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.

If you read my blog, you know it's no secret that I'm a proud Texas Democrat. Today I received an email from our Denton County Democratic Party's Executive Director Jace Reeder, stating that I had received a strange barely intelligible voicemail from the NRCC (National Republican Congressional Committee) - something about a press release.

Now, I'm a bit of a muckraker at times, so I racked my brain trying to think whether I had inquired about some piece of bullcrap or not. More interesting to me was why on earth would anyone call me there. My phone number is in the book. It's on my business cards. Even my party business cards list my personal phone numbers.

Anyhow, I dialed the number: 1-877-213-0603, and surely enough it was the NRCC. Conversation went something like this:

Her: "NRCC, how may I help you".
Me: "Yeah, I got this call today on voicemail and it was something about a press release"
Her: "I can help you with that. What is your name?"
Me: "Steve Southwell"
Her: "S-O-U-T-H-W-E-L-L?"
Me: "yes - what's this about?"
Her: "Oh - this is strange. You're listed as working for the Denton County Democratic Party?"
Me: "Um - yeah. What may I ask is this NRCC?"
Her: "It's the National Republican Congressional Committee. We were actually calling to talk to you about a press release we were sending out regarding our Business Advisory Council. Don't know how you got on this list".
Me: "hmm... "

So I found the So-called "Business Advisory Council" and it confirmed my suspicions about just how dumb Republican leadership considers their constituency to be. Basically, they have this solicitation for money in return for the hollow honor of being an "honorary chairman". I'm not making this shit up.

So just to see who might have fallen for this line of bull, I went searching the net for resumes with "Business Advisory Council" What I found more interesting was this Washington Post article about the scam FROM 2003!:

Flesch, the owner of Executive Limousine in Princeton Junction, N.J., said he was at first intrigued and honored. His small company had been hammered by the decline in business travel after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and the caller played off that, saying he had been chosen for weathering the "adversity of 9-11."

But when he was asked to contribute to pay for the ad, he was incredulous, and refused. A few weeks later, when he was sent what he thought was a copy of the Wall Street Journal ad, including the newspaper's masthead, he became suspicious, he said. When he received his award invitation and was told the cost, he was incensed.

"I said: 'You're telling me you want me to pay $5,000 to go to a dinner to accept my award? I think you're scamming us,' " he said.

It is not just some recipients who are angry. Lawyers for Dow Jones & Co., owner of the Wall Street Journal, contacted NRCC officials before Christmas to ask them to stop using the Journal masthead, saying they were "misstating a connection between the award and the Wall Street Journal," said Brigitte Trafford, a Dow Jones spokeswoman. Flesch said he received his "Wall Street Journal" ad fax this month. Trafford said Dow Jones lawyers would be back in contact with the NRCC.

Apparently the Republicans have been doing this for years, and have been warned and threatened with legal action. So, 4 years later they're trying the same bullsh**? Come on guys, are things really so bad at the GOP that you have to resort to this type of fundraising? Can't you think of something more original? There's always the oil companies...

Update - 6/26/07 - Stupid morons called AGAIN at the Democratic headquarters for me. It would seem that Republican Congressman Tom Cole's office doesn't have the updated list of potential suckers - er... Republcans.

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

Patrick Booth, a lifelong resident of Lewisville, first ran for Lewisville Mayor in 2001 at the age of 18 and was defeated by incumbent Mayor Gene Carey. He ran again against Mr. Carey in 2003 and was defeated, but has remained active in Lewisville civics.

Mr. Booth lists the following as his experience in public service:

1. City of Lewisville Park Board member for four years

   A. Organized board to involve a member at every Parks and Leisure function
   B. Contributed to decisions of where to place the future dog park and how to design it
   C. Aided with where to place the skate park and the features that will be included
   D. Step-by-step involvement in deciding the location and layout of the Railroad Street Athletic Complex: the largest capital works project the city has undertaken
   E. influenced the Park Board's decision to make an Old Town recreation center a top priority
   

2. Organized and hosted public forum on Underage Drinking and Drug Use in May of 2006

   A. this forum was a prevention tactic against drinking and drug use by minors
   B. the forum was partnered between New Day Counseling, the City of Lewisville and City Council; it was held in the City Council chambers
   C. the welcome was given by Mayor Gene Carey
   Thank you to Mayor Carey and Councilman Ueckert for their attendance at this important event.

