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Community


Second Candidate Forum Hosted by the Freestone County TEA Party


On January 16th and again February 20th, Freestone County Tea Party held open forums during their regular monthly meetings to allow County candidates to introduce themselves and give a brief speeches on what they stand for. Jan Fielden, running


as County Commissioner Precinct 3, stated that she is the County National Day of Prayer Chairman, as well as Prayer on the Square organizer. She writes the weekly column, “Reflections from Red Oak Ranch” that is published in The Freestone County Times and contributes to the “Baptist Progress.” Revealing that she is a


Christian, she said, “I believe God wants Christians to serve in government, because he gave us government.” Fielden indicated that she


would make it a point to drive over the county on a weekly basis and would be calling constitutes personally. Not calling her opponent by name, Fielden stated that he was a lifelong Democrat who had changed parties because he felt the he had a better chance to win, saying that this was “win at all cost.” “Our Country is in serious trouble. Politicians say anything to win. I, for one, am standing on principals.” Roger Brooke, a Vietnam


Veteran, has been in law enforcement since 1970, holding Chief of Police


positions in Fairfield and Teague. He is currently a reservist in Limestone County. As Constable Precinct 4,


Brooke plans to devote full time to the position. He would also like to


encourage a neighborhood watch. Brooke, who holds a masters degree from Sam Houston State University, stated that he is a person of high moral value. ken Sessions plans to follow


in the footsteps of his father, J.R. “Sonny” Sessions, Jr., who was Sheriff of Freestone County for many years. Sessions graduated from


Wortham High School and Navarro College. He was on the reserve force


for 13 years and attained the rank of Sergeant. Eleven years ago, Mr. Sessions became the Constable of Precinct 4, a position he has held since then. “I want to make a difference,


I think I can, and I want to try. I appreciate your vote,” Sessions concluded. kelly Craig is running for Constable Precinct 4. Mr. Craig is the son of Betty and Tommy Craig of Wortham. Mr. Craig served Wortham


Police Department for many years. When he left in 2006, he was the Chief of Police. “I am a good citizen, and I


will do a good job for Precinct 4. I appreciate your support,” Craig told the gathering. Nineteen year businessman,


Randolph J. Williford, P.E., running for Commissioner Precinct 3 in Limestone County, said he would like for those in attendance with friends living in Limestone to ask them to vote from him. Returning a second time


to the Tea Party forum were Sheriff’s candidate Don Anderson; County Commissioner Precinct 3 hopefuls Bodie Emmons, Marcus Pfeifer,


keith


Brackens, and Michael Daniels; and Constable Precinct 3 contender Diana Smart Willis. These candidates reiterated what they had stated at the previous meeting, excerpts of which were published in The “Times” January 24th edition. One noteworthy difference


in Keith Brackens’ speech was that he holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture and was his college football team’s captain.


Michael Daniels offered


to these attendees that he considered the position of Commissioner to be that of a “servant.” “I do not ask my employees


[as a Brookshire’s Manager] to do anything that I am not willing to do myself.” Daniels indicated. The question posed to the Sheriff’s candidates last month was asked again, “What will be your first priority as Sheriff?” Don Anderson said he would go after drug dealers.


Deadline Approaches TX Prepaid Tuition Program Enrollment


Texas families still have


time to lock in costs at Texas public colleges and universities at today’s prices and avoid future increases in tuition and required fees. Comptroller Susan Combs reminds families they can do so by enrolling their children in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund®, the state’s prepaid college tuition program. The current annual enrollment period ends Feb. 29. The Texas Tuition Promise


Fund allows participants to lock in the cost of undergraduate tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities based on current prices. “Families can invest in the


Promise Fund and ease their concern about rising college


costs,” Combs said. “The program also gives


parents the flexibility of choosing how much prepaid tuition they want to buy and different payment options as they plan ahead for their children’s education.” Under the plan, families can prepay tuition and required fees for a four-year degree, two years of community college or just a few semesters at Texas public colleges and universities by purchasing tuition units. Enrollment in the program


at 2011-12 prices will close Feb. 29 except for parents of newborns and children under one year old, who have until July 31 to enroll at this year’s prices. The next annual enrollment


period will begin Sept. 1, with new contract prices based on Texas public college costs for the 2012- 13 academic year. Complete plan information, current prices, enrollment forms and more are available online at www. texastuitionpromisefund. com, or call (800) 445-GRAD (4723), Option 5.


