A Letter from Jerry Davidson
 
Mr. Mayor, Council Members, and all Murphy Residents,
 
First, I thank the Council for their continued service to keep our community together.  I know you only hear from residents when they don't agree with you, so before I comment on Mayor Baldwin's letter in the June 16th edition of Murphy Messenger I thank you for doing a thankless but necessary job in our town. Whether a Wal-Mart Super Center comes here, builds down the street, or not at all, you have brought like-minded residents closer together and created an opportunity for them to be actively involved in their city government.

Second, I thank Police Chief Cox for doing an extraordinary job keeping us safe and forecasting what his department will need if a Wal-Mart Super Center does comes to fruition.  I have thanked you in person and I thank you now in print for having the wisdom to seek advice from your Chief peers in other towns who have experienced what we may soon go through--all for the sake of serving and protecting our citizens. Fine job, sir. Do take note Frisco just sent us a message to make sure you get additional detectives who have experience with homicide cases based on their recent Wal-Mart situation.
 
Third, let's call a spade a spade, Mr. Mayor. Wal-Mart has moved into hundreds of small towns like ours across the country and has brought unequaled prosperity to the bottom lines of those cities' budgets. They sell lots of taxable goods and draw heavy volumes of customers to an area. In Murphy's case, one estimate I've been told is they'd add $1.4M each year in sales tax revenues to our current $1.8M sales tax revenues base for ALL businesses in Murphy combined.  Staggering, they're big time players and they have everyone's attention who likes to spend City of Murphy money. After all, who wouldn't want a 77% raise? I can't say I blame Council for factoring the money aspect into their decision. I welcome any additional revenue to our City as well, but I strongly urge you to consider the long term effects if Wal-Mart were to one day decide they wanted out of Murphy. In 10 years our City will have become reliant upon Wal-Mart's sales tax. However, you don't put over 40% of your retirement money in a single stock, so please don't gamble with our money on Wal-Mart. They have destroyed city budgets in towns just like ours when a certain individual in Arkansas decided to close a location here and there. Please consider every business in Murphy as a "tenant" who has choices and may one day relocate to another town and stop paying "rent" here.
 
Fourth, in the same published letter, Mr. Mayor, you stated "The Council as a body did not communicate, and has never deliberated or made any statement regarding a referendum", which is a very politically correct way to say Council didn't help me. You are correct. The Council as a whole didn't send me any communication on official City of Murphy letterhead begging me to fight this battle. Actually, it was a very special lady who sat in the audience during the late April P&Z meeting who was quietly gathering business cards of pissed off residents while I delivered a speech to the commission about why they shouldn't allow Wal-Mart's application to go forward. I wish I could say the Council "as individuals" didn't apply in the same manner, however. If you dispute I wasn't contacted by Council members individually (yes, I said 'members' as in plural) which specifically discussed referendum I'll be happy to show you privately and off the record the documentation to back that statement up.
 
Indeed there was "a unanimous decision" to allow Wal-Mart to proceed by Council (as a body, since I need to be specific now) in late May, but I assure you some of those votes by Council members were diametrically opposed to their prior conversations directly with me. Perhaps I'm just not privy to information related to Wal-Mart's deal they struck with the City, but when a City official tells me one thing and then blatantly does another in my presence I call that being deceitful to a registered voter and neighbor. Furthermore, had Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem Halbert not simultaneously responded to your published letter and, by my own interpretation, declared you a Council member gone rogue with your letter to the Murphy Messenger you might be in a very sticky situation, sir. Nice save, Colleen.
 
Since NoMurphyWalmart.com was created May 1st I've had over 750 Murphy residents submit an online form against Wal-Mart building a Super Center in our town. That's nearly twice as many folks as vote in any given City of Murphy election, so you tell me if you truly think this is what your constituents wanted when the Council (as a body) unanimously voted for Wal-Mart moving forward. Even Murphy Messenger's own online poll showed a majority of participants were NOT in favor of a Wal-Mart being built. If hundreds of folks are telling me they don't want Wal-Mart here, and dozens of folks are telling a newspaper they don't want Wal-Mart here, why the hell won't elected City officials listen to the masses?  Because your contract dial-a-lawyer told you to take the money and avoid a lawsuit from both the landowner and the Bosses of Bentonville, that's what I think. Take the money, bend over, and don't say a word. You know what they call people on Harry Hines Blvd who do those three things in sequence?
 
You cited a case involving the City of Canyon, Texas where it cost taxpayers a lot of money to fight a zoning ordinance their city government tried to implement and the citizens lost. Look up the City of Buda, Texas who had an opposite outcome when they fought US Food Service from building in their town and won. Same type of fight, different towns, different results. The way I see it, taxpayers in this town are either going to suffer by staring at a Wal-Mart Super Center and the travesties it brings (real or perceived), or pay lawyers to fight the City to accept our Petition for Referendum you say might not be accepted, or pay higher property taxes if Wal-Mart goes away because your team can't figure out a way to make the City stop bleeding financially with no Wal-Mart band-aid in sight (which is ironic, because they sell those). Any way you slice it, the people who entrusted you with the keys to the City lose because of the Council's actions towards Wal-Mart (again, as a whole).
 
