My name is Paul Stempko, and on December 10th I filed my application to run for Chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party. As a fellow Democrat, I hope you will read this quick letter about why I am running and how we can work together toward a shared vision of a blue Williamson County.
I know you were as excited as I was about our victories up and down the ballot in 2008. Now going into 2010, the most important election year for Texas in generations, we must hold onto our successes, chart a path for gaining more ground in Williamson County and live up to our potential as a key player in statewide victories.
I've lived in Williamson County since 2002, having moved to Round Rock from St. Paul, MN with my wife Jessica and two daughters, Julia and Kelsey. I'm also the proud stepfather of Amanda, who lives in Denton with her husband Scott and two boys, Clay and Dillon. I've worked for 3M Company since 1981, holding positions in sales, marketing, business development and, currently, key account management.
While I was prepared for the climatic shock of moving from the cold north to the sunny, hot environs of Texas, I was not prepared for the political shock of moving into the Republican stronghold of Williamson County. However, it's been exciting to work with the WCDP these last seven years and be a part of the progress that we've made, culminating with the election of Diana Maldonado to the Texas House in 2008.
But there is so much more we need to do, and 2010 will be a pivotal year for Democrats in Williamson County. It is critical that we reelect Representative Maldonado to help us take back the Texas House of Representatives before the decennial redistricting process in the 2011 Legislative Session. We also have a real shot at winning two of the seats on the County Commissioner's Court and we are currently lining up great candidates in other races as well.
Democrats in Williamson County got their first look and list to Houston Mayor Bill White, at today's Taking Back Texas event in Round Rock. White is a candidate for U.S. Senate to fill the seat now held by Kay Bailey Hutchison. He spoke to a room full of Democrats in Williamson County today, laying out his record of service first as legislative assistant in Congress, then as Deputy Secretary of Energy in the Clinton Administration, Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, and now as the Mayor of Houston.
White was first elected Mayor of Houston in 2004 and has been reelected twice with overwhelming majorities, and bipartisan support - over 85% both times - and has an impressive record of accomplishments while in office. He had a great line in his stump speech stating,"I know the difference between victory and landing on an aircraft carrier", which brought the house down.
He also stated he's raised more money, just on the internet, than all the other candidates that are running for this office combined. He's got an impressive campaign so far, with a Central Texas coordinator already in place. Of course they would like anyone who is interested to go his web site, www.BillWhiteForTexas.com, and give the campaign your email address to stay informed.
Thanks to the WCDP Events Committee for planning this great event. We also understand that a similar event in Williamson County is being planned with John Sharp for next month. It's another sign that Democrats all over the state have taken notice of the Democrats success in Williamson County and know it's an integral part of the Democrats drive to "Take Back Texas".
Press Release - For Immediate Release
October 20, 2008
Local resident, Ms. Sherry Dana, reports problems at polls
Round Rock, Texas. October 20, 2008- Ms. Sherry Dana went to the polls in Round Rock this morning ready to vote a straight ticket.
"I voted at the main location this morning. I voted straight D then clicked on a Democratic candidate. When my ballot came up for review the race where I had clicked on the Dem candidate said 'No Selection Made'".
According to Mr. Rick Barron of the Williamson County Elections office in today's edition of the Taylor Daily Press:
"I said Democrats and Libertarians should mark each race because they don't have candidates in all the races and they might want to vote for other candidates in those races."
"Mr. Barron's tips to voters are incomplete at best," said Genevieve Van Cleve, Campaign Manager for Diana Maldonado.
What Mr. Barron leaves out is the following vital information to voters:
• Voting a straight party and subsequently choosing a candidate of the same party de-selects that candidate.
• Voters must know that pushing the flashing, "VOTE" button DOES NOT record their vote. You must push "CONFIRM" for the vote to be recorded.
The right to vote is the foundation of a free and democratic society. All voters, regardless of party, must feel confident that their vote has been properly cast. Mr. Barron has a duty to make accurate and timely information available to Williamson County voters.
Steps should be taken by Mr. Barron immediately to make sure Ms. Dana's experience is an isolated mistake.
• Mr. Barron must amend his statement to the Taylor Daily Press.
• Mr. Barron must post accurate voting instruction in each voting booth.
• Mr. Barron must ensure that all Election Judges, Alternate Judges, and Clerks are properly trained and will correctly advise Williamson County voters.
Get real campaign experience and make a difference in Texas politics!
Diana Maldonado is running for State Representative in District 52 and is one of the most watched races in Texas!
Williamson County is fast becoming Democratic Territory and we need your help!
Immediate Positions Open for part-time canvassers!! We are offering $10/ hour for paid canvassers to work at least 10 hours a week.
Shifts will be Monday - Friday 5:00-9:00 pm,
Saturday from 10:00 am -1:00 pm
3:00 - 7:00 pm, and Sundays from 2-6.
Qualifications:
Dedication and Determination to take Texas Back!
Dependable
Driver's License required
Ability to communicate effectively
Transportation and Spanish speaking a plus!
For more information, please email or call Courtney Watson cwatson@dianamaldonado.com ? 512/788-1301
www.dianamaldonado.com
I am pleased to announce that the Williamson County Volunteers for Obama will be hosting a Convention Watch Party on the night of August 28th starting at 6:30pm at the Old Settler's Association Main Hall Building in Round Rock.
