Collin's GOP leadership is an All-American example of Coruption

TAKE A SIP OF THIS  a jb commentary!

 

My record is consistent and well documented. google me!

I am blessed by always knowing about God, Patriotism, Family, and especially the rights and gifts of the diversity of humankind. I have broken laws and in some cases have paid for them. I have scars on my body, in my bones, and on my resumes. Most are proudly, wounds that have healed. 

Since '08 I have been deeply enmeshed in the politics and leadership of Collin County.  I have consulted and actively involved myself with virtually every electable candidacy. Many are still holding their seats. I am a well documented man of honor and conviction. 

The County GOP leadership is using their influence like it is justifiable power and those below who are trying to hold their own high paying jobs and the additional benefits are turning a blind eye to what is now becoming a Spectacle!

Let me pose this question. 

'If a friend or family member asked you to allow them to use your address for their Drivers license and Voter Registration so they could run for a high paying Precinct office, Would you be offended that they had just asked you to perjure yourself and commit election fraud? Would you assist this friend or family member in defrauding your civic honor? 

This has happened in the case of Kallas for JP. And even though documented evidence of this fraud and other violations of honor and the law have been presented, The leader of Collins GOP has led the way in bypassing integrity and  the law in favor or to undermine the current elected Justice.

Let me be clear. I consider Justice Vincent Venegoni as one of my closest friends. He is, in my opinion, the big brother everyone wishes they had! I really don't care if he is re-elected although I am proud of the way he has been an exceptional example of wisdom, knowledge, tempered by kindness. Maybe the Kallas case will be corrected and he will not serve one minute as a disgrace to Precinct 4! Maybe if he is rightfully removed from the ballot, the GOP powers that be avoid the additional firestorm that is about be unleashed will re-appoint Justice Venegoni to escape exposure to their complicity. Time will tell.

But I am possibly even more triggered and even heart broken for clean governance by the treatment of another friend who I highly respect. From the day I met Jim Herblin, I liked him. He is direct, convicted, and honorable. Maybe a little trigger happy on the bluntness, but in a way I admire. But I think that I may  becoming more like him as this post demonstrates!

I want to share not only this story concerning the two-faces of the Collin GOP leadership which has became a cabal of effecting many candidates that will be on the ballot who should not be there!

 Dear Friends,

In an email on May 28, 2026, CC GOP party chair Byron Henry told the precinct chairs in the CC GOP that he had filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) against some precinct chairs.  On May 29 the party Executive Director sent all the PCs a copy of the TRO.  Reading the TRO we discovered that Byron Henry sued three precinct chairs:  Rachel Elliott, Jim Herblin, and Lee Breckinridge-Moore.  The TRO has an underlying lawsuit and the complaint was about an EC meeting called for June 1, when we had a meeting already scheduled.  Rachel Elliott sent the call for the meeting, but the lawsuit also named  Jim Herblin, and Lee Breckenridge-Moore.  That was puzzling because Lee and Jim did not have their names on the call-for-meeting.  Lee Breckenridge-Moore is an effective and hardworking PC that the Establishment has tried repeatedly to remove as an HD Chair.  It is as though the Establishment wants to punish Lee for being an effective leader.    Jim Herblin almost defeated Byron Henry in their contest for party chair.  Also, Jim Herblin has publicly called for Byron Henry's resignation, as described here:  Collin County Chair Byron Henry Asked to Resign, https://voteforcanright.blogspot.com/2026/02/collin-county-chair-byron-henry-asked.html.

Since Rachel issued the call-for-meeting without Lee's or Jim's names on the call, it doesn't make sense that Byron sued Lee and Jim.  It almost seems like Byron sued Lee and Jim to punish them for being leaders in the party.  Suing precinct chairs seems anti-Republican

Also puzzling was that Terry Wade some years ago called a meeting in the same fashion as Rachel Elliott.  Byron Henry was the party General Counsel then and he did not sue Terry Wade.  I wrote about this event in this blog post:  When Terry Wade Removed Mark Reid, https://voteforcanright.blogspot.com/2026/06/when-terry-wade-removed-mark-reid.html

It is shocking to see the party chair suing precinct chairs.  All the Chairman needed to do was attend the meeting, take charge, and declare a lack of quorum or ask for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  I do not see the need to sue precinct chairs.  It seems like Lawfare.  Maybe someday I will investigate this matter further.  For now I will simply include below the contents of an email sent by Jim Herblin about the lawsuit.  This is important to all Republicans because the position of Party Chairman is on the ballot and all Republicans can vote for him.

