The Henderson News (Henderson, Tex.), Vol. 89, No. 80, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 23, 2018 Page: 4 of 11
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OPINION
Two Texas Democrats
Sparky & Big Dog
*
The Henderson News
Ashton Griffin — Managing Editor
1
Big Dog (Dan Moore)
Publisher
Dan Moore — Editor & Publisher
publisher@thehendersonnews.com
DAVE
MCNEELY
Nancy Harris — Office Manager and
Bookkeeper
officemanager@thehendersonnews.com
“fireside chat” at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s
Association Committee of too meeting in Austin.
The Committee of too, or Cioo, is comprised
of association executives from across the country
that represent industries from energy to health
care. Twice a year, Cioo members meet to address
issues facing the business community. Abbott and
Cioo Chair Matt Shay discussed workforce devel-
opment and strategies that promote economic
success. “CEOs and business leaders continue to
invest in Texas because of our high quality work-
Tiffani Patterson — Marketing Executive
advertising@thehendersonnews.com
Lana Porter — Marketing Executive
marketing@thehendersonnews.com
Ed Sterling is Director of Member Services with Austin-
based Texas Press Association.
force and our commitment to
low taxes and reasonable regu-
lations,” said Abbott.
Survey reveals priori-
ties
Texas Land Commission-
er George P. Bush on Dec. n
announced the Texas General
Land Office results of a region-
al planning studies survey of
citizens, local officials, coun-
cils of government and river
authorities in communities
Governor Greg Abbott
PO Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711
(800) 843-5789
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert
2243 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
(866) 535-6302
State Rep. Travis Clardy
202 East Pilar RM 310
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
(936)560-3982
MEMBER
2018
U.S. Senator
John Cornyn
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510-5922
(202) 224-2934
(713) 572-3337 Houston
cornyn.senate.gov/public
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
B40B Dirksen
Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-5922
State Senator
Bryan Hughes
100 Independence
Place, Suite 301
Tyler, Texas 75703
(903) 581-1776
A t
DR. RAY
PERRYMAN
The Economist
HENDERSON NEWS
__Sunday, December 23, 2018 PAGE 4
Dave McNeely is a retired politi-
cal writer for the Austin American-
Statesman. He can be reached at
<davemcneelyiii@gmail.com> 512-
TA
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
“We’ve got a lot of work to
finish out and I am hopeful
Government
Access
President Donald Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
(202) 456-1414
comments@whitehouse.gov
Sparky
Columnist
Debra Odom — Classified Manager
Joy Slaymaker — Production Supervisor classifieds@thehendersonnews.com
composing@thehendersonnews.com
PO Box 30 — Henderson, Texas 75653 — 903-657-2501 — (Fax) 903-657-2452— www.thehendersonnews.com
The Henderson News is published on Wednesdays and Sundays in Henderson, Texas 75654. Each edition is entered as periodical mail with the Hen-
derson branch of the United States Postal Service (No. 239-960). By Postal Service regulations, all subscriptions must be paid for in advance of the first
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Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear n the columns of this
newspaper will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher.
The Henderson News welcomes letters from readers on any subject. However, letters should contain no more than 300 words and be signed by the
writer and include an address and phone number. Any material considered libelous or in poor taste, or letters of appreciation directed at commercial con-
cerns, at the discretion of the editor, will not be published. Letters can be sent to the The Henderson News, P.O. Box 30, Henderson, Texas 75653. Letters
can also be submitted via e-mail to <managingeditor@thehendersonnews.com>.
s
managingeditor@thehendersonnews.com Andrew Bumes — Sports Editor
sports@thehendersonnews.com
Jade Duncan — Circulation Supervisor
circulation@thehendersonnews.com
Sparky makes a big announcement Long-term
outlook for
continue to support me for as long as needed as
most of us millenials do. I want a year’s supply
of treats, some chew bones and toys.
Wow! Sparky! It sounds as if you are plan-
Texas’top lawyer cheers court ruling against Obamacare
ED
STERLING
AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
applauded a Dec. 14 Fort Worth federal district
court decision declaring unconstitutional the U.S.
Affordable Care Act, widely known as “Obam-
acare.”
