March 9, 2025 • 42 mins
Fresh from Washington DC's corridors of power, Commissioner Louie Minor delivers sobering news about federal funding cuts that will directly impact Bell County residents. The $100 million Chaparral Road widening project in South Killeen has become a casualty of pre-shutdown budget negotiations, with all community project funding requests for fiscal year 2025 eliminated nationwide.
During his attendance at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference, Minor met with congressional representatives and their staff to advocate for county priorities. What he discovered was troubling - not only were Democratic representatives uncertain about upcoming policy changes, but many Republican lawmakers seemed equally in the dark about initiatives that would significantly affect local governments.
The podcast offers a rare window into the disconnect between federal decision-makers and the communities they impact. "The costs have to go somewhere," Minor explains, noting that anticipated cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will likely force more residents to seek county services for healthcare and food assistance, further straining local resources.
State politics also features prominently as Minor shares audio from a heated town hall meeting where constituents challenged Representative Brad Buckley on the controversial school voucher bill. "Let us vote!" residents demanded, questioning why such a fundamental change to education funding wouldn't be put before Texas voters.
In a more personal political battle, Minor addresses a bill recently filed by State Representative Hillary Hickland that would prohibit displaying any flags other than official U.S., state, or local government flags in government buildings - legislation seemingly targeted at the rainbow-colored flags in Minor's courthouse office. With characteristic frankness, he questions the bill's prospects while confirming his intention to run for re-election.
For anyone seeking to understand how national politics filters down to affect everyday lives in Bell County, this episode offers essential listening from a commissioner determined to keep residents informed about the forces shaping their community's future.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome.
You're listening to the LouieMiner Show.
I'm your host, bell County.
Commissioner Louie Miner.
We are back from NACO, theNational Association of Counties
2025 Legislative Conference,and there'll be more on that
later on in the show.
But let's go ahead and getstarted with our agenda for
(00:27):
Monday.
Now, monday is not the first orthird Monday of the month,
which that is where our newmeetings, our meeting times have
gone to.
But we did not have a meetinglast week because we did not
have a quorum.
So they have a special.
(00:47):
They called a special meetingfor Monday, I guess, to get us
caught up.
Anyways, first thing on theagenda is the invocation.
Then we have the Pledge ofAllegiance consent agenda items
we have let's see items we have.
(01:10):
Let's see.
Consider the approval of theminutes for february 18th 2025.
Meeting of the commissioner'scourt.
We have personnel budgetamendments, claims, accounts,
payable, payroll, restitution,jury pay.
Then we have a consideraterequest submitted by the
district attorney to allow fortwo additional week overlap for
the retirement of their existingoffice supervisor.
G-n-s-c-l-e-d-5-n-r-1-3-5-5 86cents to upgrade the county's
(01:35):
voice over internet protocolvoip phone system to the
(02:13):
Sheriff's Office.
That's everything for theconsent agenda.
(02:44):
Sheriff's Office.
That's everything for theconsent agenda.
County engineer.
Items consider and approvefinal plat of Moffitt Water
Supply Edition being a two acreone lot one block subdivision
located within Bell County,precinct 3.
Then consider and approve finalplat of Winkler Plot being 1.29
(03:06):
acres one lot one blocksubdivision located in Bell
County, precinct 3.
Item C Consider and approve thefinal plat of Mockingbird acres
being a 67.669 acre 14 lot oneblock subdivision located in
Bell County, precinct 3.
And then, item D consider andapprove the replat of Shore
(03:29):
Shores 8, hood sectionsubdivision, replat being .2386
acres one lot one blocksubdivision located within Bell
County, precinct 1.
Let's see, located within BellCounty, precinct 1.
Let's see.
(03:49):
Then we have consider ratifyingaction taken by the Bell County
judge to terminate aninterlocal agreement between
Burnett County for inmatehousing guaranteed bed space.
B.
Consider authorizing the countyjudge to enter into a contract
with Burnett County for inmatehousing as an as-needed basis
(04:09):
for a rate of $80 per inmate perday.
C.
Consider authorizing the countyjudge to sign a FY 2025
increased law enforcementcontract with amendment of
solicitation.
Modification of contractsolicitation number
W1926G25Q0008 between the BellCounty Sheriff's Office and the
(04:38):
US Army Corps of Engineersengineers for Stillhouse Lake
Hollow Recreation Area,effective from May 17, 2025 to
September 7, 2025.
And then D.
Consider authorizing the countyjudge to sign a FY 2025
increased law enforcementcontract and amendment of
(04:59):
solicitation modification andcontract number W9126G25Q008
between the Bell CountySheriff's Office and the US Army
Corps of Engineers for BeltonLake Area Recreation Area,
effective May 4, 2025 toSeptember 20, 2025.
(05:24):
4th to 2025 to September 20th2025.
E.
Consider using vacancy fundsfrom the District Attorney's
Office FY 2025 budget to fundingadding a District Staff
Attorney position as an overhirefor the remainder of the fiscal
year.
F.
Consider authorizing districtattorney to add an additional
(05:45):
investigator position as a groupstep 314-08.
G.
Consider extension of an orderrestricting outdoor burn ban.
Item F consider canceling thecontract and PO 292605 between
(06:07):
Bell County and NealArchitecture Group, signed
November 8th 2021 for the designof the Temple Annex and
authorized the county judge toenter into a contract with
Garcia Architects for the designof the Temple Annex at a cost
not to exceed $332,000.
Then we have item E closedsession section 551.076,
(06:33):
deliberation about deployment orspecification implementation of
security personnel ordevices.
Juvenile probation department.
That is everything for ouragenda.
Now let's go to the workshop.
Bear with me Reports andupdates from county offices and
(06:55):
departments.
Capital improvement projects.
We have update on jailexpansion clean annex diversion
center renovations FY 2025 CIPPlan.
Then we have Discuss the TexasIncident Support Task Force with
Texas Division of EmergencyManagement Representatives.
(07:19):
Then we have Fire MarshalDiscuss Fire Marshal
Compensationhal compensation andcertification stipends.
Third item is discusstechnology services request to
reclassify a vacant programanalyst three, moving this
position to an accountantassistant position.
And then finally discuss FY2026 community project funding
(08:00):
requests.
And then that is it for themorning.
And then in the afternoon ofthe 10th we have our budget
kickoff.
So that is everything thatwe're going to be talking about
tomorrow.
You have a couple of things formeetings March 14th 2025, 3 pm
(08:22):
Retirement reception for AdelaGomez she worked in the district
attorney's office and then wehave April 2nd at 11 am, ribbon
cutting for the ChillinghamProject that is a solar farm.
And then on the 9th we haveCentral Texas Community Health
(08:44):
Summit, connecting the dots atUMHB.
