Dear Liberty Dispatch...

Could it be that Liberty County voters have benefited by two longtime Democratic elected public officials who might otherwise be steeped in the practice of covering up for anyone in their political party getting too angry at each other to keep their heretofore tight lips?

It is the opinion of at least some, that the initial “gauntlet” that was thrown down was when County Judge Phil Fitzgerald rightfully decided to curtail some of the special privileges District Judge Chap Cain was insisting on charging to the taxpayer. Included in that opinion is the view that Fitzgerald unlike his weak kneed predecessor, Lloyd Kirkham, decided to stand up to Cain’s behind the scenes intimidation and assert his rights and responsibilities as the chief financial officer of the county. Years of watching a spoiled arrogant self indulgent District Judge usurp the duties of county judge probably left Fitzgerald in a pre-meditated state of mind about what he wanted to “fix” in the court house and “the Cain problem” could have been his number one priority. Public officials that have been in office a while are known to throw their weight around and Cain may be in the mind of some, numero uno when cleaning up that kind of mess is mentioned.

Many more examples may be given by people that have appeared before Judge Cain in court but here are two tiny examples of the “Word According to Chapley Bell Cain”. First, for years Judge Cain parked his vehicles in no parking areas around the courthouse until it started to be complained about on the internet. Could you and I do that without being ticketed? Was he late to work all of those times or did he just park where he wanted to and dare anyone to ticket him? Second, in a courthouse that was busting at the seams and needing room , Cain had offices on two floors. Surely this is defensible, but does it show the attitude of a public servant-team player or someone who takes care of what he wants first and then everybody else second?

So County Judge Fitzgerald whacks Judge Cain’s secretary’s salary back to what it is suppose to be and what happens next? Cain threatens Fitzgerald if he doesn’t reinstate the salary at the figures he has set? With what? A “if-you-know-what-is-good-for-you” blanket threat? Did Fitzgerald try to set the salaries like they were suppose to be and the result was Cain spilled the beans on one of the things he regularly stays silent about in order to force Fitzgerald to recognize that Cain would be running the courthouse?

Did Liberty County benefit by two wrongdoers ticking each other off and revealing a little bit of the practices that have been going on in this courthouse for years? And then they separate, with Cain jumping parties and trying to deliver on his threat to Fitzgerald by using the newfound popularity of running Republican in Liberty County to whack his enemies? A political party can not deny anyone that wants to run in their party and this year we have heard from Republicans wondering why the GodFather of the local Democratic party made such a last minute public announcement of his desire to switch parties.

Perhaps we will know soon through the ongoing courthouse investigations. But regardless of what the public is ever told, I will not subject this county to the further embarrassments the two of these men could expose us to. Thank God for people willing to run against such hardball politicians. We have an opportunity to let them have their own soap opera rather than vote for them and make it our soap opera. Yes, I will vote for the republican nominee for County Judge and Michelle Merendino for District Judge – all of their scars and imperfections included.

The opinions and comments posted on Liberty Dispatch do not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of its contributors and writers.

LETTER TO LIBERTY DISPATCH: IT IS TIME TO FOCUS LIBERTY COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY

Liberty County Republicans it is time to focus on the objective at hand. This election (county, state, national) is going to be the most important election of our lifetime.

I repeat. It is time to focus Liberty County Republicans.

Your vote on all candidates (county, state, national) will determine the future of not only the Republican Party but also the fiscal indebtedness of your children and grand children.

I repeat. It is time to focus Liberty County Republicans.

Liberty County Republicans your vote will determine the type of candidates that are elected in this county. Your vote will determine if Fiscal Conservatism is the direction that the country will take or if the country will continue in the Socialist direction that Obama and the National Democrats are driving the national agenda towards.

I repeat. It is time to focus Liberty County Republicans.

Liberty County Republicans, when it comes time to cast your vote in the upcoming primary please take into consideration where your candidate stands on Fiscal issues of the day.

Does your candidate support the Republican Planks and Platforms that encourage Fiscal Responsibility, Rugged Individualism, Freedom, and Opportunity for All? Or is your candidate an advocate of the “Change we can believe in” movement that is the center piece of the Socialist/Marxist Obama Administration and the National Democratic Party.

