Candidates Address Teachers Last Week’s Forum

Freestone County’s Retired Teachers Association (FCRTA) hosted a forum Wednesday, September 12, 2018 to introduce the community to candidates for Texas Legislature who will appear on ballots November 6th.

Attending the forum were Democratic candidates Wesley Ratcliff, State Representative District 8, and Meg Walsh, Texas Senate District 5.

Republican candidate Cody Harris, State Representative District 8, was unable to attend, but was represented by former opponent Dr. Linda Timmerman.

Terry Dunlap, president of FCRTA, welcomed the candidates and guests to the fellowship hall of the Fairfield Harmony Presbyterian Church, and informed the crowd that although invitations  were sent to all candidates for Texas Legislature, Senator Charles Schwertner did not respond.

Alicia Smith, legislative chair of FCRTA, reminded those in attendance that early voting is October 22, and encouraged everyone to research and vote for the candidate who best represents their interests.

Meg Walsh, candidate for Texas Senate District 5, thanked the FCRTA for arranging the forum.

“Thank you all for being teachers and being there for every single student.”

As a single mother whose child struggled with dyslexia, Walsh has a strong respect for public education, especially teachers.

“The state of Texas has stopped paying their fair share,” said Walsh, who says her top priority is to reinstate funding for educators.

From working two jobs to make ends meet to negotiating multi-million dollar international contracts, Walsh has worked for companies such as IBM and Electric Power Research Institute gaining experience in the energy and technology industries.

Her platform focuses on increasing school funding; rural healthcare with access to local hospitals; clean water; and a state-wide push for green energy.

She is also a proponent of local government and vows to fight to protect local control.

Walsh urged those in attendance to vote for “school friendly” candidates and educate themselves on how tax payer money is spent. She encouraged voters to vote for the important issues, not the party.

To learn more about Meg Walsh, visit her website at megwalshfortexas.com.

 

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for teachers,” said Wesley Ratcliff, candidate for State Representative District 8.

Currently a Freestone County cattle rancher, Ratcliff’s life experiences as a NASA scientist, teacher, and small business owner make him uniquely qualified to represent rural residents in the state legislature.

Ratcliff believes in working to find ways to increase funding for education and is in favor of developing a new formula for funding teachers’ retirement and healthcare.

Among his other top priorities are rural health and reinvigoration of local economy.

To learn more about Wesley Ratcliff, visit his website ratcliff2018.com.

Cody Harris, candidate for State Representative District 8, was unable to attend, but sent a letter to be read by Dr. Linda Timmerman.

“…The education community sent a strong message to Austin! You showed them that public education is and should be a priority and I am grateful for the opportunity to fight for you, our schools, and our children next session.”

Dr. Timmerman expressed Harris’ appreciation to be represented at the forum and vowed to remain a strong voice for the education community.

“Both active and retired teachers were made a promise by the State of Texas, and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure that the state’s end of that promise is upheld”

Harris pledged to oppose any attempt to privatize educators’ pension plan and vouches while fighting to increase current benefits.

Promising to fight for active and retired teachers, higher education funding, school finance reform, Harris asked for support in the upcoming election.

For more information on Cody Harris, visit his website at codyfortexas.com.