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The VOTER Tyler /
Smith
County
League of League of League of League of
Women Women Women Women
Voters Voters Voters Voters
MissionMissionMissionMission
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote political responsibility through informed participation of all citizens in their government. The League does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. It publishes factual information to help prepare citizens to cast informed votes.
The League does take action on selected governmental issues that members have studied.
See pages 4See pages 4See pages 4See pages 4----5 of this 5 of this 5 of this 5 of this
VOTERVOTERVOTERVOTER for for for for
information information information information
relating to the relating to the relating to the relating to the
May 19 annual May 19 annual May 19 annual May 19 annual
business meeting. business meeting. business meeting. business meeting.
April–
May 2012
LWV Annual Meeting Set for May 19
S aturday, May 19 League members have a great oppor-
tunity for fellowship, good food and atmosphere, and a stimulating speaker, as we meet to consider and approve plans for the next League year.
Business Meeting:
• Elect a Board of Directors for 2012-2013 (see p. 4)
• Retention of current positions on local issues: Public Library Ser-vices and Single Member Dis-tricts
• Adopt an operating budget for fiscal year 2013 (see p. 5)
Speaker: Hear an inspiring speech on a topic relevant to League issues to prepare us for the upcoming League year.
Lunch:
The Fat Katz food is not only good but rea-sonably priced. As you know, the LWV budget does not provide money for meals. How-ever, those attending may order from the menu, so there is no set price. An 18% per person gratuity is added to each bill, but feel free to tip higher. At Fat Catz there is no minimum food fee and no room charge to be added to the meal bill.
Access: There are only four steps from the parking lot to the door, and we will be close to the restrooms.
No need to RSVP.
Saturday
May 19 11 am—2 pm
Fat Katz
3320 Troup
Highway, Suite 170
Candidate Forum to Focus on City of Tyler
Council Race and Smith County Constables
Candidates for City of Tyler
Council District 2 and Smith County
Constable, Precincts 1-3 and 5 face
off at a forum Monday, April 23 at
the Plyler Instructional Center.
Tyler City Council: Three can-
didates are vying for the District 2
seat held by outgoing Councilman
Donald Sanders, who was elected in
2006 and cannot run again due to
term limits.
Candidates include: Darryl B.
Bowdre, minister at South Central
Church of Christ; the Rev. Charles
Burns, pastor of New Zion No. 1
Baptist Church, and Sarah Coats, a
retired computer software devel-
oper.
No opposition emerged to chal-
lenge incumbent Mayor Barbara
Bass, District 4 Councilman Martin
Heines, or District 6 Councilman
Jason Wright.
Smith County Constables: In
the Democratic race for Smith Co.
Constable Precinct 1, incumbent
Henry Jackson faces challenger
Reggie Wilson.
In the Republican race for the
Precinct 2 post, incumbent Andy
Dunklin faces opponent James Lee.
The Precinct 3 race includes
incumbent Dustin Rust and chal-
lengers Scott McAuley, Jim
Blackmon, and Bob Overman.
In the Precinct 5 race, incum-
bent Dennis Taylor faces contender
Kenneth Bibby.
Precinct 4 Constable John Smith
faces no opposition.
Only opposed races will speak.
However, all unopposed candidates
in these five races are invited to
attend to “meet and greet” their
constituents attending the forum.
All candidates will be allowed to
display materials at tables at the
back of the room.
Posing questions to the candi-
dates are panel members LWV
President Kristi C. Roberts, and Ty-
ler Morning Telegraph Editor Roy
Maynard. Pam Lisner moderates.
Candidates also will field select
questions from the audience.
See Election Calendars page 7
Roy Maynard Kristi Roberts
Please come promptly at
11 am so that you can order
your lunch before the
meeting starts.
Check out the menu at
fatkatzkitchen.com
Monday April 23
7 pm
Plyler Center
807 W. Glenwood
2222
Gary and Judy
Frederick have just joined LWV-Tyler/Smith County. Judy previ-ously served as President of the LWV-El Paso. She grew up in Kilgore,
and Gary was from Little Rock, AR. They met while attending SMU. Gary graduated as an ordained Methodist minister, while Judy majored in Pre-Med and Psychology. Their ministry was in Austin and Garland for 12 years.
Gary then worked in govern-ment for 35 years for the State of Texas in human resources manage-ment, program management, and
public policy development. Judy received a degree in nursing and worked in the health care field while living in El Paso for twenty years.
