I have been asked "if Interstate 69 will be positive or negative for the people of Texas?"
I-69 could be positive but not if it is a super corridor or part of the Trans Texas Corridor. The Trans Texas Corridor is a massive land grab which involves condemnation of hundreds of thousands of acres of land, taking much of it out of the local tax base and local economy up to 60 years before TxDOT expects to use it.
The design of TTC-I-69 (with transportation corridors, pipeline, communication networks and rail running side-by-side) is an dangerous plan. If there is an accident, transportation flow, communication and energy transport could all be interrupted.
Utilization of private partners to finance, build and operate I-69 as a private-public super corridor toll road and granting private partners concessions along the tollway will transfer business from local communities to the toll road operators. This is a massive transfer of wealth from the communities and citizens into the hands of the private partners.
Tolls along the road will escalate upward continuously throughout the long life of the contract. The greatest share of the cost for using I-69, if it is built as part of TTC as a private public partnership toll road, will be passed to future generations, many who have not been born yet, and who will not have had any voice in committing to the debt for the project.
Texans have turned out by the thousands last summer and this year testifying at public hearings, expressing outrage and strong objection to the super corridor plan of TxDOT. TxDOT has answered their objections by spending tax money to finance expensive ad campaigns, trying to sell the people on a toll road project that the people continue to tell TxDOT that they do not want.
There are road improvements that need to be made and I-69 would probably be beneficial if built as a normal interstate highway. It should not be a toll road. It should not be built with private money.
if built, it should be built with public funding and operated as a free road.
Tolls on public roads are taxes and citizens should not be taxed without their consent. If it is built, it should be no wider than 4 lanes; There should be no concession stands, no private partner owned and operated hotels and gas stations and restaurants. Other than the normal public rest stops, travelers should exit to patronize existing or new privately owned businesses which have no relation to the operators fo the I-69.
No land should be condemned years before it is to be used. Expansion of existing roads when possible to build I-69 should be considered.
It is imperative that the least possible land be condemned by eminent domain for road projects. In Texas, transportation planners usually think that the best route for new infrastructure projects is through farm and ranch land because they mistakenly consider farm land less valuable than "developed land." This is shortsighted. Agriculture is the second largest sector of the Texas economy and agriculture is totally dependent upon land. A farmer or rancher cannot move their business down the road because they can rarely find suitable acreage for farming and ranching at a rate which will allow farmers and ranchers to operate in the black.
We have already seen the manufacturing base of Texas deteriorate and move off-shore or close due to foreign competition. If we devastate the Texas Agriculture economy by condemning massive amounts of land for super corridor projects we will further destroy our state's economy.
Also, road projects should be prioritized to meet the needs of people who live in Texas. The Trans Texas Corridor is designed to meet the convenience and enhance the bottom lines of foreign corporations and investors while having Texans foot the bill and forcing Texans to continue paying for it for decades and decades into the future.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
ENDORSEMENT
ENDORSEMENT OF VALINDA HATHCOX
FOR U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 4
by María Luisa Alvarado
February 16, 2008
The people of Texas and America will gain exceptional representation in Washington D.C. from VaLinda Hathcox as the next United States Representative for District 4 of Texas. Let me explain. I believe my campaign experience in 2006 afforded me an opportunity to get to know the heart of other candidates on the campaign trail. As candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, VaLinda Hathcox was an inspiration to me in that the truth to her was not to be compromised for popularity. The people and the land of Texas are vast in diversity but for the most part they are solid and true. That is the character of VaLinda Hathcox, and is the desperate need in Congress.
However, it is not enough to rely solely on the character that our elected officials take to our Nation’s Capitol. VaLinda Hathcox takes to Washington D.C. a proven record of public service as an attorney in the defense and protection of health services for the poor, as well as administration of legal judgments and education on tax matters. There is much work ahead to restore this nation that her hands‐on experience on solving issues will be an advantage for us all.
This election year, the people of Texas and Americans across the country will judge for themselves what change and how much change our country can sustain after 8 years of poor performance from our Federal government. It is not enough to believe that a new President in the White House will begin to solve ourproblems. As proof, let us just look back to the presidential campaign promises of 2000 “a uniter, not a divider”, and of 2004 “safer world, and more hopeful America.” One President alone cannot restore a nation. We live in a representative democracy and so who we send to Congress is just as, if not more, important. The character and the type of experience of those we elect to Congress must be that which will further the causes of the American people. I believe VaLinda Hathcox to be a strong and unyielding voice that will speak for those of us in Texas, and America.
For Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, VaLinda Hathcox is one change in Washington D.C. that will increase our opportunity for representation that has been long overdue. Please join me in supporting VaLinda Hathcox by casting your vote for her on March 4th, and visiting her campaign website at http://www.VaLindahathcox.com to contribute further.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
VaLinda Hathcox - No Newcomer to Government
By VaLinda Hathcox for U.S. Congress, Texas District 4 Committee - Feb. 6, 2008
Why I’m in this race:
My roots in this district goes back generations. My mother’s family settled in Collin County in the 1800s. My parents settled in Wood and Hopkins Counties. I was born, educated, have lived and worked in the Texas 4th District all my life (except when in Law School in Austin or working for the people of Texas in as Deputy Attorney General and Director of Public Affairs, at the Texas Land Commission, or as Director of Legislative Affairs for the State Bar of Texas and for the Texas Association of Counties.
For me, my family and most of my neighbors, Texas is more than just a state or an address
–- it is part of us and we are intrinsically tied to it through more than just the land or where we work.
· Texas is a culture where we carve better opportunities and more just, fairer practices for successive generations.
· Texas is a culture where folks don’t expect better to be easy.
· Texas is a place where hard work and diligence means incremental advancement for most folks, incredible success for some and where we work together to help prevent others from falling through the cracks.
· Texas is where we look at what we have realistically, face what got us where we are while figuring out better, more just, fairer laws, regulations and “ways of doing things” for the future.
Until recent years, Texas was the star of the American Dream.
We were the very proof that hard work and applied energy would bring a better pay check, more security for the family, with increased opportunities for all of us to learn and grow and apply our skills in the workplace, benefiting ourselves, our families and our community.
It saddens and angers me to see America’s place in the world -- and Texas’s economic and educational rank in this nation slide – plunging decent families and hard working individuals into poverty despite their absolute best efforts.
VaLinda on the family’s ranches (Hathcox Farms and Big H Ranch) with part of their herd of Texas Longhorns.
VaLinda’s parents inherited only 20 acres of their 1000 acres. They worked and paid for what they acquired, but want to pass it on to their children.
I’m running for Congress because I know that Federal laws and policies either nurture or devastate individuals and businesses here. The misplaced priorities of Washington have displaced too many decent people in our district.
I’m running for Congress because I want to change that which no individual can control on his own, but which is leaving far too many people shortchanged despite their own best efforts.
VaLinda is prepared to serve our U.S. Representative from the 4th Congressional District of Texas.
I'm no newcomer to government.
I know my way around Washington and Austin. I have experience in translating the concerns of people in the towns and counties of Texas into legislation and getting it passed by State and Federal Legislatures.
I've participated in implementating new laws and regulations while working as Deputy Attorney General of Texas, at the Texas School Land Commission, as County Attorney in Hopkins County and as Legislative Director of Texas' Association of Counties and of the State Bar of Texas.
VaLinda Hathcox was the first woman to serve as Deputy Attorney General and Director of Public Affairs (pictured below). She has served with and learned from Icons in Texas and American Government, applying her academic training in working to solve problems for the people of Texas.
VaLinda watched and learned while serving
under Icons in Texas and American Government.
VaLinda (right foreground) and her Mother, Mrs. Margie Hathcox(second from the right behind VaLinda) with Cass County native son, Congressman Wright Patman (third from left) and Mrs. Patman (seated). VaLinda’s Dad is making a point to Rep. Patman.
Part of Congressman Patman’s Old District 1 is currently in District 4. Redistricting has shifted the Hathcox family’s ranches in Wood and Hopkins counties between District 1 and District 4 in various years. Currently some of their ranch land is in Wood County in District 1 and some is in Hopkins County in District 4.
I traveled Texas in 2006 listening to people, when I ran for Texas Land Commissioner. I was honored when more Texans voted for me than for any other Democratic woman in the General Election in 2006. Despite my meager campaign budget, I received more votes than Governor Rick Perry, who spent millions.
I listened a lot and learned a lot from the people I met during that year traveling this incredible state.
From the urban areas of the DFW metroplex, down through East Texas, to the Gulf Coast to far West Texas, I heard the same thing. I especially listened to people in our 4th Congressional District as they explained how the priorities of the Washington belt-way are not addressing the challenges and concerns of folks here at home.
Many families not currently facing foreclosure are afraid of losing their homes. Others, unable to afford college for themselves or their children, view the future fearful, afraid that the best opportunities are behind us rather than ahead.
Predatory interstate lending practices have led to families trading equity in their homes to cover shortfalls necessary to keep their automobiles running so they could get to work, clothes for their family and pay school expenses. More hours at work for less pay hampers parents from having adequate time to supervise their children and participate in education and civic activities. Their hope for advancement seems unreachable as college tuition, housing, books and fees double and triple at public and private colleges and universities. Teachers see apathy in children’s eyes and are challenged to persuade them to stay in school and go to college while they are seeing their parents laid off from work or unable to get jobs honoring their dedication, skill and talent.
