Why would a candidate feel the need to add "proven fiscal conservative" to his campaign signs after they've been up for a week or two?

Because said candidate was not awarded the "Certified Fiscal Conservative Badge" that can only be awarded by a certain former Mayor, apparently.

I checked the Secretary of State's (SOS)website and found 4 businesses of Stephanie Sparkman's that are designated as "forfeited existence" which can mean anything from not filing final paperwork letting the SOS know that you do not plan to continue the business, all the way to failing to pay franchise taxes. I think Mrs. Sparkman can clear those accusations up fairly easily...as long as it is not bankruptcy for each of them! By the way the four business names under the spotlight are:
DIAMOND S SAFETY SERVICES, INC.
STRICTLY BUSINESS, INC.
NEXT MILLION ENTERPRISES, INC.
The Little House of Light

To be "fair and balanced" she also has 3 businesses listed as still in existence...they are:
The Sparkman Group
West Texas Energy Technology Initiative
Christmas for Our Troops, Inc.

All of this nonsense about "failed businesses" and so forth is just mud slinging. Perry and his goons can't find anything on Sparkman to make up for his self-dealing and double talk, so they're trying to change the subject. In all his years as a businessman, you don't think Perry has ever had a business close up shop? That's all this "forfeited existence" nonsense means.

When there's no defense for your actions in using your position on the City Council to increase your profits -- even if you are going to "give them to charity" (snicker) -- and no defense for poor financial management, overtaxing the populace, and handing out sweetheart deals to former employees to keep them quiet, you have to try and change the subject. I hope the voters are smart enough not to fall for it.

I'm glad at least Captain Watchdog knows something about running a business - and, like TCNC, I believe Midland voters are smarter than what my opponent apparently believes.

I will go on record here as stating that none of the four spotlighted businesses are bankrupt. The three I was involved with beyond the organizational stage paid all franchise taxes owed and stopped doing business as viable organizations. It was our understanding, after speaking to the SOS when dissovling several of them, that everything that needed to be done to dissolve these businesses had been done. Evidently the SOS doesn't agree - and I will certainly find out why. After I do, I will let you know.

The fourth, "The Little House of Light," was a school for autistic children I helped organize after no one else would help the mother who was trying to get it established. I'm not sure whatever came of it, but it was organized properly.

While I like her candy, I have to wonder about Mrs. Hall's business accumen. I find it interesting that instead of challenging me on any of this at a time when I could respond, she waited until I couldn't respond (in a public forum) to level the accusations.

This is an attempt to make it seem that I can't run a business and would be unable to run the city and the truth is there's a lot in my past that shows I can run a business - ETI being one of the greatest success stories.

This election is about these issues: Transperancy in Government, fiscal responsibility, and the fact that Midland taxpayers are being overtaxed, each of which are exemplilfied by the Menchaca and Urby debacles/payoffs.

I have consistently said that I am open to discussing any questions Midlanders have about me or my platform. If you have any questions about any issues you would like to address, please ask them. I appreciate an open forum where I can respond to questions and/or accusations. My entire aim, here, is to provide transparency in government and it all starts now.
ss

Tiberius...I believe you are contradicting yourself; no offense. The only person mudslinging here is YOU!!!! Stephanie and her campaign (I am not going to use the word goons because we are all Midlanders here and I dont think that is right)have harped on the fact that Wes is taking an interest downtown..THANK YOU WES! I appreciate someone has. If you care to take a look at the Secratary of States website you will see that Wes has no forefeited businesses just to clear that up. I have done my research and I think you should as well before posting these comments.

There is no overtaxing going on...the people of Midland asked for better protection form fire and police; those services cost money. If we truly want to reduce taxes we will have to cut costs in our city...whether that be cut costs for streets, fire, police, etc. Personally, I like the fact we have more police on the streets to protect us, but I cannot speak for everyone.

I think that is a slap in the face to say "I hope the voters are smart enough not to fall for it". If you keep posting false information you are doing them a disservice. Quit the mudslinging and lets get the TRUE FACTS out there and let the citizens of Midland make a well informed decision about who they want to vote for.

Out of the four businesses which ones did you file for bankruptcy? Was it Capter 11 or 7?

Very few entrepreneurs can boast the claim of no failed or reorganized businesses over a 20 to 30 year period. Risky, it is. This is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. If this is the criteria by which we choose our city leaders, we're in for much more trouble than we've already gotten.

A.M. Midlander -

Sales taxes are going up in double digit percentage. I doubt our fire and police are getting that much in raises. They sure aren't spending the money on fixing the streets - unless you call pouring gravel on the street "fixing" them.

Others have purchased properties downtown and the city failed to come through with promised downtown revitalization. I find it funny that revitalization began AFTER TCTB purchased some of those buildings from these disgruntled owners.

BTW - Perry and Dufford are part owners in TCTB (Dufford through and affiation with AMEN Properties which is majority holder in TCTB).

One group wanted to develop lofts or apartments in a downtown bldg they recently purchased. They asked for help from the city or MDC to make that happen (which I don't agree with). I don't think anything has happened there.

Is it another coincidence that TCTB (Perry, Dufford, AMEN, et al) are also planning to develop lofts/apartments downtown? Keep out the competition by denying them financial assistance to fix up their downtown bldg....

What is the difference between Ch. 7 and Ch. 11? Don't you owe creditors in both cases? How many people were left holding the bag?

I have to chuckle at A.M. Midlander's comments.

Why is it that everytime somebody brings up taxes and the high rate of such, another person brings up the tired old mantra of paying for the safety of the community.

If you want safer streets, you have to pay higher taxes for police and fire protection, they say. I say Male Bovine Excrement.

Stop spending money on frivilous things and spend it on things that the city is supposed to provide. It galls me to no end when pro-tax folks bring up the spectre of cutting police and fire departments because the taxes are too low.

Look around you, Midland. We all see it. City workers standing around, driving around, etc. Does the city truly need a spokesperson? Can't a department head do just as good a job? There are plenty of things to be cut out of budgets; we do it all the time.

Live within your means. It's high time that we as citizens and taxpayers demand that our elected officials do what we have to daily.

Thank you Stephanie Sparkman for bringing up responsibility in government. Far too many political candidates today ignore that.

Being entrepreneurial is risky, no doubt. The pattern of failing businesses is my biggest concern. It would be reckless of me to trust our city in the hands of someone who has such a record without asking for the reasons behind it.

Concerned:

Ms. Sparkman answered the why in another post. As I have already stated, just because somebody was in on a startup venture does not mean they has anything to do with it when the venture shut down.

A.M. Midlander:

With all due respect, I am not contradicting myself in the least. You seem to be confusing the issue of holding investments in property downtown -- for which I have only praise for Perry -- with the separate but related issues of self-dealing and conflicts of interest.

Perry has said on more than one occasion that, because of his business holdings downtown, he abstains from voting on downtown issues -- go back and watch the first debate for an example of this. The truth, however, is that he voted "yeah" on the resolution authorizing the $3.3MM Wall Street revitalization, which directly benefited him and his partners. As for the claim that he owns an interest in 55% of the properties located on that stretch of Wall Street, click here for a map -- linked on his website -- that shows, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he does.

Now, if voting to appropriate $3.3MM of tax payer money to "revitalize" a street on which you own an interest in a large percentage of property isn't a conflict of interest, what is? On top of that, the City has forgiven over $50,000 in landfill fees related directly to the demolition of buildings in which Perry owns an interest. Need more? While Perry was sitting on the Council, the MDC gave $210,000 in forgivable loans to W Power and Light, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of AMEN Properties, Inc., which is the majority owner of TCTB . . . and we all know who TCTB is. Again, if these aren't conflicts of interest, give me an example of what would be, please.

As far as over-taxation is concerned, I would refer you back to the post on this website entitled "Money in the Bank" and ask that you familiarize yourself with those issues before engaging in further discussions. If the City is maintaining a $107MM discretionary fund, why is it that my check for property taxes goes up every single year? If we are not being overtaxed, why is it that the City's income from property taxes goes up every single year at a rate that far exceeds the increases in budget associated with continuing to provide City services? Where is the additional income going? Why are we being asked to pay additional fees to re-work the drainage system (for seemingly the thousandth time) when the city is sitting on a huge slush fund?

I have provided sources for my statements, which you are more than welcome to review. If, after reviewing the facts, you would like to return and discuss these issues further, please do not hesitate to do so. I would like to ensure that the information gets out there and that everyone has the opportunity to peek behind the curtain at what's really going on. If you are so interested in "failed business" -- and I share your interest, by the way -- maybe you should take a closer look at the business dealings of BOTH candidates instead of taking the word of a candy maker as the sole and only gospel on who did what.

Concerned -

Sparkman explained this already. You ought to read the post above. If you don't have proof of the businesses actually failing then you need to find something else. As Captain Watchdog pointed out "forfeited existence" doesn't necessarily mean the business failed or is bankrupt.

As for helping a young mother start a school for autistic children, that is commendable. That poor mom was trying to help small children and Stephanie stepped up to help her.

Being an oil community, I bet some people here have drilled a dry hole. Does that make them a poor oilman? Should we never invest in any other wells? Should we sell our stock in any oil company that has ever drilled a dry hole? Should we never trust them again?

How do you suggest we cut taxes...I have not heard how Stephanie plans to cut taxes; she just says that taxes will be cut. I WANT TO KNOW HOW????? Everyone wants lower taxes thats a given, but I want to know how. Wes has provided an answer not so for Stephanie.

I think we need to look at leadership...Wes has proven himself to be a great leader again and again.

I didn't say the City had a $107 Million dollar discretionary fund. I said the City had $107 Million Dollars in Cash and Investments. Much of that $107 Million is required reserves on existing debt, operating reserves, etc.

By policy the City is only sitting on an extra $10.5 Million. My suggestion is that by turning some portion of the remainaing $100 Million or so towards debt retirement and using the $10.5 million for projects which may require ongoing fees would be beneficial in the long run. I am not expecting any significant reduction in taxes in the short term with these actions....but at least I'm not getting any more fees and we are closer to being able to relieve our property taxes due to debt.

I hope everyone had the chance to read the story about the debate last night in the MRT: Third Mayoral Debate. Some interesting things came out last night, and I'm willing to bet that many of you are as in the dark about them as I was.

Did you know . . . that former Chief of Police Urby was given a sweetheart deal similar to that of Rick Menchaca? I sure didn't! The paper says that Urby will be paid a base salary of $111,000 and $650 per month vehicle allowance through January! On top of that, he is accruing vacation, holiday and sick time that for which he will be paid when the contract expires! Goodness, it seems as though not working for the City may be the best job in Midland!

Maybe, just maybe, this kind of nonsense is why our property taxes continue to rise. You want more of the same? More back-room deals and ham-fisted handouts to former employees? I sure don't, and I can't imagine why anyone who's paid for this mess with hard-earned tax dollars would!

"How do you suggest we cut taxes...I have not heard how Stephanie plans to cut taxes; she just says that taxes will be cut. I WANT TO KNOW HOW????? Everyone wants lower taxes thats a given, but I want to know how."

I don't think you understand what you're talking about. How do we cut taxes? By lowering the rate at which we are taxed. It's that simple. If the property tax rate is too high, resulting in additional income to the City above-and-beyond what is necessary to continue providing City services, you cut the rate. Period.

Just out of curiosity, hod did you think it's done? And what has been Perry's answer? As far as I know, he has said and continues to say that he wouldn't cut taxes.

A.M. Midlander -

You should have put down the Kool-aid and watched the debates.

Perry's answer to cutting taxes is - HE ISN'T. He is not going to cut taxes. WE will continue to pay more and more.

Sparkman said she will cut taxes by reducing the property tax rate that will compensate for rising property valuations (the effective tax rate).

The council has given token rate reductions that don't offset the increased property valuations.

Sales tax is increasing at a double digit rate. That is bringing in more money for the city to spend. That is the idea behind increasing our sales tax. Our property taxes should go down as sales taxes go up.

Really now, does it really matter who wins? Each want good for the community. Each will face the same city staff telling them the same things as the current council and each will have a populace willing to spend someone else's money on everyones pet projects. Each will find the mayors seat to actually be a pretty unimportant one.

Big talk, but I don't expect much change. You have to sway the council, the power is in the majority that moves in a consistent direction, and the mayor isn't much more than a glorified at-large council member.

I would agree with you bob, with one exception this time around. Since Midland is a Strong Manager-Council, weak Mayor City, and we have no City Manager this election may have a little more swing than normal, since the Manager position is a hot topic in all these "debates."

Once the new council selects a Manager, the order of things as you have described will be restored.

Truly, Mayors of Cities like Midland go to Rah-Rah meetings and are the "Face of the City" while a simple majority of the Council, the Manager and the Staff run things.

Questions for Sparkman:

1. Given the above two posts, and the characterization of Midland as a Strong Manager/Weak Mayor city, what do you believe is the proper role of the mayor?

2. What factors do you think we should look for in our search for a new City Manager, and how will you go about finding and selecting a candidate that will meet those requirements?

3. Given your answers to those questions, what, specifically, in your background qualifies you to serve as Mayor, and what attributes do you believe set you apart from Perry in fulfilling the post?

Thanks for interacting with us in this way.

I have no earthly idea who dcm is but, he has no clue as to anything he is talking about. i own no ownership in downtown period. when someone with no clue puts it in writing doesnt make it any more true. for the record.

Welcome to the blogosphere.

Hello, Michael Troast must have a record of new and demised businesses in Midland but he has kept on keeping on , DAMMIT I respect that ! You can't say I am buddy - buddy with Michael but after he's been kicked in the teeth and can pick himself up...I would vote for the man if I were to live in his district ! I admire Stephanie because I'm old and she's hot, and because she will put her neck on the line in BOTH business and politics . MY WIFE feels the same way too, not that she's hot, of course , but that she's had the moxie to open businesses and to..Steph's OK..'Nuff said .

According to SEC filings for AMEN Properties, Scott Dufford sold interest in James M. Alexander & Company to AMEN Properties, for which he received cash and a note. First payment on the note was to begin 4/1/05. Final payment to be 5/31/09. Also there is reference to a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement with Scott Dufford.

AMEN Properties moved to Midland and now owns majority interest in TCTB. TCTB owns the downtown properties. Mr. Perry is also an owner in TCTB.

That would make Mr. Dufford an affiliate or in some way have an interest in the financial well-being of AMEN Properties.

As a side-note, AMEN also owns W-Power. According to a 2004 MRT article, the MDC gave W-Power a $210,000 forgiveable loan. According to another MRT article, W-Power only met half of the hiring requirements so they paid back $35,000. Don't know how that ties in to the $210,000 forgiveable loan but $35,000 is not half. I would be speculating but maybe they didn't fund the entire forgiveable loan.

To Everyone- Will you comment whether or not you like what our city has decided to do downtown? I would like to know your thoughts. Thanks.

Since we are in the mudpit I'll bring this up. My sources have told me that Berry Simpson works for EGL Resources. According to City of Midland website, Wes Perry is President of EGL Resources.

That would make Perry Simpson's boss.

I have been unable to find written evidence of this but have heard it from several un-related sources. Mr. Simpson has been tight-lipped on his current employer or if he does consulting work for EGL.

If Simpson says he does not work for EGL (or has not worked for them while on the Council with Mr. Perry), I appologize and will call myself Dan Rather from now on.

Maybe some of the knowledgeable people on Jessicas Well can find the information to prove or dispell this. I have been trying.

I have never been on a blog, my first time, and now I can see why I have never entered into one of these sites. This information that I am reading is False. I am in oil and gas and know the boys at EGL...Berry does not work for EGL. You wont see me here anymore...UNBELIEVABLE!!! All you are trying to do is ruin the names of two very well respected men in Midland. I cant believe it. for everyone else out there I hope you dont believe everything you read on this site.

Again, DCM has ALL his facts incorrect. The interest in Amen and subsequent note was all sold many years ago. Therefore, since I own no interest in AMEN and am not an affiliate of W Power or have any interest in its financial well being.

P.S. For the record, AMEN is not the largest owner of the Midland downtown real estate in question. Also, please get your facts correct before making outrageous accusations!

Mr. Dufford:

Care to comment on this? If DCM is incorrect, can you explain to us how you are or were connected to AMEN Properties, Inc., how AMEN Properties, Inc. and TCTB Partners, Ltd. are related, how W Power and Light, LP is related to these entities and what dealings you personally have with each of those entities? Please feel free to refer to this SEC filing and/or the filing above if it would make your answers more clear. Also, please confirm or deny the information about the City giving forgivable loans to W Power and Light, LP, and discuss your involvement with that. Any information you have relating to Mr. Perry's involvement with these entities and their dealings would likewise be appreciated.

Thank you.

i am not sure what else i need to comment on. my previous statements are very clear. as for mr. perry why dont you call him ---im sure he would be glad to tell you what he is doing downtown

I always thought Scott Dufford was one of the good guys.

DCM-I think I will take Mr. Dufford's word over yours; no offense and I hope none is taken.

"i am not sure what else i need to comment on."

The questions I asked would be a good place to start. You haven't answered any of them. You haven't commented at all.

I agree that Scott Dufford is one of the good guys, but it seems to me that he has been involved in these dealings and might be able to clear some of the questions up. As the links show, all of those entities are inter-related, and Dufford, along with Perry and others, are or were involved in them. It's not as if I made up the SEC filings that are linked.