They raised two sons and now have seven grandchildren. They retired some four years ago and re-turned to Tyler to assist both of their mothers who live in the area. Judy says, “We are interested in working with the League of Women Voters to become informed, so we can make good decisions.” They are particularly interested in working on the studies that the national, state, and local League conduct.
Judy has agreed to serve as LWV-TSC Organization VP for 2012-13.
Also new this year is Karena Love,
a full-time student majoring in Public Relations/Advertising with a minor in Psy-chology at The Uni-versity of Texas at Tyler. She previously obtained an Associate’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Tyler Junior College. Karena has won the prestigious NACAT (North American Council of Auto-motive Teachers) award. She is in-volved in and serves in her commu-
nity in many ways. She is on the advi-sory board of SALT (Smith County Area Libraries Together), is volunteer coordi-nator for the suc-cessful East Texas Book Fest, and is a founder of the Lin-dale Teen Advisory Board.
While living in the East Texas area her entire life, Karena says she still in interested in and knowledge-able of the world around her and strives to increase her own knowl-edge and that of those around her.
She enjoys working at the Lin-dale Library, where she has held the position of Patron and Circulation Services Coordinator as well as the Lead Volunteer Coordinator for the Lindale Library.
Add them to the directory in
your Member Handbook:
Frederick, Judy M. & Gary
16439 Kingston Ct
Tyler, TX 75703-7333
(903) 534-5843 (c) 780-5757
Love, Karena
1113 S. Boyd Lindale,TX 75771
(903) 343-5896
The Tyler VOTER
Ferrell Chosen for Citizens’ Academy
Longtime LWV-TSC member Toni Ferrell was selected to participate in the first class of the Mayor's Citizens Academy, a way for residents to learn about each department within their local gov-ernment. Mayor Barbara Bass launched the initia-tive earlier this year. For several years Toni has been active on the League’s Observer Corps.
The Mayor's Citizens’ Academy is tailored for people who want to learn more about municipal government and how the city operates. People who want to play a role in Tyler city government or run for office can sign up for training classes to learn more about municipal operations. Ideal candidates are residents who want to serve on a board or com-mission, volunteer with a department, or run for mayor or city council.
Ferrell says that the Citizen's Academy really
has been one of the best things she has done in a quite a while, and has given broad new dimension to her understanding of a favorite League phrase, “Democracy is Not a Specta-tor Sport!” She says, “I'm motivated to be a new kind of volunteer!”
She says that the academy is offered as part of the city’s ongoing effort to promote involvement and transparency in local government. During the 11-week program, presentations, tours, and interac-tive sessions are led by in-house experts from each city department, the mayor, and city manager.
Classes meet weekly each Thursday for 11 weeks, concluding May 23 with a graduation cere-mony at the Mayor’s State of the City Luncheon. Way to go, Toni!
Organization & Membership News: Linda Sharp Organization VP � Carol Reynolds, Membership
LWV-Tyler Diversity
Policy
The League of Women Voters of
Tyler/Smith County, in both its
values and practices, affirms
its belief and commitment to diversity and
pluralism, which means that there
shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of the LWV-Tyler on the basis of gender, race, creed, age,
sexual orientation, national origin, or
disability.
The LWV-Tyler/Smith County
recognizes that diverse
perspectives are important and necessary for
responsible and representative
decision making. LWV-Tyler/Smith Countysubscribes to the belief that
diversity and pluralism are
fundamental to the values it upholds
and that this inclusiveness enhances the organization's
ability to respond more effectively to
changing conditions and
needs.
LWV-Tyler/Smith County affirms its
commitment to reflecting the diversity of
Americans in its board and programs.
Send
check
to:
P.O. Box 6271P.O. Box 6271P.O. Box 6271P.O. Box 6271
Tyler, TX 75711Tyler, TX 75711Tyler, TX 75711Tyler, TX 75711
$60 IndividualIndividualIndividualIndividual
$90 Two in same HouseholdTwo in same HouseholdTwo in same HouseholdTwo in same Household
$25 StudentStudentStudentStudent
The League of Women Voters is where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement. Join LWV, where leaders are actively engaged in
effecting change at the local, state, and national levels.
To Join the League:To Join the League:To Join the League:To Join the League:
Linda Sharp Carol Reynolds
Karena Love
Toni Ferrell
3333
The Tyler VOTER
The League of Women Voters believes that
the federal government shares with other
levels of government the responsibility to
provide an equitable, quality public educa-
tion for all children pre-K through grade 12.