And then on the 26th we havethe county auction surplus items
.
And that is everything, atleast for now.
There is a CUC meeting comingup, that's Conference of Urban
Counties, but I think we'll begood there.
(09:05):
That is everything for youragenda and your workshop for the
Bell County Commissioner'sCourt, march 10th
2025.
So, as I said at the beginningof the show that I was at the
National Association of Counties2025 Legislative Conference in
(09:26):
WashingtonDC.
We get together from all overthe country elected officials
and staff, county commissioners,county judges, county
executives, supervisors theyhave all kind of
names.
Even in Louisiana they havehave, I think they're called
police jurors, something likethat.
(09:48):
So, yeah, but anyways, um, gettogether, we vote on our
policies and and what we want,what we're looking for uh and
partnering help uh from thefederal government, and then we
go out and talk to ourlegislators.
And so I did that last yearfirst time.
(10:13):
Doing it, learned a lot, wentthis year and I really enjoyed
doing that, working with otherelected officials and going to
talk to members of Congress, andit's definitely an art that you
have to learn how to do that,because most of the times you're
(10:34):
meeting with the staff, youdon't meet with the member
because they're busy doingsomething, but every now and
then you do get to meet thatstaff or that Congress man or
woman, and so it's always anhonor to get their time for that
, because they're getting pulledat a lot of places.
(10:55):
But I want to play a littleclip from the National
Association of Countieshighlight reel that they had for
the 2025 conference, just soyou kind of understand what all
this involves.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
In general session remarks.
At the 2025 NACO LegislativeConference, members of President
Trump's Cabinet and speakersfrom both chambers of Congress
recognized the crucial rolecounties play in the
intergovernmental partnership.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Thanks for inviting me, thanks for allowing me to be
here and speak to you a littlebit.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
That's why we're all in this business right.
Let's solve problems thatimproved people's lives.
In my time in public serviceand I am Oregon's longest
serving member to be coming up Ihave never enjoyed more working
with NACO.
You all are the gold standardfor grassroots involvement.
(11:53):
I can't hear you, because youdeserve more.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
You are the gold standard for getting people
involved in government, To everycounty commissioner, every
judge, every board member, everysheriff, every fire chief,
every public health and safetyleader here today.
The work you do is so close tomy heart.
I am proud to be among you.
I am proud to fight this fightalongside you.
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Whether you serve at the federal level or the local
level or the state level, we'reall about people.
We are all in the peoplebusiness.
Our issues may be a little bitdifferent, but we're there to
serve the people.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
County leaders departed the general session to
participate in a county advocacyday of action, energized by the
words of these speakers andempowered to make the case for
county policy priorities.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
There's your little clip of what we do at NACO.
Typically what we do is we NACO, typically what we.
What we do is we get therebefore the weekend, meet over
the weekend, go over all thestuff, vote on all the things
that we want, all the policiesthat we're going to advocate for
, and then that Monday andTuesday we'll go and and
(13:13):
advocate to our locallegislators and then obviously
other ones.
So I met with RepresentativePfluger's staff.
This is actually the first time, because I've been to DC two
times and both times that I didgo, I was able to meet with
Representative Pfluger's staffor Representative Pfluger, but
(13:38):
this time he wasn't available.
Keep in mind that we're aboutto shut down the government on
the 14th of March because we maynot have funded the government.
So that's what they're workingon over there for that.
So whenever I got back I metwith the paper.
(14:02):
I talked to the paper and theywrote an article and I don't
think they understood what I wastrying to say.
They kind of did.
But the headline is ChaparralRoad Funding Cutoff by Federal
Government, says countycommissioner.
So it was never funded to beginwith.
(14:25):
We just submitted anapplication requesting grant
money for assistance for it.
So yeah, we were never fundedfor it.
We're actually in line to getfunding for it.
That's what we're trying to do.
But they said definitely allthe community project requests
(14:48):
for this year are not going tobe funded and that we need to
reapply pretty much just changethe dates on everything we
applied for for 2025, and thenthat we'll be able to do it
again for 26.
So I'll read the article realquick what the paper said.
The Chaparral Road wideningproject in South Killeen is
(15:10):
apparently a casualty of apotential government shutdown
next week, as Bell CountyCommissioner Louie Minor D
Killeen told the Herald that itwas one of the 15 community
projects submitted by AugustPfluger that was axed.
There were community projectsfunding requests submitted by
every local congressman thatwere eliminated due to a
(15:34):
continuing resolution, with therequest as part of the efforts
to keep the government open,miner said.
Pfluger, a Republican,represents Texas's 11th
congressional district, extendsfrom Killeen to far west Texas.
The federal government isslated to shut down March 14th
unless a deal can be reachedover funding for the government.
(15:56):
Shut down March 14th unless adeal can be reached over funding
for the government.
Miner also said he is close tocertain that the Ranciere
Extension in North Killeen wouldlikely be another casualty.
They asked us to resubmit forthe fiscal year 2026,.
Miner said the Chaparralproject is not expected to start
until late 2029.
The total cost of the projectis $100 million.
(16:20):
Miner said the majority of theproject relies on federal grants
.
The Killeen MetropolitanPlanning Organization was
supposed to provide $12 millionbut said last month that that
funding was under review at thefederal level.
Last month that that fundingwas under review at the federal
level.
Miner recently returned from atrip to DC where he met with
(16:42):
federal officials andcongressional representatives as
part of the NationalAssociation of Counties.
Between March 1st and March 4thabout 2,000 other county
leaders from across the countrywere present.
Miner says some of these cutswere a result of the change of
administration and that thecurrent climate of the federal
government I think it's $4trillion in tax cuts that they
(17:04):
want to do.
Miner's referring to Trump'sadministration.
They have to cut it fromsomewhere.
So Miner also said that thesecuts, bonds are likely going to
lose their tax exempt status,making the $155 million new city
hall bond that the city ispushing for more expensive.
(17:29):
He said it still needs to pass.
That's a cost that's going toget passed to property tax
owners, minor said.
Hopefully they'll listen andnot approve that part.
Miner also warned that cuts toMedicaid and Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program, orSNAP, will likely be passed on
to the county as well, becauseresidents will have to seek out
(17:50):
food banks and other countiesfor indigent health care.
The costs have to go somewhere,he said.
So yes, all those things aretrue.
Like I said, the actual fundingfor Chaparral Road, you know
it's kind of in the weeds.
(18:10):
So we requested money and we'rehoping to get money.
Now, the fact that we requestedmoney and we're hoping to get
money, now the fact that werequested money, doesn't mean
we're necessarily going to getit.
That happens all the time thatyou know agencies, counties,
governments they'll ask formoney and never get it.
