Ok, here‘s the dynamic: The City has a tremendous power -- the power to tax. Many people want that tax money to be given to them, directly or indirectly. So they organize (“Pro-Dunc”), they manipulate, they spin, they con voters into believing the voters’ interests are the same as theirs, and they work to get politicians into office who will give them what they want. Some politicians just need the flattery of being befriended by the rich or powerful, some want the perceived status and opportunities for travel, others want jobs for their relatives or money -- whatever it is, their sponsors behind the scenes provide it. And in return, politicians use their power to tax to steer your money over to their sponsors.
Carefully look at the political scene at any level -- city, state, or national -- and you will recognize how consistently true this pattern is.
This year’s City Council election once again gives voters a clear choice between candidates who are aligned with special interests and candidates who are independent and unconnected. I encourage everyone to vote for these independent candidates:
Buck Werner for At-Large City Council Johnette Jameson for District 5 City Council And, yes, Paul Ford for District 3 City Council
Last May, we had a chance to clean house -- but we didn’t. Most of us didn’t vote, and the majority of us who did voted for the same people who have been taking advantage of us year after year. This time, let’s not be passive. This time, let’s not fall for it. This time, let’s not willingly invite those who have taken advantage of us time and time again to continue to do so.
As the majority on the Council and their sponsors cross the line into the shameful arena of organized violence (see updates for April 12th, April 14th, and April 25th on the Home page), it is more important than ever for the people of Duncanville to get involved and make their voices heard.
Who here can look at what is happening in Duncanville and not be offended? Who here is so enamored of the attentions of the “Pro-Dunc” crowd that they can watch the video of the police grabbing me as I calmly speak of city matters and not be appalled? Who here can watch a member of the City Council dragged off and injured during a City Council meeting and not realize that such violence could just as easily be directed against you?
The time is now. Make your voices heard.
Early voting takes place at the Library. Here's the schedule:
Monday, April 27, to Friday,May 1: 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday, May 2: 8 AM to 5 PM Sunday, May 3: 1 PM to 6 PM Monday, May 4, and Tuesday, May 5: 7 AM to 7 PM
Election Day is Saturday, May 9, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at your usual polling station -- Reed, Fairmeadows, or Byrd School.
Campaign
I am running for re-election in District 3. The person I defeated two years ago is running against me.
It is very simple. If you like what I’ve done in the past two years, vote for me. If you like what my opponent did in the two years he was on the Council, vote for him.
Judging from a letter my opponent mailed to residents in District 3, his main platform is that he won’t argue with the Mayor. No doubt about that. During his two years on the Council he was a reliable yes-man, voting for every tax increase, every excessive salary for the favored few (City Manager, Assistant City Manager, 4B Board Director), and for every giveaway to developers. It was my opponent who said of the $304,000 cost of the Main Street Vision consultant study, “$304,000 only seems like a lot of money.”
Your choice.
Local elected officials actually have more control over our day-to day lives than elected officials at the state or national level. So stay informed, think for yourself, and vote. If we step back and let other people do our governing for us, we will always be led astray.
Apathy is the greatest enemy of democracy, and the best friend of corruption.
Early Voting: April 27 to May 5
Election Day: May 9
Last Day to Register to Vote: April 9
Need a Voter Registration Card? I’ll get you one.
Need an absentee (mail-in) ballot? Contact me!
Want to contribute to my campaign, put a campaign sign in your yard, or help out with campaign activities? Call or email:
