Publishers often neglect the critical element of building a working relationship with their elected officials until, unfortunately, they are opposite sides of a fence. 
Developing a working relationship with an elected official is not about agreeing on everything, but rather discovering those opportunities where you both share interests. And the only way to get there is by investing time to build a relationship. For many of us, that means reliving your teenage first-date jitters.

By Leonard Woolsey, TPA President

Early voting ends Friday; election is Tuesday, Nov. 8
 
Early voting for the general election ends on Friday, Nov. 4, with the closely watched governor’s race pitting incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott against challenger Beto O’ Rourke headlining the ballot. A number of other statewide races are on the ballot, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner and comptroller. 

Early voting underway across state
Early voting in this year’s midterm elections began Monday and continues through Friday, Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 8. Voters will pick the state’s next governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner and comptroller in statewide races. 

Early voting begins Oct. 24
Early voting in the Nov. 8 general election begins Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4. Applications for voting by mail must be received by Oct. 28, according to the secretary of state’s office. 

Expect to fight tooth and nail for public notices in the upcoming Texas legislative session. 
There’s an old saying: “Best to be loaded for bear when hunting squirrel.” The meaning is simple: always be prepared for the worst. Things can go from a nice day in the woods to downright deadly in the blink of an eye. 

By Leonard Woolsey, TPA President

Texans urged to get flu shot
Flu season is underway, and health officials are urging Texans to get their vaccinations as soon as possible, since it takes about two weeks for the shot to take effect.

State sends resources to Florida
 
Texas has deployed state resources to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastation caused last week by Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States in the past decade.

Speaker opposes drive to end tenure

Hispanic Texans likely largest demographic group
 
The U.S. Census Bureau released its latest estimate, which indicates Hispanic residents in Texas make up more of the state’s population than white residents. The new population figures from the American Community Survey indicate Hispanic Texans comprise 40.2% of the state’s population last year, while non-Hispanic white Texans made up 39.4%, as reported in the Texas Tribune.

Poll: Most Texas teachers consider quitting