(18:32):
But this is one that they wekeep on pushing for, pushing for
because it's needed and thathopefully one day we'll get
funded.
But definitely 0% of anyfunding requests are going to
get funded for 2025.
That is 100% certain.
(18:53):
So now what we're going to haveto do and you heard, whenever I
was going through everythingfor the workshop that was
something that we discussed,that we're going to discuss on
the workshops that that fundingis gone, any funding requests
that we're anticipating for 2025, it's dead in the water.
(19:14):
So we'll see what happens andwhat we're going to do and if
the government will be open.
I mean, this administration hasbeen going full blast.
Just, you know, there there's apicture with Elon Musk in that
(19:36):
chainsaw and he's supposed to beslashing government.
Well, that's true, that's whathe's doing.
But slashing government and theway that they're doing it
primarily, as at least right now, with firing federal employees
those are people.
Those are people, those arevoters.
(20:03):
Those are people and theirfamilies that have depended on
those jobs.
I used to be a federal employeeand there was some safety and
security with getting a federaljob Highly coveted to get a
federal job and something thatyou wore with pride that, hey,
(20:23):
I'm a federal employee, I'mworking for the American people
and yeah, that's not the caseanymore.
So that's about all thecraziness I want to cover.
In DC, we met with Republicansand we met with Democratic staff
(20:48):
and legislators over there andI fully expected and understand
that the Democraticrepresentatives didn't know what
was going on.
They had a fingers-crossmentality.
Well, let's hope this, let'shope that, but I get it that
(21:10):
they're not in power, so ofcourse they're going to be left
out of the conversation.
What I was surprised is thatthe Republican representatives
were equally unaware of issuesthat are going to be affecting
us, and that really surprised me.
(21:32):
I was really shocked thatRepublicans were unsure too, at
least the rank and file onesthat we spoke to.
I'm sure probably the upperleadership probably has an idea
of where they're trying to steerthe boat.
But yeah, the rank and file,the staff members that hadn't
(21:55):
trickled down, and it wasobvious because there was not a
lot of senior staff thatparticipated at NACO.
Last year, whenever I came,president Biden came and spoke
to us, but yeah, that wasn'thappening.
But anyways, more to follow.
(22:17):
There's plenty of crazinessgoing on in DC, but there's also
plenty of crazy going on herein Texas, where you have a
legislature in session.
So the voucher bill is is uhraging on there and I went to uh
(22:42):
Brad Buckley.
He had a a um town hall herelocally and uh, so I'll I'll
play a little little bit of itjust so you can hear uh how it
was, uh how the local uhcitizens were taking his voucher
bill.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Okay, let's be honest we're gonna stay behind.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
And anyone who has questions to ask.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
I nobody's names are on them.
Speaker 5 (23:13):
Okay, so I have one.
Are you part of Project 2025?
Cuz I'm not happy with thiscrap that's going on what I'm
not part of Project 2025.
Excuse me what Cuz?
That's what it is, yeah.
Speaker 6 (23:29):
I have no idea about project 2025.
Yes, Mr Harris.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
I appreciate the explanation.
The question I had asked was onthe bottom of the file was
regarding the ability of Texasto vote on this.
Several years ago, you know, wevoted on the proposition just
to allow state police dogs toget given to their handles.
You know we voted on theproposition just to allow state
police dogs to get given totheir animals.
So why would we not be able tovote as texans on the
proposition we're going tochange through the fundamental
finances?
Speaker 6 (23:56):
yes, let us vote.
Let us vote well.
I I think the constitution isclear that we have to provide a
fair public system of educationand this is public funding of
education and I feel like itdoesn't need a constitutional
amendment.
(24:16):
And it's important and to notewe're not on the bloody edge
here.
There are 31 other states thathave some form of school choice
and what we found is that publicschools do better typically and
that you find that they're ableto have multiple options for
parents.
It is a lie.
(24:39):
We are beyond our time here.
I'll be happy to stay behindand have a conversation with
anybody that would like to talkand I appreciate you being here.
This is our contact informationhere.
If you need anything, you canreach out and I'd be happy to
talk to you.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
So you heard it was very heated.
I think he attended a up inPalestine.
He attended another town halland I think it was scheduled to
go for two hours and it didn'teven go that.
There were a lot of peopleyelling and screaming.
So he's feeling the heat.
He did say and I don't know ifI caught it on my video or not
(25:20):
that when they asked aboutvoting for it he was like well,
the people did vote for it, theyvoted for it in the Republican
primary and I'm sorry that's notthe majority of people in Texas
.
So you know, that was a verygood question brought up by Mr
Erie, who is a property tax hawk, and I mean, yeah, I mean, and
(25:51):
I mean, yeah, I mean it's crazywhat they're trying to do with
public school.
You know I am an avid listenerto podcasts and one of the
podcasts that I was listening to, the teacher retirement system
of Texas will be actuariallyunsound.
(26:16):
Now that should be scary for alot of people, especially our
teachers, that teachers that areworking teachers or that are
retired, that you know my sister, she's a school counselor, so
I'm sure she's in the teacherretirement system and yeah, I
(26:39):
mean, that's scary stuff, scarystuff that they're playing with,
and you know just that.
Only okay, say, 100,000 peopleare going to access that, when
we have millions and millions ofkids in school and they're only
, you know, giving a billiondollars, $1 billion, to 100,000
(27:04):
kids that are going to benefitthe wealthy kids that are going
to benefit the wealthy.
So let's, let's hope that wecould keep the pressure on them
and that that doesn't happen.
But you know, we have two, tworepresentatives, and if you
remember, I talked to you theother week cause I put a press
(27:26):
release out and it was in thepaper of Representative Hicklin,
who is just totally offended,clutching her pearls from a
pride flag that I have in thecourthouse, and she had
mentioned that she was going tobe filing a bill to end that
(27:47):
practice, that she was going tobe filing a bill to end that
practice, and she has, lo andbehold, true to her word, she
filed it.
So let's look at what it says.
This is well.
First of all, let me read thestatement that she put on
Facebook.
It might even read a couple ofthe comments.
(28:09):
Now this is on her page, her,her, her page.
Uh, hick, hillary Hicklin forTexas, and she actually tagged
me in it.
Bell County, commissioner,precinct for Louie minor.
And this was posted on March7th at 15.03.
(28:31):
Yesterday I filed HB 3990 toestablish a clear policy for
flags flown in our governmentbuildings.
This ensures that ourtaxpayer-funded offices do not
serve as a platform forpolitical activism for political
activism.
This policy was supported atthe national level by the Trump
(28:56):
administration and it's timeTexas follows suit.
Our government building shouldreflect unity, tradition and
respect for our states andnations.
