For better or worse, the Denton County Democratic Party will elect a new county chair this Thursday, March 29th, at 7pm at the Denton County Courthouse on the Square, in Denton, TX.

The vacancy was caused by the ill health of the former Chairman, Dr. John Gossett, (pictured above, left of Chris Bell) who served the party well, and set in motion a structure and strategic plan that was forward-thinking. Dr. Gossett announced on March 19th that he had stepped down effective March 15th.

Prior to his departure, he had formed the functional committees that will serve as the basis of our efforts for years to come. Among the more active committees, as compared to previous years are the Issues and Policies Committee, Chaired by Neil Durrance; the Precinct Chair Leadership Committee, Chaired by John McClelland; and the Candidate Recruitment Committee, Chaired by myself, Steve Southwell.

It was originally planned and announced along with the notice that Dr. Gossett had stepped down, that candidates for the position would debate at our April 12th meeting, and the election would be on May 10th.

On March 20th, I emailed our party secretary and the Executive Committee, announcing my intent to formally request on March 23rd for an earlier election to be held at our normal April 12th meeting, citing the need for us to have firm leadership in place ASAP, in order for us to turn our plans into action before the primary season begins - especially given that the legislature is considering moving the primaries earlier.

For reasons I'm still not certain of, but are probably for the best, our secretary called the election for THIS Thursday night, March 29th.

Under party rules, a quorum consisting of a majority of the Executive Committee (Precinct Chairs) must be met, and must elect the new Chair by majority vote. If no quorum is made, an interim chair will preside until such time as there is a quorum, and the election can be held. According to Democratic Party rules, no votes may be made in secret, but it is unknown whether it will be a roll-call vote or a show of hands. (I suppose a camera would convert the latter to the former)

Now, here is what I think we need in a County Chair, here in Denton County:

• Proven dedication to the party, demonstrated by work.
• A commitment to supporting local candidates and local infrastructure by keeping Democratic donor money in our county.
• Recognition that we are within striking distance of winning the battle for the hearts and minds of reasonable North Texas voters who are sick of the corruption, lies, and general malfeasance of our current elected leaders.
• The trust and respect of those who DO for the party.
• The initiative to take risks and try new methods and seek the advice of successful coordinated campaigns.

Until today, we had one candidate, who I believe has these attributes: Denton County attorney Neil Durrance (shown below addressing potential 2008 candidates and campaign staff at Project Farm Team's kickoff meeting) He has attended nearly every Executive Committee Meeting since I've been in the party. He's attended many committee meetings. He's reached out to other committee chairs, and he's driven his own committee to produce volumes of research that our candidates will use in 2008 to show voters the truth about Denton County. He's donated, volunteered, and offered whatever he can to the party.

Neil Durrance is not without detractors: A few members are put off by the fact that Neil is very opinionated and not afraid to rock the boat. He is polite, but not one to back away from confrontation. He is a trial lawyer, and I think this is actually an advantage. Politics is a game of hardball. I've actually found Neil very easy to get along with, and very responsive. He is a natural leader.

Today, by way of an Interview in The Texas Blue we find out that a Mr. Travis Biggs is in the running for the position as well, though it's not yet official on the DCDP Website.

I do not personally know Mr. Biggs, though I don't claim to know everyone in the party. For those of you that know me, I've only been actively involved for about one year now, but I've been busting my rear trying to get things going - not just attending meetings, but spending money, and doing work. I've been trading billable hours for something intangible that may see fruit 2 - 10 years from now. To some extent, I would say that I'm a bit miffed to have someone step forward to try to take over the chairmanship, and me as a precinct chair and committee chair not know them.

Now don't get me wrong - I'm not disparaging the guy. Like I said, I don't know him. We are all Democrats and are on the same team. No matter who is elected, I will keep working toward the goal, and I will keep pushing for the plans that we have worked so diligently on since November 8th.

To me, the internal politics is the most unpleasant part of involvement in the party. I don't like to see division and territoriality. I like unity.

