Moseley is a former president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. He currently is self-employed as a consultant for Opportunity Houston. The new commissioner also is the past executive director of the Economic Development and Tourism Department of the Office of the Governor and a former Denton County Judge.

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Texas A&M negotiating for its own law school

Texans react to Supreme Court ruling on Obama health care law

Although the federal government cannot outright mandate that Americans have health care, it can mandate they pay a fine for not having it - as part of the government's power to levy taxes. That was the ruling Thursday by the U.S. Supreme Court that has caused waves of comments throughout Texas, and across the country. The Supreme Court ruling, by a 5-4 majority, limits some of the planned expansion of the Medicaid insurance program, the costs of which are shared by the federal and state governments. The ruling also notes that the federal government cannot withhold all of a state's Medicaid funding simply because it does not participate in the expansion. Proponents of the health care law say it could result in some 30 million uninsured Americans finally having insurance coverage. But the key part of the ruling is that beginning in 2014, most Americans will be required to have health care insurance or face fines.

Comment was widespread in Texas after the ruling was announced. Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs (top) said he is pleased that the ruling gives states more ability to "push back" against forced expansion of the Medicaid program. "The court clearly recognized that the Affordable Care Act put states in the no-win situation of losing all their Medicaid funding or expanding their programs knowing that they would face billions of dollars in extra costs down the road," he said.

The down side for Texas, said Suehs, is that already a quarter of the state budget is spent on Medicaid and he expects increased enrollment will make it take up an even bigger part of the already stretched state budget. "The best long-term solution is for Congress to grant states more flexibility to tailor solutions that best meet their needs." In Texas, 3.4 million people are covered under the Texas Medicaid program.

Sunset Advisory Commission wins NCSL Excellence Award

The Sunset Advisory Commission has been named winner of the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2012 Excellence in Evaluation Award. The Sunset Commission ended up atop the ratings among seven other states competing for the award, which recognized work produced by the Commission that affects Texas government. During the period recognized by the award, Sunset Commission staff produced 41 reports that included close to 600 recommendations to help create more effective and more efficient government agencies, even if eliminating some agency operations was part of the solution.

"The Sunset staff does an excellent job of formulating recommendations to ensure our state agencies efficiently perform their charge," said former Sunset Chair Sen. Glenn Hegar. "This award is well deserved."

Created in 1977, the Sunset Commission reviews the policies and programs of more than 150 governmental agencies every 12 years. It explores the need for each agency, identifies any duplicative services of other public services or programs and considers way to improve each agency's operations and activities. The Sunset Advisory Commission is estimated to have had a positive fiscal impact to the state of more than $945 million from 1982 to 2011. 

State approves $1.9 billion in construction, project development

Transportation projects throughout the state got a $1.9 billion boost this week when the Texas Transportation Commission approved additional transportation funds that will be directed to a variety of projects. The funding was identified earlier this year and the Commission Thursday gave final approval for distribution of the funds.

Among the allocations approved were:

• Corpus Christi District - $60 million for design-build from Driscoll to Kingsville on US 77, to construct mainlanes and overpasses.
• Wichita Falls District - $650,000 to build a regional, multi-modal travel center in Wichita Falls.
• Lufkin District - $6 million for priority development services related to the development of I-69 on US 59 from south of Diboll to the Nacogdoches County line.
• Houston District - $18.068 million to build a connector to Texas Medical Center on SH288.
• Beaumont District - $624,000 to install high mast lighting on US 69 at SH 73.
• Abilene District - $8.121 million for US 83 and SL 322 frontage road conversion from two-way to one-way operation, new structures , reconstruction of roadway, new roadway and ramp alignment. 
• Austin District - $130 million for the first phase of a MoPac improvement project to construct north- and south-bound managed lanes.
• Fort Worth District - $129.997 million for Segment 3A of the North Tarrant Expressway to reconstruct feeway and add managed toll lanes on I-35 West.

