Tickets are still available, even though the official deadline has passed.
If you want to attend, contact TFRW as soon as possible at tfrw@tfrw.org or 512-477-1615.
Archive for May, 2014
Reception Honoring Women Justices on the Texas Supreme Court – June 5 at the Fort Worth Club
May 30, 2014May News & Committee Reports
May 26, 2014Meeting Reminder:
Michele Samuelson
On Wednesday, May 28th FWRW will have Michele Samuelson, Texas Federation of Republican Women District 14 Director, speak about social media and politics. Social media is here to stay in every way, politics included. This is a great opportunity for more learning about issues affecting in this crucial campaign season.
Michele Samuelson has been active in Texas politics since she could vote, working on campaigns across the state and up and down the ballot. In college, she served Young Conservatives of Texas as Senior Vice Chairman for Media and Publicity, working in every major media market in Texas. In 2006, she moved to Austin to begin her career in professional politics. While on staff with the Americans for Prosperity, she helped organize the first RightOnline conference in 2008, to directly counter efforts by the left to control online messaging in politics. Michele has worked with several candidates across Texas on social media strategy and implementation for their campaigns, and is on the TFRW board as Online Media Chairman. Michele is currently working as Outreach Coordinator for Senator John Cornyn’s campaign. Michele and her husband Randy and their daughter Annalise live in Northwest Austin.
Social – 11:00am Program – 11:30am; Location – Fort Worth Club, 306 7th St., 12th Floor. Valet parking is available for a $5 charge.
To make a luncheon reservation ($25 with reservation, $27 without), RSVP by noon on Monday, May 26th to Helen Bavousett at 817-516-0704 or byronandhelen@live.com. If you are not having lunch, no reservation is necessary. Those who RSVP but do not attend will be billed for their reservation cost. (Please do not RSVP using the Comment/Reply section below.)
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – MAY
Judge Bonnie Sudderth, President of Fort Worth Republican Women
With all of the hoopla surrounding Toyota’s recent announcement that they will soon be moving their corporate headquarters to North Texas, I am reminded of yet another reason why I am a Republican – Republicans understand that in order for people to succeed, businesses must succeed.
Toyota has now joined a long list of companies that have abandoned California (and other liberal states), including Occidental Petroleum Corp. who recently announced its plan to move from Los Angeles to Houston, Calpine Corp., a power company, who once knew the way to San Jose, but now also calls Houston home, and engineering firm Fluor Corp. who fled Orange County for North Texas.
And if the trend continues, San Antonio may eventually call itself home to the Huy Fong Foods plant, maker of the famous Sriracha hot sauce. This will undoubtedly occur if the Irwindale California City Council doesn’t declare a ceasefire in its economic warfare against the business.
Why shouldn’t the Sriracha plant leave? California, and the Los Angeles area in particular, with its high taxes and burdensome regulations, is downright hostile to businesses. Rather than working to save a job-producing enterprise, California has enjoined the factory from operating during the three month period of time when the hot peppers are harvested and ground into sauce. The City Council has declared it a public nuisance (although city officials are currently re-thinking that moniker ever since a Texas flag was observed flying over the factory last week). And all of this – the attempt to effectively shut down a $40 million plant that employs hundreds of local workers – came about because four citizens complained about the smell.
Just as California has been the poster child for liberal policies that drive businesses away, Texas, with its conservative policies favoring lower taxes, limited government and less regulation, continues to lead the nation in attracting businesses – and the jobs that come with it. Chief Executive magazine recently voted California as the worst business climate in the nation – ranked 50th in the nation – while it ranked Texas #1.
It’s nice to be #1, but we didn’t get there by accident. And, although it is often referred to as the “Texas Miracle,” this so-called miracle is no miracle at all. The success in Texas is the direct result of conservative Republican leadership who put conservative Republican principles to work in our state government. Toyota’s North America CEO summed it up quite nicely when he acknowledged that due to California’s hostile business environment, his company never even considered staying in California. After being wooed by Texas, Toyota didn’t even solicit a counter-offer from the state they had called home since 1957. Instead, Toyota chose Texas for its “overall business climate…from affordable housing and shorter commutes to the absence … of a personal income tax.”
