Consistent. Principled. Action.

Concerned citizens,

1. The Collin County unemployment rate substantially decreased in November, dropping a full half percent from 7.7% in October to 7.2%.

Collin County's decrease is significant and welcome after our unemployment rate peaked in July at 7.9%.

The current 7.2% rate is the lowest since last May and the decrease translates into almost 2,000 fewer unemployed citizens than October's figure.

Collin County continues to do better than the state (8% unemployment) and much better than the nation in jobs and job creation. Jobs, not wealth redistribution, provide the best economic security of our citizens, and our low-tax, job-friendly policies contribute to our improving unemployment rate.

State figures taken from the Texas Workforce Commission web site at http://www.tracer2.com/admin/uploadedPublications/1826_pressrelease.pdf.

2. Tracy and I wish each of you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May this season bring you joy with your family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Sincerely,
Keith

Concerned citizens,

1. State of the County. The staff put together a great briefing on the current state of the county; a briefing that has generated quite a bit of interest when I presented it in several different venues. Because of that interest, I asked the Public Information office to put the briefing on-line for your review. You can find the briefing at http://www.collincountytx.gov/public_information/features/state_of_county_09.jsp. The figures are as current as possible. For instance, the national unemployment rate has changed slightly since the latest change to these slides, but the new local unemployment rate has not been released, so the last available same-date comparison is included.

2. Our re-election campaign is now underway in earnest. Primary election day is only 78 days away; early voting starts in just 64 days, right around the corner, especially given the Christmas break. This is a sprint. I appreciate every bit of support that you can give us.

Yard signs have arrived and we will start delivering them soon. If you have not ordered your yard sign, please go to http://www.keithself.com/contribute.html and sign up for a yard sign to be delivered to your door. We will not start delivery for another week or two, but they are available now if you want to put one out.

You will also find areas to volunteer to host a coffee or other activities to support our re-election campaign. I appreciate every effort on my behalf.

Our grassroots campaign will focus on identify those voters who appreciate the open and transparent government initiatives and the dramatically slashed growth of government that the Commissioners Court has supported during my first term in office.

Remember, I said that I would stand with the taxpayers……and I did.

Sincerely,
Keith