A quality public education is essential for a
strong, viable, and sustainable democratic
society and is a civil right.
The League believes that the role of the
federal government should include the
following:
• Provide leadership and vision to pro-
mote a quality education for all children;
• Provide broad common standards devel-
oped by educational experts upon which
states and local education agencies can
build;
• Provide a suggested curricular structure
or framework as a guide to state and
local education agencies to develop
their own curricula;
• Provide a national assessment that
clearly informs teachers, parents and
students about how well individual stu-
dents have mastered criteria established
at the national level;
• Provide a national assessment that in-
forms districts how well their popula-
tions compare to other populations
similar to theirs; and
• Provide a combination of competitive
grants and non-competitive funding to
states and local school districts to
achieve equity among states and popu-
lations.
EQUITY The League of Women Voters
believes that an equitable, quality public
education is critical for students. While the
League recognizes that there are instances
where the federal government’s involve-
ment is the only way to achieve universal
change (desegregation, special needs
population, gender equity), we also recog-
nize that primary responsibility for public
education resides with the states. In accor-
dance with the League of Women Voters’
position on Equal Rights, we continue to
support equity in public education for all
through:
• Broad guidelines for accountability, leav-
ing implementation to the state and
local education agencies;
• Adequate funding sources that support
the broad goals of national standards;
and
• Mechanisms for local and state funding
with adequate federal support for man-
dates that require less burdensome,
compliance-based reporting and regula-
tions.
FUNDING The League of Women Voters
believes a basic role of the federal govern-
ment in funding education should be to
achieve equity among states and popula-
tions on the basis of identified needs. This
should be done with full understanding
that equity does not mean equal, given
that some populations are more expensive
to educate than others and some localities
have specific needs.
The League believes that the federal gov-
ernment should be primarily responsible
for funding any programs mandated by the
federal government on local education
agencies. Although the League recognizes
equity in education depends on meeting
basic human needs of children and of their
families, the costs associated with provid-
ing equitable access to safe neighborhoods
and secure housing do not belong in the
education budget. Major programs of fed-
eral funding for public education (i.e., Ele-
mentary and Secondary
Education Act) should
be targeted toward chil-
dren living in poverty
and/or children with spe-
cial needs. The federal gov-
ernment has the responsibil-
ity to monitor and support access to
the following:
• High quality teaching and learning, sup-
ported by quality current learning mate-
rials and well maintained educational
facilities; and
• Access to health care needs (i.e., hear-
ing, vision, dental, immunization,
school-based health clinics at the secon-
dary level, etc.) and nutritionally ade-
quate food (i.e., school-based meals
under “free and reduced meal pro-
grams”).
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION The
League of Women Voters believes that the
first five years of a child’s life are crucial in
building the foundation for educational
attainment and greatly impact success or
failure in later life. Additionally, the League
believes quality, developmentally appropri-
ate and voluntary early learning experi-
ences should be available to all children,
with federally funded opportunities going
first to children of poverty and/or with
special needs. The League believes that
the federal government should support the
following:
• Early childhood education programs that
include funding for parent education
and involve child development, health,
nutrition and access to other supportive
services such as mental health care for
all children and their families;
• Research that documents quality early
childhood education programs; and
• Research that demonstrates the impor-
tance of linking state and local commu-
nity partnerships with effective early
childhood education programs and ser-
vices.
New National Position on Federal Role in Public Education
BBBB ased on responses from the 377 Leagues across the country who partici-
pated in the Education Study, the LWVUS Board approved a new Education position at the March 2012 meeting.
The position follows:
Interested in Libraries? Your Help is Needed.
One or more members with an interest in libraries are needed to organize a campaign to call for more support for our public libraries. You will get special training in successful ad-vocacy strategies and methods.
Commit to do something for the community.
