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Perry names Buddy Garcia to TCEQ

Key appointment as commission faces important decisions

Buddy Garcia

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed H.S. Buddy Garcia of Austin to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which establishes and oversees environmental regulations aimed at protecting air and water quality in Texas.

Garcia is currently Texas Deputy Secretary of State, a post in which he serves as one of the state's top ambassadors and promotes economic development. Garcia also works with the TECQ, the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission and their Mexican counterparts on numerous environmental concerns, including low-sulfur fuel initiatives. Garcia also serves as the border commerce coordinator, a position he has held since 2004.

He formerly served as deputy legislative director for the governor and special assistant to the governor for Texas/Mexico border affairs. As the governor's special assistant, he was instrumental in the negotiations between the State of Texas, the U.S. State Department and the Republic of Mexico with regard to water owed to Texas under a 1944 water treaty between the U.S. and Mexico.

Garcia is a past staff member of Sen. Eddie Lucio and was responsible for drafting legislation related to natural resources, agriculture and other issues. If he is confirmed by the Senate, his term will last through August, 2011.


Lone Star

Charles Rodriguez

Lieutenant General Charles G. Rodriguez· Adjutant General of Texas

Career highlights and education: As a military reservist, it has been an honor to serve in both a civilian status as a higher education executive for more than 20 years and concurrently as a career military officer for more than 31 years. Academic degrees include a BS from West Point, MA from Wheaton College, an MBA, and a PhD in Philanthropic Leadership.

What I like best about my job is: Visiting our Guardsmen in the field and on deployment and then welcoming them home after jobs very well done.

Best advice I've ever received for my current job: "The day when our memories become more important than our dreams is the day when our organization begins to suffer from our leadership." --- Dr. Michael Hammer, author and organizational coach, President of Hammer and Company, speaking at the Air National Guard Senior Leadership Conference, December 11, 2006.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Seek out the challenging line and field assignments and complete every educational and professional development opportunity you can manage.

People would be surprised to know that I: once played the accordion.

One thing I wished more people knew about my job: While I work for the governor as a state agency director, I also serve as a federally-recognized general officer.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Fire & Blood (A History of Mexico), 1995, by T.R. Fehrenbach, because it provides an in-depth look at the culture of Mexico and how it came to be.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker in state government. If you would like to suggest a “Lone Star,” please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. We’re also interested in hearing about promotions, reorganizations, awards or other news related to work inside Texas state agencies. Drop us a line!


Increased authority at OIG sought

Rep. Dawna Dukes this week filed a bill giving more authority and independence to the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Office of Inspector General. While the OIG currently operates under the HHSC to investigate fraud, waste and abuse, HB 668 would allow the office to operate independently in its investigations of human services-related wrong-doing.

The bill, which stipulates that the Inspector General would be appointed by the governor for a two-year term, also would give broad rule-making authority to the OIG "including rules to address the imposition of sanctions and penalties for violations and due process requirements for imposing sanctions and penalties."

To read the full text of the bill, click here.


Perry sending more troops to the border

Gov. Rick Perry this week announced the deployment of another 600 Texas National Guard troops to the border for phase two of a state-led border security operation.

Known as Operation Wrangler, the latest border security effort involves federal, state and local ground, air and water-borne assets, including more than 6,800 personnel, 2,200 vehicles, 48 helicopters, 33 fixed wing aircraft and 35 patrol ships, according to the governor's office.

The operation is a continuation of state efforts that started last year to prevent and disrupt criminal activity on the border.


Legislative initiatives address cancer

Lawmakers took aim at cancer in separate initiatives unveiled this week.

A report showing a high incidence of cancer near the Houston Ship Channel prompted a proposal from Sen. Mario Gallegos and Rep. Jessica Farrar calling for better monitoring of air contaminants and enforcement of air pollution rules. A study, funded by Houston's health department and the Centers for Disease Control, found children living within two miles of the Ship Channel had a 56 percent higher risk of contracting acute lymphocytic leukemia than children living more than 10 miles from the channel.

Sen. Jane Nelson announced her intention to seek legislative approval for $3 billion in publicly-backed bonds to find a cure for cancer in the next decade. Supporters said the investment would have a significant economic development impact, creating trillions of dollars in wealth and making Texas the "epicenter" of cancer research.


Prison construction, alternatives debated

Sen. John Whitmire and Rep. Jerry Madden this week unveiled proposals aimed at curbing recidivism that is driving prison overcrowding.

However, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said he believes the state will probably need to build prisons holding at least 4,000 new beds as requested by state prison officials.

While Texas has traditionally kept pace with the prison population by building new prisons, Whitmire and Madden said they believe new programs offering parenting advice, anger management and job skills will better deter crime.

