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2011-09-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

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The Ennis Examiner Launches

2011-02-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dozens of readers of The Palmer Post asked us to put a paper out in Ennis, and after a few months of planning and strategizing, the first issue is going to look like this:

http://www.elliscountyobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/EnnisExaminerFeb95.pdf

publisher@ennisexaminer.com
URL: www.ennisexaminer.com

Letter from Former Ennis Mayoral Candidate Scott Rider

2009-05-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

HOWDY DR.

You OBSERVER folks shure mix it up alot over here……I heard I made a ruckus due to my Letter To Editor so I thought i would check it out. WOW!

Well sir or mamm (not sure with just initials) I may be a long time resident, but you can bet you’re rear end I’m no YES man, to nobody, (except my wife) or rubber stamp, nor was my father or my grandfather, you must not know me personally or to well, if you even do. If you don’t I’m not to hard to find. So dont attempt to compare me to others.

I didnt win a whole batch of new friends by running for Mayor, heck he was my next door neighbor and he didnt like it much, but he’s one heckuva good person and family I respect greatly, and a friend, but I dont agree with him on a lot of things, so what, he’s still a great person just to do the dang job in the first place, and he’s doing good in a lot of areas.

In fact I lost quite a few “friends”, and a few customers too, but, I didn’t run to win friends, I ran to try and help create a CHANGE to improve POSITIVE GROWTH and help Ennis GROW FASTER for everyones benefit. Whats Good for Ennis is GOOD for ALL OF ELLIS COUNTY and vice versa for the whole county.

However, I feel I did light a fuse that is still burning. A new member on the council every year SINCE I ran. A new City Marshall with 2 years under his belt, TWO new first Term City Commissioners in fact, like em are not, they are NOT YES MEN based on what I’ve seen, read & heard. They are in the minority on votable issues on the commission table thats for sure.

Heck I think Holt had to run against someone every 2 years dang near the whole time he was Marshall/Chief. He is experienced at running for office.

This year another citywide contested race for the council and Marshall? HMMMMMM That’s a lot healthier than it was before I ran. I stepped in the ring back in 2000 for City Council and lost, Look what we got there, a Dentist, HMMMM…. so as Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday once said, “I’ll be you’re Huckleberry” The Canidate who was running for Commissioner the same year I ran for Mayor pulled out of the race THREE DAYS AFTER THE FILING DEADLINE….HMMMM, get u sum of that cowboy. Been there done it, TWICE, I did my part, but time to move on now…there are others willing to serve.

You may not agree with me, but remember this, it is not personal, we can agree to disagree on issues. SOME FOLKS do NOT understand this FACT and don’t take it well, I dont like it either, but I learned to live with it,some folks need to grow up a bit, I have.

You have a valid point about the City Marshall. The City Council must propose and agree to, buy vote, to change the City Charter by “LOCAL ELECTION” (I’m pretty sure on this issue, but stand to be corrected, I’m not absolutely sure, it’s been a while since I read the Charter, but I have read it) “Me & my friends” as you state cant change it ALONE.

In my personal opinion the Marshall should NOT be elected he should be HIRED, based on qualifications and past accomplishments a work related history & actions, like he/she is in most all other Cities, and FIRED when necessary by the CITY COUNCIL and BY direction and control OF the City manager, thats the CM’s job, just like the City Manager can and should be HIRED & FIRED by The Mayor and majority City Council vote.

IF you have a strong Council, acting on self enacted and effective TERM LIMITS (an issue that needs to be addressed in this campaign year) with significant ethical standards policy in place, (I dont know for sure, but I have never seen one of these at Ennis City Hall for Council Members, and there have been past times when they were needed)you will have a basis to move POSITIVELY ahead. TERM LIMITS need to be added IMMEDIATELY.

Then you would have the ability to circumvent the issue we have now, multiple incumbents in several Wards and positions who have been on the Council 10+ years, with few fresh ideas to create change.

When the charter was created it was a long time ago and things were much different then. Times have changed A LOT. Have you read it? It’s at the library,downtown, they have some good stuff there along with the kids books, the City Bible (it’s cool) The Charter, City Budgets & CERTIFIED Audits (very interesting stuff) & city information that will bore you to death til you start diggin. You can find out how much everybody makes for the job they do and all the rules, laws and regulations and stuff. What you can & cant do…. Go get you a shovel. HMMMM are you too lazy too dig?

The City Council runs the City, ELECTED BY THE CITIZENS, and controls and supervises the City Manager, they know they have an issue with the City Marshall/Police Chief appointment, Elected then customarily appointed, (I stand to be corrected on this) it is there job to fix it. To my recollection there is NOTHING that says just because you WIN THE ELECTION, YOU GET to Be Appointed CHIEF of Police.

I’ve been there and done my part by running to begin with. If you feel so strongly as you say here, along with others who have voiced anonymous opinions and such via email and in print, on this website & others, step up and pay to play, put your name in the ring, go VOTE as “Willietellall” says or get YOUR friends to support you and others like Escobar & Spence, Taylor & Erisman and all other potential candidates for future races on the City Council of for public office.

Ennis needs changes, and right now they are choking on them, they are hard to swallow, sooner or later the tide will turn, and that next cold one will wash it down, and all will be better, maybe this year maybe next, MAYBE IF YOU RUN NEXT YEAR…or in years to come.

As M Griffith said above. I’ll always be and Ennis man, and as the song says “You’re always 17 in you’re hometown,” I’m not 17 anymore Mark. Was here when everyone came and most likely will be here when they go, probably in Myrtle though.

Well Mark sorry but I got ya by a few years.

You can bet this, if Ennis DOES NOT VOTE TO CHANGE THEY WILL NOT CHANGE, so REGARDLESS of who YOU LIKE………..”VOTE and Vote Often” or at least tell your friends to VOTE TOO…. (some famous person said that I cant remember who, LBJ?).

YOU DONT NEED TO SPEND MONEY TO MAKE PEOPLE VOTE IF THEY CARE ENOUGH….DO YOU CARE?????

You folks have fun debating, but I agree with a post up top, TALK IS CHEAP, get with it or live with it.

I’m out, goodnight.

FOOTNOTE:

PLEASE CONSIDER ORGAN/TISSUE/BONEMARROW DONATION AND DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR FAMILY, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO’S LIVES COULD BE SAVED BY THESE ULTIMATE GIFTS AND THE GRACE OF GOD.

Scott Rider
Liver 2/2008
Ennis, Texas

Denny's Restaurant in Ennis on YouTube

2009-01-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

Former employees at the Denny's Restaurant in Ennis have produced a three-part YouTube series detailing all sorts of gross unmentionables. I've got some records at Ennis City Hall to pick up about this...

Direct Link to videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/KaneofFire

Ennis Fireman Fired After 31 Years?

2008-12-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Johnny Pfeifer worked as an Ennis fireman for 31 years, was injured on the job and, when going to pick up his final check at Ennis City Hall, was told in a Post-It Note that he needed to turn in his badge, shield and that no final check would be given.

The injury occurred several months ago and his retirement was effective Sept. 15. He said he didn't get so much as a thank-you, but the only way to "appeal" the city's decision to replace him (they give him an ultimatum: work full-time again or leave) was a meeting with City Manager Steve Howerton, who later canceled a 10-minute meeting with him because he "didn't have the time."

The fire union thought Pfeifer got a raw deal, so they chipped in and bought his badge back and threw a retirement party for him. With only worker's compensation and 70 percent of his salary (think of it as a severance package), Pfeifer is still in pain and waiting for more surgeries. That's on top of the nerve-mapping and surgeries he's already had to undergo.

Questions from Change R City Commissioners

2008-11-30T20:09:00.001-08:00

From an e-mail that Change R City Commissioners sent:

From: change.r.city.commissioners.n.ennis@gmail.com
To: Joey Dauben
How many more years before Ennis will build recreational facilities for our children that are comparable to Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Mansfield?

How many more years before Ennis business owners will not need to talk under their breath, and openly offer viable solutions and contributions to the growth of Ennis with out fear of retribution?

How many more years before Ennis will start seeing improvements in the quality of life?

How many more years before the real estate developers can start selling more of their lots?

How many more years is Ennis going to have a lower per capita income than Waxahachie? Is it because the city is more focused on bringing in blue collar jobs?

How many more years before Ennis see more Economic and Retail growth?

How many more years before our City Leaders share the same vision for Ennis as its citizens?

How many more years before Ennis will improve on its population growth rate of 2% per year? For the same period, Waxahachie’s population grew on a average of 22% per year, Texas 13% and the US 7%. “…noting that this growth has been both manageable and sustainable.”

http://www.clrsearch.com/RSS/Demographics/TX/Waxahachie/Population_And_Growth

But is this acceptable to the citizens of Ennis?

How many more years will our city commissioners sit silent and not get emotionally

involved with improving the quality of life in Ennis?

“The Administration Department, through the Office of the City Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day management of and the long range planning for the City of Ennis”.

How many more years will our City leaders and City Commissioners allow the city manager to lead us in the same direction?

Russell Thomas Mayor

Bob Taylor Mayor Pro Tem
At-Large

J.N. (Red) Sanders Commissioner, Ward 1
Carolyn C. Frazier Commissioner, Ward 2
Tom Abram Commissioner, Ward 3
Lola Searcy Commissioner, Ward 4
Dale Holt Commissioner, Ward 5

Steve Howerton, City Manager

How many more years are the Citizens of Ennis willing to accept our present City leadership and Commissioners?

It’s been 20+ years now!

How many more years do

we want to continue with the same long range plan

and with the same city manager?

“We can’t solve the problems

by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”

Get Involved!

It’s time to make a change in our Leadership and our Direction!

LakeWacoMurders.com

2008-05-19T22:46:00.001-07:00

Here's a site devoted to video footage of the events in the late 80s:

http://www.lakewacomurders.com/videos.php

Does anyone know what role, negative or positive, Lt. Ron Roark of the Ennis PD played in this whole thing? I haven't read the book Careless Whispers yet...so I'm clueless on this one.

Lt. Ron Roark & the 'Lake Waco Murders'

2008-05-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

There's a book about Ennis Lt. Ron Roark -- well, it's a book that includes large chunks of information about him from a case in the 80s down in the Waco area.

Famed crime novelist Carlton Stowers (he wrote Innocence Lost, the book about Midlothian High School's undercover cop being shot to death in the late 80s) penned this one, too. Stowers reportedly lives in Cedar Hill.

There are only three left from a source I have in Ennis. I'll try to find time to read through the Roark parts of it, but this book's title is Careless Whispers. If anyone can find more copies, please let us know: info@elliscountyobserver.com

2008-01-21T22:02:00.000-08:00

About this poll: One vote per IP address every 30 days.

2007-07-22T23:16:00.001-07:00

Readers, please refer to http://www.elliscountyobserver.com for the new Observer site.

The features are being added from this blog to the main site daily, and we welcome your patience during this transition. Keep sending your comments and news tips, though, to elliscountyobserver@hotmail.com!

Joey Dauben
Publisher

Skateboard Bans?

2007-07-19T21:35:00.001-07:00

My Ennis MySpace friends are going nuts over the skateboard "ban" over in that part of the county...should be interesting, but if I'm not mistaken, the Ennis Daily News reported that the city commissioners voted to OK the skaters.

2007-07-17T15:06:00.001-07:00

LibertyStickers.com

Ex-Ennis Star Accused of Assault

2007-07-15T14:23:00.001-07:00

Ex-Ennis Lion football star Marlon Jones - who did a hit-and-run (and no, that's not a pass route) on two young women a few years ago, only to suit up for a football game two days later, was arrested recently for trying to assault a woman, reportedly his girlfriend.

