a brief biography

Business:

Retailer, Farmer, Web Designer, Computer Consultant, Political Consultant

Reliable Go-Karts

Reliable Data Services

The Propane Club

Background:

34 years working with computers, including mainframes, telecommunications, technical training, and public speaking.  Two years on the city council of an area city (the second person in the history of the city to unseat an incumbent), as well as city and state boards.  Presided over the two lowest effective tax increases in the history of that city (2.99%, 0%), while implementing many public safety programs, including police car replacement every 3 years and manning a previously closed fire station.

Personal:

• Member, Board of Directors, Gloryland Express, Inc.

• Native Texan;  about 1/3 native Indian (Cherokee).

• Fiscal conservative who deplores waste by city governments, abuse of power by elected officials, and official corruption.

• Dislikes people who are not tolerant of opposing views, especially when it evolves into juvenile name-calling.

• Pro-military:  "Freedom isn't free."

• Supports the war and our troops:  "If we weren't fighting the terrorists over there, we'd be fighting them on Hwy. 77."

• Gadfly when he sees government stepping upon people's liberties.

Ellis County:

"I haven't lived here all my life, but I came as soon as I heard it had turned republican."

Ellis County provides a peaceful, country atmosphere in which to live, while being close to services available only in large cities.  The Commissioner's Court does a good job of running the county.  Commissioner Brown, who had the courage to vote against the "Pink Elephant," has the foresight necessary to make intelligent decisions.  Commissioner Sims doesn't mind asking questions to keep everyone on their toes, and reminds everyone why there are five people representing the county, instead of just one.

We will soon have Johnny Brown protecting us and Mike Jones serving as our constable.  When you add Ron Brown to the mixture, I feel we have honest, caring people representing us in precinct 4.

Public Safety:

Firm supporter of public safety.  Ellis County has a very good group of peace officers, although the recent Sheriff's election seemed to turn a few into playground bullies, which hurt the entire department.  It's one thing to promote your candidate, or say why you don't like someone else's candidate.  It's quite another to spread rumors and call people childish names.  If we have issues of public integrity, they should be exposed to the public and to the county and district attorney.  But, office politics shouldn't exist, and certainly shouldn't be broadcast to the public.

Some forums degraded into name-calling.  That was being performed by people claiming to be, and sounding like, Ellis County Sheriff's Office officers.  One of the words being repeatedly used toward a private citizen can be interpreted to question one's sexual orientation.  If proved to be a county employee making these accusations, it could (a) be used to demonstrate sexual bias by the county in any case where that orientation could be considered a factor, and/or (b) result in a significant lawsuit for the county by the individual being harassed -- one paid by our tax dollars.  We deserve better, and the other ECSO officers should not be tainted with the actions of a few malcontents.  (Hint:  time to get another job.)

Sheriff-elect Johnny Brown:

Johnny Brown will be the most innovative sheriff we've ever seen.  As the most powerful man in the county, it would be easy for this job to "go to his head," but I don't think Johnny will have that problem.  His ideas are progressive and intelligent.

Constable-elect Mike Jones:

Mike Jones is a man who has proudly served our country and has the best interest of the citizens at heart.  He will work with the INS to reduce the number of illegal citizens in our county.

Taxation:

Government should tax only to the extent necessary for essential services.  Instead of raising taxes, government should spend the money it has more wisely.  Governments often are not short on money, they're short on the common sense to spend it wisely and the honesty to keep it out of their own pocket.

Constitution:

• Firm believer in constitutional rights.

• Opposed to the government's taking of people's land by forced annexation.

• Opposed to imminent domain except when absolutely necessary, and it should NEVER be used for economic development.

• The constitution affirms the rights of PEOPLE to own guns.  (Recently affirmed by the Supreme Court.)

Immigration:

• The U. S. should have an immigration policy that is fair, instead of the current one which gives special rights to countries from whom we probably don't want immigrants.

• We should welcome legal immigrants who want to come to the U. S. and assimilate themselves into our society.  If they desire to burn our flag and/or replace our flag with theirs, they should be sent back to the country they obviously love.

• After being deported once -- maybe twice -- ILLEGAL immigrants should be incarcerated, to send a message to others.  Our porous borders are harming our economy, our safety, and our way of life, and will eventually be a threat to our constitution.

Interesting People I've met: