you young people who either don't vote, or voted for The Saviour, you are about to reap your rewards. I swear I seem to remember Obama saying he would not raise taxes on anyone except the very rich? Don't forgret, JAIL TIME IF YOU DON'T PAY !!!
Gene Roberts Recovered Saturday
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Roberts Family at this very sad time.May Gene rest in peace now.
Gene Roberts will truly be missed, he touched the hearts of alot of people in this community, especially the children. May GOD be with him and his family. He will always be in our hearts, gone but NEVER forgotten.
to Gene's family,the air has been sucked out of me and my heart has beeen broken IN A MILLION PIECES,,,,,HOW DO YOU GO ON AFTER LIVING WITH AND LOVIN A GELTELMAN...MY HEART IS SO HEAVY AND SAD FOR You,lINDA,AND ALL OF GENE'S family and friend......I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew him from when I maneged a convient store in Raywood.He was a pleasure t be around,,, A real cowboy and Gentelman...God bless you all
Please let the family know that they will continue to be in our prayers through this sorrowful time.
Thousands and thousands of people were praying for his return, but we know it is God time.
May Gene be riding the fields of heaven and watching over his family.
General Comments
Every morning, the first thing I do is get a cup of Java and sit down at the PC and go to i-dineout to read the only unbiased news from Liberty County. I read the news that Mr. Youngblood reports, then head to the feedback page, to catch the comments from the readers of the same news, I have read on the site. Every day I read a comment, trying to decipher the poor spelling and poor grammar of someone I feel have read the news, that I have read, but no they have obviously not read or refuse to believe what is reported by the writer of the news. The first comment this morning and wound dirty dealings of the County Sheriff, enriching the family of a non-resident of the county, who happened to give a extra large donation to the Sheriff, when he ran last year, into other payments of the Commissioners Court and then equated those to a Sheriff's Deputy, who was found not guilty by a jury of 6 taxpayers. The writer even states that he blew into a tube, which never happened, since a judge issued a blood warrant and blood alcohol content was determined by a laboratory. He refused a breath test, which is his right, but could not yet refuse a blood warrant, which one day may be overturned one day by the United States Supreme Court, as unconstitutional. The point of the case was if the blood warrant was issued by faulty probable cause by the arresting Liberty Police Officer. Probable cause has been addressed by the Supreme Court and many cases overturned because police have not had probable cause to make a traffic stop. Then you read down to comments on Frank Jordan running for County Judge, and low and behold there is a comment that Frank will be honest because he has so much that he needs nothing that Liberty County has to offer for him. Phil Fitzgerald upon taking office had enough, over 1.5 million dollars of property in the county and a monthly payment from the county of the only Justice of the Peace office building that the county does not own, that is more than people making minimum wage for a month. So, you would think that that he would not have had to steal, but the Attorney General and FEMA is investigating him for his activities after Hurricane IKE, with his brother-in-law, that Phil refused to say what he made on the arrangement. No matter how many Bible scriptures you can quote or how much money you have, it has been proven over the years that Greed can cause an elected official to steal. Frank and Phil have one thing in common; they are true Republicans, running as Democrats. People, you have to love them.
A great many smart people could care less about their spelling or their spell check or our grading of them...... but I wish they wood.
I agree with the people that say we do not need any more negative comments about our longtime politicians who hold office in this county. Regardless of whether they are guilty or not, with no need for any more accusations, the judges and commissioners in this county that have served for eight years or longer have not pefrormed one of the most imporatnt duties of a public servant ......protect the public from corruption. For me when I consider each office it will be a choice this year only among those who are not long time incumbents. If, God forbid, no one runs against them, I encourage people to join me in just skipping that place on the ballot.
"Every day I read a comment, trying to decipher the poor spelling and poor grammar of someone I feel have read the news, that I have read, but no they have obviously not read or refuse to believe what is reported by the writer of the news." I couldn't even read the rest of this post. Is this person serious?
Every morning the first thing I do: Well said. Thank you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the dugger family...I know how hard it is to lose a house due to fire - it is devestating.
They protect us in peacetime and war, they are our protectors and they had to have a civilian police officer stop the killer. It should not happen this way; every American Soldier has a right to bear arms and from now on, they should carry their weapons that they are trained to use. If an American Soldier trains to use the weapon, let him carry his weapons to protect himself during war, especially now that our enemies are on the inside. I do not know why the Soldiers were not armed, but they should be, and should remember that the enemy can be your officer and the enemy has most definitely infiltrated our country.
Most of us know enough to know this, to know that Christianity and Judaism teach us not to murder in our bibles. It is there for our children to learn in the Ten Commandments. There is no way that we can call Islam a religion, because it is not. If they wish to call it a form of a religion than they should re-write their books, those books he passed out yesterday. Those men and women need the money from our Government for this war. How terrible it must be to think that they send us to fight a war knowing that our own Government is not going to send the money needed to support the Soldiers. How terrible would it be to go to war knowing the money and support are lacking in our own Government as they send us there. To murder is not devout, it is not a religion. To hear the news say “One of Their own” to describe this killer makes me sick, because one of our own does not kill us. Those soldiers live there at Fort Hood, it is their home for a time, and one of their own would not come into their home and kill them. I thought of it as terrorism and a form of terror when I heard the news early yesterday. Terrorism-a form of violence- in their own home and it did not come from one of their own. Our Media stinks, and I realize it is a sensitive subject and I realize that we cannot blame a whole group for one man’s actions, but tell the truth and call it what it is, terrorism. The victims and their families are in my prayers.
Anyone who believes that Islam is a hateful religion is just outright ignorant. Further, if you believe that Islam teaches its followers to kill for their faith, you are also ignorant. Just as there are Christians who take their "faith" too far by protesting funerals of fallen soldiers (Phelps & Westboro Baptist Church); killing doctors who perform abortions (Dr.Tiller from Kansas); and taking other lives because they claim it's what God wants(Dena Schlosser, Joseph Hagerman, etc.), there are Muslims who are extremists, too. Please remember that these extremists are the exception, not the rule. Just as I, as a Christian, don't want to be judged by the extreme acts some purported "Christians" do, we should also not judge all Muslims (one of the oldest & largest religions in the world) based on what the "bad seeds" do.
The Koran was written in 653 AD and parts of the bible are over 4000 years old, so no the Koran is not that old. Mohammad was not a nice person who wrote the Koran, and he wrote that all infidels should be killed in his book, after having dreams. Mohammad was a murderer and he started a murdering cult. Well, guess what all Christians and Jews are infidels to practicing muslims. They should not be in our Military and the killer was not “mentally ill”, like the New York Times and our President are insinuating. He was doing what he thought he should do after passing out Koran the day before he massacred all of those soldiers. Our Government gave the murderer free health care and a free college education so he could kill people. Islam is no better than Scientology and they are cults.
