Since I came back from Washington D.C., I am so aching even more to talk about so many hot national issues as well as more reflective thoughts I have on Lincoln and others of our national history and heritage. However, I find myself a tad more focused on home again. Tip Oneil's famous statement that "All Politics Are Local" always comes to my mind. As a minister, I felt for the last few years that I should keep fairly quiet with regards to politics--I felt as if in some way there would be a conflict of interest I suppose. And I still sometimes have that inner struggle. However, after watching one of my heroes Governor Mike Huckabee, a fellow pastor and my good friend Pastor Dan Aleman (who is also President of the Mesquite Ministerial Alliance) both run for office and talk about important issues--I suppose that gave me a different perspective. Dan Aleman brought some very important issues to the table when he ran for city council a couple of years back here in Mesquite. Having said all that--I do still keep my preacher blog and my political blog separate. While Jesus is always my top priority, I think I can in good conscience still be a good citizen also--I think scripture encourages that.
So yesterday, I was so encouraged when I left the coffee/meet and greet for Gary Ward, who is running for Mesquite City Council. This was the second of two such events in the past couple of weeks. The first coffee was a group of younger families and individuals with a wide variety of concerns, interests, visions, questions, and even some complaints.
The second coffee yesterday--was a group of older more mature citizens with more overall conservative viewpoints. What encouraged me so much was that Mr. Ward, after sharing his story and his vision for Mesquite--then settled in and sat on the hot seat and took all kinds of questions--some that were not easy to answer. But he did answer every question--some he even just said "I really don't know--at least not yet." I like that kind of honesty. I'd rather a candidate just say I don't know and have to get back to someone as opposed to just giving a slick answer. But I can assure you that given Gary's many years of involvement in the community--there were many questions he did indeed know the answer to and was very passionate about solutions he had in mind to make things better. He also solicited input from the audience as to what ideas they might have that would make Mesquite safer, cleaner, and more financially sound.
What also encouraged me about Mr. Ward, was that there were two co-hosts of that coffee supporting him--that were once very opposed to Gary politically. Myself, and Greg Everett, former MISD Board Trustee who once served with Gary on the school board. I won't speak for Mr. Everett's past disagreements with Gary--he spoke most eloquent himself of those past disagreements and what eventually led to him and Gary seeing eye to eye on many issues and why he is now supporting Gary's candidacy. For me, when I was just getting into politics, there were a few local issues and campaigns that we were on different sides and some of those battles got a bit heated. However, even when I was opposed to Gary politically--I always knew even then--that Gary Ward is a man who is very passionate about what he believes in and will always stand and fight for those beliefs! I think it says a lot positively for a candidate--whose former political opponents come out and support their candidacy.
We need more of that in politics today! I think for me, I am certain there will be future issues or even campaigns in which me and Gary might differ. However, I am much more interested in candidates for local office who have shown a strong level of committment to the community over the years and who have worked in the trenches to better the lives of Mesquite families than I am with someone who just recently showed up and said "I want to play too." Don't get me wrong--we need lots of new and fresh players. Really "players" is the wrong term. We need concerned and caring citizens willing to get involved in bettering their community--who can learn to work with others who are involved--work past differences--to get something basically right and good done for the people! It is my fervent hope that more citizens who decide to run for local office in the future, will be willing to put themselves on the "hot seat" and go meet average voters and have a real give and take of ideas shared. Regardless of our many problems--and yes we face many problems both nationally and locally--we are still a great nation and a great community. Working together and with God's help--we can accomplish some good things for future generations.
Lets have a conversation.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The "Awe" of Washington
My beautiful wife and I are in Washington D.C. for a few days and it is so beautiful here! Since I was a boy here with my dad when he argued before the Supreme Court--I always get just as inspired and excited about being an American everytime I come here.
