| A disturbing narrative about Texas Republican candidates continues to unfold this election cycle as Barbara Nash, the challenger to Representative Paula Pierson, is the latest Republican to have credible evidence emerge that questions their honesty, integrity and overall character.
From the Lone Star Project:
From the outset, Barbara Nash was a risky candidate for Republicans in Arlington-based State House District 93. Typically, Republican candidates highlight their business acumen and management abilities. This approach is simply not credible for Nash. She has a relatively well-known history of business failure that includes bankruptcy, tax liens, unpaid bills and even charges of elder abuse in the nursing homes she managed.
Evidence suggests that when Barbara Nash applied and received a position on the Trinity River Authority Board she lied on an official state document about whether she was ever part of any litigation, bankruptcy, or state investigation.
To the question: "Describe any litigation in which you or your spouse has been party or any litigation involving a company in which you or your spouse has a material interest?" Nash marked "Not Applicable," and added "I do not know of any."
Well let's refresh the memory of Republican Barbara Nash shall we?
In April of 2000 the Fort Worth Star-Telegram outlined three civil lawsuits against Republican Nash, and companies she was affiliated with, as responsible for millions of dollars in court-ordered judgments and federal tax liens. But somehow to Republican Nash that information is "not applicable" when applying for a gubernatorial board appointment or even running for a state legislative seat.
But wait, the short-term memory problems of Republican Barbara Nash continue to mount. To the question: "Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding?" Nash marked "No."
Well let's refresh the memory of Republican Barbara Nash again shall we?
The Arlington Morning News reported in 2000 that:
"the Nashes filed for bankruptcy on two of their corporations - Kennedy Health Care Centers and Peoples Nursing Facilities."
You would think this information is damning enough, but we must refresh Republican Barbara Nash's memory even more than that!
The question: "To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state, or local law enforcement or regulatory agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest?" Republican Nash answered, "No."
An official with the Texas Department of Human Services was quoted by the Star-Telegram saying:
"In nursing homes that were managed by the Nashes, regulators found residents lying in feces, bed sheets sticking to open wounds and evidence of sexual abuse."
In fact, according to the assistant general counsel of the Texas Department of Human Services back in 2000, seven nursing homes managed by a company affiliated with Republican Barbara Nash were not in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Only one of two conclusions can be drawn from this horrifying evidence. First, Republican Nash had a serious lapse in memory. Or second, Republican Nash simply lied in answering questions on an official state document. Whatever the case may be it is appropriate to conclude that Republican Nash was less than transparent in answering questions about her business affairs and certainly not forthcoming about allegations of mistreatment of elderly residents in nursing homes managed by companies owned by the Nashes. These conclusions leave voters in House District 93 no choice but to question the integrity of the Republican challenger and whether she possesses the appropriate character to hold public office in Texas. Moreover, it is appropriate for District 93 residents to question whether Republican Nash is capable of being honest and forthcoming with them as either a candidate or an elected official. The moral thing for voters in House District 93 to do is to simply check "No" to Republican Barbara Nash in November. |