As for A.M. Midlander -- you are welcome to take anyone's word over anyone else's, but you might want to hear what those words are before you start casting your lot with one or the other. I have no idea who DCM is, but I do know that the prudent thing to do when issues arise is to research them and come to conclusions. You don't seem to be interested in doing that. Since you've chosen to drop the earlier conversation, I can only assume your silence is an admission that you have nothing more to say.

Let's add some water to the mud pit..ok? First ..the character of Mr. Dufford , Mr . Perry , Ms.Sparkman et al are , to my knowledge , not in question . I have met a majority of the candidates and I believe there's NOT a crook amongst them (a hottie perhaps , but I've already addressed that issue ). The questions are this ! Will you lower MEANINGFULLY my taxes ? Will you STOP stupid spending? Clogging traffic on Wall to build larger sidewalks pedestrians are unable to get to is oximoronic . or so I feel . There is STILL no room for sidewalk cafes or any other business display. You spent good money to bring commerce to downtown Midland , but by clogging streets please tell me where you are going to route the traffic to to bring groceries to the stores needed to create these fancy residences downtown. Parking..ha ! Truck Traffic (you want retail don't you ?) HA ! Downtown Midland is screwed up as can be..If you think I'm wrong , BRING IT ON !!! PPPP or piss poor prior planning. I believe in the character or ALL candidates , This year "victims" may be a better choice of words (as I know many) . They are going to have to make up for the mistakes of others ! This would make for a great reality TV show on Fox . May God help us ALL ! My last words to the candidates as early voting has started , EXPLAIN , EXPLAIN , EXPLAIN !!!!!! And if it's STILL not clear , EXPLAIN some more !!!!!!

A M E N when i was an investor was a christian content web page borne out of the .com era. i was with a group of angel investors who tried to keep it going. the content was sold to a christian publishing company and all that were left was a shell with alot of NOLs. i owned a small interest in the banc of america blding and the western national bank bldg thru TCTB. when it became apparent that i would have my motives questioned about downtown issues i divested of evrything. i also needed the cash to buy drilling rigs. i thought they would be a better investment. after i divested AMEN used their NOLS to buy income producing properties to offset their huge NOLs from the .com era. i am suer you can get on the amen website and see all of their various holdings. when i say i own no property downtown i mean it. i think the drilling business is way more lucrative investment and i cant be accused of self dealing.

In all fairness to the city they haven't enraged me NEARLY as much as some other ( and more expensive) taxing authorities . Don't ask me about hospital or school taxes ! I could go on but will wait for an appropriate forum . My only reason for bringing this up is that the city taxes are not my REAL priority for a "tea party". Thank you, God Bless and goodnight .

Thank you Scott Dufford for tolerating some of our regular crop of commenters and several newbies. What you have said is clear and the fact that you anticipated and dealt with the possible future appearance of a conflict of interest regarding your downtown investments speaks well of your character. I, too, would agree that the drilling rig business (well run) has to be more profitable than owning a building anywhere. Got any rigs available this quarter?

(Note to readers: NOLs means net operating losses, the result of not making a lot of money (like none), but helpful to preserve in an entity for federal tax reasons.)

Thank you, Mr. Dufford.

That's the information I needed, and I appreciate your willingness to answer the questions. The last thing I want to do is get the facts wrong.

The issue of self-dealing and conflicts of interest is very troubling to me where politics and business meet, and I feel it is our obligation as taxpayers to oversee the kinds of things our leaders are doing with our money. Your anticipation of those issues shows that you understand the ethical considerations involved, and that is much appreciated - I would expect nothing less of a good Aggie. If only everyone understood how important it is to avoid even the appearance of conflicts, none of this would be a problem. Instead, we can't even get straight answers out of other politicians on these same issues.

Thanks again.

Thank you, Mr. Dufford.

That's the information I needed, and I appreciate your willingness to answer the questions. The last thing I want to do is get the facts wrong.

The issue of self-dealing and conflicts of interest is very troubling to me where politics and business meet, and I feel it is our obligation as taxpayers to oversee the kinds of things our leaders are doing with our money. Your anticipation of those issues shows that you understand the ethical considerations involved, and that is much appreciated - I would expect nothing less of a good Aggie. If only everyone understood how important it is to avoid even the appearance of conflicts, none of this would be a problem. Instead, we can't even get straight answers out of other politicians on these same issues.

