the star republican news february 201521-23 conf., ok city june last day of 84th 1 leg. reg. session...

The Star Republican News February 2015

Recently retired Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger and Llano County Commissioner Peter Jones will speak at the STAR Republican Women General Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Quail Point Lodge in Horseshoe Bay.

Donna Klaeger, who retired as Burnet County Judge at the end of 2014, will provide her outlook for Burnet County and water resource management for Texas. Klaeger recently joined Hill Country Strategies as a partner and continues to be actively involved in the Central Texas Water Coalition, which addresses local, regional and state water issues. She also serves on the Region K water planning group and Austin Area Research Organization, with her emphasis on water supply, operations, management and infrastructure.

Commissioner Jones represents Precinct 1 and was elected to office and sworn in January 1, 2013 for a four-year term. He will provide an update on the status of Llano County and plans for the future.

Klaeger & Jones to Speak Feb. 17

February 17 General Meeting Location: Quail Point Lodge, Horseshoe Bay

Program: Retired Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger & Llano County Commissioner Peter Jones

Light lunch served at 12:30 p.m.

Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

Everyone Welcome!

Upcoming Events Feb. TFRW Regional7 Leadership Conf.

Belton, TX

Feb. Highland Lakes10 Rep. Women Mtg.

Feb. Burnet County12 Rep. Women Mtg.

Reed Bldg., Burnet

Feb. SRW General Mtg.17 12:30 p.m.

Quail Point Lodge

March SRW General Mtg.17 12:30 p.m.

Quail Point LodgeJeffrey Addicott,Dir. Of Center forTerrorism Law

April TFRW Women's 16 Legislative Day

State CapitalAustin

April SRW General Mtg.21 12:30 p.m. @

Quail Point LodgeRailroad Commissioner

Christi Craddock;Hill Ctry ScienceMill Dir. Baskin

March Deadline for filing13 bills in TX 84th

Legislature

May SRW General Mtg.19 12:30 pm @

Quail Point Lodge

May NFRW Leadership21-23 Conf., OK City

June Last day of 84th1 Leg. Reg. Session

February 17 General Meeting Location: Quail Point Lodge, Horseshoe Bay

Program: Retired Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger & Llano County Commissioner Peter Jones

Light lunch served at 12:30 p.m.

Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

Everyone Welcome!

2 The Star Republican News


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How many times have you thought and heard others express that there is a void of leadership in our country? We harken back to the good ole days of Ronald Reagan who many claim was one of the greatest leaders of all time.

Now, we are entering a time when we are in search of a great leader to serve as our Party's candidate in the 2016 Presidential election. We are all hopeful of regaining the White House with just such a person.

How can we make a difference in our Party's quest toward a victory in 2016? How do we answer Republican National Committeewoman Tony Anne Dashiell's challenge to start today to make that difference?

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STEP ONE: Let's get prepared. We obviously believe in the values and principles of the Republican Party or we wouldn't have joined Star Republican Women. But are we well prepared to share our convictions with others who might not understand what our Party stands for and strives to accomplish? Reagan also was known as the great communicator, a skill that certainly is important in leading and getting others to follow. He communicated in a way people of all political parties, genders, race and ethnicities could understand.

Leadership and good communications skills are not just reserved for Presidents. Each of us can serve in a leadership role from time to time. We are the face of the Republican Party. And through effective communications with others about Republican values and principles, we are exhibiting leadership. We are asking them to follow our beliefs and support candidates who do, too.

It is helpful when promoting a cause to have communication condensed to a few key messages. Some call it their elevator speech or their story. I share with you a list of where the Republican Party stands on important issues.

REPUBLICANS ARE FOR: Secure the Border Preserve the Constitution Patient & Doctor Controlled Healthcare Protect Life Balanced Budget & Lower Taxes Energy Independence Local Education Control And last, but certainly not least, Republicans are for Women. Some say discussing politics is taboo, and it can be a little tricky. It is certainly a lot easier when you are knocking on doors in support of a candidate. Yet, it is important to start today to lay the groundwork for the 2016 elections.

Please take some time now to set a personal goal of developing your own story of why you support the Republican Party. And then identify at least one person each month with whom to share your story. Maybe it’s your granddaughter, next-door neighbor, someone from your church or someone who provides a service to you. You will have a unique and effective way to communicate to those you deem important. The more you do it, the better you will get.

YOUR leadership will make a difference!

Keep Texas Red * Keep Congress Red TAKE BACK THE WHITE HOUSE

Mary Lou Kromer, SRW President

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Please help us put STAR Republican Women on the Map by Volunteering The power of the Republican Federated Women at the federal!state, local level is the power of our volunteers. Please consider volunteering and plan to join other SRW members to assist our local county!chairs register new voters in Burnet and Llano counties later this year. Remember to turn in your!monthly hours by contacting

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Campaign Activities Committee Chairman Nancy Fisher [email protected]. A report form can be obtained at www.starrw.org at the Club Documents tab. Many types of activities can be included in your volunteer efforts. Here is a short list of some of the ways to get involved helping our Republican Party and our Federation of Republican Women! • Work on or at a special campaign

event.