Interestingly, the Ennis Daily News picked up on it with this headline: Woman crawls through window to escape assault - the sub-head: Suspect is the driver of the vehicle that killed two women along the I-45 service road in 2000

Should this surprise anyone, really? Jones got off scot-free in the two-for-one kill that he did while as a star player for Ennis' state championship team. The mother of one of the victims, Audrey Merritt, was recently on The Ellis County Observer Radio Show (that show has been downloaded 120 times now, btw) discussing the whole situation and how there are new plots and turns in the ongoing saga. I wonder if County Attorney Joe Grubbs is a football fan. If so, bet that Jones will get off again. If not, bet that Jones will get off again.

The Ellis County Press, The Ellis County Observer
So there is an active effort on my part to secure several investors to either (a) buy The Ellis County Press (I've secured a pledge of $50,000 so far) or (b) launch The Ellis County Observer print edition. With the addition of three new editors to this blog and the addition of the marketing/management team last week, readers will start noticing a remarkable shift in the efforts of not only this blog, but the radio show and the television element as well. Rumors are that The Ellis County Press can't be sold for less than $250,000; however, I've got the first pledge...either we make the paper better with money, or we make it better with competition. I'll fill ECO readers with the details as they become available...

2007-07-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

An Italy-area resident who made headlines (The Ellis County Press) several years ago for wearing a sheet to then-Judge Bob Carroll's court at law is now attempting to move a property-rights dispute from Justice of the Peace Bill Woody's precinct 1 courtroom to a "sovereign" court in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This sovereign court is a "common law" court. Fred Van Horn is the Ellis County resident who has attempted to take his land - and in turn, not pay taxes on it - out from "under the system," so to speak.

This is the second attempt in the past month to have a "change of venue" from an Ellis County cort to this "sovereign court." The first attempt was to get a recently-arrested Midlothian man (Leslie Davis) on federal weapons charges to have his case transferred to the PA court. Supporters are still trying to go forward with that effort.

And now there's word that rather than PA, an effort to get a "common law" court established in Ellis County is taking place.

This almost smacks of a separatist Republic of Texas-type of deal.

More information: www.countynotary.org

The ECO Show

2007-07-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Audrey Merritt from Ennis and a soon-to-be-Ennis resident Ali Akbar will be guests on today's show. Check back for the livestream or download the podcast from the direct link: www.blogtalkradio.com/eco

What's Buggin You Ennis

2007-07-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Ennis Observer is making some changes. We will still give you the news articles that you need to know about, but we will also have information that will be useful, and where you can go to posts "What's Buggin You in Ennis". It could be a simple thing like a street lamp that you have called in on and hasn't been fixed yet, or it can be suggestions of something to better the community. I want to make the Ennis Observer a place you can go for information. I am working on a link to all the area Charities, and help agencies. A link to the local city government, utilities, schools, etc. I hope you like the changes we are making.

Sue

Editor

Joe Barton Voting Record - June 30

2007-07-03T13:06:00.001-07:00

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations, FY 2008 - Vote Passed (272-155, 5 Not Voting)

The House passed this $27.6 billion bill that would fund the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Interior, the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service for the 2008 fiscal year.

Rep. Joe Barton voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations, FY 2008 - Vote Passed (240-179, 13 Not Voting)

The House passed this $21.4 billion bill that would fund the Department of Treasury, the Executive office, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia and independent agencies for the 2008 fiscal year.

Rep. Joe Barton voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Ennis Observer Editor

2007-07-02T12:59:00.002-07:00

Today we welcome Sue as the Ennis Observer's editor. She's getting accustomed to the layout, so be patient. But if you would like to contact her directly with Ennis area news tips, do so at: ennisobserver@gmail.com

Sickening Ennis SOBs

2007-07-02T12:59:00.001-07:00

As if Ennis' Audrey Merritt needed any more suffering. Here's the latest from the mother who lost loved ones to an Ennis Lions superstar football player several years ago:

Fact: On Nov 29th 2000, Chrystie Windiate and her girlfriend were killed by a hit abd run driver

Fact: The driver " Marlon Jones " plead out with 5 yrs defered

Fact: In 2001, I formed Chrystie's Kids " who help with domestic violence victims, child abuse, and families in need

www.chrystieskids-ellis-co.org

Fact: In 2005, we had grown to where the board members felt we needed a P O box at the Post Office, so I went down and got one.

Fact: Two days after I got our P O Box I received mail in it for " Marlon Jones " and "Anthony Lawrence"

Fact: I was so devestated but I asked for a new P O Box and was told they didnt have another one but they were be careful and not put anymore of their mail in my PO Box

Fact: Two years later, and notifing proper authorties, Post Master, Post Master General, several times,, MADD has tried to explain that it throws me in a tail spin everytime, and again we will watch, and a postit note was put up on the back of the box stating not to put Jones, or Lawrence mail in this box.

Fact: It continued and I went to the Police Department, at this time I felt I was being Harrased, because they have to go pass the note on the back to put the mail in the PO Box again we will be more careful.

It has been 2 years, and many tears, and it still is happening, I got a piece of mail for " Marlon Jones" Saturday.

It has thrown me so much it is like throwing salt in an open wound over and over. I cant do this anymore.

Its bad enough that I live with the fact that he got by with killing the girls, after 5 yrs the whole crash was wiped off his record as if the girls never existed, and to have the contant reminder

What are the odds of this happening

This kind of thing, maybe not the PO Box but Victims are RE-Victimized more and more everyday with things

This is just my nightmare

Audrey Merritt

972-875-1597

2007-06-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Ellis County Observer Forum
Debate & Discuss all things Ennis:
http://eco.informe.com/forum/

Look for the link on the top-left hand sidebar!

2007-06-26T11:29:00.001-07:00

Our commissioners court voted to create an oversight committee last night to check on the status of our newly-approved facilities bonds. The membership will consist of 15 people. To lobby your commissioner and county judge to be included on this important committee, use the following contact information:

County Judge Chad Adams
chad.adams@co.ellis.tx.us
972-825-5011

Commissioner Dennis Robinson - Precinct 1
dennis.robinson@co.ellis.tx.us
972-449-3260

Commissioner Bill Dodson - Precinct 2
bill.dodson@co.ellis.tx.us
972-875-3241

Commissioner Heath Sims - Precinct 3
heath.sims@co.ellis.tx.us
972-483-7477

Commissioner Ron Brown - Precinct 4
ron.brown@co.ellis.tx.us
972-723-8017

Barton Voting Record - June 25

2007-06-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

At this rate, we might actually endorse Congressman Barton for re-election next year:

Recent Senate Votes

CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (65-27, 7 Not Voting)
The Senate passed the first energy bill under the new Democratic majority.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. John Cornyn voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations, FY 2008 - Vote Passed (241-178, 13 Not Voting)
The House passed this $34.2 billion bill that would fund State Department operations and foreign aid for the 2008 fiscal year.
Rep. Joe Barton voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Navarro Eyes Tuition, Tax Hikes

2007-06-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Some of the stuff coming out of Corsicana is absolutely ridiculous, but then there's the real-life budget move from Gov. Rick Perry that Navarro College -- together with their two campuses in Ellis County -- will ultimately have to make up. President "Tricky" Dick Sanchez has indicated to Navarro's school board (college districts have elected trustees much like ISDs) that a tax increase to make up for Perry's recent veto of millions in community college funds would be on the table, but cautioned and said that it would only be "minimal." Next target: college students in the form of higher tuition (and rightfully so, they use it, they should pay for it -- and I'm a former student saying** that.) Included in that hiring freeze will/would be a new assistant dean for the Ellis County center in Waxahachie.

It should be noted, meanwhile, that Navarro College - Dick included - has openly admitted to breaking open meetings laws in discussions about passing off one of their tax increases on Ellis County citizens. Now, here's the interesting part of this whole thing: the lovey-dovey relationship that Navarro has with the Waxahachie Daily Light has resulted in absolutely zero coverage of this highly important bit of news.

The WDL owns papers in Midlothian (Mirror), Ennis (Journal), Red Oak (Chronicle) and Italy (News-Herald.)

Two of those towns listed either have a Navarro campus (Midlothian) or discussions are in place to put one there (Red Oak). Wouldn't it be pertinent for the taxpayers in those communities to learn about how Navarro College has openly admitted to breaking the open meetings laws?

It's in direct relation to Navarro wanting to pass a "maintenance tax" for Ellis County to foot the bill for Navarro taxpayers' willingness to fund facilities over here. One can only wonder what will happen in future phases of the Midlothian campus when it becomes apparent that Navarro has spent themselves into oblivion and therefore, must renege on the pledge to Midlothian taxpayers that funded revenue bonds for their campus and must in turn, hike taxes -- and/or get Midlothian taxpayers to fund a Navarro tax altogether.

Reps. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, and Byron Cook, R-Corsicana have both objected strongly to Navarro's push for a tax on Ellis County citizens. If I were a prosecuting county attorney in Navarro or Ellis County, I would go after Dick and Navarro's board of trustees. But alas, we don't have one of those in either county apparently, so it's up to bloggers like me to keep the issue fresh in Google searches.

**Should be noted that while at Navarro, I openly argued against a property tax for Ellis County citizens; and the argument was simple economics: a county of 140,000 should not adopt a tax to pay for 3,000 - 4,000 students. It simply isn't worth it.

It's Not Who You Are...

2007-06-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

I had this story relayed to me by a good friend, and because of the nature of political dealings in Waxahachie, I'm not going to use any names except the one I was given permission to use. So, it was real late at night, and a certain daily newspaper publisher by the name of Neal White strolled into one of my favorite bars in downtown Waxahachie - won't say which one - thinking that, since he was the publisher of the local daily newspaper, he could get in a quick beer. It was getting late, the bar was already closed, and apparently, the bar owner was quick to tell White something along the lines of, "look, we're closed, and we don't care who you are."

Apparently this didn't sit well with the WDL publisher, who then got furious and -- oh, did I mention it was during a very big festive event that the entire community was looking forward to? -- well, refused to help this certain business out in coverage of the upcoming event.

Well, little did White or the WDL know, but this bar owner calls the brand new company that bought out the WDL and complains over the actions of said publisher; within one day, not only was there coverage of the important event, but the bar in question was featured quite prominently.

All that talk about "it's all who you know" doesn't equal jack-crap sometimes...

Why Didn't the WDL Run With This?
I'm going through some archived e-mails from avid Observer readers and, as it relates to this blog's continuous crusade to expose the confusing actions of our district judge and county attorney's office, I'm starting to wonder out loud why our local daily newspaper isn't doing its job informing folks of what's going on. Then again, maybe part of me wants to think that due to the tight-knit relationship the newspaper and our above-mentioned county entities hold, the reason for holding off on such information (below) is apparent:

Hi Joann [Livingston, Editor @ the WDL],

This is [Name Removed]. I had a face to face meeting with [Asst. Prosecutor] Patrick Wilson about his decision not to take Aniruddha Chitale (former doctor) to trial. He sat across a table from me and swore that he told me and [Name Removed] (the other felony sexual assault victim) that we would absolutely win if we proceeded to trial. That is utterly and completely untrue. I was shocked to find out that the unsealed files reveal that over 20 women had come forward and filed complaints with the DA's office. He had told us that we were alone and there was no evidence that represented a pattern of behavior. I approached the probation officer, Mr. Albert Mims, about the fact that Chitale is required to have absolutely NO internet access and yet he owns and is operating an Internet business from his home. Chitale is still not registered as an offender. This system is broken. Mr. Mims says they currently monitor 60 offenders and they do not have the resources to monitor all these persons on a timely basis. I just thought you might want to hear this information. What if you or someone you worked with or loved had this happen to them? How would you want the situation to be handled? I asked Patrick Wilson if he had any intention to make the situation right by filing charges against Maria Ballard for perjury. He said he is done with this matter. I asked him if he intended to file charges on behalf of any of the other victims(20) that were assaulted by Chitale. He replied with disdain and extreme irritation in his voice, "I am done with the matter!" as he walked out of the room. I told him that if they thought for a moment that the way they handled this was justice they were wrong and that I would be reporting them to the State Bar. I've downloaded the forms and have been told by the State Bar that this is an option for me. Once again if you have any questions or just anything you would like to talk about concerning this matter please call me @ [Number Removed].

