Letters To The Editor
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Dear Reader,

It was my intention not to respond to Conley Owen's deceptive allegations and attack on my character, but I feel that some response is warranted due to the seriousness nature of the statements made.

It saddens me that someone would be so threatened to the extent to try and publicly humiliate someone with misleading information for their own satisfaction.

I only ran to serve on the Leagueville Water Supply Corporation board of directors to serve my community to the best of my ability and make all decisions according to the federal by laws and regulations we are required to follow due to receiving our funding through federal loans and grants.

I also believe, as directors, it is our obligation to serve all our members with respect, equality, and fairness for all. The allegations made by Conley Owen are false and misleading in an attempt for me to resign from the board of directors.

Allegation number 1:

"Sandra's attendance record of director's meetings is less than austere.Sandra keeps us informed of very little.there is absolutely no excuse for not keeping fellow board members and staff informed."

Truth:

I recently finished a master's degree at the University of Texas at Tyler in one year while working several jobs, most of which Conley incorrectly cited.

Conley failed to mention that fact when addressing my absences. The board was made aware of the possibility of missed board meetings before I started the master's program.

I also made it clear if there was a serious issue coming before the board or we were short directors for a specific meeting, contact me and I would try to rearrange to be there. In 2007 we met 13 times, including our annual meeting. I was present for all but four of those meetings. One meeting I was not given notice of and this is documented in our attendance records.

I have not missed any meetings in 2008. Gail Miller or her assistant calls and reminds board members of the upcoming monthly meeting and at that time I would let them know whether or not I was going to be able to attend. I also recently married in the summer of 2006 and my younger brother passed away in September 2006. All of which the board was made aware of.

Allegation number 2:

"When she first came on the board, she wanted to discuss free water for board directors.she has continued to bring this subject up, at least two times since then. So far, other board members and myself have prevented her from getting it on the agenda for discussion and action.

This is important information. Sandra waters her lawn heavily and her water usage is very high most months. She has stated openly before the board many times that "I'm gonna keep my yard looking good not matter what it costs." One can easily see why she wants free water for the directors."

Truth:

I came on the board in April 2004. The issue of getting only the minimum water bill of $25.00 for reimbursement for mileage to the board of directors was brought up several times by other directors before I ever became a director. No action was taken on it at that time.

After I became a director, it was brought up again by another board director, not me, to again discuss that possibility due to the rising costs of fuel on or about December, 2006. I was in agreement that we should be compensated for our expenses. If receiving the minimum water bill of $25.00 could be used for reimbursement, I was not against that option.

It was brought to the board's attention by Gail Miller that in Chapter 67 of the Water Code by the State of Texas that board directors could be reimbursed for expenses incurred. In 2007, the January and February monthly board meetings were cancelled and not held. On the March 2007 meeting, the board voted that the directors be compensated for our actual expenses.

The motion was not brought by me or seconded by me, but I did vote in favor of our actual expenses being reimbursed to us. I was pleased with this decision and did not at anytime become angry. As to me watering my yard heavily, I built my home nine years ago on one acre. I planted my grass by hand, some seed, some sod and hauled in 50 dump truck loads of dirt. I watered the entire acre by hand for the first five years. Since then I have acquired a sprinkler system.

During one board meeting, it was pointed out my high water usage jokingly by another director. I jokingly stated it wasn't funny. My water bill was anywhere from $100.00 to more than $200.00 a month in the summer, especially during the drought. I was jokingly told not to water my yard and my water bill would come down.

I stated that I could not stop watering my yard or my grass would die and all my hard work and money would be for nothing. I take pride in my yard and work very hard to keep it looking as nice as I can. Not at anytime did I ever make a statement that I wanted to receive free water for my excessive usage.

Allegation Number 3:

"..a couple donated land to drill LWSC's first well and to located the plant site. In return for the land donation, the couple was to receive their water without charge for a stated period of time. They were later granted an extension of time to receive water without charge...Sandra has been angry about this arrangement since she was made aware of it. She was immediately angry. It is my belief that because she can't' have free water, she is determined that this elderly woman be charged for hers."

Truth:

The last board meeting we had in March 2008, it was brought to my attention when we were having a discussion on trying to buy the acre of land for the third time from Mr. Parker that Mrs. Parker was continuing to receive free water after her contract date ended in 1985.