And although we enjoy the bragging rights, the Texas Republican phenomenon is not an anomaly. The fact is that, according to a recent CNBC report, 13 of the top 14 best states for business and economic success are led by both Republican governors and Republican-majority state legislatures. The CNBC study credits the tax cuts following the 2010 statewide Republican sweep for the economic success in South Dakota, which received the study’s top score. (Texas came in a close second, followed by North Dakota, Nebraska, Utah and Virginia.) Ranking #7 in the study, Colorado was the only state under blue leadership which made the top 14. (Notably, the other 13 states achieved their successes without becoming America’s Marijuana Mecca.)
And among those lagging, sagging state economies under blue leadership, who pays the price for their anti-business policies? The people. The workers. Particularly the youth and minorities, who tend to fare significantly worse than the national averages when it comes to unemployment statistics. Sadly, with Toyota’s recent defection, the City of Torrance has lost its third-highest property taxpayer and the city’s single largest employer.
Throughout the last decade, Texas’ job-creation rate has doubled the national average. Even during the worst Recession since the Great Depression, Texas’ unemployment rate stubbornly remained well below the national average. South Dakota notwithstanding, the Texas economy is stronger than any other state in our nation. Consequently, our citizens are better off financially than the citizens of the other 49.
So, when you are discussing politics with friends, colleagues and neighbors, ask them if they were grateful to have a job during the Great Recession. If they say “yes,” then don’t neglect to point out that they have Republicans to thank for it. Citizens of those states under Democrat leadership didn’t fare so well.
I will vote Republican in November because under Republican leadership, Texas has become an economic model to the nation. Under leadership that favors conservative policies of lower taxes, limited government and less regulation, a government who understands the important role that businesses play in our economy has emerged. Consequently, Texans prospered at a time when other Americans suffered.
Republicans understand that when businesses succeed, people succeed. And that’s another reason why I am a Republican and I will proudly vote Republican in November.
Bonnie Sudderth
TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN
TRIBUTE TO WOMEN – June 6, 2014
FORT WORTH REPUBLICAN WOMEN HONOREES
It would be difficult to imagine having any Fort Worth Republican Women event without Nancy Adler there. For years, she and her late-husband Jack served as those “familiar faces in the crowd” so key to successful club functions, as they mixed and mingled, shook hands, smiled at and greeted everyone in the room. Nancy was not born a Texan or a Republican, but she became both as soon as she could! In 1982, having recently left Virginia for Houston, Nancy married Jack Adler, she quickly converted to his beloved GOP and she never looked back. When they moved to Fort Worth in 1990, she immediately joined Fort Worth Republican Women. She still remembers her trepidation at attending her very first meeting at FWRW and how quickly she felt at ease as a young woman led her inside and introduced her to everyone. This young woman later became a judge, and Nancy has enjoyed supporting her, along with many other Republican women candidates, with contributions of time and money since that day. Nancy is one of those members who can always been counted on to help out with club events, from decorating to last-minute registration desk duties. When she reflects back, Nancy says, “I look around now and see how much our club has grown and all of the beautiful and talented women, many attorneys and judges, it makes me proud to have been part of this great Republican Club for almost twenty-five years!” Thank you and congratulations, Nancy!