The projects funded were identified by representatives of TxDOT, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), regional transportation organizations and highway districts as those that focus on safety, congestion mitigation, maintenance and statewide connectivity. To view the complete list of projects, click here.

Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ted Houghton said the state is in a unique position now that these funds have become available. "We want to make the best use of them by partnering with local communities to insure this funding is applied where they feel it is most needed." Approximately $100 million in funding has yet to be allocated and projects to be funded will be based on the recommendation of TxDOT, MPOs and local stakeholders.

Panama Canal Stakeholder Work Group holds first meeting today

Chaired by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, the Panama Canal Stakeholder Work Group will hold its first meeting today, Friday, in Austin. The group was recently appointed to study issues and opportunities in Texas related to the expansion of the Panama Canal. The inaugural meeting will be hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT officials said this first meeting will generally be to introduce members of the stakeholder group and is not open to the public.

Ports throughout the country are expecting increased import and export trade as a result of the Panama Canal expansion. This group is charged with studying issues related to the expansion and its effects on Texas ports and with providing guidance on projects to relating to ensuring safe and efficient movement of trade through Texas deep water ports.

Members in addition to Emmett include: Jack Todd, Texas Association of Manufacturers; John LaRue, Texas Port Association; Jim Edmonds, Port of Houston Authority; John Esparza, Texas Motor Transportation Association; Fred Malesa, BNSF; Carlton Schwab, Texas Economic Development Council; Jim Greenwood, Texas Oil and Gas Association; Kenneth Dierschke, Texas Farm Bureau; Rigoberto Villarreal, city of McAllen; Steve Boecking, Alliance Texas; Judge Carlos Cascos, Cameron County; Joseph Adams, Union Pacific; Jim Griffin, East Harris County Manufacturers Association; and Aaron Demerson, Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism. The group plans to hold other meetings in various other Texas cities.

Fort Hood commander may be headed to job in Europe

Pending congressional approval, Fort Hood Commander Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell (pictured) could soon be bound for Europe to head U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army in Germany.

Campbell has served as Fort Hood commander since April of last year when he replaced Gen. Robert Cone, who is now head of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command.

No replacement for Campbell has been made yet. 

TWDB awards $258M toward water projects throughout state

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently approved financial assistance totaling $258,212,002 as follows:

• City of Brady - $500,000 - loan of $350,000 and $150,000 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for water system improvements. The funds will be used to conduct planning and design to install radionuclide removal technology for existing groundwater supplies. The city will also use the funds to study improvements that may be needed at its existing surface water treatment plant to develop a sustainable water supply for customers and address treatment issues within its system.
• City of Brownsville - $200,000 grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance wastewater services. The city will use the funds for the construction phase of a first-time municipal wastewater service to serve an estimated 283 residents (an estimated 80 connections)in the Villanueva project area.
• City of Del Rio - $5 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance wastewater system improvements. The city will rehabilitate approximately 41,000 linear feet of 6-inch to 12-inch sewer lines.
• East Aldine Management District (Harris County) - $9,909,094 grants and $577,000 loan from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance water and wastewater services. The funds will be used for the construction phase of a project to provide first-time municipal water and wastewater services to the 1,585 residents of the Sherwood and Benton Place Communities.
• El Paso County Tornillo Water Improvement District - $140,000 grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance wastewater system improvements. Funds to be used to complete planning and design activities of a project that will ultimately provide wastewater service to four colonias (Drake Subdivision Units 2, 4 and 7 and Rancho Henderson).
• El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board - $570,000 grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) to finance water system improvements. The funds will be used for the construction phase of a new water distribution system to serve an estimated 428 EDAP-eligible residents in the Turf Road area.
• Kerr County - $1.924 million - loan of $570,000 and loan forgiveness of $1.29 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and a grant in the amount of $64,000 from EDAP to finance wastewater system improvements. The project includes completion of the planning and design portions of a project to serve residents of Center Point and the corridor along SH-27. The county also will use the EDAP funds for the acquisition of easements for the project.
• City of Marlin - $3 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance wastewater system improvements. The funds will be used to conduct a sanitary sewer evaluation study and to address excessive inflow/infiltration and pipe failures within the sanitary sewer collection system, along with failing, unreliable lift stations.
• City of Marlin - $2,907,908 loan of $1.68 million and loan forgiveness of $1,227,908 from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to finance water system improvements. The funds will be used to continue the city's water distribution line replacement program and replace existing water meters with an automatic meter reading system to reduce the water losses within the city.
• North Alamo Water Supply Corp. - $1.154 million grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance wastewater system improvements. The funds will complete planning, acquisition and design activities of the NW Donna Colonias Regional Wastewater System, which will provide wastewater service to six colonia areas located northwest of the city of Donna in Hidalgo County.
• San Jacinto River Authority (Montgomery County) - $230.53 million loan from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance a water supply project. The funds will be used to continue the development and construction of an alternative water supply program for Montgomery County.