General Comments
This beats all I ever stepped in. How much are we wasting in this meeting for uncontracted work from the so called cowboys? We can't get even a fine for a drunk duputy that blew in a tube to high due to a so called teco. It never seems to amaze me on the things that just slide thru the system here. From the crooked county judge with no Ethics to the drunk speeding duputies coming from Beaumont but can't prove they flew thru the city of Liberty? Dam they must have went over the city. Allen you should charge the county for running an honest news site.
General Comments
Liberty Football 2009 Season. Just Embarrssing Too Watch. Tackling and Blocking skils were Poor, Defense looked Lost or out of Position. Offensively, I still trying to figure out the Schemes or did we really have a Game Plan. Go Figure, Liberty ISD Broad increased spending on Athletics (Mainly Football) and hired Extra Coaches for what I no have clue. Coach John Hacker had Competive Football Teams with less Coaches and even less Money to work with. He had enough of Liberty and left. Coach Jeff Stewart must be laughing is A** Off! I know I would. Coach Deel, Offensively, I just don't know. Defensive Coordinator, Embarrssing on the field, with players on the sidelines. Intersting to see if Contracts are renewed or the Coach has had enough of Liberty. With the Attitudes of some or all the Liberty Football players in Middle School and at the High School, It is a Up Hill Battle!
Liberty football is the subject of much talk around the area among coaches. Liberty,as poor as their record was this year, could have made the playoffs by inning the last game. Jeff Stewart may be laughing at Liberty this year but other coaches are licking their chops thinking if Cioach Deel doesn't turn Liberty around from two losing seasons in a row (his first year and Jeff Stewart's last year) then maybe the job will come open again. Maybe Deel can win big in liberty and maybe he can't, but someone out there can. Liberty should not be satisfied with making the playoffs when that is so easy to attain.
It is not like Liberty didn't have the talent to do any better this year. Once you add politics and hire coaches who have sons then who cares about talent or the team! If the best players were on the field most of the time we would not be having this conversation. This team were still confident in themselves until they were told they were not going to playoffs even if they beat Coldsprings. So perhaps now that this season is behind us maybe we can move on and finally do what's in the best interest of the team, that is unless another wonderful coach comes in with his own agenda and qb.
Liberty County Commissioners Court Meets Tuesday
The one thing that should be on the commissioners court agenda is looking into the ESD#3 and Westlake fire dept.Long time members have had made up charges put against them with all the information on the police totaly false.Easy to do when the president of the ESD is a liberty county sheriff and his brother is the fire chief add to that the fact the treasurer of the fire dept is the fire chiefs wife and the secretary of the ESD is the wife of the assistant fire chief the public is not getting the fire protection they paid for
I have read some of the feedback and one item is very concerning to me. Someone posted a statement regarding that the Westlake Fire Department should be looked into along with the ESD due to the relationship of the volunteers. Well I would like to stress the word volunteer. The words of this person, in my oppinion, are the words of a bitter person. Most likely the one involved in this statement is this so called person with the charges. One should not cast stones so to speak. I do know the volunteer business and it is not all rays of sunshine. A volunteer should not be punished for giving their personal time from the families but should be honored for doing so. Also I am familiar with the Westlake VFD and for as long as I can remember that department has always been family operated why is this such a concern now. That is the question we should be asking ourselves.
The question you should be asking yourself is how you would feel if it was you that they slandered.How would you feel if one day someone just pointed at you and decided that you did something illegal and the LCSO acted on it without question and left you with a record. Volenteers, that who this happened to. 10 plus year VOLUNTEERS!One of them had already resigned because of the back stabbing and they came after him anyway.The other one was voted out in a " special" meeting.Both now have records and no one in Liberty County will even do anything about it. If your okay with a family run fire club oops department fine,the tax money you pay goes to them so next time you get your tax bill you should pay them double
I've read the remarks about the County Comm.Court needing to look into the Westlake VFD and ESD#3 .It seems to me that this would take a front burner (since it does affect the safety and well being )of numerous lives within ESD#3's District,grant it yes they did get a BRAND SPANKING NEW Tanker truck which is supposed to be housed at the Fire Station ,secured inside an insured building,NOT PARKED in some-ones personal drive way under a make shift,portable,tarp covered car port.I to have deep ties to this dept.(and I use those words very loosely)since the "Special Election" this department has lost to my count 5-First Responders and 5+/- Damn Good Dedicated Firefighters.If any question needs to be asked it needs to be asked of the Officers and ESD3 board,and heres the question "What have you done to cause this and WHY?
Having lived in the Westlake area for a few years, and in talking to my neighbors about the fire department. There is a basic dislike and distrust, because they’ve always seen it as a “good ol’ boys social club” and that the only time the general public was welcome in the station was during a their fundraisers. And seeing the trucks outside the station that haven’t moved in a while makes me question things too.
I am also a member of The Westlake Community and would like to say that there have been some changes at the Fire Department and everyone should go to the meetings that occur every Monday night at 7pm. The first Monday of the month is their business meeting. The Agenda is posted on the window at Fire Department before every business meeting and it normally is a review of the departments expenses, discussion of equipment needs, training, etc... The people in this community that have any questions, concerns, or comments should bring it to their community Fire Department meetings and give their NEW elected officers (as of Sept. 2009)a chance to try and address them. These meetings are open to the public. They have had several new applications and hope that the community will get more involved and turn in even more applications. The current officers will WELCOME everyone that would like to help move the department in a positive direction. The Fire Department did just get a brand new tanker by means of a grant. Thanks to the Treasurer of the department for doing all the neccasary work to make that possible. They are trying to do better and move into the 2000 century, can't do that if everyone wants to keep the old ways of doing eveything. So, if you have/had dislike or distrust for the (old)Fire Department, go and see for yourself if it is the same. If nothing else go to the meetings so YOU as the Westlake Community can have a voice and opinion and maybe YOU will be the one to make the changes the community wants or needs.... This is encouraged. By all means this department is there only to do what they can. This is VOLUNTEER work. Changes can't be made if everyone isn't willing to work together to make the changes as a Community...
I agree with the last poster the community should come and see the new truck see your tax dollars at work, federal tax dollars. People should come and ask questions, poeple should wonder why with ESD funding the trucks sitting in front and beside the station are junk.You can walk in there and demand to see the last time a truck got an oil change. Everyone in this community should make that first meeting of the month see them up close and get to know them. Did you know you could request to see any document file or anything else they have and they have to do it withen 10 days.You can also ask the same of the ESD, meeting minutes ,money reports its your money don't be afraid to ask.Now that they are all about you coming to visit and join you should take this chance to visit your local local fire station.A community has to have some kind of protection and this is what we have we should do everything that we can to make it better.You deserve to know why they keep a 200,000$ federally funded tanker truck in a hay barn no where near the station uninsured.You have a right to know all of thier training records these are the people that are gonna save your life.I agree with the last poster let's all get involved
Weldon and I were just a foot away from being hit by the van as we were going South when this happened. I hit the gas and got off of the road and was able to keep from getting hit by the van by about a foot. SCARRY but with GOD as our co-pilot we are safe. I would like to tell drivers that are making a turn to keep their front wheels straight until the way is clear to start their turn. If you get hit then you will go straight instead of going the way you wheels are turned. As you can see in the pictures the van is across the south bound lane where we were.
