For those interested in Dan's latest drama, here are the facts: In May the station took Dan off the air to comply with the federal equal time law. After removing him, the station contacted me and asked if I would be willing to work out an arrangement to put him back on the show provided he agree not to talk about the campaign. But before an arrangement could be made, their legal counsel decided to keep him off their air until after the election.
Dan's portrayal of himself as a victim was undercut in a report from KUT, where Ben Philpott reported, "Neil has known for a while that he would most likely have to take a break from the air." Apparently he's not just taking a break from the air; he's taking a break from his responsibility to know the law which places the onus of compliance directly on the station.
You would think a sports fan like Dan would be all in favor of an even playing field — that's what the equal time rules are all about. If he wants to spend his time blaming me that’s up to him. This isn't personal — the issue is with his employer and the FCC, but Dan should own up to the fact that he put his employer in this position. Now that it's an even playing field, let the debate begin on the issues important to you.
WATER BREAK
Speaking of important issues, please check out my July column (http://westlakepicayune.com/2010/07/15/state-officials-keep-close-eye-on-variety-of-water-related-issues/) on our most valuable natural resource – water.
HOWARD TAKES THE LEAD
A huge thanks to everyone who got their contribution in before June 30th! I was able to raise over $100,000 – a solid showing for this point in the campaign season and more than twice what my opponent raised. Every dollar is critical to getting our message out and letting voters know what's at stake. But the most important part of the campaign to me is the time I spend meeting face-to-face with neighbors throughout our community.
In the coming weeks we will begin contacting voters on the phone and at the door. If you have signed up to volunteer in past elections, you should begin to receive communications from our Field Director, Addey Nitibhon, letting you know when we’ll be in your area. If you would like to join Team Howard, please click here.
This weekend, we will meet at the home of Bill and Suzy Reid (1104 Wayside Dr., Austin, TX 78703) at 9:30 am before heading out to blockwalk in Tarrytown. Looking forward to seeing you there!