Thanks again.

sometimes public and private spheres cross. Public officials must be cautious that they do not use their political power for special personal gain or advantage over their peers and competition, but it should not exclude one from serving as mayor, or owning property affected by some governmental action. This is much the same as accusing Dick Cheney of wanting a war with in Iraq so his Haliburton stock would go up. Maybe you believe that. But there are other viable reasons.

Otto is spot on. Which candidate will do the most to bring our taxes under control, the city's spending under control, and so on? Those are the most pressing questions.

If Stephanie is reading, I would like to know why you support this civil service proposal. The way I understand how it works, it will actually lessen the pool of candidates for police and fire jobs, due to age restrictions and such.

With the police department shorthanded as it is, do we really need to give them less folks to pick from?

To Wes Perry: Why are you so attached to the ED bribery scheme? Why can't you support lowering taxes?

Just wondering.

Breezing through the blogs and comments, I feel sorry for all of these folks�..it seems like the people really rely on this city/government for well being. I�m closer to 20 than 30, but I�ve quickly realized the only person watching out for me, is me.

I hear people talking about outrageous local taxes and spending; these matters are insignificant and almost trivial in the grand scheme of things. Would you like to talk about outrageous? Let�s talk about Uncle Sam putting almost 40% of my yearly income in his wallet!

I am not a native Midlander, but I feel blessed to be here. I moved here young, dumb, and fresh out of college with a lot of red on the balance sheet. I recognized that Midland was a place that rewarded hard work, and that the elevator to the top would probably be a much shorter ride. Businessmen here are eager to see young people succeed. I don�t know of anyplace else where a man can find so much opportunity while offering only willingness to work harder and smarter than the others around him.

I would hope that the citizens here recognize the fact that a mayor�s office, city council, or ETI don�t drive economic prosperity in this town. ~$87.00 oil drives economic development and prosperity in this town. The Mayor and City Council may steer things one direction or another, but in the end, businesses and people spend there money, how they want to, when they want to, where they want to.

I recognize that things do cost money, and some there are some things I don�t mind shelling out a little extra cash for - police and education being the most important. People whine about the Midland schools, but they are a whole lot better than the schools I attended. The public education system in this country is broken and our leaders are the ones who took it there�.but I�ll leave that for another post.

Not all, but most of the bloggers/commentors need to GROW UP�.quit playing the blame game�..kinda funny coming from a twenty something.

"I hear people talking about outrageous local taxes and spending; these matters are insignificant and almost trivial in the grand scheme of things."

Ah, the voice of the non-property owner! Get back to us when you've had a chance to do a little living and are responsible for more than just new clothes and beer money.

I suppose it is attitudes such as yours that tell us why so few people under the age of 35 even bother casting votes. As long as oil is $87/bbl, eat, drink and be merry! We'll worry about things if they ever get bad again!

Any chance you came to the future from the early 1980's, Emilio?

Tiberius,

YG does have a point about the US government and their stealing of our income. That is for another thread...

You are 100% correct about folks who don't own property. They are not directly affected by the taxes, so it does not matter to them.

If they were able to see where every cent of what they pay for in services, etc., really goes; they would be with property owners clammoring for tax relief.

YG:

Most of us are not playing any blame games. We are concerned about the future of our town, our county, our state and our country. We are fed up with the status quo and are doing something about it!

I respect the thoughts and ideas of others, and I strive to not make quick assumptions�something that is seemingly rare in the blogosphere. FYI, I�m a non-drinking, proud property owner. I have zero credit card or student loan debt. And as a student of economics I understand that the volatile oil market is cyclical and that the boom is not eternal; I understand the absolute necessity of investment diversification and savings; I understand that my duty as a man includes a financial responsibility to my family; I understand where I came from, and what I had to do to get here � Trust me, I don�t want to start over!.....and I almost forgot�.there is no denying that I certainly have a lot to learn. There is no substitute for life experience�My ears are open for advise!

Midland is such a special place�it harbor�s the kindest, most generous, and caring citizens. I love midland � it is my home. Lord willing, I�ll be here forever!

I�m laughing out loud at the Emilio comment � I�d rather be Charlie Sheen.

Thank you TCNC for asking Stephanie for background information. She acknowledged night has no college degree � which in itself is no big deal. Omitting ANY educational background information is worthy of note and hardly qualifies as �transparent.� Did she graduate from high school? And she spoke the other night about her work in �banks�. I would like to know the banks and positions? President? VP Lending?