Helen Bavousett may be a “newcomer” to the Fort Worth Republican Women’s club, but when she joined in 2009, she hit the ground running! Within a year, Helen was volunteering her time at the 2010 TFRW Convention in Fort Worth, helping out with hospitality. Two years later, she volunteered as a greeter at the Texas Republican Party State Convention. The next year, she travelled to the TFRW Convention in San Antonio to serve as a Delegate from Fort Worth Republican Women. And it comes as no surprise that Helen is again serving as a volunteer greeter for the 2014 Texas Republican Party State Convention! Helen and her husband Byron are great benefactors to Fort Worth Republican Women, giving generously of both their time and money over the years. Helen is currently in her second term, serving the club as the 6th Vice President for Events, no easy task, as she is not only responsible for the luncheons provided in conjunction with our monthly meetings, but she also coordinates no less than three other major events offered by Fort Worth Republican Women each year – the New Members BBQ event, the Meet-the-Judges Reception and the club’s Annual Christmas Luncheon. Prior to serving in her “official” capacity as Events Chair, Helen volunteered at events on a regular basis. Fort Worth Republican Women often wonder how we got along without Helen for all these years, but we’re certainly glad she’s a part of our club now! Thank you and congratulations, Helen!
Ludie Heineman is a self-described, “rabid Republican housewife who has not done that much except devote my heart to the cause.” Her service to Fort Worth Republican Women shows the devotion of her heart, but also of her efforts, to advance Republican causes. From the time Ludie joined Fort Worth Republican Women in 2005, Ludie has hit the ground running, serving the club in many capacities – two years as Chair of the Caring for America Committee, two years as Chair of the Americanism Committee, and two years in taking charge of the USO Book Project. For the USO Book Project, Ludie collected new, donated children’s books and delivered them to the USO at the DFW Airport. The USO then videotaped men and women serving our country overseas as they read these books, and then the videotape and the book were delivered to the service member’s children. Using FWRW guidelines, Ludie expanded this program to involve her Fort Worth Women’s Club as well. Over the years, Ludie has volunteered at the Tarrant County GOP headquarters, where, among other tasks, she answered phones, accepted donations, distributed yard signs, and addressed and stuffed political mailings. Ludie has also been active in the Fort Worth Republican Women’s GOTV and voter registration efforts. One of Ludie’s greatest contributions to Fort Worth Republican Women is her bright and friendly smile and her “can-do” attitude. Ludie has demonstrated that when one woman devotes her heart to the cause, much can be accomplished. Thank you and congratulations, Ludie!
Justice Lee Gabriel, Second Court of Appeals
http://www.2ndcoa.courts.state.tx.us/court/justice_lGabriel.asp
Brooke Allen, Brown, Dean, Wiseman, Proctor, Hart & Howell
Justice Bob McCoy, Second Court of Appeals, Candidate for County Criminal Court #3
Helen Bavousett
Byron J. Bavousett
Justice Sue Walker, Second Court of Appeals
www.2ndcoa.courts.state.tx.us/court/justice_swalker.asp
Atticus Gill, Candidate for County Criminal Court #2
Paula Miller
Judge Jennifer Rymell, County Court at Law #2
Tom Wilder, Tarrant County District Clerk
Judge Bonnie Sudderth, 352nd District Court
Mary Louise Garcia, Tarrant County Clerk
www.tarrantcounty.com/eCountyClerk
Holly Bishop
Blanch Tyler
Pam Bassel, Standing Chapter 13 Trustee
http://www.13network.com/trustees/fww/fwwhome.asp
Dabney Bassel, Law Office of Dabney Bassel
Patty Emerson
Delane Angelini
Debra Coffey, 1st Vice President, TFRW
Judge Daryl Coffey, County Criminal Court #8
http://www.tarrantcounty.com/eCCC8/site/default.asp
U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, U.S. Congress, 12th District of Texas
Judge Susan McCoy, 153rd District Court
FWRW Past Presidents: Sharon Dale, Beryl Dowd, Martha Durham, Cyndy McCoy, Kaye Moreno, Sherry Ward
Shirley K. Bain
Sharen Wilson, District Attorney-Elect
Jim & Kathy Conrad
Judge Tom Lowe, 236th District Court
Rep. Charlie Geren, State Rep. District 99
Dr. Mark Shelton, Candidate for Texas Senate, Dist. 10
Mayor Betsy Price, Fort Worth Mayor
Judge Melody Wilkinson, 17th District Court
Judge David Evans, 48th District Court, Presiding Regional Judge, Region 8
U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, U.S. Congress, 25th District of Texas
Ludie Heineman
Nancy Adler
Thanks for your support & friendship!