Sincerely,

[Name Removed]

And people really need to start saving these blog posts, because the more I go through the archives, the more I'm going to be publishing stuff.

And why hasn't the WDL reported on the lawsuit that Joe Grubbs has filed against the AG's office to keep from releasing any of the pertinent documents in the Chitale case? Does anybody even give a care about this? Do I have to set the news agenda for every media outlet in this county? I mean, it seems as if nobody seems to care about victims' rights in this county...it's sickening.

Mr. [County Attorney Joe] Grubbs,

I am writing you concerning the matter of convicted sex offender Chitale. Last week I was contacted by Sargent Guthry who stated that he was in the process of correcting all information posted on the sex offender registry. As of this date no changes have been made. Yesterday I was interviewed by three investigators with the Board of Nurses of the State of Texas. They had been led to believe that the former doctor had only plead guilty to ONE felony charge. These circumstances lead me and others to believe that someone with the county is covering over Chitale's crimes. I truly hope that you see the need to correct this matter. I want this to be easy but I am willing to push equally as hard to accomplish my goal in this matter as I did to get Chitale investigated in the first place. "I didn't want to have anything to do with this matter." Patrick Wilson, assistant District Attorney for Ellis County. Maybe you are not completely aware of how all cases are handled within your office. I am informing you now! As I told Patrick I will speak with EVERY AGENCY in the state of Texas and if I have to the federal government in order to get this situation taken care of properly. I feel that if your wife had been assaulted you would feel exactly the same way.

[Name Removed]

New City Marshal

2007-06-19T10:13:00.001-07:00

John Erisman recently spoke publicly since being sworn in as Ennis City Marshal. I've heard nothing but good things about this guy. From all sides. I'm not sure whether or not to worry about that or not...we'll see.

The story: http://www.ennisdailynews.com/news.php?id=870

Ennis Reporter Appointed to City Board

2007-06-19T10:11:00.001-07:00

I'm having a hard time understanding this: so the Ennis City Commission appoints an Ennis Daily News reporter to one of their city boards or commissions. And we see why the newspapers don't watch the government as they should. However, if the platform of said appointee were say, "I'll still question the decisions with little or no regard to my employment or city role," then I could buy this arrangement. However, it's obvious that with publishers and editors of our county newspapers sitting on boards of very influential organizations -- chambers, YMCAs, etc. -- the purpose then becomes that of padding agendas and not watching out for what's best for the citizenry.

I have no problem whatsoever in a reporter being appointed to anything, but when that directly conflicts with the newspaper's mission of reporting what goes on, then it becomes a problem. Makes me wonder how the Waxahachie Daily Light got so much free access to the county attorney and district judge. Or better yet, the inside scoop from the Department of Public Safety. Either someone's being appointed, bought off, or people are sleeping with each other...maybe a combination of all three. I'm still a fan of the EDN, though, over the Ennis Journal. The Journal doesn't report anything worth anything. Kinda like all of the WDL-owned papers.

Commission appoints new board members
Matt Cook, Reporter
06-19-2007

Ennis Daily News staff writer Randy Bigham and Ennis City Commissioner Byron Walker were appointed to City boards at last night’s City Commission meeting.

Both men were, according to Mayor Russell Thomas, chosen for appointment because of their experience and interest in the various fields.
The City Commission carried motions appointing Bigham to the Ennis Arts Commission and Walker to the Ennis Airport Board. In a letter to the other commissioners Mayor Russell Thomas stated, "Both of these gentlemen will provide insight to their respective boards."
The Commission also carried a motion suspending the July 30, 2007, effective date of a proposal from Atmos Energy Corp. to increase gas rates. Howerton explained the adjustments would affect the monthly rates for residential sales by increments of 59 cents per measurement, commercial sales by $1.48 and industrial sales by $28.90.
He told the Commission the City doesn't believe the adjustments are appropriate and requested the City Commission approve the request that a study be made of the GRIP rate by the Railroad Commission of Texas.
In other new business, the Commission accepted three parcels of land during executive session related to the Ensign Road right-of-way project.
Two items requested by Sam Ventura were approved during the meeting. The Commission approved an annexation of 14.6441 acres located on the east side of the 800 block of the Hwy. 287 Bypass.
The commissioners also amended the zoning of a tract of land 15.1841 acres in size also located in the 800 block of the Hwy. 287 Bypass. The zoning was amended from "T" Transition District and "A" Agricultural District to "C-PD" Commercial-Planned Development.
A new drought contingency ordinance was approved repealing a previous ordinance. The new ordinance is a response to new state regulations addressing the need to conserve the available water supply and protect the integrity of water supply facilities, with particular regard for domestic water use, sanitation and fire protection, and to protect and preserve public health, welfare and safety and minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortage or other water supply emergency conditions.
Absent from the meeting were Mayor Pro-tem Bob Taylor and Commissioners Byron Walker and Lola Searcy.
The City Commission meets every other Monday at 7 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Question Re: Water Rates in Ennis

2007-06-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

I have a question regarding the water bill and charging of water deposits for the City of Ennis. It is legal to charge a renter a higher "basic" rate for water? Also, is it lega for the City to charge a higher water deposit for a renter versus a home owner? This ia question that has bothered me since I have been a resident of Ennis. Even though I am single and don't use much water. I am charged a "basic" charge of $21.50. If I use more water, fine. I expect to have a higer bill. But what if I use below this amount? Just an observation. I thought you might be able to explore this and give some insight. I am not the only renter that has raised this question.

Thank you for your time and input regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

[Name Withheld]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: The Ellis County Observer/Ennis Editor
A search of the Local Government Code found few references to renters regarding water service. The references concerned prohibiting putting a lien on a house for an unpaid bill if the water service is in the name of a tenant.

I think your best option is to go to the appropriate department and ask one of the clerks if the basic rate is different for a renter. Even if you have evidence that the rate is different, you want them to admit or deny the different rate before you ask them why it's different. This is for two reasons: The first is that, if you ask them if the rate is different, and they admit that it is, it will be reasonable that there is a reason for it being different. It is then reasonable that they explain the reason. The second is that, if you ask them why your rate is higher than a home owner's, and they deny that the rate is different, the city staff may become defensive and refuse to answer further questions.

If you ask and they deny having a different rate, then you would present them with your evidence and ask them to explain. It may be nothing more than a clerical error, someone mistyping information on a computer, that caused your basic rate to be different.

You don't want to start out by making accusations. This would cause the city staff to become defensive, and this defensive posture is not conducive to resolving your concerns.

If you find the city staff to be uncooperative, you might try filing an open records request to get the information you want.

Another option is to consult an attorney familiar with these matters who would be able to conduct a more thorough search of statutes, city ordinances, and city administrative practices, but the cost of this is probably prohibitive.

Please keep us informed of what you find out. If the city is engaging in questionable practices, we want to know about it.

-The Ellis County Obserer
aka Ennis Editor

2007-06-18T14:37:00.001-07:00

287(g)
Should the Ellis County Sheriff's Office or individual Ellis County cities' police departments help the problem of illegal immigration? The issue is getting serious up in Dallas County, specifically the Republican Party primary for Sheriff.

The title of the program is called 287(g). Irving's city council shot themselves in the foot; only two council members voted for it. First Farmers Branch. Then Irving (sorta). What is going on up there most certainly should be coming down - south to Ellis County that is.

The Detention Model under 287(g) keeps illegals from being released back into the community after being arrested. The problem is, however, we also want to catch them before they commit a crime and that is the Task Force Model. The Criminal Alien Program is just one program that ICE operates under 287(g). We want them all...Research it at ice.gov and Mechlenberg, N.C. police department website

Thank You, Joe Barton!
Finally, finally, finally a vote by Congressman Joe Barton, R-Ennis, that I can be proud of: he actually voted against a spending bill! And get this: for the Department of Homeland Security at that (probably depended on the amendments the Democrats tacked on to it). But still, this is cause to celebrate. Congressman Barton has been in office since 1984. I was three. If someone gave me $4,000, I'd throw my hat in the primary just to teach him a lesson. But today, I'll give him credit. He voted like a conservative.

Homeland Security Appropriations, FY2008 - Vote Passed (268-150, 14 Not Voting)
The House passed this $37.4 billion bill that would fund the Department of Homeland Security for the 2008 fiscal year.
Rep. Joe Barton voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

(wonder if all of those hits from the House of Representatives in Washington were a result of this blog - and only this media outlet - publishing his Congress.org voting record?)

2007-06-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

Readers who weren't able to catch The Ellis County Observer radio show today can download the podcast by clicking here...

Still not sure when the next ECO Show will be, but rest assured, I'll let people know about it...

http://boss.streamos.com/download/blogtalkradio/show_30539.wma

2007-06-13T17:05:00.001-07:00

Comment Policy Reversal
Readers can now post comments anonymously again. I missed the arguing.

Send news tips to elliscountyobserver@hotmail.com or contact me directly at 972-891-2135

2007-06-11T16:24:00.001-07:00

The Ellis County Observer Policy Comment Changes
Effective immediately, if you don't have a registered username with Blogger.com, then you will not be able to post comments. Hundreds and hundreds of comments are posted weekly on all of our blogs, but 97% of them are anonymous.

When you go to register a username, you don't have to actually "blog" to post comments. This is simply a way for the editors - and me - to moderate comment-posters better. This might cut the number of active-posters, but with a 2-minute registration, readers can post comments on any of our blogs. The identity of the comment-posters will still not be known unless a specific username is registered with a real name.

Sorry we had to do this. I encourage all participants to register at www.blogger.com and continue posting, but now you'll need a username to do it.

-- Joey

Joe Barton's Voting Record - 6/9/07

2007-06-11T15:36:00.001-07:00

Recent House Votes

Ethics Committee Investigations - Vote Passed (387-10, 15 Present, 20 Not Voting)
The House adopted this resolution directing the Ethics committee to begin an investigation within 30 days of a lawmaker's indictment.
Rep. Joe Barton voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act - Vote Passed (406-10, 16 Not Voting)
This $6.4 billion Afghanistan aid bill would cut off funds to local Afghani governments with ties to criminals, drug dealers or terrorists.
Rep. Joe Barton voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - Vote Passed (247-176, 10 Not Voting)
The House voted to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
Rep. Joe Barton voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

2007-06-10T13:21:00.001-07:00

Arrests
June 1
Luis Caro, w/m, possession of marijuana, Wilmer warrants
Edwardo Garcia, w/m, possession of marijuana
Gregory Warriner, w/m, racing
June 2
Jose Espino, w/m, driving while intoxicated
June 3
Marques Daniels, b/m, no driver’s license, failure to maintain financial responsibility, no valid motor vehicle registration

2007-06-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Ellis County Observer Show
"The ECO Show"
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/eco

Friday, June 15 @ 6 p.m.
Guests: TBA

Listener Call-In Number:
646-478-5811

If you thought the blog was controversial, you haven't seen anything yet. Callers are not screened, guests will receive the itinerary beforehand so as to not feel "ambushed." We'll start this June 15 and continue every Friday at 6 p.m. until/unless the show warrants a daily audience. For now, this will be done on Fridays at 6.

