Reader Responses

After reading the article in Wednesday's paper (about the Texas Legislature's hiring practices) I want to clarify how State. Rep. Leo Berman runs his district offices.

In Austin, Berman has two full-time employees. His chief of staff, Gloria Rogers, puts in at least 40 hours per week. She has been employed since January of 1999 when Berman was sworn in as District 6 representative. Because Berman is chairman of the House Elections Committee he is also responsible for a full-time clerk, Patrick Dudley, who runs the elections office. Both Gloria and Patrick receive full benefits from the state of Texas.

Here in Tyler at the district office, Dianne Caron and I are part-time employees. We each work and are paid for 24 hours per week. Although we have also been with Rep. Berman since January of 1999, we do not receive full benefits. Neither of us has health insurance with the state.

In the nine and a half years I have worked for him, Rep. Berman has proven himself to be fair to all and honest in his dealings. I cannot imagine working for a finer gentleman.

Sharon Guthrie
Tyler