3. Seated on the staff oversight committee at First United Methodist Church of Lewisville

   A. this experience has disciplined me regarding how to direct and interact with a staff serving a large body of members

4. Innumerable experiences working with Christian Community Action, Keep Lewisville Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and countless other independent nonprofit organizations

Mr. Booth's Platform:

1. More effective communication is the key

   A. Community Involvement Board proposal from June of 2004 needs implementation
   B. this board would serve as a liaison between staff, council, and most importantly the city at large
   C. interested active organizations would have constant communication with the council
   C. council could also more easily and effectively address local organizations

2. continued encouragement for Old Town Development businesses and residents alike

   A. continued support for businesses in the area and prospective builders
   B. also need to begin drawing residents with housing development incentives
   C. further drawing residents by providing attractive involvement in the area: continued successful festivals, activity and recreation centers

3. as a councilman I will express good faith by following through with the plans they have made

   A. prioritizing the Old Town recreation center at top of the list; this was a highlight of the 4B sales tax and demands immediate attention
   B. Railroad Street Athletic Complex will be diligently attended to until the project is complete; including both the dog park and skate park amenities
   

WhosPlayin: Mr. Booth, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. You're no stranger to city elections, having run twice for mayor against Gene Carey. If you should win this seat, do you think you'll have any problems getting along with Mayor Carey?

Patrick Booth: Gene and I work together very well. He graciously provided the welcome for the public forum in May and helped see that the council supported it. There has never been any animosity between us. I spoke with him at the beginning of this campaign concerning the current issues facing the city and I intend to have the same conversations with each councilman individually, as well as department heads throughout the city. A respect is shared among leaders of this caliber and differing opinions on policy are left at that.

WhosPlayin: If you win the seat, do you view this as a "stepping stone" to other future elected office? Mayor, perhaps?

Patrick Booth: This question was posed to me when I ran for mayor as well. The council seat is a means to an end, but not to another office. The end I seek is a constant communication between the council, staff, and public so that the city of Lewisville becomes an active community of citizens. Until I see this at hand, I am not looking past it.

WhosPlayin: In your platform, you speak of drawing residents and additional development into old town. With all respect, is it really a goal to attract new residents, or should be focusing more on making a better quality of life for the current residents? This is not directed at you specifically, but I sometimes get suspicious when I hear politicians talking about "growth" because I wonder whether they're thinking that "bigger is better" just on general purposes, or whether they're truly considering what kind of growth is good growth, versus the kind of growth that overcrowds our schools and taxes our water supplies. Can you comment or clarify? Am I just being paranoid?

Patrick Booth: In my platform, I made two references to drawing residents in Old Town: the first suggests housing and development incentives, the second mentions adding amenities to the area clearly designed to make living in the area more pleasing. Perhaps I did not make myself clear in the presentation, but the difference I bring to the table is that quality of life for Lewisville citizens will be the basis on which I base all policy and decisions.

WhosPlayin: In your profession, as a counselor for people with substance abuse and anger management problems, you must see quite a cross-section of the hidden problems that members of our community face. Is there more that the city could be doing, in your opinion, to combat domestic violence and substance abuse?

Patrick Booth: Prevention tactics such as the Underage Drinking and Drug Use forum go a long way to combat substance abuse before it happens. There is a task force forming in LISD concerning drug use in schools. The same tactics can be used for domestic violence. These are ways in which the city can battle violence and drug abuse outside of mere criminal punishment, which can only come into effect after the fact. Awareness is the key and the council has the means to push awareness to schools, crime watches, and neighborhood associations, as well as cooperating fully with recovery organizations.

WhosPlayin: When you called yesterday, you said that your major issue was forging a stronger relationship between the City Council and the citizens - as sort of an umbrella for other issues. Can you elaborate on that? Also, what do you consider to be the most serious issues facing the City of Lewisville, and how do you intend to deal with them?

Patrick Booth: Building a stronger relationship means more active communication between the council and community. The council is a representative body and it can serve that role more efficiently if the public knows the issues the Council are facing and the public can bring their own issues to the table. My platform centers on this ideal and each individual stance is toward this emphasis. The major issues arising to face the city:

1. I-35 expansion; needs to be closely monitored by a committee for just that purpose to reduce economic damage and assure the most effective utilization
2. Public transportation is progressing and it must be seen that it continues in the same fashion; supporting the organizations moving this forward and continually monitoring its effectiveness and availability for our citizens
3. Old Town Development; the council and city have performed this wonderfully, and more has yet to be done. Particularly the building of the Old Town recreation center, and the follow through with the planned local activity center to provide more than just pretty buildings and streets, but real incentives for living and building in the area.

