Endorsements lacking
Regarding “Lillian Alexander for 507th Family Court in the Democratic primary (Editorial),” (Feb. 17): I was appalled by the way the Chronicle’s editorial board decided on this endorsement for the Democratic primary, 507th Family Court. It appears that not much thought was given to the incumbent’s experience on the bench. Rather, the lack of endorsement for her was based on the opinions of a few attorneys who filled out a survey. It stands to reason that if an attorney did not have a good outcome in that court that day a negative survey could be in order for the judge.
I would urge the Chronicle editorial board to stick to valuing experience rather than the opinions of some disgruntled attorneys who don’t always get their way. In the 507th Family District Court, trial experience matters, and her opponent has zero trial experience. Judge Julia Maldonado has served on the bench as family judge the longest out of anybody in the county, and she has the needed compassion for the 507th District families that come before her. She is fair, she has integrity and yes, there will be some good and some bad days for everyone.
But to base an endorsement on a survey from a selected few, and not experience, is totally a disservice to the electorate, and purely wanton disregard on the Chronicle’s part. To the Chronicle: No change is needed in the 507th Family Court. Blanca Blanco, Houston
Regarding “We recommend Harold Dutton for Texas House District 142 Dem primary (Editorial),” (Feb. 17): Unfortunately, your reasoning to endorse Dutton is very shortsighted. Nearly 40 years in office, and at least 20 years of school failures under his watch, and you support him. Every school, especially Wheatley, was supposed to be the school that created the takeover. Maybe you all should have asked him why he didn’t start doing something about the failures 20 years ago. Why now? Now that Gov. Greg Abbott wants vouchers. Why did Dutton not get with the school board members over the years and ask what he can do to help? Again, why did it take him this long to know the schools in his district were failing, including his own high school? The questioning of him seems insufficient.
The Republicans have been waiting for someone like Dutton to help get them started. That’s why his own Democratic Party didn’t support him. The shame of having no term limits is that people like him, Abbott, Ken Paxton and Dan Patrick keep getting reelected. Blame name recognition.
I can’t tell you the last time he had a town hall meeting, or fed the elderly, or hosted a Christmas gift giveaway.
He is the problem. Knowing that they closed the North Forest school district, knowing they had a stateappointed monitor in Kashmere High School, why didn’t he know that Houston ISD was next? Why did he not come up with a plan to put resources in the schools that were failing, at least 10 years ago?
Unfortunately, on this one, you have failed the voters in Dutton’s district. Charming you may consider him, but he is not what the district needs, period. Arrogance is what he is.
I am also a Wheatley graduate, class of 1972, and very much ashamed of his leadership. John Glenn, Fresno
Regarding “We endorse Colin Allred in the Democratic primary for Senate (Editorial),” (Feb. 11): As I read your endorsement of Colin Allred, I wondered if it was, in fact, a paid political ad for both of your “head and heart” candidates.
Your team insinuates that if a voter doesn’t agree with you, they are less intelligent or not caring toward the residents of Texas. I have found Sen. Ted Cruz’s accomplishments significant, especially as he continues to press on the two biggest issues nationally and locally: the border and crime. Both are big issues for our city and state, but your recommended candidates seem as silent on those topics as the front pages of the Houston Chronicle.
Not sure either candidate represents many Texans views and values even if your free advertising attempts to persuade differently. Why would we want an “unapologetically progressive” Bernie Sanders-style populist to represent Texas?
You were accurate when you stated “the impression is a bit misleading.” But that should not be a surprise. James Keily, Houston
Make no mistake. When it comes to the editorial board’s recommendations for the GOP primary, they don’t even bother with wearing sheep’s clothing. I think we will make our own choices. DS Batchelor, Giddings