Today as we were walking around the Capital Building--I could not help but think of all the discraced politicians who have served in that incredible building where so many important and historical decisions were made. And you would think that just being given the honor to serve in that magnificent place--and be given the trust of thousands of people back home--would be enough to keep anyone from sacrificing their integrity.
Those elected to public office--need to remember where they came from and where they have been sent.
Today as we were walking around the Capital Building--I could not help but think of all the discraced politicians who have served in that incredible building where so many important and historical decisions were made. And you would think that just being given the honor to serve in that magnificent place--and be given the trust of thousands of people back home--would be enough to keep anyone from sacrificing their integrity.
Those elected to public office--need to remember where they came from and where they have been sent.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Real Problem With Government/Politics
I recently wrote a post about what a great man and American former U.S. House Speaker Sam Rayburn was and how things just worked better in government/politics when he was in office. I submit to my fellow citizens--that our real problem in government and politics today--is not whether or not the liberals or conservatives are doing this or that--THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT WE HAVE LOST CIVILITY IN PUBLIC LIFE!!!
Thirty or forty years ago, Republican and Democratic Leaders on the House or Senate floor--would tear each other apart and battle most fiercely! And while there was fire and passion and conviction in the give and take of debate--at the end of the day--many of those officials would go have a drink or play a game of cards and would often work through their differences and something got done! For years, many congregessional leaders of both parties would fight like cats and dogs--but many were still personal friends and very devoted to one another. Tip O'neil loved Gerry Ford deeply. Sam Rayburn and Joe Martin were good friends. Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy were close friends. I love how the late Jack Valenti would describe the evening conversations between former Senate Republican Leader Everett Dirksen and President Johnson at the White House. Here are Valenti's words:
The Best of Enemies
By JACK VALENTI
Washington
IN Washington, the cords of collegiality that used to bind the members of Congress to one another - and to the president - haven't just frayed, they've snapped. This descent into enmity is not just one party's fault. There is blame to distribute among all.
As Congress struggles through a particularly rancorous session, it is worth recalling a time when compromise had not been exiled from our government. I had the good fortune to see this firsthand when I worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Though historians have painted President Johnson as someone who would do just about anything to get his way, nothing could be further from the truth. His years in the Senate taught him that good government is built on listening to the other side.
In 1964, the president deputized me to handle relations with the Republican leadership. It was my job to keep the Oval Office open for Gerald Ford and Charles Halleck, then the House Republican leaders, and Everett Dirksen, leader of the Senate Republicans. Even though L.B.J. had large majorities in both houses of Congress after the 1964 election, he never turned his back on those across the aisle.
A typical encounter with Dirksen would go something like this: The senator would call me, his majestic barrel-baritone voice rising from some vasty deep. "Jack, I'd like to see the boss today," he would say.
"Of course, Senator. How about coming by around six? O.K. with you?"
After our conversation, Dirksen would rise in the Senate to flog the president and his policies, treating Nero and Caligula favorably in comparison to Johnson.
Later, when Dirksen arrived at the White House, I'd escort him to the family quarters on the second floor. We would gather in the West Hall, cheek by jowl with the family dining room. On the wall, a Mary Cassatt and a Childe Hassam surrendered their charms to visitors.
Johnson would be waiting. He'd greet Dirksen warmly and lead him to a green chintz sofa in front of a large window with an ample view of the Rose Garden. The president would drop himself into a large wingback chair next to the couch - he'd be so close that their knees would almost touch. I would sit next to Dirksen, whose rumpled suit and vagrant strands of wispy hair masked a razor-edged wit.
L.B.J., in one of his periodic fits of dieting, would order a Fresca from the kitchen. Dirksen, who had clearly hoped for something stronger, would hide a frown and, to be courteous, order one too.
The president, with the skill of an actor, would begin: "Ev, I wouldn't treat a cut dog the way you treated me on the floor today."
Dirksen, with a mock somber expression, would answer, "Mr. President, I have a vow to be faithful to the truth, so I had no choice in what I said."