Texas Forest Service gets Smokey Bear Award for wildfire efforts

Taking to heart Smokey Bear's famous "Only YOU can prevent forest fires," the Texas Forest Service's Mitigation and Prevention Department took its prevention efforts to the people last year during the state's record-setting wildfire season. For its efforts, the group was recently awarded the Bronze Smokey Bear Award. The awards are presented annually by the U.S. Forest Service to organizations or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to wildfire prevention efforts across the state.

Part of the Texas Forest Service's 2011 public information campaign was collaboration among the agency's Wildland Urban Interface Specialists and Communications Department, along with teams from other states. They prepared flyers, used social media posts, press releases and public service announcements and created brochures and booklets in English and Spanish that detailed how to prepare for a wildfire and steps that can be taken to prevent a dangerous blaze from destroying homes and property.

Texas Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention Department Head Bruce Woods (pictured) said the agency's efforts may have helped save lives and homes. "While it's difficult to measure success by what didn't happen, we have seen evidence that community leaders, the media and the public got the message," Woods said.

Parkland executive VP and CFO Dragovits leaving post

John Dragovits (pictured), executive vice president and chief financial officer for Parkland Health & Hospital System, has announced he will be leaving after accepting the president and CEO position with Anthelio.

Anthelio is a health care information technology provider with Dallas headquarters. He will likely leave Parkland in mid-July.

Dragovits joined Parkland in September 2006. He will continue to advise the Board of Managers voluntarily. During his tenure, Parkland has maintained two AAA bond ratings and doubled its net assets and has been described as a leader in the transition to electronic health records.

Carlson gives up seat on DART board to pursue counsel post

Scott Carlson (pictured), who has served on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit board for nearly a decade, recently resigned from the board and is expected to be among the finalists for the general counsel position at the agency.

Carlson was granted a waiver from ethics policies that prohibit members from working for DART within two years of leaving the board. He is one of more than 100 candidates for the position.

Carlson, a Dallas attorney, left the board two weeks ago when Jim Adams of Dallas, his replacement, was sworn in.

GLO's farm, ranch conservation program completes first project

Landowners in Texas have the unique opportunity to purchase future development rights for their farm and ranch lands, allowing them to be compensated for continuing to farm or ranch family lands and forgo any subdivision or development. The Texas General Land Office is offering assistance to such landowners through its Texas Farm & Ranch Lands Conservation Program and it is having great success.

The program recently closed its first project, the 700-acre Brazoria County Savannah Oaks and has another project in Harris County on the drawing board. Officials are also accepting applications for a third project. The benefits of the program to landowners are significant. They can pass undeveloped, productive land to future generations, gain cash and tax advantages to provide immediate financial benefits, keep the land under family ownership and in agricultural production and preserve and protect natural resources.

