PRESS RELEASE

The Katy Citizen Watchdog$                                                                   August 28, 2006

WATCHDOG$ MEETING A HUGE SUCCESS!!

On Saturday, August 26, 2006 the Katy Citizen Watchdog$ (www.katycitizens.org) held their third general membership meeting at the Cinco Ranch Public Library.  Mr. Dan Patrick, Texas Senate Republican Candidate for District 7 and “The Voice” of AM 700 KSEV, was the guest speaker at the event.  In the large audience was Ms. Donna Maloney, from Congressman Ron Paul’s office, Mr. Ken Cannata, candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 and Mr. John Zerwas, Texas House Republican Candidate for District 28.  Mr. Cottrell had this to say right after the event on Saturday, “This was the best general membership meeting that the Dogs have ever had.  I want to thank Mr. Patrick for taking time out of his very busy schedule to be with us today.  His comments were nothing short of inspirational.  It was also an honor to realize that the political community is indeed paying attention to what the Watchdog$ are doing.”

When asked what he thought about Mr. Patrick telling the audience that he had received several e-mails encouraging him not to attend the event, Cottrell had this to say, “Unbelievable!  I have never asked Mr. Patrick for an endorsement.  He came and spoke about many issues that the Watchdog$ have been talking about since our formation.  It is pretty incredible the lengths that some of our opponents will go to in trying to sabotage our efforts.”

Cottrell went on to say, “The fact that Mr. Patrick lived in Katy for many years and the fact that all his children graduated from Katy schools was a real benefit since it gives him a unique perspective in his comments.”

He further stated, “I was also very pleased to see some of our opponents at the event.  It’s always good for the other side to hear that it’s not just the Watchdog$ that are calling on our local governments to spend tax dollars sensibly.  I hope they have a better understanding of who the Watchdog$ are and what we stand for.”

Mr. Patrick spoke at length about the immediate need to close the border first and foremost.  Closing it not just for security purposes but to try and stem the tide of illegals overcrowding our schools, social services, the criminal justice system and our healthcare facilities.  He also spoke about the need to make sure that we are getting the most for our tax and bond dollars that we give to school districts.  He urged voters to be cognizant of prioritizing the real needs of any school district.  Mr. Patrick also spent time talking about the new business tax and how it is simply bad law.  He also spoke about the immediate need for Austin to address the issue of lowering the appraisal cap.  He then spent several minutes fielding questions from the audience.

“The story in Saturday’s Houston Chronicle about all the new pricey school arenas couldn’t have come at a better time.  Mr. Patrick’ comments about asking private industry, not the taxpayer, to pay for these arenas is absolutely on the money.  As taxpayers we need to demand fiscal responsibility from our school districts and we all have to make sure the districts understand that they must live within a budget just like we do.  In addition, school districts need to be able to distinguish between items that are sincerely needed and items that aren’t needed.  You can’t have everything and even then you can’t always have a Cadillac.”

Candidate John Zerwas had this to say, “As a father of four, one being a teacher in KISD, I know the importance of education for our children, plus the need for money to be spent in the right way.  As one who hopes to be your next State Representative, your worries and concerns are important to me.” [emphisis added]

Cottrell also stated, “Mr. Patrick feels that Watchdog groups play an important role in making sure that someone is “minding the store” of taxpayer dollars.  We hope he’ll come back and address our group in the future.”

In closing, Cottrell said, “I want to thank everyone that attended the meeting.  It was a great event and we had a very lively and informative exchange with the audience after Mr. Patrick’s address.  I always gain a lot of information from our membership at these events.”