Ten months ago, Paxton and Wisconsin Attor-
ney General Brad Schimel led a 20-state coalition
lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the
2010 health care law, arguing that Congress ren-
dered all of Obamacare unconstitutional by doing
away with the tax penalty in Obamacare’s indi-
vidual mandate when it enacted President Donald
Trump’s tax overhaul.
“Today’s ruling halts an unconstitutional exer- impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Participants in
tion of federal power over the American health- the survey indicated flood control and drainage
care system,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Our improvements are the top needs for their com-
lawsuit seeks to effectively repeal Obamacare, munities. Texas General Land Office will use the
which will give President Trump and Congress the results of the survey to determine which projects
opportunity to replace the failed social experiment would best address the concerns identified by local
with a plan that ensures Texans and all Americans input, Bush said. More information is available at
will again have greater choice about what health recovety.texas.gov.
coverage they need and who will be their doctor.”
TEA releases ratings
economy
The Texas
economy has
been among
the fastest
growing in
the nation for
a number of
years. With
more major
corporate relo-
cations and
expansions
than any other
state, Texas is expected to continue
to outperform most areas. Here is a
look at key patterns affecting per-
formance and a summary of my
latest long-term forecast.
The United States is currently
in the process of negotiating or
renegotiating several trade agree-
ments which are vitally important.
The fewer impediments to trade,
the better the Texas economy will
perform. About $1 of every $6 of
US trade is from Texas; the future
of trade and the future of Texas are
inextricably linked.
Long-term demographic trends
indicate that labor shortages will
remain an issue in the future. While
Texas is certainly not immune to
the overall trend, the state’s popu-
lation is significantly younger than
the nation as a whole and, over
time, this youth will provide an
edge in terms of worker availability.
The degree to which this workforce
is prepared with quality education-
al programs (from public school
through post-graduate) and needed
training will determine the extent
to which this advantage is realized.
Some of the most prolific oil pro-
ducing regions in the country are
in Texas, including the enormous
Permian Basin. Current estimates
indicate that recoverable reserves
are far larger than the amounts pro-
duced to date, and production will
likely expand rapidly in the near
future. Billions are being invest-
ed in pipelines and infrastructure
ranging from natural gas liquefac-
tion trains to petrochemical plants
and port facilities. Energy indus-
tries will remain a driver of long-
term prosperity in the state.
The Perryman Group’s long-
term forecast for the Texas econo-
my indicates growth in real gross
product at a 3.21 percent annual
pace, leading to an increase from
almost $1.7 trillion in 2017 to over
$4.0 trillion in 2045. Approxi-
mately 7.2 million net new jobs
will be generated over the period, a
1.62 percent annual rate of increase
which leads to a 2045 total level of
employment of 19.8 million.
The largest numbers of net new
jobs are projected to be generated
within the services and wholesale
and retail trade segments, with
strong hiring also expected in min-
ing. Real gross product (output)
expansion will likely be concen-
trated in services, manufacturing,
and mining.
The Texas economy is well posi-
tioned for healthy expansion over
an extended time horizon. Business
cycles are inevitable and the state is
facing challenges such as the need
for additional infrastructure, water,
safety net, and education invest-
ment. Nonetheless, Texas is likely
to remain among the strongest
states for job creation and econom-
ic growth for the foreseeable future.
If we make enlightened policy deci-
sions, it can be even better.
Dr. Ray Perryman is President
and CEO of The Perryman Group,
an economic research and analy-
sisfirm based in Waco, Texas
running for president?
1 It could at least for the time being-he’s
be two Tex- a free agent again.
ans run- O’Rourke’s incessant, live-
ning for the on-Facebook grassroots cam-
Democratic paign, to all 254 Texas coun-
presidential ties, struck such a nation-wide
nomination nerve that it brought in more
in 2020. than $80 million from small
Former donors. Despite his narrow loss
San Anto- in Red-state Texas, fans here
nio Mayor and around the country are
Jul . an urging him to run for president.
And he may.
A recent CNN poll had him
Bark! Bark! Well readers it
is with much sadness that I
announce this will be my last
column with Big Dog. I have
decided to pursue other inter-
est.