The program was not without some hiccups when it first got started. One of the first hurdles was identifying non-federal matching funds. But through the efforts of those in the program and the Land Office's Government Relations Division and others, supporters were able to have the 50 percent matching funds requirement removed from the Natural Resource Code. Program officials do, however, encourage participants to donate portions of their easements as a match or locate other sources of matching funds. The amount of matching funds is part of the scoring process in consideration of applications. For more information about the program, click here.

Henrich to take medical leave from UTHSC president's position

Dr. William Henrich (pictured), president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, has announced he will be taking several months of medical leave absence. Henrich reports he has myelodysplasia (MDS), a blood and bone marrow disorder previously called preleukemia.

Dr. Kenneth Kalkwarf, the health science center's dental dean since 1988, will serve as interim president in Henrich's absence. Henrich, who has been with the health science center since 2009, will undergo a form of bone marrow transplant involving stem cells at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He said he plans to return to his job by sometime early next year.

Henrich came to the health science center in 2006 from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, where he was chairman of medicine. He served as medical dean before being named president, replacing Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, who left that post to become chancellor of the UT System.

Gonzales to resign House seat June 30; start at UTPA next day

State Rep. Veronica Gonzales, who has been hired as vice president for university advancement at The University of Texas-Pan American, will resign her legislative post on June 30. She will then take up her new job at UTPA the following day, July 1.

At UTPA, her main role will be marketing and fundraising. She said she is hopeful to help the university to increase its student population and help the university become one of the top universities in the nation.

Finch will head TAMU Water Conservation, Technology Center

A veteran of 22 years of involvement in Texas water conservation, Dr. Calvin Finch (pictured), has been named to head the Texas A&M University System's new Water Conservation and Technology Center in San Antonio. Finch comes to the center after having served as director of regional initiatives and special programs and director of water resources and director of conservation for the San Antonio Water System. Finch was also previously a county extension director for Travis County and county extension agent for horticulture for Texas Agricultural Extension Service (now the Texas AgriLife Extension Service) for Bexar County.

The new center is administered by the Texas Water Resources Institute in partnership with the Texas Center for Applied Technology and will focus on projects dealing with high priority water issues in Texas. The center will target four high priority efforts: water conservation, water reuse, groundwater desalination and energy development and water use. Its staff will conduct applied research and development, testing and validation, technology transfer and training and extension education. The center will eventually be housed at the TAMU-San Antonio campus.

Finch holds a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and his doctorate from Texas A&M University.

TWU, Collin College sign agreement on nursing program

The timeline for earning a bachelor's degree for nursing students at Texas Woman's University and Collin College just got a little more streamlined. Next fall, Collin College nursing students will be eligible for concurrent enrollment with TWU.

Students will be able to select which program they would like to partner with while completing the associate of applied science degree in nursing in addition to an associate of arts or science degree. When they complete their core curriculum, they will have a seamless transition to a bachelor of science in nursing at TWU. "This partnership with Collin College is another excellent example of how institutions can work together to meet the state and national demand for new nurses," said Dr. Patricia Holden-Huchton (pictured), dean of the TWU College of Nursing.

This BS in nursing program will be online, which allows Collin College students to earn a bachelor's degree without leaving the county. Students can complete core curricula at Collin College and then take "bridge" courses online from TWU. Details on the TWU/Collin College bachelor of science in nursing program can be found at www.twu.edu/nursing or at www.collin.edu/nursing.

Junkins to seek out nation's, world's best scholars to TAMU

Bringing the nation's and world's best scholars to Texas A&M will be the goal of John Junkins (pictured), who has been named director of the Texas Institute for Advanced Study. The idea for the institute was Junkins' and after serving as interim director since May of last year, he now will hold the title full-time. He is hopeful of attracting Nobel laureates and other exceptional academics. They will be brought in to work with students and faculty to help enhance the intellectual climate at the university.

Although the institute has raised start-up funds of almost $2 million for each of the last five years, Junkins said an endowment of approximately $200 million would be needed if the program is to flourish. He said he will work toward making the institute's value so potential donors will want to invest in it.