L.B.J. would laugh. Touché. Dirksen, pleased with his retort, would rumble up a laugh as well. They would trade stories and gossip.
Then the president would say something like: "Ev, I need three Republican votes on my civil rights bill, and you can get them."
Dirksen would frown. Without answering, he would reach into his jacket and pull out a list of nominees to just about every operational regulatory commission in Washington. He would also suggest that the president relax his opposition to a bill the Republicans found congenial to their aims.
They would ramble on, reminiscing and teasing each other. When the Frescas were finished, Dirksen would depart. There would be no summary of what they had said. Their relationship was built on something that is sorely missing today: trust. Both men knew that plenty of quarrels would be played out on the Senate floor and on the campaign trail. But they also knew that once a commitment had been made, it would be kept. If they disagreed, they would keep talking. Every once in a while, L.B.J. would even test out a possible appointee on Dirksen.
They were like two old medieval warriors who had fought a hundred battles against each other. But when night fell, they would sit around a campfire, on neutral ground, and talk.
L.B.J. understood that the role of the opposition was to oppose. Dirksen (and Ford and Halleck) knew that opposing didn't mean you couldn't give a little here and there. Neither surrendered core beliefs. But they both knew that in politics, nothing lasts for long. Mandates fade. Power passes. And majority, as sure as the seasons change, eventually becomes minority. (From The Wisconsin Museum of Broadcasting http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/genemueller/45329672.html
Today, so many of the congressional leaders barely even know each other. There is too much anger, hate, and rancor among not just Democrats and Republicans--but often within the individual party ranks! Very few elected officials take the time to really get to know each other. And how could they--they are all too busy working on getting reelected--(which is a conversation for another time.)
I watched the President recently go to a House Republican gathering to answer questions and give his input on the health care legislation. Most of the GOP congressman were very respectful--but a handful were just downright rude and hateful. That just makes me sad. And I certainly am not just putting such attitudes on the Republicans--for surely it happens on both sides.
We have got to find a way to stand up for our convictions and beliefs--and still not hate one another and learn to better understand where each other is coming from and really listen to one another. Whatever happened to the old adage--that "Partisanship ends at the water's edge." What happend to the unity we saw right after 9/11 when we saw members of Congress on the front steps of the Capital singing God Bless American, or Tom Daschle hugging President Bush right after the president had just addressed Congress a few days after that tragedy? We are still under very difficult stress as a nation--and there is simply no greater opportunity for all of us to work together and get something useful done for the people!
HOPE
Two bits of hope come to my mind from recent events. Recently I watched a very good man, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee interviewing Bill Maher (Mr. Liberal Himself) on Fox News. I watched Governor Huckabee--who I know believes almost nothing Maher believes--be extremely kind and respectful to Maher--who was espousing so much of what I know Huckabee to be totally against!
Then just last week--Senator Tom Coburn (R-Ok) was at a conservative event in his state talking about various issues before Congress. At one point someone was vilifying Speaker Pelosi. Coburn--who is very conservative--immediately defended the speaker--saying that while he and the Speaker are far apart on the issues--that she is a "nice lady." And he went on to criticize the harsh way many politicians are villified simply because they don't vote the way some might want them to vote.
Good for Huckabee and Coburn!
We need to stop shouting, and start really talking and listening to each other. We need to find where we can agree and do something good for the American people! Lets show some kindness and love to one another!
Lets have a conversation.
Thirty or forty years ago, Republican and Democratic Leaders on the House or Senate floor--would tear each other apart and battle most fiercely! And while there was fire and passion and conviction in the give and take of debate--at the end of the day--many of those officials would go have a drink or play a game of cards and would often work through their differences and something got done! For years, many congregessional leaders of both parties would fight like cats and dogs--but many were still personal friends and very devoted to one another. Tip O'neil loved Gerry Ford deeply. Sam Rayburn and Joe Martin were good friends. Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy were close friends. I love how the late Jack Valenti would describe the evening conversations between former Senate Republican Leader Everett Dirksen and President Johnson at the White House. Here are Valenti's words:
The Best of Enemies
By JACK VALENTI
Washington
IN Washington, the cords of collegiality that used to bind the members of Congress to one another - and to the president - haven't just frayed, they've snapped. This descent into enmity is not just one party's fault. There is blame to distribute among all.