Be sure to bookmark http://www.blogtalkradio.com/eco so as to listen live, or download the podcasts. Suggestions for guests or topics should be sent to: elliscountyobserver@hotmail.com.

Note: I don't check the ECO e-mail account, my webmaster does, so anything that is sent will be forwarded to me.

JoeGrubbs.com

2007-06-05T15:39:00.001-07:00

Re: www.joegrubbs.com
Aside from me owning the domain to our county attorney -- that's right, I own www.joegrubbs.com -- I've been busy gobbling up a few others. Not sure what I'll put on the pages, but I guarantee readers will know the truth about cases that are argued before Judge Gene Knize's court.

The names now in my possession:

www.geneknize.com

www.judgeknize.com

www.elliscountyda.com

www.40thdistrictcourt.com

www.waxahachiedailyblight.com

www.knizelovesbabyrapers.com

Bookmark those. For now they will be pointing to "blank" screens, but rest assured content will be added when it becomes available. And just in time for high-profile election years :) For now though, readers can access www.joegrubbs.com and read about the Robert Trevino case that The Ellis County Press ran a five-part series on in 2004.

Another Ennis Soldier Dies

2007-06-05T10:25:00.001-07:00

We've got to bring our boys home, that's all there is to it. Allow us to remind fellow Republicans that there is only one presidential candidate that not only voted against going to war, but he's the only Republican willing to bring our boys home:

Rae Anne Spence for Constable?

2007-05-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Rae Anne Spence for Constable?
Incumbent Ben Fry might have his work cut out for him -- for one, he's not as attractive as the rumored opponent -- in next year's GOP primary, assuming he, too, runs. So the speculation is that Spence, the daughter of Ennis City Marshal candidate Daryl Ray Spence, will run for constable. And if anyone is as ruthless in grassroots campaigning, it's Rae Anne. She's a natural at the campaigning - but can she convince the mostly older GOP voters to put her in office? She's riding still-high name ID with her dad's recent race (regardless of how he finished, the name ID for Spence is high as Fry).

Ku Klux Klan in Ennis?

2007-05-30T14:27:00.001-07:00

Re: Ennis ISD Chief Arrested
What in the hell? For a drunk police chief guy who - on tape - swings and hits an Ovilla police officer, his bond from county jail seems notoriously low. The Waxahachie Daily Light reports that Ennis ISD Chief Kevin Haynes was out on $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000 on three separate charges. Is that in any way, shape, or form normal for hitting a cop? Who the hell set those bonds that low? Or is that low? There are lawyers, bail bondsmen and law enforcement folks who read this blog all the time, so I'm asking...aren't those kinda low for a guy who hits a cop? Or was it because he was a cop that it's that low? Here's what the WDL said:

Haynes was booked into Wayne McCollum Detention Center and charged with the offenses of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and assault on a public servant. He was released Sunday, with bonds set at $1,000, $1,500 and $2,500, respectively.

EISD has placed Haynes on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation.

In April, Haynes was honored by Jack Lummus Memorial VFW Post 7106 as outstanding police officer for Ennis ISD.

Ku Klux Klan 'Element' in Ennis PD?
If the Ennis PD did in fact hire the former Ferris second-in-command Sherman Swafford, then citizens in the eastern part of the county will be safe to know that there are reported tie-ins with the Klu Klux Klan -- so much that even during a public meeting one night, Swafford's former boss, Ferris Chief Jeff Cottongame, had a relative openly make mention of the Klan. This was back when 2004 Democratic county commissioner nominee Victor Burnett was on the council and exposing Ferris' corrupt police department. It was also during this time that I still wrote and worked for The Ellis County Press (check the archives for the KKK links). I'm almost wishing Burnett would be freed from prison so we can have our very own John Wiley Price to stir things up...hmm, if only I were black.

Salaries - Commissioners, Judges

2007-05-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

Salaries & Pay - Commissioners, Judges
When people have more information, they can make decisions clearly come election time, and even begin to trust those who we put in public service. We'll have these lists on the left-hand sidebar with the other salaries of the probation department and county attorney's office.

Note that former Precinct 2 Commissioner Jerry Holland, D, Ennis, is still employed in our county's "minority" precinct (Pct. 1 was designed to give the county a "minority.") And Commissioner Ron Brown, considered the most conservative of the court, employs David Duke. No, we're not kidding. David Duke works for Commissioner Ron Brown in Precinct 4.

Commissioner - Precinct 1 (Palmer, Ferris, Ennis)

Dennis Robinson		72,381.00
Roy Bobo		19.03 per hour
Carol Haden		16.98 per hour
Gerald Holland, Jr.		19.03 per hour
Charles Jones		15.65 per hour
Sam Knoll		19.03 per hour
Edwin Krajca		15.65 per hour
Lawrence Krajca		13.55 per hour
Cayetano Marin		16.98 per hour
Larry McKenney		15.65 per hour
Roger Melton		19.03 per hour
Guadalupe Nieto, Jr.		15.65 per hour
Thomas Pelzel		15.65 per hour
William Todd Robinson		20.59 per hour
Abel Rodriguez		16.98 per hour
John Williams		12.16 per hour

Commissioner Pct. 2 (Ennis, Waxahachie, Bardwell)

Billy Dodson		72,381.00
Ruben Benavidez		16.98 per hour
Judy Borders		16.98 per hour
Ojimer Cannaday		15.65 per hour
Kenneth Clary		14.32 per hour
Billie Copeland		19.03 per hour
Rodney Dickerson		19.03 per hour
Marvin Dorton		19.03 per hour
Ronald Holubar		15.65 per hour
Patrick Meyer		19.03 per hour
Randy Novak		19.03 per hour
Sammy Pleiner		20.59 per hour
Johnny Rankin		8.68 per hour
Billy Slovak		12.77 per hour
Kelton Spence		16.98 per hour
Robert Wilkinson		15.65 per hour
Tim Zabojnik		16.98 per hour

Commissioner - Pct. 3 (Italy, Maypearl, Midlothian)

Heath Sims		$ 72,381.00
Jonathan Blundell		15.65 per hour
Chad Bradley		13.61 per hour
Kelly Cravens		17.13 per hour
Johnny Hanes		16.98 per hour
Billy Isom		16.98 per hour
Bobby Johnson		19.56 per hour
Charles Johnson		17.13 per hour
Glen Johnson		9.30 per hour
Alysa Kirton		17.50 per hour
Ather Marion		16.65 per hour
Brian Mathiowetz		16.65 per hour
Henry Montez, Jr.		19.56 per hour
Jessie Phillips		16.98 per hour
Lonnie Reavis		19.98 per hour
Dane Southerland		12.77 per hour
Edward Vaughan		19.98 per hour

Commissioner - Pct. 4 (Midlothian, Red Oak, Ovilla)

Ronald Brown		72,381.00
Gregory Butler		13.02 per hour
Gary Davis		17.21 per hour
David Duke		14.32 per hour
Larry Feaster		13.00 per hour
Leobardo Grifaldo		14.32 per hour
Garry Herrell		15.65 per hour
Kenneth Hindman		15.45 per hour
David Hyles		13.02 per hour
Stacey Lee		16.51 per hour
Liborio Luna		15.45 per hour
Julio Perez		15.06 per hour
Thomas Logan		15.75 per hour
David Thompson		20.59 per hour
Rob Yates		11.00 per hour

County Judge

Chad Adams		93,002.00
Dawn Rousseau		16.42 per hour
Nelta Dayton		6.74 per hour

County Treasurer
	Judith Burden	63,469.00
County Auditor
	Michael Navarro	83,733.00
Audit Division	Cheryl Chambers	50,281.00
	Linda Lake	17.67 per hour
MIS Division	Teral Crawford	36.38 per hour
	Mathew Edington	20.72 per hour
	Jocelyn King	20.72 per hour

County Court at Law 1
	Gregory Wilhelm	$129,250.00
	Charletta Middleton	27.94 per hour
	Merced Urias	$ 34,159.00

County Court at Law 2
	Gene Calvert	$129,250.00
	Tierney Ledbetter	27.94 per hour
	Patricia Marshall	16.42 per hour

Salaries - Commissioners, Judges

2007-05-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Commissioner - Precinct 1 (Palmer, Ferris, Ennis)

Dennis Robinson		72,381.00
Roy Bobo		19.03 per hour
Carol Haden		16.98 per hour
Gerald Holland, Jr.		19.03 per hour
Charles Jones		15.65 per hour
Sam Knoll		19.03 per hour
Edwin Krajca		15.65 per hour
Lawrence Krajca		13.55 per hour
Cayetano Marin		16.98 per hour
Larry McKenney		15.65 per hour
Roger Melton		19.03 per hour
Guadalupe Nieto, Jr.		15.65 per hour
Thomas Pelzel		15.65 per hour
William Todd Robinson		20.59 per hour
Abel Rodriguez		16.98 per hour
John Williams		12.16 per hour

Commissioner Pct. 2 (Ennis, Waxahachie, Bardwell)

Billy Dodson		72,381.00
Ruben Benavidez		16.98 per hour
Judy Borders		16.98 per hour
Ojimer Cannaday		15.65 per hour
Kenneth Clary		14.32 per hour
Billie Copeland		19.03 per hour
Rodney Dickerson		19.03 per hour
Marvin Dorton		19.03 per hour
Ronald Holubar		15.65 per hour
Patrick Meyer		19.03 per hour
Randy Novak		19.03 per hour
Sammy Pleiner		20.59 per hour
Johnny Rankin		8.68 per hour
Billy Slovak		12.77 per hour
Kelton Spence		16.98 per hour
Robert Wilkinson		15.65 per hour
Tim Zabojnik		16.98 per hour

Commissioner - Pct. 3 (Italy, Maypearl, Midlothian)

Heath Sims		$ 72,381.00
Jonathan Blundell		15.65 per hour
Chad Bradley		13.61 per hour
Kelly Cravens		17.13 per hour
Johnny Hanes		16.98 per hour
Billy Isom		16.98 per hour
Bobby Johnson		19.56 per hour
Charles Johnson		17.13 per hour
Glen Johnson		9.30 per hour
Alysa Kirton		17.50 per hour
Ather Marion		16.65 per hour
Brian Mathiowetz		16.65 per hour
Henry Montez, Jr.		19.56 per hour
Jessie Phillips		16.98 per hour
Lonnie Reavis		19.98 per hour
Dane Southerland		12.77 per hour
Edward Vaughan		19.98 per hour

Commissioner - Pct. 4 (Midlothian, Red Oak, Ovilla)

Ronald Brown		72,381.00
Gregory Butler		13.02 per hour
Gary Davis		17.21 per hour
David Duke		14.32 per hour
Larry Feaster		13.00 per hour
Leobardo Grifaldo		14.32 per hour
Garry Herrell		15.65 per hour
Kenneth Hindman		15.45 per hour
David Hyles		13.02 per hour
Stacey Lee		16.51 per hour
Liborio Luna		15.45 per hour
Julio Perez		15.06 per hour
Thomas Logan		15.75 per hour
David Thompson		20.59 per hour
Rob Yates		11.00 per hour

County Judge

Chad Adams		93,002.00
Dawn Rousseau		16.42 per hour
Nelta Dayton		6.74 per hour

County Treasurer
	Judith Burden	63,469.00
County Auditor
	Michael Navarro	83,733.00
Audit Division	Cheryl Chambers	50,281.00
	Linda Lake	17.67 per hour
MIS Division	Teral Crawford	36.38 per hour
	Mathew Edington	20.72 per hour
	Jocelyn King	20.72 per hour

County Court at Law 1
	Gregory Wilhelm	$129,250.00
	Charletta Middleton	27.94 per hour
	Merced Urias	$ 34,159.00

County Court at Law 2
	Gene Calvert	$129,250.00
	Tierney Ledbetter	27.94 per hour
	Patricia Marshall	16.42 per hour

Ennis ISD Chief Arrested

2007-05-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

Ennis Police Chief Arrested in Ovilla
Ok, so it was the Ennis ISD's police chief, but regardless, he was arrested in Ovilla last night, according to a tiny blurb in the Dallas Morning News Metro section today (page 2B).