Junkins is shooting for 25 fellows to be appointed by the institute each year, but said the first round in the fall will likely have six to eight. They will hold year-long appointments.

Reyna leaving Fort Worth ISD for post in Dallas school district

Sylvia Reyna (pictured), Fort Worth ISD's school administration chief for the last two years, has been hired as the Dallas school district's new chief of school leadership. She will oversee assistant superintendents and executive directors who manage the district's more than 225 principals.

Reyna was one of numerous new hires that Dallas Superintendent Mike Miles has announced, including a human resources chief and five assistant superintendents. Although not naming all of those appointees, Shirley Ison-Newsome was announced as one of the assistant superintendents. She currently serves as DISD's interim schools chief.

To date, Miles has filled six of the seven open positions in his Cabinet. The lone position not filled is that of chief academic officer.

Search for Angelo State's next president gearing up

With numerous applications already in hand, the search for the next president of Angelo State University is moving forward. Mickey Long (pictured), Texas Tech University regent and chair of the search committee, said a "handful" of applications from qualified candidates have already been received.

The university is seeking to replace ASU President Dr. Joseph Rallo, who was appointed vice chancellor of academic affairs for the Texas Tech University System, of which ASU has been a member since 2007. The search group has employed a Washington, D.C.-based professional search firm to assist in their efforts and has launched a Web site as well to announce the position and seek nominations from the public.

Rallo will remain as president of ASU until a new president is named. Long said it could be fall before the committee has its recommendation ready.

Collaboration on arena in Tyler under consideration

The Park of East Texas, home of the East Texas State Fair, could become a partner with the city of Tyler to build a conference center and event arena. A recent study showed the city could support both a conference center with private hotel and a separate event center. The plans are similar to the Park of East Texas' plan for a regional entertainment and conference campus.

City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured) said the proposals are different, but both are designed to boost tourism. The city's projects, which could include public-private partnerships, would cost about $130 million. Park of East Texas projects are expected to cost $66 million. McDaniel said Park of East Texas has been approached about being an anchor tenant for the arena, but all involved remind that the talks are in the preliminary stages.

While the local hotel-motel tax will help fund a convention center, a bond issue would be likely to fund an event center.

El Paso County plans panel to oversee $50K or more contracts

Contract awards of more than $50,000 will soon be examined by a new Procurement Review Panel approved by the El Paso County commissioners. The panel will be charged with ensuring that bid specifications are accurate and that the awarding of a contract to a vendor will not result in fraud or waste. The panel is expected to include the county auditor, county attorney for procurement, the county purchasing agent and a contract administrator who will likely serve as chair.

County Judge Veronica Escobar said the creation of the panel is a way to ensure a system of checks and balances when it comes to government spending, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The panel will likely be charged with creating policies and procedures. The judge pointed out that it is important to the county as well as all vendors that specifications are accurate and that county departments do not overspend on their needs. The panel is expected to give priority to projects in the recently approved $110 million capital improvement plan.

Texas Transportation Commission adopts rural plan

Texas Rural Transportation Plan 2035 (TRTP) was adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday, making rural considerations part of the long-range planning efforts of the state transportation agency. The plan also is expected to provide the foundation for safer, more efficient and less congested transportation networks between population centers.

This marks the first time the Commission has addressed specific rural issues in transportation. The plan unites TxDOT with public and private stakeholders, local elected officials and the public, with a goal of connecting rural area residents with urban markets, jobs and services. It is also part of TxDOT's statewide long-range transportation plan and examines all modes of transportation, from highways to bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Petition means voters will decide jail, courthouse projects

A petition was filed this week with the Nolan County commissioners that effectively moved the decision on county jail construction and courthouse renovations out of the court's hands and into those of voters in the county. A petition bearing 446 signatures - well above the 420 required - was presented to the court asking for the issues to go to a November bond vote.