To help, contact Dee Brock at 903-565-6655 or [email protected]
4444
The Tyler VOTER
Slate Nominated for 2012-2013 Year Officers:
Organization Vice President—Judy Frederick 2012-2014
Program Vice President—Dee Brock 2012-2014
Voters Service Vice President—Eddie Baggett 2012-2014
Treasurer—Scherel Carver 2012-2014
Directors:
Peggy Downing—2012-2013*
Karen Wilkerson—2012-2014
Linda Sharp—2012-2014
*filling an unfinished term
2012-2013 Nominating Committee
Sue Barham, Chair
Lou Anne Smoot
Returning Officers:
President—Kristi C. Roberts
Community Relations VP—Mary Claire Rowe
Secretary—Andie Rathbone
Returning Directors:
Shirley Hightower
Carol Reynolds
Wilkerson
Submitted by 2011-12 Nominating
Committee:
Karen Wilkerson, Chair
Sue Barham
Doris Stanley
Andie Rathbone
Scherel Carver
Member Dues Reminder
April Sue Barham & Steve
Lander Roy Stanley
May Akemi & David
Henderson Sunshine Knowles
Eddie Baggett
These members are due in April and May
Thanks for your prompt response
About the Candidates Officers:
Judy Frederick is new to LWV-Tyler/Smith County, but not new
to the League, having served in several offices, including President
of LWV-El Paso. Read about her on page 2 of this VOTER.
Dee Brock has served as Program VP for one year. She is a
past 3-term president of LWV-TSC and also has served two
terms on the LWV-Texas board.
Eddie Baggett has been a LWV-TSC member for
one year and was appointed Voters Service VP early in
2012 when the post was vacated.
Scherel Carver has served some 7 years as treas-urer. She also is newsletter editor and web master. She also served four terms on the LWV-Texas Board of Directors.
Directors:
Peggy Downing is new to the League this year.
She is coordinating the “Your Vote Counts” high school
Video PSA Contest. She also will launch Tyler’s
VOTE411 web site this fall before the November General
Election.
Karen Wilkerson has chaired the LWV-TSC Nominating
Committee for the past 2 years, having served on the com-
mittee previously. This will be her first term on the board of
directors.
Linda Sharp steps down from two terms as Organization Vice President to serve as a Director and will continue work in Organization services to members.
Nominating Committee
Sue Barham has served on the nominating committee the
past 2 years. She is a past LWV-TSC President, Program
VP, Chair of the Long Range Plan, and Treasurer. She also
served several terms on the LWV-Texas Board of Direc-
tors.
Lou Anne Smoot steps down from 3 consecutive terms
on the LWV-TSC board, where she was Coordinator of
the League’s Observer Corps and involved in many
LWV projects. Thanks for the hard work.
A third candidate for the nominating committee has been identified,
but has not yet agreed to stand for election. The name will be sub-
mitted at the annual meeting.
These five dele-
gates will repre-
sent LWV-TSC at
the LWV-Texas
Convention this
month: Kristi Roberts Peggy Downing Toni Ferrell Scherel Carver Vecky Elliott
Convention Delegates
Dee Brock also attends the Convention as a delegate of LWV-Texas.
Past Due: Kara Camp, Amy Thrasher
5555
The Tyler VOTER
Members to Adopt Year’s Budget at Annual Meeting
INCOME-TEF Restricted: Voters Service Voter Service - YEOs 250.00
State Voters Guide 300.00 VS - Debates, forums 200.00 Restricted: Commun. Commun Rel. Proj B 500.00 Relations CR Special Project C 500.00
Restricted: Citizen Info Proj Prog #3 500.00
Program Program [Publication] #4 500.00 Program-Study/Project 1000.00
Sub-Tot. Restricted - 3750.00 0
Donations-General 1425.00
Total TEF Income 5175.00
EXPENSES
Member Dues National member dues 562.50
State member dues 412.50
Total Member Dues 975.00 Meetings, Conventions National Convention 2012 200.00
Total Meetings 200.00
Voters Educational YEO 250.00
Service Debates, forums 200.00
State Voters Guides 300.00
Mail Ed. Publications 100.00
Total Voters Service 850.00 Community Relations Financial development 100.00
CR Special Project B 500.00
Special CR Project C 500.00
Tot. Commun. Relatns 1100.00
Program Citizen Info Program project #3 500.00
Program Project #4 500.00
Study or Campaign 1000.00
Publications purchased 50.00
Total Program 2050.00 Total TEF Expenses 5175.00
INCOME-TSC
Grant-Program #1 1000.00
Grant-Program #2 200.00
Grant-Commun Rel. A 1000.00
Dues 2520.00
Interest 30.00
In-Kind CR 300.00
