Sep. 4--Stubborn old Bob, who sounded the alarm on the breakdown in the state's food stamp distribution system, didn't want any help from Watchdog readers.

After many of you offered food or money, he declined. He's too proud. But because so many were concerned after my Aug. 14 column about his months of waiting for food stamps, I happily share his note:

"You'll be glad to know that I have worked it out to handle my immediate problems. I want to thank you for your earnest concern for my situation. It made me feel good.

"I would appreciate if you could contact all the fine folks that offered their help to me. I thank them one and all for being so thoughtful and offering their mitzvoth (acts of human kindness)."

Consider it done, Bob. By the way, Bob reports that he has now received food stamps.

Meanwhile, Watchdog gives kudos to two area state legislators who stepped up and offered help.

Rep. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, contacted Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins, who retired this week, to express his concerns. Hancock's office wants to help anyone waiting beyond the 30-day legal limit. His office number is 817-590-9280.

Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, has also directed his staff to find out the reasons behind the delays. (Call 817-924-1997.)

I also heard from defenders of state workers who say they need more staffing help. A Health and Human Services supervisor near Houston, who asked that his name not be used because he fears repercussions, writes:

"It's very easy to criticize the state of Texas and its employees. But you really need to sit in one of our offices for just one day to see what is really happening. Employees are overworked, underpaid and understaffed at every level...

"Our system is not the best in the world, but when you work with people that are as dedicated as my staff is, our clients get the service they are entitled to as soon as possible. Can it be fixed? Not overnight. Each new worker will take at least two years before they finally get a grasp of the system."

One caseworker's mother, who lives in Mansfield, writes that for months, her daughter "has worked many extra hours into the evenings and weekends dealing with all the food stamp applications on her desk. She does this because she feels compassion for the people who need her help to get through the bureaucracy of the food stamp system. I just wish Bob's application had landed on the desk of someone who shares my daughter's work ethic."

NOT A NOBODY AFTER ALL: Reader B.K.