County Judge Tim Fambrough said that the petition action and bond election, if passed, could delay jail construction nine months to a year. The county had already decided on a location, had architectural work done and even picked a contractor to build the jail and repair the courthouse facade. He said he is hopeful voters will see there is a real need for the jail and pass the bond vote in November.

A second Austin book-signing featuring Mary Scott Nabers and her book, Collaboration Nation: How Public-Private Ventures are Revolutionizing the Business of Government, is slated for Tuesday, July 24, in Austin. Those who missed her earlier Austin event can participate in a book signing with the author beginning at 7 p.m. on that date at BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar in Austin. The book signing is free and open to the public. To get a book signed at the event, a copy of the event book must be purchased from BookPeople. Those who cannot attend the event can pre-order a signed copy on the BookPeople Web site. For more information about the book signing, click here.

Summit on Elder Financial Exploitation set in Houston

The Houston Financial Abuse Specialist Team and the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation will host its Texas Summit on Elder Financial Exploitation on Friday, Aug. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held at the United Way offices, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, 77007. The event will address the growing crisis of elder financial exploitation and investment fraud through a number of sessions with featured speakers. Those attending will examine newly emerging research on why older persons may be more susceptible to financial abuse and learn about successful programs on how to prevent that abuse, prosecute perpetrators of these crimes and protect the victims. William Benson, National Policy Advisor for the National Adult Protective Services Association and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Administration on Aging will deliver the opening address. For more information, including the day's agenda, and to register, click here.

El Paso commissioners authorize bids for Sportspark renovation

The El Paso County commissioners this week authorized the county purchasing agent to begin soliciting bids for a $6.5 million renovation of the El Paso County Sportspark. Work on the 45-acre park should begin in August. It is expected to close down through February of next year with a portion of it ready to re-open in March 2013. The entire park is expected to be open to the public by October of next year.

Corpus Christi studying options

on customer service center

Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) officials are continuing to purchase uptown property and their next project could be the construction of a multi-million-dollar customer service center. Officials are hopeful the investment in the uptown area will help fight blight in the city. Assistant City Manager Troy Riggs (pictured) said any structure with people going in will spur more business activity in an area, and that is what is hoped for from the customer service center.

The RTA hopes to use property around and near City Hall for new development. RTA officials expect to sign lease agreements with interested partners before a design is finalized. Construction would follow the design stage.

Huntsville ISD names architect

to study district's facility needs

The SHW Group architectural firm has been hired by the Huntsville ISD to study district facilities to see which ones should be renovated, repaired or enlarged.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Johnson said some of the district's facilities are aging and should be assessed so that a facility needs plan can be developed.

The district received 10 responses to its RFP for architectural services and narrowed that number to four finalists to be interviewed, with SHW selected.

Parkland Hospital hires

search firm to help find CEO

Parkland Memorial Hospital has hired a search firm to help the health care provider find a new chief executive officer. The firm, based in Los Angeles and one of the largest executive search firms in the nation, will be seeking a replacement recommendation for Dr. Ron Anderson, who stepped down from his leadership role last year after the hospital's Medicare and Medicaid funding was put at risk after federal inspections at the hospital.

Dr. Thomas Royer is currently serving as interim CEO and has indicated he will not seek the position full-time. Officials note they are seeking a new CEO who can lead the hospital long-term - five-plus years. They expect the search effort to take several months to a year.

Woden's Brent Hawkins resigns post as district superintendent

Brent Hawkins (pictured), superintendent of the Woden ISD, has resigned. He will leave the school district to take a position as deputy director of the Region 6 Education Service Center in Huntsville.

Hawkins' career as a superintendent spans six years, the last four of which were spent in Woden. Hawkins' last day in Woden will be Aug. 10.

Port of Galveston approves study for new berth for cruise ships

Officials of the Port of Galveston this week approved funding not to exceed $60,000 to hire a consulting and design firm, CH2M Hill, to conduct a study to determine if it is possible, and if so how, to berth three cruise ships in a single day at the port. The findings will be used to determine if a third cruise ship terminal should be built. The board also authorized staff to enter into discussions with TMP-PRISMA Marina Management LLP regarding a possible public-private partnership to develop close to 100 acres of port land on Pelican Island for a cruise/cargo terminal facility.