Donations-General 3195.00
Total INCOME 8245.00
EXPENSES
Member National member dues 562.50
Dues State member dues 412.50
Total Member Dues 975.00
Meetings, Conventions
Annual mtg supps/speaker 100.00
National Convention 2012 1000.00
State Lobby Day 500.00
Workshops 200.00
Tot Meetings, Convs. 1800.00
Voters Service
Debates, forum, voter regis 150.00
Educational Publications 100.00
Total Voters Service 250.00
Community Relations
CR Grant Project A 1000.00
Public relations 100.00
Financial development 200.00
In-Kind publicity 300.00
Web site IPS fee 125.00
Tot Commun Relatns 1725.00
Program Action/Advocacy 100.00
Great Decisions 125.00 Observer Corps 50.00 Library Services—SALT 100.00 Program-General 100.00 Program-Handouts 100.00 Publications Purchased 100.00 LWVUS Program Project #1 1000.00 LWVUS Program Project #2 200.00
Total Program 1875.00
Organization
Records preservation 50.00
Print VOTER 350.00
Mail VOTER 100.00
Membership 200.00
Mail to members 75.00 Women’s Equality Day 100.00
TOTAL Organization 875.00
Administra-
tive
Bank fee 20.00
Board tools 60.00
Board training 100.00
POBox, bulk permit 225.00
Supplies, postage 100.00
Telephone 240.00
Total Administrative 745.00 Total EXPENSES 8245.00 To Reserves 00.00
Recommended
Budgets
Special Projects:
• TSC special pro-jects are based on potential pass-through grants from LWVUS.
• TEF projects de-pend upon local donations and are carried out only if those are attained.
Dues: Budgets pro-posed by the budget committee and board reflect no increase in dues amounts and are based on 42 members. Local dues of $8, State dues of $22, and National dues of $30, for the total dues fee of $60.
The LWV-TSC budget is adopted at annual meeting May 19. Members do not vote on the LWV-TEF budget.
Brookshire Grocery Co.
Eddie Baggett
Sue Barham
Barbara Brandon
Dee Brock
Scherel Carver
Charlotte Clarke
Mary Decker
Toni Ferrell
Dawn Franks
Mary Ruth Greenwell
Betty Groepper
Hon. Judith Guthrie
Katheryn Hetherly
Shirley & Ed Hightower
Andie Rathbone
Linda Resnick
Carol & Chuck Reynolds
Kristi & Bruce Roberts
Madeleine Ross
Mary Claire & Gilbert Rowe
Linda & Paul Sharp
Smith County Labor Council
Southside Bank
Lou Anne Smoot
Roy Stanley
Betty Tirey
John & Anna Wright
Delcie Wylie
Thanks to the following donors since January 2012
Budget Committee: Dee Brock, Eddie Baggett,
Linda Sharp, and Mary Claire Rowe
6666
The Tyler VOTER
Study on Transportation & Mobility Progresses
The LWV-Tyler/Smith County Transportation Committee is hard at work analyzing the current means by which Tyler and Smith County gov-ernments attempt to serve public trans-portation and mobility needs, as well as short- and long-term future plans to continue and/or improve existing ser-vices. The Committee has met or talked with several of the people in key roles in implementing government services and plans to survey other re-gional organizations involved in pro-viding significant transportation ser-vices.
The next step is matching the plans with the realities to see if the plans actually are meeting the needs of people in Tyler and Smith County. This next phase will involve inter-viewing people who use or wish they had access to public transportation, as well as the nonprofit organizations that serve these populations in other ways.
Additionally, the committee con-tinues to research public records. In-
cluded in that work is a look at federal and state grants that assist or could assist Tyler and Smith County in solv-ing transportation needs, as well as the way the funds from such grants are utilized. Also on the agenda are inves-tigations of shelter at transit stops, ramps at curbs, and the efforts to in-form the community about the trans-portation and mobility services avail-able to them.
The Committee expects to take another year to complete its investiga-tion, analysis, and report, with a back-ground paper or Facts & Issues for members to use in studying the issue before consensus.
Please contact Eddie Baggett (chair),Toni Ferrell, Gerry Kuklewicz, or Dee Brock if you have any insights, anecdotes, or contacts that might be helpful in this study.
Public Policy & Program News Dee Brock, Program VP Dee Brock also has
served on the LWV-Texas
Board of Directors and is
a Trustee of the LWV-
Texas Education Fund.
Make Your Voice Heard…
Become an e-Activist!
