Independent Texans is part of the growing movement across the state called “Triple R – Rout Rick’s Route, aka the Trans-Texas Corridor”. We helped bring out thousands of people to the recent hearings on the TTC-35 proposed Corridor. The papers, accurately, reported “widespread opposition”. Now, we’re helping the movement organize followup meetings in each area, to get the real answers to their questions about the Corridor from CorridorWatch.org founder, David Stall. Our contribution to the meeting is to talk about why Carole Keeton “Grandma” Strayhorn is the answer in November!
Today we received complaints from two active Democrats in Colin County who were upset that we might be turning the Corridor fight in to an “opportunity” for Carole, by holding follow up meetings in the towns where the 54 hearings were held. Guess the Dems still don’t get that they’re supposed to be wooing us indies! Instead, they insult Carole for “changing parties as much as she changes her name.” Nasty! Here’s our response to these partisan Democrats:
“Independent Texans, the San Antonio Toll Party, the Blackland Coalition and Citizens for a Better Waller County — some of the leading anti-Corridor groups, have endorsed Mrs. Strayhorn. It wasn’t even a contest. This came on the heals of working with her for over two years on these issues. We have tested her well and she has gotten straight A’s. She has stated quite publicly, her commitment to opening up the secret contract with CINTRA signed by Perry over 16 months ago. She has stated, also quite publicly, that she will refuse to sign a full development agreement with CINTRA. What’s more, she, as Comptroller, did a review of the new layer of government implemented by HB 3588 (the same legislation that implemented the Corridor) — the Regional Mobility Authority, or, in plain language the Toll Authority. She helped expose their special interest conflicts, lack of accountability (they are unelected), their self-enrichment schemes and even demanded that several CTRMA members step down.
We at Independent Texans think Carole’s experience in both parties well prepares her to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and, even more important, to help cure the state’s partisan ills created by two entrenched political parties. This includes what is most important to independent voters — cleaning up and opening up elections. If we had more competitive elections, it would be more difficult to shove special interest boondoggles like the Corridor, down everyone’s (regardless of our party!) throats. That the Corridor is, by far, the largest boondoggle in the state’s history, tells us how critical the call for political reform is. You can learn more about our “Fair Elections For Every Texan” reform package (I&R, a non-partisan redistricting commission, and fair ballot access for independents) that Carole is supporting in our “Endorsement” section of our web site listed below.
As for Kinky and Bell. They both spoke at the Blackland Coalition meeting last April, as did Carole. Blackland is a vibrant organization of blackland farmers who are fighting to hold on to their land and to stop the Corridor. You can watch the video of all their talks and decide for yourself (in the “Multi-Media” section of our web site, on the bottom). But, it was clear to those in attendance that neither Kinky nor Bell had a grasp of the issue, and now that it’s become a major issue in this campaign, they and others are rushing to declare their opposition. That’s great — but you have do to more than state your opposition. Bell’s position is, for us, also very problematic. He says he wants to “take it back to the legislature”. Problem is, that’s where the problem started! How about taking it back to the people? How about refusing to sign a full development agreement with CINTRA? How about coming out against the RMA’s, or at least telling those who have conflicts of interests, to step down? How ’bout at least showing up at one of the hearings? Kinky nor Bell have done any of these things. Carole has done them all.
It’s become apparent to many that, due to the fact that there is no runoff in November, it would behoove the people of Texas to unite behind one candidate to remove Rick Perry. Let’s get real. Carole is the only candidate who has a shot of defeating Perry. That is why every Democrat I know is voting for her. If we do what you suggest, we run the risk of a Perry reelection and no one — not even your party — wins.
Independent Texans is made up of independents and split ticket voters seeking recognition for the growing 35% plurality of people who do not identify with a political party. We hope you will respect our right to support whomever we so choose. If you want to join our cause — we welcome you with open arms. If not, we respect your right to do the same — at your own meeting. Independently yours, Linda Curtis, founder, Independent Texans
UPDATE: Agnes Voges of the Blackland Coalition just sent me a message to remind me that the Blackland Coalition is not made up of only blackland farmers, but other folks in suburban and urban settings.