As Congress struggles through a particularly rancorous session, it is worth recalling a time when compromise had not been exiled from our government. I had the good fortune to see this firsthand when I worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Though historians have painted President Johnson as someone who would do just about anything to get his way, nothing could be further from the truth. His years in the Senate taught him that good government is built on listening to the other side.
In 1964, the president deputized me to handle relations with the Republican leadership. It was my job to keep the Oval Office open for Gerald Ford and Charles Halleck, then the House Republican leaders, and Everett Dirksen, leader of the Senate Republicans. Even though L.B.J. had large majorities in both houses of Congress after the 1964 election, he never turned his back on those across the aisle.
A typical encounter with Dirksen would go something like this: The senator would call me, his majestic barrel-baritone voice rising from some vasty deep. "Jack, I'd like to see the boss today," he would say.
"Of course, Senator. How about coming by around six? O.K. with you?"
After our conversation, Dirksen would rise in the Senate to flog the president and his policies, treating Nero and Caligula favorably in comparison to Johnson.
Later, when Dirksen arrived at the White House, I'd escort him to the family quarters on the second floor. We would gather in the West Hall, cheek by jowl with the family dining room. On the wall, a Mary Cassatt and a Childe Hassam surrendered their charms to visitors.
Johnson would be waiting. He'd greet Dirksen warmly and lead him to a green chintz sofa in front of a large window with an ample view of the Rose Garden. The president would drop himself into a large wingback chair next to the couch - he'd be so close that their knees would almost touch. I would sit next to Dirksen, whose rumpled suit and vagrant strands of wispy hair masked a razor-edged wit.
L.B.J., in one of his periodic fits of dieting, would order a Fresca from the kitchen. Dirksen, who had clearly hoped for something stronger, would hide a frown and, to be courteous, order one too.
The president, with the skill of an actor, would begin: "Ev, I wouldn't treat a cut dog the way you treated me on the floor today."
Dirksen, with a mock somber expression, would answer, "Mr. President, I have a vow to be faithful to the truth, so I had no choice in what I said."
L.B.J. would laugh. Touché. Dirksen, pleased with his retort, would rumble up a laugh as well. They would trade stories and gossip.
Then the president would say something like: "Ev, I need three Republican votes on my civil rights bill, and you can get them."
Dirksen would frown. Without answering, he would reach into his jacket and pull out a list of nominees to just about every operational regulatory commission in Washington. He would also suggest that the president relax his opposition to a bill the Republicans found congenial to their aims.
They would ramble on, reminiscing and teasing each other. When the Frescas were finished, Dirksen would depart. There would be no summary of what they had said. Their relationship was built on something that is sorely missing today: trust. Both men knew that plenty of quarrels would be played out on the Senate floor and on the campaign trail. But they also knew that once a commitment had been made, it would be kept. If they disagreed, they would keep talking. Every once in a while, L.B.J. would even test out a possible appointee on Dirksen.
They were like two old medieval warriors who had fought a hundred battles against each other. But when night fell, they would sit around a campfire, on neutral ground, and talk.
L.B.J. understood that the role of the opposition was to oppose. Dirksen (and Ford and Halleck) knew that opposing didn't mean you couldn't give a little here and there. Neither surrendered core beliefs. But they both knew that in politics, nothing lasts for long. Mandates fade. Power passes. And majority, as sure as the seasons change, eventually becomes minority. (From The Wisconsin Museum of Broadcasting http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/genemueller/45329672.html
Today, so many of the congressional leaders barely even know each other. There is too much anger, hate, and rancor among not just Democrats and Republicans--but often within the individual party ranks! Very few elected officials take the time to really get to know each other. And how could they--they are all too busy working on getting reelected--(which is a conversation for another time.)