To that end, I personally am endorsing Neil Durrance for the position, and I ask other North Texas Democrats to support him too. We'll make room for Mr. Biggs as well. We can never have enough good people to do the real work that gets our goals achieved. I would like to ask my fellow Denton County Democrats to keep our election clean and collegial, setting an example of how we would like our elected leaders to act. At the end of the day, we need to all come together under the umbrella of the party, and not splinter off into quibbling splinter groups. Our plans for 2008 are BIG. They are more ambitious than we've had the opportunity to fully explain. We have a slate of potential candidates for 2008 and beyond who are looking at how we pull together and how well we organize before deciding to run. When we get more candidates of high quality, and we demonstrate an organized infrastructure and a cohesive message, our donors will be more inclined to keep their dollars where they belong: in Denton County. When this happens, we win.

The election takes place THIS THURSDAY, March 29th, 7pm at the Denton County Courthouse on the Square, in Denton, TX. All Democrats are invited and encouraged to attend. Unfortunately, due to a pre-planned business trip, I am in New York this week and am unable to make the meeting. This means that if you are a precinct chair, it is even more important for you to make it to the meeting.

I want to reiterate my sincerest thanks to Dr. John Gossett for taking on the role of County Chair, and sticking with it as long as he could, as well as stepping down when he felt he could no longer serve. He is a well-liked person by all in the party, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we wish him a speedy recovery so that he can rejoin our fight if he should so choose. Likewise, I thank his predecessors who have gradually rebuilt our party to the near-critical mass that we are now seeing.

You need to know about the pet food recall.

A full writeup of the story can be found at Texas Kaos

Breaking News about the RAT POISON FOUND is here

Yesterday, a new massage client told me that she's decided to do the Breast Cancer 3-Day. After discussing her commitment to the cause, I had a hard time letting go of the thought the rest of the day. Long story made short... I signed up last night.

So... if there is anyone that is planning on walking (Katie) or if you're interested in joining me do a part to fight breast cancer, I'd love to get a North Texas Blue Walkers team for training support, during the event support, and general comraderie.

email me. jcs@whosplayin.com

thanks y'all. I'll keep you all posted with my progress.

-jen

Tonight, peace activists from Denton County converged upon the Denton County Courthouse on the Square after marching from the University of North Texas campus. The Carter BloodCare bloodmobile was on hand accepting donations of blood for the V.A. Hospital. My wife and I both participated. I bled quickly, and she - well, they couldn't find a vein big enough, but she was brave enough to try. Over 16 units were collected, and at least 25 people had checked in to donate.

The marchers carried a ribbon, perhaps 300 feet long, bearing the names and cities of all of the Texas casualties of the Iraq invasion and occupation. Quite a few of them carried signs or wore shirts with slogans.

It was a peaceful demonstration, ending in a candlelight vigil where various people took turns speaking, including an Iraq conflict veteran who was upset at what he felt was an attack on the premise of the war that he and his various family members had sacrificed for. Though he was upset, and did not agree that this conflict was pointless, members of Veterans for Peace, including Dan Burnam insisted that he be allowed to speak his mind. For the most part people listened and thanked him for his service and wished him well.

I think that when one witnesses the kind of madness that goes along with war, human nature is to try to reconcile the madness and make it make sense, so that the loss doesn't seem pointless. I spent my 8 years in the USMCR, including a year active during GW I, but it was only years later that I fully understood what transpired during the war.

No doubt historians will research this conflict very closely, and society at large will eventually reach the conclusion, as with Vietnam, that we should have cut our losses, since the outcome was inevitable.

Please visit the Photo galleries and see more pictures from tonight. My camera batteries died before the candles really came out, so I regret that I don't have pictures of that.

If you attended, I would love to read your comments.

Today is the 4th year anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. Join us for a Peace March and Candlelight Vigil on the Square in Denton at the Courthouse on the Square.

Vigil begins Monday, 19 Mar 2007, 7:00 PM. March from Fry street and Hickory begins at 6:00 PM.

For more info, or to RSVP, click here

I read this article in the Lewisville Leader today about how starting in April, The Denton County DA Special Crimes Unit, the Denton County Sheriff's Office, and the Denton County Constables will be performing a "warrant round-up"

Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, James R. DePiazza will reduce the fines for these cases by 50% for those individuals on the list that turn themselves in and settle their cases before April 15th

Looking at the warrant lists, the main targets seem to be hot check writers and traffic offenses and class C misdemeanors. The fines for just the traffic and misdemeanor cases add up to $101,783.35

I hope the tactic works, but I wonder how its come to be that we have such a huge list of outstanding warrants in Denton County? What are our constables and the Sheriff's office doing? I hope the answer is that they're going after tougher criminals.

