NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Yeah, it has been a good while since I last posted, but my resolution for the 2013 year is to be more frequent with postings.  It was not because there was nothing to write on since the last posting in June, rather a very busy final six months of 2012 for me.

Most of you know Rae Beth had some back issues that put her in bed from June through September 12th when she finally had surgery that solved the problem.  Then there was the recovery time of several weeks then the holidays popped up and before you know it here we are at the end of the year and the start of a new one.

I'll be keeping the title of my blog Inside Milam County because I will continue to focus on Milam County issues, but from time to time will step out into other areas.  You must agree that what happens in Austin or Washington DC eventually winds up having some effect inside Milam County.

One observation I will make is on this year's election.  For a change most of those I picked at the state national and local level actually won this time.  There were several that I missed, but at least I cast my vote.

We were definitely bombarded with information, or propaganda from every angle and every side.  Locally some races did get a bit heated but overall Milam County candidates ran pretty clean straight up campaigns.

One thing I do believe the folks in Milam County could have benefited from was more public debate between the candidates.  There was one held in Thorndale by the Thorndale Chamber of Commerce, but nothing in the larger burgs of Rockdale or Cameron.

I remember the day when the VFW in Cameron would fill with voters to hear the candidates speak.  Some forums even allowed for questions from the audience.  I wonder what happened to those events.  Have we become so complacent that we really don't care about getting to know more about our local candidates?

There were some very nice events held by the local parties for their candidates but no real forum, other than the Thorndale Chamber event, for opponents to face off.  As for me I made it a point to visit with the local candidates and got to know each one and their thoughts on county government.  I also would have made it a point to attend any other major event where the candidates could be seen live and in person discussing their views on county issues.

Maybe that should be a resolution for the local political parties to consider.  Resolve for the future to hold public events to showcase both party's nominees at the same time.  Certainly would be a great opportunity to let the public see the candidates state their case why they are the best person for the job.  Hope everyone has a great 2013.