Mary Lou’s Message

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• Report your time spent working at club meetings, i.e. getting petitions signed and processing mailings.

• Travel time to and from event. • Preparation of food for our own

SRW events or SRW sponsored events.

• Collecting items to donate to SRW sponsored charities and organizations.

Thanks for volunteering and let’s get those hours counted.

VOLUNTEER



Dashiell Reports on RNC Activities; Challenges SRW To Make a Difference

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You can make a difference!

That was the central message Republican National Committeewoman Toni Anne Dashiell delivered to members and guests of STAR Republican Women at its January 20 general meeting at Quail Point in Horseshoe Bay.

Toni Anne, one of three Texans on the RNC, had just returned from San Diego where the RNC met for the first time since the November 2014 election victory that resulted in a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate and strengthened the Republican position in the U.S. House and state governments throughout the nation.

“We need to build on our success and take back the White House in 2016,” said Committeewoman Dashiell.

She provided highlights of the record-setting Republican victory:

• More than two incumbent US Senate Democrats were defeated by the GOP for the first time since 1980.

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• Republicans will hold their largest majority in the U.S. House since at least 1946.

• Republicans will control 31 governorships, the second highest total since the 1920s.

• Republicans will control 69 of the nation’s 99 state legislative chambers, the most in history.

• Republicans will control more than 4,100 of the nation’s 7,386 state legislative seats, the most ever.

• More than half of the nation’s Lt. Governors, Attorneys General, Secretaries of State, and State Treasurers are Republican.

The Republican Party invested heavily in target states, focused on grass roots campaigning and utilized internet-based programs to communicate more effectively with voters in 2014, Toni Anne said. She said that the RNC Leadership Team is committed to compete head on in the future with the Democrats who were more effective in the use of data and digital technology in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.

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“We need to be more effective communicators,” said Toni Anne. She said voters need to know what the Republicans stand for. “We need to get more savvy on how to use social media” and share our party’s values and principles.

“You can make a difference in the 2016 elections,” Toni Anne said. “You have to start today to build relationships” and start a dialogue with others about our Party.

Toni Anne reminded everyone that the Republican National Convention will be held July 18-21 in Cleveland, Ohio and the Texas Presidential Primary will be held March 1, 2016.

She also reported the RNC announced a schedule of Presidential candidate debates for 2015 and 2016 at its recent meeting in San Diego.

SEE PAGE 4 FOR RNC’S SCHEDULE OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES IN 2015 AND 2016.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Republican National Committeewoman Toni Anne Dashiell (right), with SRW President Mary Lou Kromer, encouraged SRW members at the January general meeting to start working now to help make a difference in the upcoming Presidential election in 2016.



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The RNC announced Presidential Debates it will host in 2015 and 2016:

August 2015: OHIO/Fox News

September 2015: CALIFORNIA/CNN

October 2015: COLORADO/CNBC

November 2015: WISCONSIN/FOX BUSINESS

December 2015: NEVADA/CNN

January 2016: IOWA/FOX NEWS

February 2016: NEW HAMPSHIRE/ABC NEWS

February 2016: SOUTH CAROLINA/CBS NEWS

February 2016: FLORIDA/NBC & TELEMUNDO

March 2016: Pending/FOX NEWS & CNN

RNC Announces Schedule for Presidential Debates in 2015 and 2016

84th Legislative Session Update by Legislative Committee Chairman Charlotte Hewitt

Texas Senate vote does away with two-thirds barrier for bills: Republicans hold a 20-11 majority in the upper chamber, which under the old “two-thirds” rule would have left them one vote short of being able to bring up bills for debate without at least one Democrat. The tradition ensured that, even though it could be outvoted on every issue, the minority party could effectively block the most controversial bills from the floor. By reducing the number required to 19, the GOP seized a controlling majority over just about every major Senate vote to come in the session with a small cushion to spare. And though a small numerical change, it could have a huge impact as it may leave Democrats powerless to block bills or force compromise on issues such as school choice, gun rights, immigration and state spending.

Senate Committee Assignments Announced: On Friday, January 23 Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced committee assignments for the 84th Legislative Session. For the first time in Texas history a woman will serve as Chair of the Committee on Finance during a regular legislative session, Senator Jane Nelson. Senator Jane Nelson represents District 12 that includes portions of Denton and Tarrant Counties. Our Senator, Honorable Troy Fraser is the Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.

Social Media Buzz: One item of discussion on social media (Thursday, January 29) was of SB 342 which is Open Carry of Handguns. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said that he did not have enough support for this bill to be considered and it has set off a firestorm of criticism.

