Ask Billie

There are questions, from time to time, about this column. Who decides what the topics will be, when is it written and does anyone edit it?

The columns, good or bad, start right here at my desk. The topics are usually about what my concerns are early on Monday mornings.

Is there something we, as citizens, should be concerned about or some way we can make this a better place to live?

Some of the columns are about people who have made a difference in our community or maybe people who touch our hearts.

This is not the place for describing wedding dresses or parties.

Liliana does a great job in that section. Most of the time you do not want my recipes; Leigh excels there. Other writers take care of their responsibilities.

A newspaper is a compilation of columns written by different people who naturally have different thoughts about most any subject.

I just happen to be one who is vitally interested in this community. I believe citizens are capable of making this the community that we want it to be.

Sometimes we need to remind our elected officials that they are there to serve the people who put them there. We are not here to serve city or county government or the various school boards; their responsibility is to serve the citizens.

That is the way of our democracy, whether here, in Austin or Washington.

I think we should always feel welcome and encouraged to attend City Council, WISD and WCJC Board meetings. If that is not happening we need to ask why.

Recently a man thanked me for this column and added that he agreed 90 percent of the time.

That is probably more than I expected but good or bad, I take total responsibility, and thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Have you gotten your new map?

Thanks to Wharton County Judge John Murrile, there is a new map that has names of the streets in East Bernard, El Campo and Wharton.

Of course the county roads are numbered but there is room to write in the names we are familiar with.

The maps can be picked up at the County Annex and Wharton Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

The Chamber also has a Wharton map so we have no excuse if we get lost.

Law Enforcement Memorial

It is time to drive by the Wharton County Sheriff's Office and look at the Wharton County Law Enforcement Memorial. Volunteers are doing a super job, and if weather permits, the foundation should be poured this week.

If you saw David Pagel, Darrell Darnell, Richard Arnold or Fibber Houseworth during the past week and they were walking slowly, there is probably a good reason.

Those guys dug holes, moved dirt, used a sledge hammer and were still able to laugh a lot.

We would remind you that this project is being built totally with volunteer labor and funds.

To finish this worthwhile monument honoring those who have given their lives protecting us, your contributions are needed and appreciated.

Your tax deductible contribution may be sent through the Wharton County 100 Club. For more information call 532-3856.