Let's keep Texas strong,respect our flags, texas values,
(29:18):
blah, blah, blah.
So that's what she said, andlet's look at the remarks.
Obviously this is her campaignpage, so there's probably going
to be a lot of people that aregoing to be in support.
But reading through it, I heardthere were some interesting
comments on it.
(29:38):
Let me see.
Here goes, thank you.
The last thing I care to seewhen I'm driving by the
courthouse or walk into a schoolas a flag advertising what type
of sex people have.
Completely inappropriate andbizarre to display sexual
(30:01):
preferences in a taxpayer-fundedbusiness or school environment.
Let's see.
Bell County Republican Party.
Six Flags is not a governmententity.
I don't know what that issupposed to be for.
Rock on.
Yes, thank you.
Take it down and take it homewith you.
You'd appreciate it more whenyou're driving than we do
(30:27):
driving by the courthouse.
Oh, this is the one that Iwanted to.
Someone said what about historicUS flags, flags for the purpose
of teaching about other nations?
The six flags of Texas, mia,pow flags need some massaging?
Someone said yes, so does thisinclude the Texas and US flags
(30:53):
that are rainbow-colored, likeLois Minor has displayed in his
office window at the courthouse?
Technically they are US andTexas flags, but he said he
could display, but they are notthe right colors.
And let's see what Ms Hicklinreplied to that.
I just reread and saw that youhave the right colors, awesome.
(31:17):
And then she said 100%.
Then someone put you seem to bethreatening the person you are
targeting.
Not real discreet, there are.
You Seems to have enoughexperience being a mean girl.
That's about it.
It's a shame that you areteaching children to ignore the
(31:41):
freedoms we have come to cherish.
And then hi, I feel a bit outof the loop.
I'd like to know more.
What other flags were regularlyflown on those buildings?
Is this a preventative bill?
Thank you, but yeah, so I mean,it's kind of like all over the
(32:02):
place.
She doesn't like my flag whichthey're not there for her.
And anyways, that is.
Let's read the bill.
Let's see what the bill saysthat she is sponsoring, that she
(32:24):
authored.
Authored.
So this is it.
By Hicklin, hb number 3990, abill to be entitled and act
relating to the display of flagsof a building owned or operated
by a state, a municipality or acounty, be it enacted by the
(32:48):
legislature of the state ofTexas.
Section 1, subtitle E.
Title 10, government code isamending by adding chapter 2207
to read as follows Chapter 2207,display of flags.
.001, applicability.
(33:08):
This chapter applies to abuilding owned or operated by
this state, a municipality or acounty.
2207.002 defines that thischapter display means to exhibit
in a place or an object where aperson visiting or employed at
(33:30):
a building may see the objectand then display a flag.
003.
A building may not display, andthis state or a municipality or
county may not permit anemployee, agent or volunteer to
display any flag other than theUnited States flag, the state
(33:51):
flag or the official flag of amunicipality or county.
The United States flag or stateflag displayed at a building at
which this chapter applies mustbe an official flag in the
official colors and may not bealtered.
Section 2,.
(34:12):
This act takes effect September1st 2025.
So that's it.
That's her bill.
To me it seems poorly written.
There's a lot of questions thatcan be put on this, so we'll
(34:40):
have to see.
I'll be surprised if it gets acommittee hearing or not, and
yeah, so good luck withthat.
Representative Hicklin, I'msure, with all your 30-something
bills.
Let me see.
Let me see how many bills youfiled yeah, 36.
(35:03):
I'll be very surprised if anyof them, any of them.
Yeah, so good luck.
I'm sure you're going to be aone and done because, um, I'm
(35:24):
pretty sure Hugh shine is goingto come after you again and you
won't have the governor toprotect you this time because
he's going to have his voucherbill, so he ain't going to care
and you're going to be all byyour lonesome and I think, uh,
hugh is going to take greatpleasure in in beating you next
(35:46):
election cycle.
So he took one out, one crazywoman that we had before, uh,
miss Molly white, and I'm sure,when people see all the BS that
you're doing down at the Capitol, that your days are numbered.
So, either with that, with Hughcoming after you, or with
(36:14):
Jennifer Lee, who's going to runagainst you again, with
Jennifer Lee who's going to runagainst you again, or maybe even
Commissioner Minor, and hisfederal lawsuit that he has with
the state of Texas over thehouse lines here in Bell County,
the state house lines.
(36:34):
I had a phone call last Sunday,sunday, and now that case is
moving.
I think they're going to besetting up a hearing date here
pretty soon, the end of thismonth or maybe next month where
it is going to go to trial and Imight have to fly to El Paso
and testify.
(36:55):
And I'm excited for thatBecause it is
obvious.
Obvious that Bell County'sstate house seats were
gerrymandered by race, deludedthe black and brown vote in
(37:20):
Killeen, if you remember thefirst map that the state did
pretty much, did what you shouldhave done cut the county in
half and you had an east sideand a west side.
But because RepresentativeBuckley has never won Killeen,
(37:40):
he's always lost Killeen, hewould have lost his seat and
they couldn't have that, couldthey?
So what did they do?
They redid the map.
They took some of Hugh Shine'sdistricts, precincts and gave
them to Buckley, and I thinkthat's probably why Hugh Shine
(38:05):
lost his primary, because thesewere new voters he's never had
before.
They didn't know Hugh Shine.
They didn't know him so therewas no loyalty to him, and I
think Harker Heights was a bigproblem for Hugh because he
(38:26):
never represented Harker Heightsbefore.
So anyways, you know we'realready talking about 2026.
By the end of this year, you'regoing to be you, I mean me
candidates will be filing to runfor re-election and, yes,
(38:49):
secret's out of the bag, I amrunning for re-election.
I enjoy serving the people ofPrecinct 4, of Killeen, of Bell
County, and I look forward tocontinue serving as your county
commissioner.
Now I think there'll be somecontested seats on the
(39:13):
Republican side, on theDemocratic side, and I'm a
political animal.
I love politics, I love seeingpeople go out and make their
case to the people andultimately it's going to be the
people that decide who they wantrepresenting
them.
So, if you want, if you listento this podcast, you know I was
(39:42):
at a convention in CollegeStation and I was talking to
another commissioner and he usedto be a radio sports announcer
and I told him I said hey, youknow I got a podcast.
I've been doing a podcast sinceright before I took office.
You know I got a podcast.
I've been doing a podcast sinceright before I took office and
(40:09):
that was like at the beginningof the convention, of the
conference and then maybe a dayor two later I saw him and he
was like hey, I listened to yourpodcast, I like what you're
doing.
I might have to start a podcast, but I've already heard it a
couple of times in severalconventions, even several
political functions that I'vebeen to, that people need to do
(40:30):
more podcasts.