I, too, am sorry for being so long winded and I agree this is an important matter--perhaps the most debated issue since alcohol sales were approved some years ago. I want citizens to make informed decisions as well, and it is not my intent to organize angry lynch mobs carrying pitch forks. My goal is to right what I feel was a political wrong and put this zoning ordinance change up for a public vote. I'm not asking for a ruling on whether Wal-Mart is appropriate for our City, I just want the people to have a voice on how that land gets used since City Council cleverly changed the PD ordinance just seconds before they approved Wal-Mart's application to build (which I learned, from one of your own City Council members, as an individual, was a prerequisite for the deal to work).
 
I get it City Council members were elected to make decisions which are hard or which nobody really pays much attention to, but you got this one wrong and you're digging a deeper hole by suggesting the City will deny the submission of our Petition for Referendum. It's coming, so get ready to serve your citizens in the best manner you know how.
 
 Sincerely,
 
Jerry Davidson
Founder, NoMurphyWalmart.com

Please help us find our lost family member. "Tiger" is terribly missed by his sister, our three children and my wife and I.

"Tiger" is a grey/brown  adult Tabby with black stripes who became missing in Murphy on 3-7-10 at our neighborhood intersection of Parkshire and Havenwood. in  Glen Ridge Estates.

If you have found or know the whereabouts of "Tiger" please contact Don or Lisa  - 214-251-5595.
 

Black female poodle mix found March 13th in The Ranch Subdivision near the park. Very sweet and well behaved. Please contact Janice at janicebabcock@yahoo.com  or 214-551-3646.
She is safe and with a rescuer, but is missing her parents.

Plan Ahead. Stay Safe.

PLANO (February 13, 2011) If a disaster struck, would you and your family be prepared? Would you know where to go, what to do, or how to get help? The Plano Preparedness Fair is designed to learn how to plan ahead and stay safe in the event of a disaster, no matter how large or
small.

The Plano Preparedness Fair begins at 10:00 am and goes until 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints on 2700 Roundrock Trail.

Experts in emergency and family preparedness will have classes, displays,
and live demonstrations on everything from food and water storage to home and personal safety to wills and estate planning. The City of Plano
Department of Emergency Management will have a booth, and a Carter
Blood Drive van will be in the parking lot for those wishing to donate blood.

“Not all emergencies are natural disasters. A loss of job, a home fire or an
unexpected illness or death in the family can constitute an emergency. Our
goal is to give people the information and knowledge to prepare themselves ahead of time so they can cope with any size disaster, “ said Kenneth Hudson, coordinator of the event.

The fair will also cover topics such as 72-hour kits, automobile emergency
kits, identity theft, financial preparedness, ham radio communications, fire
safety and much more. The Plano Preparedness Fair is free to the public and everyone is invited. For more details, go to www.preparednessplano.org

The next Boggess Elementary PTA sponsored parents program will be held on January 27th at 7:00pm. It will take place in the Boggess Elementary Cafeteria (225 Glen Ridge Dr. Murphy, TX). This program
will cover both sides of bullying: the bully and the victim of bullying. It examines the causes and effects of bullying, prevention techniques and legal/ethical issues surrounding bullying.

Learn about the power bystanders have to stop bullying, the difference between tattling and reporting, and how “telling” not only protects victims,
but also could protect a witness from becoming a victim.

Please come and hear speaker Heather Ashwell-Hair, Texas PTA Parent
Education Programming Chairman inform us how to Stop Bullying Now!

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits are available for this
program. The presenter will have the completion certificates available at the program.

For more information please contact Christie Boggs at 972-384-1555 or by e-mail at parentprograms@boggesspta.org

Shiver your timbers with this swashbuckling musical comedy!  Morrow’s Performing Arts Center will present Captain Bree and her Lady Pirates ; a musical that the whole family can enjoy. Captain Jennings’ crew jumps ship, leaving him with only a handful of prisoners and a sailor who can’t swim, to protect his wealthy passengers from a pirate attack. Captain Bree and her lady pirates demand gold in exchange for the lives of the pretentious Madam Prescot; her nephew, Samuel, who is masquerading as a girl to avoid becoming shark bait; and her niece Julia, bursting with desire to join the lady pirates- much to her aunt’s dismay!

Several students from the 30 member cast come from the city of Murphy!  Playing the part of Thomas, the cabin boy, is Jake Allen. Chloe Baldwin plays Captain Bree. Grace Miller portrays the snooty Madam Prescot, while Taylor Sloan (Patty) and Devyn Mandala (Annie) terrorize their captives as the lady pirates!

There will be four performances at the Courtyard Theatre the weekend of November 19-21.  Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. 

Friday, November 19 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 20 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm
Sunday, November 21 at 2:00 pm.

Pictures by Schwartz Photos.

Know your rights and how to protect them! Please join us for this free class where you will learn about the many violations of the Constitution by our federal government for 100+ years, learn the history behind the Constitution itself, and learn how We the People can restore constitutional governance to our nation.

