Made with FlowPaper - Flipbook Maker
< Previous www.TerryLowry.com January 2024 4 School Choice Is A Parent’s Choice – Not The Government’s GUEST EDITORIAL Texas State Senator Mayes Middleton Our rights as parents come from God, not the govern- ment. Unfortunately, Texas is one of only 18 states where the law positions government to have the final say on a child’s education. Thankfully, Governor Greg Abbott is calling legislators back to Austin for as long as it takes to change that. While Texas boasts some of the best teachers and traditional public schools in the nation, we must also trust parents. Empowering parents to direct their children’s education, with money following the child to the school of their choice, is the best solution. Hypocrisy Abounds The concept of public dollars being used by taxpayers at private businesses is nothing new. There are numerous examples of public funds going to private businesses, including food stamps to grocery stores, Pell grants to private universities, and Medicaid to doctors. We trust individuals to choose their grocery store, their private university, and their doctor. Why would we take a different approach with K-12 education? In Texas, we must trust parents to make decisions about their child’s education. School Choice Is Not A New Concept School choice has been battle-tested by 32 other states. Texas has the opportunity to learn from their successes and challenges and offer a program that best serves Texas students and parents. Education savings accounts (ESAs) are the most ideal form of school choice. Under ESA’s, participants can use the money for private school tuition, tutoring, specialized programs, and many other valuable tools. This program design will place parents fully in control of their child’s education. Public Schools Will Not Lose Funding During the Regular Session, the Legislature made a historic investment in public education with the largest increase in public education funding in Texas history. This fall, we will continue to invest in the education of future Texans with an additional multi-billion-dollar funding package that, in part, includes teacher pay raises. The sizeable investment will be coupled with a robust school choice policy. Altogether, the policies will provide the opportunity to make a radical difference for Texas teachers and students. Texans Prefer School Choice Independent polls conducted this year reveal a strong majority of Texans across all demographics are supportive of school choice programs, especially among rural voters. In fact, many of the union and taxpayer-funded lobbyists who are school choice opponents send their own children to private schools. Parents matter As a parent to four children, I feel a great responsibility to help spur the change our state’s education system so desperately needs. We must pass a school choice bill that allows parents to decide which education option works best for their children according to their values. For more information about Mayes Middleton’s campaign, visit www.mayesmiddleton.com Senator Middleton represents Senate District 11, serving portions of Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties. Before his election to the Texas Senate in 2022, Senator Middleton served House District 23 in the Texas House of Representatives from 2019-2022. Mayes Middleton 5 January 2024 www.TerryLowry.comElection Fraud and a RINO Majority on The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals By Terry Lowry Editor of the LINK Letter Eight of the nine judges sit- ting on the ‘Supreme Court’ for all criminal matters in Texas - the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) - have carved out a new, wildly reckless path for Texas elections. Rejecting the text of our Texas Constitution, its own precedents, and any semblance of common sense, the CCA in Stephens v. State struck down a state statute - a law critical to our elections. Hog Tying the Governor and the Legislature By an 8-1 vote, the all Republican CCA ruled that the Texas Legislature cannot pass, nor can the Governor sign, any law authorizing prosecution of election fraud by the state’s Executive Branch. This leaves the prospect of any enforcement of criminal election fraud to local, Soros-funded DA’s in Texas’ largest counties. Concentration of Power This is a concentration of power, not a separation, that converts the judiciary to a legal ‘Star Chamber’ - exempt from any contrary input from other branches of govern- ment or the people. To make matters worse, the Court of Criminal Appeals has taken no action to rein in the prosecutors it holds under its wing, many who openly declare themselves to be above the state’s law and their oath of office. Same Leadership For Too Long Has longevity clouded their judgement? Or is it a thirst for judicial power? The Court of Criminal Appeals has been under the same leadership for too long. The current Presiding Judge has been on the CCA for 30 years this year and another Judge up for election has served for 24 years. Time to Halt Judicial Activism All three of the incumbents currently up for election in the Republican Primary joined the Stephens case majority opinion. Two of these Judges are not even eligible to serve another full six-year term because they will reach the constitutional age limit. The next Governor of Texas would appoint their replacement if they win the 2024 election. In Texas, we have the right to elect our judges and expect them to complete their terms. Say No to Judicial Activism! Stepping up to say no to judicial activism are three Texans who stand tall. The opponents of the three current activist Judges are David Schenck, Gina Parker, and Lee Finley. They are all Constitutional Conservatives who would honor the Rule of Law and we are pleased to endorse them here. Our Country is in Great Danger President Trump once said; “Judicial Activism, by people who know nothing about security and the safety of our citizens, is putting our country in great danger...” Change begins at the ballot box by eliminating RINO Judges. Take a step in the right direction by voting for Schenck- Parker-Finley for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in the upcoming Republican Primary. Editor’s Note: Included in this LINK Letter are two tear- out Sample Ballots. One is for you. The other for a family member or friend. It is legal to carry the Sample Ballot all the way into your voting both. Terry Lowry www.TerryLowry.com January 2024 67 January 2024 www.TerryLowry.com www.TerryLowry.com January 2024 89 January 2024 www.TerryLowry.com www.TerryLowry.com January 2024 10 It’s Time for a Political Outsider with Experience to Represent You in Austin GUEST EDITORIAL by Pat Curry Candidate for Texas House District 56 A lot of candidates today talk about “draining the swamp.” But how can we really