Waco Tea Party News You Can Use

The Waco Tea Party team maintains various social media accounts and news sites. We are continuously updating and adding fresh content to these sites.

Quick Reference:

Waco Tea Party - Official Facebook Page
Waco Tea Party Watchdog Radio Facebook Page
Waco Tea Party on Twitter
Waco Tea Party BlogTalk Radio Show
Waco Tea Party Online Newspaper
Waco Tea Party Online Magazine



Links to other online sources for Texas and National Tea Party News:
Flipboard - Heart of Texas Conservatives
Flipboard - Tea Party National News and Events
Heart of Texas Conservative Coalition - Facebook

To sign up for our email and newsletters click here!
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Congress Is Back! Is The Export Import Bank In Or Out?

By now most of you have heard some rumblings about the Export Import bank, also referred to as EX-IM Banking. Why is this small agency under fire? Well, some conservative activists and organizations are pushing to get rid of it as a "test of faith" for Republicans in Congress. If they won't get rid of this small disaster now, they most likely will never get rid of it. Others feel that as long as it goes away soon, it is okay too. Some people want to keep it, claiming that it helps manufacturers and jobs.

We discovered this video and thought it was an excellent way to convey what the EX-IM bank is, and why many conservatives want to allow it to expire.

After watching this video we encourage you to contact your Congressman and let them know your views. Congressman Flores has stated at his town halls that he would like to see it go away (paraphrasing here), however his offices are not saying which way he will vote. Your opinions matter, so make you contact him today!

Contact Bill Flores Electronically by clicking here.

Waco Office:

400 Austin Avenue, Suite 302

Waco, TX 76701

Phone: (254) 732-0748

Bryan-College Station Office:

3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 406

Bryan, TX 77802

Phone: (979) 703-4037

Austin Office:

14205 Burnet Road, Suite 230

Austin, TX 78728

Phone: (512) 373-3378

Washington D.C. Office:
1030 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6105

Constables And Redistricting.

Most citizens knows what a sheriff does, and many know who they are, constables and their duties are lesser understood. Constables and their deputies are fully empowered peace officers with county wide jurisdiction, they are not bound by the borders of their precinct. Believe it or not Texas Constables and their deputies can serve arrest warrants anywhere in the state. In civil matters they may serve process in any precinct in the county and any bordering county. They act as bailiffs in the justice courts and, if pressed can serve for other courts. They can also help with security, patrol, and conduct investigations. They may also enforce traffic laws with some restrictions.

Texas Constables are constitutionally created office and are elected by voters in their precinct to hold four years terms. In McLennan County our population dictates that we have a minimum of Constables may or may not have deputies to assist them in their duties. 

The number of constable precincts in the county is based on population, as such McLennan County must have a minimum of four but no more than 8 Constable positions.

Interesting factoid: Harris County has two of the largest Constable offices with over 300 deputies each!

For a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of Texas Constables click here and scroll down to page 132 (page 141 PDF).

In McLennan County, click here to contact a Constable.

Eliminating or Combining Constable and JP Positions

First, when you hear that the Commissioners are considering combining/consolidating the JP or Constable positions it does not mean that the JP and Constable positions are combing. It means combining two or more precincts.

Redistricting any precinct or district in Texas requires experts that understand the complexities of the Voting Rights Act. In very simplistic terms (and if we are wrong feel free to correct us), the precinct must include a certain percentage of minorities.

Second, the rumor that Commissioners will remove any JP or Constable from office and appoint someone that they would rather have in office is just not true. State code does not permit them to do that, so please do not worry about that occurring.

Article V Section 18 of the Texas Constitution spells out how districts are redistricted and what occurs if positions are eliminated or precincts change.

(c) When the boundaries of justice of the peace and constable precincts are changed, each Justice and Constable in office on the effective date of the change, or elected to a term of office beginning on or after the effective date of the change, shall serve in the precinct in which the person resides for the term to which each was elected or appointed, even though the change in boundaries places the person�s residence outside the precinct for which he was elected or appointed, abolishes the precinct for which he was elected or appointed, or temporarily results in extra Justices or Constables serving in a precinct. When, as a result of a change of precinct boundaries, a vacancy occurs in the office of Justice of the Peace or Constable, the Commissioners Court shall fill the vacancy by appointment until the next general election. 

Texas Justice of the Peace and Constable Positions Explained

What Does A "Justice of the Peace" In Texas Do?

Most everyone knows that the "Justice of the Peace" performs marriages, but most people don't know they do a lot more than that, especially in Texas. They are a vital part of the complicated Texas judicial system, and interestingly enough, are not required to be a licensed attorney. 

Justice of the peace courts handle debt claims, small claims, evictions, truancy, and deed restrictions, and other civil issues.

They also handle minor criminal charges, drivers license suspension hearings, class C misdemeanor charges, stolen property hearings, act as a magistrate, sign protective orders, and sign probable cause warrants.

Population determines the number of JP's on a county and precinct level. In McLennan County, being that we have over 200 thousand citizens, we must have a minimum of 4 and no more than 8 justice of the peace positions. Since we are over 150,000 in population we can have two JP's in one precinct. They are elected to four year terms by the voters in their precinct.

The Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials describes the JP position as follows:

"The justice of the peace is elected for a term of four years from each justice
precinct in the county (a precinct may have more than one justice of the peace).
The justice of the peace is the presiding officer of the justice court and the small
claims court. The justice of the peace has jurisdiction over minor misdemeanor
offenses (Class C), and in civil matters where the amount in controversy does not
exceed $10,000. A variety of civil process, as well as arrest and search warrants,
can be issued by the justice of the peace. The justice of the peace also sits as
judge of the small claims courts, in actions for the recovery of money, which does
not exceed $10,000.

The justice of the peace may also preside over hearings pertaining to suspension
of driver licenses and conduct other hearings and inquests. The justice of the
peace may conduct marriage ceremonies and serves as ex officio notary public for
the precinct. The justice of the peace has administrative and financial duties
concerning the keeping of records and fee and expense reports."

For a complete list of duties and responsibilities click here and scroll down to page 124 of the guide (page 131 of the PDF). Click here to visit the McLennan County Justice of the Peace website to find your precinct or here to contact your JP.

Cupcakes and Candidates - February Meeting

Waco Tea Party Turns 5!

It's hard to believe but the Waco Tea Party turns five in February!

Come celebrate with us, enjoy a cupcake and meet a candidate. We invite citizens, elected officials, and all candidates to attend our 5th birthday party with us.  

Senator Brian Birdwell will be giving the celebratory message to the audience.

Thursday, February 20th
6:00 - 9:00 PM

West Waco Library
5301 Bosque Blvd
(Behind Cotton Patch, next to Target)
Waco, Texas

Please consider bringing $5 with you to help us pay for activities and events.