No one should mince words with Liberty County’s Sheriff. It is abundantly clear to anyone who has read Liberty Dispatch there are people who have no law enforcement credentials who have been bragging for months about investigating private citizens with no probable cause and the Sheriff’s political enemies like Joe Warren, and that they have done this on behalf of Sheriff Henry Patterson. We have time and time again expressed a desire among some of this county’s citizen for the Sheriff to come forward and disavow any relationship to these people who call themselves “The Outsiders” and to open up the Sheriff’s records to show if they have been the recipient of any of the county’s money.
Last week one of Patterson’s family members began sending in comments to Liberty Dispatch that did nothing to answer these questions, but did leave the odor of a threat. Chris Minx, Patterson’s son-in-law, may not be aware of how many times Patterson, or Patterson’s associates, have asked for similar information in order to understand their motivation. But he should realize that simple cooperation is usually better than the route that he took.
Minx, perhaps not coincidentally, mimicked the same defense of the Sheriff that we have heard from the Outsiders, “The Sheriff is available every morning for breakfasts somewhere in Cleveland.”
When Liberty Dispatch rebuffed Patterson and his son-in-law for not being forthcoming, comments began to roll in that we were attacking his family. We would encourage Patterson and his people to stop spinning these kinds of “blame game” stories and own up to their pursuit of Joe warren and Minx’s initiation of tough talk with us. In the long run, “The evidence” the Outsiders always boast about will not support their contentions.
And in the long run, voters will reject a Sheriff who hides behind his biscuit-eating. Sheriff Patterson needs to tear himself away from breakfasts with the Outsiders and Detective Eddie, Cliff and Chris Minx and answer questions via a press release. Open, responsible, honest government is what he and his friend’s say they want – then set an example.
John Otto- Change is good...
Many here on Liberty Dispatch are wondering why we have changed our opinion of local Texas State Representative John Otto. There is a good reason why we now support Texas State Represenative John Otto. We looked back at Representative Otto's voting record in Austin so we could formulate his conservative or non-conservative voting record. What we found was a recent record of a man who now votes with the party and conservative ideals. Otto's voting record was a surprise and we believe he finally gets it. If you are a Republican you vote like one, you promote the conservative philosopy and Republican Party platform.
People can change and its appears Otto has changed for the better. It is never too late to be a good Republican.
Representative John Otto's voting record
People can change and its appears Otto has changed for the better. It is never too late to be a good Republican.
Representative John Otto's voting record
Tommy Koen Running for Constable Pct. #3
| Tommy Koen |
Tommy Koen has announced that he will run in the Republican primary for the position of Constable of Precinct #3.
A lifetime resident of Precinct 3, Koen knows his community as well as anyone. He attended school in Hardin and graduated from Hardin High School in 1971. He is a lifelong member of the Hardin Methodist Church. Tommy is married to Rebecca Carter Koen. Having his roots in the Hardin area for many years, Tommy has made a lifelong commitment to the area.
Koen is also committed to his profession. After graduating from high school in 1971, he began his law enforcement career working for Liberty Police Department as a Patrol Officer. In the 33 years of his experience in law enforcement, Koen has attended many specialized classes dealing with (i.e. terrorists, evictions, family violence, etc). 24 of those years of service have been as a full time officer. Koen is a Master Peace Officer and currently works for Liberty County Sheriff’s Offices as a Patrol Sergeant. He is responsible for the supervision of five deputies that take calls for service in Liberty County.
Koen carries certifications by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education as an Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Field Training Instructor, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor.
On his days off, Koen works security at the Hardin Chambers Center, also known as the Alternative School, in Liberty. He has done this for the past 8 school years. His job there allows him to work with children from all of the school districts in Liberty and Chambers counties, including Hardin Jr. High and Hardin High School. This experience has given him valuable knowledge in dealing with juvenile problems.
“I think that the citizens of Precinct #3 deserve a Constable who has a vast experience in law enforcement and will work full-time for the voters of Precinct #3. I have handled hundreds of calls for service in my tenure as a peace officer everything from homicide to goats loose on the roadway. I am experienced in serving warrants and handling civil issues. I would appreciate your support and vote in the March Republican Primary."
Sheriff Patterson wont answer about details of his budget.
Liberty Dispatch has had several questions about Sheriff Patterson’s strange hiring practices. Patterson’s record is clear. He hires mostly people from out of the county for the highest positions within the department.