These are only the major issues the city is facing; countless issues exist in every pocket of the city but do not have the numbers to be awarded a voice citywide. With a council that reaches out to address and deal with these issues as they come up will be the legacy I hope to build while seated in office.

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

Patrick Booth: I feel that each citizen has important issues that affect them individually. I believe it is the council's job to address these issues as best they can and thereby improve the greater quality of life in the community. All of these many issues simply cannot be heard or addressed at the city council meetings. This is why I proposed the Community Involvement Board which could communicate on behalf of the council to the citizens and the citizens to the council.

WhosPlayin: You said "countless issues exist in every pocket of the city but do not have the numbers to be awarded a voice citywide". Many Texas cities address this in part by having their City Councils fully or partially composed of representatives of geographical districts. As you know the City of Lewisville has a city council that is elected entirely at-large. Do you think that perhaps moving to a system with set districts, or a system such as the City of Denton, with both districts and at-large seats would help these voices to be heard?

Patrick Booth: There are pros and cons that come with such a change. Particular areas will indeed be better represented, but the council will also experience more pressure by dominant special interests in each specific region, which would limit their decisions for the greater citywide good. More to the point, the original problem still persists. Five people simply cannot properly represent close to one hundred thousand with only their judgement and that of their colleagues to guide them. There needs to be a network of concerned, active individuals and organizations continuously responding to council decisions and bringing their own issues to the table. The Community Involvement Board previously proposed is the means to this end.

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?

Patrick Booth: I intend to use signs, fliers, and door-hangers as well as just being generally accessible for speaking engagements and newspaper interviews to reach the public. I have a website at PatrickBoothForCouncil.com where all of my campaign information can be found.

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?

Patrick Booth: To start with I would review the measures taken and if I find the coalition to be productive, would happily join. This issue is largely a state ideal and needs to be addressed more broadly than by our city. We could of course continue our part by keeping ordinances followed and supporting environmental legislation.

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

Patrick Booth: I support the use of toll roads provided that they are not the only means of travelling the route. If people want to pay a little extra to get to where they are headed faster, that is great, but as a governing body it is our duty to see that everyone has equal access and connectivity.

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?

Patrick Booth: City government is meant to be a service to its citizens. The city council does a great job, but I think they should take a more active role in soliciting involvement from their represented citizens and actively interacting with city staff. I can offer a different kind of leadership from a nonprofit perspective, laying the effectiveness of the city's services as the bottom line. The council must avoid personal differences and work together for the betterment of Lewisville. They have done this remarkably well every time I have worked with them and this will not change if I am seated on the council.

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

Patrick Booth: Thank you, Mr. Southwell for taking the initiative and for keeping the continuous conversation between government and citizens open and active. In closing, I would just like to add that a vote for Patrick Booth is not just a vote for the council, but a vote for the community and the citizens that live here.

WhosPlayin has already interviewed Ron Aljoe and Leroy Vaughn, Jr. 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 also 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.

You MUST read this post on Jobsanger about State Rep Lon Burnam's HB 1937. Electric providers that charge more than 125% of the national average must pay their executives MINIMUM WAGE!

Texas utility customers pay 1 1/2 to 2 times as much as the national average.

The bill has a snowball's chance in hell of passing, but it makes a strong statement. Our rates had better drop.

Today, we interview Mr. Ron Aljoe, one of the three currently declared candidates for the special election to fill Lewisville City Council's at-large place 3 seat vacated by Mike Nowels.