We need to have more of ourmessaging going out there into
the world, into the universe,our messaging going out there
into the world, into theuniverse, than on the right,
because right now there's just alot of Republicans out there
that took advantage ofthis.
But I have like 60-somethingepisodes.
I've been doing this for threeyears now For your listening
(40:55):
pleasure.
Three years worth of contentnow, that's out there and the
going-ons of Bell County andwhat we're doing.
So I appreciate you forlistening.
Support the podcast, support myre-election.
I'm going to put information inthe show notes.
(41:19):
So if you're interested insupporting the podcast,
supporting my reelection, godonate.
You know campaigns are notcheap and we're starting early.
So go and donate, support,contribute and I will talk to
(41:39):
y'all next week.
We'll be you next time.
Welcome.
You're listening to the LouieMiner Show.
I'm your host, bell County.
Commissioner Louie Miner.
We are back from NACO, theNational Association of Counties
2025 Legislative Conference,and there'll be more on that
later on in the show.
But let's go ahead and getstarted with our agenda for
(00:27):
Monday.
Now, monday is not the first orthird Monday of the month,
which that is where our newmeetings, our meeting times have
gone to.
But we did not have a meetinglast week because we did not
have a quorum.
So they have a special.
(00:47):
They called a special meetingfor Monday, I guess, to get us
caught up.
Anyways, first thing on theagenda is the invocation.
Then we have the Pledge ofAllegiance consent agenda items
we have let's see items we have.
(01:10):
Let's see.
Consider the approval of theminutes for february 18th 2025.
Meeting of the commissioner'scourt.
We have personnel budgetamendments, claims, accounts,
payable, payroll, restitution,jury pay.
Then we have a consideraterequest submitted by the
district attorney to allow fortwo additional week overlap for
the retirement of their existingoffice supervisor.
G-n-s-c-l-e-d-5-n-r-1-3-5-5 86cents to upgrade the county's
(01:35):
voice over internet protocolvoip phone system to the
(02:13):
Sheriff's Office.
That's everything for theconsent agenda.
(02:44):
Sheriff's Office.
That's everything for theconsent agenda.
County engineer.
Items consider and approvefinal plat of Moffitt Water
Supply Edition being a two acreone lot one block subdivision
located within Bell County,precinct 3.
Then consider and approve finalplat of Winkler Plot being 1.29
(03:06):
acres one lot one blocksubdivision located in Bell
County, precinct 3.
Item C Consider and approve thefinal plat of Mockingbird acres
being a 67.669 acre 14 lot oneblock subdivision located in
Bell County, precinct 3.
And then, item D consider andapprove the replat of Shore
(03:29):
Shores 8, hood sectionsubdivision, replat being .2386
acres one lot one blocksubdivision located within Bell
County, precinct 1.
Let's see, located within BellCounty, precinct 1.
Let's see.
(03:49):
Then we have consider ratifyingaction taken by the Bell County
judge to terminate aninterlocal agreement between
Burnett County for inmatehousing guaranteed bed space.
B.
Consider authorizing the countyjudge to enter into a contract
with Burnett County for inmatehousing as an as-needed basis
(04:09):
for a rate of $80 per inmate perday.
C.
Consider authorizing the countyjudge to sign a FY 2025
increased law enforcementcontract with amendment of
solicitation.
Modification of contractsolicitation number
W1926G25Q0008 between the BellCounty Sheriff's Office and the
(04:38):
US Army Corps of Engineersengineers for Stillhouse Lake
Hollow Recreation Area,effective from May 17, 2025 to
September 7, 2025.
And then D.
Consider authorizing the countyjudge to sign a FY 2025
increased law enforcementcontract and amendment of
(04:59):
solicitation modification andcontract number W9126G25Q008
between the Bell CountySheriff's Office and the US Army
Corps of Engineers for BeltonLake Area Recreation Area,
effective May 4, 2025 toSeptember 20, 2025.
(05:24):
4th to 2025 to September 20th2025.
E.
Consider using vacancy fundsfrom the District Attorney's
Office FY 2025 budget to fundingadding a District Staff
Attorney position as an overhirefor the remainder of the fiscal
year.
F.
Consider authorizing districtattorney to add an additional
(05:45):
investigator position as a groupstep 314-08.
G.
Consider extension of an orderrestricting outdoor burn ban.
Item F consider canceling thecontract and PO 292605 between
(06:07):
Bell County and NealArchitecture Group, signed
November 8th 2021 for the designof the Temple Annex and
authorized the county judge toenter into a contract with
Garcia Architects for the designof the Temple Annex at a cost
not to exceed $332,000.
Then we have item E closedsession section 551.076,
(06:33):
deliberation about deployment orspecification implementation of
security personnel ordevices.
Juvenile probation department.
That is everything for ouragenda.
Now let's go to the workshop.
Bear with me Reports andupdates from county offices and
(06:55):
departments.
Capital improvement projects.
We have update on jailexpansion clean annex diversion
center renovations FY 2025 CIPPlan.
Then we have Discuss the TexasIncident Support Task Force with
Texas Division of EmergencyManagement Representatives.
(07:19):
Then we have Fire MarshalDiscuss Fire Marshal
Compensationhal compensation andcertification stipends.
Third item is discusstechnology services request to
reclassify a vacant programanalyst three, moving this
position to an accountantassistant position.
And then finally discuss FY2026 community project funding
(08:00):
requests.
And then that is it for themorning.
And then in the afternoon ofthe 10th we have our budget
kickoff.
So that is everything thatwe're going to be talking about
tomorrow.
You have a couple of things formeetings March 14th 2025, 3 pm
(08:22):
Retirement reception for AdelaGomez she worked in the district
attorney's office and then wehave April 2nd at 11 am, ribbon
cutting for the ChillinghamProject that is a solar farm.
And then on the 9th we haveCentral Texas Community Health
(08:44):
Summit, connecting the dots atUMHB.
And then on the 26th we havethe county auction surplus items
.
And that is everything, atleast for now.
There is a CUC meeting comingup, that's Conference of Urban
Counties, but I think we'll begood there.
(09:05):
That is everything for youragenda and your workshop for the
Bell County Commissioner'sCourt, march 10th
2025.
So, as I said at the beginningof the show that I was at the
National Association of Counties2025 Legislative Conference in
(09:26):
WashingtonDC.
We get together from all overthe country elected officials
and staff, county commissioners,county judges, county
executives, supervisors theyhave all kind of
names.
Even in Louisiana they havehave, I think they're called
police jurors, something likethat.
(09:48):
So, yeah, but anyways, um, gettogether, we vote on our
policies and and what we want,what we're looking for uh and
partnering help uh from thefederal government, and then we
go out and talk to ourlegislators.