Go to www.lwv.org
Study of Privatization of
Government Services
To take part in a big national study about an enormous public concern, at-tend the consensus meeting on the Pri-vatization of Government Services on April 16. We will undertake this discussion in the com-fort of Linda and Paul Sharp's home at 513 Hyde Park, Tyler, at 7:00 p.m.
This subject touches every life in this country. Don't be discouraged by the heft of the research documents. They are interesting to read and help you clarify the positions you want LWV to take to make it possible for us to advocate for maintaining government imple-mentation of current functions—or privatizing those functions—on a case by case basis.
Be sure to let Linda and Paul know you are coming on April 16. They want to be sure that there is a chair for everyone!
Email to [email protected] or call at 903-526-3848.
This subject touches
every life in this
country.
If you have a special interest in transportation and mobility issues,
please volunteer to join the commit-tee. Email Eddie Baggett at [email protected]
Monday, April 16, 7 pm
Home of
Linda & Paul Sharp
513 Hyde Park, Tyler
RSVP
SALT & East
Texas Book Fest
Our Tyler League has been active since the 1950s monitoring local gov-
ernments, much of the time through the Observer Corps. We take ad-
vantage of our "right to know" and—at the same time—provide a valu-
able service to the community.
Are you a little curious about what goes on in these meetings?
You are needed to simply "observe" a governmental meeting such as a
city council meeting or a school board meeting. Our very presence at
the meetings promotes government transparency and openness,
helping ensure that the issues are being handled in an open
way—”in the sunshine."
Contact Lou Anne Smoot at [email protected]
Be a Watchdog? Lou Anne Smoot, Director
City Hall
SALT (Smith County Area Libraries Together) is developing new services and pro-grams for member libraries in 2012, ranging from technological improve-ments to more public programs. Members include the Bullard Com-munity Library, Lindale Library, Troup Municipal Library, Tyler Pub-lic Library, and Whitehouse Com-munity Library.
If the necessary commitment of volunteers and funding needs can be satisfactorily met, SALT may present the 2012 East Texas Book Fest. The event Steering Committee has set Saturday, September 8, at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center as the
date and place. The final decision is expected by the end of April.
7777
Watch the LWV-Tyler/Smith County web site for updates
on the 2012 local elections, and ways that you can be a grass-roots advocate.
The Tyler VOTER
Encourage friends, relatives
and total strangers to participate in
this important election year.
Voter Registration Cards
Because of the redistricting
and photo ID requirements, the
process of mailing the necessary
registration cards to vote was de-
layed. Those cards are scheduled
to be mailed on April 25 and
should be in voters’ hands within
two weeks. Anyone who has regis-
tered but does not receive a regis-
tration card by then should call the
Smith County Elections office at
903-590-4777 with their concern
and any other voting questions
they may have.
Voter Registration
The deadline to register to
vote in local elections is April 12
with early voting running April 30-
May 8 and election day scheduled
on May 12.
Early Voting
Texas’ primary election is May
29 with April 30 the last day to reg-
ister. Early voting in the primary is
May 14—25.
Photo ID
The issue of photo ID for vot-
ing is still awaiting final resolution
but for now has been disapproved
in federal court.
Do Your Part
LWV members have registered
a total of 175 voters so far this
year. More registration opportuni-
ties are in the works and more
members are needed to help with
this important work.
Voters Service News Eddie Baggett, Voters Service VP
Your Elected
Officials:
May 2012
Election Ready Soon
Election Season Basics
Contact Shirley Hightower Contact Shirley Hightower Contact Shirley Hightower Contact Shirley Hightower [email protected]
if you are interested in if you are interested in if you are interested in if you are interested in
participating.participating.participating.participating.
Calendar for May 12, 2012 Local Elections:
Cities and School Boards
Apr. 12—Last Day to Register to Vote
April 30-May 8—Early Voting
May 4—Last Day Application for Ballot by
Mail May Be Received.
May 12—Election Day
A new edition of Your Elected
Officials, including officials elected in May 2012 local elections will be available late in May. Thanks to the Tyler Morning Telegraph for their support in printing this latest edition. The brochure is a basic resource that includes information about national, state, and county officials, as well as those of all cities and school districts in Smith County. For each official, it includes office addresses, email, and phone numbers. Use this information to contact your elected officials to let them know your opinions.
If you know of a group that could use this brochure, contact a member of the LWV-Tyler/Smith County board.