The most bizarre part of Patterson’s hiring record is how many people he hires that have had documented employee problems elsewhere. Why he chooses to hire troubled souls to protect Liberty County is not a question we are able to answer.
The other questions about hiring people revolve around the money the money the Sheriff has from seizures. To date, the Sheriff has not made the amount of this money or the paper trail showing how it has been used easy for the general public to see. Because of this lack of openness, Patterson continues to leave open the question of his relationship to Eddie Shauberger and the Outsiders – have they received any county benefits for doing what they have claimed to be “Investigations for the Sheriff”.
The most bizarre part of Patterson’s hiring record is how many people he hires that have had documented employee problems elsewhere. Why he chooses to hire troubled souls to protect Liberty County is not a question we are able to answer.
The other questions about hiring people revolve around the money the money the Sheriff has from seizures. To date, the Sheriff has not made the amount of this money or the paper trail showing how it has been used easy for the general public to see. Because of this lack of openness, Patterson continues to leave open the question of his relationship to Eddie Shauberger and the Outsiders – have they received any county benefits for doing what they have claimed to be “Investigations for the Sheriff”.
DONKEYS NO LONGER IN CHARGE, COVERING UP STUPIDITY TOUGHER
Starting fifteen years ago, Republicans have been challenging the Democrats in Liberty County at almost every turn. As predicted, now Republicans have begun to run the table and win almost all elective offices. But if one were to dial back to the late 1990’s, you would here other predictions. Predictions of how different disputes would be one day when the local Democrats and their partners in the media lost control of the county were made.
Today, Liberty Dispatch unabashedly will post a very clear discrepancy between the Liberty County Democratic Party and the State of Texas with no concern about them lying or manipulating or turning the tables on us. There has been incident after incident over the years where Democrats have blown it and, with the help of Democratic officeholders and the local media have covered it up or worse.
But the donkey party needs to simply correct their mistake and leave all the political games in the past. They never were good at their manipulation, but when they had all of the power they got away with it.
Liberty County Democratic Chairman Nancy Archer has signed and posted a Notification of THE Deadline of an Election on the county’s website that indicates a final day to sign up to run in the primary that is different than the final day the state of Texas has set forth.
The implications on Chairman Archer’s unilateral extension of the deadline to December 18th are noteworthy despite the fact she is all but begging for candidates. We have said all along that democracy is at its best when there is competition and the public loses by having fewer choices because local democrats don’t have their stuff together – and these days that fact can’t have a happy face put on it.
Please note the last day to sign up for a place on the ballot, both Democrat and Republican, is December 15th.
NANCY ARCHER DOCUMENT LINK
Today, Liberty Dispatch unabashedly will post a very clear discrepancy between the Liberty County Democratic Party and the State of Texas with no concern about them lying or manipulating or turning the tables on us. There has been incident after incident over the years where Democrats have blown it and, with the help of Democratic officeholders and the local media have covered it up or worse.
But the donkey party needs to simply correct their mistake and leave all the political games in the past. They never were good at their manipulation, but when they had all of the power they got away with it.
Liberty County Democratic Chairman Nancy Archer has signed and posted a Notification of THE Deadline of an Election on the county’s website that indicates a final day to sign up to run in the primary that is different than the final day the state of Texas has set forth.
The implications on Chairman Archer’s unilateral extension of the deadline to December 18th are noteworthy despite the fact she is all but begging for candidates. We have said all along that democracy is at its best when there is competition and the public loses by having fewer choices because local democrats don’t have their stuff together – and these days that fact can’t have a happy face put on it.
Please note the last day to sign up for a place on the ballot, both Democrat and Republican, is December 15th.
NANCY ARCHER DOCUMENT LINK
PRESS RELEASE: Karen McNair to run for Liberty County DA Position
Life long Liberty County resident and attorney, Karen McNair is pleased to announce her intention to seek her party’s nomination for the office of District Attorney in the March 6th, 2012 Republican primary.
“In serving the citizens of Liberty County as the lead prosecutor with the County Attorney’s Office, I am hitting a new stride, focus and fulfillment in my legal career. It is exciting to work with the law enforcement officers serving the citizens of Liberty County to maintain and improve the quality of life for all of our cities, communities and neighborhoods.” – Karen McNair
As lead prosecutor in the Liberty County Attorney’s Office, Karen has worked diligently to implement a strict structure for enforcement of fines and probation terms to discourage further misdemeanor crime in Liberty County. At the same time, she has worked to minimize “justice delayed” by reducing the number of days an inmate spends in jail between the offense and judgment.