And so I did that last yearfirst time.
(10:13):
Doing it, learned a lot, wentthis year and I really enjoyed
doing that, working with otherelected officials and going to
talk to members of Congress, andit's definitely an art that you
have to learn how to do that,because most of the times you're
(10:34):
meeting with the staff, youdon't meet with the member
because they're busy doingsomething, but every now and
then you do get to meet thatstaff or that Congress man or
woman, and so it's always anhonor to get their time for that
, because they're getting pulledat a lot of places.
(10:55):
But I want to play a littleclip from the National
Association of Countieshighlight reel that they had for
the 2025 conference, just soyou kind of understand what all
this involves.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
In general session remarks.
At the 2025 NACO LegislativeConference, members of President
Trump's Cabinet and speakersfrom both chambers of Congress
recognized the crucial rolecounties play in the
intergovernmental partnership.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Thanks for inviting me, thanks for allowing me to be
here and speak to you a littlebit.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
That's why we're all in this business right.
Let's solve problems thatimproved people's lives.
In my time in public serviceand I am Oregon's longest
serving member to be coming up Ihave never enjoyed more working
with NACO.
You all are the gold standardfor grassroots involvement.
(11:53):
I can't hear you, because youdeserve more.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
You are the gold standard for getting people
involved in government, To everycounty commissioner, every
judge, every board member, everysheriff, every fire chief,
every public health and safetyleader here today.
The work you do is so close tomy heart.
I am proud to be among you.
I am proud to fight this fightalongside you.
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Whether you serve at the federal level or the local
level or the state level, we'reall about people.
We are all in the peoplebusiness.
Our issues may be a little bitdifferent, but we're there to
serve the people.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
County leaders departed the general session to
participate in a county advocacyday of action, energized by the
words of these speakers andempowered to make the case for
county policy priorities.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
There's your little clip of what we do at NACO.
Typically what we do is we NACO, typically what we.
What we do is we get therebefore the weekend, meet over
the weekend, go over all thestuff, vote on all the things
that we want, all the policiesthat we're going to advocate for
, and then that Monday andTuesday we'll go and and
(13:13):
advocate to our locallegislators and then obviously
other ones.
So I met with RepresentativePfluger's staff.
This is actually the first time, because I've been to DC two
times and both times that I didgo, I was able to meet with
Representative Pfluger's staffor Representative Pfluger, but
(13:38):
this time he wasn't available.
Keep in mind that we're aboutto shut down the government on
the 14th of March because we maynot have funded the government.
So that's what they're workingon over there for that.
So whenever I got back I metwith the paper.
(14:02):
I talked to the paper and theywrote an article and I don't
think they understood what I wastrying to say.
They kind of did.
But the headline is ChaparralRoad Funding Cutoff by Federal
Government, says countycommissioner.
So it was never funded to beginwith.
(14:25):
We just submitted anapplication requesting grant
money for assistance for it.
So yeah, we were never fundedfor it.
We're actually in line to getfunding for it.
That's what we're trying to do.
But they said definitely allthe community project requests
(14:48):
for this year are not going tobe funded and that we need to
reapply pretty much just changethe dates on everything we
applied for for 2025, and thenthat we'll be able to do it
again for 26.
So I'll read the article realquick what the paper said.
The Chaparral Road wideningproject in South Killeen is
(15:10):
apparently a casualty of apotential government shutdown
next week, as Bell CountyCommissioner Louie Minor D
Killeen told the Herald that itwas one of the 15 community
projects submitted by AugustPfluger that was axed.
There were community projectsfunding requests submitted by
every local congressman thatwere eliminated due to a
(15:34):
continuing resolution, with therequest as part of the efforts
to keep the government open,miner said.
Pfluger, a Republican,represents Texas's 11th
congressional district, extendsfrom Killeen to far west Texas.
The federal government isslated to shut down March 14th
unless a deal can be reachedover funding for the government.
(15:56):
Shut down March 14th unless adeal can be reached over funding
for the government.
Miner also said he is close tocertain that the Ranciere
Extension in North Killeen wouldlikely be another casualty.
They asked us to resubmit forthe fiscal year 2026,.
Miner said the Chaparralproject is not expected to start
until late 2029.
The total cost of the projectis $100 million.
(16:20):
Miner said the majority of theproject relies on federal grants
.
The Killeen MetropolitanPlanning Organization was
supposed to provide $12 millionbut said last month that that
funding was under review at thefederal level.
Last month that that fundingwas under review at the federal
level.
Miner recently returned from atrip to DC where he met with
(16:42):
federal officials andcongressional representatives as
part of the NationalAssociation of Counties.
Between March 1st and March 4thabout 2,000 other county
leaders from across the countrywere present.
Miner says some of these cutswere a result of the change of
administration and that thecurrent climate of the federal
government I think it's $4trillion in tax cuts that they
(17:04):
want to do.
Miner's referring to Trump'sadministration.
They have to cut it fromsomewhere.
So Miner also said that thesecuts, bonds are likely going to
lose their tax exempt status,making the $155 million new city
hall bond that the city ispushing for more expensive.
(17:29):
He said it still needs to pass.
That's a cost that's going toget passed to property tax
owners, minor said.
Hopefully they'll listen andnot approve that part.
Miner also warned that cuts toMedicaid and Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program, orSNAP, will likely be passed on
to the county as well, becauseresidents will have to seek out
(17:50):
food banks and other countiesfor indigent health care.
The costs have to go somewhere,he said.
So yes, all those things aretrue.
Like I said, the actual fundingfor Chaparral Road, you know
it's kind of in the weeds.
(18:10):
So we requested money and we'rehoping to get money.
Now, the fact that we requestedmoney and we're hoping to get
money, now the fact that werequested money, doesn't mean
we're necessarily going to getit.
That happens all the time thatyou know agencies, counties,
governments they'll ask formoney and never get it.
(18:32):
But this is one that they wekeep on pushing for, pushing for
because it's needed and thathopefully one day we'll get
funded.
But definitely 0% of anyfunding requests are going to
get funded for 2025.
That is 100% certain.
(18:53):
So now what we're going to haveto do and you heard, whenever I
was going through everythingfor the workshop that was
something that we discussed,that we're going to discuss on
the workshops that that fundingis gone, any funding requests
that we're anticipating for 2025, it's dead in the water.
(19:14):
So we'll see what happens andwhat we're going to do and if
the government will be open.
I mean, this administration hasbeen going full blast.
Just, you know, there there's apicture with Elon Musk in that
(19:36):
chainsaw and he's supposed to beslashing government.
Well, that's true, that's whathe's doing.