It is time to base political decision making on the ideology of the Party and vote for candidates who most closely adhere to our beliefs. Search out answers about the person that you will vote for in the March Primary and elect people who will help us to stop the Socialist onslaught of the Democrat Political Machine.

I repeat. It is time to focus Liberty County Republicans.

Contributor: Common Cents

PRESS RELEASE: Marcus Brand

It is official now; I have two opponents in the primary this coming March 2, 2010. So what can I offer the people of Precinct 2? I will bring representative government, honesty, and respect to the office of Commissioner Precinct 2. I will work hard to attract businesses to Liberty County. I will work with all County government agencies to reduce crime, improve roads, improve drainage, and I will back the Liberty County Fire Fighters Association (LCFFA). In the near future, I will explain each of these items in detail, so check back. Please visit my website: www.marcusbrand.com

Sincerely,

Marcus Brand

Candidate for Liberty County Commissioner Precinct 2

PRESS RELEASE: REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR 253RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Candidate: Jan Michelle Mangum-Merendino

After prayerful consideration and encouragement from the community, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Judge of the 253rd Judicial District Court. I am a lifelong resident of Southeast Texas. My husband, Jared, is a Math teacher at Hull-Daisetta High School. We have three wonderful children. I graduated from Hull-Daisetta and worked my way through college, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. I worked as a tax manager for Clear Channel Communications prior to graduating Summa Cum Laude (top 1%) from South Texas College of Law. At South Texas I was an editor of the Law Review and worked on the preparation of federal and state appeals.

I am the first female attorney to begin her legal career as a sole practitioner in Liberty County and the first woman candidate for District Judge in Liberty County. Throughout my fourteen-year career, my work ethic and diverse experience have prepared me for service as a judge. My legal career encompasses both civil and criminal law, including juvenile law, family law, child protective services litigation, criminal defense, mental health law, probate law, tort law, real estate law, and bankruptcy law. I have tried cases in 12 Texas counties, including Chambers and Liberty. I have served as president and vice president of the Liberty County Bar Association.

I strongly believe that an individual’s ability to take his or her legal matter before a fair and impartial tribunal is essential to preserve the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution. Without open and fair courts, our freedoms cannot be protected. Liberty and Chambers counties need impartial judges who are committed to the letter of the law in every case.

I have filed as a Republican candidate because I believe in conservative principles. My opponent changed parties for political reasons, citing the preference for Republican officials in Chambers County in his Christmas Eve announcement.

If elected, I won’t let political expediency guide me … and I won’t taint Christmas with politics.

PRESS RELEASE: Paul Kelly for Pct. 4 Commissioner

Hello, my name is Paul Kelly.

My wife and I have been living in Liberty County for the past 11 years, we have 3 children. I am very concerned for our County and the negative images portrayed by local and national media groups due to issues at the Court House which have been going on for years. Our elected officials at the County Court House should uphold the highest integrity, moral character, honesty and remember who they where elected by and for, and to uphold The Constitution of the United States of America. Liberty County elected officials must be about protecting its citizens and bring in Industries, retail establishments, Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!,,, For far too long Liberty County has had and still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the State and Nation currently at 11.2%---this is unacceptable, and it is time to clean house. These are just a few reasons why I am running for the office of Liberty County Commissioner Pct 4 in the March primary election as a Conservative Republican. If you too are a concerned citizen and you are sick and tired of the direction and corruption of our court system, please consider helping my campaign with funds and/or helping spread the word to Vote for Paul Kelly County Commissioner Pct 4 on March 2, 2010. Make sure you are registered to vote! AND VOTE!!!

Thank You and God Bless!

Paul Kelly - Conservative

County Judge Phil Fitzgerald Re-Election Announcement

My first day as Liberty County Judge, January 2, 2007, I was sworn to office by Judge Ronnie Davis. During the ceremony I asked the citizens of Liberty County to pray for our county and to pray for me and the other newly elected officials. I appreciate not only your prayers but also the support and encouragement you’ve shown over these last three years, and specifically this past year. Your cards and letters of support have been overwhelming. I now ask that you continue your prayers and support as I seek re-election so that I may continue what I promised when I originally sought this office; to give all my effort in working toward bettering Liberty County for all its citizens.