After June 1 you can download a copy at lwvtyler.org
LWV-TSC invites all high school-aged students in Smith County to enter a video contest "Your Vote Counts." The project calls for each entrant to produce a 30-second video public ser-vice announcement (PSA) about the importance of voting.
The contest will name three win-ners, whose work will be shown on local television, cable, and websites.
All winners also will receive cash prizes, and their work will be entered in a statewide contest as well.
Deadline for entering is June 1, 2012.
Find contest instructions at: http://lwvtyler.org/promote-texas-voting
Calendar for May 29 Democratic & Republican
Primary Elections
Mar. 30—First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail
April 30—Last Day to Register to Vote
May 14-25—Early Voting
May 22—Last Day Application for Ballot by
Mail May Be Received. May 29—Election
July 23-27—Early Voting for
Runoff July 31—Primary Runoff Election
Your Vote Counts Video PSA Contest
www.lwvtyler.orgwww.lwvtyler.org Your guide to the League, local government, links to information on candidates, & more.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1143
Tyler, TX
Inside this issue:
Forum on City Council & Constable Elections April 23 1
Annual Meeting Set for Saturday May 19 1
Ferrell Chosen for Citizen’s Academy 2
Organization News: Three New Members 2
New LWVUS Position on Federal Role in Public Education 3
Interested in Libraries? 3
Slate of Nominees for 2011-12 Board of Directors 4
Delegates to LWV-Texas Convention 2012 4
Dues Reminders 4
Proposed 2012-2013 Budgets 5
Thanks to 2012 Donors to LWV-TSC and LWV-TEF 5
Study on Transportation and Mobility 6
Privatization Consensus Set for April 16, 7 pm 6
Observer Corps—Volunteers Needed 6
Election Season Basics 7
“Your Vote Counts” Video PSA Contest 7
Calendar for May 12 Local Elections & May 29 Primary Election 7
Your Elected Officials: May 2012 Election Available Soon 7
Library Services: News from SALT-Smith Co. Area Libraries Together 6
LWV Tyler/Smith County P. O. Box 6271
Tyler, Texas 75711
Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of Directors
Kristi C. RobertsKristi C. RobertsKristi C. RobertsKristi C. Roberts
President
Eddie BaggettEddie BaggettEddie BaggettEddie Baggett
Voters Service VP
Dee Brock Dee Brock Dee Brock Dee Brock
Program VP
Mary Claire RoweMary Claire RoweMary Claire RoweMary Claire Rowe
Community Rel. VP
Linda SharpLinda SharpLinda SharpLinda Sharp
Organization VP
Andie Rathbone Andie Rathbone Andie Rathbone Andie Rathbone
Secretary
Scherel CarverScherel CarverScherel CarverScherel Carver
Treasurer
Directors:Directors:Directors:Directors:
Carol ReynoldsCarol ReynoldsCarol ReynoldsCarol Reynolds
Membership
Lou Anne SmootLou Anne SmootLou Anne SmootLou Anne Smoot
Observer Corps
Shirley HightowerShirley HightowerShirley HightowerShirley Hightower
Naturalization
Editor: Editor: Editor: Editor: Scherel Carver In This Issue: Annual Meeting Business Included, pages 4—5
2012 LWV-TSC
Please Join Us!Please Join Us!Please Join Us!Please Join Us! April 12 Last Day to Register to Vote in May 12 Election
April 16, 7 pm, Linda & Paul Sharp’s
Privatization of Government Services Member Discussion and Consensus
April 30—May 8 Early Voting-Local Elections
April 30—Last Day to Register for May 29 Primary
Monday April 23, 7 pm
Candidate Forum: Races for
Tyler City Council District 2 and
Smith Co. Constable Districts 1, 2, 3, 5
Plyler Instructional Complex, 807 W. Glenwood
April 30-May 8 Early Voting in Local Elections
Tuesday May 1, 11:30 am—LWV Board of Directors
Wednesday May 2, 11:30 am– No Agenda Lunch
Panera Bread Company
5755 South Broadway, Tyler
Saturday May 12—Local Elections
Saturday, May 19, 11am—2 pm
LWV-TSC Annual Meeting
Fat Katz Louisiana Kitchen, 3320 Troup Hwy, Suite 170
May 14—25 Early Voting for Primary
Tuesday May 29—Primary Elections Members are welcome to attend meetings of the LWV Board of
Directors, first Tuesdays at 11:30 am —Roberts & Roberts, 118 West 4th
Return Service Requested
