Vote Raymond Johnson for Precinct 2 Commissioner (and against Proposition A)

A typical example of government efficiency in public works

By LOU ANTONELLI
Editor-in Chief

Early voting started today (Monday) in Titus County, and perhaps more prominent than the various elections for specific offices is Proposition A, which seeks to repeal the Unit Road System approved by voters two years ago.

Old timers disappointed in the efficiency of the new system want to roll it back so they can profit as usual from patronage jobs and sweetheart deals. While it is doubtful many people are stupid enough not to see it for the naked power grab that it is, even some people who know it’s a bad idea are willing to support it because they hope to cram themselves a seat on the gravy train.

Mount Pleasant and Titus County will become a laughing stock in Texas if it takes such a backwards step. Your taxes will continue to rise needlessly as the pork barrel is well-stocked at the public’s expense. Tax funds will be used to pay for unneeded jobs and redundant equipment purchases.

All commissioners except Al Riddle opposed the Unit Road System when it was on the ballot in 2016. Instead of feeling chastised by the voters, the Ol’ Boys have plotted and schemed like the most subversive conspirators possible to take back their comfortable little personal rackets.

As Al Burkhalter pointed out in a previous article, they should have reduced their salaries because under the new system they are now political representatives and not public works czars. They really only work part-time.  Again, Al Riddle was the only commissioner who stood up for taxpayers and fiscal responsibility. When he proposed they cut their own pay, they all looked at him like they had all gone suddenly deaf and dumb.

One candidate for county commissioner is a classic example of an old-timer who feels that because their family got here first and have been here such a long time they own the county and can do what they like with its jobs and tax money. Apparently he feels a rolling back the Unit Road System will allow him to take office and then set up his own cronies with county jobs.

It’s a good scam to run, if you have no shame and can get away with it. Don’t be fooled. Behind a cheesy smile and cheerful demeanor lies the worst in small town politics.

Mike Fields has held the Precinct 2 Commissioner seat since he was elected in 1986. He is the last Democrat on the commissioners’ court, a holdout as the county and Texas as a whole have turned heavily Republican in the past 20 years. His decision to retire after so many years of distinguished service opens up a seat in this election.

We urge Titus County voters, in addition to voting against the Proposition A scam, to elect Raymond Johnson to the seat and keep the two-party system alive. He’s not a Good Ol’ Boy and he will be his own man. His opponent will bring nothing to the job except business as usual, which is bad for business as well as the taxpayer’s pocketbooks.

Think before you vote, and don’t be swept along by social pressure, personal ties of friendship, or gossip and hatefulness. Do what is best for ALL citizens of Titus County, and you will be pleasantly surprised to see that you will also come out ahead in the end.