Donley 4-H members win ‘food fight’
Critics should back off Perry on immigration
Texas Governor Rick Perry stormed onto the national stage last month and has quickly been beaten down by his fellow Republicans over the last two debates. According to FoxNews.com this week, Perry has fallen as much as 13 percentage points in a recent poll and is now tied with former pizza boss Herman Cain for second place behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
This column has not been a particular fan of Gov. Perry, particularly after he line-item vetoed some funding for community colleges several years ago. Some of the criticism he has received at the national level has been predictable, particularly on education issues and his political faux pas with the HPV vaccination effort. And while some of the criticisms are fairly leveled, the one that seems to be causing him the most problems is surprising – immigration.
First of all let’s keep in mind what entity is responsible for securing national borders. That would be the federal government. In fact, that is one of basic reasons for being. But, as everyone knows, the feds can’t seem to handle the vexing problem of immigration because it is do busy doing things like manipulate people’s lives through the tax code, dissuade me from taking chocolate cupcakes to my son’s elementary class, and worry about how much salt is on my french fries. And as a result, Texas, under Gov. Rick Perry has had to spend in excess of $400 million to secure the United States’ border with Mexico.
It is also important to mention that Texas, better than any other state in the Union, knows the importance of having a good relationship with Mexico. Texas has already been through one war that, in some ways, was caused by poor immigration policies. The immigrants were Anglo-Americans in that case. So we understand that it is necessary to enforce the law but at the same time foster good business and cultural relations with our neighbor to the south. Tea Partiers like the idea of building a fence on the border and passing English-only laws; but there is no fence that can’t be gone over, under, or around, and a Spanish-only law was one cause of the Texas Revolution.
As long as there is a better way of life, more economic opportunity, and greater freedom, people will come to Texas and America. The law needs to recognize that and try to facilitate it; and at the same time, it must keep out the criminal element. It’s a delicate balance that a politician from back east can never hope to understand.
Should children of illegal immigrants qualify for in-state tuition? If they meet the residency requirements of having been here for three years and are on the legal path to citizenship, then yes they should. It is in our state’s economic best interests to provide our residents with every educational opportunity we can give them. The governor and our Legislature are right on that.
Rick Perry is no liberal… certainly not on immigration. He knows what needs to be done and how to do it. He has other faults to be sure, but on this issue, Yankees like Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum just need to be quiet before our governor walks across the stage and shuts their mouths for them.
CC golf team #2 in nation
“I am extremely proud of the #2 ranking. I feel we have a strong team and have only competed in one tournament to date,” John Green, CC Athletic Director and Golf coach said.
The team is leaving for the NJCAA National Golf Preview at Swan Lake Golf Resort in Plymouth, Indiana, tomorrow. This preview puts the Top 20 teams in the nation against each other in fall competition.
“I felt we were “Top 20” material, but did not expect to be so highly ranked this early,” Green said.
The National Preview Team includes Steve Evans, Louis Laviscount, Chris Fletcher, Jake Bond and Alex Palomeque.
“These are not only outstanding athletes, but they have tremendous character,” Green said.
“This team has great potential, and I look forward to the coming year.”
Sheriff, DA switch parties
Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn and District Attorney Luke Inman both intend to file as Republicans next month when they file for re-election.
Speaking at a gathering of about 35 Donley County Republicans, Blackburn said he had “caught heat” from local voters ever since he first ran for sheriff in 2000 as a Democrat, but he said he had practical reasons for running on that ticket.
“I don’t think my mother would have voted for me otherwise,” Blackburn said. “But this last time was the first time that I know of that she didn’t vote a straight [Democratic] ticket.”
Turning more serious, Blackburn said as he looked at the current events in the country he just could not stay on the Democratic side of the ticket.
“I’ll do the job just as well as a Republican as I did as a Democrat,” he said.
Inman, who has served as the 100th Judicial District Attorney since 2008, said he is a recent convert to the Grand Old Party, and he credited Blackburn as helping him learn the ropes of the prosecutor’s office when he was appointed to his position by Governor Rick Perry. He said he enjoys serving Donley County and the other four counties in his district – Collingsworth, Carson, Hall, and Childress.
“We juggle a lot of cases trying to make sure that we can all feel safe in our homes,” Inman said.
County Republican Chairman Tom Stauder said that while it is true that party affiliation does not matter in how local officials do their job, one party having a majority of local offices is a good indication of which way local voters will lean in state and national elections. He said with Blackburn and Inman switching parties, the GOP now has 12 of 15 local offices.
Also attending Monday’s Republican meeting was State Sen. Kel Seliger, whose district will include Donley County beginning in 2013.
“It will be an honor to run with the sheriff and the district attorney on the Republican ticket this March,” Seliger said.
The senator said he is a lifelong Republican because the parties have a philosophical divide and that the Republican Party has stood for less government.
Seliger also discussed issues ranging from electric transmission to education to water. The senator will cover those topics again and take questions from local voters during a town hall meeting this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Bairfield Activity Center.
City approves new code officer position
The City of Clarendon will have a new code compliance officer under the budget approved by the Board of Aldermen last Tuesday.
