Warrant-o-mania

I just read that the Waco City Council, with the blessing of our police chief, is considering the use of cameras to ticket red-light violations. I then went to the city of Waco Web site and saw that, as of Dec. 30, 2008, there were more than 1,600 pages of outstanding warrants.

Instead of spending money on red-light cameras, why don’t we try to collect the fines out there, already? If our police force can’t find the people listed on more than 1,600 pages of outstanding warrants, what makes you think they’ll be able to find a car that ran a red light?

Gary Payne

Lorena

Time for reform

The Texas House of Representatives is on the verge of great structural reform not seen since the historic 63rd session (1973-74) that resulted in the last great reform of Texas government.

Joe Straus is the next speaker of the Texas House. More important is how he became one of our state’s three most powerful leaders. It’s nothing short of a political miracle.

For the past 40 years, the powerful Texas special interest groups have bought and paid for this powerful position. Then along came this two-term San Antonio Republican who last session became a member of the small ABC (Anybody but Craddick) coalition of less than a dozen Republicans. He wasn’t even their leader. But at last week’s conclave that small group picked him.

That allowed 64 or more House Democrats to come aboard the Straus train as it was pulling out of the station. The incumbent counted his pledges and found he couldn’t win, so he withdrew after serving as speaker since 2003. Now this average Texas Joe can count on a nearly unanimous vote to become speaker Jan. 13.

Where were the special interests and their millions of dollars? Spent on the incumbent and his rivals, not on Joe. Politically, they missed the train. Therefore, Rep. Joe Straus has the gift of power without owing anyone but we the people of Texas.

Please, Mr. Straus, use that precious gift to seriously reform the corruption and authoritarianism that has plagued our Texas People’s House for 40 years.

Roy Walthall

Waco

Four-legged pal

My loyal canine would take strong exception to Bruce McDonald’s opinion in regard to Fuzzy Friends Rescue [Letters, Jan. 6]. The heroic efforts of the staff at Fuzzy Friends Rescue are responsible for my best four-legged friend being alive.

Found near death, my adopted canine was nurtured back to health over four difficult months and is now a dearly loved member of my family. My pet is only one of thousands of pets that have been adopted out and given second chances in life by Fuzzy Friends Rescue over the past decade.

There were no “big shots” at the Barkin’ Ball but, rather, people with a common passion of placing healthy animals into loving homes. Mr. McDonald’s unhappiness should be directed toward the many irresponsible pet owners that exist. 

Michael S. Findley, M.D.

Waco

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Findley, a family practitioner at the Hillcrest Bellmead Clinic, is also a volunteer at Fuzzy Friends Rescue and helps clean up kennels on Saturday mornings.