Thank you for your attention to this troubling episode.  I question the health of our CC GOP party.

Robert

Here is a key statement from the email below:  Our Chairman used his party title to endorse his own law partner in a local election

Email sent previously by PC Jim Herblin about the TRO

On Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 4:45 PM Jim Herblin  wrote:

To: All Collin County Republican Precinct Chairs

Re: The Truth About the TRO Filed Against Three of Our Own

 

Fellow Precinct Chairs, you deserve a full and honest account of what has transpired over the past several weeks within our party. What follows is a factual, chronological record — and it is deeply troubling.

 

May 2, 2026 — A Conflict of Interest Ignored 

Chairman Byron Henry publicly endorsed Frisco mayoral candidate Mark (https://markhill4mayor.com/about/) — his own law partner at the firm Henry Hill Firm LLC (https://henryhilltx.com/about/) — and did so using his title as CCGOP Chairman.  A personal endorsement is one thing.  Using the Chairman's title to lend party credibility to his business partner's campaign is another. See the attached photo and judge for yourself.

 

May 4, 2026 — A Precinct Chair Silenced

At the May EC meeting, Precinct 137 Chair John Donovan attempted to raise the topic of a potential endorsement in the Frisco mayoral runoff during the "New Business" agenda item — precisely the time such matters are meant to be raised. Chairman Byron Henry ruled him out of order.  I encourage every precinct chair to consult our parliamentarian and determine whether that ruling was proper.  I believe it was not.

 

May 7, 2026 — A 12–0 Vote, Ignored

The Candidate Committee met and voted unanimously - 12 to 0 - to endorse Rod Vilhauer in the Frisco mayoral runoff (June 13, 2026). The result was formally forwarded to Chairman Byron Henry with a request to call a special meeting. He refused, claiming the Candidate Committee meeting was improperly held. A unanimous endorsement vote, set aside by one man.

 

May 15, 2026 – Chairman Squashes any Special Meeting

 

Endorsement consideration for the Frisco mayoral runoff should have been allowed at the May 4 EC meeting. Despite a groundswell calling for a Special Meeting, Chairman Byron Henry killed the idea — see attached e-mail in PDF (Gmail - EC Special Meeting Request.-2.pdf).

 

May 22, 2026 — The Chairman Goes Silent

Despite a regularly scheduled Executive Committee meeting on the books for June 1, 2026, Chairman Byron Henry failed to issue the required 10-day meeting call. No explanation. No cancellation vote by the EC. Simply — silence.

 

May 22, 2026 — Precinct Chairs Follow the Rules

Precinct 126 Chair Rachel Elliott did what the CCGOP Bylaws expressly authorize. She called the June 1 meeting under Article V, Section 2 of our bylaws, which states:

 

"In the event the County Chair cancels or fails to call a regular meeting, one fourth (1/4) or 50 of the Precinct Chairs, whichever is fewer, may, by written demand, call the regular meeting. Notice of such meeting shall be sent by surface or electronic mail to all members of the Executive Committee at least 10 days prior to the meeting."

 

The Chairman cannot unilaterally 'move' a scheduled EC meeting without the body's approval—and that approval never happened. Worse, shifting June 1st to June 22nd would move the meeting across biennium’s entirely. Since no vote occurred, the June 1st meeting was simply canceled.

 

The notice went out. It was timely. It was proper. It was by the book.

 

May 24, 2026 — The Chairman Responds with Accusations

Rather than acknowledge the Bylaws, Chairman Byron Henry sent an e-mail calling the meeting call "fraudulent", claiming the agenda was "made up" and accusing precinct chairs of “hijacking” the CCGOP. He declared that no official business would be conducted and no minutes recorded.

 

None of that is supported by our rules.  Article V, Section 2 exists precisely for this situation.  Precinct chairs followed it to the letter. Calling that "fraud" is not only inaccurate — it is an affront to the chairs who were simply doing their job.