I am running for Congress because I know we can make the changes necessary to return a realistic hope to the people of this state and nation. I’ll fight to re-enfranchise the people while disenfranchising corporations which move their operations offshore to avoid paying their fair share of taxes and complying with safety and fair work laws of this country.
Americans who work hard all their life, deserve to know they will have enough money to live on when they retire.
Texans are not afraid of hard work. Given a “fair playing field” the people here are some of the most industrious and productive workers and entrepreneurs in the world. Texans devote themselves to their jobs and invest life savings into their businesses and deserve a fair return on their investments. Despite their best efforts, many Americans are only one or two missed paychecks or one serious illness away from away from financial devastation.
Our parents saw the steel industry die in East Texas. Manufacturing jobs were moved off-shore. Despite the honest work ethics of men and women in this state, it’s now common to see good people terminated, forced to accept lower paying jobs without health care or retirement benefits. Diminished income impacts much more than just the "laid-off” worker. It impacts families, their hopes and dreams about tomorrow, and our whole community.
We must work diligently to restore sound fiscal government to this nation. We must mend the social safety net, which enables all taxpayers to share in the American Dream.
We need to strengthen programs which nurture homeownership, family security, job opportunities and access to affordable life-long excellent education so that every human being has opportunities to grow and thrive in our communities.
If you honor me with your votes, I'll fight to keep and create good jobs in Texas for everyone who wants to work.
VaLinda’s father’s Union Cards,
and Lone Star Steel Employee’s Badge.
These are only a few of the many issues we need to confront together if we are to build a stronger foundation for our future.
If you have more questions or need more information, please contact me via e-mail at askvalinda@hathcoxforcongress.com or ask me your questions by commenting at the bottom of this journal or on my campaign website.
I need your help.
Please VOLUNTEER in our campaign or CONTRIBUTE to help send VaLinda Hathcox to Congress to represent the 4th District of Texas.
I believe I am the best equipped person in this race to fight for the people of our 4th Texas 4th District in Washington. I appreciate your consideration and support.
I am running for U.S. Congress because I believe together we can make the changes which are necessary to restore control of our government to the American people, to stabilize our economy and to provide opportunities and security for the people of Texas ensuring Texans of all races, genders, and socio-economic situations opportunity to work, earn and enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Sincerely,
VaLinda Hathcox
Pol. Adv. of VaLinda Hathcox for Congress Committee,
1201 Mockingbird Ln, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-4854,
Phone & FAX: 903-885-3369
Why I’m in this race:
My roots in this district goes back generations. My mother’s family settled in Collin County in the 1800s. My parents settled in Wood and Hopkins Counties. I was born, educated, have lived and worked in the Texas 4th District all my life (except when in Law School in Austin or working for the people of Texas in as Deputy Attorney General and Director of Public Affairs, at the Texas Land Commission, or as Director of Legislative Affairs for the State Bar of Texas and for the Texas Association of Counties.
For me, my family and most of my neighbors, Texas is more than just a state or an address
–- it is part of us and we are intrinsically tied to it through more than just the land or where we work.
· Texas is a culture where we carve better opportunities and more just, fairer practices for successive generations.
· Texas is a culture where folks don’t expect better to be easy.
· Texas is a place where hard work and diligence means incremental advancement for most folks, incredible success for some and where we work together to help prevent others from falling through the cracks.
· Texas is where we look at what we have realistically, face what got us where we are while figuring out better, more just, fairer laws, regulations and “ways of doing things” for the future.
We were the very proof that hard work and applied energy would bring a better pay check, more security for the family, with increased opportunities for all of us to learn and grow and apply our skills in the workplace, benefiting ourselves, our families and our community.
It saddens and angers me to see America’s place in the world -- and Texas’s economic and educational rank in this nation slide – plunging decent families and hard working individuals into poverty despite their absolute best efforts.
VaLinda on the family’s ranches (Hathcox Farms and Big H Ranch) with part of their herd of Texas Longhorns.
VaLinda’s parents inherited only 20 acres of their 1000 acres. They worked and paid for what they acquired, but want to pass it on to their children.
I’m running for Congress because I know that Federal laws and policies either nurture or devastate individuals and businesses here. The misplaced priorities of Washington have displaced too many decent people in our district.
I’m running for Congress because I want to change that which no individual can control on his own, but which is leaving far too many people shortchanged despite their own best efforts.
I know my way around Washington and Austin. I have experience in translating the concerns of people in the towns and counties of Texas into legislation and getting it passed by State and Federal Legislatures.