No, I don't think that's the case. Recently a constable spent several hours going after a friend of mine who was unable to attend his jury duty due to his out-of-town business trip.

My personal opinion: If we don't have enough resources to find and arrest every person with an outstanding warrant at the time it's issued, then we need to spend more money on law enforcement.

As for the hot checks, I would think our county's business community support the extra collection efforts. Jennifer Elaine Singleton - Your hot check for $6.17 could be settled now for a mere $131.17. Go get that taken care of now.

It's time to start the nominations for the March 2007 Texas Dim Bulb Award.

Our first nominee is Dallas Mayoral Candidate Darrell Jordan - who plaigarized three major parts of his campaign platform from sources such as the Heritage Foundation, and was busted for it in the Dallas Morning News. Despite being shown examples of where he lifted his ideas word-for-word, Jordan denied plaigarism, though he claims to understand what it is. D Magazine has more

Have more nominees? Add them as comments to this post. We'll vote on April 1st.

Here's a dumb little game I wrote. At some point I'm going to substitute some of the bubbles with the heads of Texas politicians, such as Tom Craddick and John Cornyn.

Blood Drive for VA Hospital

Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat - for the war or against it, we all bleed red. These veterans have sacrificed for you. Now is the time to put some action behind those words "Support the Troops".

Please come and bleed with me on Monday.

Today, we interview Mr. Leroy Vaughn, one of the five candidates for the special election to fill Lewisville City Council's at-large place 3 seat vacated by Mike Nowels.

Mr. Vaughn is 60 years old and has lived in Texas for 14 years. He is currently retired from his career as a firefighter and building inspector. He holds a Masters degree in Public Affairs and a Bachelors of Art in Political Science

Mr. Vaughn lists the following as his experience in public and volunteer service:

• Leadership Lewisville (1995)
• City of Lewisville (1994-2000)
  • Community Development Block Grant Committee (Vice Chair)
  • Industrial Waste Hearing Board Chair (two term Chair)
  • Lake Lewisville Safety Committee (Vice Chair)
  • Lewisville 2010 Goals Committee
• Habitat for Humanity, Lewisville, Project volunteer (1995-2000)
• African American Museum, Dallas, Docent (1995-2000)
• Christian Community Action (CCA), Lewisville, volunteer (1995-2000)
• City of Austin, Zoning Board of Adjustment member (2001-2003)
• ACLU, Austin, Legal Panel member, (2002)
• Lewisville Senior Center Board of Advisors (2005-present)
• Christian Community Action (CCA), Lewisville, volunteer (2006-present)
• End Stage Renal Disease, Dallas (2006)
• National Kidney Foundation of North Texas, Dallas (1998-2000) & (2006-Present)

Mr. Vaughn's Platform:

• Transportation Issues
• Economic Development & jobs creation
• Environmental Concerns - adequate water & air pollution

WhosPlayin: Mr. Vaughn, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The city lists your occupation as "retired". Yet when I spoke with you by phone the other day, you mentioned that you stay pretty busy volunteering. What is the force that drives you to work so much in your community?

Leroy Vaughn: I believe that large changes are the result of individual actions by small groups. Basically when all is said and done I want to feel like I made a difference in the lives of some, and in the Lewisville Community as a whole.

WhosPlayin: You have a Masters degree in Public Affairs. If I remember correctly, you said you had your Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. I would think with such credentials that you might be running for Congress. Why Lewisville City Council?

Leroy Vaughn: I have a BA from The University of North Texas in political science, with a minor in business. In 2006 I received a Masters degree from the LBJ School at University of Texas, Austin in public affairs. As I stated previously it is my intent to have an impact on my community. The best way I know to do this is through the Lewisville City Council.

WhosPlayin: You spent almost twenty years as a firefighter, and also a few years as a building inspector. Do you think that your years of working "in the trenches" as it were, as a city employee (in Davis, CA) gives you an advantage in perspective in dealing with city staff?