 

May 28, 2026 — Three Precinct Chairs Sued for Following the Rules

This is where things took a serious turn. The Collin County Republican Party (Plaintiff) — our own party — filed suit (without EC approval) and sought a Temporary Restraining Order against three precinct chairs: Rachel Elliott, Jim Herblin, and Lee Breckenridge-Moore.

 

The notice given to Defendants (Elliott, Herblin and Breckenridge-Moore) was, to put it plainly, a failure of basic due process. Elliott was not properly noticed at all. Herblin and Breckenridge-Moore received notice 15 minutes before the 1:00 PM hearing. None of the three were able to attend. The hearing proceeded without them.

.

The petition alleged the June 1 meeting was improperly called. Again — read Article V, Section 2. The meeting was called in full compliance with our Bylaws.

 

June 1, 2026 — Justice Denied at the Emergency Hearing

Defendants requested an emergency 9:00 AM hearing and came prepared — with evidence, documents, and testimony — to demonstrate that the June 1 meeting was properly called. Plaintiffs told the court they were not prepared for an evidentiary hearing. Notably, they had been prepared enough four days earlier to file a lawsuit and obtain a TRO while the defendants were not even in the room.

 

The court declined to hear evidence. No testimony was taken. No documents were reviewed. The TRO was upheld on the strength of Plaintiffs' pleadings alone — pleadings that conflict directly with the plain language of our own Bylaws.

 

June 9, 2026 — Plaintiffs Walk Away

Less than two weeks after filing suit, Plaintiffs non suited the entire case — dismissing both the petition and the TRO. The case is over. Three precinct chairs were sued, dragged into court, and denied the opportunity to present evidence — for calling a meeting that was fully authorized under our rules. And then the party simply walked away. Again, no EC vote taken.

 

What This Means for All of Us

 

Take a step back and look at the full picture:

 

·        Our Chairman used his party title to endorse his own law partner in a local election.

·        At the May 4 EC meeting, Chairman Byron Henry repeatedly — and improperly — ruled Precinct Chair 137, John Donovan, out of order.

·        A unanimous Candidate Committee endorsement was dismissed without legitimate basis.

·        A properly noticed EC meeting was called in compliance with the Bylaws — and the response was a lawsuit against three of our colleagues.

·        No EC vote was ever taken to sue — or non-suit — the three precinct chairs.

·        A proposed rules package — which Chairman Byron Henry helped develop — was quietly pulled (EC meeting of June 22) when it became clear it would not pass.

 

Our Bylaws exist to protect every precinct chair and to ensure this party is governed by its members — not by any one person. What has taken place in recent weeks is a test of whether those rules mean anything. Every precinct chair should read Article V, Section 2, review the facts above, and decide for themselves.

 

We are stronger than this, and our party deserves better. We cannot forget this - or it will happen again. Any precinct chair who wishes to discuss these matters further is encouraged to reach out directly.

 

Jim Herblin

Precinct Chair #240

 

 

 

 J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

Dotty's Coffee Cake

Dotty Griffith brought me into her circle as a food reviewer nearly 30 years ago. When I told her that I was collecting Coffee Dessert recipes, she offered one of her favorite childhood memories with her MoMo and PoPo. This is special to me even more so with her passing almost a year after she sent me this Coffee Cake recipe. Thank you Dotty 

  Mon 8/24/2020 4:03 PM To: JB Blocker JB Coffee Book Recipes

Hi, J.B. Here are my recipes. If you have questions or these recipes aren’t what you had in mind, let me know. Best regards, D Dotty Griffith True Texas Cuisine 214.356.5896 @dottygriffith  

Lots of kids went to camp. Instead, I went to spend a month with my grandparents in the small central Texas town of New Ulm. Summers with my maternal grandparents, Olga and Monroe Koch, were a blast. I called them MoMo and PoPo. The tiny town is part of the Texas German belt that runs from west of Houston through Austin and San Antonio into the Hill Country. Olga was an accomplished baker. She made their bread. She baked angel food cakes from scratch, separating a dozen eggs for the whites. Still, Olga was perhaps most renowned for what she called simply “coffee cake.” Full of butter, the crumb is airy and moist. Yet it holds together well enough to dunk into coffee. I’d love to be able to sit with her again in her small farmhouse over breakfast or her afternoon coffee break and dunk slices of MoMo’s cake into a cup of strong coffee. In the summer when fabulous Fredericksburg or Weatherford peaches are in season, I like to crown the cake with peaches. The remainder of the time, thumbprints filled with butter and sugar will do.  