My thoughts and prayers are with all soldiers and personnel at Fort Hood and with the families of the fallen soldiers and the wounded.
Marcus Brand Announces Candidacy for County Commissioner
Re: Marcus Brand Announcement - Come on all you anonymous negative posters, what is taking you so long? This story has been up for some time and not one post regarding the negativity, slanderous and outright outrageous comments about this candidate. Surely, some of you all knowing out there have some beef with him and this is the place for you to rant and rave about it! Come on all you National Enquirer reading, gun loving, homosexual fearing posters! Get on the job and slime this guy just like you have done every one else! What is his relationship to Chap Cain? How does he know Fitzgerald? How many times has he had dinner with Lee Groce? Surely there are other intellectual intriguing questions just dying to be answered by all you "know-it-alls" out there. What is taking so long? I am truly disappointed in the lag time it is taking you to defame this guy.
Go Marcus!!!!
Someone is a little bit kooky on here. maybe they have never blogged or maybe they have never considered the difference in a first time candidate and people who have been in office for years, but they do no favors to Chap cain and others with this kind of defense. The "waa waa" defense. Incumbents have too much of an advantage to tell voters since we have a new candidate and no one criticizes them then it is not fair to criticize career politicains. In this case it would be difficukt to believe the Mr. Brand is close to Lee Groce (his opponent) or Phil Fitzgerald (his opponent's protege'). We might guess that the behavior of Cain, Fitzgerald, and Groce has brought Mr. Brand to the conclusion that he and others need to run for office so we can rid ourselves of selfish in fighting.
The fact no one is clamering about to denegrate the candidacy of Marcus Brand is a good sign. It means he is an independent thinker and isn't beholden to any one person or special interest group. Quite honestly, Brand is the type of person we need as a County Commissioner. We need his integrity and youthful approach to the challenges that face Liberty County. And if that wasn't good enough, Brand is running as a Republican. That's a plus in my book because his actions match his words. Brand has my vote and I wish him well during his campaign.
I might be inclined to vote for Marcus Brand. But I need more than 7 sentences on a press release to make up my mind. I also need more than a listing of what he "believes in". Almost everyone I know "believes in" those things, too, but I wouldn't necessarily want them being a part of my government. How about what he wants to do and how he plans on getting there? What did he do in the 20 countries he's been to, and how does that translate into being good in county government? So step up to the plate Mr. Brand. There will definitely be a change in Precinct 2 this election. You picked a good time to run. Now you need to articulate why it's a good time for us to cast a vote your way.
Marcus Brand just announced his candidacy. Please give him the opportunity to earn your vote. I refuse to listen to all of the ugly rumors about Lee Groce and I refuse to dismiss any candidate who has served in our military without giving them every chance to be heard. My vote will be cast by me not the mudslingers.
Marcus Brand is a good person and the more everyone gets to know him they will see that he is intelligent as well! I'm so proud that we have a young man that cares enough about our little piece of this world that he will step out into our violent political arena. Good luck Marcus, it is time for some new blood in office in Liberty County.
General Comments
Unemployment. I personally believe the reason why unemployment is high, is because employers are picking and choosing based on quota, not qualification. Staff at the WorkSource is so understaffed to hear them say it, but when, at employer request mind you, I went there to fill out a generic application - I was the only client in there. The two other people that were there were just using the phones to make personal phone calls, loudly I might add. I am 100% confident they weren't looking for a job, but our tax dollars are paying for contracts for these people to sit around and invite their friends to use the free public internet and telephone.
"Forever Changed," Anti-drunk Driving Program
RE: Forever Changed I hate it that we even have a NEED for this. BUT, Im so glad there are people who step up and TRY to get this message across. I lost my grandson a few months ago (Christopher Pate) and it is just absolutely heartbreaking. If this can save just ONE life it is SO WORTH IT. Thank you all who put forth this effort.
SO Investigates Homicide in Kenefick
I hate anyone died in Kenefick, but if it is a Homicide, it will be the first for our new Sheriff, that the murderer did not call in and tell the dispatcher, they did it. Well, the fellow that everyone dislikes, Chip Fairchild is gone and someone has to step up and investigate it and the crime scene. Then unless someone raises their hand and surrenders, The Sheriff, who has put a person in the Position of Captain, that Chip held, who has very little to no experience in these type of investigations (murder). So, there will be many people if the Sheriff allows, that will be working extra time. This extra time is called "Comp Time". Citizens usually like Murders solved post haste in the county. Sheriff Patterson has been very fortunate so far, since Liberty County has been used as a dumping ground for Harris County killers, and he was not left but a maybe two unsolved murders by the last Sheriff. Now, the rubber meets the road and we see if the new Sheriff can walk the walk, that he talked the talk, before election about his years of experience in Law Enforcement. Will he be worrying about the Comp Time of the last Sheriff, let it hinder the solving of this murder, if it indeed is one. You can say what you want and most is probably true, but ole Chip Fairchild is a heck of an investigator and solved murders in Liberty County for that scoundrel, Sheriff Greg Arthur. The talk on the street is Greg Arthur will be back in 3 years to take on the New Sheriff and his contract cowboys and their Daddy and his $5000 campaign donation and the other $5000 donor to his campaign who hated Greg Arthur, because the brother of his lead investigator supposedly cheated him out of money. Go, figure, that one out and you can tell the world. I can not wait for the Sheriff’s Secretary’s feedback, since even with no name it is very obvious to many, since she gets to leave early and she is going to defend her new boss to the hilt for that perk. Does anyone know if Sheriff Patterson made the scene in Kenefick? He has never made a murder scene yet, too far to drive from Cleveland, I guess?
Please don’t turn this tragedy into a political argument. We need to hold this family in our thoughts and prayers. A son, a grandson, a friend has been lost.
Here is a quote from the person who has devoted so much time to dogging the new sheriff: "You can say what you want and most is probably true, but ole Chip Fairchild is a heck of an investigator...". The old saying that brings to mind is "With friends like that who needs enemies?"
This story is horrible! I grew up with him and we may have not talked everyday but he is in my heart. Mike was a good person and I am so sorry for his family. I will always remember him no matter what. Justice will be served! How could someone be so evil?????