Come join the fired up people of Williamson County as we watch and cheer on Barack Obama as he accepts the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States! We'll also have stump speeches from our local Candidates including Brian Ruiz for Congressional District 31, Diana Maldonado for Texas House District 52, and Jaime Lynn running for Williamson County Attorney, and more.
We'll also be talking about campaign volunteering opportunities, and how you can get involved in turning Williamson County Blue.
Old Settler's Association Main Hall is Located at:
3300 Palm Valley Boulevard
Round Rock, Texas 78664
The Williamson County for Obama campaign is organizing a voter registration block walk this weekend to turn Williamson County Blue! We have identified approximately 8,800 unregistered; likely democrats and we need to register them all.
Meet up time is 9:30 am this Saturday (08/16/08)at the Williamson County Coordinated Campaign office located at 110 S. I-35, Round Rock 78681 in the shopping center behind McDonalds. We will have an elections official in the office to sign up new deputy voter registers, and provide training before we send you on your way. The list will be scattered but is very targeted to unregistered voters and should take around 3-4 hours to complete.
Please RSVP at BlueWilco@gmail.com
Come join the growing movement in Williamson County and help Obama take back Williamson County for the Democrats!
The Diana Maldonado Campaign for Texas House District 52 is up and running to take back Williamson County, and help flip the Texas House of Representatives to a Democratic control. This will mean quality representation for residence in District 52, the removal of Tom Craddick from Texas House Speaker's office, and an advantage when redistricting legislation occurs in 2011.
The campaign has several important volunteer jobs:
Saturday August 2nd- Block walking- Meet up at the Williamson County Coordinated office at 9:30am. We'll provide the maps, voter registration cards, campaign material and most importantly water. Please RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/page...
Every Thursday Starting August 7th- 4pm - 9pm Phone banking
Sign up on BarackObama.com and join our group at the below link to stay informed about events and news form the Williamson County Campaign Coordinated Campaign.
(Would you have ever have thought? I'm now aware of coordinated campaigns in Travis, Bexar, Harris, Dallas and if you know of others add them to the comments. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
This past weekend the Williamson County Coordinated Campaign office opened its doors for a kick off party to turn Williamson County blue. Given the history of the county it may seem unbelievable to think that such a thing could happen, however it was clear from the large crowds on Saturday that Williamson County residences are ready for a change!
The coordinated office will be the home base for Jaime Lynn (for County Attorney), Diana Maldonado (for Texas House 52), Mark Thompson (for Texas Railroad Commissioner), Greg Windham (for County Commissioner, precinct 3), Brian Ruiz (for US House of Representatives, district 31), Mike Grimes (for County Commissioner, precinct 1), Woodie Jones (for Chief Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals), and James Dillon (for Texas house District 20).
Our first big volunteering event will be tomorrow Saturday the 26th when we will be block walking targeted areas in the county to register voters. We'll meet up at 9:30 at the Williamson County Coordinating office located at 110 S. I-35 Round Rock, Texas 78681 for block walking information. For more detailed information please contact Branden Frame at bradenframe@gmail.com.
Come join the movement and help turn Williamson County Blue.
The retiring Republican state representative from Williamson County was arrested and charged late Wednesday night, the Statesman reports.
Krusee was booked into the Williamson County Jail at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and was released at 8:55 a.m. today, officials said. His bail was set at $1,000.
DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said a trooper spotted a vehicle in the 1300 block of Briar Hollow Drive near U.S. 183 and RM 620 with an expired registration and being driven erratically. Mange said the trooper noticed a strong smell of alcohol and administered a field sobriety test, which she said Krusee failed.
(And thank you Diana! Readers can contribute to Maldonado's campaign and the TexBlog PAC via this link. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Dear Texas BlogPAC and Friends,
I want to thank you and your donors for your generous contribution to my campaign. We will use your contribution to communicate our message of balanced, progressive leadership to the voters of Williamson County.
I also want to thank you for a great party at Scholz's! The good news about getting Texas back on track is that so many different people are prepared to pitch in their resources, time, and in the case of your party...their singing voices!
House District 52 covers most of Williamson County including far north Austin, Round Rock, a bit of Georgetown, and all of Taylor and Hutto. The eastern side of the district is home to some of the most productive farmland in all of Texas. To the west, high tech workers and busy commuters have settled in the district because of affordable housing and excellent schools. We must honor and protect our rural roots as we plan for and manage the growth of urban areas.
Just like you, I am prepared to do much more than merely complain about the failures of past leadership. I will advocate for affordable tuition, consumer protection for homeowners, state support for public education, and increased access to healthcare for all Texans. I will fight against toll roads, the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC), and road projects that do not serve the people of my district.
As a former president of the RRISD Board of Trustees, I have worked to put the interests of our kids first. I have worked with my fellow citizens and board members to fully fund classrooms while respecting the pocketbooks of local taxpayers.
I am ready for to fight this battle. As the next legislator from Williamson County, I will build upon my track record of success to provide fair and honest leadership to my district and all Texans.