Olga’s Coffee Cake (Maybe with Peaches) 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar 1 package yeast 1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup water ¾ cup milk ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed 1 egg 6 tablespoons butter, melted, plus additional as needed 3 small peaches (optional), halved and pits removed 6 tablespoons sugar plus additional as needed Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking pan or 2 (9-inch) cake pans with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, yeast and salt. In a 16-ounce microwave safe measuring cup, heat the water, milk and butter to 120-130 F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Beat in egg until smooth. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft, sticky dough. Cover loosely with a piece of plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 50 minutes. Stir dough down and spoon into baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double, about 30 minutes. Melt 6 tablespoons butter and cool to room temperature. Using your thumb, make 6 thumbprints evenly spaced on top of cake. Divide sugar evenly between the indentations. Pour melted butter over sugar in each thumbprint. If using peaches, press a peach half into the thumbprint so peach is deeply embedded into the dough. Divide sugar evenly between the peaches. Pour melted butter over each. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until light golden. Remove from oven and brush surface with more melted butter. Sprinkle surface with more sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 servings. Recipe adapted from The Texas Holiday Cookbook, Second Edition (Taylor Trade Publishing) by Dotty Griffith • This is quite simply the best cobbler ever. Why? Because it has two crusts. Not a soggy bottom crust and a beautifully brown and flaky top crust. No, this recipe makes a cobbler with two crisp top crusts. It is a cobbler baked on top of a cobbler. Try it. You’ll love the double crust. It comes from my Celebrating Barbecue (Simon & Schuster) cookbook. I always wonder how anyone can find room for dessert after a plate of brisket and ribs. But this cobbler makes you want dessert with a cup of coffee no matter how much ‘cue you put away at your favorite barbecue joint. Double Crust Fruit Cobbler 8 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches or other fruit such as apples or berries 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons butter Pastry for 2-crust pie 2 tablespoons melted butter Heat oven to 425 F. Lightly coat a round 3-quart round or 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine peaches, 2 cups sugar, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon. When mixture bubbles, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until the peaches are barely tender. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons butter, stirring gently until the butter melts. Spoon half of the peach filling into the baking dish. Top with a layer of pastry cut to fit the dish. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and spoon the remaining peaches over the baked pastry. Top with a second layer of pastry cut to fit the dish. Pierce the top of the pastry with a fork to vent and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 8 servings. ###

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

A Voting Disaster

Voting or Not Voting for the Wrong Reasons. jb blocker

So you think your candidate has it locked up because their district is heavily GOP. Or do you think your district will carry the DEM for the same reason? Guess again. There are several factors that could completely flip your reality. Here is just one.

Complacency is the Big Bad Wolf.

I guess after the liberals read this, then Climate Change might be their excuse this time!

But Weather has changed elections all over the world.

We need a Postman's commitment to vote!

Part I: Weather or not…Voter turnout is on the line.

Complacency is growing as quickly as confusion and frustration while candidates all over Texas and the rest of America campaign for seats from the Top on down.

If you are a candidate, this should concern you. If you are a Republican you have a bit of an advantage when the weather acts up. Here is an approach you should consider.

The Postman’s Pledge: Herodotus

  It is said that as many days as there are in the whole journey, so many are the men and horses that stand along the road, each horse and man at the interval of a day’s journey; and these are stayed neither by snow nor rain nor heat nor darkness from accomplishing their appointed course with all speed.

  What I suggest is that you gear your campaign toward pledges to vote no matter what! Not just for you, but for our country. If you are speaking, texting, or social mediatizing express the importance of committing to vote! Vote early if possible! And if they can’t do that, tell them to have their all-weather gear ready. This should be your campaign at this point. Taking anything for granted is a mistake.

   I understand the beauty of voting day. I have been involved in many campaigns over the years. I am captivated by the lines of committed citizens exercising their rights and their duty to vote. Parents bringing their children, whole family units from the aged to first-timers, couples, and of course those singles streaming in from every direction is inspirational. But there is still that chance that fickle nature gets in the way. You cannot count on great weather between early voting dates and the big day.

First Kiss. Do you remember?