"If you give people the tools to become better citizens when they leave prison, and don't just lock them up and then let them out, it makes so much more sense," said Whitmire. "Public safety is the No. 1 priority in whatever we do, and if we can enhance public safety and save money, that would make the most sense."

The programs touted by Whitmire and Madden would provide home nurses for new mothers, anger management skills for teenagers and expand basic business education for prison inmates. In addition, the lawmakers will propose an FDA-approved program that uses a combination of drugs, nutritional supplements and counseling to address substance abuse issues.

But Dewhurst said the state's population growth demands more prison capacity. "We haven't built any new prison beds in Texas for a number of years, and our population is exploding," said Dewhurst. "I don't - and the people of Texas don't - want to have dangerous people on our streets, and that's what we're going to prevent."


Key LBB recommendations published this week

The Legislative Budget Board staff published recommendations in two key areas this week. Both will play important roles in the legislative session.

The 500+ page Texas State Government Effectiveness and Efficiency Report contains 58 recommendations that span the gamut from employee and retiree benefits to improving state procurement practices. Other key areas include tax policy, health and human services, health insurance, public and higher education, criminal justice, natural resources, and business and economic development.

Their proposed budget takes several forms from detailed recommendations to a summary of budgetary estimates. This proposed budget becomes formally introduced as HB1 and SB1. SB1 by Sen. Steve Ogden is available. HB1 will not be introduced until a chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is appointed by the Speaker.


Abbott announces agency changes

Greg Abbott

Attorney General Gregg Abbott this week announced that he has asked Casey Hoffman, the current Deputy Attorney General for Children and Families, to assume a newly-created position, Executive First Assistant Attorney General. Hoffman will oversee the Families and Children Divisions, as well as a number of the administrative functions of the agency. In other new assignments, Abbott announced:

  • Alicia Keys has been named Deputy Attorney General for Child Support.
  • Deputy First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Rose will assume oversight of the following litigation divisions: Consumer Protection & Public Health, Antitrust & Civil Medicaid Fraud, and Natural Resources.
  • The promotion of David Morales to Deputy Attorney for Civil Litigation with oversight for the following divisions: Administrative Law, Bankruptcy & Collections, Financial Litigation, General Litigation, Law Enforcement Defense, Tort Litigation, Tax, and Transportation.
  • Employment Law Manager Henry de la Garza will assume Morales' previous duties as the AG's attorney ombudsman and ethics advisor.
  • Eric Nichols, a former Assistant United States Attorney, has assumed the role of Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice.
  • Don Clemmer will serve as a Special Assistant for Criminal Justice, focusing on the prosecutorial divisions and serving as legal advisors to Nichols.
  • Daniel Hodge has been named Chief of Staff.

UT gets record gift for children's health

Fransisco Cigarroa

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has received a $25 million gift for children's health research, one of the largest gifts ever received by the University of Texas System.

Bill Greehey, chairman of Valero Energy Corp., made the gift through his family foundation.

Officials aid it was the single largest private gift ever received by UTSA and one of the largest ever received in the University of Texas System's history. They believe the donation will lead to breakthrough discoveries that will have a major impact on children's health around the world. The $25 million will be allocated toward four major initiatives:

  • $12 million will go toward the development of state-of-the-art cancer research laboratories;
  • $5 million will assist the university in recruiting high-caliber clinicians and scientists;
  • $4 million will be used for scholarships to attract students interested in the fields of children's health;
  • $4 million will support community outreach programs geared toward pediatric patients and their families.
  • Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa (pictured) called it a "transformational gift" to the university and one that will help make the Children's Cancer Research Institute one of the nation's premier children's cancer research facilities.


    UT-Dallas gets $5 million Pickens gift

    Boone Pickens

    Dallas oilman T. Boone Pickens has donated $5 million to the University of Texas at Dallas to fund brain research at the university.

    The gift will make possible the new faculty, facilities and research programs at a new Center for BrainHealth, said the center's director, Dr. Sandra Chapman. The university will also establish a T. Boone Pickens Distinguished Chair in Clinical Brain Science and the T. Boone Pickens Virtual Learning Center.

    "You can't help but be impressed by the research going on at the UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth and their commitment to lead the way nationally in this very important field," said Pickens."Top to bottom, I think they are putting in place the team that will lead to new breakthroughs in autism, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's and other significant brain issues."


    New judgeships proposed for immigration caseloads

    U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison this week proposed legislation to authorize 11 new federal judgeships for U.S. Districts in which more than 50 percent of their criminal cases are immigration cases. In the Southern District of Texas, the immigration case rate is 65 percent.

    "This bill will give these Southwestern Districts the resources they need to handle their overwhelming immigration caseloads," Hutchison said. "Often the offenders clogging the system have been caught multiple times or are wanted for other crimes. The backlog hinders our border security efforts and delays the swift delivery of justice to the accused and to their victims."

