Friday-before-election Ads

KDH is probably a couple of pages fatter with them today.  The first one to catch your eye may be the 1/3 -page color-bordered screaming-font effort by the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors (FHAAR) on page A2.  They never get around to actually supporting a candidate, and they never actually attack a candidate, either (although they mention "CAP candidates" in a negative light).

The FHAAR ad is evidence that the realtors finally realize that city government is likely to be made up of individuals who do not have realtors' interests as their first priority.  It doesn't say much about them that they wasted so much money on such a silly advertisement.  They do urge you to to "VOTE for candidates that understand the issue."  If you've been reading this blog, you've seen me recommend a few such candidates.

It's interesting that about 75% of the advertising column-inches paid for by Killeen city government candidates in today's paper are for individuals supported by FHAAR.

On page A3 we have Mark Manning, who went with small and simple: "City Councilman 1980-82; 1990-96; Mayor Pro Tem 1995-96." "Experienced. Independent."  Manning's appeal probably isn't helped by its proximity to the less-dignified FHAAR screed.  (Manning has been endorsed by FHAAR.)

Also on page A3 is the latest from Juan Estrada, who has done his only effective campaigning in the paper. He says

At the beginning of this year's election process it was my fervent hope that there would be no outside influences affecting the outcome of the election.  I had hoped that those running for office would present their qualifications to serve, were familiar with the issues, and would offer ways in which those issues could be resolved.  And on Election Day the electorate would vote into office those whom they believed would get the job done.Unfortunately that is not happening.  Certain groups and individuals with their own agenda to advance have come into the process.  They would have the electorate vote for those candidates whom they believe would promote their cause.There are problems inherent in this arrangement; First, with the myriad of issued facing our city, these proponents are promoting candidates that may not have the necessary prerequisites for the job.  Second, to acquiesce to these groups would be returning our city government to where it was prior to the recall.  The recall, of which I was a litigant, was about removing interest groups from our city givernment.  Let us keep it that way.  Third, the effectiveness of the elected officials could be rompromised due to divided loyalty between the support group and the electorate.Therefore I urge the electorate to vote their conscience. Do not give in to those who would skew the election process for their own purpose.

Mr Estrada could use an editor, and I can't support his apparent view that people and groups shouldn't seek the government they prefer, but this wasn't a bad effort.

Opposite the week-old syndicated columns that the Herald midleadingly calls "Editorials", on page A5, is a large ad for Elizabeth Blackstone.  Her message is

I am a candidate for an at large position on the Killeen City Council, and I am asking for your vote.  My heart and my history belong to this city.  As a  first-time candidate, I entered this race with one objective--to help make Killeen a better place for each of us.If you will select me as your council member, I will promise only one thing--to listen with an open mind and to vote with the best interests of all citizens.  I will be available to you and independent of special interests.The May 12th election is fast approaching, and if you have not alread voted early, I urge you to go on Saturday and note for me!

Wayne Gilmore, who has been nearly invisible in this campaign, bought color space on page A6.  He asserts "I possess the experience and love for this city so that I know I can participate in its future success."  Not a catchy slogan, but it's good to hear from him.

Dan Corbin also has a full color ad on page A6.  He includes some common-sense suggestions for running council meetings, which after all is what the mayor mainly does:

Televise or stream on the internet all council meetings and workshopsAllow internet users to download video recordings of meetings/workshops by reference to the Agenda item number so they can easily watch only the items of interest to them.Make public the packets given to council members prior to each meeting or workshop.Conduce frequent town hall meetings to receive input from citizens, to answer their questions, make presentations, and provide staff briefings of items of interest.At town hall meetings, receive input or take questions via internet, text, or phone for those not able to attend.Use closed sessions only when required by law.
"I will work hard to insure open givernment and fiscal reponsibility."

Jared Foster paid for a few words on the back page of section A: "Let's build a better place to live and work for the future of Killeen."

Jose Segarra went for a small color ad at the bottom of page B4: "Moving Forward in a Positive Direction!"  He has a bigger one on C7: "A Killeen Success Story Ready to Shake Up City Hall;" and "Open Government / Public Safety / Economic Development."

There are four political ads on page C8 (the back of the Sports section).  One is a smaller Corbin ad. Then there's Jim Butler who, in a very small font, says

Served in US Air Force Security Service / Professional Civil Engineer / Resided in Killeen 36 years.
Goals:

• Get City Council running and effective ASAP

• Public Safety: Fire and Police

• Improve transportation system

• Quality Community Development and Renewal

• Preserve, and enhance our partnership with Fort Hood

• Upgrade older parks and infrastructure in nor side of Killeen

"I have no ties or allegiances to any entites."
1. Honesty 2. Integrity 3. Experience 4. Dedication

Followed by Travis Sutterfield: "Let's move Killeen forward... Together."

And Benton Goodnight:

Ready to begin the process of regaining the trust of the citizens of this city

• Strong sense of duty

• Served as chairman of the Celebrate Killeen Committee

• Volunteered on the Killeen Volunteers Committee for over 15 years

"Please support me with your vote and encourage your friends to do the same.  I will continue to be committed to this great community that I love.  I will be open and honest to my strong moral and God fearing values, and I will always be willing to listen to your opinion and do my best to discuss the issues with you when you feel that it is necessary."