| From | Fran Rhodes/Citizen Advocates <[email protected]> |
| Subject | An election you probably don't know about |
| Date | October 27, 2023 8:09 PM |
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Greetings Citizen Advocates!
Lots of stuff to report on this week, and so little time! I'll try to be b=
rief.
ELECTION YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT:
Did you know that there is another election happening in the next few weeks=
that has a direct impact on YOUR property taxes? Every odd numbered year,=
new Board of Director members are elected to the County Appraisal District=
s. But they are not elected by YOU the taxpayers! The Board members are n=
ominated and then voted on by the taxing governments to whom you pay proper=
ty taxes.
The taxing entities =E2=80=93 County Commissioners, City Councils, School B=
oards, etc. =E2=80=93 nominate candidates for the ballot. They then elect t=
he Board members based on weighted votes allotted to them according to how =
much revenue they receive from the citizens. The largest number of votes g=
o to the county wide governments because they are collecting revenue from t=
he entire county (County Commissioners, County College District, etc) The =
next largest will be the larger school districts and large cities.
Not always, but often, we find a lot of back room, sketchy dealing for thes=
e nominations so that the taxing entities can get the people on the board t=
hat benefits them. We think taxpayers should be in charge of these decisio=
ns! That's why we're calling your attention to it. Most voters don't even=
know this is happening.
If you want to have a voice in selecting members of your County Appraisal D=
istrict, first, find out who is nominated in your County by contacting the =
County Appraisal office. Then, you must call or email your elected offici=
als in all of the taxing entities that have taxing authority on your proper=
ty. (City, County, School Board, Municipal Districts, College Districts, H=
ospital Districts). Better yet attend meetings of these governments, and s=
peak up for the best candidates
The voting period is from November 1 through December 15. Most taxing entit=
ies will cast their votes in a November meeting so ACT NOW.
(It's just too much to post all contact information here. So employ some o=
f that personal responsibility we are proud of, and look it up. All taxing=
entities have a website and their elected representatives are listed with =
contact information).
ELECTION YOU DO KNOW ABOUT:
Yes! November 7th Election has already started with early voting. The 14 =
Constitutional Amendments are on the ballot, along with some special electi=
ons, school board elections, a ton of bonds (EEEEK!), and possibly other th=
ings like city charter amendments, voter approval tax rate elections, and o=
ther scary, spooky things. How appropriate that Halloween falls right in t=
he middle of the voting schedule.=20
For our TTP recommendations on everything, check out the November 2023 Elec=
tions page of our website. You will find recommendations on everything we =
know about so far, and a printable list of amendments with recommendations.=
Julie is constantly updating this page, so if you have not voted yet, be =
sure to re-check just before you go, for the most up to date information.
REMEMBER - Several amendments on the ballot are nothing but budget busters.=
The legislature spent all the money they are allowed to spend because of =
constitutional budget limits, but they wanted to spend MORE. They can brea=
k the spending limits with a simple majority vote - but that doesn't look g=
ood on a campaign mailer! So they put several spending measures on constit=
utional amendments. Another grassroots group referred to this as a "get ou=
t of jail free card" for legislators, and I would agree. If they don't pas=
s, then during campaign season lawmakers can say "we tried!", but the vote=
rs said no. Then it's YOUR fault. Vote for them if you feel compelled to =
do so, but understand the motivation behind them, and don't delude yourself=
into thinking it's not going to cost a lot of money. This goes for Prop 9=
, the TRS cost of living increase too!
CHAOS IN THE TEXAS HOUSE:
This week, the House was finally called into session to do some actual work=
. They had a marathon day on Wednesday where they passed SB4 (human smuggl=
ing), SB7 (covid vaccines), HB4 (illegal entry to TX) and HB 6 (appropriati=
ons for border barriers). They met well into the wee hours of the morning,=
with some heated debate including a profane laden tirade by a Democrat whe=
n 26 Republicans tried to limit amendments, Speaker Dade Phelan had AG Ken=
Paxton physically removed from the House, and Rep Jeff Leach had to admit =
he lied about an amendment when challenged by Rep. Brian Harrison. Never a =
dull moment in the Texas House these days!
Check out these good articles that lay out everything:
Rep Armando Walle says "I've been a good f*&))*+ soldier", Texas Scorecard
Phelan Removes AG Ken Paxton from the House, Texas Scorecard
Profanities, Priorities and Paxton, The Texan.news
Rep Steve Toth Tweets a video form the House floor on the removal of AG Pax=
ton
=20
ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK:
1) Find out who is nominated to YOUR County Appraisal District Board, figu=
re who the good ones are, and then advocate for them at your taxing governm=
ents' meetings in November.
2) VOTE on November 7th, or during early voting from now until Nov 3.
3) Participate in the 2024 Primary! More and more challengers are steppin=
g up to replace the "Dirty Dozen" and other bad incumbents in the Texas Hou=
se. Keep up with them, and support them in as many ways as possible. You d=
on't have to live in the district to support them. You can help promote on=
social media, block walk, text or phone call, and donate money. We are fe=
aturing a new one every week on our Election 2024 page on the website. Che=
ck it frequently to see where you can help a challenger replace a BAD incum=
bent.
Stay Engaged!
Fran Rhodes, President
PS: Just want to share a personal story about the Appraisal Board Election=
subject. In 2010, I volunteered to be a TTP Liaison to my school board. =
I attended every meeting for about 4 years. The Board members got to know =
me, would talk to me after meetings, thank me for being there, etc. Someti=
mes I had something to say, but mostly I just sat and listened. right to th=
e very end.=20
Then some time later I was asked by a couple of taxpayer champions to help =
them win votes for the Appraisal District Board in our county. So I went t=
o the School Board meeting and asked them to vote for my candidates, and to=
ld them why. Every single board member voted for my candidates, and thanke=
d me for bringing the recommendation. They recognized me and recognized my=
commitment to the cause, and respected my opinion.