Leroy Vaughn: I was a firefighter in the City of Davis, California for approximately 20 years. During that time, when the city was in a financial crisis, I was farmed out to the building inspection department for four years. After formal schooling I was assigned in the field as one of the firefighter/city building inspectors, that carried his fire gear with him, was in radio contact with the fire dispatcher and responded to emergencies from wherever my current location happen to be. Yes, I feel I have a distinct advantage of perspective in dealing with city staff. Having worked both sides of the counter "so to speak" is certainly an advantage, and this advantage has only been enhanced through my volunteer activities and their relationship to city staff.

WhosPlayin: What do you consider to be the most serious issues facing the City of Lewisville, and what is your approach in dealing with them?

Leroy Vaughn: I consider an increased revenue stream to the city to be very important. It is my opinion that the city generates a major portion of its revenue from the service industry. I would like to see greater efforts to attract higher revenue producing industries such as the medical/pharma industry, or technology.

Drug use is getting more news cover daily. It seems that more young people are able to obtain seriously dangerous drugs at bargain basement prices. As I see it the problem would best be addressed by a multi-jurisdictional approach, with data shared among agencies.

The I-35 corridor is a major issue that will not only affect Lewisville economically; it will impact transportation through the city for some time to come. Local governments working in conjunction with TxDOT, state officials, business leaders and the concerned public should meet frequently to lessen the negative aspects of developing such a corridor.

The city should continue the negotiations to annex Castle Hills into the City of Lewisville.

Public transportation is a concern to the citizens of Lewisville, especially to our growing senior population. I am currently in talks with DCTA to expand their existing Lewisville routes. I am sure as this process goes forward more of the general population will be given additional opportunities for their input.

WhosPlayin: Regarding drug use, we hear more and more about methamphetamine labs, and heroin or ecstasy use among suburban teens. Do you think that with the limited resources that our police forces have, that it might be a good idea to re-focus our efforts so that we go after the distributors of these more dangerous substances, and focus less on catching and prosecuting people for possession of small quantities of marijuana?

Leroy Vaughn: Mr. Southwell I have always felt that the current drug laws are not conducive to halting the distribution of dangerous drugs. We spend millions of dollars prosecuting and housing street level criminals for minor quantities of drugs, with little or no regard for the major importers of these drugs. And when a major supplier is caught nine times out of ten a deal will be cut where in some cases the individual receives a more lenient sentence than the person dealing "$5 bags" on the corner. In my opinion marijuana is not nearly the hazard to our community as the more dangerous drugs that are out there. Those resources could certainly be redirected to a more beneficial end.

WhosPlayin: You said you would continue to negotiate to annex Castle Hills. I can see what's in it for the city, in terms of gaining the tax revenue, and getting paid for the services that some of the residents of Castle Hills might already be using within the City of Lewisville. What do you think would be the benefit to the people of Castle Hills?

Leroy Vaughn: It is my understanding that the residents of Castle Hills currently pay some of the highest taxes in the area. They also contract with different utilities for services (some private and some currently from Lewisville). As part of Lewisville I see the benefit in the numbers. I see their tax structure coming more in line with the City of Lewisville's, and as far a services provided I strongly believe that the greater the quantity purchased the lower the price paid.

WhosPlayin: Do you feel that the average Lewisville citizen is aware of these issues? What do you think matters most to them?

Leroy Vaughn: Mr. Southwell I feel the citizens of Lewisville are greatly aware of those issues that immediately impact their daily lives. I believe the citizens of Lewisville are mainly concerned about the safety of their families and the overall quality of life in their community.

WhosPlayin: What will you be doing to get your message out to the voters? Will you have a website? Are you going to be walking the neighborhoods?

Leroy Vaughn: I will be actively campaigning. Because of my lack of name recognition I feel I must make an extraordinary effort in this area. I intend to have a web site. It is not up at this point. I will have yard signs, flyers, banners and signs in businesses where appropriate. Also I will have, I am not sure what they are called now days, earlier they were Campaign Buttons.