Linda; Our thoughts are with you during this time. We feel honored to have your husband Gene as a member of our community. Anyone who puts their life on the line to rescue animals or people is a hero in our eyes. God Bless your family and Gene.
This is a murder case and why would you want to talk about the sherrif? This man has a family and you want to talk about the sherriff that is messed up. You have alot of respect for people so that just tells us what kind of a person you are! RIP Michael
E: SO investigates homicide in Kenefick. Please do not let this fall by the wayside. I know alot of people want to know what happened. It is a scarey situation. RIP Michael. May God be with you and your family.
General Comments
Good luck to the Liberty Panther boys basketball team as they prepare for their upcoming season. Even though Coach Deel ran off Coach Jones (he was the District Coach of the Year last year!), we know that Coach Woods can keep it going and take these boys back to the playoffs.
To the one that posted the comment about Coach Deel running off Coach Jones, you need to get your story straight before posting comments. If you would have investigated it further, you would have found out that Coach Jones left Liberty for a family member that was having bad health problems and was not ran off. Please check your story before posting false infromation.
I would vote for Norman Brown for County Judge in a heartbeat just because I know he has no respect or liking for Ray Akins, Lee Groce or Todd Fontenot. Talk to Mr. Brown and you find him to be a no nonsense well informed communbity leader. He may be old but he is wise. These people do not fool him and they do not scare him. Run Norman run!
Norman Brown Announces Re-Election Campaign
If Norman Brown wants to clean up this county he should run for County Judge as a Democrat and clean up our party, our area of the county, and the courthouse. You should anounce "change" Norman Brown. You should have the audacity to hope. You should run for the top job with the top party backing you. If you do you will win. If you don't you may lose in your new party's primary.
For the Norman brown fans that keep pushing for him to run for County Judge. It ain't happening. You see the Republican party leader in this county is not interested in electing Republicans, he is interested in electing bhis friends. His friends are Norman Brown, who he helped to beat Republican challengers when he was a Democrat, and Jay Knight. He is not about to have them run againbst each other. If he had any sense he would have had Brown run for County Judge because he is better known and have Brown endorse Jay Knight for County Commissioner. He is running a party at a time when Republicans in Texas are winning right and left but he may be able to pull defeats out of the jaws of victory with his personal agenda. Brown is a Democrat thru and thru and the Republican leader is neither. Liberty County politics continues to stink.
NORMAN BROWN MIGHT BE A NICE MAN BUT HE IS NO LAWYER HE CAN'T EVEN GET HIS STREETS FIXED IN HIS OWN PRECENT 4 HOW CAN HE BE JUDGE? HES JUST 2 INCHES AWAY FROM THE ROCKING CHAIR HES TO OLD TO DO ANYTHING. AS FOR GREG ARTHUR WE NEED HIM BACK. HE STAYED AT WORK UNTIL EVERYTHING WAS DONE HE NEVER DEPENDED ON DEPUTIES TO BE AT MURDER OR CAR WRECK WHERE THERES WAS FATAILTY THATS HIS JOB. NO HE WAS IN BED. HES YOUNG KEN DEFOOR IS OLDER GETTING UP GOING TO PATTERSONS JOB. I DON'T BLAME KEN FOR QUITING HES A NICE MAN HELPS WHERES NEEDED.
Wash Your Hands: This article is true, because my husband was so sick last week and other people all around me got sick, but I was determined I would not catch what they had, so I just kept washing my hands. I washed my hands so many times the day my husband was home in bed that my hands were feeling dry and chapped, but I did not catch it. I did not get sick, and I think it is because I washed my hands and because I started taking the Res V Max, all natural antioxidant. This antioxidant is supposed to have the effect of drinking wine, which is supposed to be good for you. The grapes in the wine are supposed to be very good for aging and as a dietary supplement and I have taken it for a few months and can tell the difference. I washed my hands, used Lysol, and did not get sick when the rest of my friends and family were sick around me.
I agree with previous poster, The other day I visited a local restaurant here in Dayton and used the restroom. I then washed my hands and dried them with paper towels and then turned the water off and opened the door with the towel and went to put the towel in the trash. To my suprise the waste basket was empty. Someone had just emptied the basket or no one had washed their hands. Makes you think about the spread of germs.
Frank Jordan Starts Campaign for County Judge
I have mixed feelings about Frank Jordan's candidacy. On one hand, there is no reason to re-elect our current County Judge due to his scandal and alleged corruption. On the other hand, Frank Jordan has accomplished absolutely NOTHING while on the Liberty City Council. Frank, in general, is way too over-extended with his various community activities to the point that he rarely finishes what he starts ... for example, the Community Improvement committee. To read his writings in the newspaper, he is clearly of a free market, conservative Christian/Republican mindset. Why he would choose to affiliate himself with the people (Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barrack Obama) whose policies he has consistently criticized is simply amazing. Frank either has an incredulous sense of audacity or is simply confused. If it comes down to a choice between Frank and Phil, I will vote for Frank. However, if a capable Republican candidate for County Judge comes along, Frank can kiss his lofty ambitions goodbye.
It is good to see men like Jay Knight and Frank Jordan run for County Judge. These are good men. But I can think of at least one man I would vote for before either of these if he would run however. I would vote for Mike McCarty. He ran as commissioner a few years ago and got beat in the Democrats primary by a man that doesn't hold a candle to him in ability or integrity, but I think countywide if he ran as a Republican he would win. He has the right set of skills to be a great County Judge. He is honest, good with people, skilled at business, well connected, well versed at overcoming problems, knows enough about politics to not have rookie problems but not part of the machinery around here. McCarty for County Judge...... my perfect candidate. Knight or Jordan, dog gone good candidates. Phil Fitzgerald .... are you kidd'in.
I really like the comments of the first poster on the Subject of Frank Jordan, but disagree that I would vote for him. He is another Norman Brown, which means that Frank Jordan is a Republican to his soul. He simply thinks he will catch the voters exiting Fitzpak's Camp. Jay Knight has a snowball chance in Hell as the Republican candidate that has announced so far. I have begged and pleaded with Bruce Halstead, but he is keeping quiet. He is a Democrat and would make a great County Judge for Liberty County. Hope someone comes along, Jay, Frank and Phil, are no votes for me and my family of just three.
No offense to Bruce Halstead because I am sure he is a nice guy, but voters chose Phil Fitzgerald over Bruce Halstead last election. I like Jay and might vote for him, but do not know Frank Jordan. The candidates seem to be choosing their party by the trends that are all around them. Jay's area has turned a great deal more Republican while Liberty seems to be changing to more Republican but more slowly and Hardin I am sure is sick over electing their hometown boy and discovering he may not have their best interest at heart.
