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Gay bashing - Collin County style
Sometimes, there is an nasty side to politics. Unfortunately, Willy Horton type appeals to prejudice often do change the outcome of elections.
One such appeal could cost a Plano City Council candidate and a Collin County commissioner their jobs.
The Dallas Voice reports on an ugly email campaign against Commissioner Phyllis Cole. The "whisper email" email attacks her vote to appoint Justin Nichols, a homosexual, to be the coordinator for the Collin County Teen Court. Nichols is an ambitious young (23 yrs old) man who was the coordinator for Judge Peyton's teen court in Plano. Impressed by the successes of the Plano teen court, the commissioners authorized a similar program and Mr. Nichols was hired to launch and manage it.
Commissioner Phyllis Cole's re-election bid is locked in a close run-off race with Matt Shaheen. A few weeks before the election, an email campaign was launched by persons unknown. According to The Dallas Voice (the Observer has not seen a copy of one of these emails), "The e-mail stated, 'Look who Phyllis appointed to work with your kids,' and contained a link to a March 14 Dallas Voice article about Nichols, who’s vying to become the first-ever openly gay member of the City Council in the May 10 municipal election."
The Voice reports that Cole is concerned that the attacks would energize the "evangelical right".
One who was energized was Commissioner Jerry Hoagland. The Observer has learned that Mr. Hoagland has asked that a review of Justin Nichols performance and employment be placed on the Commissioner's Court agenda - presumably in executive (secret) session.
Click on picture to download
Mr. Nichols now finds himself fighting for his job - and he seems ready for the fight.
Today, Nichols sent a letter to the commissioners demanding that any hearing on his employment be open and in public. State law allows an employee to require a government body to consider his employment in an open, public hearing. Nichols has invoked that right.
His strategy appears to be to force the county to face its citizen's fears and prejudices. So far, the campaign against Nichols (and Cole) has been anonymous emails - easily refuted by both Cole's opponent and by Nichols city council opponent. For better or worse, Nichols actions could force the debate to be in the public arena.
It looks like the County is about to confront a basic issue of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice. My prayer is that all the citizens, candidates and commissioners will first seek a justice that is found in our faith in a loving God and in our heritage as a free people.
Bill
22 comments
Comment from: Anon [Visitor]
Secret "Executive" meetings are always just an excuse for chicanery.
03/28/08 @ 02:52
Comment from: Randy [Visitor] 
Wow, pretty sad. One likes to think that people are above this kind of behavior.
03/28/08 @ 05:13
I hope Collin County can rise to the occasion and fight this type of bigotry.
03/28/08 @ 05:34
Comment from: Anon [Visitor]
That's really sad. It's great that Justin has a method of confronting this with the public discourse, though.
But anonymous emails exposing perceived skeletons of candidates is hardly "Collin County style".
I guess anonymously forwarding photos of candidates in African garb is "Democrat Style"?
But anonymous emails exposing perceived skeletons of candidates is hardly "Collin County style".
I guess anonymously forwarding photos of candidates in African garb is "Democrat Style"?
03/28/08 @ 08:52
Comment from: Devin Axtman [Visitor]
I guess anonymously forwarding photos of candidates in African garb is "Democrat Style"?
What are you talking about? I hardly think it's Dems spreading the FALSE rumors Obama is a Muslim. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.aspMaybe some Clinton supporters are but I highly doubt it. Mostly it's from people who are scared that they will have to face the facthe has a really good shot of getting eletcted.
What are you talking about? I hardly think it's Dems spreading the FALSE rumors Obama is a Muslim. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.aspMaybe some Clinton supporters are but I highly doubt it. Mostly it's from people who are scared that they will have to face the facthe has a really good shot of getting eletcted.
03/28/08 @ 09:36
Comment from: Devin Axtman [Visitor]
Clinton supporters are but I highly doubt it
Ment to say might be.
Ment to say might be.
03/28/08 @ 09:37
Comment from: bill [Member]
>But anonymous emails exposing perceived
>skeletons of candidates is
>hardly "Collin County style".
Now hearing that from "anon" is really funny.
..and wrong. These kind of smear campaigns are all too common in Collin County.
Bill
>skeletons of candidates is
>hardly "Collin County style".
Now hearing that from "anon" is really funny.
..and wrong. These kind of smear campaigns are all too common in Collin County.
Bill
03/28/08 @ 10:21
Comment from: Devin Axtman [Visitor]
Thanks for bringing some reason Bill and thanks for exposing this. Who cares if the guy is gay? What do they think he's going to do? Shame on Jerry Hoagland and any one else who is behind this or questions Justin's qualifications.
03/28/08 @ 12:36
Comment from: Anon [Visitor]
Bill,
Are you saying that politicians smearing each other is unique to Collin County? That's the point I was making.
Devin,
The African garb photos is just one example, and yes, they were forwarded by a supporter of Hillary, obviously.