Karen explained that those implemented reductions preserve the integrity of each citizen’s constitutional rights. Justice must be fair, impartial, and swift. Timely completion of prosecution is mandated by the right to a speedy trial. Those mandates further benefit all the citizens of Liberty County by reducing the overall costs of prosecution to the tax payer while assuring the constitutionally protected rights of the accused.
“As Americans, our freedoms are ingrained in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. At all times and in every way, prosecution must respect those founding documents. Justice must be impartial. Justice must be swift. Justice must be sure. It is only then that we remain secure in our lives, our liberties and our pursuits of happiness.” – Karen McNair
Karen McNair is pleased to announce that she is seeking the nomination to the office of District Attorney in the March 6, 2012, Republican Primary Election.
PRESS RELEASE: Local Liberty businessman has announced he will run for Liberty County Sheriff
Local Liberty businessman Bobby Rader has announced his candidacy for the position of Liberty County Sheriff, running on the Republican Party ticket.
(Liberty, Texas - 11/28/2011) Rader, who has served as Justice of the Peace since January, 1999 and as the city of Liberty Municipal Judge since 2004, brings considerable experience from the business, law enforcement and volunteer arenas to the race.
Rader, the owner of Hall, Rader and Associates, has been involved locally in Liberty since his six-year stint as a Department of Public safety trooper. In 1980, he left the Department and began a career in the insurance industry where he runs a multi-line business. During his residency in Liberty, he raised a family, remained active in community affairs and has been a visible volunteer in local civic clubs, sports groups and educational endeavors.
Rader believes that with his background he will bring much needed change to the Sheriff's Department. "Having worked closely with the past three sheriffs, I have seen things that were good and things that I believe could have been handled better. I would like to make some changes that will better serve all the residents of Liberty County."
The sheriff's position Is Liberty County's top law enforcement officer, a position that includes several components. Along with an administrative component, the job is charged with maintaining the peace and protecting the lives and property of Liberty County citizens. Final components include the supervision of the jail and maintenance of the courthouse security.
Rader has a plan to restore public faith and integrity in the Sheriff's Department. "If elected, I will implement new policy goals for this office and feel that with my experience, they can be accomplished."
His goals include:
1. Proper training in both criminal and civil law for all deputies.
2. Better working relationships with the District Attorney's office and the County Attorney's office resulting in stronger cases for prosecution.
3. Training in case preparation that will also result in stronger prosecution and higher conviction rates.
4. Strong commitment to drug enforcement arrests resulting in convictions.
5. Emergency response training for all employees.
6. Faster response to community concerns and complaints. Rader believes these changes will have a positive result for citizens of Liberty County.
"If elected, I plan to develop a strong spirit of cooperation and teamwork with all the local law enforcement agencies in Liberty County. I will strive for increased utilization of the manpower and talents of Liberty County's volunteer fire personnel who can provide valuable support with crime and accident scenes. Finally, I think we will see the ability to investigate illegal activities that occur in the jail resulting in a more secure facility."
Rader brings the tools needed to deal with the total law enforcement package- experience, integrity and desire for change.
"It has to start somewhere. I ask it to start with your vote for me as the Republican candidate for the position of Liberty County Sheriff."
November 28, 2011- First day Liberty County, Texas Republican sign-up
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Republican Primary candidates pose after day one sign up.
Front: Wesley N. Hinch – County Attorney (I), A.W. Bowdin for Constable Pct 1, Karen McNair for District Attorney, Chance Ward for Commissioner Pct 3, Robby Thornton for Constable Pct 4
Middle: Danny Frankum – Constable Pct 3 (I), Henry Patterson – Sheriff (I), Eddie Lowry for Commissioner Pct 3, Tommy Koen for Constable Pct 3, L.W. Despain – Constable Pct 5 (I)
Top: Robert ‘Bobby’ Rader for Sheriff, John Otto – State Representative (I), Ricky Brown forTax Assessor, Tim Allision – Constable Pct 1 (I), Ken Coleman for County Chair
(I) - Incumbent
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