Getting votes isn’t stealing

I don’t live in Texas House District 2, so I didn’t vote in Tuesday’s special election. But I noticed Brent Money’s statement after his defeat. It is troubling on many levels. He said HD-2 is a conservative district, “deserves” a certain kind of representative, and that Jill Dutton “turned out over 1,000 Democrats to steal this seat.”

Turning out people to vote in a general election is not stealing it. Democrats get to vote? What an outrage! A district deserves a representative who earns the votes of its residents — Republican, Democrat, independent, whatever. Mr. Money didn’t.

His statement is troubling because Money makes clear that he will not listen to, or represent, anyone with whom he disagrees. He has decided that HD-2 deserves a certain kind of representative, and nobody who disagrees with him counts.

Our state government is now saddled with people who refuse to listen to others or compromise. And we are suffering because of that. I don’t know much about Jill Dutton, but if she is willing to listen to and try to represent all her constituents, not just those who always agree with her, she will be a step in the right direction. Certainly, a better choice than Mr. Money.

Dan Callahan, Dallas/Lakewood

Keep Dallas GOP leader

I‘ve been a Dallas resident since 1963 and have seen local Republican Party chairs come and go. However, I have never seen one as knowledgeable, focused, effective and competent as the current chairwoman, Jennifer Stoddard-Hadju.

In the short time she has served as chairwoman, the Dallas County Republican Party’s finances have been repaired, exciting candidates and precinct chairs recruited, ballot security initiatives launched (including trained GOP poll watchers in every precinct) and the party office was rebuilt with a mix of dedicated professionals and volunteers.

There is an excitement at the party level that we have not seen in years, maybe decades. Stoddard-Hadju may be the best chairwoman we have had since the 1980s.

Her opponent for chairperson is a good American and a former member of Congress, but he does not have the organizational or financial skills to do what Stoddard-Hadju has already accomplished. We must have a competent chairwoman as this election will be the most decisive election of our time. We must have a competent bridge-builder at the helm to keep this great momentum going.

I urge all Republicans to support Stoddard-Hadju for reelection as GOP chair.

Steve J. Cotton, Dallas

Just the news, please

Re: “Just the facts, y’all,” by Ken Kelley, Tuesday letters.

In his letter, Kelley expresses unhappiness with the erosion of unbiased reporting in the media and the subsequent loss of public trust. Yeah, me too!

That the news media has taken a turn to the left is obvious; radio, television and print (including The Dallas Morning News) are all skewing to the left. This is reflected in what stories are selected and how they are written, what photos are selected and even what letters are selected for print.

Advocacy belongs on the opinion page. While I enjoy seeing differing views, the news should be presented straight with no coloring.

J. Franklin Marr, Denton

Judges must be impartial

Four most important characteristics of a judge (trial court or appellate) are: impartiality, experience, judicial temperament and integrity.

I’d like to focus on impartiality. According to Merriam-Webster, it means “not partial or biased: treating or affecting all equally.” Simply, litigants’ rights should be adjudicated on the basis of the facts and law applicable to their unique circumstances, without distortion by the judge’s preconceived personal beliefs.

A litigant over the Second Amendment cannot expect a fair hearing and decision from a candidate for judge whose campaign literature states, “I support the Second Amendment and the industries that support and champion 2A rights.”

Such flaunting of partiality in a judicial campaign solicitation insults and mocks justice. Equally offensive is a judge appointment expressly to overrule a particular decision, e.g, abortion. Unfit for judicial office.

Gordon Appleman, Fort Worth

Keep signs, focus elsewhere

Re: “Quirky traffic signs could be driven out,” Tuesday Metro & Business story.

“Drive to arrive.” I like the quirky and pointed traffic signs that get your attention. The Federal Highway Administration should concentrate on more useful things like securing the southern border.

Don Skaggs, Garland

Be proud, Sherman High

The cast and all who were involved in the Sherman High School production of Oklahoma can be proud of their work. Audiences both in the auditorium and watching it live-streamed were well entertained. Even some on Broadway watched this well-done production.

A broader issue is that those who tried to stop this musical production because of transgender phobia managed to get it national attention and a broader audience. Many who might not have attended a high school play were drawn by the controversy. There is a lesson there somewhere.

Well done to all those involved. You made Sherman proud.

Phyllis Vaughn, Sherman

Mavs need muscle

When will Mark Cuban and Mavericks management learn that the Mavericks will never win a championship without a big muscle man to protect the paint. I have been a Dallas Mavericks fan since I moved to Dallas in 1972. I record every game, (can’t afford the high price of tickets and parking), and my wife and I never miss a game. I’m a fan of Cuban and all the Maverick players.

Since Tyson Chandler, the Mavericks have never had a rim protector. Dereck Lively is doing a good job but he doesn’t have the muscle to compete with other big men. The closest we have now is Grant Williams — he defends well and does not back down to any player. We have two defenders, Williams and Josh Green, and that’s just not enough.

No muscle man, no championship.

Wallace Murrell, Rowlett

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