Moral of this story? Relationships count! All of our TTP Citizen Advocacy=
and Liaison efforts are about building relationships. It's the best way to=
have influence when you need their support. So start building those relat=
ionships today!
=20
True Texas Project works hard to train and engage activists.
Can you help?
We are 100% donation-based.
Click here to donate to our movement. =20
TrueTexasProject.com
=20
=20
To update your profile with a new email address, satellite location, or oth=
er details, or to adjust your recurring donations, please click here.
BONUS TIP: remove the "unsubscribe" line at the bottom of your email before=
you forward it! Otherwise the recipient may unsubscribe YOU!
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<table class=3D"row content-row-blockpadding" style=3D"border-sp=
acing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;=
padding: 0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt=
; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Greetings Ci=
tizen Advocates!</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helveti=
ca,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-ali=
gn: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bo=
ttom: 10px;">Lots of stuff to report on this week, and so little time! =
; I'll try to be brief.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,=
helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; t=
ext-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Ma=
rgin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>ELECTION YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT:</strong=
></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; =
font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-=
size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Di=
d you know that there is another election happening in the next few weeks t=
hat has a direct impact on YOUR property taxes? Every odd numbered ye=
ar, new Board of Director members are elected to the County Appraisal Distr=
icts. <strong>But they are not elected by YOU the taxpayers!</strong>=
The Board members are nominated and then voted on by the taxing gove=
rnments to whom you pay property taxes.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; fon=
t-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">The taxing entities =E2=80=93 County Co=
mmissioners, City Councils, School Boards, etc. =E2=80=93 nominate candidat=
es for the ballot. They then elect the Board members based on weighted vote=
s allotted to them according to how much revenue they receive from the citi=
zens. The largest number of votes go to the county wide governments b=
ecause they are collecting revenue from the entire county (County Commissio=
ners, County College District, etc) The next largest will be the larg=
er school districts and large cities.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-=
family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0=
; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bo=
ttom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Not always, but often, we find a lot of b=
ack room, sketchy dealing for these nominations so that the taxing entities=
can get the people on the board that benefits them. <strong>We think=
taxpayers should be in charge of these decisions! </strong>That's wh=
y we're calling your attention to it. Most voters don't even know thi=
s is happening.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetic=
a,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-alig=
n: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bot=
tom: 10px;">If you want to have a voice in selecting members of your County=
Appraisal District<strong>,</strong> first, find out who is nominated in y=
our County by contacting the County Appraisal office. Then, <strong>=
you must call or email your elected officials </strong>in all of the taxing=
entities that have taxing authority on your property. (City, County,=
School Board, Municipal Districts, College Districts, Hospital Districts).=
Better yet attend meetings of these governments, and speak up for th=
e best candidates</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvet=
ica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-al=
ign: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-b=
ottom: 10px;">The voting period is from November 1 through December 15. Mos=
t taxing entities will cast their votes in a November meeting so ACT NOW.</=
p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; fon=
t-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-siz=
e: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">(It's=
just too much to post all contact information here. So employ some o=
f that personal responsibility we are proud of, and look it up. All t=
axing entities have a website and their elected representatives are listed =
with contact information).</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: ari=
al,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0=
; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px;=
Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>ELECTION YOU DO KNOW ABOUT</strong>:</p> <p =
style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weig=
ht: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12p=
t; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Yes! =
November 7th Election has already started with early voting. The 14 C=
onstitutional Amendments are on the ballot, along with some special electio=
ns, school board elections, a ton of bonds (EEEEK!), and possibly other thi=
ngs like city charter amendments, voter approval tax rate elections, and ot=
her scary, spooky things. How appropriate that Halloween falls right =
in the middle of the voting schedule. </p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; mar=
gin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; mar=
gin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">For our TTP recommendations on ever=
ything, check out the <a title=3D"November 2023 Elections page" href=3D"htt=
ps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZ=
a7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1mJT8P3PgLMv0Q74Bf9Gtd4=3D" targ=
et=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: no=
ne; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">=
November 2023 Elections page</a> of our website. You will find recomm=
endations on everything we know about so far, and a printable list of amend=
ments with recommendations. Julie is constantly updating this page, s=
o if you have not voted yet, be sure to re-check just before you go, for th=
e most up to date information.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family:=
arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1=
0px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">REMEMBER - Several amendments on the ballot are =
nothing but <strong>budget busters.</strong> The legislature spent al=
l the money they are allowed to spend because of constitutional budget limi=
ts, but they wanted to spend MORE. They can break the spending limits=
with a simple majority vote - but that doesn't look good on a campaign mai=
ler! So they put several spending measures on constitutional amendmen=
ts. Another grassroots group referred to this as a <strong>"get out o=
f jail free card" </strong>for legislators, and I would agree. If the=
y don't pass, then during campaign season lawmakers can say "we tried!",&nb=
sp; but the voters said no. Then it's YOUR fault. Vote for them=
if you feel compelled to do so, but understand the motivation behind them,=
and don't delude yourself into thinking it's not going to cost a lot of mo=
ney. This goes for Prop 9, the TRS cost of living increase too!</p> <=
p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-we=
ight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 1=
2pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>C=
HAOS IN THE TEXAS HOUSE</strong>:</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fami=
ly: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom=
: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">This week, the House was finally called into =
session to do some actual work. They had a marathon day on Wednesday =
where they passed SB4 (human smuggling), SB7 (covid vaccines), HB4 (illegal=
entry to TX) and HB 6 (appropriations for border barriers). They met=
well into the wee hours of the morning, with some heated debate including =
a profane laden tirade by a Democrat when 26 Republicans tried to limit ame=
ndments, Speaker Dade Phelan had AG Ken Paxton physically removed fro=
m the House, and Rep Jeff Leach had to admit he lied about an amendment whe=
n challenged by Rep. Brian Harrison. Never a dull moment in the Texas House=
these days!</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,s=
ans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px;">Check out these good articles that lay out everything:</p> <p styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: =
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; l=
ine-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title=3D"Rep=
Armando Walle" href=3D"[link removed]
nk/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1q_9Q=
Y6kSAGDhAp60I7bjI0=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #=
0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align=
: left; line-height: 1.5;">Rep Armando Walle</a> says "I've been a go=