WhosPlayin: Lewisville, and really the entire North Texas area suffer from very poor air quality for too many days each year. Dallas Mayor, Laura Miller, and a coalition of various North Texas cities have taken pro-active measures to oppose the construction of new coal-fired power plants. Lewisville has not joined this coalition. If you had your way, is there anything that the city would do to improve air quality?

Leroy Vaughn: This serious issue is a local as well as a national problem. I do not know the city's position on air pollution or what is being done at this time. I do feel strongly enough about this issue that everything that can reasonably be done should be. I feel the city should take a proactive position with the state and federal agencies that monitor and direct air quality policy in North Central Texas. In the mean time the city should vigorously enforce the laws on the books that pertain to air quality, and support mass transit efforts.

WhosPlayin: Do you support the use of toll roads as a method of gaining revenue to build new roads?

Leroy Vaughn: Toll roads are a mixed bag for me. I understand why a municipality would be in favor of such a road. I.e. -the money that generated up front, roads are built sooner, maintenance costs are reduced, etc. However, I disagree with the policy of turning the operations of a toll road over to a foreign country. Also they are still receiving a portion of the revenues generated long after the road has been paid for. Additionally, toll roads require much more land to be built than traditional roadways. Finally, I believe it is better for those that wish to pay the toll to pay than to increase the gasoline tax on all citizens.

WhosPlayin: What is your view of the proper role of city government, and is the Lewisville City Council getting it right? In other words, where would you do more, and what do you think the city council should avoid?

Leroy Vaughn: I believe that the role of city government is to support the values of the Constitution. City government should also concern itself with the safety, health, and the general well-being of its citizenry through its enforcement of its regulations, codes and ordinances. It is my opinion that Lewisville City Council is doing a good job in meeting its responsibilities to its citizens. I would focus on the 2010 Goals Committee Report. This is the document that contains the accumulation of all the findings of the Goals Committee regarding the citizens of Lewisville's wants, needs, and desires. I believe it is very important, and necessary for the Lewisville City Council continued success, that the council refrains from emitting the appearance of preferential treatment for one group or business over another.

WhosPlayin: As a graduate of Leadership Lewisville, you must have gotten to see quite a bit of the workings of our city, both from the governmental perspective, and the non-profit community organization perspective. In your opinion, are we covering the needs, or is there room for either government or charity or both to step up and take on more responsibility?

Leroy Vaughn: I believe Leadership Lewisville presents an excellent opportunity for an individual to get a first hand look into local governments, and insight into the needs and operations of non-profits and businesses conducting business within the city. It is my opinion that there is always more that can be done; however, I am unaware of any issue that is not being addressed on some level, at this time.

WhosPlayin: If you were elected, how would you stay on top of the issues and keep in touch with the citizens to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks?

Leroy Vaughn: Mr. Southwell I am retired and if I were elected to the Lewisville City Council it would be my only job. I currently volunteer throughout the city on a daily basis and am out and about in the community mixing with its citizens routinely. As I stated earlier I am currently in discussions with DCTA on the matter of extending service on some routes in Lewisville. This is a matter brought to my attention by a few ladies of the community on my daily travels. By not having other obligations I will be available more often for face to face discussion of any issue a citizen may be concerned about. The only addition I would make at this time would be an internet site to expand the lines of communication.

WhosPlayin: Mr. Vaughn, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to us, and thank you for your service to the city and the community.

Leroy Vaughn: Mr. Southwell I would also like to thank you for your contribution to the furtherance of information on local issues, and the opportunity to express my view in a public forum.

WhosPlayin has already interviewed Ron Aljoe and Patrick Booth, and has extended interview invitations to the other candidates: Lathan Watts and Jim Mundt. Lathan Watts politely declined the interview due to our treatment of Congressman Michael Burgess. Mr. Mundt declined due to the general partisan nature of this website.

It should be noted that WhosPlayin is non-partisan in the Lewisville municipals, although the other major forum for the candidates to make their views known will be hosted by the Republican Mens' Club. WhosPlayin will probably not endorse any candidates, but may conduct a straw poll.

Regardless, I would highly encourage our readers to check their voter registrations, and get out and make an informed vote on May 12th. Show your city's leaders that you care by turning out in good numbers! Polling locations will be posted very soon.