Sunday, March 30, 1997
Watts to address priorities for American community
By BRIAN BETHEL
Staff Writer
A young congressman with a reputation for defending community
values will be a part of Abilene Christian University's Distinguished
Speakers on Community series April 14.
U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma will address priorities for
the American community during a luncheon in the Conference Center
of the Abilene Civic Center.
"Congressman Watts has, in a very short period of time,
become a respected voice in matters concerning the family, children
and community," said Dr. Gary McCaleb, executive director
of the sponsoring Center for Advancement of Community at ACU.
"Because he will be speaking to issues that affect all
of us, we welcome this unique opportunity to hear this eloquent
speaker."
Elected to the House of Representatives in 1994, Watts gave
the Republican rebuttal to Bill Clinton's most recent state of
the union address.
In his home state, he has achieved a reputation as a passionate
spokesperson for a balanced budget, cultural renewal, improved
education and a strong defense.
Watts, 39, is known for introducing the Community Renewal Project,
which represents the culmination of more than eight years of vision
for poorer communities.
The legislation attempts to bring spiritual, moral and economic
renewal by encouraging investment and savings, offering school
choice and allowing citizens the option to use faith-based programs.
He is one of two black Republican house members and was a co-chairman
of Bob Dole's presidential campaign.
Before he entered office as an Oklahoma State Corporation Commissioner,
Watts was best known as the University of Oklahoma quarterback
who led the Sooners to consecutive Big Eight championships and
Orange Bowl victories.
For several years, he has been a spokesperson for the Fellowship
of Christian athletes, various anti-drug campaigns, the Orphan
Foundation of America and the March of Dimes.
Watts travels the country as a gust preacher and serves as
an associate pastor of Sunnylane Southern Baptist Church in Del
City, Okla.
Tickets for the event are available at $5 each. Tables for
10 may be reserved for $50.
To purchase tickets with Mastercard, Visa or Discover, contact
the university at 674-2156. Tickets may also be purchased from
8-4:30 p.m. weekdays in Room 201 of the school's Hardin Administration
Building.
Deadline for reservations is April 10. No tickets will be available
at the door.
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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