The conceptual study will determine the feasibility of mooring the three ships on the same day and also give the port an idea of the costs to handle the larger vessels.

League City to borrow $75M

for police station, infrastructure

League City officials this week approved borrowing of up to $75 million that will mean construction of a new city police station and for street, drainage and traffic improvements and water and wastewater projects. The issuance of certificates of obligation do not require public approval such as the sale of bonds. The public safety building alone, a planned 70,000-square-foot facility, will cost close to $40 million. It would accommodate approximately 200 employees and be built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. It would include the police department, jail, fire department administration, emergency operations center and maybe the municipal court. City officials say the debt would be paid off through general revenue and water and wastewater usage revenues.

Principal named lone finalist for Vidor superintendent's job

Vidor High School Principal Dr. Jay Killgo (pictured) has been picked as the lone finalist for the superintendent's job in the Vidor ISD. The district will have to wait a mandatory 21-day period before officially hiring Killgo for the top spot in the district.

A 16-year veteran educator, Killgo has spent the last five years as principal at Vidor High. He was named the lone finalist for Evadale ISD in April, but chose to seek the Vidor post when Dr. Joe Burns announced he was leaving the VISD top job to become superintendent in Copperas Cove.

Rose among two finalists

for city manager spot in Kansas

Margie Rose (pictured), assistant city manager for the city of Corpus Christi, has been named one of two finalists for the city manager post in Topeka, Kansas.

Rose is currently Assistant City Manager of Administrative Services in Corpus Christi and was named interim city manager last year. The longtime municipal employee has more than 25 years of experience in city government. In addition to her work in Corpus Christi, Rose was also a city manager in Inkster, Michigan.

M.D. Anderson reports stolen laptop has patient information

Officials with the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston report a laptop was recently stolen from a faculty member's home. The laptop contained information on approximately 30,000 patients, including names, treatment and research information, and Social Security numbers. Specific medical information on about 10,000 individuals was on the unencrypted computer that was stolen in late April.

An M.D. Anderson representative said there is no indication that the laptop was stolen for the information it contained. He also noted that M.D. Anderson is already taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future, including encrypting all of the facility's computers. The stolen laptop has not yet been recovered. Affected patients are being notified of the breech and credit monitoring services will be offered.

Brownwood moving forward

with plan for new fire station

The Brownwood City Council recently awarded a $304,200 contract to Brown Reynolds Watford for architectural and engineering services for the design of the city's proposed new fire station. The firm specializes in the design of fire stations. Preliminary cost estimates have the new fire station price tag at $2.95 million.

Texas Tech University ISD selects Taliaferro as superintendent

The Texas Tech University Independent School District (TTUISD) has chosen Jim Taliaferro (pictured) as its new superintendent, effective Aug. 1. Taliaferro retired from the Slaton ISD in January of this year, after having served as superintendent there for seven years. Taliaferro holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Wichita State University, a master's from West Texas State University and a doctorate from Texas Tech.

TTUISD was established in 1993 by the State Board of Education and has more than 2,900 full-time students and 8,530 supplemental students through supplemental and home school curriculum.

Blain announces resignation

from Liberty-Eylau ISD

Nick Blain (pictured), superintendent of the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District, has announced his resignation. The school board met in closed session, after which Blain's letter of resignation was read by Board Member Christina Walker.

Denton selects Gibbs as interim director of libraries

Terri Gibbs, branch manager of Denton's Emily Fowler Central Library, has been named interim Director of Libraries for the city. She will fill in for former director Eva D. Poole, who has accepted the post of chief of staff for the District of Columbia Public Library. Gibbs will continue her duties at the branch library while serving in her interim post.