First Kiss

jb blocker

Do you remember? Your first kiss? Sure you do.

Just give it a minute. It will come back to you.

I was channel surfing the other day and came across a scene from ‘Meet Joe Black’ a movie starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and a beautiful young lady named Claire Fiorini who plays Hopkins's daughter.

Joe Black is Death who takes human form. He makes a trade with Hopkins character, a highly principled and hugely successful businessman.  In exchange for guidance in the world of the living and a glimpse of life in the human realm, Death extends Hopkins's life and the Hopkins character lets Death into his.

I didn’t see the movie on the big screen and I probably wouldn’t have watched it this time if I wasn’t working on a series I’ve been writing packaged as First Jobs.

I just recently had the pleasure and privilege of spending several hours with McKinney’s Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Huff. We took a journey in time through Pete’s eyes beginning in the 1950s that left me inspired, motivated, and totally captivated.

Something about the Hopkins character resembled Pete Huff’s own in such a way that I watched the movie and missed my beloved Texas Rangers game. I’ve got to figure this TeVo thing out!

Innocence

At one point in the movie, Death and the daughter share a kiss. For Death, it is his first kiss. The two portray an innocence that was neither clumsy nor forced. It reminded me of something 40 years in my past.

The Color of Love

For me, that color would be Lavender!

RIP Sears! A Big Piece of American Dreams

‘The Big Book’  (1893-1993) R.I.P.

Recognizing one of this country’s greatest teachers.   By JB Blocker

The Millennials don’t know about this. Much of the GenX Generation don’t either. As an immigrant from the ‘60’s, the Sears and Roebuck catalogue was one of my best friends. It taught me America!

  The first true Sears catalogue was produced and distributed in 1893. Many others were to follow. It became an iconic lifeline of what people wanted and needed across America. If you had a mailing address, you could own anything in those pages.

  Clothing, toys, guns, farm tools, kitchen, living room, garage items, even houses, and cars stirred the imagination of families from the city streets to farms, fields, and newly discovered parts of this growing country.

  I remember in the early ‘70s listening to some old cowboys at the local pool hall in my panhandle farming community. They got into a discussion about the new Christmas catalog at the Montgomery Ward’s one day. 
  The talk started over the price of things. But the discussion moved to how they had been making their wish list from those catalogs most of their lives. Those pictures of what the world looked like outside of their world gave them reasons to save their money.

  Studying catalogs allowed America to become aware of the choices they never had before and how much money they would need to save.

  A few of those senior citizens also talked about the catalogs as a teaching tool. You could learn how to read while you were learning the value of all those items available from the pages of pictures, descriptions, and prices.

My Crash Course

Chef Ewald Scholz: Meeting a Legend

On March 31st, Chef Ewald Scholz saw his 86th birthday. With that, his pain and suffering of the past two years ended. His son Brian was able to be with him. Throughout this last great battle, even through the sickness of chemotherapy the pain in his bones and muscles were at times blinding. But he added a step to his gait and made his rounds. He would leave chemo to attend a chef's luncheon and stand straight and true as if he hadn't anything but joy and love.
Many didn't realize the struggle because he masked it so bravely. The great man was driven by a need to squeeze out every opportunity to pass on his spirit to the culinary world of Dallas. A world he gave all to.

Meeting a Legend 

 by J.B. Blocker

  Ewald Scholz brought elegance to the madness of perfection. Ask anyone. Perfectionist is always mentioned with his name. 

  He is energized and driven by the soul of hospitality. The great chef is 'Front of House', 'Back of House', and all points in between. He proved to be a mentor and guide from a young age. No detail escaped him. He lived his historic culinary carrier with a whip and a rose. I have seen it in the many ways. 

  He has traveled the world of cuisine like Marco Polo and then presented what he has learned with thoughtful elegance. He has influenced thousands and charmed thousands more.

Liver and Onions for Mom

  

jb blocker

  The Corona Virus has shut down buffet type restaurants. I won't be dining at Furr's Cafeteria today! It has been a regular stop for Mother's Day for many years.

Liver and Onions? 

  There was no escape when mom made liver and onions for dad. No excuses and no substitutions. I could smell them cooking before I stepped into the house. Back then, we had the windows and screen doors open whenever possible. You eat what you get or you don't eat is just assumed. The only thing I could do is make sure there was ketchup, lots of ketchup!  

