COURTESY PHOTO State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, left, visits with Randall Hood, center, and Lampasas County Commissioner Jack Cox at the recent Conservative Club event. The Lampasas County Conservative Club recently held its annual fund-raiser and potluck dinner. The club’s mission is to educate the public on conservative issues that concern the local community.

Bruce Crawford opened with prayer and recognized the elected officials present.

New officers were elected, as those currently serving have completed their two-year term. TP Wingo is the new club president, replacing Crawford. Joyce Allison will replace Wingo in the vice president’s position, and Bill White is the newly appointed treasurer.

New members at-large also have been appointed and include Dr. Max Coats, Harlon Fowler, Charlie Allison, Arlene Wingo and Olivia Upp.

A silent auction was held, and new members were added to the membership.

Guest speaker for the event was Conservative Club member State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock of Killeen. He represents District 54, comprised of Lampasas, Burnet and Bell counties.

Aycock said he is a longtime conservative, born in Bell County and a graduate of Texas A&M University. The rancher and retired veterinarian is a member of several conservative organizations, including the NRA and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

During the 81st Texas Legislature, Aycock was assigned to the House Appropriations and Public Education committees.

Aycock introduced his new assistant, Lucy Taylor. Ms. Taylor is the new district director, as well as a new resident of Lampasas. Her duties include attending City Council meetings, chamber events and meetings of interest to the citizens of Lampasas and Bell counties.

To schedule a meeting with Ms. Taylor, constituents should contact Mitzi Stoute at Aycock’s Capitol office in Austin.

Aycock addressed several amendments on the Nov. 3 constitutional election ballot and encouraged the public to get out and vote on these proposals.

In a brief explanation of the amendments, Aycock said there could be several pages of explanation but only a few lines appear on the ballot. Junior staffers and others are responsible for condensing this information to manageable levels. Wording on amendments can be tricky, he said.

“It’s important for the voter to be informed,” Aycock said. “You must educate yourself on the issues, then let Austin know what you want.”

State lawmakers see around 7,000 bills per session, and it just isn’t possible to read every word, he said. “We depend on the public to spot things on the amendments and call your representative.”

Aycock also gave a brief description on the process of calls made to the Capitol and how those influence a representative’s votes.

“Don’t underestimate the power of opinion,” he said.

County Republican chairman Skipper Wallace also encouraged involvement in the legislative process. “Once the gavel falls and bills are signed, it’s a done deal,” he said.

Aycock said he votes in a bloc of about 52 to 60 conservatives. “This district is very conservative,” he said of District 54. “Most of the state votes the other way.”

Redistricting also was mentioned and will occur next session, Aycock said. “We will gain at least three legislators’ seats in Congress based on population. Most of those are around large cities. Most districts will shift east and south. This may create less representation in rural and smaller counties,” he said.

“What can we do [to keep our message before representatives]? Keep sending cards and letters,” said Aycock. “Slow down legislation. It’s easier to kill a bill than it is to pass one.”

Concerning the budget, the District 54 representative said, “We reduced general revenue spending. With the stimulus money, the overall spending went up. We had the choice to let the funds go to Texas or to another state. The decision was made to take the money and not [let it] become recurring expenditures.

“In future sessions, we will use about half of the rainy day funds. Once you start a federal government program, it can’t be stopped.”

Continued Aycock: “Help me spot bad bills. I genuinely enjoy representing you.”

Lampasas County Conservative Club members thanked Aycock, as he has been generous with his time locally and accessible to his constituents in the county.