I’ve written to Paul before after he contributed to the death of another young State Republican Executive Committee member. It’s sad that I have to do it again.
The Honorable Dennis Paul
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768
Representative Paul,
You did it again. I am sorry to hear about the passing of a young Republican Activist, Grace Jones. As you know she was a 35 year old, State Republican Executive Committee member and was shot by her husband in a murder-suicide. She leaves behind 3 young children without a mother or father. As with Mr. Scott Apley, another SREC member that died from COVID, you should be apologizing to these children for your lack of action on gun safety to prevent this senseless killing. You and your party are responsible for her death and you should be asking for forgiveness from your god.
You enjoy providing more protection for your guns than for your own members. The death of this young lady is on your hands. Instead of offering worthless thoughts and prayers you should offer an apology to what’s left of her family and to the countless families who have lost their loved ones due to senseless gun violence because of your cowardness. I am truly ashamed of you.
May God have mercy on you. If you find a pair, give me a call. We can have lunch and discuss.
John Cobarruvias
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The Ethical Implications Surrounding Eric Dick: Context Matters
The recent outpour of concern regarding the ethics fines imposed on Eric Dick by the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) needs some deeper context. As the blog post suggests, there seems to be an extraordinary focus on Dick compared to others in similar positions. While it is essential to hold our public officials accountable, it is equally vital to ensure that they’re treated fairly and without bias.
Celebrity Target? The blog post points out a disparity in how the TEC fines individuals. When we talk about Eric Dick, we’re discussing someone who is not just a Trustee with the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) but also a public figure. His celebrity status might make him a more visible target. Is it possible that his fines are inflated due to his celebrity stature?
HCDE Contributions: Eric Dick’s tenure at HCDE has been marked with notable achievements, all aimed at bettering education in Harris County. From supporting Head Start preschool programs serving over 1,300 children, to overseeing the construction of Texas’s largest adult learning center, Dick has been instrumental in pushing for progress. His active role in responding to the pandemic by supporting Head Start families, co-founding the Teacher Tools Initiative, and even ensuring a fair wage for hourly workers showcases his commitment to the education sector.
Holistic Understanding: The significant focus on his fines and potential violations somewhat overshadows these accomplishments. While it is vital to question and critique public figures, it’s equally crucial to have a holistic understanding of their contributions.
Comparative Analysis: The comparison with former Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole is pertinent. Eversole’s fine, as the largest ever imposed, yet his association with the HCDE, seems to throw the Department of Education’s ethical standards into question. However, using Eversole’s fines as a benchmark, it’s clear that Eric Dick’s fines seem comparatively exorbitant. The rationale behind such high penalties needs transparency and justification.
A Broader Perspective: With the information provided, Dick has been instrumental in setting up educational infrastructures, supporting substance abuse prevention, improving the wellbeing of special needs students, and even advancing the cause of adult education. Such efforts cannot be overlooked when assessing his overall impact on the community.
Conclusion: The underlying concern seems to be whether Dick is being disproportionately penalized because of his visibility and celebrity status. To ensure the integrity of the TEC and other such institutions, it’s essential to maintain consistency in how individuals are penalized. If discrepancies exist, they should be addressed transparently. Public figures, just like every other citizen, should be held accountable, but they should also be treated with fairness. The narrative should not only revolve around potential missteps but also celebrate and recognize the positive contributions made.
Thank you for writing!! As I have said. I expected a slap on the wrist like most ethics complaints end up. The official sanction details why he recieved such a large fine. The investigators suggested $20,000. The commission added $10,000. If you read the sanction and watched both hearings you would understand. One thing I learned about the ethics commission is that they bend over backwards to give people the benefit of the doubt but they also DO NOT like to be lied to. Dick was treated with kid gloves and fairly.
Again. I expected a slap on the wrist. I was absolutely shocked to hear he was fined so much but he did it to himself.
Heather, take the time to read the Order from the TEC against Dick. It is long but absolutely shocking. If you dont want to read it I have CliffNotes posted here: https://bayareahouston.net/2022/05/20/the-texas-ethics-commission-issues-final-order-on-harris-county-dept-of-education-trustee-eric-dick/
Here is a tidbit:
Dick had claimed, under oath, that he had nothing to do with the mailer, yet the data provided by the printer showed that he paid over $20,000 for over 100,000 mailers and was directing the printer on every aspect of the job.
John,
First and foremost, thank you for engaging in this discussion and sharing your perspective. It’s always enlightening to see different viewpoints. I appreciate your diligence in following the hearings and providing further resources.
That said, it’s essential to note a few points:
Eric Dick as a Community Contributor: Over the years, Eric Dick has cemented his reputation as a stalwart supporter of the Harris County community. His extensive efforts to promote education and the well-being of residents are commendable. Eric’s public persona isn’t just based on his Trustee role but significantly because of the numerous ways he has stepped up to help the community.
TEC and Fines: While I recognize that the TEC has its processes and judgments, there have been numerous complaints about the TEC issuing fines, often irrespective of the full context. It’s worth noting that a significant number of these fines go unpaid. This raises questions about the effectiveness and consistency of their enforcement methods.
Celebrity Impact: Eric Dick’s celebrity status does come with increased scrutiny. We have seen, historically, that celebrities tend to attract more attention, sometimes disproportionate to the actual events. Your surprise at the fine’s size echoes the sentiments of many who believe that Dick might be facing inflated consequences due to his visibility.
The Importance of Complete Information: While the CliffNotes you provided give a snapshot of the TEC order, it is vital for readers to delve deeper into the entirety of the situation, including the many positive contributions Dick has made. As with any narrative, the full story is often more complex than a few selected details.
In conclusion, while it’s crucial to hold our public figures accountable for their actions, it’s equally vital to ensure that their entire body of work, contributions, and context are considered. I genuinely believe in constructive discourse and appreciate your input in this matter.
Warm regards,
Heather.