Mr. Aljoe lists the following as his experience in public service:

• Military service U.S. Marine Corps.
• City Council Shawnee, Kansas (suburb of Kansas City)
• Co-founder Lewisville youth baseball and football.
• Chairman of Parks and Leisure 1977 to 1984 (Instrumental 1st bond issue for the city for Parks and related leisure functions.)
• Co-founder of the Republican Men's Club for Denton County.
• Elected Republican precinct chairman in 1982 thru May 2004
• Transportation Board Lewisville 1992 -1994
• 1st Chairman on CBGD (Community Block Grant Development Board) Lewisville 1996 - 2000
• Co- founder of the Boy's & Girl's Club Lewisville 1993
• Lewisville Police Dept Citizens Strategic Planning Task force 1997-98
• Lewisville Planning & Zoning Board July 2000 to present Chairman
• Lewisville Zoning Board of Adjustment 2001 and 2005
• North Central Texas Council of Government activities:
  • Vision North Texas Growth
  • Land Use Law
  • TX. Metropolitan Mobility Plan 2004
• American Planning Association Conference in TX 5 times.

Mr. Aljoe's describes his platform as follows:

• Support a facility for Day Laborers
• Special interest in "infill" (not yet developed) areas of Lewisville.
• Code enforcement issues
• Revitalization assist in neighborhoods
• Continued work in the OLD TOWN revitalization area especially the corridor area. Also enlarge the area.
• Continued support of mass transportation especially in the city, expansion to jobs growth areas for the economic growth of Lewisville families.
• Continued support of the DCTA to the center of Dallas.

WhosPlayin: Mr. Aljoe, thank you for allowing us to talk to you about your Lewisville City Council bid. You seem to have pretty extensive experience on the various city boards and you are currently the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Why are you running for city council? Why now, as opposed to years ago?

Ron Aljoe: First of all, I appreciate people like you that have the initiative to be active in the community. Thanks!

As you can see, I have always been very active in the community, giving back what we received as my family grew with the city.

As my work career demanded extensive travel time from 1990 through 2000, I could not have run for a City Council position. Time would not allow.

My goal was not to run for this position till I was prepared and I had the time to devote to the job. Neither of these two issues are a barrier now. I am experienced and have the time to be a valued City Council person.

WhosPlayin: If you win the seat, do you view this as a "stepping stone" to other future elected office?

Ron Aljoe: No, I would only try to retain the seat after one year and work as a member of the City Council

WhosPlayin: When we talked the other day, you alluded to some "serious matters" that the city will have to deal with very soon. What do you consider to be the most serious issues facing the City of Lewisville, and how do you intend to deal with them?

Ron Aljoe: The most serious issues facing the city today are now, or will be soon: (and not in any priority order)
A) TxDOT I-35 corridor widening. Suggest an Ad-Hoc committee of city staff, Chamber of Commerce officials, elected officials, local business individuals and concerned citizens that would dedicate time to the issue. Reduce as much as possible the economic damage to the city. Attend meetings of the progress and or set backs by TxDOT.
B) Retail losses over the next many years. Assist our city staff, especially the economic development group to develop strategies to attract new retail or enlarge / improve current sites.
C) Continue rebuilding our infrastructure in the older neighborhoods. Develop and support economic assistance for the citizens in those areas. Financial incentives or reimbursements to maintain appearance of the city.
D) Improve on the local public transportation to move our citizens from home to jobs. Review usage, follow demographics of services, jobs movement and leisure activity so our citizens can have a balanced life. Support additional routes and services.
E) Usage of the solid waste dump sites in the Lewisville's jurisdiction. Will want to review current contracts, find ways to use the property perhaps reduce the usage. Will need to learn more.
F) Services for our seniors, a growing population. Be sure to meet periodically with the organized local AARP to see what the issues are that need addressed by the city.
G) The transition of Castle Hills into the mainstream of the City of Lewisville (annex). Continue to follow current progress of which I am currently aware through the P&Z board.
H) Development of the Old Town corridor and surroundings. Be supportive of the overall fine job of many groups, and to help as needed. Be supportive of the DCTA stops especially the Old Town.
I) Deterioration of our social economic base. Monitor with the city staff, add resources where needed to continue the transition of our citizens.

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

Ron Aljoe: The average citizen is aware of many issues especially if it has a direct impact to their daily lives especially financially or safety wise. The matters that mean the most to them:
A) Safety in the neighborhoods
B) Jobs
C) Public Transportation as previous mentioned
D) Availability of shopping
E) Inconvenience getting to work
F) Leisure activities availability and additions.

WhosPlayin: You've said that you don't intend to spend a lot of money or have a website for this race. Aside from this interview, how do you intend to get your message to the voters?

Ron Aljoe: I will personally contact friends, community leaders, social and civic leaders , local organization to speak as required. Use of the newspapers. Perhaps a mailing, not sure of this yet.