Over the past three years I, and the commissioners, have worked together in a united effort to do all we can for the good of Liberty County. The commissioners have all worked together to help in each other’s precincts and make decisions that benefit the county as a whole. Our efforts led to many successes for our county including:

• Securing over $43 million in grant allocations for Liberty County in the past three years;

• Increasing the number of law enforcement officers by 17 without increasing the tax rate;

• Attending to the needs of all communities in our county borders equally, breaking down the barriers of past divisions;

• Implementing a job classification system for Liberty County identifying salary concerns for county employees and raising the pay standard for all citizens by demanding incoming industry to recognize the value of our citizens compared to pay scales in other areas outside Liberty County;

• Increasing Liberty County’s fund balance from $8 million to over $18 million by closely managing county finances. This healthy fund balance enabled us to fund disaster recovery efforts immediately when state and federal resources were slow to arrive;

• Implementing a traffic patrol division that aided in decreasing traffic fatalities by 42% leading to an estimated 20 lives being spared in the last 2 years.

Remaining true to goals I set when I took office, I have facilitated meetings with mayors, school and other officials to share in solutions to county issues, again in efforts to unite our county. These quarterly governmental summits provide leaders throughout our community a forum to unite and work together for our county.

As County Judge I’ve also worked hard in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with officials from surrounding counties, state officials, and federal legislators. Working as Emergency Director for Liberty County immediately following Hurricane Ike I appointed a liaison to assure that Liberty County rigorously monitored FEMA guidelines and requirements for reimbursement. These efforts resulted in State and Federal audits approving all $23 million in Ike recovery expenses that were eligible for reimbursement helping Liberty County to more quickly and more fully recover in the face of tragedy and disaster.

In my capacity as Juvenile Court Judge I have had the opportunity to work with Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Anthony Scott in successfully re-evaluating procedures in handling juveniles. We are confident these efforts have led to making our schools and neighborhoods safer.

Lately, there seems to be an attempt by some of my foes to proclaim value changes based on party affiliation. For the past twenty-three years I ran on the local Democratic ballot and will continue to do so. Does it mean my personal values or the values of the citizens of this county have changed? I think not. I have attended the same local church for the past thirty-three years worshiping alongside Democrats and Republicans alike and never veering from the same conservative values we all hold dear. I hope that my party affiliation is not needed to reflect my values. Rather, I hope my values are reflected in my decisions, actions, family, and most importantly, my Faith.

In holding true to my values, I enjoy working with officials from both political parties. Working together we have accomplished many things over the past three years for the betterment of our entire county. If you feel the need to label me, I ask you to label me in the most important way, not by party affiliation, but rather as a common man looking to God to guide his every decision in hopes of doing everything he can to make his home and community, Liberty County, the very best it can be.

As I’ve said I have had the opportunity over the past three years to work with many dynamic people all striving to make Liberty County the best it can be. Unfortunately, since nearly day one as County Judge I’ve also been in a battle against wickedness entrenched in high places. There are some in our county, and its leadership, who are primarily driven by their extreme sense of entitlement and care only for getting their way despite the effects their actions have on the citizens of Liberty County. Despite the negativity and disregard of integrity by some, I remain steadfast in my efforts as County Judge to bring common sense business principles to our local government and work towards positive achievements for our county.

One of the foremost of these principles is to eliminate unnecessary expenses in the operation of our county. As you can imagine this conservative philosophy did not sit too well with those who are determined to maintain the way things had always been done. However, they failed to realize that unlike themselves, my loyalty is to the hard-working citizens of this county and not to the self-proclaimed elite of the courthouse. I have not nor will I back down from my values as they attack me from every side.

I will continue to stand against those who care only about their own ego and sense of entitlement and care nothing for the good of those around them. I will continue to stand against those who ignore truth and the law and fail to seek justice and impartiality. I will continue to stand against those who abuse their positions by using fear and intimidation to get their way. I will continue to stand against those who care nothing for right and wrong and only hunger for control. I will continue to stand for the good of all the citizens and the betterment of Liberty County. Stand with me.

