Opinion

Retiring state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, has been named the next secretary of state by Gov. Greg Abbott. She replaces John Scott, who announced his resignation effective at year’s end.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlined his goals for the upcoming legislative session, calling them “general concepts,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.

A report submitted to state leaders ahead of the 88th legislative session’s opening in January urges lawmakers to develop “an innovative new model” to fund community colleges.

Texas legislators are off to the races, filing more than 850 bills on Monday, the first day of filing season for the 88th session, which begins Jan. 10.

Voter turnout in the midterm elections again dropped statewide, with just over 45% of registered voters either casting ballots early or at the polls on Nov. 8. Republican candidates continued to hold a hammerlock on statewide positions, with incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott handily winning a third term over challenger Beto O’ Rourke.

Texas public schools would have to install panic buttons in classrooms and ensure all doors and windows are locked and monitored under new proposed safety standards released last week by the Texas Education Agency.

Early voting for the general election ends on Friday, Nov. 4, with the closely watched governor’s race pitting incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott against challenger Beto O’ Rourke headlining the ballot. A number of other statewide races are on the ballot, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner and comptroller.

Let’s talk about “watchdog.” A watchdog’s job is to protect. It is a very trusted creature and is given the responsibility to guard. Chad Canine is running for the school board position to do just that. To protect our teachers, children, and district as a whole from outside influences that distract from academics.

We have made much progress in Woodcreek over the past year thanks to a newly involved citizenry and hard-working committees, boards, commissions and the City Council. We need to continue meeting the needs of our citizens by electing three deeply involved and forward thinking neighbors to the Woodcreek City Council November 8.

matters. William P. Scheel Former Mayor and five-term council member

Astrid Schwalb

Jamie Pettit

We are so lucky to live in Woodcreek and our beautiful Wimberley Valley. It is so important that Woodcreek continues to have good, strong leadership. We cannot afford to go back to the chaos, the big-spending, and the pro-development policies of the past. Therefore, I support: CHRIS GRUMMERT, LINNEA BAILEY, and JOE KOTARDA. These are good folks. They will work hard, and they will work together. They will continue the fight to protect our little community, and our amazing way of life.