Ken Sessions would build up


the reserves. He would also work with Commissioners, Police, and Constables to improve communications in order to work together. A second question, “I live in


the far reaches of Freestone County, and I hardly every see patrols out there.” Mr.. Anderson answered that


he understood her concern. He did indicate that a Sheriff’s deputy actually lives in her area. However, he said, the


Sheriff’s Department is made up of only 16 individuals counting himself and the Sheriff, making them spread “thin.” By comparison, he said, Fairfield alone has 12 officers; Teague 5 – 7. Anderson shared that he


was building up the reserves with 22 recently graduating. “They [reservist] take a


lot out of their pockets to serve, and take donations,” he said. The price of gasoline


also limits the Sheriff’s Department,


according


to Anderson. When the question was asked what could be done about this, Anderson quipped, “Elect a new President.” Gary Waldrip gave a brief


report concerning the Primary Election date which is now up in the air after the April 3rd date was negated, but he anticipates the date to be May 29th. Because of this, he feels precinct primaries will not be held and


33rd Annual Fulton Oysterfest


Fulton Oysterfest, sponsored by


the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department is a family-friendly event with Carnival Rides, Arts & Craft Booths, Wonderful food and Great Musical Entertainment, Oyster Bar & Beer Garden. You won’t want to miss the Oysterfest Parade, Oyster Decorating Contest, or the Men and Women’s Raw Oyster Eating Contests. Mark your calendars for March 1- 4 and plan on spending it on the beautiful waterfront in Fulton, Texas. The Fire Department uses


proceeds from the festival to purchase lifesaving and firefighting equipment. Oysterfest proceeds are the major source of funding for fire protection equipment in the community. Thursday, March 1 from 5-10 pm


with $1 Gate Entry and Active Military-No Charge (Thursday Only). Admission is $3 each (12 yrs. and


over). The carnival will be open Thurs-Sat until ?? and Sunday until 6 pm. Free trolley pickup from Fulton streets to Festival Grounds Fri-Sun.


suggests that anyone wanting to attend a district primary should make their request known on Election Day to the Democrat or Republican representative at the polls. Bobby vickery, who


is running for State Representative, stated that he would put control at the County level. “I believe in limited government. We need to cut spending, not raise taxes.”


In addition, Vickery said he wanted to eliminate illegal immigration, put education back in the classroom, for economic development, and entitlement reform. “I am a Christian first, true conservative second, and Republican third,” Vickery stated. Next month, March 19th,


the TEA Party plans to invite State candidates.


Mary McDonald reporting.


The Bill of Rights Institute Invests in Civics Teachers


This summer, the Bill of


Rights Institute is partnering with the Foundation for Economic Education to host the Founders Fellowship: Civil Liberty, Commerce, and the Constitution. American History and


Civics teachers from across the country are invited to apply. Selected Fellows will participate in an exclusive professional development program aimed at deepening their understanding and appreciation of the American Founding. Participating teachers will


convene in Washington, D.C. July 16-20, 2012 for a program that will expand their knowledge of the Constitution. During the program, participants will engage in lectures with constitutional


scholars,


discussions with fellow teachers, and scholar-led visits to historic sites including Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall,


and a monument tour. In order to prepare for


the program, Fellows will complete readings about our Founding exploring the question “How did the Founders define liberty?” Attending teachers will


receive a certificate for 25 contact hours. Fellows will be selected based


upon their leadership in their classroom and profession and dedication to educating their students about the connections between politics and economics in America. Teachers must apply online


by March 26, 2012. More information and an


application can be found at www.BillofRightsInstitute. org/Founders-Fellowship- 2012. The Founders Fellowship


Program is made possible through partnership with the Foundation for Economic Education. ______________________


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kEn SESSiOnS Constable, Pct. 4 (D) kElly CRAiG Constable, Pct. 4 (D) JAn FiElDEn Commissioner, Pct. 3 (R) ROGER BROOkE Commissioner, Pct. 4 (R)


February 28, 2012 - The “Times”


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