od f*&))*+ soldier", <em>Texas Scorecard</em></p> <p style=3D"color: #3=
c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: =
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.=
5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title=3D"Phelan Removes AG=
Ken Paxton from the House" href=3D"[link removed]
ing/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3Pel=
gxvuE2C1o-3QB-LKCGUIexw4YyoW40=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0=
; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Phelan Removes AG Ken Paxton from th=
e House</a>, <em>Texas Scorecard</em></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-=
family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0=
; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bo=
ttom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title=3D"Profanities, Priorities and P=
axton" href=3D"[link removed]
jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1or-ZQwn2pE3Vr=
XN3f2CymU=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; t=
ext-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; l=
ine-height: 1.5;">Profanities, Priorities and Paxton</a>, <em>The Texan.new=
s</em></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-se=
rif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; =
font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px=
;"><a title=3D"Rep Steve Toth's X comment" href=3D"[link removed]
om/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=
=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1sNwMfGdvu2tcIuq2537kS8=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=
=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: =
inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Rep Steve Toth Tw=
eets</a> a video form the House floor on the removal of AG Paxton</p> <p st=
yle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight=
: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt;=
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p=
style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-wei=
ght: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12=
pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>AC=
TION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK:</strong></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; M=
argin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-botto=
m: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">1) Find out who is nominated to YOUR C=
ounty Appraisal District Board, figure who the good ones are, and then advo=
cate for them at your taxing governments' meetings in November.</p> <p styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: =
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; l=
ine-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">2) VOTE o=
n November 7th, or during early voting from now until Nov 3.</p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 4=
00; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; li=
ne-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">3) Partici=
pate in the 2024 Primary! More and more challengers are stepping up t=
o replace the "Dirty Dozen" and other bad incumbents in the Texas House.&nb=
sp; Keep up with them, and support them in as many ways as possible. You do=
n't have to live in the district to support them. You can help promot=
e on social media, block walk, text or phone call, and donate money. =
We are featuring a new one every week on our <a title=3D"Election 2024" hre=
f=3D"[link removed]
eL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1pq3UNGL-GVxM-YKsEeHyHs=
=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decor=
ation: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-heigh=
t: 1.5;">Election 2024</a> page on the website. Check it frequently t=
o see where you can help a challenger replace a BAD incumbent.</p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 4=
00; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; li=
ne-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Stay Engaged!</p=
> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font=
-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size=
: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Fran R=
hodes, President</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helveti=
ca,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-ali=
gn: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bo=
ttom: 10px;"><em>PS: Just want to share a personal story about the Ap=
praisal Board Election subject. In 2010, I volunteered to be a TTP Li=
aison to my school board. I attended every meeting for about 4 years.=
The Board members got to know me, would talk to me after meetings, t=
hank me for being there, etc. Sometimes I had something to say, but m=
ostly I just sat and listened. right to the very end. </em></p> <p sty=
le=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight:=
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; =
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><em>Then some =
time later I was asked by a couple of taxpayer champions to help them win v=
otes for the Appraisal District Board in our county. So I went to the=
School Board meeting and asked them to vote for my candidates, and told th=
em why. Every single board member voted for my candidates, and thanke=
d me for bringing the recommendation. They recognized me and recogniz=
ed my commitment to the cause, and respected my opinion.</em></p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 4=
00; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; li=
ne-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><em>Moral of thi=
s story? Relationships count! All of our TTP Citizen Advocacy a=
nd Liaison efforts are about <strong>building relationships</strong>. It's =
the best way to have influence when you need their support. So start =
building those relationships today!</em></p> <p id=3D"E84" class=3D"x-scope=
qowt-word-para-0" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sa=
ns-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: l=
eft; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom:=
10px;"></p>=20
<div id=3D":r8u:" class=3D"x1n2onr6"></div></th>=20
</tr>=20
</tbody>
</table>=20
<table class=3D"row end-row-footer" style=3D"border-spacing: 0; =
border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding: =
0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Margin: 0; b=
ackground-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 24px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5=
; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><span styl=
e=3D"font-size: 14px;"> </span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-f=
amily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0;=
Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style=3D"color: #cc0000;">=
True Texas Project works hard to train and engage activists.<br>Can you hel=
p?<br>We are 100% donation-based.</span><br><span style=3D"color: #000055;"=
>Click </span><a href=3D"[link removed]
ink/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1pg3=
40DTkefJT6tP0bCBwjo=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; fon=
t-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><span s=
tyle=3D"color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><span style=3D"color: #000055;"> to=
donate to our movement. <br><a href=3D"https=
://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7=
x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1uQcWg3xNUPgsUPMHb3-tr4=3D" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0=
; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">TrueTexasProject.com</a></span></str=
ong></p>=20
<table width=3D"1179" data-v-45dfea3e style=3D"border-spacin=
g: 0; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-alig=
n: left; max-width: 100%; width: 100%;">=20
<tbody>=20
<tr data-v-45dfea3e style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: t=
op; text-align: left;">=20
<th data-v-45dfea3e style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; verti=
cal-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; fo=
nt-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-si=
ze: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; border-collapse: collapse;">
<center style=3D"width: 100%; min-width: 532px; text-ali=
gn: center;" data-v-45dfea3e>
<a title=3D"Facebook" href=3D"[link removed]
m/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D=
/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1l3mGrbPV1Mz2HsZpbBfPgY=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"n=
oopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inher=
it; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><img style=3D"outline:=
none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 1=
00%; clear: both; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align: =
center; border: none; display: block; border-width: 0px; border-style: soli=
d; width: 30px; height: auto;" src=3D"[link removed]
mail/darkicons/Facebook.png" alt=3D"Facebook" width=3D"30"></a> =
<a title=3D"Instagram" href=3D"[link removed]
lick-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE=
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------=_Part_3886663_1436643471.1698437353537--
------=_Part_3886656_856025636.1698437353526--
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, [link removed].