That’s right readers, I tried
to talk him out of it but when
the Sparky makes up his mind
there is no changing it. After all
he is a millennial.
Sparky celebrated his fourth
birthday this month so please
join me in wishing him a
Happy Birthday.
Yap! Yap! That’s right I am
now 28 years old in human years. As with all ning to move to another city.
millennials it’s time for me to step out on my Bark! Bark! Are you crazy? I’m not going
own and pursue my career. I’m not sure what anywhere. I’ve got it made here. I want to quit
that is yet but I will know it when I see it. writing so I can take this year off and look at my
Good luck Sparky in your new endeavors, options. I may even take early retirement.
You know that you’re always welcome to write I know that we will miss Sparky’s opinion-
with me in the future. ated words of wisdom each month. He will
Bow! Wow! Thanks Big Dog. I also want definitely be missed.
to thank you for my birthday present. There’s Well it’s almost Christmas and we hope that
nothing like getting a box of treats and a chew each of you will reach out to someone that may
bone. But if I may I would like to express my be in need this season and help out with food,
displeasure for all of us who celebrate our toys for the kids and even money. Every year
birthdays in December. We get the short end Ann and I always help a needy family. We chose
of the stick. a cancer victim this year. To us Christmas is
How’s that Sparky? about giving not receiving.
Grr! Grr! Everyone knows we would get I encourage you to continue contributing to
more presents if our birthday were in another the Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive. They do a
month. Instead our presents are split between great service for our community. I know when
our birthdays and Christmas. So, I want to give our staff donated an entire day recently it was a
you my Christmas list now since I have already real blessing for us as well as for those who will
received my birthday presents. benefit from everyone’s donations.
I want a tablet so that I can keep up with So, Sparky and I wish you a Merry Christmas
The Henderson News online. I will need you to and a Happy New Year.
Dan Moore is editor and publisher of The Henderson
News. His e-mail address is <publisher@thehenderson-
news.com>.
© 2018, Henderson Newspapers Inc.
Letter to the Editor
TO THE EDITOR: town, much less the local mall.
Another Christmas season When they leave their house
has once again rolled around they can’t even drive down
and the holiday spirit is cookin,’ their street without the lights
big time. and sounds everywhere. Imag-
Every year about now the ine the poor soul when he sees
world turns to music and the nativity scene in his neigh-
color and good cheer. Christ- bor’syard.
mas bells are ringing. Church And then there’s the mag-
choirs are singing and Santa nificent Christmas music and
Claus is coming to town. Then, songs that they can’t escape,
a question sneaks into my con- On the radio, on the TV and in
science. With all the Christmas every store and public place,
excitement and celebration I But what must be most dis-
can’t help but wonder...how tressing of all, anyone and
in the world can non-believers everyone they meet has a
avoid it all? smile and a wish for a merry
How can someone deny Christmas! It has to rattle their
there is a God? How can some- bones. They must feel trapped
one not believe in Jesus Christ in a twilight zone from which
or His birth? How do you they non-believers cannot escape. It
get through this season with- serves them right, but really, I
out being struck by all that sur- think they should be pitied,
rounds them? We who are believers
There’s no place they can go understand the “reason for
and avoid the wonderful spir- the season,” which is Jesus
it that is evident on people’s Christ and his birth. This act
faces, especially the children, speaks of such love and grace
The sights and the sounds are that all we can do is whisper
everywhere. As the atheists or softly, “Thank you, Lord, for
agnostics, or whatever they call this unspeakable gift.” Merry
themselves go out in public Christmas to all!
they must, at the very least, be Rand Cates
terribly uncomfortable. They 3975 Texas Highway 64
can’t get away from it down- Henderson, Texas
Castro
announced Dec. 12 that he’s
setting up an exploratory com- in third place for the Demo-
mittee, to lay the groundwork cratic nomination, at 9 percent
for a potential presidential run. - behind former Vice President
Castro, 44, who was former Joe Biden and Vermont U.S.