But slashing government and theway that they're doing it
primarily, as at least right now, with firing federal employees
those are people.
Those are people, those arevoters.
(20:03):
Those are people and theirfamilies that have depended on
those jobs.
I used to be a federal employeeand there was some safety and
security with getting a federaljob Highly coveted to get a
federal job and something thatyou wore with pride that, hey,
(20:23):
I'm a federal employee, I'mworking for the American people
and yeah, that's not the caseanymore.
So that's about all thecraziness I want to cover.
In DC, we met with Republicansand we met with Democratic staff
(20:48):
and legislators over there andI fully expected and understand
that the Democraticrepresentatives didn't know what
was going on.
They had a fingers-crossmentality.
Well, let's hope this, let'shope that, but I get it that
(21:10):
they're not in power, so ofcourse they're going to be left
out of the conversation.
What I was surprised is thatthe Republican representatives
were equally unaware of issuesthat are going to be affecting
us, and that really surprised me.
(21:32):
I was really shocked thatRepublicans were unsure too, at
least the rank and file onesthat we spoke to.
I'm sure probably the upperleadership probably has an idea
of where they're trying to steerthe boat.
But yeah, the rank and file,the staff members that hadn't
(21:55):
trickled down, and it wasobvious because there was not a
lot of senior staff thatparticipated at NACO.
Last year, whenever I came,president Biden came and spoke
to us, but yeah, that wasn'thappening.
But anyways, more to follow.
(22:17):
There's plenty of crazinessgoing on in DC, but there's also
plenty of crazy going on herein Texas, where you have a
legislature in session.
So the voucher bill is is uhraging on there and I went to uh
(22:42):
Brad Buckley.
He had a a um town hall herelocally and uh, so I'll I'll
play a little little bit of itjust so you can hear uh how it
was, uh how the local uhcitizens were taking his voucher
bill.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Okay, let's be honest we're gonna stay behind.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
And anyone who has questions to ask.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
I nobody's names are on them.
Speaker 5 (23:13):
Okay, so I have one.
Are you part of Project 2025?
Cuz I'm not happy with thiscrap that's going on what I'm
not part of Project 2025.
Excuse me what Cuz?
That's what it is, yeah.
Speaker 6 (23:29):
I have no idea about project 2025.
Yes, Mr Harris.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
I appreciate the explanation.
The question I had asked was onthe bottom of the file was
regarding the ability of Texasto vote on this.
Several years ago, you know, wevoted on the proposition just
to allow state police dogs toget given to their handles.
You know we voted on theproposition just to allow state
police dogs to get given totheir animals.
So why would we not be able tovote as texans on the
proposition we're going tochange through the fundamental
finances?
Speaker 6 (23:56):
yes, let us vote.
Let us vote well.
I I think the constitution isclear that we have to provide a
fair public system of educationand this is public funding of
education and I feel like itdoesn't need a constitutional
amendment.
(24:16):
And it's important and to notewe're not on the bloody edge
here.
There are 31 other states thathave some form of school choice
and what we found is that publicschools do better typically and
that you find that they're ableto have multiple options for
parents.
It is a lie.
(24:39):
We are beyond our time here.
I'll be happy to stay behindand have a conversation with
anybody that would like to talkand I appreciate you being here.
This is our contact informationhere.
If you need anything, you canreach out and I'd be happy to
talk to you.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
So you heard it was very heated.
I think he attended a up inPalestine.
He attended another town halland I think it was scheduled to
go for two hours and it didn'teven go that.
There were a lot of peopleyelling and screaming.
So he's feeling the heat.
He did say and I don't know ifI caught it on my video or not
(25:20):
that when they asked aboutvoting for it he was like well,
the people did vote for it, theyvoted for it in the Republican
primary and I'm sorry that's notthe majority of people in Texas
.
So you know, that was a verygood question brought up by Mr
Erie, who is a property tax hawk, and I mean, yeah, I mean, and
(25:51):
I mean, yeah, I mean it's crazywhat they're trying to do with
public school.
You know I am an avid listenerto podcasts and one of the
podcasts that I was listening to, the teacher retirement system
of Texas will be actuariallyunsound.
(26:16):
Now that should be scary for alot of people, especially our
teachers, that teachers that areworking teachers or that are
retired, that you know my sister, she's a school counselor, so
I'm sure she's in the teacherretirement system and yeah, I
(26:39):
mean, that's scary stuff, scarystuff that they're playing with,
and you know just that.
Only okay, say, 100,000 peopleare going to access that, when
we have millions and millions ofkids in school and they're only
, you know, giving a billiondollars, $1 billion, to 100,000
(27:04):
kids that are going to benefitthe wealthy kids that are going
to benefit the wealthy.
So let's, let's hope that wecould keep the pressure on them
and that that doesn't happen.
But you know, we have two, tworepresentatives, and if you
remember, I talked to you theother week cause I put a press
(27:26):
release out and it was in thepaper of Representative Hicklin,
who is just totally offended,clutching her pearls from a
pride flag that I have in thecourthouse, and she had
mentioned that she was going tobe filing a bill to end that
(27:47):
practice, that she was going tobe filing a bill to end that
practice, and she has, lo andbehold, true to her word, she
filed it.
So let's look at what it says.
This is well.
First of all, let me read thestatement that she put on
Facebook.
It might even read a couple ofthe comments.
(28:09):
Now this is on her page, her,her, her page.
Uh, hick, hillary Hicklin forTexas, and she actually tagged
me in it.
Bell County, commissioner,precinct for Louie minor.
And this was posted on March7th at 15.03.
(28:31):
Yesterday I filed HB 3990 toestablish a clear policy for
flags flown in our governmentbuildings.
This ensures that ourtaxpayer-funded offices do not
serve as a platform forpolitical activism for political
activism.
This policy was supported atthe national level by the Trump
(28:56):
administration and it's timeTexas follows suit.
Our government building shouldreflect unity, tradition and
respect for our states andnations.
Let's keep Texas strong,respect our flags, texas values,
(29:18):
blah, blah, blah.
So that's what she said, andlet's look at the remarks.
Obviously this is her campaignpage, so there's probably going
to be a lot of people that aregoing to be in support.
But reading through it, I heardthere were some interesting
comments on it.
(29:38):
Let me see.
Here goes, thank you.
The last thing I care to seewhen I'm driving by the
courthouse or walk into a schoolas a flag advertising what type
of sex people have.
Completely inappropriate andbizarre to display sexual
(30:01):
preferences in a taxpayer-fundedbusiness or school environment.
Let's see.
Bell County Republican Party.
Six Flags is not a governmententity.
I don't know what that issupposed to be for.
Rock on.
Yes, thank you.
Take it down and take it homewith you.
