First of all the fact that the elections equipment is stored at John Wiley Price's Road & Bridge office creates public judgment and scrutiny.  Why even go there?  And what about the fact that JWP will be on the ballot in 2012 - isn't there a conflict of interest here?  Who ever heard of a candidate having control of the voting machines, software and  ballots?  Perhaps in a different country but the U.S.?  It looks really bad.  It fact it stinks.   Might I suggest that you just move the equipment to a secure, non-partisan, location and the argument is over.   What are you hiding?  You might say it will incur unnecessary costs to move and store the equipment elsewhere ... that's a cover-up ... find a better way to save money in a way that doesn't negatively impact the integrity of our election process - like giving up your car allowance.

Regard the who will be running the Elections Department:  Toni Pippins-Poole is NOT a manager and should not even be considered for such a high profile, sophisticated position.  This is obvious by the mass exodus of key employees in the Election Department since she has taken temporary command - a loss of over 100 years experience.  Both Elections Equipment Warehouse Managers, Voter Registrar - all with 20 years experience, and now Toni's assistant  & more have left.  In regards to Toni's management skills - all I hear are accusations of harassment, cursing, intimidation and bullying employees.  (At the nod of John Wiley Price, Judge Clay Jenkins gaveled at this point and forced the speaker to sit down--Ed.)

It is said that many employees are afraid to say anything negative about what is going on in the Elections Department for fear that they would be fired or reap serious consequences.   And you may refer today that these accusers who are speaking out are just disgruntled employees but I see them as further evidence that Toni [Pippins-Poole] lacks the ability to lead and motivate.  If she can't effectively manage her staff, how is she to manage a complex 2012 Election involving a Presidential race, new voting equipment and redistricting?  If Dallas doesn't have a qualified seasoned veteran to run the show with superior personnel and teamwork  the Election Department will be a big flat failure - which is a direct reflection on each one of you.  It is in your best interest to do your due diligence and conduct a legitimate nationwide search and not turn this into a power display.  Forcing Toni thru just because she was hand-picked by JWP leads to suspicion and takes on the appearance of mafia style government."

WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN CLEANING UP DALLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT?

1. Join us at the Commissioners Court on any Tuesday 9:00 to see for yourself what is going on:  The meetings take place in the Old Book Depository at 411 Elm Street, adjacent to Dealey Plaza and the 6th Floor Museum in downtown Dallas.

2. Tell your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors about what's going on in their own local government. 

3. Consider voicing your concerns as a citizen speaker at the Commissioners Court:  As noted, the Court meets each Tuesday at 9:00 am.  The deadline to register for each meeting is Monday at 3:00.  Court generally lasts approx. 1 hour.  Each speaker is given 3 minutes to share their opinions.  You will need to provide a telephone number or an address in order to register to speak.  (Contact Karen Wavada, Commissioners Court Clerk, at 214-653-7165.)

4. Write to the editor of newspapers, call TV hotlines, call into talk radio, blog, tweet.  Spread the word!

5. Call or write your Commissioner.

Whatever you choose to do, DO SOMETHING!

- Dallas Tea Party Watchdogs