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Convention News Release - 8 December 1997

Texas Constitutional Convention
Robert Kesterson, Publicity and Advertising Chairman - (972) 222-8785

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 8, 1997

Taking up the challenge to do what the state legislature is unable to do, citizen delegates to the Texas Constitutional Convention continue to draft a new constitution for Texas, meeting for the seventh session on December 13-14 in Brownwood at the Gold Key Inn. The agenda includes debate on national government organization, courts of common justice and county government structure.

Construction on the new constitution began last July 4 at the Original Irion County Courthouse, and delegates have completed work on three articles for the constitution: (1) Declaration of Rights, (2) Limits of Government, (3) The Law. Part One of Article 4, national courts, was also approved at the sixth session, November 8-9.

"Although we have received very little media attention," chairman Don Henson of El Paso comments, "this convention was convened lawfully and is developing a new constitution for the peaceful reformation of government, in accordance with our inherent right guaranteed by the 1876 Texas Constitution." Henson also points out that the state legislature has no authority to convene a constitutional convention. "Only the people, operating outside of the control of government, are authorized to write a new constitution," Henson adds.

"We invite Senators Ratliff and Junell to take a look at our preparation and our work, and when it is completed, support the right of Texans to approve or disapprove this new constitution," Henson says in regards to recent pronouncements by the two state senators calling for a new Texas constitution. "We've been at it for more than six months, and we're looking forward to sharing this work with others," Henson emphasizes.

All Texas Constitutional Convention sessions are open to the public and visitors are encouraged to witness the historic development of this new constitution for Texas. The Seventh Session of the convention opens Saturday, December 13 at 9 a.m.

The purpose of the Texas Constitutional Convention is to write a new Texas constitution, develop a plan for lawful ratification and a transition plan for the peaceful and orderly change of government. The convention is the first since 1836 convened by citizens through the right guaranteed by the 1876 Texas Constitution's Article 1, Section 2:

"All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient." Constitution of Texas, February, 1876.

Other contacts for additional information:
Wesley W. Burnett (806) 495-4135 or (806) 495-2816
Don Henson (915) 587-4616
Convention Updates at: http://colossus.net/wepinsto/txconv/update.html

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