I watched the President recently go to a House Republican gathering to answer questions and give his input on the health care legislation. Most of the GOP congressman were very respectful--but a handful were just downright rude and hateful. That just makes me sad. And I certainly am not just putting such attitudes on the Republicans--for surely it happens on both sides.
We have got to find a way to stand up for our convictions and beliefs--and still not hate one another and learn to better understand where each other is coming from and really listen to one another. Whatever happened to the old adage--that "Partisanship ends at the water's edge." What happend to the unity we saw right after 9/11 when we saw members of Congress on the front steps of the Capital singing God Bless American, or Tom Daschle hugging President Bush right after the president had just addressed Congress a few days after that tragedy? We are still under very difficult stress as a nation--and there is simply no greater opportunity for all of us to work together and get something useful done for the people!
HOPE
Two bits of hope come to my mind from recent events. Recently I watched a very good man, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee interviewing Bill Maher (Mr. Liberal Himself) on Fox News. I watched Governor Huckabee--who I know believes almost nothing Maher believes--be extremely kind and respectful to Maher--who was espousing so much of what I know Huckabee to be totally against!
Then just last week--Senator Tom Coburn (R-Ok) was at a conservative event in his state talking about various issues before Congress. At one point someone was vilifying Speaker Pelosi. Coburn--who is very conservative--immediately defended the speaker--saying that while he and the Speaker are far apart on the issues--that she is a "nice lady." And he went on to criticize the harsh way many politicians are villified simply because they don't vote the way some might want them to vote.
Good for Huckabee and Coburn!
We need to stop shouting, and start really talking and listening to each other. We need to find where we can agree and do something good for the American people! Lets show some kindness and love to one another!
Lets have a conversation.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
LOCAL RACES VS THE STATE AND NATIONAL RACES
It is so tempting to want to comment on the big political issues of the day--"Will the Tea Party" and the GOP take back Congress?" "Will Sarah Palin run for president?" "Will the Health Care Bill passing wind up being the GOP's Waterloo instead of President Obama's?" All exciting and romantic topics in which I'd love to jump into the fray. However, lets talk about a side of politics that really touches our lives everyday!
How many times have you heard the old saying "Hey, I vote in the really important elections like the Presidency every four years?" Lets think about that for just a moment. No doubt, the President of the United States is in many ways--the most powerful man in the world--with large contingency of armed forces in which he commands--not withholding a nuclear arsenal that could destroy the world 10 times over. He also has the ability at times, to sway public opinion at a moment's notice depending on what his poll numbers are and what the issue is.
Then don't forget Congress--with the power of the purse string and the governors and state legislatures for each of the 50 states.
But what about the folks whose decisions touch our lives day in and day out here at home--our local city council and school board elected officials!
These are the people who determine much of the kind of quality of life our families will have and the kind of education our children will receive.
CITY COUNCILS
In Texas, if a city is incorporated, they will have whats called a "Manager/Council" form of government. The City Council and Mayor are elected and the City Manager is appointed by the council--and he or she manages the day to day operations of the city. And while the city manager has executive authority over the various city departments--the council and mayor decide the policies, the local ordinances (like local laws), determine the local tax rate, decides where those tax dollars are spent, and often set the pace and course for the direction of where the city will go.
Think about it--everything from how our streets are repaired, to what kind of animal control and health standards in our restaurants, to our public safety with firefighter and police resources, to whether or not we will have nice parks and places to recreate ourselves and so much more. Things that truly affect our lives much more day to day than what goes on in Austin or Washington short of a war or national disaster. And if you have a problem--its much easier to call your city councilman or mayor for a problem with your trash not being picked up than it is to call your congressman to get help with a missed social security payment. The people we elect as our city council members and mayor have a tremendous impact on our lives!