[Are these emails too small? Is half of it clipped? At the very top of this email, click the link that says "see it online". It will open in normal size and with full content!]
Greetings Citizen Advocates!
Lots of stuff to report on this week, and so little time! I'll try to be brief.
ELECTION YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT:
Did you know that there is another election happening in the next few weeks that has a direct impact on YOUR property taxes? Every odd numbered year, new Board of Director members are elected to the County Appraisal Districts. But they are not elected by YOU the taxpayers! The Board members are nominated and then voted on by the taxing governments to whom you pay property taxes.
The taxing entities – County Commissioners, City Councils, School Boards, etc. – nominate candidates for the ballot. They then elect the Board members based on weighted votes allotted to them according to how much revenue they receive from the citizens. The largest number of votes go to the county wide governments because they are collecting revenue from the entire county (County Commissioners, County College District, etc) The next largest will be the larger school districts and large cities.
Not always, but often, we find a lot of back room, sketchy dealing for these nominations so that the taxing entities can get the people on the board that benefits them. We think taxpayers should be in charge of these decisions! That's why we're calling your attention to it. Most voters don't even know this is happening.
If you want to have a voice in selecting members of your County Appraisal District, first, find out who is nominated in your County by contacting the County Appraisal office. Then, you must call or email your elected officials in all of the taxing entities that have taxing authority on your property. (City, County, School Board, Municipal Districts, College Districts, Hospital Districts). Better yet attend meetings of these governments, and speak up for the best candidates
The voting period is from November 1 through December 15. Most taxing entities will cast their votes in a November meeting so ACT NOW.
(It's just too much to post all contact information here. So employ some of that personal responsibility we are proud of, and look it up. All taxing entities have a website and their elected representatives are listed with contact information).
ELECTION YOU DO KNOW ABOUT:
Yes! November 7th Election has already started with early voting. The 14 Constitutional Amendments are on the ballot, along with some special elections, school board elections, a ton of bonds (EEEEK!), and possibly other things like city charter amendments, voter approval tax rate elections, and other scary, spooky things. How appropriate that Halloween falls right in the middle of the voting schedule.
For our TTP recommendations on everything, check out the November 2023 Elections page of our website. You will find recommendations on everything we know about so far, and a printable list of amendments with recommendations. Julie is constantly updating this page, so if you have not voted yet, be sure to re-check just before you go, for the most up to date information.
REMEMBER - Several amendments on the ballot are nothing but budget busters. The legislature spent all the money they are allowed to spend because of constitutional budget limits, but they wanted to spend MORE. They can break the spending limits with a simple majority vote - but that doesn't look good on a campaign mailer! So they put several spending measures on constitutional amendments. Another grassroots group referred to this as a "get out of jail free card" for legislators, and I would agree. If they don't pass, then during campaign season lawmakers can say "we tried!", but the voters said no. Then it's YOUR fault. Vote for them if you feel compelled to do so, but understand the motivation behind them, and don't delude yourself into thinking it's not going to cost a lot of money. This goes for Prop 9, the TRS cost of living increase too!
CHAOS IN THE TEXAS HOUSE:
This week, the House was finally called into session to do some actual work. They had a marathon day on Wednesday where they passed SB4 (human smuggling), SB7 (covid vaccines), HB4 (illegal entry to TX) and HB 6 (appropriations for border barriers). They met well into the wee hours of the morning, with some heated debate including a profane laden tirade by a Democrat when 26 Republicans tried to limit amendments, Speaker Dade Phelan had AG Ken Paxton physically removed from the House, and Rep Jeff Leach had to admit he lied about an amendment when challenged by Rep. Brian Harrison. Never a dull moment in the Texas House these days!
Check out these good articles that lay out everything:
Rep Armando Walle says "I've been a good f*&))*+ soldier", Texas Scorecard
Phelan Removes AG Ken Paxton from the House, Texas Scorecard
Profanities, Priorities and Paxton, The Texan.news
Rep Steve Toth Tweets a video form the House floor on the removal of AG Paxton
ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK:
1) Find out who is nominated to YOUR County Appraisal District Board, figure who the good ones are, and then advocate for them at your taxing governments' meetings in November.
2) VOTE on November 7th, or during early voting from now until Nov 3.
3) Participate in the 2024 Primary! More and more challengers are stepping up to replace the "Dirty Dozen" and other bad incumbents in the Texas House. Keep up with them, and support them in as many ways as possible. You don't have to live in the district to support them. You can help promote on social media, block walk, text or phone call, and donate money. We are featuring a new one every week on our Election 2024 page on the website. Check it frequently to see where you can help a challenger replace a BAD incumbent.
Stay Engaged!
Fran Rhodes, President
PS: Just want to share a personal story about the Appraisal Board Election subject. In 2010, I volunteered to be a TTP Liaison to my school board. I attended every meeting for about 4 years. The Board members got to know me, would talk to me after meetings, thank me for being there, etc. Sometimes I had something to say, but mostly I just sat and listened. right to the very end.
Then some time later I was asked by a couple of taxpayer champions to help them win votes for the Appraisal District Board in our county. So I went to the School Board meeting and asked them to vote for my candidates, and told them why. Every single board member voted for my candidates, and thanked me for bringing the recommendation. They recognized me and recognized my commitment to the cause, and respected my opinion.
Moral of this story? Relationships count! All of our TTP Citizen Advocacy and Liaison efforts are about building relationships. It's the best way to have influence when you need their support. So start building those relationships today!
True Texas Project works hard to train and engage activists.
Can you help?
We are 100% donation-based.
Click here to donate to our movement.
TrueTexasProject.com
To update your profile with a new email address, satellite location, or other details, or to adjust your recurring donations, please click here.
BONUS TIP: remove the "unsubscribe" line at the bottom of your email before you forward it! Otherwise the recipient may unsubscribe YOU!
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed].
