Dear editor:
I just read the article by Tom Theus regarding Phyllis Hunter’s victory over Randy Bryant, the incumbent, and feel compelled to reply to his diatribe.
He starts out by saying “the following may sound like sour grapes” and it does. Why does he refer to Hunter’s victory as “highly questionable”? To my knowledge, all votes were counted accurately. Is he dismissing the votes from all those people who have never had contact with Hunter prior to the election as being “illegitimate”?
Hunter worked very hard during her campaign, making phone calls, going door to door, getting out mailings and putting out signs. She took no vote for granted, in general, doing all those things which combine to make a winner.
I do not understand why Theus is so adamantly opposed to anyone who has knowledge of the school system being made a part of the structure that oversees the system. The election laws do not require Hunter to resign her current position until she assumes her new position. So why does Theus think she is bound by “ethical considerations” to step down? Whose ethical considerations? Certainly not those who write the laws.
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I know of no leader in the Republican Party who betrayed Bryant. A decent moral woman defeated a decent moral man. The Republican Party was fortunate enough to have two high-caliber candidates from which to make a choice. The voters have spoken, and I urge everyone to support Hunter in the November election.
I respect Randy Bryant and would vote for him in another position in any county or state office, but do not feel Theus should have his vindictive remarks go unanswered.
William E. Grammer, Peavine precinct chairman, Walker County Republican Party
‘Half-baked editorial’
Dear editor:
This is in regards to Tom Theus’ half-baked editorial denouncing the legitimacy of Phyllis Hunter’s election as nominee of the Republican Party for the Walker County school board.
Hunter, a former student of mine, asked me to vote for her as a parent concerned about the best for the children of Walker County. I see nothing wrong with her candidacy. I, and five other members of my family, deeply committed to education, voted for her.
Theus speaks of educators as though they are nothing but a bunch of greedy folk feeding at the trough of taxpayers. In this regard he denigrates and insults all involved in education. I am prompted to ask just what sort of tax, if any, would Theus support for education?
I would proffer two things contributed to Randy Bryant’s defeat. One, he comes across as “no, no, no” on everything. Walker County has one of the lowest tax rates in the state. And he says “no” too much that he considers good “if we can afford it.” Two, I think he may have forgotten to campaign. Perhaps this was part of the arrogance of thinking there was no way he could be defeated.
Theus’ editorial, like all the others he writes, may not be “sour grapes”. But I do think he is long overdue a double dose of an extra-strength laxative.
When did Republicans become concerned about legitimately elected public officials anyway?
Sherman Gibbs, LaFayett
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