And yet--city after city--will only see a small percentage (maybe 3-7 percent of its voters) participate in those elections? And how often do not so quality or qualified people get elected to such positions--simply because there is no informed or participatory electorate?
SCHOOL BOARDS
While I tend to know a little more about how city councils work, I also know that who we elect as our school board members are also very critical to our children's educations! The board sets a wide array of policies--from many codes of conduct for school employees, to certain standards put in place for students in addition to minimum state and federal standards, to also setting part of our tax rate--and often at a huge disadvantage when it comes to trying to come up with the funds needed to educate our children! The board appoints a Superintendent of Schools, who also acts in a similar role as that of City Manager. The board and superintendent decide who will teach and administer all of our schools--which is no simple matter. Choosing who will lead each campus within the school district is no small task, nor is it a minor matter.
So my encouragement is this: Learn who serves on your city council and school board. Go attend council and board meetings when you can or watch them on your local cable channel. Read your local newspaper. Get to know your local elected officials. The quality of your family's life and your children's futures depend greatly on the decisions these people make.
And for me personally, those candidates who run for state or federal office--who are the most attractive to me--are the ones who have served locally and understand the bread and butter issues facing working families in each community. While I am not a big Sarah Palin fan--I am impressed at her resume of several years of local government experience before her rise to state and national politics. She was a very effective council woman and mayor in her hometown. While its probably not a democratic year for Texas state wide politics--I like Bill White's years as mayor of Houston. The kind of issues such people deal with in those offices, better prepare them to understand what the people back home are going through.
What do you think? Lets have a conversation.
How many times have you heard the old saying "Hey, I vote in the really important elections like the Presidency every four years?" Lets think about that for just a moment. No doubt, the President of the United States is in many ways--the most powerful man in the world--with large contingency of armed forces in which he commands--not withholding a nuclear arsenal that could destroy the world 10 times over. He also has the ability at times, to sway public opinion at a moment's notice depending on what his poll numbers are and what the issue is.
Then don't forget Congress--with the power of the purse string and the governors and state legislatures for each of the 50 states.
But what about the folks whose decisions touch our lives day in and day out here at home--our local city council and school board elected officials!
These are the people who determine much of the kind of quality of life our families will have and the kind of education our children will receive.
CITY COUNCILS
In Texas, if a city is incorporated, they will have whats called a "Manager/Council" form of government. The City Council and Mayor are elected and the City Manager is appointed by the council--and he or she manages the day to day operations of the city. And while the city manager has executive authority over the various city departments--the council and mayor decide the policies, the local ordinances (like local laws), determine the local tax rate, decides where those tax dollars are spent, and often set the pace and course for the direction of where the city will go.
Think about it--everything from how our streets are repaired, to what kind of animal control and health standards in our restaurants, to our public safety with firefighter and police resources, to whether or not we will have nice parks and places to recreate ourselves and so much more. Things that truly affect our lives much more day to day than what goes on in Austin or Washington short of a war or national disaster. And if you have a problem--its much easier to call your city councilman or mayor for a problem with your trash not being picked up than it is to call your congressman to get help with a missed social security payment. The people we elect as our city council members and mayor have a tremendous impact on our lives!
And yet--city after city--will only see a small percentage (maybe 3-7 percent of its voters) participate in those elections? And how often do not so quality or qualified people get elected to such positions--simply because there is no informed or participatory electorate?
SCHOOL BOARDS
While I tend to know a little more about how city councils work, I also know that who we elect as our school board members are also very critical to our children's educations! The board sets a wide array of policies--from many codes of conduct for school employees, to certain standards put in place for students in addition to minimum state and federal standards, to also setting part of our tax rate--and often at a huge disadvantage when it comes to trying to come up with the funds needed to educate our children! The board appoints a Superintendent of Schools, who also acts in a similar role as that of City Manager. The board and superintendent decide who will teach and administer all of our schools--which is no simple matter. Choosing who will lead each campus within the school district is no small task, nor is it a minor matter.