You'd appreciate it more whenyou're driving than we do
(30:27):
driving by the courthouse.
Oh, this is the one that Iwanted to.
Someone said what about historicUS flags, flags for the purpose
of teaching about other nations?
The six flags of Texas, mia,pow flags need some massaging?
Someone said yes, so does thisinclude the Texas and US flags
(30:53):
that are rainbow-colored, likeLois Minor has displayed in his
office window at the courthouse?
Technically they are US andTexas flags, but he said he
could display, but they are notthe right colors.
And let's see what Ms Hicklinreplied to that.
I just reread and saw that youhave the right colors, awesome.
(31:17):
And then she said 100%.
Then someone put you seem to bethreatening the person you are
targeting.
Not real discreet, there are.
You Seems to have enoughexperience being a mean girl.
That's about it.
It's a shame that you areteaching children to ignore the
(31:41):
freedoms we have come to cherish.
And then hi, I feel a bit outof the loop.
I'd like to know more.
What other flags were regularlyflown on those buildings?
Is this a preventative bill?
Thank you, but yeah, so I mean,it's kind of like all over the
(32:02):
place.
She doesn't like my flag whichthey're not there for her.
And anyways, that is.
Let's read the bill.
Let's see what the bill saysthat she is sponsoring, that she
(32:24):
authored.
Authored.
So this is it.
By Hicklin, hb number 3990, abill to be entitled and act
relating to the display of flagsof a building owned or operated
by a state, a municipality or acounty, be it enacted by the
(32:48):
legislature of the state ofTexas.
Section 1, subtitle E.
Title 10, government code isamending by adding chapter 2207
to read as follows Chapter 2207,display of flags.
.001, applicability.
(33:08):
This chapter applies to abuilding owned or operated by
this state, a municipality or acounty.
2207.002 defines that thischapter display means to exhibit
in a place or an object where aperson visiting or employed at
(33:30):
a building may see the objectand then display a flag.
003.
A building may not display, andthis state or a municipality or
county may not permit anemployee, agent or volunteer to
display any flag other than theUnited States flag, the state
(33:51):
flag or the official flag of amunicipality or county.
The United States flag or stateflag displayed at a building at
which this chapter applies mustbe an official flag in the
official colors and may not bealtered.
Section 2,.
(34:12):
This act takes effect September1st 2025.
So that's it.
That's her bill.
To me it seems poorly written.
There's a lot of questions thatcan be put on this, so we'll
(34:40):
have to see.
I'll be surprised if it gets acommittee hearing or not, and
yeah, so good luck withthat.
Representative Hicklin, I'msure, with all your 30-something
bills.
Let me see.
Let me see how many bills youfiled yeah, 36.
(35:03):
I'll be very surprised if anyof them, any of them.
Yeah, so good luck.
I'm sure you're going to be aone and done because, um, I'm
(35:24):
pretty sure Hugh shine is goingto come after you again and you
won't have the governor toprotect you this time because
he's going to have his voucherbill, so he ain't going to care
and you're going to be all byyour lonesome and I think, uh,
hugh is going to take greatpleasure in in beating you next
(35:46):
election cycle.
So he took one out, one crazywoman that we had before, uh,
miss Molly white, and I'm sure,when people see all the BS that
you're doing down at the Capitol, that your days are numbered.
So, either with that, with Hughcoming after you, or with
(36:14):
Jennifer Lee, who's going to runagainst you again, with
Jennifer Lee who's going to runagainst you again, or maybe even
Commissioner Minor, and hisfederal lawsuit that he has with
the state of Texas over thehouse lines here in Bell County,
the state house lines.
(36:34):
I had a phone call last Sunday,sunday, and now that case is
moving.
I think they're going to besetting up a hearing date here
pretty soon, the end of thismonth or maybe next month where
it is going to go to trial and Imight have to fly to El Paso
and testify.
(36:55):
And I'm excited for thatBecause it is
obvious.
Obvious that Bell County'sstate house seats were
gerrymandered by race, deludedthe black and brown vote in
(37:20):
Killeen, if you remember thefirst map that the state did
pretty much, did what you shouldhave done cut the county in
half and you had an east sideand a west side.
But because RepresentativeBuckley has never won Killeen,
(37:40):
he's always lost Killeen, hewould have lost his seat and
they couldn't have that, couldthey?
So what did they do?
They redid the map.
They took some of Hugh Shine'sdistricts, precincts and gave
them to Buckley, and I thinkthat's probably why Hugh Shine
(38:05):
lost his primary, because thesewere new voters he's never had
before.
They didn't know Hugh Shine.
They didn't know him so therewas no loyalty to him, and I
think Harker Heights was a bigproblem for Hugh because he
(38:26):
never represented Harker Heightsbefore.
So anyways, you know we'realready talking about 2026.
By the end of this year, you'regoing to be you, I mean me
candidates will be filing to runfor re-election and, yes,
(38:49):
secret's out of the bag, I amrunning for re-election.
I enjoy serving the people ofPrecinct 4, of Killeen, of Bell
County, and I look forward tocontinue serving as your county
commissioner.
Now I think there'll be somecontested seats on the
(39:13):
Republican side, on theDemocratic side, and I'm a
political animal.
I love politics, I love seeingpeople go out and make their
case to the people andultimately it's going to be the
people that decide who they wantrepresenting
them.
So, if you want, if you listento this podcast, you know I was
(39:42):
at a convention in CollegeStation and I was talking to
another commissioner and he usedto be a radio sports announcer
and I told him I said hey, youknow I got a podcast.
I've been doing a podcast sinceright before I took office.
You know I got a podcast.
I've been doing a podcast sinceright before I took office and
(40:09):
that was like at the beginningof the convention, of the
conference and then maybe a dayor two later I saw him and he
was like hey, I listened to yourpodcast, I like what you're
doing.
I might have to start a podcast, but I've already heard it a
couple of times in severalconventions, even several
political functions that I'vebeen to, that people need to do
(40:30):
more podcasts.
We need to have more of ourmessaging going out there into
the world, into the universe,our messaging going out there
into the world, into theuniverse, than on the right,
because right now there's just alot of Republicans out there
that took advantage ofthis.
But I have like 60-somethingepisodes.
I've been doing this for threeyears now For your listening
(40:55):
pleasure.
Three years worth of contentnow, that's out there and the
going-ons of Bell County andwhat we're doing.
So I appreciate you forlistening.
Support the podcast, support myre-election.
I'm going to put information inthe show notes.
(41:19):
So if you're interested insupporting the podcast,
supporting my reelection, godonate.
You know campaigns are notcheap and we're starting early.
So go and donate, support,contribute and I will talk to
(41:39):
y'all next week.
We'll be you next time.
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