Kevin Haynes had an altercation with an Ovilla officer, was arrested and sent to the Ellis County jail; EISD placed him on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Open Letter to Ellis County, Texas

2007-05-27T11:38:00.001-07:00

Open Letter to Ellis County, Texas

Citizens of Ellis County, our beautiful county is growing, our children are faced with numerous opportunities and challenges...and just maybe in all of this, the people who read this blog are getting a better account of why this project exists.

I consider our courthouse the most beautiful building I have ever seen. The courthouse photo on The Ellis County Observer banner is the best photograph I've ever taken. However, past the beauty of that building - past the beauty of our family farms, of our scenic county roads and open space...is a disease that infects thousands of counties and cities nationwide.

The disease is corruption. And before I go further, allow me to say that, after watching A Time To Kill, I became convinced of the proper role God has me here for: and that's to tell it like it is. Call a spade a spade, call bad leadership what it is...and expose the "unfruitful works of darkness." You won't get a sugar-coated message from me. You'll get what's happening here and now, in the past, and what could very well happen in the future -- if we don't teach our children, grandchildren and current leadership the right way to do things.

Corruption is moral perversion, or dishonest dealings. It is the disease that has taken its toll on the body of Ellis County taxpayers. When God told me to launch The Ellis County Observer in October of 2005 (I'm not shy about admitting who calls the shots, either), my first focus was to apply the principles I learned from my family (honesty) and the years I spent at The Ellis County Press (honesty in government, an oxymoron at best). I had no idea how much of an impact this blog would be on the political structure in this county: and make no mistake, whether your politics agree with my views or not, no one can afford not to read this blog. It's that simple. Some actually have quit reading due to certain gripes or statements made. That's fine. It's just another statistic of why we have the problems we do.

Because people would rather bury their heads instead of fighting for what's right. Whatever the fear, retaliation of business, home, family...people are too afraid, and just too focused on other things to care about what's right.

My family values (honesty) trump any political persuasion I may hold, or any political party I may become involved with. So allow me to make it simpler: I am an honest young man trying to make a name for doing what's right in politics. That's almost unheard of, but it has been done. (That's why I love Barry Goldwater so much)

Now let's get to the main point of this: we have a disease that has wrapped itself in every body politic in this county; cities are being run by good old boys; school districts tax the fire out of people (still); our county government at times seems to care more about special interests than the people.

And there's a cure: honesty in government. I have struggled and struggled with myself these past six to eight months over just what God wanted me to do, how he wanted me to do it, and where he wants me to go. And I became convinced -- it took a great movie to do it -- that regardless if I ever raise my right hand to swear an Oath to defend the Constitution as an elected or appointed official -- I will be honest, and I will expect the same from public officials everywhere.

And if God allows me the opportunity to serve in some capacity, I'll be excited; but I'm confident now that the proper role for Joey Dauben in all of this is to be the watchdog on Ellis County. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Just because something has existed for so long doesn't make it right. And I'll call people out on it. I'm no longer afraid of what I do. I stopped being afraid about two years ago. It just clicked that if I were doing God's will, I would be protected -- and so would my family.

There will be times when I post things on the blog that won't make sense. There will be times on the blog where people will be offended. There will be times that I even make mistakes (gasp!), but know this: it took a 19-year-old getting his first newspaper job in DeSoto to learn the ropes in how to effectively witness to such a dirty industry as politics. I knew politically that I was a threat when I damn-near won a Midlothian school board seat in 2003 (losing by 19 votes in a four-way race); but my calling was already in the hopper before that time; I had most, if not all, of the front page articles on The Ellis County Press. I was 22. No college education. Just a by-the-ropes from the people I consider a second family to me (and more importantly, Sheila Hatfield, whom I consider a mom).

So why the need for an open letter? Why the need for a movie to finally get me to realize? Because for one thing, attorneys and the legal establishment in this county will not tell you the truth about the power juries really hold. That's not made-up fantasy conspiracy views; our own founding fathers believed strongly in the power of juries.

Some will say my almost-obsession with the Robert Trevino case trumps reasoning; I say if someone is guilty of a crime that heinous, they deserve the maximum punishment; however, if someone is railroaded, like Robert Trevino certainly was, then it's up to people like me to expose it.

Some might argue that I've burnt too many bridges, and recently did I apologize again (I've done it numerous times) to the members of the Catholic community for my long-held spiritual views - that I was open in sharing. But realizing that in certain situations, it's better to have allies on huge issues than enemies on small ones, I cannot apply the same principles to everything. For that I'm sorry.

But make no mistake about it. I will not apologize for what I do. My heart - I believe - is in the right spot. It's still a learning process, though, navigating the dirty politics of this generation. Of many generations.

The Ellis County Observer exists for one sole reason: to expose the people doing wrong, so that solutions can be done right. That's it.

There is plenty of wrong in our county. Plenty to make mayors, council members, judges and attorneys sometimes afraid to have their name bolded.

Not to say I don't have friends who are mayors, councilmen, judges and attorneys. I certainly do have a core group of elected officials that I look up to very much, and short of political strategy or information they might "leak," they will be treated differently (look, politics is politics; if someone wants to be off the record, I value that relationship more than anything). However, if my friends screw up, make a bad vote, or don't listen to the people, I'll call them out on it.

Republican, Democrat, Independent...it doesn't matter. If you do what's right, then there's nothing to be afraid of. If you're doing something that the people don't want you to know about, this blog will expose you.

This letter is an extremely in-depth way of saying that I'm convinced of my role, both present and in the future, and that I will not give up fighting for what is right.

And if that makes me "uneducated," or "extreme" or "radical," so be it. Honesty is a bitch sometimes. It's hard to swallow. Hard to comprehend. But in the course of everything, it's the right thing. If you're not honest, you can't be trusted. And if you can't be trusted, more than likely you'll be blogged about. I promise you.

-Joseph "Joey" Dauben
Publisher, The Ellis County Observer
elliscountyobserver@hotmail.com

You, Me & Gay Dupree

2007-05-25T09:38:00.001-07:00

Jim Gilliand & Dallas County (gay) Constable Mike Dupree
This blog first published the follow-up with our friend Jim Gilliand, a former deputy constable under recently-embattled Dalas County Constable Mike Dupree. The TV channels have all featured Gilliand, who lives in Ellis County now and works for the Ferris Police Department, due to his lawsuit against Dallas County; back in the early 2000s when Dupree, who is gay (the reason for his recent troubles), was elected, and before he was sworn in, he fired Gilliand and several other deputies. That's a no-no. Elected officials can make notice of it, but you can't fire someone without first being sworn in to assume those duties; well, the Dallas County courts all agreed, some didn't, and now the case is heading to the state Supreme Court.

But what makes this Gilliand and Dupree fued all the more interesting is that the Dallas Observer has once again published matters related indirectly and/or directly to Ellis County.

Gilliand is talking about a run for constable down here - and he'd make a great one.

Ennis Striking Out

2007-05-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the City of Ennis is at work again. Robert Durham has been trying to open up an indoor training facility in Ennis for the last several months. The City of Ennis keeps finding more problems to keep his doors closed. He currently has indoor batting cages set up and is shut down due to the city. This is really his prime season for business. And our kids are the ones that are suffering and missing out. The fire hazards that the city claims are there with the parking lots were overlooked for the multi - million dollar company Wal-Mart, but can't and will not be overlooked for a small company trying to get on their feet. Robert has the kids at heart and really wants this facility to work. The KIDS are the ones that need to benefit not the CITY OFFICIALS. I really think that they get great pleasure in keeping business' from opening in Ennis. We have a Bar on the main strip of town, that has been a problem from the very beginning but they keep letting new owners open it up. The "ENNIS DAILY NEWS" has been contacted and of course if it is going to bad mouth the "great" city of Ennis officials then it is not going to print it. They are a joke too. Heaven for bid for them to actually do their job and print NEWS. The City needs check out a few other business' around town and shut them down for not having ample parking etc.

Joe Barton's Voting Record - May 17 - 21

2007-05-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

I guess it takes Democrats to control the House and Senate for Congressman Joe Barton, R-Ennis, to vote like a conservative. Hell, if that's all we need, then I will gladly welcome Hillary Clinton as president. It's unfortunate that for 12 years under Republican control, we couldn't abolish a single agency, decrease a single budget worth anything, and basically live up to the GOP platform. Yet when Democrats are in charge, Republicans are Republican again...just don't get it.

Recent Senate Votes

Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (91-4, 5 Not Voting)
The Senate approved this $13.9 billion bill that would fund Army Corps of Engineers projects related to water supply, flood control and waterways navigation.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted YES
Sen. John Cornyn voted YES

Budget Resolution, FY2008 - Vote Agreed to (52-40, 8 Not Voting)
The Senate passed the conference report for this $2.9 trillion budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted NO
Sen. John Cornyn voted NO

Recent House Votes

National Defense Authorization Act - Vote Passed (397-27, 8 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill authorizing $504 billion in Defense Department spending and $142 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the upcoming fiscal year.
Rep. Joe Barton voted YES

Budget Resolution, FY2008 - Vote Passed (214-209, 10 Not Voting)
The House passed the conference report for this $2.9 trillion budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
Rep. Joe Barton voted NO

Ellis County Bond Vote Analysis

2007-05-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

Ellis County Election 2007
County Facilities Bond
Vote Analysis
Compiled By Joey Dauben

Friends of Ellis County PAC
Contributions: $15,625
Expenditures: $13,998.45

Contributors
Larry Burns - $500
Layne Ballard - $200
Joe Gallo - $500
[Mark] Singleton - $5,000
Tom Ed Burleson - $100
John Wray - $75
Danny Humphries - $100
Clay Jenkins - $500
Chuck Beatty - $100
Staubach Company - $5,000
Wayne Boz - $200
Rocky Stones - $500
Gary Stanford - $50
Steve Chapman - $50
Jim Chapman - $50
Craig Anderson - $100
Waxahachie Merchants Assoc - $500
Ellis County Abstract - $1,000
Gary D. Brown - $100
Linebarger, Blair... (city's law firm) - $1,000

Expenditures
Michael Franks Printing - $7,121.77
Postmaster (2 payments @ $3,438.34 each)

Summary: I've highlighted the unique contributors. [Mark] is put in brackets because I assume that's who contributed (Singleton is head of CNB Bank); Ellis County Abstract is state Rep. Jim Pitts' company; the Staubach Company - the consultants commissioners paid $150,000 to study facility needs - pitched in $5,000; the City of Waxahachie's law firm also pitched in $1,000; Danny Humphries is a Red Oak insurance agent - keep your eyes on that guy. I sense a future political office run for Mr. Humphries, who, by the way, has a very, very nice car he takes out to drag race :) Now for the fun part:

Election Day - May 12, 2007
Voting Analysis By Precinct
$53 Million County Facilities Bond

Precinct 101, 102, 107, 108, 142
(Midlothian Conference Center)
FOR: 533
AGAINST: 406

