Tim Cole was convicted of rape in 1985 and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Prior to his trial and several time while he was incarcerated, Tim was offered probation or parole if he would just admit his guilt. Tim steadfastly refused to plead guilty to a crime he did not commit. He trusted that the justice system would eventually prove his innocence. While in prison he wrote a letter to his brother in which he said, ‘I still believe in the Justice system, even though it does not believe in me.’

Timothy Cole died of an asthma attack in 1999 while still incarcerated. He died never knowing that four years prior someone else has confessed to the crime for which he was imprisoned. Following Tim’s death, his family and the Innocence Project of Texas learned of the confession that had been sent to the police four years prior. DNA testing conducted on crime scene evidence excluded Cole as the perpetrator. A Texas judge officially exonerated Tim at an unprecedented posthumous hearing on April 7, 2009.

While serving in the Texas House, I proudly supported passage of the Timothy Cole Act, which increased compensation for those wrongfully convicted, expanded services offered to the exonerated after their release and added compensation for the family of someone exonerated after death. Most importantly, we created the Timothy Cole Advisory Panel on Wrongful Convictions in 2009 to help prevent similar tragedies across the state.

I am running for re-election so I can continue fighting for Texans like Timothy Cole and their families. I consider it not only an honor but also my responsibility to be the voice for those struggling to be heard. This election will not be easy. For the first time in my life I am facing a Primary challenge. I’m confident, though, that with hard work and the help of friends and supporters like you, we will prevail for the residents of Arlington and Grand Prairie.

Thank You-

Paula Hightower Pierson

I do want to take a moment and say how truly humbled I am at being nominated for the MLK Award in Government this year.  I am honored to join with those who have been nominated for this recognition throughout the years and know that their contributions to our community have truly made a difference in Arlington.

The Grand Prairie Annual MLK Parade is a fantastic parade and will start at 10am Monday morning. The parade begins at City Hall (317 College Street).

I hope to see you at some of the events!

Michael Li has a great blog that is a must read for those interested in following the case closer. http://txredistricting.org/

The close of 2011 allows us to reflect on the successes and challenges we’ve faced throughout this year and reaffirms the importance of family, friends and community. As you celebrate (safely) this evening, remember that by working together we can fulfill the promise and potential of the coming year for all Texas families.

I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year, with hope for a safe, prosperous and peaceful 2012.

Being a candidate means that I have to do some things you so patiently and lovingly taught me weren’t “proper.”

I have to talk about myself. I know that it may look like bragging, but voters need to know who I am, what my record of public service is and why I’m asking them to trust me to represent them.

And since I don’t know all of them personally, I have to talk to strangers. Yes, I could sugarcoat it by calling them constituents, but let’s face it, when I have to knock on someone’s door and introduce myself to them, they’re strangers. I hope, though, that they won’t stay strangers and that I can truly call all of my constituents “friends.”

Finally, I know that it goes against everything you taught me, but I have to ask my friends to support me with their money and their time. I simply can’t do it all myself. A campaign can’t get their message out to voters and be successful without the investment of literally hundreds of folks, and I need help from every one of them.

Mom, you also taught me to fight for our values – quality education, women’s issues, safe neighborhoods, and good jobs for all Texans. So I hope you’ll forgive me for these things I have to do to win the fight for our values.

Love,

Paula

Won’t you help Paula in her fight for our values? The deadline for the first major campaign finance report ends December 31, 2011. Please invest $10, $25, $50, $100 or more in the next three days to help Paula finish the year strong and show her mom that her values are your values and that together, we can win this fight.