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Convention News Release - 10 Feb 1998

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 10, 1998

Adopting national and county government structures, along with "fine-tuning" previous wording, lead the agenda for this weekend's Ninth Session of the Texas Constitutional Convention. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday in Brownwood at the Gold Key Inn.

Scheduled to approve Article 4, Part 2 and Part 3, delegates are proposing a dramatic change from today's emphasis on a democracy, by establishing a republic form of government. The cornerstone of the national government structure is a unicameral administrative body, composed of 254 representatives appointed by elected officers of each Texas county to serve in the National Assembly. Implementing the functions of government authorized by the constitution, the National Assembly will be balanced by the nation-wide election of a president, vice president and treasurer, who will serve on the National Executive Council.

Demonstrating their intent to place most political power at the county level, delegates are proposing a County Administrative Council (CAC) to implement the limited functions of county government. The council will consist of all elected officers in the county: sheriff, treasurer, county recorder, commissioner for each precinct; at least one justice and one clerk of court for each county or one justice and one clerk of court for each precinct. CACs will appoint one citizen to serve in the National Assembly, and will have authority to recall the appointee at any time.

County governments will also have veto power over any national government act or decision, through a procedure for at least one-third of CACs voting to nullify any act by any national government agency. Officers of the CAC will be elected on four year terms, with compensation to be approved by qualified voters in the county.

Other agenda items include elections, revenue, amendment process, ratification and transition plan.

All Texas Constitutional Convention sessions are always open to the public, and interested Texans are encouraged and cordially invited to either participate as a delegate, as a proxy or to observe the proceedings. The convention was convened July 4, 1997 and delegates have been meeting the second weekend monthly to construct a new constitution to be presented to Texans for approval or rejection in a lawful and peaceful attempt to secure individual rights for all people in Texas.

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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