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="----=_Part_3886663_1436643471.1698437353537"
------=_Part_3886663_1436643471.1698437353537
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, https:/=
/api.neonemails.com/emails/content/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKq=
N4A=3D.
[Are these emails too small? Is half of it clipped? At the very top of this=
email, click the link that says "see it online". It will open in normal si=
ze and with full content!]
Greetings Citizen Advocates!
Lots of stuff to report on this week, and so little time! I'll try to be b=
rief.
ELECTION YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT:
Did you know that there is another election happening in the next few weeks=
that has a direct impact on YOUR property taxes? Every odd numbered year,=
new Board of Director members are elected to the County Appraisal District=
s. But they are not elected by YOU the taxpayers! The Board members are n=
ominated and then voted on by the taxing governments to whom you pay proper=
ty taxes.
The taxing entities =E2=80=93 County Commissioners, City Councils, School B=
oards, etc. =E2=80=93 nominate candidates for the ballot. They then elect t=
he Board members based on weighted votes allotted to them according to how =
much revenue they receive from the citizens. The largest number of votes g=
o to the county wide governments because they are collecting revenue from t=
he entire county (County Commissioners, County College District, etc) The =
next largest will be the larger school districts and large cities.
Not always, but often, we find a lot of back room, sketchy dealing for thes=
e nominations so that the taxing entities can get the people on the board t=
hat benefits them. We think taxpayers should be in charge of these decisio=
ns! That's why we're calling your attention to it. Most voters don't even=
know this is happening.
If you want to have a voice in selecting members of your County Appraisal D=
istrict, first, find out who is nominated in your County by contacting the =
County Appraisal office. Then, you must call or email your elected offici=
als in all of the taxing entities that have taxing authority on your proper=
ty. (City, County, School Board, Municipal Districts, College Districts, H=
ospital Districts). Better yet attend meetings of these governments, and s=
peak up for the best candidates
The voting period is from November 1 through December 15. Most taxing entit=
ies will cast their votes in a November meeting so ACT NOW.
(It's just too much to post all contact information here. So employ some o=
f that personal responsibility we are proud of, and look it up. All taxing=
entities have a website and their elected representatives are listed with =
contact information).
ELECTION YOU DO KNOW ABOUT:
Yes! November 7th Election has already started with early voting. The 14 =
Constitutional Amendments are on the ballot, along with some special electi=
ons, school board elections, a ton of bonds (EEEEK!), and possibly other th=
ings like city charter amendments, voter approval tax rate elections, and o=
ther scary, spooky things. How appropriate that Halloween falls right in t=
he middle of the voting schedule.=20
For our TTP recommendations on everything, check out the November 2023 Elec=
tions page of our website. You will find recommendations on everything we =
know about so far, and a printable list of amendments with recommendations.=
Julie is constantly updating this page, so if you have not voted yet, be =
sure to re-check just before you go, for the most up to date information.
REMEMBER - Several amendments on the ballot are nothing but budget busters.=
The legislature spent all the money they are allowed to spend because of =
constitutional budget limits, but they wanted to spend MORE. They can brea=
k the spending limits with a simple majority vote - but that doesn't look g=
ood on a campaign mailer! So they put several spending measures on constit=
utional amendments. Another grassroots group referred to this as a "get ou=
t of jail free card" for legislators, and I would agree. If they don't pas=
s, then during campaign season lawmakers can say "we tried!", but the vote=
rs said no. Then it's YOUR fault. Vote for them if you feel compelled to =
do so, but understand the motivation behind them, and don't delude yourself=
into thinking it's not going to cost a lot of money. This goes for Prop 9=
, the TRS cost of living increase too!
CHAOS IN THE TEXAS HOUSE:
This week, the House was finally called into session to do some actual work=
. They had a marathon day on Wednesday where they passed SB4 (human smuggl=
ing), SB7 (covid vaccines), HB4 (illegal entry to TX) and HB 6 (appropriati=
ons for border barriers). They met well into the wee hours of the morning,=
with some heated debate including a profane laden tirade by a Democrat whe=
n 26 Republicans tried to limit amendments, Speaker Dade Phelan had AG Ken=
Paxton physically removed from the House, and Rep Jeff Leach had to admit =
he lied about an amendment when challenged by Rep. Brian Harrison. Never a =
dull moment in the Texas House these days!
Check out these good articles that lay out everything:
Rep Armando Walle says "I've been a good f*&))*+ soldier", Texas Scorecard
Phelan Removes AG Ken Paxton from the House, Texas Scorecard
Profanities, Priorities and Paxton, The Texan.news
Rep Steve Toth Tweets a video form the House floor on the removal of AG Pax=
ton
=20
ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK:
1) Find out who is nominated to YOUR County Appraisal District Board, figu=
re who the good ones are, and then advocate for them at your taxing governm=
ents' meetings in November.
2) VOTE on November 7th, or during early voting from now until Nov 3.
3) Participate in the 2024 Primary! More and more challengers are steppin=
g up to replace the "Dirty Dozen" and other bad incumbents in the Texas Hou=
se. Keep up with them, and support them in as many ways as possible. You d=
on't have to live in the district to support them. You can help promote on=
social media, block walk, text or phone call, and donate money. We are fe=
aturing a new one every week on our Election 2024 page on the website. Che=
ck it frequently to see where you can help a challenger replace a BAD incum=
bent.
Stay Engaged!
Fran Rhodes, President
PS: Just want to share a personal story about the Appraisal Board Election=
subject. In 2010, I volunteered to be a TTP Liaison to my school board. =
I attended every meeting for about 4 years. The Board members got to know =
me, would talk to me after meetings, thank me for being there, etc. Someti=
mes I had something to say, but mostly I just sat and listened. right to th=
e very end.=20
Then some time later I was asked by a couple of taxpayer champions to help =
them win votes for the Appraisal District Board in our county. So I went t=
o the School Board meeting and asked them to vote for my candidates, and to=
ld them why. Every single board member voted for my candidates, and thanke=
d me for bringing the recommendation. They recognized me and recognized my=
commitment to the cause, and respected my opinion.