Saturday, November 6th
10:00 am – 6:15 pm
Spring Creek BBQ – McKinney, TX
1993 N. Central Expressway (at Hwy 380, the NW corner -  in front of Target)
McKinney, TX 75070

Please RSVP to reserve your seat: Harless1@verizon.net (Barbara Harless)
(Include your name and email address) subject line:  “Nov 6th Constitution Class”

This class is a video recorded presentation by Constitutional Scholar and former Presidential Candidate Michael Badnarik. Seating is limited to the first 65 attendees.

9:30  a.m. -  Doors open (Complimentary coffee & donuts)
10:00 – 11:00  Part 1 - Rights vs. Privileges, Property
11:00 – 12:00  Part 2 – Meaning of Sovereignty & Liberty, Forms of Government & The Political Spectrum
15 min. break
12:15 – 1:15    Part 3 - History of our Founding Documents, Articles I & II (Legislative & Executive Branch)
1:15 – 1:45      Lunch – We invite you to support Spring Creek BBQ and purchase a delicious tray of BBQ and
then join us back in the banquet room for more of the constitution class.
1:45 – 2:45      Part 4 - Constitutional Law & The Right to Contract, Article III (Judicial Branch)
15 min break
3:00 – 4:00      Part 5 - Bill of Rights, Article IV (States Rights), Article V (Amendments)
4:00 – 5:00      Part 6 - Federal Reserve & Fiat Currency, Internal Revenue Service, Article VI (Federal
Power)
15 min. break
5:15 – 6:15      Part 7 - Inflation vs. Deflation, Article VII (Ratification)

What is “Liberty”?
This class will cultivate your understanding of the meaning of the word that’s found in:
The Pledge of Allegiance
The song to America (My Country “Tis of Thee”)
The Declaration of Independence
The U.S. Constitution
Almost ALL of America’s Founding Documents
 
The first 50 attendees will receive a pocket size Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

REMINDER:  RSVP to reserve your seat (showing up early helps too!) Harless1@verizon.net (Barbara Harless) Include your name and email address and in the subject line:  “Nov 6th Constitution Class”

 Putting Patriotism to the Test
“Time to See How Many of Us There Are”

Area Residents Called to March in Murphy on October 24

MURPHY, TEXAS - October 12, 2010 --- On Sunday, October 24, 2010, nine days before the elections, Americans are being called to step into the streets to walk a mile together in a show of support for the nation’s founding documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution for the United States of America.  The civic action will take place from 1-2pm in every time zone.  Organizers are hoping to see millions of patriots from cities and towns across America – of all age groups - participate in the Liberty Walk.  The purpose is to show how many supporters of the Constitution there are; to inspire the People to come together at the local level, out of love for America, Her Constitution and Freedom; and to encourage personal responsibility for ensuring that constitutional obedience, honor, honesty and integrity are returned to government at every level. 

The Liberty Walk is a non-political event.  Pro-Constitution candidates and politicians are invited to attend and walk humbly with the People.  For that one hour, there will be no political speeches, no campaigning, only reflection on the history, meaning, effect and significance of our Charters of Freedom.   

At 1:00PM in Murphy, participants will gather in the Tom Kimbrough Stadium parking lot, at 650 N. Murphy Rd.  There should be ample parking in the area. Walkers will proceed south alongside Murphy Road to Murphy City Hall (half-mile route) – or - walkers may take a more scenic one-mile route by parking to the east of the stadium and following the signs to the east and then southward to arrive at Murphy City Hall, where a special ceremony will be held to honor Country and Constitution.  People are asked to carry and wave copies of the Constitution, not signs.  Following the 30 minute ceremony, Collin County residents may enter Murphy City Hall and VOTE EARLY for the November 2nd General Election. Both routes include some uneven areas of grass and gravel walking paths. We advise wearing sturdy walking shoes.

“There are millions of Americans who yearn for Constitutional governance, carried out in decency and good order,” said Bob Schulz, a leading activist in defense of the Constitution. “This is a special time to see how many of us there really are. Nine days before the mid-term election, the Liberty Walk is a nationwide event to demonstrate our common cause.  We hope all will join in the Walk, as we remember the Patriots of Old, rejoice in the legacy of our Country, and walk side-by-side with our neighbors in defense of Liberty and the profound principles of Freedom that our Constitution guarantees. The Constitution is hanging by a thread and is not going to be defended unless a critical mass of the People begin to stand in its defense. Every violation of the Constitution, which has become common place, is having a devastating effect on the nation, our economy, our families and businesses and our reputation,” he concluded.  “Only the People can step up and see that it is obeyed.”
        
Individuals, families, churches, schools, business organizations, civic groups, liberty groups and others are invited to support the Walk. Visit www.libertywalk.us for more information. 
Contact harless1@verizon.net or call 972 423-1414.

Missing from Travis Estates area on Wednesday: male short hair cat, white body with gray head and tail with white tip on it. He has a black collar with his name, Little Guy, under that and my sister's number. Call that number or mine: 469-774-6065.