Pct. 103, 137
(Ovilla City Hall)
FOR: 284
AGAINST: 192

Pct. 104, 109, 110, 139, 140
(Red Oak City Hall)
FOR: 405
AGAINST: 359

Pct. 105, 106, 143
(Ferris Jr. High)
FOR: 143
AGAINST: 154

Pct. 111, 134, 136
(Waxahachie Bible Church)
FOR: 197
AGAINST: 87

Pct. 112, 118
(Maypearl ISD Administration)
FOR: 219
AGAINST: 201

Pct. 113, 114, 115, 119
(Waxahachie's Graham Street Church of Christ)
FOR: 218
AGAINST: 109

Pct. 116, 117, 128
(Palmer's Fundamental Baptist Church)
FOR: 208
AGAINST: 243

Pct. 120, 129, 135, 144
(Marvin Elementary)
FOR: 581
AGAINST: 225

Pct. 121
(Ennis' Austin Elementary)
FOR: 107
AGAINST: 178

Pct. 122, 126, 127
(Ennis' San Jacinto Auditorium)
FOR: 205
AGAINST: 339

Pct. 123, 141
(Ennis' Bright Morning Star Baptist Church)
FOR: 49
AGAINST: 52

Pt. 124
(Ennis Community Center)
FOR: 41
AGAINST: 72

Pct. 125
(Ennis' Travis Elementary)
FOR: 102
AGAINST: 298

Pct. 130
(Milford Community Center)
FOR: 43
AGAINST: 56

Pct. 131
(Italy Community Center)
FOR: 194
AGAINST: 161

Pct. 132, 133
(Avalon School)
FOR: 51
AGAINST: 38

Pct. 138
(Oak Leaf City Hall)
FOR: 102
AGAINST: 75

It's interesting to note that the conservative areas in the county are still north - I say this because statistically, the no votes on elections such as this are mainly from conservative or conservative-leaning voters and precincts. It's very, very interesting to see how many of the Ennis precincts were voting no on the facilities bond. And in Palmer, where the people there absolutely love their commissioners named Robinson (the only dissenting vote in putting the facilities downtown), the box pulled in more no votes than yes ones.

The above information is readily available at the Elections Department, 116 Monroe in downtown Waxahachie. Phone: 972-923-5195

Found a copy of this Waxahachie Daily Light - the Sunday issue about (former) Taxpayers Alliance for Good Government chair Marshall Evans taking down vote Yes signs - "touched up" in one of the county offices. Is this what we pay our county workers to do? It's a fuzzy photo because it was taken with my camera phone.

And, while everyone's attention is on this analysis, I want to thank the management at Bent Tree Apartments for "sticking up" for me during the recent city council campaign. They told me that the Waxahachie Daily Light had "ambushed" them with all sorts of questions about who I was living with, for how long, etc., etc. to which Bent Tree replied, "first, pull out your tape recorder and put it on the table," and "...we can't give you any of that information." I didn't want to make an issue at all about it, but the management came to me telling me what had taken place, and even went as far as saying, "they did it just because they don't want new blood on the council."

Ellis County District Attorney Salaries

2007-05-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

2006-07 District Attorney Salaries
Due to increasing demand that this blog publish - again - the salaries of some of our local government officials, we are doing just that:

[Source: Ellis County Observer Open Records results]

Note: Grubbs is paid by the state ($100,000+) but is paid for specific county attorney duties.
JOE GRUBBS
COUNTY/DISTRICT ATTORNEY
$10,262
DON MAXFIELD
ASST ATTY VI
$95,696
CINDY HELLSTERN
ASST ATTY V
$82,798
PATRICK WILSON
ASST. ATTY V
$82,798
ANN MONTGOMORY
ASST ATTY IV-CIVIL
$66,387
LINDY TOBER
ASST ATTY IV
$65,122
AMY NGUYEN
ASST. ATTY IV
$65,122
JULISSA MARTINEZ
ASST ATTY IV
$65,122
SARA SPECTOR
ASST ATTY IV
$65,122
AUVENSHINE, W. LEE
ASST ATTY IV
$65,122
KIE WATKINS
ASST ATTY III
$55,066
MONICA BISHOP
ASST ATTY II
$52,463
ANDREA KLEMENT
ASST ATTY I
$51,286
SIPES, RICKY D.
ASST ATTY I
$51,286
As of December 8, 2006

Adult Probation Department
Gary Hunter -- $50,232
William Riley -- $51,106
Sonja Butler -- $46,769
Sharon Levingston -- $43,661
Mary Guerra -- $40,367
Frankee Velarde -- $38,814
Jimmy Smith -- $37,231
Justin Bryan -- $35,714
Steve Erickson -- $34,167
Matthew Hanrahan -- $34,167
Jeffrey Roney -- $32,705
Hector Verdin -- $32,705
Leonor Cerda -- $32,705
Kim Satterwhite -- $32,705
Brett Beaman -- $31,147
Garner Brass -- $31,147
Miranda Mercer -- $31,147
Marvine Morrow -- $37,027
Yvette Gallegos -- $31,148
Rita Walker -- $27,824
Sammie Hall -- $33,410
Norma Kennedy -- $27,711
Donalyn Derfer -- $25,116
Johanna Sigala -- $25,116
Richard Rodriguez -- $64,470
Alfred Mims -- $80,018

Juvenile Probation Department
Chris Aldama -- $73,808.73
Darrin Ray -- $52,220.10
Mark Zmolik -- $42,600
Janis Burdett -- $43,757.71
Chatrinia Bank -- $41,789.52
Chad Anderson -- $37,130.33
Matthew Martinez -- $36,913.72
Lola Spuhler -- $35,746.71
Jessica Martinez -- $35,000 (starts Oct. 16)
Ryan Payne -- $32,930.33
Callie Cole -- $31,000
Raquel Piper -- $29,061.64
Ginny Lindsey -- $17,304 (1000 hours)
Intake Officer -- $34,085.70 (to be filled at a later date)
As of Sept. 22, 2006

Ennis Candidate Controversy

2007-05-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ennis Candidate Q&A Controversy
City marshal candidates and the two vying for the Ward 2 city commissioner seat were denied a chance to have their answers to a Q&A published in the Waxahachie Daily Light-owned Ennis Journal this week because two candidates - Daryl Ray Spence (city marshal) and commissioner candidate Ken Spicer - published their Q&A on blogs - one of those being the Ennis Observer, an Ellis County Observer City Blog. So rather than publish the Q&A, the paper decided to just run announcement press releases. This has reportedly angered many candidates and the public.

Ennis PD's Cover Up in Ferris

2007-05-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

We forgot to mention that Ferris City Councilman Fred Pontley, an Ennis police officer, helped cover up the years worth of corruption in that little town. It's unfortunate that I-45 has gone the way of Wilmer-Hutchins in the police sector; it's hard to keep track of all of the mini-fiefdoms that these corruption-covering city councilmen take care of.

Pontley was the biggest supporter of fired Chief Jeff Cottongame and his assistant, Sherman Swafford. And with the reports that EPD has hired Swafford, it's only a matter of time before another Dale Holt gets in as chief and keeps the corruption train going...

Ellis - Ennis Debt

2007-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ellis County Debt
Peggy Venable with Americans For Prosperity told a near-packed crowd at last night's Taxpayers Alliance for Good Government meeting of what to expect with a successful May 12 $53 million bond: an increase in principal of nearly 288% - the county estimates (according to the Ellis County-AFP handouts given last night)

"a nearly 13% increase in property taxes over the 20 years to pay for the bond package. A $100,000 home could see property taxes change from $350 per year to nearly $400 per year." [Source: AFPTX.org]

Ellis County Government Debt
Property Tax (2005): $0.35
M&O: 32.37 cents
I&S: 27.3 cents (aka debt service)
Property Valuation (2005): $7,974,096,259
Total Tax-Supported Debt (as of 2006): $25,906,522
Principal: $18,701,262
Interest: $7,205,259
Debt to Assessed Value: .3248%
Debt per Resident: $194.09

What's more, every resident with a computer and Internet access can obtain the debt information from the Texas Bond Review Board. On. Each. City. And. School District.

http://www.brb.state.tx.us/dbsearch/city.lasso

Put in any Ellis County city and you can find the debt that is still owed, and average it out per homeowner (population stats would be handy).

Then do it for school districts:

http://www.brb.state.tx.us/dbsearch/isd.lasso

Then do it for Navarro College or any other college district:

http://www.brb.state.tx.us/dbsearch/ccd.lasso

Before this week is over, this blog will try to have debt information on every entity in Ellis County posted, linked and readily available for those curious to know how hard the taxes will hit. And don't kid yourselves. The property tax increases on this much debt for any of these entities will be drastic.

So much for our conservative county, ay?

Ken Spicer Q&A - Part 2

2007-05-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

(Note: Responses are from Ennis media questions) 4- I believe the lack of trust in city officials is the major problem with the City, all that is ever heard is the horror stories of trying to get anything done. We all know that anything bad is always heard a lot more that the good, so we need to become more open with the citizens. If a citizen has a problem they need a source to go to discuss it without only one person making the ruling. The police department needs the full support of the citizens they need the equipment,training, and leadership to get their job done. We hear so many bad things about the drugs and crime and all the problems are always blamed on the police department, maybe we need a citizen review board or something to report the whole truth. I fully believe we have some great officers on the force and with the right leadership they can get the job done. 5- I believe Ennis is going to have real growing pains in the next few years. The streets are going to be a real problem already the streets downtown are getting overcrowded. We are hitting that magic 20,000 population mark and I believe we will start to see more and more retail and small business coming to town. We need to make sure our ordinance are in place and we follow them the same as the developers do, if it meets the standards then we don't need to keep pushing for more. government grants are given to cities based on current population and not on suspected growth, so we need to stay on top of what we can receive. 6- I will try to make myself as accessible as possible, but the main thing is to keep in mind that you may not always get what you want. I want to be the voice of the people but rules have to be followed, that don't mean we can't change the rule if it's wrong. I will have a separate e-mail address so anything sent to me will be between you and me. my phone will always be available if not answered leave a message I will return your call. 214-563-6689 kspicer1949@peoplepc.com

Sherman Swafford Hired in Ennis?

2007-05-08T14:33:00.001-07:00

Sherman Swafford Hired in Ennis?
One of the two fired Ferris Police Department higher-ups that The Ellis County Press exposed a few years ago for running private security gigs and a misuse of funds has reportedly been hired at the Ennis Police Department. This is the second or third time this blog has received an e-mail from Ennis residents mentioning this; of course, due to the fact that this blog is widely read in that part of Ellis County, we'll know for sure if he was hired or not.

Flashback: Swafford and his boss, ex-Chief Jeff Cottongame, ran the department - and all of the corruption that entailed - until one of their city council bosses - former Democratic nominee for county commissioner and Ferris Councilman Victor Burnett - exposed the shell-game operation FPD was running. Rumors abounded that drugs were being run, evidence was being tampered with, and that well-connected friends of the FPD were getting highly-coveted placements in certain city boards, commissions and getting lucrative contracts; the newspaper exposed all of this, the town was sharply divided, and the crooks were eventually fired from their jobs, a new chief brought in, and an entire city council majority that backed Burnett were defeated for re-election. There's also some rumors of Ku Klux Klan activity in the northeast area of our county.

Swafford reportedly stated in open session of a city council meeting that he wished former Mayor Jimmie Birdwell and Councilman Jesse Hernandez would die. Within a year, both were deceased.