change the status quo if we keep sending professional politicians to represent us in Austin? I am Pat Curry, a small business owner, active member of the community, job creator, rancher, and farmer. For the last thirty years, I have been focused on creating over 1,000 jobs in Waco and McLennan County and taking care of my customers, employees, their families, and this community. I also have been active volunteering and raising money for local charities and faith-based organizations. My Journey I never thought about running for office. However, when detrimental bill that threatened our county’s local water supply was introduced in the Texas Legislature, farming and ranching leaders in the community asked me to step in and help. The bill died in the Texas Senate. That process was a wakeup call for me. Although we narrowly avoided a crisis in the City of Waco, it showed me that we need fewer professional politicians in Austin and more problem solvers with real, local experience. That is why I am running for Texas House District 56. As we look at the numerous threats facing our state and country, we need leaders with real world experience, not professional politicians, to protect us from the disastrous policies of President Biden and the liberal left. Border. Taxes. Schools. I own a ranch at the southern border and have witnessed our porous border firsthand. I know the dangers we face from drug and human smuggling. Currently, I am the only candidate who has the experience to work with Governor Abbott and come up with real solutions starting on day one. I am committed to making our border more secure. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, I under- stand the need to eliminate property taxes and cut red tape and regulations on small businesses. We must fight Biden’s disastrous economic policies that have led to record inflation. I have signed the front and back of pay- checks, taken care of employees, and steered a business through COVID. I fully understand what it takes to keep our economy strong. As a Waco native and graduate of local public schools, I understand the need to improve education by funding our schools, paying our teachers good salaries, and expanding school choice. We also need to focus on improving voca- tion training by improving our charter schools and creating new public/private partnerships between local business owners and our public schools. As a business owner, I know the importance of a well-trained workforce. Together We Can Win We can keep Texas free and prosperous, but it will take someone with experience to get the job done. That is why I have been endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott, Sheriff Parnell McNamara, Ted Nugent, Rev. Ramiro Peña, and over 500 local Republicans. Let’s quit sending professional politicians to Austin. Let’s send a political outsider with the experience to get the job done. Vote Pat Curry For Texas House District 56. Editor’s Note: For more information about Pay Curry’s campaign for Texas House District 56, visit www.patcurry.com Pat Curry 11 January 2024 www.TerryLowry.comSheriff Parnell McNamara: He was Made for This By Terry Lowry Editor of the LINK Letter Host of the What’s UP Radio Program In the heart of Texas, McLennan County has found a steadfast leader in Sheriff Parnell McNamara. Parnell was born and raised in McLennan County and is a 5th generation Texan. Inspired by his family, he followed in his family’s footsteps to dedicate his life to service through public safety. With over 120 years and three generations of recorded history in law enforce- ment, the McNamara legacy is as rich as it is strong! With a career spanning over five decades in law enforcement, Parnell is known for his unwavering commitment to safety and tireless efforts to build trust in the community. He takes his oath to serve and pro- tect to heart and works diligently to make McLennan County a safer place. Commitment to Community One of Parnell’s notable accomplishments is his com- munity-oriented leadership. He goes beyond traditional law enforcement strategies, emphasizing communication with residents. As Sheriff, Parnell’s approach reflects a genuine understanding of the issues people face daily. His initiatives showcase a commitment to collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Over the last decade, Parnell and his team have created countless programs to protect the community, such as: the Human Trafficking Unit, the Fugitive Apprehension and Special Tasks Unit (FAST), the Organized Crime Unit (OCU), the Marine Safety Unit, and many more. This kind of leadership is born out of experience, not political maneuvering. Safety and Accountability His journey into public service is rooted in real-world experience. With over 50 years in law enforcement, he's not a politician seeking office for personal gain. Parnell is a dedicated public servant, and his dedication to trans- parency is a noteworthy aspect of his leadership. Public trust in law enforcement is crucial. Parnell has taken strides to ensure that the community is informed about the actions and decisions of the sheriff's office. He has worked to expand law enforcement capabilities to adapt to rising concerns to keep the community safe. He is a leader with practical knowledge and a deep connection to the community. Steady in Times of Crisis In addition to his community-focused initiatives, Parnell has earned respect for his leadership during times of crisis. Whether responding to natural disasters or coordinating efforts during emergencies, his steady hand and strategic decision-making have proven invaluable. By prioritizing the safety of McLennan County residents, Parnell has demonstrated that effective leadership extends beyond day-to-day law enforcement operations, and he is always on the front lines leading by example. Distinguished Leadership Parnell has undoubtedly made positive strides in McLennan County. His steadfast willingness to address concerns head-on reflects his commitment to safety, and it has not gone unnoticed. From assisting with tracking down a serial killer and keeping fentanyl out of the hands of children to riding hard on violent criminals, his years of dedication have been distinguished through some of the highest-earned accolades throughout the state and nation. Parnell’s legacy is one of community and effective lead- ership. As McLennan County continues to evolve, his commitment to public safety will leave a lasting impact. He was made for public service. He is a leader with genuine experience who understands the complexities of real- world issues. Parnell has and will continue to get the job done. For more information about Sheriff Parnell McNamara, visit www.sheriffparnellmcnamara.com www.TerryLowry.com January 2024 12 Parnell McNamara13 January 2024 www.TerryLowry.comNext >