Moral of this story? Relationships count! All of our TTP Citizen Advocacy=
and Liaison efforts are about building relationships. It's the best way to=
have influence when you need their support. So start building those relat=
ionships today!
=20
True Texas Project works hard to train and engage activists.
Can you help?
We are 100% donation-based.
Click here to donate to our movement. =20
TrueTexasProject.com
=20
=20
To update your profile with a new email address, satellite location, or oth=
er details, or to adjust your recurring donations, please click here.
BONUS TIP: remove the "unsubscribe" line at the bottom of your email before=
you forward it! Otherwise the recipient may unsubscribe YOU!
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed]
exasproject.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/truetexasproject/unsubscribeEmail.js=
p?type=3D16&emailId=3Dbaecbb03d99621820d312581f8dab997bm3432456bae&userId=
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den; mso-hide:all;"><!--NEONCRM-PREVIEW-TEXT-START---->Plus Spooky Tricks a=
nd Treats in the TX House<!--NEONCRM-PREVIEW-TEXT-END-----></span> <!--<![e=
ndif]-->=20
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ackground-color: #FFFFFF;">=20
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lative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-family: ari=
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<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
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ord-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-family: ari=
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g1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1uMHdSYJ7sK-vo5Vo19EVu4=3D" =
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nter; border: none; display: inline; margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; w=
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<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
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left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
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tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt=
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der: none; display: block; width: 750px; height: auto;" src=3D"[link removed]
texasproject.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/TTP%20Em=
ail%20Header(1).png" alt width=3D"750" height=3D"263"></a><span style=3D"fo=
nt-weight: 400; color: #e03e2d; font-size: 11pt;">[Are these emails too sma=
ll? Is half of it clipped? At the very top of this email, click the link th=
at says "see it online". It will open in normal size and with full content!=
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<table class=3D"row content-row-blockpadding" style=3D"border-sp=
acing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;=
padding: 0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt=
; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Greetings Ci=
tizen Advocates!</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helveti=
ca,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-ali=
gn: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bo=
ttom: 10px;">Lots of stuff to report on this week, and so little time! =
; I'll try to be brief.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,=
helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; t=
ext-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Ma=
rgin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>ELECTION YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT:</strong=
></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; =
font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-=
size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Di=
d you know that there is another election happening in the next few weeks t=
hat has a direct impact on YOUR property taxes? Every odd numbered ye=
ar, new Board of Director members are elected to the County Appraisal Distr=
icts. <strong>But they are not elected by YOU the taxpayers!</strong>=
The Board members are nominated and then voted on by the taxing gove=
rnments to whom you pay property taxes.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; fon=
t-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">The taxing entities =E2=80=93 County Co=
mmissioners, City Councils, School Boards, etc. =E2=80=93 nominate candidat=
es for the ballot. They then elect the Board members based on weighted vote=
s allotted to them according to how much revenue they receive from the citi=
zens. The largest number of votes go to the county wide governments b=
ecause they are collecting revenue from the entire county (County Commissio=
ners, County College District, etc) The next largest will be the larg=
er school districts and large cities.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-=
family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0=
; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bo=
ttom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Not always, but often, we find a lot of b=
ack room, sketchy dealing for these nominations so that the taxing entities=
can get the people on the board that benefits them. <strong>We think=
taxpayers should be in charge of these decisions! </strong>That's wh=
y we're calling your attention to it. Most voters don't even know thi=
s is happening.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetic=
a,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-alig=
n: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bot=
tom: 10px;">If you want to have a voice in selecting members of your County=
Appraisal District<strong>,</strong> first, find out who is nominated in y=
our County by contacting the County Appraisal office. Then, <strong>=
you must call or email your elected officials </strong>in all of the taxing=
entities that have taxing authority on your property. (City, County,=
School Board, Municipal Districts, College Districts, Hospital Districts).=
Better yet attend meetings of these governments, and speak up for th=
e best candidates</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvet=
ica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-al=
ign: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-b=
ottom: 10px;">The voting period is from November 1 through December 15. Mos=
t taxing entities will cast their votes in a November meeting so ACT NOW.</=
p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; fon=
t-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-siz=
e: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">(It's=
just too much to post all contact information here. So employ some o=
f that personal responsibility we are proud of, and look it up. All t=
axing entities have a website and their elected representatives are listed =
with contact information).</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: ari=
al,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0=
; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px;=
Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>ELECTION YOU DO KNOW ABOUT</strong>:</p> <p =
style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weig=
ht: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12p=
t; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Yes! =
November 7th Election has already started with early voting. The 14 C=
onstitutional Amendments are on the ballot, along with some special electio=
ns, school board elections, a ton of bonds (EEEEK!), and possibly other thi=
ngs like city charter amendments, voter approval tax rate elections, and ot=
her scary, spooky things. How appropriate that Halloween falls right =
in the middle of the voting schedule. </p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; mar=
gin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; mar=
gin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">For our TTP recommendations on ever=
ything, check out the <a title=3D"November 2023 Elections page" href=3D"htt=
ps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZ=
a7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1mJT8P3PgLMv0Q74Bf9Gtd4=3D" targ=
et=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: no=
ne; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">=
November 2023 Elections page</a> of our website. You will find recomm=
endations on everything we know about so far, and a printable list of amend=
ments with recommendations. Julie is constantly updating this page, s=
o if you have not voted yet, be sure to re-check just before you go, for th=
e most up to date information.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family:=
arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1=
0px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">REMEMBER - Several amendments on the ballot are =
nothing but <strong>budget busters.</strong> The legislature spent al=
l the money they are allowed to spend because of constitutional budget limi=
ts, but they wanted to spend MORE. They can break the spending limits=
with a simple majority vote - but that doesn't look good on a campaign mai=
ler! So they put several spending measures on constitutional amendmen=
ts. Another grassroots group referred to this as a <strong>"get out o=
f jail free card" </strong>for legislators, and I would agree. If the=
y don't pass, then during campaign season lawmakers can say "we tried!",&nb=
sp; but the voters said no. Then it's YOUR fault. Vote for them=
if you feel compelled to do so, but understand the motivation behind them,=
and don't delude yourself into thinking it's not going to cost a lot of mo=
ney. This goes for Prop 9, the TRS cost of living increase too!</p> <=
p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-we=
ight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 1=
2pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>C=
HAOS IN THE TEXAS HOUSE</strong>:</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fami=
ly: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom=
: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">This week, the House was finally called into =
session to do some actual work. They had a marathon day on Wednesday =
where they passed SB4 (human smuggling), SB7 (covid vaccines), HB4 (illegal=
entry to TX) and HB 6 (appropriations for border barriers). They met=
well into the wee hours of the morning, with some heated debate including =
a profane laden tirade by a Democrat when 26 Republicans tried to limit ame=
ndments, Speaker Dade Phelan had AG Ken Paxton physically removed fro=
m the House, and Rep Jeff Leach had to admit he lied about an amendment whe=
n challenged by Rep. Brian Harrison. Never a dull moment in the Texas House=
these days!</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,s=
ans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px;">Check out these good articles that lay out everything:</p> <p styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: =
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; l=
ine-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title=3D"Rep=
Armando Walle" href=3D"[link removed]
nk/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1q_9Q=
Y6kSAGDhAp60I7bjI0=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #=
0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align=
: left; line-height: 1.5;">Rep Armando Walle</a> says "I've been a go=
od f*&))*+ soldier", <em>Texas Scorecard</em></p> <p style=3D"color: #3=
c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: =
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.=
5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title=3D"Phelan Removes AG=
Ken Paxton from the House" href=3D"[link removed]
ing/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3Pel=
gxvuE2C1o-3QB-LKCGUIexw4YyoW40=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0=
; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Phelan Removes AG Ken Paxton from th=
e House</a>, <em>Texas Scorecard</em></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-=
family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0=
; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bo=
ttom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title=3D"Profanities, Priorities and P=
axton" href=3D"[link removed]
jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1or-ZQwn2pE3Vr=
XN3f2CymU=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; t=
ext-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; l=
ine-height: 1.5;">Profanities, Priorities and Paxton</a>, <em>The Texan.new=
s</em></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-se=
rif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; =
font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px=
;"><a title=3D"Rep Steve Toth's X comment" href=3D"[link removed]
om/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=
=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1sNwMfGdvu2tcIuq2537kS8=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=
=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: =
inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Rep Steve Toth Tw=
eets</a> a video form the House floor on the removal of AG Paxton</p> <p st=
yle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight=
: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt;=
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p=
style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-wei=
ght: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12=
pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>AC=
TION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK:</strong></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; M=
argin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-botto=
m: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">1) Find out who is nominated to YOUR C=
ounty Appraisal District Board, figure who the good ones are, and then advo=
cate for them at your taxing governments' meetings in November.</p> <p styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: =
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; l=
ine-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">2) VOTE o=
n November 7th, or during early voting from now until Nov 3.</p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 4=
00; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; li=
ne-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">3) Partici=
pate in the 2024 Primary! More and more challengers are stepping up t=
o replace the "Dirty Dozen" and other bad incumbents in the Texas House.&nb=
sp; Keep up with them, and support them in as many ways as possible. You do=
n't have to live in the district to support them. You can help promot=
e on social media, block walk, text or phone call, and donate money. =
We are featuring a new one every week on our <a title=3D"Election 2024" hre=
f=3D"[link removed]
eL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1pq3UNGL-GVxM-YKsEeHyHs=
=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decor=
ation: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-heigh=
t: 1.5;">Election 2024</a> page on the website. Check it frequently t=
o see where you can help a challenger replace a BAD incumbent.</p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 4=
00; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; li=
ne-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Stay Engaged!</p=
> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font=
-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size=
: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Fran R=
hodes, President</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helveti=
ca,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-ali=
gn: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bo=
ttom: 10px;"><em>PS: Just want to share a personal story about the Ap=
praisal Board Election subject. In 2010, I volunteered to be a TTP Li=
aison to my school board. I attended every meeting for about 4 years.=
The Board members got to know me, would talk to me after meetings, t=
hank me for being there, etc. Sometimes I had something to say, but m=
ostly I just sat and listened. right to the very end. </em></p> <p sty=
le=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight:=
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; =
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><em>Then some =
time later I was asked by a couple of taxpayer champions to help them win v=
otes for the Appraisal District Board in our county. So I went to the=
School Board meeting and asked them to vote for my candidates, and told th=
em why. Every single board member voted for my candidates, and thanke=
d me for bringing the recommendation. They recognized me and recogniz=
ed my commitment to the cause, and respected my opinion.</em></p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 4=
00; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; li=
ne-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><em>Moral of thi=
s story? Relationships count! All of our TTP Citizen Advocacy a=
nd Liaison efforts are about <strong>building relationships</strong>. It's =
the best way to have influence when you need their support. So start =
building those relationships today!</em></p> <p id=3D"E84" class=3D"x-scope=
qowt-word-para-0" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sa=
ns-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: l=
eft; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom:=
10px;"></p>=20
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border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding: =
0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Margin: 0; b=
ackground-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 24px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5=
; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><span styl=
e=3D"font-size: 14px;"> </span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-f=
amily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0;=
Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style=3D"color: #cc0000;">=
True Texas Project works hard to train and engage activists.<br>Can you hel=
p?<br>We are 100% donation-based.</span><br><span style=3D"color: #000055;"=
>Click </span><a href=3D"[link removed]
ink/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1pg3=
40DTkefJT6tP0bCBwjo=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; fon=
t-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><span s=
tyle=3D"color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><span style=3D"color: #000055;"> to=
donate to our movement. <br><a href=3D"https=
://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/Qsc0k1jthbizEuwieL7Og1EZa7=
x48Y4DUINl9qKqN4A=3D/K4X_z2W_p3PelgxvuE2C1uQcWg3xNUPgsUPMHb3-tr4=3D" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0=
; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">TrueTexasProject.com</a></span></str=
ong></p>=20
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uTube" width=3D"30" border=3D"0" style=3D"outline: none; text-decoration: n=
one; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clear: both; margin:=
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g" alt=3D"Website" width=3D"30" border=3D"0" style=3D"outline: none; text-d=
ecoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clear: b=
oth; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align: center; borde=
r: none; display: block; height: auto;"></a>
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<span style=3D"color: #000080;"><span style=3D"font-siz=
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Greetings Citizen Advocates!
