A Bexar County player has sent yet another letter (by fax or US mail)
to all members of the Bexar County Legislative Delegation.

1 May 2003

Members of the Bexar County
Legislative Delegation
Austin, TX

Dear Sir or Madam,

On February 14, 2003, the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) started a period for public comment on a proposed rule changing the way the Lotto Texas on-line lottery game is played. During the comment period, the Lottery Commission received over 6000 comments from players opposed to the change. On March 27, 2003, the TLC adopted the rule despite the public outcry.

At the end of March, I sent a letter to each of you by e-mail, requesting that you look into this matter and why the TLC was ignoring the players. I received a comment from some of you saying that one of your staffers was overseeing the matter. I received a note from Sen. Wentworth explaining that I did not live in his district and he was forwarding my note to Sen. Madla.

In mid-April, I sent each of you another letter asking that this matter be looked into. In this letter, I pointed out that the TLC had purchased the machines and balls required for the new game before the game had been approved. In fact, the TLC bought the machines before the comment period had even started. The balls were bought in the middle of the comment period. This means that the TLC violated Texas Government Code section 2001.029(c) requiring that comments be duly considered before a rule can be adopted. I also explained that I was writing to each member from Bexar County since my friends and other family members live in other parts of the county. I received even fewer responses to my second letter.

Over 3000 people wrote to their legislators to ask for an investigation into this crime. Only 4 legislators and the Governor wrote letters to the TLC asking for an explanation or opposing the rule change. One legislator (Rep. Phillips) has asked the House General Investigations Committee to investigate this matter. I note the silence from the Bexar County delegation.

I am now asking you to explain to me why you have ignored my requests for assistance. While it is clear that Gov. Perry, Sen. Gallegos, Sen. Deuell, Rep. Phillips, Rep. Ellis, and Rep. Zedler will have some support from the public for their re-election, the votes from my family, my friends, and myself will be dependent on your explanations and your support for the House investigation into this matter.

If you have any questions that I can answer, or would like to communicate with me concerning this matter, I may be reached at the above address and telephone number.

Sincerely,

Copies:
Gov. Rick Perry
Sen. Wentworth
Sen. Madla
Sen. Zaffirini
Sen. Van De Putte
Rep. McLendon
Rep. Fischer
Rep. Mercer
Rep. Ureste
Rep. Puente
Rep. Jones
Rep. Corte
Rep. Villarreal
Rep. Menendez
Rep. Castro

Just in case you want their email address:
These are not links - you will have to copy
and paste

trey.martinez.fischer@house.state.tx.us
ken.mercer@house.state.tx.us
carlos.uresti@house.state.tx.us
robert.puente@house.state.tx.us
ruth.mcclendon@house.state.tx.us
elizabeth.ames.jones@house.state.tx.us
frank.corte@house.state.tx.us
michael.villarreal@house.state.tx.us
jose.menendez@house.state.tx.us
joaquin.castro@house.state.tx.us
frank.madla@senate.state.tx.us
judith.zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us
jeff.wentworth@senate.state.tx.us
leticia.vandeputte@senate.state.tx.us