Released by the office of Leo Berman, State Representative, District 6:

State Representative Leo Berman (R-Tyler) plans to file a bill in the next legislative session which will allow individuals who hold a commercial driver license (CDL) to take defensive driving, if ticketed while driving their own privately-owned vehicle (unless it is a commercial vehicle). 

Berman said, "We hold truck drivers to a higher standard, but if they receive a traffic citation while driving their own automobile and not a commercial vehicle, they should be allowed to take defensive driving like every other driver license holder."  The citation asks if the individual was driving a commercial or privately-owned vehicle.

Representative Berman added that the change was suggested to him by a law enforcement officer.  

Released by the Smith County Republican Club:

The first meeting of the Smith County Republican Club for 2012 will be held on Thursday, January 12 at Traditions, 6205 S Broadway Avenue starting at 6:00pm for those who wish to eat or socialize prior to the meeting. The program will begin at 6:30pm.

This month’s program will be a Candidate Forum featuring all four individuals who are running for Smith County Sheriff. Bobby Garmon, Chris Green, Donn Rust and Larry Smith have all agreed to participate.

For more information, please call David Stein, 903-534-0425 or davidbstein@sbcglobal.net