Reducing the tax rate to atleast the effective rate in this economy is easy. the city staff works for the elected officials and the citizens. if we the elected officials decide we want lower taxes the staff makes it happen. 2006 is a prime example i found 3 other council members who wanted to lower taxes significantly and we did. all i need if im elected again is 3 others who want to make lower taxes a priority and it will happen. 4 is a majority. untill 2006 icould never find at least 3 others who wanted to make lowering taxes a priority. at the very least our taxes should only increase at the rate of inflation and include population growth. i am all for reducing appraisal caps to 5% from 10%. we need to keep all of our taxing entities in check. the city does better than all the others.

Stephanie-Could you please provide the details of your job while working at the jail (where, how long, responsiblities) and how did you get into that business? Thanks

Mrs. Sparkman-I appreciate the fact that ETI is considered one of your success stories and I also appreciate the fact that transparency starts now. Would you please tell us the current financial situation of ETI? Are the investors aware? Thanks.

Mr. Dufford:

If it's so easy, then just DO IT. Don't place blame on others or try to put conditions on it, such as needing three other council members to make it a priority.

If you are reelected, then make it YOUR priority to get the taxes lowered. Make it YOUR priority to get the other council members to do what is right for Midland.

If the city does such a good job with the taxing entities, then why are the rates so hight? I also want to know why elected officials pass the blame to the appraisal district when the tax prices go up. "You", collectively, keep saying that you have no control over MCAD.

We all know that MCAD no more really evaluates individual properties than the man in the moon does. They just drive around, taking snapshots and blanketing areas with increases.

You want to make a difference? Take care of those things.

if it were that easy i would have already done it. it takes 4 council members to make anything happen. i can promise you if lower taxes were truly a priority it would happen. my committe has reduced spending by close to 1 million annually. think what your taxes would have been. i am doing my part. the citizens need to do their part and tell their council member and the new mayor to make it a priority. if you want lower tax appraisals contact your local state reps and tell them to enact appraisal caps.in the last session the majority of republicans tried but were blocked by afew rcalcitrant repubs and all democrats. the realtor lobby is pretty powrful in austin

Well, Scott, you can count on me! I'm committing to lower taxes so there are two of us already.

I see I have a whole lot of messages to answer, here. Let me take a stab at those I remember and I'll go back to others if y'all want me to:

1. None of the FOUR (not six) businesses mentioned by Mrs. Hall are failed OR bankrupt.
2. If Berry doesn't work for EGL he's at least an employee consultant - like Urby (who I like, by the way). I've visited Berry in his office at EGL several times.
3. My whole intent by providing documentation that Perry HAS voted on downtown issues was to provide the FACT that he has. (Although he has made the comment on numerous occasions, you can see him do it on the 2nd KOSA/MRT debate.) That fact was completely skimmed over. I don't know about anyone else, but ever since the "I did not have sex with that woman..." issue I've had a really hard time with people who stare right into the camera and say something that can be disproved.
4. ETI's current financial situation is completely solvent and we have no investors - ETI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
5. I was the Jail Administrator for a couple of years, which means I ran the Jail. I got into Jail Administration when I was employed by the new Sheriff to help him clean the place up.
6. I graduated from Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1972. I completed 60 college hours. I'm not sure what AHG means by "omitting ANY educational background." Folks typically talk about their college and graduate degrees. All my PhDs came from the School of Hard Knocks - of which, as many my age are, I am a proud graduate. Most people don't list them on a resume, however.
7. My work in various banks was varied, mostly clerical (assistant to Pres., VPs), allowing me to gain incredible knowledge and experience in the industry.

8. I'm backing the police officers and fire fighters on Civil Service for several different reasons, many of which you should see either on the KOSA 10:00pm news or in tomorrow's MRT. First, I've asked questions and had them answered, and researched the law where it applies to Civil Service. There are many alleged 'facts' that are being thrown around that are not at all fact.

Let's start with one fact that's not being thrown out at all. That's the fact that we wouldn't be in this position had it not been for the complete mishandling of the Menchaca/Urby debacles. Our first responders would like to have protection against ever-changing political whims. I don't blame them. Under Civil Service, the department Chief has responsibility for hiring and firing.

UNIONIZATION - NOT!!! Civil Service is governed by STATE LEGISLATION, not a union. As a matter of fact, Code 143.087 specifically states that a civil servant CANNOT STRIKE. If a civil servant does try to strike he or she is immediately discharged.

Actually, Civil Service is a court-tested system of due process. Along with protecting our first responders, it also protects cities from being drug into court on personnel issues because it includes arbitration policy.

