Reader Responses

If you are wondering why someone who does not live in Smith County and cannot vote in the Nov. 6 jail bond election is concerned, I will tell you.

This is something very close to me because it affects members of my family. My daughter works for the constable in Lindale, another daughter works for the fire marshal in Emergency Management in the old Carlton Hotel and my son-in-law works for the sheriff's department.

It was my pleasure to work our Van Zandt County bond election several years ago for our Justice Center with our previous sheriff. Last year I worked on the bond election for Van Independent School District. I am pleased to say both passed.

As an elected official of the state of Texas and as an advocate for the seniors of Texas and speaker of the house for the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, I travel Texas and work with all elected officials. The past seven years I have worked a full-time job in Smith County to support by "habit" as a volunteer for citizens of East Texas. Also, I retired from AT&T in Smith County in 1984.

Sheriff J.B. Smith has served Smith County many years along with other elected officials and employees of the county to make this a safer place to live and raise a family. Show your support to them!

What an asset this would be to the great city of Tyler, the "Senior Capital of Texas." Please cast your vote Yes Nov. 6, 2007 for the bond election.

Charlotte Parks
Ben Wheeler