  As an adult, I no longer hate a lot of items I tried to avoid back them.

  I have made a habit...a ritual... of eating at Furr's Cafeteria in Plano on I-75 on Mother’s Day weekends. For Mom! 

  I fill my plate with things my mom would have made. It's kinda like going to a Sunday potluck dinner. I fill my plate with some of my childhood least favorites like lima beans, boiled cabbage, turnip greens, broccoli salad, jello salad, etc.. If they had Salmon Patties, it would be complete. 

  The meal is saved by slices of roast beef, baked fish, and an average meatloaf. My mom's meatloaf became average when a former secretary Sheila Williams McClellan blew my mind.
  I make a point to get a nice helping of liver and onions smothered in the gravy. Some times throughout the year I go to Furr's with a friend, but at this time of year, I make a point to go on my own and take my time talking to my mother...And remember.

  Nancy Lea Kitson Blocker was raised in Geary, Oklahoma where the family persevered through the Dust Bowl. She left her body about 20 years ago but she continually rides on my right shoulder. She still encourages and admonishes me. I can feel her flick my ear often.

  To those who knew her she was a rural small-town Martha Stewart and Barbara Walters rolled into a dust bowl Okie, WWII Wave, author, and so much more.

  I was her adopted Japanese, Irish, German, Korean, French personal project. No racism existed in her world. Cultures did. She embraced the world. We had friends from around the world from nearly 30 years as a Naval family. They returned to America with two adopted children, for most of my childhood the only other 1/2 Asian I would know was my baby sister Eri.

The Secrets Out, Zion opens!

By JB Blocker Tues. Aug. 27th

he said, say Kimchee!

I knew that Kyu Hwang, the founder of the San Diego based Korean grocery chain was determined to open the new Zion Market at Music City Mall in record time. What most expected to take up to 8 months or more after a late start was preparing to open in less than 6 months. He pronounced a date that seemed implausible. Tuesday, August 27^th!

Since the day they bought the former Sears, I have seen the concept as it closed in on reality. I knew that it would take a miracle to make that date. I work with The Way, the local property developer.

This is a soft opening. It is not publicly announced. I didn’t know what to expect. So, I waited to go until 3 to give them time. As I pull south of J.C. Penny on the east side of the mall, I see the old Sears. There is still a construction zone.

The grocers' parking lot is full! There isn't even a Sign! That will be installed on Wednesday.

Zion, the Promised Land

Another American Dreamer

By J.B.Blocker

  Kyu Hwang, pronounced Q, was 25 when he completed his 3-year service as a Corporal in the Air Borne Division of the South Korean Army.

  Along with his father, mother, and sister, the Christian South Korean family found sponsorship to the U.S. and a brighter future. In their homeland, they were among the very poor and like many of that time, the American dream was freedom of religion and the opportunity to find work. And work he did!

  In 1978, the family arrived in San Diego. The family spoke little English and Kyu began working in the back of a kitchen washing dishes. He worked many jobs and many hours over the next three years including becoming an insurance agent for New York Life before his opportunity to make his own path presented itself in a little empty building in San Diego. The growing local market demand for Asian produce welcomed the addition to the community.

Zion: A Biblical term for The Promised Land

  Kyu and his brother-in-law started their own family grocery store in a 2000 sq. ft. location in 1981. Zion Market was born! Under his guidance and determination, by 1985 revenues reached $56,000 monthly and grew $3000 every month over the next three years. In 2000, they added another 4000 sq. ft...    By 2002, the market moved to a 30,000 sq. ft. location.

Lewisville hits the Jackpot

 Music City Mall welcomes Zion Market Center

By J.B. Blocker

Lewisville wins the Asian market Lottery with the addition of Zion Market to the Music City Mall!

  With the recent acquisition of the former Sears building of the Music City Mall complex in Lewisville by Zion Market partnered with a prominent local management company, all the advantages go to the future Zion Market Center.

  
  There is an estimated 100,000 Korean population in the North Dallas region of DFW alone. Along with a significant number of Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, and Chinese, the Asian population is an economic force as well as a culinarian's dream.

  
  All of these cultures are seeking a reliable source for fresh produce and complimentary supplies and services.

  The influence of H-Mart in North Dallas was a springboard for an explosion of successful Asian Centers led by the Asian Town Plaza on the George Bush and Denton Road in Carrollton.