Since that contract with Mrs. Parker ended, the United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development changed their policy concerning water municipalities issuing free water for land, easements, etc. Water municipalities are no longer allowed by the federal government to issue free water for any purpose.

Conley Owen and Gail Miller stated that they knew Mrs. Parker was not being billed her minimum water bill of $25.00, but it had always been overlooked. I stated that it was admirable that Mrs. Parker donated the 0.11 acre of land, but she had already been compensated for ten years of free water that ended in 1985.

It is against the federal government's loan resolutions to receive free water and it is not fair and equitable to the other members on the system, elderly or not, to continue to provide free water to Mrs. Parker. I am making decisions that follow the law and are unbiased for all involved. At no time did I become angry concerning this issue.

Allegation Number 4:

LWSC has also been engaged for some time in trying to purchase additional land surrounding our present plant site..She is insisting that we initiate eminent domain proceedings against the landowner to take away his land by force. The next time around, it could be your land, or mine."

Truth:

The issue of eminent domain was first brought up by our engineer and again was mentioned by another board director who was reading an article in a water magazine.

The acre of land located in front of our plant location on 607 N. is needed to build a water tower to meet our supply and demand of our system. As quoted from the LWSC January 15, 2008 minutes concerning this property by Chris Gafford, "to Install either tank on LWSC property a pressure tank and booster pumps would need to be relocated to a temporary location to operate for 6 months or more.

This cost could be between 20k and 50k. Gafford also stated an elevated tank at the 607 plant site is not constructible without a construction easement from the property owner of the land in front of the existing plant. If Leagueville owned that property the existing plant could remain running while the tower was constructed, and also use the less expensive tower type if soil test allow."

This acre of land has been attempted to purchase from Mr. Parker who lives in Houston, Texas several times. His previous replies have been negative and he refuses to sell the property. The LWSC recently offered him a total of 23,000.00 for that acre of land by certified mail. Mr. Parker elected not to receive that letter. I only put the issue of eminent domain on the agenda to discuss our next possible action.

Eminent domain is available to utility companies due to meeting the supply and demand for certain utilities when the costs are too great to relocate to another area. The property owner is given the fair market value of the property acquired. I did not insist on this option, only wanted it to be discussed with any other options that are available.

I am not for forcing anyone to sell their land against their will, but I am also not for putting a burden on existing members that can be astronomical in costs. I am open for any other options.

As to the other allegations made by Conley concerning my character, they are false and misleading. Our decisions are documented in the minutes for each meeting and are of public record. Each allegation will be responded to on our April monthly meeting and documented in those minutes.

Please feel free to contact me anytime. Brenda Smith is the secretary/treasurer of our board of directors and would also be glad to answer any questions or concerns you have. The persons who know me, know better of the allegations, the ones who don't, I encourage you to get a copy of our monthly minutes or attend our monthly meetings.

I also apologize for the length of this letter, but I felt it was necessary to address each allegation. Thank you for the time you have taken to read my response.

Sincerely, Sandra Duke, Murchison

Dear Community:

In 1989, a group of concerned citizens created Community Partners of Dallas to assist Child Protective Services caseworkers in meeting the needs of abused and neglected children. The program replicated throughout Texas resulting in Greater Texas Community Partners which is a partnership between CPS and communities throughout the state. At this time GTCP operates 128 Rainbow Rooms across Texas. State budgets do not contain enough funds to provide these children with basic needs such as clothes, baby formula, school supplies and toiletries, so the Rainbow Rooms stand in the gap. Prior to this, caseworkers relied on their own personal resources to meet the needs of the children they served.

As the 2008 President of the Henderson County Community Partners, I would like to bring to your attention that April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Texas. On any given day, there are approximately 19,000 Texas children in foster care. It takes teamwork to serve the needs of these children and their families, and Henderson County has a great team.

In recognizing those team players, I would like to mention our judges. They have the children's best interest at heart, and often make difficult and sometimes agonizing decisions that can affect these young ones for a lifetime. Also in the courtroom is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Their staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure children receive necessary medical care, look out for educational interests and make recommendations in court regarding the permanent placement of the child.