Gibbs has been branch manager of the Fowler library since June 2008. She started her career with the city in 2007 as senior librarian at the Denton South Branch Library. Prior to her affiliation with the city of Denton, she was assistant director for the Ardmore, Oklahoma, Public Library from 2005 to 2007 and children's librarian and assistant director for the Chickasha, Oklahoma, library from 2002-2005. She holds a bachelor's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Master of Library Information Science from the University of Oklahoma.

Harlandale ISD selects Madrigal

as interim superintendent

A new interim superintendent has been named for the Harlandale Independent School District. Rey Madrigal (pictured), assistant superintendent for operations, was named to the interim post for up to six months. He was one of two internal candidates for the interim post, the other being Samantha Gallegos, director of secondary curriculum.

Madrigal will take over for Robert Jaklich, who announced his resignation last month. Madrigal graduated from Harlandale High School and was later a principal at the school. He has spent three decades in public education.

Denton's assistant city

manager Greene will retire

A 40-year career in municipal government will end in August with the retirement of Denton Assistant City Manager Fred Greene (pictured). Greene will leave his post after having been employed by the city since November 2007. He has been responsible for oversight of the Parks and Recreation, Library, Police, Fire and Planning and Development departments.

• Daniel F. Gilliam of Victoria, Texas School Safety Center Board;
• John Eckstrum of Montgomery, San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors;
• Joseph Stunja of Kingwood, San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors.

Morrison signs contract

as new Killeen city manager

Glenn Morrison (pictured), who served as interim city manager since the departure in March of last year of former City Manager Connie Green, has signed a contract as the city of Killeen's new city manager. Morrison has had his hands full over the last year, serving not only as interim and assistant city manager, but as director of community services as well. The one-year contract between Morrison and the city is set to renew automatically each year if no action is taken by the Council to remove Morrison.

Hutto chooses McGlothlin as

new director of human resources

Amy McGlothlin has been selected as the new director of human resources for the city of Hutto. McGlothlin has been with the city for nearly eight years and previously served as a human resources manager.

Bass to head Dallas County Emergency Services division

Boasting a career of more than 30 years of emergency management and homeland security experience, Douglas Bass (pictured) has been chosen as the new Chief of Emergency Services for Dallas County. Bass most recently served in the South Florida Water Management District, but also previously served as the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director for Miami-Dade County (Florida), Fairfax County (Virginia) and Onslow County (North Carolina).

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins hailed Bass for his "impressive resume in the field of emergency management" and for bringing a wealth of experience to Dallas County.  "We are fortunate to have one of the top emergency management officials in the country lead our Homeland Security and Emergency Management department," said Jenkins.

Bonham superintendent

Cruse leaving for another job

Bonham Independent School District Superintendent Sonny Cruse recently announced he will be leaving BISD. Cruse has accepted the deputy superintendent position in the Huntsville ISD. Cruse, who has been with the Bonham ISD for five years, will continue to serve Bonham ISD until the end of July.

Abshier selected as lone superintendent finalist in Liberty

Dr. Cody Abshier (pictured), who has served the last four years as the principal and superintendent at the pre-K-8 grade Devers ISD, has been named lone finalist for Liberty ISD superintendent. After a mandatory 21-day waiting period, Abshier will be offered a contract. He would succeed Dr. Cynthia Lusignolo, who left Liberty ISD to become superintendent of the Texas City ISD.

Abshier is a Liberty High School graduate and taught fifth grade for nine years in that district after doing his student teaching there. He later served as a junior high school teacher in Devers for three years and then was middle school principal for eight years in Anahuac before taking his current job in Devers. Abshier holds bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Lamar University.

Bellmead chooses Thomas

to serve as new city manager

Everett "Bo" Thomas, city manager for the city of Page, Arizona, has been tapped as new city manager for the city of Bellmead. Thomas will undergo a background check before the hire is official. He has been with the city of Page for the last 10 years and is expected to begin with Bellmead on July 9.