County Judge? People that should NOT run: McCarty - not tough enough to endure the political mudslinging we always have. Halstead - too many mudslinging campaigns, too many enemies, another Shauberger. Phil Fitzgerald - could finish sinking the local Democratic party if he won the nomination. Jay Knight - good guy, Dayton may vote for him, but he may stop the gradual Republican gains locally by being a weak candidate on the stump. Frank Jordan - who? THE FIELD IS WIDE OPEN - NONE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ARE DIFFICULT TO BEAT BY THE RIGHT CANDIDATE.
County Judge Candidates: It's shouldn't be about a party! It should be who's best for the office. Who's best that will look out for yours and my best interest. That's what we should all think about. I know all three persons in question and I have my personal opinion, like everyone else. Before you vote a straight ticket, look at the candidate and what he stands for. I truely believe that Obama and his ring of............ have gotten totally out of control and people are again ready for a change. Get out and vote your belief, not in the name of a party, but for the well being of free people, Please! For all of our sake!
County Judge election: Maybe we'll have more qualified candidates throw their name in the hat before it time to vote. Lets look at what we have to chose for! Judge Fitzgerald. I don't see him being reelected! Way to much local negative feed back! Kind of like, "where there's fuel., there's fire"! Whether it'ws true or not, the public just won't vote for someone they believe is dishonest! Mr. Frank Jordan. Squeeky clean, but he just hasn't ever stood out for doing anything, Period. He's involved in a lot of stuff but has never showed any true talent for being anything but a hand shaker and baby kisser. Jay Knight! Now, here one to look at, an unknown, Really! Jay knows a lot of folk! He's level headed, a good man. But he's not politically affilidated to anyone. He's not one of the good ole boys who owes Lester Ray or any of the old money anything. The public is watching and bet your money they are looking at open records to see who's funding the campaigns for these candidates. Who has an interest in what? We'll see!
Another interesting point about Frank Jordan's candidacy for County Judge is this will be the first time Frank has ever had to campaign. Originally, he was appointed to the Liberty City Council. When his term was up he ran for election but had no competition. The Office of County Judge will not be handed to Jordon on a silver platter like his Liberty City Council position. Running and operating an effective political campaign is time consuming hard work and it is something Frank Jordan has no experience in doing. Like it or not, the position of County Judge is a partisan position. When you go to vote, there will be a "D" or an "R" next to someone's name. While Liberty Democrats are attempting to educate Liberty County voters to "vote the person", the reality is they don't want folks to vote straight ticket Republican. The other reality is here recently, with the influx of new people into Liberty County, not all of the Democrat or Republican candidates are "known". So absent any information about a candidate, a voter will place their vote for what they *do know* ... a "D" or an "R". So it will be interesting to see how well of a campaign Frank Jordan will run at a county-wide level. I am sure Frank is hoping Phil Fitzgerald will not even seek re-election. Liberty County is a large county in which to run a campaign.
To the person that wrote this about Frank Jordan: "To read his writings in the newspaper, he is clearly of a free market, conservative Christian/Republican mindset. Why he would choose to affiliate himself with the people (Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barrack Obama) whose policies" I don't think this affiliates him with the people in Washington, but with the citizens of Liberty County. We,the voters of Liberty County are responsible for who we elect to operate our COUNTY GOVERNMENT. Heck, I am not totaly satisfied with what is going on in Washington, but they run the Federal Government, which has little or nothing to do with our sherriffs department, our road and bridge, or anything else in our local government. Frank Jordan will make an excelent candidate. He has business experience, and he sure does not need the paycheck from Liberty County.
I know Frank Jordan personally...5-10 years ago, I would have considered him a great assett to Liberty County, but as the years have gone by more recently, I have seen a different side of him (and his wife)...the way he has treated other people is something to raise an eyebrow at.
is it true that frank jordan at one point had denounced his american citizenship in favor of another country to avoid income tax? if so, is he again a citizen of this country? is that a requirement for the county job? inquiring minds want to know!
I am wonder how many people could pass a civics exam when I see comments that say people that run for office as a Democrat or Republican have no relationship to politicians in Austin and Washington. Parties are organizations they are connected by a set of values expressed in the party platform and they are quick to help those in their party and slow to help those who are not. If a county elects all or most of their elected officials from one party, then the Governor and the President and anyone else that knows politics views that county as one that is connected at the hip with the party that dominates. Countywide candidates are the very people who rise up and become Statewide and nationwide candidates. IF IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE THEN WHY IS COMMISSIONER BROWN SWITCHING PARTIES AND BECOMING A REPUBLICAN AND FRANK JORDAN RUNNING AS A DEMOCRAT.
Let me say that I wonder what Frank Jordan's opinion of Dayton Commissioner Norman Brown's defection to the Republican party is. Here is Commissioner Brown's comment about it: "I don’t feel as though I’m leaving the Democratic Party as much as they have moved away from me, both locally and at the National level." I wonder if Frank Jordan's father would have changed to the Republican party about ten years ago. In fact I don't think there is anyway the changes in the Democratic party in Texas the last twenty years would have escaped his attention like it has Commissioner Brown until recently. Rather than criticize Frank I want to ask him to reconsider his run for Liberty County Judge. If you have sign any committment to run as a Democrat, withdraw it. Sign up as a Republican. Many of us are dedicated to the proposition that Barack Obama is the head of a a snake and any part of the snake we can effect we will.
I have been trying to find out some things about Frank Jordan, since he has announced his bid for County Judge as a Democrat. I rarely read his rants in the Vindicator, since that paper is not a news source but just a feel good newspaper that cost too much to buy for 4 pages. I have read a few of his columns and found them to far right (conservative) for my taste, pandering for the Hospital District (which I voted against and was gerrymandered out of the second election) and last but not least the point of most columns in my opinion was to promote Frank Jordan. I have so far read through two of his web pages and did find that the nice picture of his son, daughter-in-law and Grand Child, actually live in a new home they built in Australia. That makes me wonder about the comment about Frank wanting to give up citizenship, may have been factual and not someone trying to make up some dirt. Frank is what I call "Cafeteria Christians" that use the Bible to pick and chose Scripture to justify their beliefs and my short comings. Very familiar with these type Christians and wear a pin daily that has a short prayer asking Jesus to protect me from his followers. The one thing I found frequently on his web pages was this, "Frank Jordan says, "Don't put your faith in governments which are made by men; put your faith in the Lord...". Now he is asking Liberty County voters and especially Democrats to trust him, more than I trust the current County Judge, who I have never trusted, since his before his election. So, I will continue to research Frank Jordan, who really likes Frank Jordan, for more info, but now will take Frank's advice, and not trust him or Fitzpak and stick with my God, who now days seems like a different God than people tout as their God, today. My God talked about love and service to their fellow man, not war, prejudice to any race or religion that becomes a target for more religious hate, and to help the lesser among us( not to hell with the poor, who cannot afford to get health care in America, since I have insurance). People are funny!