The point is that politicians smearing each other, even anonymously, is nothing new and not unique to Collin County. The title "Collin County Style" implies that this is unique to Collin County.
I don't know who would want to get into politics with this crap.
Are you saying that politicians smearing each other is unique to Collin County? That's the point I was making.
Devin,
The African garb photos is just one example, and yes, they were forwarded by a supporter of Hillary, obviously.
The point is that politicians smearing each other, even anonymously, is nothing new and not unique to Collin County. The title "Collin County Style" implies that this is unique to Collin County.
I don't know who would want to get into politics with this crap.
03/28/08 @ 13:29
Comment from: Kent Henry [Visitor]
"I don't know who would want to get into politics with this crap."
Because evil happens when good people do nothing.
Because evil happens when good people do nothing.
03/28/08 @ 17:01
Comment from: expo [Visitor]
A few observations:
1) Cole has not produced emails showing proof that Nichols was maligned, but has produced a letter from a fellow commissioner. What if someone made the emails up?
2) Can Cole provide more information on her view of gay marriage and gay rights and as compared to Matt Shaheen? After all, she is in a run-off election with him, not Hoagland.
3) As a Republican, does Cole support the party platform on marriage between a man and a woman?
4) It will be very difficult for her to work with Hoagland if she is re-elected.
5) Why doesn't she switch parties?
1) Cole has not produced emails showing proof that Nichols was maligned, but has produced a letter from a fellow commissioner. What if someone made the emails up?
2) Can Cole provide more information on her view of gay marriage and gay rights and as compared to Matt Shaheen? After all, she is in a run-off election with him, not Hoagland.
3) As a Republican, does Cole support the party platform on marriage between a man and a woman?
4) It will be very difficult for her to work with Hoagland if she is re-elected.
5) Why doesn't she switch parties?
03/28/08 @ 21:16
Comment from: bill [Member]
Our friend "Expo" offers us a demonstration of the power of political innuendo.
He tries to suggest that the hate email was somehow planted by Ms. Cole, moves on to imply that she is pro-gay and not in sync with her party, then makes the statement that she can't work with Hoagland.
He then suggests that she should be a Democrat.
Expo engages in the kind of subtle character assassination that reflects the very worst of Collin County style politics.
His message is one of slander, appeals to prejudice, and rhetorical slurs.
He offers no evidence - only innuendo.
He chooses cowardice over reason - slander over debate.
Bill
He tries to suggest that the hate email was somehow planted by Ms. Cole, moves on to imply that she is pro-gay and not in sync with her party, then makes the statement that she can't work with Hoagland.
He then suggests that she should be a Democrat.
Expo engages in the kind of subtle character assassination that reflects the very worst of Collin County style politics.
His message is one of slander, appeals to prejudice, and rhetorical slurs.
He offers no evidence - only innuendo.
He chooses cowardice over reason - slander over debate.
Bill
03/28/08 @ 21:39
Comment from: Devin Axtman [Visitor]
The African garb photos is just one example, and yes, they were forwarded by a supporter of Hillary, obviously.
Thought you were talking about the other e-mails that say he's a muslim, sorry. But you can't tell me some Republicans have forwarded them? (I have gotten some as proof)
03/29/08 @ 12:55
Comment from: Collin County Man [Visitor]
The only slander I see is Cole tying the entire email incident to Shaheen. Let's see her evidence, or is it just paranoia.
03/29/08 @ 17:10
Comment from: Concerned [Visitor]
Expo brings up valid questions, does Ms. Cole believe in the platform of the party she runs in?
The Texas GOP Platform is pretty clear on the issue of homosexuality and being against it. This is, we must remember, a REPUBLICAN PRIMARY, and the candidates should answer if they believe in it's platform or not.
The worst part of it all is Ms. Cole's attacks on Prestonwood Baptist Church saying "“This was the whole game plan,” Cole said. “They’re going to be running bus loads of people from Prestonwood Bible study to vote," adding it would give Evangelicals a majority on the Commissioner's Court. Talk about Bigotry, what does that mean Ms. Cole?
It means a bunch of crazed people will be in charge because she says "[Dallas Voice is] playing right into their hands because what they’re trying to do is create this furor so the crazy far right group gets all in a furor and runs out to vote,” Cole said.
So Ms. Cole believes Evangelicals are crazy! Does she forget that President George W. Bush is an Evangelical, whom she proudly says she was the chairperson of his Collin County Chairperson campaign, is GWB crazy? Does she imply that Dr. Jack Graham is crazy?
She says she believes the Shaheen campaign is behind it, well Ms Cole - put money where your big mouth is and PROVE IT. If you have evidence, bring it out!
The problem is Ms. Cole closer resembles a Democrat than a Republican based on her record. She is should switch parties, and get it over with. But, come April 8th, she will be out of a job anyhow.
