Local News
Former aide challenges Representative Brown in Republican primary
TERRELL – Republican Lance Gooden formalized his candidacy for state representative on Thursday.
He has filed the paperwork required to appear on the Republican primary ballot against incumbent Betty Brown.
“There is a disconnect between the Betty Brown that runs around Kaufman and Henderson counties calling herself a conservative and the Betty Brown that goes to Austin and votes against the conservative values we hold dear,” Gooden said. “I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but I can tell you that it’s high time we have a representative who actually acts like a conservative instead of one who just talks about it.”
Gooden — an insurance and risk management consultant — has deep roots in the district. He grew up in Terrell and graduated as the valedictorian of Terrell High School where his father, Tom Ed Gooden, was the head football coach. After earning two degrees from the University of Texas in Finance and Government, he went to work as an insurance broker for energy and energy-related companies, negotiating for them in the insurance marketplace and helping to protect them from lawsuits and other business risks.
“My pledge as our next state representative is to provide the kind of steady, conservative leadership we need to tackle such tough issues as enhancing border security, lowering property taxes, stopping out-of-control spending and improving our education system,” Gooden said. “We face a lot of serious issues in this tough economy, and now is not the time for more of the same old business-as-usual Austin politics.”
Gooden also has legislative experience, serving as a legislative aide to Betty Brown during the 79th Legislature. He said his experience in the legislature was one of the key factors in his decision to run.
“If you spend a little time at the capitol, it becomes abundantly clear that there are two kinds of state representatives,” Gooden said.
“Those who represent the values and beliefs of their districts and those who have completely lost touch with the people they represent,” he said. “ I like Betty a lot as a person, but her record paints a pretty clear picture that she has lost her way. We need a representative whose first priority is to represent the conservative interests of their district. I can deliver that to our community.”
Gooden is a member of the Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ in Terrell.
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Church construction continues
Above, the Rev. Leon Wallace of Faith Church views the base of the steeple which was salvaged after his church was one of three in Athens which fell victim to arsonists in January. The steeple sits in front of a new church building being constructed by Cooper Plastering. The new building is estimated to have a worth of about $500,000 when completed.
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Man eludes deputies
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Department continued to search Thursday for a man who eluded law officers in an automobile pursuit and foot chase near Coffee City.
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More offered during second event
The Athens Farmer’s Market happening again this Saturday. However, the next event has even more to offer than the kick-off event.
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Beekeeper says we are reason for honeybee decline
Honeybees bring more than just a taste of honey to the world, beekeeper Dick Counts told the Athens Rotary Club, Thursday.
Counts is the executive director of the East Texas Beekeepers Association. He says honeybees are amazing creatures that are among the most unusual and useful of God’s creations. -
AIS remodeling project continues
Workers from Brown Masonry brick a column as part of a remodeling project at Athens Intermediate School. Pictured, left to right are, Steve Justis, Supervisor Randy Teal, Marty Busby and John Hutchins.
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APD officers meet resistance
Law officers met resistance when they attempted to recover a stolen truck at a residence east of Athens Tuesday.
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New Seven Points Police Chief officially chosen
SEVEN POINTS — It’s OK to call Jack Nelson the Chief of Police in Seven Points now, It’s also been learned that there is a possible settlement between the former chief and the City of Seven Points.
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Man pulled over, then charged with marijuana possession
A 42-year-old man whose driving habits attracted the attention of a Henderson County Deputy was arrested Monday for possession of marijuana.
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Deadline approaches for 2011 county budget submission
The deadline is approaching for Henderson County Judge David Holstein to submit a proposed 2011 county budget.
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Elma Jo Harville Landers Asher
Services for Elma Jo Asher will be on Saturday, July 31, 2010 in Tomball. Burial will be in the Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
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