  
  Another Korean center recently broke ground in North Carrollton off Highway 121.

But both centers are going to take an instant back seat to the advantages the Lewisville Music City Mall will offer!

  The Dallas Korean Festival will be held on Saturday, November 10^th at the Asian Town Plaza. Last years attendance was estimated at 40,000 and this year promises to be an equal success.

  With a coordinated effort to speed up the development of the Plaza, The 2019 Dallas Festival is poised to be hosted by the Zion Plaza at Lewisville’s Music City Mall!

Location, Location, and Proven Management

•    Located on the I-35 corridor between Highway 121 and the George Bush Tollway. This Asian center is easily the most accessible to significant travel.
•    Being part of the Metro-Plex’s newly developed Music City Mall is a double advantage. Asians now have movie theatres, major nameplate retailers, and family-oriented resources to enjoy. Traditional mall-goers now have new and easy access to a host of Asian dining and services.
•    Zion has wisely partnered with The Way Management. TW Realty Advisors is credited with leading the Carrollton Asian Center to the huge success it enjoys today.

The Way Realty Advisors

  Richard Kang leads a team of local visionaries and partners who not only developed the Asian Market Center in Carrollton, but also have helped to bring many successful Asian businessmen, restauranteurs, and entrepreneurs together throughout the DFW Metro-Plex and all the way to the East Coast.

  He talks about how Kyu M. Hwang was investigating the opportunity to bring Zion Markets to North Texas. It has taken three years of considering the best options and locations to entice the prominent West Coast Asian Market chain to plant their flag in Texas.

  When the opportunity to buy the former Sears building came up, all the stars had aligned! The Way Management was established and poised to bring the 38 restaurants, retailers, and professional services to round out the Metro Plex’s most dynamic Asian concept.

  Their team was already skilled with state and local regulations and had established relationships with the local authorities. 
  Richard Kang has been a resident of Lewisville for the past eighteen years as a realtor and property manager. His team not only developed the Carrollton Asian Center but also guides Multi-Use Development projects across DFW already.

  
  I asked Mr. Kang about how this all came to be. “Throughout my experience with Mr. Hwang, I was pleased to discover many things that made our partnership an easy decision. 
  It is obvious that the Hwang family have proven to be very successful businessmen. Not only have they been courteous and very approachable, but in addition, Kyu has proven to be extremely responsive in his follow-up and always good to his word. His heart is good.
  He has proven that he cares about his employees, his community, and his associates. It has been a pleasure to be involved with such a man. I expect this project to be a great success.”

Meet Kyu M. Hwang and Zion Markets

  The former Sears building is a 150,000 sq. ft. two-story building with a prominent view of I-35.

  The flagship will be the 50,000 sq. ft. Zion Market on the ground level along with featured restaurants and access to family activity centers.

  The second level will include over 20,000 sq. ft. in restaurants, retail, and professional services. A total of 38 separate business will employ over 500 full-time staff.

  It is anticipated that the Asian influence will bring an average of 30,000 shoppers per week, 120,000+ monthly, you do the rest of the math!

  The economic impact could easily bring in $150 Million dollars to Lewisville by offering an extraordinary array of options and adventures for the North Texas communities.

  Trying to calculate the impact of traditional mall-goers with the opportunity to engage in Asian culture is impossible to anticipate. But given the way North Texans have embraced the foods of the Orient, this looks to be a new and exciting gateway to even more integration of cultures.

Like I said, Lewisville just hit the Jackpot!

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

What I learned

on the Campaign Trail

by Brent Bowen

I am always surprised that more people do not know who the DA is and what he does.  Because the long running TV series “Law and Order” is still popular, I just assumed that people know what the DA does. I am also surprised that more people don’t know who the three term Denton County incumbent is. However, I should not be too surprised because he rarely makes statements and is never in a courtroom.

I have learned that the conservative movement is very strong. It is not enough to be a Republican, you must be a conservative Republican. I noticed on my opponent's signs, some say Conservative Republican, some only say Republican.

So, what makes someone a Conservative?

First. I think it is prolife. I was asked at a recent forum if I was 100% prolife. I quickly told the women “no” because I was in favor of the death penalty. Her face turned from a surprised look since I told her that I was the conservative candidate in the race, to understanding as I explained why I was not 100% prolife. Unfortunately, I do not know what percent that makes me as I believe in the death penalty.

