ELECTION LETTERS
The Denton Record-Chronicle welcomes letters to the editor pertaining to the Nov. 4 general election. All regular submission rules apply. Letters concerning statewide races and local propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot must be received in this office by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. None will be published after Friday, Oct. 31.
Vote for bond package
Having been on the citizens advisory committee for the upcoming city bond election, I can assure you that a lot of consideration was given to the items to be paid for by the bonds being proposed.
First it was determined how much the total bond package would be. Next, committees were set up to rank the projects proposed by the city staff in different areas. Then the whole advisory committee ranked the projects to be recommended to the City Council.
Many worthy projects had to be rejected. Twice as much money could be spent without any waste.
Streets, of course, took priority. But other areas had major needs, too.
You can vote for the bond program with confidence that the money will help meet important needs.
Do not fail to vote for the bond program on the November ballot, a ballot that is full of important issues.
Keith Shelton,
Denton
Truth of the matter
Something seems to be missing from the debate on the fracking issue. Specifically, the people elected to make these decisions and the city employees hired to enforce the rules they make.
There is not a single well drilled in the city that has not received a permit. Every well is to be inspected to make sure it follows the guidelines established by the City Council. If that isn’t happening, we have more problems than a simple ordinance.
What about the minutes of all those closed-door sessions when the legal issues were discussed? Why hasn’t that information been disclosed?
Why are voters expected to make a decision when the council members couldn’t with far more information? What are they afraid to tell us?
Regardless of the outcome at the ballot box, nothing will be solved. The council will still have to pass an ordinance that will create lawsuits.
The only thing gained will be political cover at re-election time for council members to say “it wasn’t me.”
The truth of the matter is we have a group of people who are afraid to make a public stand on the issue.
This is similar to our city-employed “urban forester” claiming we are losing tree canopy while the city issues permits for developers to clear-cut acres for shopping centers and residential areas, then promises more regulations.
I am curious — if every property owner also owned the mineral rights under their home — would we have the same issues?
Steve Sullivan,
Denton
Vote to ban fracking
The high point in the current campaign over fracking is the courage and integrity demonstrated by Emily and Kevin Roden when they resigned from the Denton Chamber of Commerce because of their public statement urging a “no” vote on Nov 4.
Kevin is on the City Council and should he run for re-election, you can be assured those offended by his bold action will do everything in their power to defeat him.
Remember, those people would be a voting minority. You are the majority and as such should keep in mind Roden’s heroic action that served the many, by resisting the monied few.
The numerous full-page ads, which I estimate at $3,000 each, and the massive fear mail-outs that clog your mailboxes are examples of their financial might.
The rude exhibition of drilling dollars will not fall far from the nest as every cent they spend will be many times returned to them if they win.
Don’t let their oil-tainted dollars disturb you. A great man once told me: “Election Day is the great leveler. It is the one time that a poor man’s vote is equal to the richest of the rich. The election process does not discriminate between the wealthy and those of moderate means.”
No matter the wealth at their disposal, as shown by their pre-election spending, they can’t look over your shoulder when you cast that ballot.
Vote for a healthy and clean Denton, for you and your offspring. Vote yes on Nov. 4.
John Nance Garner,
Denton
Vote for Barnes
Judge Margaret Barnes’ service as judge of 367th District Court in Denton County is a testament to her education, ethical excellence and experience.
She attended Southern Methodist University School of Law, achieving her Juris Doctor in 1985.
Judge Barnes is admitted to practice law before the Eastern and Northern United States courts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. She is one of only 797 out of 95,000 attorneys in Texas who is board certified in family law.
Judge Barnes has never had a client file a grievance against her, nor had a grievance filed against her as a judge.
Her judicial experience since 1992 includes municipal court alternate judge (Carrollton and Flower Mound), probate court master, judge of the Denton County Court at Law No. 2 and presiding judge of the 367th District Court since 2010. District courts handle felony criminal law cases, civil matters and all family laws cases.
Her board certification in family law is of special importance as she deals with the complexity of child support cases, Child Protective Services, termination of parental rights and adoptions.
Her experience is essential as she is the voice for children who are there through no fault of their own, bearing the burden of adult decisions by both their parents and the state. Not entering the courtroom with an agenda, her wisdom gained by 29 years of service is balanced by her respect for the rule of law.
Preserve the integrity of the 367th District Court. Vote for Judge Margaret Barnes.
Bill Lawson,
Denton
Re-elect Judge Barnes
Margaret Barnes has been a judge in Denton County for more than 10 years and is running for re-election. She is thoughtful, experienced and respected for her knowledge and judgment.
Judge Barnes is involved in community activities and organizations; she is considered intelligent, fair-minded and reasonable.
Vote to re-elect Margaret Barnes for judge, 367th District Court.
Mary Lavender,
Denton