I've participated in implementating new laws and regulations while working as Deputy Attorney General of Texas, at the Texas School Land Commission, as County Attorney in Hopkins County and as Legislative Director of Texas' Association of Counties and of the State Bar of Texas.
VaLinda Hathcox was the first woman to serve as Deputy Attorney General and Director of Public Affairs (pictured below). She has served with and learned from Icons in Texas and American Government, applying her academic training in working to solve problems for the people of Texas.
under Icons in Texas and American Government.
VaLinda (right foreground) and her Mother, Mrs. Margie Hathcox(second from the right behind VaLinda) with Cass County native son, Congressman Wright Patman (third from left) and Mrs. Patman (seated). VaLinda’s Dad is making a point to Rep. Patman.
Part of Congressman Patman’s Old District 1 is currently in District 4. Redistricting has shifted the Hathcox family’s ranches in Wood and Hopkins counties between District 1 and District 4 in various years. Currently some of their ranch land is in Wood County in District 1 and some is in Hopkins County in District 4.
I traveled Texas in 2006 listening to people, when I ran for Texas Land Commissioner. I was honored when more Texans voted for me than for any other Democratic woman in the General Election in 2006. Despite my meager campaign budget, I received more votes than Governor Rick Perry, who spent millions.
I listened a lot and learned a lot from the people I met during that year traveling this incredible state.
From the urban areas of the DFW metroplex, down through East Texas, to the Gulf Coast to far West Texas, I heard the same thing. I especially listened to people in our 4th Congressional District as they explained how the priorities of the Washington belt-way are not addressing the challenges and concerns of folks here at home.
Many families not currently facing foreclosure are afraid of losing their homes. Others, unable to afford college for themselves or their children, view the future fearful, afraid that the best opportunities are behind us rather than ahead.
Predatory interstate lending practices have led to families trading equity in their homes to cover shortfalls necessary to keep their automobiles running so they could get to work, clothes for their family and pay school expenses. More hours at work for less pay hampers parents from having adequate time to supervise their children and participate in education and civic activities. Their hope for advancement seems unreachable as college tuition, housing, books and fees double and triple at public and private colleges and universities. Teachers see apathy in children’s eyes and are challenged to persuade them to stay in school and go to college while they are seeing their parents laid off from work or unable to get jobs honoring their dedication, skill and talent.
I am running for Congress because I know we can make the changes necessary to return a realistic hope to the people of this state and nation. I’ll fight to re-enfranchise the people while disenfranchising corporations which move their operations offshore to avoid paying their fair share of taxes and complying with safety and fair work laws of this country.
Texans are not afraid of hard work. Given a “fair playing field” the people here are some of the most industrious and productive workers and entrepreneurs in the world. Texans devote themselves to their jobs and invest life savings into their businesses and deserve a fair return on their investments. Despite their best efforts, many Americans are only one or two missed paychecks or one serious illness away from away from financial devastation.
Our parents saw the steel industry die in East Texas. Manufacturing jobs were moved off-shore. Despite the honest work ethics of men and women in this state, it’s now common to see good people terminated, forced to accept lower paying jobs without health care or retirement benefits. Diminished income impacts much more than just the "laid-off” worker. It impacts families, their hopes and dreams about tomorrow, and our whole community.
We must work diligently to restore sound fiscal government to this nation. We must mend the social safety net, which enables all taxpayers to share in the American Dream.
We need to strengthen programs which nurture homeownership, family security, job opportunities and access to affordable life-long excellent education so that every human being has opportunities to grow and thrive in our communities.
If you honor me with your votes, I'll fight to keep and create good jobs in Texas for everyone who wants to work.
VaLinda’s father’s Union Cards,
and Lone Star Steel Employee’s Badge.
These are only a few of the many issues we need to confront together if we are to build a stronger foundation for our future.
If you have more questions or need more information, please contact me via e-mail at askvalinda@hathcoxforcongress.com or ask me your questions by commenting at the bottom of this journal or on my campaign website.
Please VOLUNTEER in our campaign or CONTRIBUTE to help send VaLinda Hathcox to Congress to represent the 4th District of Texas.
I believe I am the best equipped person in this race to fight for the people of our 4th Texas 4th District in Washington. I appreciate your consideration and support.
I am running for U.S. Congress because I believe together we can make the changes which are necessary to restore control of our government to the American people, to stabilize our economy and to provide opportunities and security for the people of Texas ensuring Texans of all races, genders, and socio-economic situations opportunity to work, earn and enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Sincerely,
VaLinda Hathcox
Pol. Adv. of VaLinda Hathcox for Congress Committee,
1201 Mockingbird Ln, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-4854,
Phone & FAX: 903-885-3369
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)