Election Outcomes

To the Editor:

Wednesday morning I reviewed unofficial results as posted by our county Elections Administrator. The national races were of interest but I want to comment on two local offices and results; it is only fair to report that I did participate in this primary vote as a Republican.

The first observation is with respect to the postion Texas State Representative, Dist 85. The current officeholder was reported, in your 5 March edition, to have spent funds in excess of $417,000 to retain this seat, a substantial sum; much of this funding came directly or indirectly from the notorious Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan, a public official discredited by uncounted acts of poltical perfidy. His support for our own House Representative has been documented for a number of months. Our Representative has a vote history of some concern and that record conveyed support for Phelan’s policies. In this primary, I supported his opponent. My decision was directed by what I previously learned of the current officeholder’s legislative relationships and votes.

My second concern is the change in the Fayette County Republican Party Chair. Our current chair, Deborah Frank served over the last number of years with superb skill, vigorously managing the intricate tasks dictated by state law and advancing party interests. Having observed and worked with the last four local party chairs since 2005, I know the challenge this responsibility entails. Republican voters in Fayette County favored Frank’s opponent and this seems evidence of a concerning level of ignorance. This candidate stated he would learn the intricacies of the party chair position “on the job” and admitted he had not been an active participant in party functions.

Two positions, two choices; I fear that local voters are choosing without being wellinformed.