Burnett, meanwhile, was railroaded into a seven-year prison sentence for an "altered inspection sticker." It was a combination of years worth of trying by the prosecutors and establishment in both Ferris and Waxahachie to get Burnett sent "down river." Defense attorney Cindy Ermatinger, a 2002 candidate for the county court at law No. 2 post (GOP primary), represented Burnett, and was able to get the state to drop some of the charges against Burnett.

2007-05-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Re: $53 Million County Facilities Bond Election
A reader submitted this e-mail that he received from the pro-bond group Friends of Ellis County.

Sent: Sun Apr 29 18:16
Subject: Fwd: County Bond Election

Our campaign continues to pick up momentum with several presentations to various groups throughout the County. We have approximately 5 groups to make presentations to over the next 2 weeks. There is still a need for additional meetings and we need your help in scheduling these meetings. This is the best tool we have to inform the citizens of Ellis County on the need to pass this bond election.

I enlist your support in writing letters to the editor in support of the bond election in your local newspapers.

There is still a need for financial support of the expenses we are incurring with yard signs, direct mailings, posters, etc. We need an additional $10,000.00 in order to meet our financial responsibilities to see a successful campaign. Again, please list any support from businesses, neighbors, friends, etc. in support of this cause. We have approximately 1,000 yard signs that have not been distributed and they must get out before the election on May 12th.

Again, thank you for your continued support and feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Layne Ballard
135 Lakeshore Drive
Waxahachie, TX. 75165
(214) 236-5932
ballard135@charter.net

Taxpayers Alliance for Good Government
Tonight @ 7 p.m.
Waxahachie Civic Center

Agenda: county facilities bond discussion, local races, Midlothian smoking ban
Special Guest: Peggy Venable, Americans For Prosperity

Congressman Joe Barton's Recent Votes

2007-05-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Recent House Votes

Veto Override, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Vote Failed (222-203, 1 Present, 7 Not Voting)

The House fell over 60 votes short of overturning President Bush's veto of a $124 billion spending bill that would have set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

Rep. Joe Barton voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Improving Head Start Act - Vote Passed (365-48, 19 Not Voting)

This House bill is intended to boost funding for the Head Start program.

Rep. Joe Barton voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (237-180, 16 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that expands the definition of a "hate crime" to include sexual orientation.

Rep. Joe Barton voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Ken Haskovec has it right

2007-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

‘We should all vote NO on the county bond"

Dear Editor:
The County's $53 million bond proposal to address current and future facilities needs is short-sighted, imprudent and reactionary.
The notion that limited space in the downtown Waxahachie area will restrict the size, scope and cost of county government is illusory if not foolish. If more space is needed, they will rent it, driving up costs to taxpayers.
In a few years, it will cost as much to buy a small block of land for additional jail expansion downtown as the entire 60 acre tract which was designated as an alternative. Who does that benefit?
The better alternative is to use the same amount of county taxpayer money to ensure sufficient land is available to accommodate future needs.
For City of Waxahachie taxpayers, it will be an even better solution, because they will not be burdened by their City Council's multi-million dollar "inducement" to keep County government in the cramped downtown area.
The essence of conservative thought is individual responsibility. Inherent in that concept is planning for the future. A $53 million band-aid is not conservative, prudent or consistent with "family values".
By comparison, the City of Ennis is also facing the need for larger government facilities. Their plan calls for a 15-20 acre site to adequately accommodate future growth. This will allow for more buildings, AS NEEDED. Contiguous functionality will increase efficiency and help control costs to taxpayers. It is a sound example of planning for the future.
If taxpayers vote for their pocketbook and their children on May 12, the County bond issue can be defeated. Perhaps then, the County Judge and Commissioners will finally find the courage to address ignored needs while implementing a plan that will protect and serve future generations.
It can and should be done without increasing comparative costs to current taxpayers.

Kenneth Haskovec
Ennis
texx008@gmail.com

Ken Spicer Responds

2007-05-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

The answers below are from the Ennis Journal, the Waxahachie Daily Light-owned newspaper.

1-The reason I am running for office is because I want to make a difference. I have been involved with Ennis all my life, for awhile I lived other places but I knew this is where I wanted to be. I believe the citizens of Ennis need more representation in what is happening in Ennis, and I want to be their voice on the city commission. I have the time and the drive to try and make this happen. I have friends and acquaintances from all walks of live here and I hear all sorts of things that have happened, I want to be here so they have someone to go to discuss their problems without just being told there is no time for them. I dont want to be a trouble maker but I think people need better answers than â€œbecause I told you soâ€�. I want to be part of a new and friendlier Ennis City Hall. 2- I believe I have the qualifications that can help me be successful in this position. Most of my working carrier I worked in a supervisory position. I have handled budgets, timetables, and personal. I have had to handle meetings with upper management of some very large companies. I have served as city commissioner in a small town that I lived in called Shady Shores. While living in Shady Shores I also helped start and build the Shady Shores Baptist Church. 3- If elected I would like to see the police, and fire departments get the equipment and training they need. I believe that we need to get with the times and do away with the electing of a city marshal and move to the interviewing and hiring process; hopefully the new marshal we get now will be the one to get the job when his term is up. There are a couple of parks in Ward 2 and I would like to see them get some improvements, maybe we could get some of the big corporations or civic groups to sponsor them like the Lions Club did. I believe we need to start looking at new city facilities and locations need to be decided on by the citizens. Ken Spicer kspicer1949@peoplepc.com

Spence Responds

2007-04-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

1. Why are you running for this position?

I am running for City Marshal because I sincerely want to make Ennis a better place for my family and friends to live. I have lived in Ennis all of my life and I have watched as gangs and drugs have infiltrated our streets. I have seen problems develop in our police department and have wanted to correct them. This is the best way that anyone can fix the problems in our town. I know the people of our community. I know the men and women of our police department, but I am not a part of that department. This lets me bring in a fresh, unbiased perspective on what needs to be done.

2. What qualifications do you feel you need to be successful in the position?

I feel that a successful City Marshal would be an officer with experience in a variety of roles in law enforcement. He or she should also have strong organizational abilities and an unswerving drive to see justice done. He should be strong enough to make tough decisions but open minded enough to hear and act on the needs of the community. I have served in many roles, from communications, detention, patrol to officer training and criminal investigations. I have led officer organizations and served on the board of civilian charities. I became an officer to serve my community and to make it safe by catching the bad guys and protecting the innocent.

3. If elected, what are your objectives for the upcoming term?

My objectives are to increase officer safety and accountability. To bolster the departments efforts to decrease, instead of the current increase in the amount of drugs and violent crime. To bring the citizens of Ennis and their police department together to work towards the common goal of a safe community for all of us.

4. What do you feel are some major issues facing the city/police department right now and if elected, what would you do to address the issues?

I want to address the three biggest issues facing Ennis today: drugs, gangs and officer safety.
Drugs dealers have invaded our community and endangered our children. I would get the manpower, training and resources for our drug task force so they can start the process of removing the drugs and gangs off our streets and out of our schools. If it requires re-forming the K-9 unit, let it be. If it requires putting an Ennis PD officer in every school, then I will petition the local, state and federal government for the funds to pay for it. We could get started by allowing EPD officers to eat lunch at each of the schools and begin to build relationships with the kids at an age where they can be influenced to stay away from drugs and trust the police. I also believe we should bring back the Crime Stopper program and begin to have public meetings to gather information on the crime around town. I want Ennis to participate in the “National Night Out” and other community awareness programs. With the help of the citizens I know the officers can get the information they need to stop the crime and the spread of drugs. The plagues of “cheese” and “meth” need to be eliminated. The use of these poisons cause the majority of the property and violent crimes in our town. I don’t think we can hide our head in the sand and pretend that the problem doesn’t exist or that it will go away. The problem only goes away when the good people of a community stand together and make them go away.

Gangs of young criminals have become a real concern to me and a danger to Ennis. Gangs produce and distribute the illegal drugs that are one of the primary causes of crime in town. They recruit our children to sell drugs and commit violent crimes just for their selfish, immoral gain. They spray their initials on fences, houses and other property like a dog marking its territory. I would direct our patrol and investigative officers to gather the evidence to lock these criminals up and break their hold on our town. If we need to, I will call upon state and federal law enforcement to work with the Ennis PD to run the gangs out of town.

I also believe that officer safety needs to be addressed. Officer safety is my main goal. Our officers need to have the tools, weapons and protective equipment to be safe as they protect us. Right now, some officers are working with outdated, expired or substandard equipment, like body armor, because their department will not or cannot pay for the right stuff. Protect the ones that protect the citizens. Our officers deserve uniforms, equipment, safety equipment, guns, bullets proof vests, vehicle, medical insurance and a salary that is comparable with the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

They also need additional training to deal with the violent new world we live in. I know of many government grants that are not being utilized to get training and equipment. I will make full use of these and other programs to make Ennis safer. Our government is collecting taxes from each citizen to pay for these programs. I believe the citizens of Ennis should benefit from their contributions.

Another way to increase officer safety, reduce the drug problem and control the gangs is to increase the size of our reserve officer force from the current 5. These officers provide a invaluable source of support to our full-time paid officers while asking nothing but training and support.

5. With the growth the city of Ennis will see in the upcoming years, what services do you feel the city should expand on or implement?

Of course the police department's force of regular officers will have to be expanded. We need to add more patrol officers and criminal investigators. Currently only 4 men are investigating all of the criminal cases in Ennis and only one of these is assigned to investigate all criminal activity involving minors. One of the detectives serves dual duty as an investigator and as the computer/technical specialist for the department. We also need to increase the size of the reserve officer staff. Reserve officers can provide support for our full-time officers, especially during times of crisis or during special events.

The city needs to bring back the DARE and Crime Stoppers programs and to make a sincere effort to establish neighborhood watch groups throughout the city. These programs work to get information to the police about what is going on in the community. They also give the community a better view of what the police department is doing to protect the citizens of Ennis. This will provide a firm foundation for our community to grow on.

Everyone knows that it will be necessary to retire our current police headquarters and holding facilities before long. The current facilities are outdated, overcrowded and not secure enough to guarantee the safety of our officers and the public. If we step up the drug enforcement activities of the department, the money confiscated from captured dealers could be used to help pay for the buildings, programs and the additional officers that we need.

6. Understanding that voters like to know that their elected officials are readily accessible to hear their concerns and comments, if elected, what steps would you take to ensure that availability?

I want to keep an open-door policy. If a member of the community has an issue, I want them to feel free to bring it to me in person without fear of reprisals. I would even like to see the formation of a citizen's committee to help oversee and guide the department in the way the people of Ennis want it to go.

I want to bring back the National Night Out On Crime. This was abandoned in Ennis years ago. This program brings an opportunity for the public and police to mingle, share information and strengthen our community. I also want to start and support Community Watch. This powerful information-gathering tool has never been used to full effect in Ennis. I would also like to see the opportunity for Ennis PD officers to eat lunch at the various schools each day. This would foster a feeling of comfort, communication and cooperation between the students and the officers. This could teach the students that the police are not the enemy, but partners in the community.

--This Blog Sponsored By--
The Red Moon Cafe

Taxpayers Alliance for Good Government

2007-04-27T10:30:00.001-07:00

Taxpayers Alliance for Good Government (TAGG)
The countywide citizen group will meet Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Waxahachie Civic Center to discuss - among other things - the $53 million county facilities bond package. Speakers are being lined up; at least one representative from the Friends of Ellis County PAC, the pro-bond group, has said they will be there to answer questions about the election.

TAGG
Tuesday, May 8
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Waxahachie Civic Center
http://tagg.4t.com
469-337-0405

Invitations have also been sent to Texas Eagle Forum's Cathie Adams and Americans For Prosperity's Peggy Venable.