Regarding the Jordan announcement: There was a post from someone saying Halstead was another Shauberger! What planet are you from? Shauberger is a convicted felon who ran for almost every seat in the City of Liberty and this County. He was NEVER elected not once. He lost his bid for School Board, City Council, County Commissioner, County Judge, and State Representative. I am sure I am missing a few of his campaigns. Halstead ran a very successful campaign against a strong candidate with 20 plus years of tenure on the City Council in his bid for Mayor of Liberty. He won handsomely and was one of the best Mayors if not the best Mayor the City has ever had. He still serves the City; without pay I understand, as President of SRMPA and has successfully lowered and stabilized the Cities utility rates, an SRMPA customer, through the year 2021. I think his failed bid for County Judge was an anomaly. The voter turnout in the county was at an all time low except in Precinct 3 (Fitzgerald's Precinct). There the voter turnout was at an all time high. The races there for constable and Phil's old job of JP had many candidates running in each race and it was highly contested in the primary. I do not feel that the election results accurately reflected the sentiment of the people County wide but since they did not vote in average numbers, Precinct 3 was able to pick our County Judge. Which as we all know was their home town boy Phil. As far as Halstead’s two races went, they were civil race and I never saw any mudslinging as the poster noted. They were like any normal campaign where each party brings out the other sides weaknesses and tells their strengths and qualifications. That is what a campaign is supposed to do. Poster you were inaccurate on your terminology of mudslinging just as you are on your comparison to Shauberger. I have known Mayor Halstead many years. He is not a bitter man and is very happy with his life. I have seen him in church, with his family, at community events, and believe me, he DOES NOT have a lot of enemies as you say. Before you say things about someone on this site you should ask yourself this; Is it true? Is it kind? Would my statement glorify God or is it intended to just hurt someone? If not, then maybe you should keep your unsolicited opinion to yourself. This is a news cite. I would like the news not gossip. I can get gossip from the tabloids at checkout. While I’m at it, can the feedback be on the story and not feedback on just what pops into your head about people not mentioned in the story.
People need to back off of Frank and Connie Jordan. Frank is the quality people we need in office for the times we are facing. Frank has no hidden agenda and obviously doesn't NEED anything the County has to offer. Honor, Integrity, and down home caring is what Frank has. Thats the AMERICAN WAY.
Frank does NOT have down home caring! I speak from personal experience for myself, as well as from witnessing how he has treated former employees, his "friends", and family.
As a longtime Republican who has paid his dues and who wants the party to become more competitive I would be for cutting Frank Jordan some slack. He is a smart businessman and a good Christian man. My parents went to church with him and thought the world of him and he and Connie have always been nice to me and everyone I saw them interact with. He probably should have been recruited, but he could do to good of a public service not to consider him (even for us staunch Republicans).
General Comments
The Bronco game in Austin is a regular season game and is not a playoff game or a district game. This game is a fill in game due to Smiley-Forrest Brook being combined and we lost a game to play in district. The playoffs start the following week, GO BRONCOS, DAYTON PROUD AND STOMPIN LOUD. HATS OFF TO A.J. Dugat and Cody Green. A.J. scored his first touchdown and Cody Green started as Quarterback (18 year old freshman) for the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday and led the Huskers to a 20-10 win over the Baylor Bears in Waco. Way to go A.j. and Cody, Dayton is very proud of both of you.
Motorcycle Collides with Trailer in Moss Hill
This does not surprise me seeing that Kevin Berryhill was the one at fault. He was at fault in a wreck in 2005 in Mt Belvieu. This wreck took the life of my step daughter, Hailey Litt as well as another man from Liberty, County. It was a miracle that I survived it.
Not defending anyone, but there has been no mention of who is at fault. By the looks of the trailer, the tail lights of the truck are visiable. I do believe that lights are required if the lights of the tow vehicle are blocked. If thats true then the truck is not at fault but the driver of the driver of the motorcycle is.
Transportation Code concerning Trailers: 547.323. STOPLAMPS REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stoplamps. (b) A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp. § 547.324. TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps that indicate the operator's intent to turn by displaying flashing lights to the front and rear of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and on that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960. § 547.322. TAILLAMPS REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps. (b) A passenger car or truck that was manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one taillamp.
First off...if this accident happened at 5:00pm, there was no need for lights to be on. Second...by the looks of the pictures, this accident took place in a NO PASSING ZONE so even if there were no lights, the motorcycle driver had NO BUSINESS in trying to pass. If the motorcycle needed to pass then it should have been on the RIGHT side of the truck/trailer. If anyone is at fault it is the Motorcycle driver!!!
Even if your headlights are not on if you are stopping or using your blinker the lights on the trailer should still work. Liberty roads are just full of idiots that don't know the laws.
I have to agree about the no passing zone. The driver of the truck/trailer could possibly receive a citation for not having stop lights and turn signals but the fault of the accident would still be on the driver of the motorcycle for passing in a no passing zone.
First of all Kevin Berryhill was not at fault for this wreck...If anything the motorcycle driver should of been paying more attention to the road, and more cautious of what he was doing. He also should've known that it was a NO PASSING ZONE anyway..So if anyone is at fault it's him.
Why would anyone in their right mind pass on the left of a stopped vehicle / slowing vehicle on a two way street? Wouldn't you at least consider that they might be turning? And, yes, it is dumb to pass in a no passing zone. Don't we all have to pass the same driving test to get our license?
Search Continues for Missing Horseman & Search Now a Recovery Mission
Prayers for safe return for Gene Roberts and for all the searchers.
Our prayers are with the family of the missing cowboy and his family. We prayer for the rescuers to find him and bring him safely home. Also, to keep the rescuers (all of them) safe as they risk their lives looking for him. God be with all of you.
I certainly have my thoughts with the Roberts' family and all the people searching.
To the family of the missing COWBOY! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this desperate time. Praying for a miracle.
Search for Gene Roberts... Just wanted to add a comment to personally Thank the managment and employees of Jack in the Box for providing food for the search team. We often don't think about these kinds of things that are needed for those who are working so hard to help save a friend and neighbor and it is very heart warming for a local business to provide this service. So Dayton & Liberty residents, please be a patron of this restaurant and tell them how much you appreciate them. THANKS TO YOU ALL!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Roberts family and for the safe return of their loved one.
Praying for the Roberts Family!!!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Roberts family and for the safe return of their loved one.
To the family of Gene Roberts, we are praying for his safe return home. He is our best truck driver here at Quikrete. Our hearts go out to the Robert’s family. We miss having him here with us. We will keep yall in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
General Comments
A.J. Dugat from Dayton High School just scored his 1st touch down for the Houston Cougars!!!
