Consistent. Principled. Action.

Citizens,

1. Our county unemployment rate inched down in October to 7.7%.

After going up almost 3% over a nine month stretch from September '08 through June '09, our last five months have changed very little at 7.7%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 7.8%, and 7.7%, meaning that the unemployment rate in Collin County has stabilized for the time being at half a percentage point below the state average and a full 2.5% below the current national average.

It is good news that unemployment stopped going up, not good news that it stabilized at a relatively high 7.7%. Jobs are crucial in order to continue to provide a beacon of success in the midst of the national economic downturn.

I know that federal government spending policies garner all the media attention, and the major issues that many of us are engaged in with our congressional delegation are vitally important. However, local fiscal policy and taxes pay a major role in our economic health relative to other states and even regions within Texas. Our low tax and business friendly policies play a part in keeping business doors open and attracting new businesses looking for a shelter in the storm.

2. I kept my word in my first term of office. I said that I would stand with the taxpayers - I did.

- Collin County has a more open and transparent government - webcasting commissioners court sessions and putting the county checkbook on-line for your review.

- The three budgets I participated in slashed the growth of county government from a 10+% per year average to a 1+% per year average.

- The Commissioners Court cut your county property taxes. The Commissioners Court cut your taxes - we are not taking credit for something the legislature did - we actually cut your taxes ourselves. More on this later.

These conservative fiscal policies play a role in the success of this county in maintaining a relatively good employment rate. And they will play a role in building jobs for the future as our population continues to grow as people flee high-tax states and counties.

3. Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner. I am grateful every day for each of the blessings that I enjoy, including the great honor of serving you.

Sincerely,
Keith

Citizens,

1. Today is Veterans Day. Please thank a veteran as you go about your day today. Past or present, our years of service to our nation mean a great deal to all of us and I speak for all veterans in saying that a simple thank you speaks volumes to us. I am very grateful for my own years of service in the Army and the opportunities I had to learn about the wider world and to understand better the freedom that we enjoy in our nation. That is why I am so focused on protecting your freedom to control your own life - I have seen countless examples around the world where that is not possible.

2. I want to thank all of you who contribute to the Samaritan Inn. We recently hosted an extremely successful fundraiser, but the Inn relies heavily on the very generous donations throughout the year from folks around the county just like you. As a board member, I thank you for your generosity. I appreciate the hard work of Executive Director Lynne Sipiora and the way that the Inn not only helps the immediate needs of the homeless, but also works with them to move them from a dependent status to an independent, self-sufficient life. As we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, I ask that you consider the Samaritan Inn for a year-end contribution.

Sincerely,
Keith

Citizens,

1. I am excited to start our re-election campaign together! Check out the new "Volunteer" section to the left, where you can volunteer on-line for the ways that you want to support my campaign. There is also a "Donate" button there that you can use to contribute through Paypal. I appreciate every effort on my behalf. As I say on the site, I love standing with you, and will continue to stand firm for the foundation principles that made our nation great.

One more thing: I ask that you start distributing my emails to your friends and family so that our campaign grows into the grassroots powerhouse that we need.

2. Our $900 Million in transportation project funding may be in jeopardy if we don't get construction contracts signed by the summer of 2011. There is a real danger that the legislature may take our funds to close the expected state budget gap. Our legislators are aware of this issue and are working with us, but they need our help. The first step is to get as many contracts signed as possible by 2011.

There are more than 50 projects that have these funds allocated to them, but here are a few of the major projects that are massively important to us.

US75: I believe that TXDot can sign construction contracts for 7 separate US75 improvement projects up to the point north of McKinney where SH121 goes east near Melissa before the legislature completes it work in the summer of 2011. The last section north of Bloomdale will be close to that date, and we are working that hard. These improvements are vital to relieve congestion on the major highway through our county, and they represent hundreds of millions of dollars.

US380: TXDot has signed a construction contract from Lake Lavon east to Farmersville, and work should start soon. This road is some of the roughest in the county on a major highway. TXDot and the Regional Transportation Council are working with us to find dollars to improve US380 from Farmersville to the county line.

SH78: TXDot is working to get the necessary right of way for SH78 around the south end of Lake Lavon. Our growth in the southeast corner of the county makes this project a high priority.

I ask for your support, and for your vote in March 2010.

Sincerely,
Keith