WHY AM I A REPUBLICAN?
This month we feature Tarrant County’s next District Attorney, who happens to be a republican woman, to share why she is a republican. We hope that in following this series of contributions throughout the year, you will be renewed in your beliefs. For those of you who may not understand why a person, especially a woman, would be a republican, we hope that you will follow these posts with an open mind. We are confident that if you do, you will see that republican issues are women’s issues. Thank you, Sharen Wilson, for your continued service!
I am a Republican woman because of the values taught me by my parents: hard work, self-reliance, personal responsibility and belief in God. These were the values that they lived and the same ones that made our country free and strong. These are the same values that my conservative Republican party holds dear. We work hard because that is what it takes to be successful. We are self-reliant believing that government can provide a safety net, but not a lifestyle. I am personally responsible to support my family and seek help from others only as a last resort. Most importantly, I believe God has a plan for my life, my family and my country and I trust Him.
I am a Republican woman because Republicans support women for elected office. We recognize that it’s not the gender but the character that matters. We know that Margaret Thatcher was right when she said “…if you want something done, ask a woman.” Today, I would only add ‘ask a Republican Woman’.
Sharen Wilson Republican Woman and Republican nominee for Tarrant County District Attorney
NOTICE OF VOTE ON FWRW BYLAWS REVISIONS:
At our May 28th Business Meeting, the Fort Worth Republican Women will vote on proposed revisions to our Bylaws. Copies of the proposed revisions were distributed at the March meeting. To view the substance of the revisions, please click HERE.
CARING FOR AMERICA
On Wednesday, June 11, the Fort Worth Republican Women will be delivering a meal to the Ladder Alliance. If you are interested in contributing a warm casserole, salad, bread, or a dessert, please contact Marilyn Vanhoozer at 817-292-1011. We also need volunteers to stay and help serve food. We will be feeding 10-15 adults and 20-22 children, so “kid food” is welcomed! Food should be delivered to the Ladder Alliance by 6pm at 1000 Bonnie Brae St., Fort Worth 76111
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! FWRW have another must-go-to event!
May 28th Program Announcement – Michele Samuelson on Social Media and Politics
May 19, 2014Michele Samuelson
On Wednesday, May 28th FWRW will have Michele Samuelson, Texas Federation of Republican Women District 14 Director, speak about social media and politics. Social media is here to stay in every way, politics included. This is a great opportunity for more learning about issues affecting in this crucial campaign season.
Michele Samuelson has been active in Texas politics since she could vote, working on campaigns across the state and up and down the ballot. In college, she served Young Conservatives of Texas as Senior Vice Chairman for Media and Publicity, working in every major media market in Texas. In 2006, she moved to Austin to begin her career in professional politics. While on staff with the Americans for Prosperity, she helped organize the first RightOnline conference in 2008, to directly counter efforts by the left to control online messaging in politics. Michele has worked with several candidates across Texas on social media strategy and implementation for their campaigns, and is on the TFRW board as Online Media Chairman. Michele is currently working as Outreach Coordinator for Senator John Cornyn’s campaign. Michele and her husband Randy and their daughter Annalise live in Northwest Austin.
Social – 11:00am Program – 11:30am; Location – Fort Worth Club, 306 7th St., 12th Floor. Valet parking is available for a $5 charge.
To make a luncheon reservation ($25 with reservation, $27 without), RSVP by noon on Monday, May 26th to Helen Bavousett at 817-516-0704 or byronandhelen@live.com. If you are not having lunch, no reservation is necessary. Those who RSVP but do not attend will be billed for their reservation cost. (Please do not RSVP using the Comment/Reply section below.)
FORT WORTH REPUBLICAN WOMEN 