President Barack Obama’s sec- Sen. Bernie Sanders.
retary of Housing and Urban During recent town hall
Development from July of 2014 meetings Dec. 14 in El Paso, as
until Obama left office in early he closes out his third two-year
2017, said he’ll announce Jan. term in office, O’Rourke said
12 whether he’ll actually run. that he hasn’t yet decided what
Castro’s twin brother Joa- he’ll do. A couple of weeks after
quin, a congressman from the election, O’Rourke told an
San Antonio, was unequivocal El Paso crowd that he and his
about his sibling’s intentions. wife Amy had “made a decision
“I’ll speak on his behalf not to rule anything out.”
here,” Joaquin Castro told “The O’Rourke, whose con-
Late Show” host Steven Col- gressional term ends Jan. 3,
bert, during a joint interview explained his hesitation about
Dec. 13 with Julian. any immediate declaration.
“He’s gonna run for presi- “I thought I would have a
dent. How about that?” level of clarity or an epiphany at
Both Castro brothers had this point,” O’Rourke said,
resisted invitations to run for
senate or governor in 2018.
Joaquin ran for re-election in that, after that, spending some
his safe congressional district, time with family, I’ll know what
Julian Castro even took off I can best do for — first and
the time to carry out one of foremost my family — and then
the semi-prerequisites for run- the country.”
ning for president - writing a Both O’Rourke and Julian
book. His is called “An Unlikely Castro have demonstrated
Journey: Waking Up from My respect for each other.
American Dream.” O’Rourke lauded Castro’s
But El Paso U.S. Rep. service to Texas and the coun-
Beto O’Rourke, 46, answered try and said he was proud of the
his own call, and ran against former mayor. Castro, for his
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted part, even attended O’Rourke’s
Cruz. O’Rourke ran far ahead election-night party in El Paso,
of expectations in Red-State Regardless of who challeng-
Texas, but lost to Cruz Nov. 6 es Trump in 2020, O’Rourke
by 2.56 percent. said the election will be “the
O’Rourke had said that if mother of all tests for this
he was elected to the senate, democracy.”
he would serve the full six-year
term, rather than run for presi-
dent, as Cruz had in 2015 and
2016. But now that the Senate
door has been closed to him - 458-2963.
TxDOT receives grant
The Texas Department of Transportation on
The Texas Education Agency on Dec. 12 Dec. 6 was awarded $50 million in federal grants
released its final 2018 state academic accountabil- to pay for critical improvements needed to address
ity ratings for 1,200 school districts and charters safety and connectivity in the booming Permian
and more than 8,700 campuses. Basin. Through its Better Utilizing Investments to
Preliminary state accountability ratings were Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation
announced by TEA in August. The final ratings grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation is
include results of an appeals process that provides helping pave the way for Texans and the rest of
districts and charters an opportunity to contest the nation to have safe and improved access to oil
preliminary ratings. The Texas Education Agen- and gas.
cy received 172 school district and campus-level “Investments in our state’s roads and highways
appeals in 2018, compared to 66 in 2017. are an essential part of ensuring that Texas contin-
The ratings are available at www.tea.texas.gov. ues to grow and prosper,” said Gov. Abbott.
Revenue is distributed DPS starts social media
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Dec. 12 The Texas Department of Public Safety on
announced he would send cities, counties, transit Dec. 11 announced the launch of new social media
systems and special purpose taxing districts some accounts for the Texas Highway Patrol.
$761 million in local sales tax allocations for the The expanded social media network com-
month of December. The amount is 9.5 percent plements existing connections the department
more than the amount reported by the Office of already has with communities on topics related to
the Comptroller in December 2017. Allocations are the highway patrol. DPS Director Steven McCraw
based on sales made in October by businesses that said, “We are pleased to announce that now you
report tax monthly. will also see the Texas Highway Patrol on its own
Abbott, Chamber chat social media channels, where you can follow along
Gov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 10 participated in a and connect with this dedicated group of men and
women proudly serving and protecting our state.”
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Moore, Dan & Griffin, Ashton. The Henderson News (Henderson, Tex.), Vol. 89, No. 80, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 23, 2018, newspaper, December 23, 2018; Henderson, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1236672/m1/4/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Rusk County Library.