So my encouragement is this: Learn who serves on your city council and school board. Go attend council and board meetings when you can or watch them on your local cable channel. Read your local newspaper. Get to know your local elected officials. The quality of your family's life and your children's futures depend greatly on the decisions these people make.
And for me personally, those candidates who run for state or federal office--who are the most attractive to me--are the ones who have served locally and understand the bread and butter issues facing working families in each community. While I am not a big Sarah Palin fan--I am impressed at her resume of several years of local government experience before her rise to state and national politics. She was a very effective council woman and mayor in her hometown. While its probably not a democratic year for Texas state wide politics--I like Bill White's years as mayor of Houston. The kind of issues such people deal with in those offices, better prepare them to understand what the people back home are going through.
What do you think? Lets have a conversation.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Mesquite City Council Race
Most who know me, know that I try not to be too overly involved in politics anymore. Taking the hope of Jesus into the impoverished and difficult parts of Mesquite is my primary passion and “community service” if you will. However, having grown up in Mesquite and having once been very active in the community—and seeing the importance of having elected officials who are committed to the working poor and to children growing up in difficult circumstances is very important to me!
That is why I am supporting my dear friend Gary Ward for Mesquite City Council, place 5. Most who have been involved in the community for some time will know that 20 years ago, Gary and I were on opposite sides of local politics and engaged in a few scrapes here and there. But even then, I knew Gary was a man of high principles and honor.
Over the years I have worked together closely with Gary on a number of local important matters/issues before our city and I’ve never known anyone who cares as much for our city and its residents as Gary does. That’s no “politic-speak,” but instead simply the truth!
Gary really does know about serving others. He evokes the term “Public Service.” From his combat service as a young soldier in Vietnam, to his service as a Mesquite Fire Fighter the past 36 years, to the many causes he has fought for over the years for public employees and the citizens of Mesquite, to his three years as a school board member on the MISD Board of Trustees--Gary is very well prepared to continue serving in a new leadership capacity—as a member of the Mesquite City Council. I can vouch that Gary is a man who is willing to fight for what he believes—and yet—is also willing to compromise where he can and work with others to accomplish something good for the citizens of our community.
If you’d like to meet Gary, join me and Tim and Lorie Hahnl at their home on April 13th from 7pm to 8:30pm for a “Meet The Candidate Coffee” at 1814 Hillwood in South Mesquite.
Many believe Mesquite’s best days are behind us. Gary does not believe that. Join me in supporting Gary for the Mesquite City Council, place 5.
That is why I am supporting my dear friend Gary Ward for Mesquite City Council, place 5. Most who have been involved in the community for some time will know that 20 years ago, Gary and I were on opposite sides of local politics and engaged in a few scrapes here and there. But even then, I knew Gary was a man of high principles and honor.
Over the years I have worked together closely with Gary on a number of local important matters/issues before our city and I’ve never known anyone who cares as much for our city and its residents as Gary does. That’s no “politic-speak,” but instead simply the truth!
Gary really does know about serving others. He evokes the term “Public Service.” From his combat service as a young soldier in Vietnam, to his service as a Mesquite Fire Fighter the past 36 years, to the many causes he has fought for over the years for public employees and the citizens of Mesquite, to his three years as a school board member on the MISD Board of Trustees--Gary is very well prepared to continue serving in a new leadership capacity—as a member of the Mesquite City Council. I can vouch that Gary is a man who is willing to fight for what he believes—and yet—is also willing to compromise where he can and work with others to accomplish something good for the citizens of our community.
If you’d like to meet Gary, join me and Tim and Lorie Hahnl at their home on April 13th from 7pm to 8:30pm for a “Meet The Candidate Coffee” at 1814 Hillwood in South Mesquite.
Many believe Mesquite’s best days are behind us. Gary does not believe that. Join me in supporting Gary for the Mesquite City Council, place 5.
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