City Administrator Lambert Little said Jason Christopher will fill the new position, which will also be responsible for animal control in the city.
“We’re going to move slowly and methodically on ordinance violations,” Little told the Enterprise this week. “We’ll start with simple things – tall grass and weeds – and then move to derelict and abandoned vehicles.”
Little said he intends to use a “soft touch” when enforcing ordinances by first asking people to comply when a violation is found, and then if nothing happens, issue a Notice of Violation through the municipal court.
“I think this is going to improve the aesthetics of the community and may generate good will over time.”
In other city business last week, the board voted unanimously to amend the FY 2011 budget and to set tax rate for FY 2012 at $0.65 per $100 valuation, which is no change in the rate. The board also voted 4-1 to approve the FY 2012 budget with Alderman Tommy Hill voting against the measure.
The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation budget for fiscal year 2012 was approved as presented by the CEDC Board, and the aldermen also voted to reappoint Stephen Hall, Terri Floyd, and Sherol Johnston to the CEDC Board.
Aldermen approved a letter of engagement with Foster & Lambert, LLC, to perform the 2010-2011 audit and took no action on bids for health benefits for city employees.
John Marshall Henson
John Marshall Henson, 92, died Saturday, October 1, 2011, in Clarendon.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2011, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Chuck Robertson, officiating. Services were under the arrangement of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Mr. Henson was born October 13, 1919, in Maysville, Oklahoma to Joe Marion and Susie Lee Mays Henson. He married Veta Mae Shipman in March of 1947. John had been a resident of Clarendon since 1972. He had served in the US Marines during World War II where he was an air plane mechanic, a rear gunner, and became a POW. He had worked for the railroad and the school prior to his retirement. John also enjoyed being a watchmaker. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife.
He is survived by his nephew, Joe Boatman of Round Rock; his grandsons, Carl E. Thompson, Jr., and Donnie Bob Thompson; and his care givers, Roy and Denise Bertrand and Jacquetta Owens of Clarendon.
The family request memorials be made to the Clarendon EMS or Citizens Cemetery Association.
Sign our online guestbook at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.
That’s nuts!
James R. Moore
James R. Moore, age 59, died at home peacefully after a 16-month battle with brain cancer on Friday, September 23, surrounded by close family.
Jim was born on March 26, 1952, in Amarillo to Ray and Jane Moore. Jim graduated from Clarendon High School, where he was an all-American football and basketball player. He went on to play football for the University of Texas Longhorns, where he continues to hold multiple records.
Jim enjoyed his career as a corporate pilot that allowed him to see all corners of the world. After he retired, Jim could normally be found at ACC with his golfing buddies. Jim is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Matt Moore and wife Karla, and Blake Moore; step-daughter, Jessica McKenna and wife Cathie; step-son Ryan Bridwell; sisters, Melinda McAnear and husband Ronnie, and Tina Putnam and husband David; brother, John Moore and wife Cathy; and granddaughter Eliza.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, in Albuquerque.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UNM Cancer Center, Presbyterian Hospice, or the charity of your choice. To leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.
Tammy Diane Blackburn Spivey
Tammy Diane Blackburn Spivey, 53, of Ralls passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, in Lubbock.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at First United Methodist Church in Ralls with Gary Hubbard and Judy Shema officiating. Burial followed in Ralls Cemetery under the care of Adams Funeral Home in Ralls.
Tammy was born on May 23, 1958, in Clarendon, to Charles and Gladys (Hardin) Blackburn. She married John Spivey on July 6, 1990, in Clarendon. She served as President of the Texas Fireman’s Auxiliary. She loved to play the organ, loved Emmaus, loved church, and loved to travel and spend time with her grandchildren. She was a member and past worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Survivors include her husband; her mother; her son, Michael Spivey of Borger; her daughter, Claudette Tuills of Ralls; her sister, Marie Risley; her brother, Butch Blackburn; and three grandsons, Kaleb, Tyson and Weston.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 521 Watts Ave, Ralls, Texas 79357.
William Losson “Bill” Bennett
William Losson “Bill” Bennett, 96, died Wednesday, September 21, 2011, in Clarendon.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2011, in the Clarendon Church of Christ with Chris Moore, officiating. Burial was held at Olton Cemetery in Olton, Texas. Services were under the arrangement of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Bill was born November 24, 1914, in Childress County, Texas to Charlie and Lola Bennett. He married Mary Alice Parker on December 11, 1937. She preceded him in death on May 13, 1970. He then married Florine Butler Stephens on October 13, 1970. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2006. He had been a resident of Olton and Clarendon most of his life. Bill loved being a farmer and rancher. He was a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Larry and Jimmy Bennett; and two brothers, Bud and Vestal Bennett.
He is survived by a step daughter, Betty Parr and husband Lonnie of Amarillo; a daughter in law, Oleta Bennett of Amarillo; five grandchildren, Rhonda Bennett, Larry Bennett, Vay Ender, Keith Parr, and Steve Parr and wife Misty; four great grandchildren; and was loved by several nieces and nephews.
The family request memorials be made to the Clarendon Church of Christ.
Sign our online guestbook at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.
Reader Comments