Since the Henderson County Rainbow Room is located in the CPS office in Athens, I personally witness the work being done by the caseworkers. These dedicated individuals have the difficult job of being "first responders" to a family in crisis. I admire the professionalism and grace with which they serve the children of our community. When they have a child or family in need, they are able to bring them to the Rainbow Room to get them new clothes, a new car seat, household cleaning supplies or a new toy for their birthday.

It is through the generosity of the community that the Rainbow Room was able to help 686 children in 2007. April kicks off our Brown Bag fundraiser. If you, your business or church would be interested in filling one of our bags (we give you a list of suggested items), please give me a call at 903-571-9769.

Ann Hall, Chandler, TX

Citizens of Chandler,

I am responding to two letters to the editor in last week's Statesman. The letters written by Mr. Jarrett and Mr. Taliaferro made vague accusations against the City and City Council about unjust happenings and hiding things. It is very easy to make vague accusations. What counts in the end are specifics. My question is, "Are there any specifics and if so, what are they?" The only specific accusation was Mr. Taliaferro saying the City could have posted the sign-up and cut-off dates on the billboard in front of City Hall. The fact is the City did post notice of election on the bulletin board in front of City Hall. The State of Texas sets and publishes the rules for posting election notices and the City has no control of this.

Mr. Jarrett wrote about attending five Council meetings in 52+ years, the three writein candidates (however there are four), the Declaration of Independence, and "unjust happenings." The term "unjust happenings" is a good example of vague accusations that need to be specifically addressed by Mr. Jarrett. Mr. Taliaferro accused the City of hiding things; however, City Council conducts its business in public meetings.

Elections are great. Our country is built on the outcome of elections. Truth and facts throughout the campaign are very important. I want every citizen in Chandler to know that I am here and ready to speak with any organization, church group, neighborhood meeting or sit down with a cup of coffee with any of you and discuss the happenings of our City. If you want to talk, call me.

Before you vote, get the facts. Let me point out some of the good things that have happened in the last two years such as street improvements, cleaner, neater look of the neighborhoods, minimal tax increase, and many more too numerous to mention in this letter. The Statesman of April 3, 2008 had an informative article on the front page concerning the abandoned structures that are being demolished, which is one of the good things ongoing as you read this.

I am committed to continued progress for our community.

Gene Giger City Councilman City of Chandler

903.571.5017

I have a question for Mr. Taliaferro. In the past several years most of what I have heard or read from you is criticism of our City and City Government, along with many other things. My question to you is, why have I not seen your name on any of the ballots for city government? It seems to me that if you see so much wrong, the place to start improving would be to become a part of the "inside workings." Could it be that you are unwilling or unable to handle the responsibility that it would require? Is it "safer" to sit back and get others to do what you cannot or will not do? Talk is cheap; action takes courage.

Gene Giger Chandler, Texas

LETTER TO EDITOR:

I read with interest Mr. Taliaferro's letter to The Statesman last week concerning the City Hall's lack of notifying the citizens of the signup and cut-off date for the upcoming City Council elections, and his questioning if the City was trying to hide anything. I do not ever recall seeing a published sign-up and cut-off date in the past, but since I have been appointed this year's Election Judge, I wanted to find out if anything might have been deemed illegal or inappropriate by not publicizing one.

I called the Smith County Election Office which handles the election for the City of Tyler to ask for their opinion. They stated that as far as they knew, it was not illegal or wrong if the dates for sign-up were not published. In fact, they don't either but the Tyler paper runs it several times as a courtesy without being told.

The sign-up period is the same for every city across the state unless a special election is being held. They suggested that I contact the Secretary of State's office to be sure. spoke with one of the attorneys there who informed me that there is no requirement for a city to publish or post the sign-up times for an election. They said large cities like Dallas or Houston usually do, but many if not most of the smaller towns do not. The attorney went on to say that most people who are interested in running for a public office normally would already have the knowledge of when the sign-up period begins and ends.

Whenever there is an election of any kind it is very important that the correct facts are researched and presented in order to make a valid decision, rather than insinuations or suggestions that might hint of any wrongdoing or coverup without the proper evidence to back it up.

Rick Ford Chandler, Texas