MERIT-BASED PROMOTION: Our first responders, each department I am told, will have the right whether to go with the legislated promotion policy or an alternative promotion system. The officers/fire fighters will vote on which one they want.

NO LOSS OF LOCAL RULE: A commission will be appointed, including 3 citizens - which may or may not be paid (I'm voting on the may NOT) to maintain local rule. The City will NOT lose control of our first responders.

Mainly, I believe Midlanders want and deserve the best and brightest first responders available. If Civil Service will help make us more competitive - and I believe it will - I am absolutely for it. Midlanders deserve only the best and brightest!!!

Got to run......more in a little.
ss

I want to thank Mr. Dufford for clearing up information found on the AMEN SEC filings. Not having access to the shareholders list, it was impossible to determine if Mr. Dufford held stock in the company or not.

I appologize for releasing the information with incomplete information.

I will add that I did email you Mr. Dufford and asked this information. You did not respond. Therefore I assumed you had something you did not want to get out.

So I may not change my name to Dan Rather just yet. I did try to find out the information before I posted it.

Good luck in the campaign (honestly).

BTW - to the posters, I am a "she" not a "he".

SS
My friend is a Captain in the Fire Department and is against the Civil Service Proposition because he thinks it only helps those who cannot promote on their own merit. His wife is concerned because when it is a life or death situation, she only wants the best people going in with her husband...not someone who isnt a good firefighter but could not be let go because of this issue passing. Wouldn't passing this make our firefighters muddled down with mediocre instead of the excellent force it is now?

Mr. Dufford:

Thanks for answering the questions. And thanks for implementing the savings that you have. However, I don't buy that all of the council is not interested in cutting taxes. It appears that you are trying to blame others for a lack of actions. As I said, take the action yourself! Be proactive, be outspoken, and take charge!

Ms. Sparkman: I am still not convinced that civil service is a good thing. I see it limiting our emergency services, not helping them. Many of the protections that civil service supposedly provides could be handled by internal rules, so to speak.

Thanks!

Did anyone else hear the kwel radio show this morning? I am OUTRAGED that Mrs. Sparkman has harped on being transparent yet she leaves out the fact that she has been bankrupt and did not pay back the monies owed... I have not done the research but it sure sounded like that caller had. I read some of the posts above from some of the other commentors and they even asked the question yet she did not answer. That is NOT being transparent. By the way, you said that you follow through with your obligations and contracts...what in the WORLD do you call not paying back your debts??????? I am sorry for the long comment but I am on fire!!!

Conservatives please rally on this civil services issue...Vote NO!...This is will be a bureaucratic nightmare…

Outraged:

Calm down. You, nor anyone else, have all the details about the bankruptcies. Do you really think that just because a person is in on a startup, that means it's their fault it fails?

There but for the Grace of God go I...We all need to think about that.

The "TRANSPARENCY" that I really want is in the uses of public money...not the private financial transactions of individuals running for office.

Civil service would not cost anything as the board would be made up of volunteer residents that do not have ties to the department or the city government.

I could imagine a Chief or Captain would not want civil service. The guys on the line (who deal with internal happenings) say people are promoted (by Chiefs and Captains) a bunch of the time based on friendships, popularity, etc. Not strictly based on merit. Gee, politics in the department - just like in most large organizations.

And a Chief or Captain does not want one of their subordinates to be able to go to an independent board to have thier disciplinary actions reviewed and possibly over-ruled.

If the actions are warranted and fair, there would not be a problem. The board would uphold the chief/captain. If the actions were unfair, then they might be reversed. I don't see a problem with that.

AND CIVIL SERVICE IS NOT A UNION!!!!
Perry is using that to scare people. Sort of like the Democrats saying Republicans want to take away their Social Security.

Civil Service is based on a Texas law that governs it.

If anyone working under civil service goes on strike, they are fired. End of story.

As for testing, officers and firemen are tested now. No difference.

As I said in another post - Darkness fears the light. Transparency brings light. If city government does not want the citizens to know what is going on in OUR government there is something wrong and we need to look into it.

Civil service will bring some citizen oversight to the police and fire departments. It does not mean they will be running the departments. It offers the men on the line an avenue to have grievances reviewed by an independent board. It offers the men on the line a chance for promotion based on their abilities (as determined by testing) and not on friendships, fishing buddies, etc.

It doesn't cost the taxpayers any money (unline Wall Street, Menchaca, Urby). I'm for it.

I'm glad Sparkman had the guts to let her views be known. Perry sure didn't until later.

I might be beating a dead horse, but thank you for psotnig this!

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