One less RINO on the court!
03/29/08 @ 22:24
Comment from: M. Kimery [Visitor]
The strident tone of site visitors who are, apparently, ashamed to stand behind their names, reveals the sad state to which politics (civic life) has come. Any opposition to any of the present county commissioners on the basis of our past and current tax rates is certainly without any basis in fact. Collin County has the third lowest county tax rate in the entire state--and is only a penny higher than the 2nd lowest, Denton County, according to a chart through 2006, updated in November 2007.
County Commissioners take care of public good areas--transportation including roads, safety, health care, and just about nothing that is even vaguely related to their views on marriage. Voters needs to think about job descriptions, qualifications, and performance rather than personal agendas.
County Commissioners take care of public good areas--transportation including roads, safety, health care, and just about nothing that is even vaguely related to their views on marriage. Voters needs to think about job descriptions, qualifications, and performance rather than personal agendas.
03/30/08 @ 17:21
Comment from: Collin County Man [Visitor]
M. Kinery’s comment is systematic of the misinformation campaign being waged by current commissioners like Cole who run on their tenure rather than accomplishments. The low tax rate argument Kinery improperly makes is fine if we tax payers paid taxes with ‘tax rates’. Unfortunately, we don’t; we pay with tax dollars. If the current commissioners like Cole were honest, they would explain to you that Collin County has one of the highest property values in Texas. With one tax rate cut in the last nine years and property values having risen three to five percent per year during the same period, the current crop of commissioners effectively have voted for an annual three to five percent tax increase. So the next time Cole and her crew tell you they have held tax rates ‘flat’, ask them how ‘flat tax rates’ have translated into actual out-of-pocket tax dollars paid by the voting tax payer. Maybe if these commissioners didn’t vote themselves a 17% pay raise they’d feel the bite in increased taxes paid like the rest of us voters have.
03/31/08 @ 13:22
Comment from: Jeremy [Visitor]
I've known Justin for several years - even before I knew about his orientation. He's done a great job on the court and I know he'll do a great job in the city council.
I also know Matt Shaheen and I don't think he would be behind that email. There are plenty of people in the county who believe like the person who wrote that email - so it could have been anyone (including my mom for all I know).
I also know Matt Shaheen and I don't think he would be behind that email. There are plenty of people in the county who believe like the person who wrote that email - so it could have been anyone (including my mom for all I know).
03/31/08 @ 23:22
Comment from: Alecia [Visitor]
“The true democrat is he who with purely nonviolent means defends his liberty and, therefore, his country's and ultimately that of the whole of mankind”
-Mahatma Gandhi
I am mostly uneducated when it comes to politics. The more I learn the more disappointed I become. Candidates’ credentials are no longer important. I've had the pleasure of meeting Justin and although we have opposite opinions on many subjects, I really enjoy learning from him. He is two years younger than me and it amazes me the things that he has accomplished in such a short time.
-Mahatma Gandhi
I am mostly uneducated when it comes to politics. The more I learn the more disappointed I become. Candidates’ credentials are no longer important. I've had the pleasure of meeting Justin and although we have opposite opinions on many subjects, I really enjoy learning from him. He is two years younger than me and it amazes me the things that he has accomplished in such a short time.
04/01/08 @ 14:26
Comment from: Concerned [Visitor]
Collin County Man has it 100% correct. It's not the rate that counts the most, its the results of the rate to the value of the home. The County determines that it needs X amount to run the government and then goes to the Appraisal Board and says make it work. Knowing they cannot raise the tax rate, they raise the values to fit the revenues they need. Anyone who says their tax burden has remained revenue neutral is obviously not living in the real world.
The bottom line is our county budget continues to grow and the commissioners use the same lame excuse Ms Cole uses that taxes are not going up. HA HA HA!
It goes to the problem that these guys have been in office forever, and are out of touch. They don't subscribe to conservative principles, economic or social, and know that in order to get elected they have to run as a Republican. I just wish we had more that GOVERNED as one!
The bottom line is our county budget continues to grow and the commissioners use the same lame excuse Ms Cole uses that taxes are not going up. HA HA HA!
It goes to the problem that these guys have been in office forever, and are out of touch. They don't subscribe to conservative principles, economic or social, and know that in order to get elected they have to run as a Republican. I just wish we had more that GOVERNED as one!
04/01/08 @ 15:58
Comment from: Concerned Also [Visitor]
Concerned:
You certainly speak the truth. These pretend Republicans spend all their time facinated with gay people and claim they have low rates when Collin County residents probably pay more in property taxes per capita than the residents of almost any other county in TX.
This allows the pretend Republican Collin County politicians to do all sorts of nasty things. My only question is why you think it stops at the Commissioners' offices? Have you investigated the Collin County judiciary or the state level politicians lately?
04/02/08 @ 21:18
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