The Dayton Broncos game last night against CE King 37-0 the Bronco's will be going to Austin Nov 6th in the playoffs!!
Norman Brown Announces Re-Election Campaign
I am a big Norman Brown supporter and glad to see he is signing up to finish the job he started. My grandfather went to junior high with Mr. Brown and says their generation was taught to finish whatever they started and that he knew another term was part of Mr. Brown's plans.
The Exodus has begun. Elected officials who are Democrats have finally come to realize that if they want to get re-elected in Liberty County, doing so as a member of the party of Obama isn't the way to go. Congratulations to Norman Brown for coming to his senses. Good riddance to the Liberty County Democratic Party.
Just as we are trying to clean our own house Norman Brown jumps ship. Mr. Brown I never have understood what you and your friend Mr. Wisegereber weretrying to do but it never seemed like it was trying to fix this road out here in front of my house. I hope your exit will PAVE the way for someone who has that as their priority. Both of you seem like you are more interested in being the gatekeepers of anybody coming to help.
Re-Norman Brown--As an independent voter I'm glad to see someone stick their neck out and make a change. There are good people in both parties but sometimes there is not a lot of good in the parties.
With the open primary system in Liberty County, for years everyone just ran in the Democratic Primary, regardless of their party affiliations. Those changing parties now are not changing simply because they have had a stunning awakening. They are changing now because one, they have probably always been a Republican, and two, because the timing is right. With Obama in the White House they feel this will bring more Republicans out to vote, not necessarily for them but aganist the Obama establishment. We should realize, Washington does not run the government of Liberty County, we do. Voting for or aganist someone in county government simply because of who is in the Whitehouse does not make since. As I have said before, there are some good people in out Liberty County Government, Norman Brown being one of them. If public opinion holds true, there are one two shady ones in there also. I trust that all the voters of Liberty County are intelligent enough to vote for a candidate based on their qualifidations, and if they are an incumbent. based on their ethics, experience, and their job performance while in office. You need only to read news reports in Washington to see that there are bad apples in both parties.
WELL I NEARLY LOST MY OATMEAL, WHEN NORMAN BROWN CHANGER PARTIES. HES JUST TRYING TO GET ON THE DUMB XXX THAT VOTED STRAIGHT TICKET. HE THINKS THEY WILL DO IT AGAIN MABY HE CAN GET WITH PATTERSON AND BE A DEPUTY OR SOMETHING ELSE. LIKE PATTERSON GO HOME FROM WORK AT NOON. OH ME WON'T PEOPLE EVER LEARN TO READ. DON'T VOTE STRAIGHT TICKET VOTE FOR MAN WHOS DONE THE BEST JOB LIKE GREG ARTHUR OH WELL PATTERSON SHOULD GO BACK TO CLEVELAND AND EAT AT JACK IN BOX. THATS HOW THEY OPERATE PUKIE
Well old Norman Brown has finally taken the Democratic costume and now he is a Republican like he was since his first run for Pct#4 Commissioner. I did not support him in the first primary, so, to be a loyal member of the Party, I approached him one morning in Dayton, told him congratulations and he would have my support. He did not say thanks or kiss my foot; he said talk to Lester Ray. Well, the reason was that Lester Ray was running against Judge Kirkham as a Republican and that is who he wanted me to support. He had taken an oath to support Democratic Candidates, but was supporting a Republican on his first run for office as a Democrat. I have told everyone in the party for years he is a Republican and not be supported by the local Democratic Party, but he stayed in the Party. So, he seen the Democratic Party in Liberty losing seats in the county and now he is going with the party of George Bush, who Bankrupted the Nation and put us in two wars, one to vindicate his old man, now President Obama has started the economic turn-around, since the GNP numbers have become positive in just 10 months in office. The stock market has also come back to number it was in 2008 before the George Bush actions of tax and spend, nearly sank us, and was compared to the Great Depression. I am just trailer trash and realize it, but worked 37 years and saw what the Republican Party did to the working man. So, I am just trailer trash, but the other genius trailer trash vote Republican in Liberty County, who cuts taxes on the rich and taxes the working poor. So, Norman is where he belongs and out of my party and this morning I have already started notifying Senior Voters in Pct #4, who worked their whole life and are life-time Democrats. Just drive the roads in Pct#4 and you will see the condition of them under his leadership. I will work as hard as I can to defeat him. Look at the Sheriff the Republicans elected and how fiscally responsible he is with our tax money paying relatives monthly good wages of his out of county enormous campaign donors, as "Contract Cowboys", who have actually no contract and is poorly managed by the Sheriff, that are not capable of managing the Dept., with Deputies that are leaving daily, 15 Deputies down last week. Good Luck Norman, I will be in the rear view mirror.
I am glad to see that Brown is has had enough of the Democrats but I hate to see him go to the Republicans. It would be much better if he started a trend and would run as an independent. But the way the election laws are written it makes it difficult to run as an independent. They are the only ones who have to get a petition signed, everyone else just has to pay a fee. We need to get that changed to make it easier for an independent to run.
I told Norman Brown last time that I would hold my nose and vote for him even though he was a Democrat, but I also told him he was too old and that this would be the last time I voted for him. Norman is 78 years old and the only way I would vote for him is ifBobby Payne or Ray Akins ran against him.
Here in Liberty County we have Commissioner Brown who has been questioned publicly numerous times about his party affiliation and has sworn his allegiance over and over to the Democratic party. The Democratic party did make a major shift to the left in Texas but this was years before Brown ran for the first time, but Brown thinking he may have to be a Republican to win in the Dayton area in 2010 has changed citing the two decade old excuse"the party left me." And we also have Frank Jordan, a man whose politics and religious pronouncements sound like they were written by the core of the Republican zealots and he is running for county judge as a Democrat. I would have considered voting for either of these men until I saw their hypocrisy and their willingness to mask their deep seated beliefs in oreder to win.
Commissioners Discuss Livestock Program at Commissioners Court
As to our new Sheriff; The livestock program is so riff with political corruption that a 10 year old could see it. As a citizen and TAX PAYER of Liberty County I am totally disgusted that my tax dollars are being wasted (again) over and over without an end in sight. As to all the equipment from the old Livestock Program---it will be sold for pennies on the dollar to someone directly in the pocket of the Sheriff's Dept. And what is with these new Contract Cowboys? What type "Contract" do they have? Was anyone else asked to "BID" on these services for the County? Personnally I don't think we need them at all. We already own all the equipment needed and have trained people ( already on the payroll) who can do the same job at no extra cost to the TAX PAYER. I think it is time for the people to start holding ALL public officials accountable. We put you in office, we can take you out of office.