County Facilities Bond Campaign Updates
Exclusive: Waxahachie police were called to investigate the numerous vote "Yes" signs that have been disappearing from business owners' property. The story goes, and reportedly, the Waxahachie Daily Light is about to run with something on this, that members of TAGG have been successful in getting business owners and managers to take their Yes signs down due to the "$53 million tax increase" that those signs "support." As it turns out, permission was given for the signs to be taken down, but that didn't stop attempts to get this practice stopped (even the Texas Ethics Commission said it was a property rights issue).

And if anyone is curious to know where the city council candidate directly affected by this bond package stands, here's a quote you folks can use: "We can ask a bank to finance our new house, but the bank would want every shred of documentation before handing out that kinda money; why should government be any different?" Note that I don't oppose the facilities, I really and honestly have major issues with how this is being presented to the public. Before our county asks for a cent, we should at least know what the buildings will look like, and where the location of said buildings will be constructed. "And when I am on the city council, I will fight every attempt to use eminent domain on any property owner in the area our county and city wants to construct these buildings."

TAGG
Tuesday, May 8
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Waxahachie Civic Center
http://tagg.4t.com
469-337-0405

Ellis County History Lessons

2007-04-25T15:36:00.001-07:00

Ellis County History Lessons
Ever wonder who our past county clerk was? Or what about the previous county commissioners before the hilarious Jerry Holland, D-Ennis? Well, now you know:

County Judge
Bruce Allen (1946)
James Mulkey (1948)
Lem Wray (49 - 54)
Milton Hartsfield (55 - 74)
Joe Grubbs (75 - 82)
Al Scoggins (83 - 84)
Connie McGuire (85 - 86)
Jas. Blakemore (1987)
Penny Redington (88 - 94)
Al Cornelius (95 - 01)
Chad Adams (02 - present)

40th District Judge
A.R. Stout (46 - 68)
Bruce Allen (69 - 74)
Milton Hartsfield (75 - 86)
Gene Knize (87 - present)

378th District Judge
Al Scoggins (95 - present)

County Court-at-Law No. 1
Joe Grubbs (83 - 84)
Al Scoggins (86 - 94)
Carol Bush (95 - 96)
Bob Carroll (97 -present)
*Greg Wilhelm (*begins unexpired term May 1)

County Court-at-Law No. 2
Gene Calvert (2002 - present)

Commissioner Precinct 1
Grover Ranton (1946)
Glynn Luther (49 - 52)
Jack Risinger (53 - 81)
David Jones (82 - 88)
James Harper (89 - 96)
Hallie Joe Robinson (97 - 2001)
Dennis Robinson (2002 - present)

Commissioner - Precinct 2
E.J. Kendall (1946)
W.T. Munn (1948)
E.J. Kendall (49 - 57)
Mrs. E.J. Kendall (58 - 60)
Johnny Evarts (61 - 66)
R.L. Christian (67 - 68)
Johnny Evarts (1969)
Alex Kasper (70 - 74)
Harry Burden (75 - 81)
Don Johnson (82 - 86)
Ron Gillespie (87 - 90)
Jerry Holland (91 - 01)
Larry Jones (2002 - 2005)
Bill Dodson (2006 - present)

Commissioner - Precinct 3
Will Jarrett (1946)
Horace McCain (48 - 49)
Charles McLaughlin (50 - 53)
C.W. Wimbish (54 - 68)
P.L. Rollins (69 - 84)
J.B. Sims (85 - 88)
Del McLane (89 - 92)
Connie Doyle (93 - 96)
Charles Waller (97 - 00)
Jackie Miller (2001 - 2003)
Heath Sims (2004 - present)

Commissioner - Precinct 4
DeWitt McDonald (1946)
Harry Forbes (1948)
DeWitt McDonald (49 - 52)
Roy Cowart (53 - 57)
Mrs. Roy Cowart (1958)
C.W. Ralston (59 - 78)
Albert Baucum (81 - 86)
Cliff Wammack (87 - 90)
Ron Brown (91 - present)

Sheriff
Jess Cariker (46 - 48)
E.B. White (49 - 56)
Wayne McCollum (57 - 76)
Barney Boyd (77 - 88)
John Gage (89 - 96)
Ray Stewart (97 - present)

County Attorney
C.C. Randle (1946)
Stuart Lumpkins (49 - 54)
Bruce Allen (55 - 68)
Ward Casey (69 - 71)
Gene Knize (72 - 86)
Mary Lou Shipley (87 - 94)
Joe Grubbs (95 - present)

Auditor
William Davis (46 -73)
Doris York (74 -76)
Allie Venable (77 - 81)
Yvonne Odom (82 - 97)
Mike Navarro (98 - present)

Treasurer
Brevard Templeton (46 - 62)
Frances Phillips (64 - 90)
Theata White (1991)
Mark Price (92 - 02)
Ron Langenheder (02-06)
Greg Wilhelm (06 - 07)
*Judy Burden (appointed to fill Wilhelm's unexpired term)

Tax Collector
W.A. Lyon (46- 48)
Tom Craig (49 - 52)
W.C. Ralston (53 - 60)
Roger Tate (61 - 68)
Ernest Allen (69 - 70)
Joe Merritt (1971)
Bettye Meador (72 - 90)
Carol Calvert (91 - 97)
John Bridges (98 -present)

County Clerk
Louin Martin (1946)
Joe Thompson (1948)
Charles Huff (49 - 74)
Faye Washington (75 - 90)
Cindy Polley (91 - present)

District Clerk
Jake Talley (46 - 57)
Mrs. Jake Talley (59 - 66)
W.D. Price (67 - 73)
Raymond Oâ€™Daniel (74 - 82)
Gayle Simpson (83 - 86)
Billie Fuller (87 - 2005)
Melanie Price-Reed (2006 - present)

No need to thank me. These records are available at the county clerk's office, but because I'm a local history buff, I had to compile them all in a blog format.

Now if we could just find out who Ellis County's congressional representatives have been before Phil Gramm and Joe Barton. And no, I do not believe it would have been my distant cousin, Leslie Hackler, who ran as a Democrat for Congress in the 50s; his was mostly a Dallas County district (he was on a first-name basis with judges Barefoot Sanders, Sarah T. Hughes, the Hunt - as in oil - family, etc.) Hackler, who was originally from Ovilla actually, lost by a 60-40% margin, if my relatives are correct. (he later ran for district judge)

If anyone has any Justice of the Peace or Constable information from before World War II to now, please send that to: elliscountyobserver@hotmail.com.

Republican or Democrat?
Now if folks know what party those that have been listed were members of, that would be very interesting to know as well.

Ken Spicer for City Commissioner

2007-04-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with Ennis City Commissioner Ken Spicer (and his lovely wife), and I can tell you that a Spicer-Spence team would vault the Bluebonnet City in the right direction. I really and honestly hope those children of theirs are registered to vote in Ennis :)

On May 12 I need and ask for your vote and support. My name is Ken Spicer and I am running for the Ward 2 seat on the City Commission. I was born in Ennis in Oct 1949, went to school here and was part of the Class of ’68, as it turned out I attended all 12 years on the same block. I live with my wife Dorothy on Brown St. Between the two of us we have a total of 10 children, 7 of which still live here in different parts of the city.

I have a large amount of other family members that has made Ennis their home, so you can see I have a big interest in what happens here. Most of my adult career was working in the telecommunications business starting in 1970 and going through 2001. More than half of those years I worked in a supervisory position, with my last job being an Engineering Supervisor over 16 engineers. I am now semi-retired and help my wife with her business The Red Moon Café. I believe there is a need for more people to be informed about what happens in Ennis, the only way that will happen is to have someone on the council that will ask questions so that it becomes part of the public record. I believe most people in Ennis have no idea what ward they live in or who their commissioner is. I believe that one of the most important issues facing Ennis is the Police Department, we have many fine officers on the force but they need the resources to do their job and enough officers on the streets to be effective. I live 2 blocks from the station and have had my house broke into twice, two radios stolen out of cars in my driveway and the Café out on N-45 has had things stolen twice, all in the last 3 years, so I have had plenty of contact with the department. In my Ward there are two public parks, one is the Community Center Park and the park in Fairview both of these need to be cleaned up and made a place where the children of Ennis can go and feel safe. Ward 2 is one of the oldest sections and will not grow in size without the changing of the Wards boundaries, so we need to spend a little on this area to bring it up to the standards we expect in other areas of town. I will always be open to the public and try my best to be as accessible as possible. I would like to be your voice on the City Commission. So again I ask for your Vote and Support on May 12, or early voting starting April 30.

I welcome input, questions or suggestions.

Ken Spicer
kspicer1949@peoplepc.com

City Manager Pushing for New City Hall?

2007-04-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is the frontpage byline for an article in the Ennis Daily News (EDN) today, Sunday, April 22, 2007. In its simplicity, it is a legitimate question, given that the new hospital (which took the City of Ennis further into debt to build) is about completed. An astute reader familiar with how the EDN is manipulated by Ennis city hall, and in particular Steve Howerton, will notice a familiar pattern.

It's the beginning of a [City Manager Steve] Howerton campaign for a new city hall/police station/whatever. Whereas Howerton's report to the city commission, as reported in the article, states that there are four options for the current hospital property (there are probably several more, but these are the four Howerton has chosen), most of the article is spent explaining why the 3 acre property site of the current hospital won't work. This is a typical Howerton promotion of what's next on his list, now that the public has been bolled over with promotion of a new airport to land a few corporate jets (so that can go to industry in Ennis where the land was given to them.........and the taxes abated) and the new hospital, which was probably needed, BUT without another $15M indebtedness to its citizens.

It is my frugal opinion that consideration should be given to clearing the property and building a new city hall/police station on property already owned. It could be built vertically on a whole lot less acreage than the 15-20 acres Howerton says we need. There is a great deal of medical infrastructure around the current hospital that could be transformed into offices, should a new city hall be build on the existing site. I'm sure Howerton has given no thought to what happens to those buildings, once the hospital moves.

And his comments about asbestos abatement are a real crock. It's okay that we get treated there for injuries and sicknesses amongst all that asbestos, but it becomes a political and environmental issue whenever a discussion of tearing down the structure takes place.

The truth is, Howerton wants a new city hall elsewhere, and if history repeats itself, and there is no groundswell of opposition in this sleepy burg, he'll get his way. The pattern of public promotion repeats itself over and over, and the EDN is a pawn in the promotion.

Check for youreslf.

Commissioner Carol Frazier

2007-04-01T18:26:00.001-07:00

Ennis City Commissioner Carol Frazier
We'll of course allow Ms. Frazier to present her platform as to why citizens should keep her, but for now, the question every Ward 2 resident should/could be asking is: With all the recent revelations coming to light about the Ennis Police Department, why did you - or your colleagues - sit idle? Why did you not raise a question? And why, given the fact that the Ennis City Commission did nothing when retired Chief Dale Holt covered up for that department, give you another term?

Ken Spicer is Frazier's opponent in the May 12 election.

The Ennis Observer

2007-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the only media outlet devoted to Ennis politics. We're currently looking for other contributing bloggers. If you would like to write for us, send us an email at: elliscountyobserver@hotmail.com or call 972-891-2135.

Or if you just want to submit news tips, rumors, or other information regarding Ennis politics, send those in too.

Precinct 3 Constable: Jimmy Ray vs. Tyron Davis
	Jimmy Ray - Incumbent
	Tyron Davis

Taxpayers Alliance for Good Government

Should Carol Frazier take part of the blame for the Ennis PD corruption?
	Yes - Which is why I'm not voting for her
	Yes - But I'll still vote for her
	No - She had nothing to do with the EPD
	No
	Unsure
	What's Ennis?

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