Phil Fitzgerald
Liberty County Judge

Fire and Death at Russell Fairchild's Property

UPDATE:

Liberty Dispatch has received information concerning allegations that Philip "Chip" Fairchild of the Liberty Police Department, conspired with his brother Russell to take the life of Mr. Winston Smith in an attempt to quiet Mr. Smith because of financial fraud perpetrated against Mr. Smith. In addition, it is alleged through a review of Liberty County Property records that Philip "Chip" Fairchild defrauded Mr. Smith directly and through others' to attain the property where he now resides. It is alleged that Mr. Smith was targeted because of his age and alleged sexual interest (homosexual) which could open the door for a Federal hate crime investigation. Mr. Smith had somewhat recently received an inheritance of over one million dollars which was allegedly defrauded from him by Russell and Chip Fairchild.

Property owned by Russell Fairchild of Hardin, Texas was the location of a fire and a death. Liberty Dispatch has received allegations that the deceased, 83 year old former local teacher, Winston Gordon Smith was murdered. Allegations are that Russell Fairchild was involved with Smith in secreting assets from John Stockton and his judgment claim. It is also alleged that Smith had differences with Fairchild over money and Fairchild allegedly took Smith's life, then set his body on fire. It is also alleged that Fairchild was threatened by Smith that he would expose Russell Fairchild for destroying property records in Liberty County Clerk, Delia Sellers vault. Additionally, it is also alleged that Cody Parrish is involved in a conspiracy to cover-up the alleged crimes. (NO AUTOPSY ORDERED) Russell Fairchild is brother of Philip "Chip" Fairchild who is lead detective at the Liberty Texas Police Department. Federal Court documents from Russell Fairchild's bankruptcy, charge bankruptcy fraud by Russell Fairchild and conspiracy by Chip Fairchild to further secret assets for Russell.

CONCLUSION: This is a chance for Liberty County Sheriff, Henry Patterson to show his strength and direction. The only way for Patterson to accel as Sheriff is to take a stand on the corruption in Liberty County and bring indictments for these crimes.


Our investigation continues...

City of Liberty Police Department, blood stained...

The Liberty Police Department as headed by Chief of Police, Billy Tidwell, Head Detective, Philip "Chip" Fairchild and information officer Hugh Bishop has been alleged to have indirectly contributed in the death of Liberty Proprietor, Naushad Virani. While Tidwell and others in the Liberty PD have voiced outrage about the killing, the real true outrage is the mishandling of the accused murderer by the Liberty Police Department.

Liberty Dispatch readers have expressed great outrage over the mishandling of the accused murderer, Stevie Walder by the Liberty Police Department prior to the murder.

According to Harris County records, there was an active 'failure to appear warrant' against Walder when he was in the custody of the Liberty Police Department (shortly before the murder) but... "slipped away" according to self proclaimed Liberty Police Department information officer, Hugh Bishop. Where is the alleged great investigations team of detectives at the Liberty Police Department? Answer: Chip Fairchild- Res ipsa loquitur...

Chief of Police, Billy Tidwell should resign immediately to mitigate any further damage to the City of Liberty and the public trust thereof. (But he wont because he really don't care!)

This action or inaction by the Liberty Police Department is yet another example of the corrupt and inept public officials at work in Liberty County. Watch how the cover-up deepens and local corrupt Liberty County news outlets rush to hide the blood stained hands of Liberty and Liberty County Officials.

Billy Tidwell's Liberty Police Department- Accused

Liberty Dispatch has received numerous complaints about the Liberty Police Department actions in the case of accused murderer

Letter to the editor

I have questions as to the cause of our water supply contamination in Daisetter.

I keep hearing that the pukey looking water and the contamination was caused by the sinkhole.
Now the word on the street is that the problem is being caused by water that Daisetter is borrowing from the hull water supply company.

This news is upsetting because I dont believe that TCEQ allows different water suppliers to swap water without somebody saying that is ok to do it. Besides that do the people in hull give the water to Daisetter and let them make money off us by selling it to us. The people in hull are generous but I bet they dont know that.

Other questions about city spending need to be answered because our tax dollars are at stake.
I keep hearing about these great big grants that we are getting and I wont to know where all the money is going.

And what about these rumors about some underhanded land deal out there by the new sewage plant. Who bought this land and sold it to the city.

Then we get into all the grant money for the police department. Some say that the city got a lot of grant money for this project. About all I see that we got for these big tax grants is a bunch of police cars sitting around collecting dust.

We Daisetter people need to stand up and ask were all of our tax money is going.

HAWK