Well, Liberty County wanted change, you got it. Your sheriff's office is imploding, there are employees who don't even know what Henry Patterson looks like. The Sheriff's Office employees are miserable, they hate their jobs because it's a miserable place to work, and many are looking for new jobs as we speak. You wanted change you got it. Now you know what the old addage, "Be careful what you ask for, you may get it" is all about....
I think the "contract cowboys" got the same kind of sweet deal that Liberty County EMS got. Evidently just a wink and a handshake on the golf course and presto - guaranteed monopoly on the business. No bids sent out. And what good is a contract...
There is only one way to fix all of our tax paying problems. Vote all incumbents out, start new. Every election year vote them out, local, state, federal, maybe if we vote them out every election they won't have time to get there buddy system going. Only "WE THE PEOPLE" can make change.
Commissioners Discuss Livestock Program at Commissioners Court START HOLDING ALL PUBLIC OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FIRST OF ALL BY GOING TO THE POLLS TO VOTE THIS COMING TUESDAY . NO VOTE NO COMPLAINING .A VOTE AGAINST ALL INCUMBENTS IS A VOTE FOR REAL CHANGE. IF THEY DID NOT GET IT CORRECT THE FIRST TIME , THEY WILL NEVER GET IT RIGHT.SO REPLACE THEM THEY ARE YOUR EMPLOYEE .
Doom and gloom over a sheriff that has been in office for 10 months? Sheriff Patterson I encourage you to review criticism and respond to the parts that are credible and embarass these people by being one of the best sheriffs we have ever had. My three kids and husband and I are pulling for you.
I've had it with this new Sheriff! I'm fed up with this administration already. " PATTERSON STEP DOWN " and let this County move on Please.
While 1,500.00 may sound unreasonable, first of all, it is cheaper than 3,400.00 and second of all, it gives the righful owners enough time to get their animals back. At least these animals were taken care of. I know the Chance and his wife Crystal, they are good people doing a good thing. The Sheriff's department needs to focus more on the crime in our county in opposed to picking up stray livestock, which I agree needs to be found and picked up, having contract cowboys frees up time for the sheriff's department to do what they really need to do. Sounds to me like someone is a little jealous. I would rather have someone who knows what they are doing with animals pick them up and take them home than someone who don't. If it was one of mine I would be thankful to have the chance to find them and pick them up and have them taken care of.
I agree with the person who says the sheriff is better off using his people to fight crime and let people who know how to care for animals take care of the round ups. this should not be a political issue unless there are accusations about stolen cattle with this new group like there was in Greg Arthur's days in office.
Vickery DWI Interesting that he plead to a higher charge. But this likely allows him to avoid having his DL suspended.
Well not a comment on the "No Contest" Plea Deal between Wes Hinch and Glenn Vickery (Fitzgerald‘s Big Bud), which leaves him getting out of the charge of DWI, so if he is caught again it will mean a lesser penalty, since in Texas, DWI’s penalties go by the number of them on your record. He got a $2000 fine, which he pulled from his a** pocket and deferred adjudication of 30 days and it is wiped from his record and talking to seniors, who take medicine that do not drive drunk, from booze and pills. No, conspiracy theories from any local legal genius writers, thank the Good Lord, Vickery only had a County Judge in his pocket and... It just goes to show that “Money Talks and Bulls**t Walks” and folks do not like cops or their families that have served this county for years. I am glad Gordon got his $30K job back and he can work 40 hours on off duty jobs to feed his kids and Glenn can go home and count his money and call Fitzpak to plan their next money making scheme on the backs of taxpayers or trust funds. Maybe all you, “step and fetch it” commenter’s are scared to say anything about the Attorney, Mr. Glenn, but jump on a lowly cop’s back, for exercising his Civil Liberties and going through a trial with a jury to judge him, not his pocketbook to wipe away his crimes. I would not even listen to the spin-man on the air waves, this morning after reading at least an honest report and feeling sick to my stomach. Wonder if any one noticed our County Attorney Wes Hinch in the plea, jumped the class B misdemeanor DWI, to a class A misdemeanor that gets removed from his record in 30 days, to make it look worse on Glenn, when really helped him keeping a DWI off his record. Would love to know who gets the campaign donations from Vickery, in 3 years and this year, but that will be done under the cloak of darkness!! Oh, yeah what was Glenn's Blood Alcohol Content? No one will ever know except Hinch and Fitzgerald. What a weird time we all live in and How The World Turns!
Anyone knowing Wes Hinch for any length of time knows he is a highly ethical person that does things the way he thinks is right whether people are watching are not. Those that know him will give him the benefit of the doubt on the Vickery case. County Attorneys have alot to weigh including the cost of a trial and many other things. This settlement is not out of line with what average folks get that have a good attorney. It will cost Wes politically with people that don't know he can't be bought, but it is a reasonable decision from the choices a County Attorney has. Fitzgerald's behavior cats an extra amount of attention and notoriety to Vickery's DWI and that could be viewed as part of his punishment
I wish that I could be there.... both of my sons died ... James Christopher Nash (Chris) in 1995, and Michael Louis Nash, Jr (Bo) in 2003...I would like for them both to be remembered.
My dad passed away 2-12-05 and we miss him greatly. His name was Bo Chandler and the best dad and friend you could ever have. Love you always daddy! your daughter Lori
General Comments
Are there any places in Liberty Co. that are giving the H1N1 vaccines? It's difficult to get that type of information for this county. Thank you in advance.
If you don't live in Harris or Galveston counties, you are not on welfare, Medicare or Medicaid nor do you recieve WIC and you work and pay your own way unsubsidized, then where does one go to get the H1N1 vaccination?
“If you don't live in Harris or Galveston counties, you are not on welfare, Medicare or Medicaid nor do you recieve WIC and you work and pay your own way unsubsidized, then where does one go to get the H1N1 vaccination?” This is the most ignorant, socially biased, degenerate redneck statement I have read in a very long time. People on this feedback report really need to get some serious therapeutic help for their anger.
Liberty Medical Surgical Clinic has H1N1 vaccine. You don't have to be a patient to get it.
I know that Dr.Brandon Smith has the h1n1 vaccine so I am sure that other doctor offices around liberty county has them. Call around and ask.
Police Make Drug Arrest at Motel
I would like to say Your doing a great job to the Liberty PD...
Sgt.Hunter and Officer Cummins good job on the drug bust at the hotel. Thats more good police work done by the great officers at The Liberty Police Department. "GOOD JOB GUYS"
Police make Drug Arrest at Motel.... Kuddos to Liberty PD Officers.... but more importantly to the housekeeper or houskeeping staff that reported the drugs to the officers !!!!
Drug Bust: I think that most of the time the Liberty PD officers do a good job but why all the flowers on the drug bust when they were handed all the evidence by the maids? Cummings has been in on nearly all the drug related arrests.
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