HB # 829: The bill would require all public high school students to take a civics test before receiving their diploma. The civics test is composed of all or a portion of the questions on the civics test administered by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of the naturalization process.

Before making a decision in support of or against any bill, please take time to research the issues at hand. For full text of any bill, go to: www.capitol.state.tx.us/home.aspx

Please contact your legislators and let them know where you stand. They want to hear from you.

FIRST AMENDMENT TUESDAY! Every Tuesday of the legislative session, each of us can join the “Life, Liberty & Property Coalition” at 9 am at the Capitol La Quinta Hotel and learn how to effectively petition and interact with your government. The program will include a briefing on the rules and procedures of the House and Senate, information about the hearings and votes scheduled for the week, and tips on how to make the most of your time at the Capital.

There is no charge and no RSVP is required; just show up on time. From there, you may attend the Legislative Sessions or Committee or Sub-committee meetings in the Capitol.

We are working on getting a group together to go to Austin on Tuesday February 10th and/or Tuesday February 24th. Please let me know if you are interested. [email protected]. But please remember, you can attend any Tuesday you wish.



2014 Hospitality Committee Co-Chairs Pay Tribute to Hostesses

SRW Welcomes New Members, Awards Prize for Top Recruiter SRW continues to enjoy an increase in new members in 2015 thanks to many who have recruited friends, family and newcomers to our community.

At the SRW January General Meeting, Membership Committee Chairman Gennie Ward announced JoAnn McCarty had won the prize as the SRW top recruiter for new members. She received two tickets to the Hill Country Community Theatre and dinner for two at On the Rocks.

SRW welcomes the following new members who joined in January:

MEMBERS:Jane Boisvert Nancy Puckett

Jen Cannavino-Charlton Leah Santry

Holly Holder Ann Seckler

Kimberly Jungkind Carole White

ASSOCIATES:Mary Jane Avery Georgana Repal

Darlene Hargett George Seckler

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It takes a lot of work to provide the luncheon and fellowship time for our SRW members and guests. We thank our volunteers for providing refreshments in 2014. Your contributions were truly remarkable. Please know you are indeed appreciated! In addition, many of you helped set up and clean up. You are unnamed on this list, but you know who you are! Thank you, everyone. Louraine, we could not have done this without you. You were always willing to go that extra mile to help make our meetings so successful and so enjoyable.

Sincerely,

Your 2014 Hospitality Hostesses – Pat McMurtrie & Judy Patterson

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January, 2014: Sandra Morehart, Paige Schweizer, Gennie Ward, Kathy Hussey, Nancy Cobb, Marion Gardner, Charlotte Hewitt, Annette Burton

February, 2014: Sanny Sue Hoffman, Annette Burton, Nancy Cobb, Mary Ann Richards, Lyn Jenkins, Sandra Thompson, Tricia Burcham, Joy Van der Pool, Charlotte Hewitt, Lafon Frydenberg

March, 2014: Judy Landry, Frances Highsmith, Winnie Woodruff, Kathy Hussey, Barbara Rounsborg, Linda Bayless, Shelly Comerford

April, 2014: Joanne Greisbach, Sheryl Miller, Annette Burton, Nancy Cobb, Noveleen Parker, Teri Nelson, Shelby Spangler

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May, 2014: Marion Gardner, Petey Inks, Lyn Jenkins, Joy Van der Pool, Gennie Ward, Tommy Kepner, Nancy Cobb

September, 2014: Virginia McCoy, Mary Lou Kromer, Kathryn McCabe, Joy Van der Pool, Kathy Hussey, Nancy Cobb, Claudia Haydon, Donna Stevens, Charlotte Hewitt, Annette Burton

October, 2014: Gennie Ward, Louraine Robertson, Nancy Cobb, Kathy Hussey, Nancy Fisher, Barbara Orwick, Highland Lakes Republican Women

November, 2014: Teri Kimball, Sanny Sue Hoffman, Joyce Smith, Marion Gardner, Tari Pilgreen, Ellie Lowry, Paige Schweizer

TOP RECRUITER: STAR Republican Women Member JoAnn McCarty (left) is congratulated as being the Top Recruiter for new members by her daughter and SRW President Mary Lou Kromer.

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STAR Republican Women

PO Box 8675

Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657

www.starrw.org

NOTICE: Political advertising paid for by Star Republican Women PAC, PO Box 8675, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657, a non-profit organization under Section 527 of the IRS Code. Contributions to Star Republican Women are NOT tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income purposes. Corporate contributions are not permitted. Not authorized by any candidate or committee. EDITOR: Mary Lou Kromer – 830-596-7061 [email protected]

TOP PHOTO:

SRW Membership Committee Chairman Gennie Ward (right) welcomes new member Camille Sweigart who joined at the January meeting. Welcome Carole!

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Newly elected SRW Secretary Tari Pilgreen (left) enjoys a little fellowship before the January meeting with one of SRW’s new Hospitality Committee Co-Chairs Leslye Menerey.