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?

Ron Aljoe: The simple answer for now, to this very serious national, Metroplex and local problem is to continue the fine beginning of introducing public transportation in the city. Perhaps interact with North Central Texas Council of Governments for a larger more defined impact to air quality improvement. Be sure our city is up to date with ordinances that apply in an intelligent way to the community.

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

Ron Aljoe: Absolutely - BUT: Only if there is an alternate route, such as a service road that people can take without having to pay the toll.

WhosPlayin: Even for existing roads - like for example SH 121?

Ron Aljoe: Yes, because the service roads are free, and a person can still get where they're going. If for instance though, there were to be a bridge built over the lake, and it was the only crossing, and you had to pay, I would not support a toll on that.

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?

Ron Aljoe: First of all, we need to avoid general issues to do with moral, social behavior, and ethical references or profiling.

Our concern in the City as city council members should apply to the safety, health and general well being of all the citizens and to always keep in mind that the quality of life is the most important issue for any city council person.

Our city council has always performed in a manner that meets the above requirements. Perhaps we can fine tune items as we grow and learn.

WhosPlayin: You were a Republican Precinct Chair for 21 years. In fact, you were the senior Republican Chair, serving in the largest precinct. Today, you describe yourself as a "Left-wing Republican" or "Right-wing Liberal". Though city politics are non-partisan, how do you think your Republican leanings might affect your decisions on the council? Also, what would you say to the liberal or progressive voter to reassure them of your intentions?

Ron Aljoe: We all know that serving on the city council of a city, partisan politics has no place. My tenure of over 21 years as a precinct chairman of the Republican Party and Executive committee has no influence to this position. What does have is my 40 year career as a successful businessman/ manager that prepared and carried out budgets that improved performance of companies including my own. My past history serving my city will speak for reassuring all my neighbors of my intentions.

WhosPlayin: Ron, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me, and thank you for your service, both in the Marine Corps and your service with the city.

WhosPlayin 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. Though I asked him to reconsider and assured him the interview would be non-partisan, he still refused, but said he would be releasing a statement this week. Mr. Mundt declined due to the general partisan nature of this website. We've also interviewed Candidate Patrick Booth

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.

Despite a field of serious contenders, many of whom are politicians, and all of whom could have easily won this award in a slow month, February's Texas Dim Bulb Award goes to State Rep Warren Chisum, of Pampa, TX. To get the full magnitude of the sheer stupidity of this man, you must read his imbecilic memo that he forwarded to the other 149 members of the Texas House.

Texas Kaos has a great writeup of this bit of idiocy. It seems that Chisum circulated this memo to his colleagues in the house proposing that the teaching of evolution in schools is a Jewish conspiracy. Further, he supports the Fixed Earth Theory (no joke - please click the link and read what these weirdos propose) which is just plain wacky. These folks want to teach our school children that the earth stands still, and the sun revolves around it. Why? Because the Bible says so.

See folks, ANYONE can make it into the state legislature. This guy is a certified nut job, lunatic tin-foil hat wearing crazy ass. And Tom Craddick is such a "good judge of character" that he put Chisum in charge of the appropriations committee.

The Houston Chronicle has the story:

"The document linked to Web sites including "fixedearth.com," which asserts that Earth is the center of the universe. Chillingly, the links also offer overtly anti-Semitic rants, contending that evolutionary science supports a "centuries-old" Jewish conspiracy against Christian teachings.

...

According to the Dallas Morning News, Chisum said he's "willing to apologize" about his references to Jews. He said he didn't know about the ranting on the memo's recommended Web sites.

But presumably he knew, and liked, the preposterous contents of his memo itself. It's hard to know what's worse: Chisum's careless spreading of words he condemns - or his unremorseful promotion of ideas that would fling Texas' students and economy years behind their competitors. "

For a list of nominees with more information about their stupidity, Click Here

Thanks to all who voted.

The New Yorker's Seymore Hersh reports the US is sending money to Sunni jihadist groups:

The United States has also given clandestine support to the Siniora government, according to the former senior intelligence official and the U.S. government consultant. “We are in a program to enhance the Sunni capability to resist Shiite influence, and we’re spreading the money around as much as we can,” the former senior intelligence official said. The problem was that such money “always gets in more pockets than you think it will,” he said. “In this process, we’re financing a lot of bad guys with some serious potential unintended consequences. We don’t have the ability to determine and get pay vouchers signed by the people we like and avoid the people we don’t like. It’s a very high-risk venture.”