Lots of stuff to report on this week, and so little time! I'll try to be brief.
ELECTION YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT:
Did you know that there is another election happening in the next few weeks that has a direct impact on YOUR property taxes? Every odd numbered year, new Board of Director members are elected to the County Appraisal Districts. But they are not elected by YOU the taxpayers! The Board members are nominated and then voted on by the taxing governments to whom you pay property taxes.
The taxing entities – County Commissioners, City Councils, School Boards, etc. – nominate candidates for the ballot. They then elect the Board members based on weighted votes allotted to them according to how much revenue they receive from the citizens. The largest number of votes go to the county wide governments because they are collecting revenue from the entire county (County Commissioners, County College District, etc) The next largest will be the larger school districts and large cities.
Not always, but often, we find a lot of back room, sketchy dealing for these nominations so that the taxing entities can get the people on the board that benefits them. We think taxpayers should be in charge of these decisions! That's why we're calling your attention to it. Most voters don't even know this is happening.
If you want to have a voice in selecting members of your County Appraisal District, first, find out who is nominated in your County by contacting the County Appraisal office. Then, you must call or email your elected officials in all of the taxing entities that have taxing authority on your property. (City, County, School Board, Municipal Districts, College Districts, Hospital Districts). Better yet attend meetings of these governments, and speak up for the best candidates
The voting period is from November 1 through December 15. Most taxing entities will cast their votes in a November meeting so ACT NOW.
(It's just too much to post all contact information here. So employ some of that personal responsibility we are proud of, and look it up. All taxing entities have a website and their elected representatives are listed with contact information).
ELECTION YOU DO KNOW ABOUT:
Yes! November 7th Election has already started with early voting. The 14 Constitutional Amendments are on the ballot, along with some special elections, school board elections, a ton of bonds (EEEEK!), and possibly other things like city charter amendments, voter approval tax rate elections, and other scary, spooky things. How appropriate that Halloween falls right in the middle of the voting schedule.
For our TTP recommendations on everything, check out the November 2023 Elections page of our website. You will find recommendations on everything we know about so far, and a printable list of amendments with recommendations. Julie is constantly updating this page, so if you have not voted yet, be sure to re-check just before you go, for the most up to date information.
REMEMBER - Several amendments on the ballot are nothing but budget busters. The legislature spent all the money they are allowed to spend because of constitutional budget limits, but they wanted to spend MORE. They can break the spending limits with a simple majority vote - but that doesn't look good on a campaign mailer! So they put several spending measures on constitutional amendments. Another grassroots group referred to this as a "get out of jail free card" for legislators, and I would agree. If they don't pass, then during campaign season lawmakers can say "we tried!", but the voters said no. Then it's YOUR fault. Vote for them if you feel compelled to do so, but understand the motivation behind them, and don't delude yourself into thinking it's not going to cost a lot of money. This goes for Prop 9, the TRS cost of living increase too!
CHAOS IN THE TEXAS HOUSE:
This week, the House was finally called into session to do some actual work. They had a marathon day on Wednesday where they passed SB4 (human smuggling), SB7 (covid vaccines), HB4 (illegal entry to TX) and HB 6 (appropriations for border barriers). They met well into the wee hours of the morning, with some heated debate including a profane laden tirade by a Democrat when 26 Republicans tried to limit amendments, Speaker Dade Phelan had AG Ken Paxton physically removed from the House, and Rep Jeff Leach had to admit he lied about an amendment when challenged by Rep. Brian Harrison. Never a dull moment in the Texas House these days!
Check out these good articles that lay out everything:
Rep Armando Walle says "I've been a good f*&))*+ soldier", Texas Scorecard
Phelan Removes AG Ken Paxton from the House, Texas Scorecard
Profanities, Priorities and Paxton, The Texan.news
Rep Steve Toth Tweets a video form the House floor on the removal of AG Paxton
ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK:
1) Find out who is nominated to YOUR County Appraisal District Board, figure who the good ones are, and then advocate for them at your taxing governments' meetings in November.
2) VOTE on November 7th, or during early voting from now until Nov 3.
3) Participate in the 2024 Primary! More and more challengers are stepping up to replace the "Dirty Dozen" and other bad incumbents in the Texas House. Keep up with them, and support them in as many ways as possible. You don't have to live in the district to support them. You can help promote on social media, block walk, text or phone call, and donate money. We are featuring a new one every week on our Election 2024 page on the website. Check it frequently to see where you can help a challenger replace a BAD incumbent.
Stay Engaged!
Fran Rhodes, President
PS: Just want to share a personal story about the Appraisal Board Election subject. In 2010, I volunteered to be a TTP Liaison to my school board. I attended every meeting for about 4 years. The Board members got to know me, would talk to me after meetings, thank me for being there, etc. Sometimes I had something to say, but mostly I just sat and listened. right to the very end.
Then some time later I was asked by a couple of taxpayer champions to help them win votes for the Appraisal District Board in our county. So I went to the School Board meeting and asked them to vote for my candidates, and told them why. Every single board member voted for my candidates, and thanked me for bringing the recommendation. They recognized me and recognized my commitment to the cause, and respected my opinion.
Moral of this story? Relationships count! All of our TTP Citizen Advocacy and Liaison efforts are about building relationships. It's the best way to have influence when you need their support. So start building those relationships today!
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