Letters To The Editor

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LETTER TO EDITOR

Hi! My name is Joey Ballard. My class is doing a 20-page report about a state, and I need your help. I chose the state of Texas and I would be sooooooooo happy if you could publish this in your paper and ask your readers to send me things that will help me understand Texas more. If you get e-mail for me, send to: pslab@evansvilledayschool.org. If you get stuff for me please send it to: Joey Ballard, 3400 North Green River Road, Evansville Day School, Evansville, IN 47715.

I would love for your readers to send me everyday items, pictures, postcards, maps, etc.

Thanks again, Joey Ballard

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the letter "One Riot, One Ranger," a quote most often attributed to Captain Bill McDonald of the Texas Rangers, an old west lawman with a proud and colorful past. When Captain McDonald made that statement, a lawman needed a badge, a good gun, a good horse, courage and iron nerves. It's a little different today. Today, those same items are still needed, but often, much, much more. Captain McDonald was a young, working Texas Ranger when he made that statement.

In reply to Mr. Vest's letter, I pose these questions to our Henderson County voters. If you -- or your families' lives depend on the Sheriff's Department -- do you want a "retired ranger from another county -- one who hasn't worked in law enforcement for many years -- and since he's not working, goes from door to door telling you how great a job he's going to do? Or, do you want a man, Tony Allison, who has been working without a break, in the Sheriff's Department for the citizens of Henderson County for 18 years? A man who pays his property taxes here, is raising his family here, and really lives here all the time, not just temporarily. Do you want a sheriff who understands today's law enforcement environment, is certified, qualified, experienced and with a degree, has served in every area of law enforcement, and as even Mr. Vest concedes, understands today's world where bureaucratic laws, budgets and administrative duties must -- along with aggressive law enforcement -- all be understood to accomplish the mission, to serve and protect you. Tony Allison won't have to ask someone else about the checkbook or how the new jail locks work or how to turn on a computer, or what the State law says. He already knows! He has real, recent experience.

Voters, it's an extremely dangerous world that we live in today. It's not "your father's world." Drug problems, predators of our children and the elderly, and crimes of every imaginable form threaten us at every turn. Even the crimes of the cities are now coming to our door. We need, and must have a sheriff for today's world. Tony Allison is such a man. And no, he doesn't have an electronic gate; he's even lucky to get the warped door on his home closed. But it's his home, it's on a road near Athens and he and his family live there, really live there. From that little home in Henderson County he serves you! If you want to talk to him, just call the Sheriff's Department. He's working there every day; he's not retired.

A search of Henderson County records dated September 26, 2007, find that Mr. Nutt does not own property in Henderson County. His home is in Navarro County. One would think that if you want to be an elected official (Sheriff) of Henderson County, you should at least be a property owner, tax paying, resident of Henderson County.

As for our Texas Rangers, they are typically men of honor, courage and trust. Did you note that the last two sheriffs of Henderson County, present Sheriff Ronny Brownlow and former Sheriff "Slick" Alfred, both retired Texas Rangers, say, "Tony Allison is absolutely the best man for Sheriff of Henderson County." They should know.

Herman Vibrock Chandler, Texas

To the Editor:

As chairperson of MDA's Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, I want to take a moment to thank businesses and patrons in the Brownsboro area for their generous participation in our 2008 campaign. I'm delighted to say that this year's fundraising efforts were a great success.

Those little green and gold Shamrocks mobiles sold by local businesses help support MDA's vital programs of research, health care services and public education right here in Brownsboro and across the country.

On behalf of all the individuals and families coping with musclewasting diseases, I send a big warm "thank you" to Brownsboro residents - you've certainly put a smile in these Irish eyes!

Sincerely, Maureen McGovern