Platform Committee Follow Up

Dear Friends,

As promised I wanted to follow up from the work on the Platform Committee.

What an amazing experience working with other committee members from the senate districts! The dedication combined with the knowledge each brought to the table would make you all proud.

First I attended as many caucuses I could get in to further study some of the topics that many of you brought to my attention. Some of the truths I heard were so powerful that at one (the moratorium on the death penalty) I had to step out for a minute to catch my breath. The environmental information shared was critical, I later found, to understand much of what was in the platform draft we received the following day. I had studied much about wind and solar energy, but had no idea about the number of dangerous/dirty coal plants that are being created over the state. I, also, know much more about the safety implications about fracture drilling near public schools, etc. I wish I could share all I learned during the caucuses and how that was extended into working on the platform committee, but too much to write.

In general the document you can find on line at the TDP site is full of the "meat" we required; very little generalities. I feel no one should doubt who we are and where we stand on the issues. The groups that met pre-conference to draft the document from which we worked that Saturday gave us a paper full of expertise both political and topic specific.

I had asked early in the process that all references to Rick Perry and/or the republican party be removed from the platform as the platform was about who we are and not who they aren't. Several of us felt strong in this view; however, the democratic way gave us a vote that differed. I offered that we move these references to a narrative page, but the majority as witnessed by the vote did not agree.

I want to share special thanks to Leonard Pierce. Leonard spent much of the day in the committee room making himself available for information I needed before a vote was taken. Devonya Shaw-Nunez and Leonard gave me notes to make sure I was catching all the intricate elements. During the discussion on the death penalty I needed critical feedback from the caucus leaders on this subject. Leonard went to the exhibit hall and returned with two specialists who made sure what was written was solid.

The coordinated campaign office must have your help and dedication to the vote. I hope this means that I will see many of you many times before November. If you have not visited Mayor White's website it is www.billwhitefortexas.com and adds to getting to know the person we must trust.

Once again your trust in me was not lost. I was there early, worked until each topic was discussed and voted, and picked up SD 14's copy from the floor before formal presentation. I value the work and I value you.

With appreciation,
Gina Starr Hill