The transcript of a CNN interview can be found here.

According to a New York Times / CBS News Poll in February

The poll found Americans across party lines willing to make some sacrifice to ensure that every American has access to health insurance. Sixty percent, including 62 percent of independents and 46 percent of Republicans, said they would be willing to pay more in taxes. Half said they would be willing to pay as much as $500 a year more.

Nearly 8 in 10 said they thought it was more important to provide universal access to health insurance than to extend the tax cuts of recent years; 18 percent said the tax cuts were more important.

So why do our Texas U.S. Representatives like Michael Burgess so strongly oppose it?

By Guest Writer Aaron Kreig:

(Republished by permission - originally appeared in The North Texas Daily)

I served eight years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and intelligence analyst. I have also worked numerous years as an operative with the U.S. Department of State Regional Security operation at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, before coming to NT last year.

I am so sick and tired of reading all of these op-ed pieces that read like uninformed bar babble. Before you spout off at the keyboard, please get some life experience and a clue. Maybe then I will listen. Despite what your government leads you to believe, a larger number of these so-called "insurgents" are most likely disenfranchised Iraqis who are proud and view us as an occupying force.

The administration cannot call them ultranationalists. They are poor, unemployed, have electricity for a few hours per day, no fuel or food, dire medical care, tap water contaminated with sewage and oil, limited education and freedom, and live under the constant stress of combat. These people had a better quality of life under Saddam, and his iron fist was one of the only things that kept the country in check. Many people knew that in 2000 - I guess the leadership skipped too many history, geography and political science classes at their Ivy League institution.

The dynamics of the country are much like a soda bottle that has been shaken, yet the cap is still secure. We released the cap and ruined any semblance of life. The violence is largely a combination of our president's gross mis-calculation, his stubborn pride (yes, intelligence agencies warned him of these events prior, but he did not listen) and the dismal economic state of the country (Iraq).

Let's just try to imagine if the United States were invaded by Russia. Would you fight? What about a couple thousand years of sectarian tension and vendettas? Why does our government continue to think that the entire world is starving for our democracy? If you were to travel abroad, you would see that our beacon is not as bright to the rest of the world as it is in your own imagination.
With regards to the Iraqi border, it's like Swiss cheese. When I worked there, numerous people said there is nothing preventing you from walking unopposed from Iran to Iraq. Does this seem smart to you? If you are worried about insurgents, would you not want to close down the borders? It is not rocket science.

Either this demonstrates the lack of intellect in our government or the supposed insurgent problem is not as rampant as we are led to believe. While there, I had never seen such a waste of resources in my entire life, both financial and personnel.

Before you increase troops, how about using the ones that are already there. Clearly this president has had major errors in his judgment. Why should anyone continue to trust him and his leadership? I have lost confidence in his abilities, and after the last midterm election, the majority of the U.S. population has as well. So who is right? The 70 percent plus people who are opposed or the rest who are not?

A letter the other day in Views kept referring to Kagan and Keane and their great opinions. What about the bipartisan Baker-Hamilton report? The president challenged Democrats that if they do not like his idea of a troop surge, then maybe they should offer an opinion of their own. I will say again, what about the Baker-Hamilton report?

Having examined the list of contributors, it is clear that report has much more legitimacy than the Kagan and Keane paper. The Baker-Hamilton report may not have been the answer to all of the problems, but the fact that the president has completely snubbed everyone leads me to believe that this gentleman has completely lost his grip with reality and his position.
The previous author also argued against a group of 535 legislators micromanaging a war. I would agree with that, but what about a president who leads as if he is a dictator or this is an autocracy? Remember just the other day, "He is the decider."

Clearly the legislative branch is in place to provide a more intimate representation of the people and to keep the president in check. I am sure you have had some history and political science courses. You may also be in the minority of people who are OK with living under an autocracy in the United States, but I love my country, my freedom and the fundamental principles this country was built upon. If our president does not listen to the people and does not respect the other two branches of government, please tell me how this is any different than Hugo Chavez's socialist power transition in Venezuela or Saddam Hussein's previous leadership style?

Aaron Krieg resides in Double Oak. He can be reached at operatormedicjobs (at) yahoo (dot) com