Grand Prairie and Irving Democrats to Welcome Kirk England and John Creuzot to the Party

by: Mo

Mon Oct 08, 2007 at 04:23 PM CDT

The Democrats will also welcome Judge John Creuzot and State Representative Kirk England, who both recently switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party.  "We are wanting to emphasize the momentum we established in 2006, by welcoming these office holders as new Democrats," said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats. "The clear trend in Dallas County is toward the Democratic Party and that trend will continue in the 2008 elections."

In addition to the candidates on the agenda, other Democratic candidates are expected to attend as they often court grassroots support and gather signatures for places on the primary ballot at such events. The forum will take place on Tuesday, October 16th at the Irving Public Library Auditorium, at 801 W. Irving Blvd in Irving TX 75060. The forum starts at 7:00 PM and RSVP's can be made at http://democrat.meet... or by contacting George Chamberlain at 1-888-855-9112.

The 106th today

by: Mo

Sun Sep 23, 2007 at 01:36 PM CDT

I am president of the Grand Prairie Democrats. I've been talking with lots of our local Democrats in the 106th legislative district about the news of Kirk England switching to the Democratic party. If Katy Hubener decides to run again, I expect Kirk England will have a tough primary race. I have heard that Matt Angle (AKA "Lone Star Project") is backing Kirk England. I think Angle is one of those "consultants" who thought it was a good idea to run Christopher Combest for the 106th; a man with a hate crime in his past - not to mention that he had never lived in the district and still does not. See PDiddie's comment, "I'm happy about the switch" on the following BOR thread for another opinion of Angle. http://burntorangere...
At least he is supporting a better candidate this time, but I'm still not going to salute right away. Needless to say he neither lives in this district, nor does he seem to make any effort to actually consult with the Democratic club here when he comes up with these brilliant ideas. Maybe he should come visit us some time. I still have yet to meet him. :)

Some on Burnt Orange report have asked who will the Republicans run . . . I think a good guess would be a man named Edward Smith, Jr. If so, I have no doubt that he will get trounced in the general election by either Katy or Kirk, no matter how much money he wastes getting his ass whipped. I already have the first three campaign ads in mind that will sink him like a lead boat full of gold. The rest of you can google him if you want to figure out why, and he's the GOP's best hope.  Any more credible GOP candidate they could imagine putting up are already very good friends of Charles England's.  If they run as republican for anything it won't be the 106th. Mark my words, you heard it first here, on the Burnt Orange Report.

As for Kirk England's switch of parties, I'm very pleased with the news, in that it means we have another Democratic seat, whether or not Katy takes it from him. I do not doubt his genuine dislike for the Craddick regime; I also do not doubt that whomever the GOP runs will be a Craddick loyalist. For all these reasons, Kirk has effectively handed the Democrats this seat whether or not he will be that Democrat. I am deeply grateful to him for that, but that is not enough to necessarily get my vote, and I also know it was probably a no-brainer that he had to do this to politically survive. In the last election he became the first Republican in over 14 years to win the 106th with less than a majority.

Despite all the recent public bootlicking I've seen on BOR, I have yet to endorse anyone in the 106th race at this time. Of course it won't be a Republican. For one thing, on my only issue this last season, Kirk facilitated the voter suppression bills. On both of these bills I called, and emailed his office to ask him to oppose them. Secondly in his press conference, he stated that switching parties is not going to change the way he votes in the Legislature. I take him at his word, and so even if Kirk doesn't get a primary opponent, he still has a lot of convincing to do to get my vote in the general election. I expect there will be a Libertarian candidate, and perhaps I'll ask him/her how they would vote on those voter suppression issues.

See my other relevant comments on BOR:
http://burntorangere...
http://burntorangere...
http://burntorangere...
http://burntorangere...

Sheriff Lupe Valdez Speaks To Grand Prairie Supporters

by: Mo

Wed Aug 15, 2007 at 05:44 PM CDT

“In 2004, I won because I had supporters from across the County. As I prepare to win re-election in 2008, I am happy to visit my friends and supporters to discuss the successes of my first term,” said Sheriff Valdez.

The Sheriff’s presentation to the organization detailed the situation she inherited in the Dallas County Jail System and progress she and her staff have made in addressing it. She also discussed other areas of the Department that don’t receive as much press attention as the Jail.

“I was impressed with the improvement in medical and other basic services for the inmates, as well as the effectiveness of the DWI unit in securing convictions,” said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats.

Among Sheriff Valdez's accomplishments during her two years as Dallas County Sheriff:

• Sheriff Valdez has hired over 400 new detention officers for the Dallas County jail, and continues to work daily to address the systemic problems in the jail system left to her by her predecessors. During Sheriff Valdez's term, major progress has been made towards bringing the jail into compliance with all state and federal laws, after years of underfunding and neglect.

• Sheriff Valdez overhauled the jail commissary contracting system, canceling "sweatheart" contracts set up by her predecessor. The commissary contract now brings in $2 million a year and these funds are used to improve programs for inmates in the Dallas County Jail System, offSheriff Valdez led the development of a new Phase II of Dallas County's innovative traffic management plan. This plan allows Sheriff's deputies to patrol Dallas County highways, saving money and making aid available more quickly when drivers are injured or in danger. This new Phase II plan will extend service to almost all highway miles South of I-20 and will be fully implemented in 2008.

• Sheriff Valdez established a DNA and forensic training program to prepare Sheriff's Department deputies to help solve cold cases that had previously gone without investigation.

• Sheriff Valdez has worked with Parkland Hospital and other county agencies to dramatically improve the health care provided to inmates in the Dallas County Jail System.

• Sheriff Valdez has spearheaded dramatic improvements in jail maintenance and sanitation, addressing longstanding problems quickly and effectively.

• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the construction of the South Tower jail, a new jail system that will be organized and operated in a more modern way than the existing jail facilities.

• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the expansion and improvement of programs conducted by the Department, such as the Courtesey Patrol to aid stranded motorists and the County's DWI taskforce.

The Sheriff will continue to make appearances at Democratic clubs throughout the Fall, and will soon announce a slate of endorsements from prominent Democratic leaders.

“I’m proud of my accomplishments as Sheriff, and look forward to discussing my record with Dallas voters. We’ve come a long way in just two years, and together with my staff, the other Departments of County government and my friends in the Democratic Party, I’m going to complete the task the voters have given me,” said Sheriff Valdez.