I have also been surprised that some citizens believe that it is just standard operating procedure to be sued. As an attorney, I can tell you that it is highly uncomfortable to be sued or even be threatened with the idea of a lawsuit.

I understand that we tend to be a litigious society, but I did not think people would be content with the idea of employees’ suing their boss. In my opinion a lawsuit by an employee is the ultimate display of mismanagement and a lack of leadership. Many hundreds of thousands have and will be spent by the county due to lawsuits by D.A. staffers.

Lastly, I have learned that we do not debate, we have forums. What is the difference? Well the one who has the last word usually wins because the other cannot further defend. The forum is also a good use of sound bites even if they are false.

I have been told that I don’t have the experience to be DA, yet I have practiced criminal law for 17 years. I have handled a diverse caseload and I have handled every type of case the DA’s office handles. I doubt many in the current DA’s office have the overall experience I have had.

I believe the incumbent has not displayed management skills and has never managed an office prior to becoming the DA. Yet he attacks me for having run a successful law practice, dealing with HR and insurance, along with the hiring and firing of employees.

As DA I will take a team approach. I have always been involved in athletics, from high school sports, to playing college football, from playing intramurals, to coaching my kid’s sports. Part of teamwork and Leadership is recognizing your own faults and weaknesses and surrounding yourself with people who compliment you.

I always think that as a leader you must encourage and inspire your staff. I was once criticized for saying if I were elected I would be a cheerleader for the office and encourage them to do their best. Recently I heard County Judge Candidate Andy Eads make the very same statement. In taking a team approach, I do not intend to purge the office. I believe many if not all the current DA’s just need to make sure they are in the right place to make the office strong and efficient.

A new Head coach rarely fires his quarterback and his offensive line and skill players. He or she must make sure he has the right people, with the right skill, and attitude in the right places.  I am a team player! We play to each other’s strengths.

I am Brent Bowen your candidate for Denton County District Attorney

Brent on Facebook

1. I believe first in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior 

Bob Allen announces his run for Frisco Mayor

Frisco Mayor '96-'02 Kathy Seei emcees a crowded room

Frisco current city councilman Bob Allen announced his intention to carry on the leadership of the thriving city that is becoming it's own legend. In the next few years, there will be over 300,000 residents.

Don Nelson  the long time GM and President of the Dallas Mavericks is personally invested in the city of Frisco as a resident and civic voice. He knows great leadership from years rising from the shadows of his legendary father Don Nelson and many other NBA greats. He has also gotten to know the leadership of his home city and raised Bob Allen as one of those greats.

Four past Frisco mayors and a standing room only mixture of the Frisco rainbow of people felt the pause of what I would call Humility. Just before the big man with his comfortable smile and ease could offer himself as a candidate, it seemed that the whole room was aware of the gigantic step he was about to take.
Frisco has been stretching like a teenager that just reached their size and is beginning to fill in and out. Doubling the population and maintaining the connection with the community is a mission for great leadership.
   

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

McKinney Women

Making a (BIG) Difference  a review by J.B. Blocker

  I had heard about a book featuring several lady acquaintances from McKinney, Texas. The North Dallas community has blossomed over the past 20 years to become a nationally recognized Best Place to live in many categories. 
 Last week I obtained a copy. The two organizer/authors are Sheila Johnson and Michelle Prince who I have known casually for several years. When I sat down to read it, I expected a good read. I didn’t put the book back down except for more coffee.
  More communities should raise up leadership and encourage more open involvement. 
  I am a fan of collections of short stories that make a point and leave an impression. You can order a copy from Amazon at this link.

McKinney Women Making a Difference

  The real surprise was not just the range of blessings and challenges each of the dozen paths had crossed and taken. I expected some variety. It was the fact that as a collection the range of inspiration was not just deep and wide, but was also much bigger than McKinney.  And the book is not just for women. I thought of my mom and several others as I visited each personal story.

  These ladies didn’t do inspirational things without the help of others who also believed, supported, and encouraged them whether parents, siblings, and even outsiders. I like to think that we are surrounded by opportunities to be Assistant Guardian Angels. Even assisting Guardian Angels counts in my book.