    The federal judgeship legislation follows the 2005 Judicial Conference recommendation for the four U.S. Districts overburdened with immigration caseloads. The four Districts - The Southern District of Texas, the Southern District of California, the District of New Mexico and the District of Arizona - all share a border with Mexico.


    Royse City gets new city hall

    Royse City officials are purchasing the town's First Baptist Church building and will turn it into the new City Hall.

    The city laid the groundwork for the purchase this fall with a series of inspections that found nothing to stop the project, according to City Secretary Brenda Craft.

    The move will allow the space at the current City Hall to become a police and municipal courts building to accommodate a growing police force.

    Officials are also considering using space at the new facility to house an expanded library. The purchase will also provide meeting space for local civic organizations.


    Report: Denton roads deteriorating

    Pete Kamp

    A report to the Denton City Council has strongly recommended that officials invest a significantly greater amount of funds for maintenance and adopt stricter design standards to halt the rapid deterioration of Denton roads.

    "It is shocking the condition some of our roads are in, and if there's one thing all the council members get calls about, it is the condition of our streets," Denton Mayor Pro Tem Pete Kamp said. "The unfortunate fact is that we do not have the funding to even keep up with the repairs."

    According to the report, "Unless major changes in the street maintenance program are made soon, the street system will deteriorate to an unacceptable level and reasonable options for addressing the issue may not be available."

    The city spends about $2.5 million per year on street maintenance but should be spending about $18.2 million, an annual shortfall of nearly $16 million, the report estimated.


    Paris gets new leadership

    Ernie Clark of Tyler has been hired as interim city manager of Paris, where the municipal government has been plagued by a high rate of turnover.

    The city council also recently hired Kent McIlyar of Dallas as city attorney. He will fill a position that has been vacant for more than a year. McIlyar has served a combined 14 years on legal staffs for Plano and Dallas and has also worked in the private sector providing contract legal services for small municipalities.

    Meanwhile, the Paris Economic Development Corporation recently voted to hire Peter D. Kampfer of Quay County, N.M., to serve as PEDC executive director and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce president.


    Dallas to light up with green energy

    Dallas city officials this week announced a program to light nearly half of the street lights in the City of Dallas with renewable "green power."

    "This is a reflection of Dallas' commitment to using clean, renewable energy wherever and whenever possible," said Interim Energy Manager Jesse Dillard. "Shifting to green power for our energy needs is better for the environment, and makes sense."

    Under the pilot program approved by the city council, the city will purchase 30 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits from the Texas General Land Office, which will provide power for 34,000 of the city's street lights, starting in mid-February. The renewable credits guarantee the power will originate from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass or low-impact hydropower sources in Texas.

    According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, conventional electricity generation is one of the largest industrial sources of air pollution.


    Texas nursing shortage called critical

    The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies Advisory Committee has recommended that the Texas Legislature appropriate $52 million to address a critical nursing shortage in the state.

    The current nursing workforce is aging and retiring early at a time when the patient population is growing. Meanwhile, enrollment in nursing school has been declining.

    The advisory committee suggested that funds be distributed among professional nursing programs throughout the state to increase capacity, increase the number of faculty positions and to offer financial aid to students pursuing nursing careers.


    UH-Clear Lake studies Pearland campus

    William Staples

    The University of Houston-Clear Lake is considering a Pearland campus to offer advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

    Under a preliminary proposal, the city of Pearland would donate 40 acres to the project, and UH-Clear Lake and the city would share space in a proposed 30,000-square-foot building.

    The Pearland City Council last month reviewed a draft agreement that calls for the university to occupy 20,000 square feet of the proposed building, while the city would have 10,000 square feet, which it would share with the Pearland Economic Development Corp.

    The city plans to divide its space into 3,000 square feet for office space for the development corporation and 7,000 square feet for a conference center.

    "We look forward to continuing our discussions with city of Pearland administrators to bring this plan to fruition," said UH-Clear Lake President William Staples (photo by Beryl Striewski Photography).


    Nine Southeast Texas Counties to get SBA assistance

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted Gov. Rick Perry's request to provide federal disaster assistance to Hardin and Newton counties due to severe storms and flooding that began in mid-October. The decision automatically makes the neighboring Texas counties of Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Orange, Polk, Sabine and Tyler eligible for the same assistance.

    The designation means that homeowners, renters and businesses in all nine counties will be eligible to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans.

    "I am pleased that Southeast Texans whose homes or businesses were damaged in these severe storms are eligible for this much-needed assistance," Perry said.

    Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000; renters and homeowners can borrow up to $40,000 for personal property losses; and businesses can borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace real estate assets, machinery and equipment, business inventory and other business assets damaged in the storms. The loans are offered at low interest rates for terms up to 30 years.


    Task force targets unfunded mandates

    Mary Scott Nabers

    By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

    A long-awaited report from the property tax appraisal task force appointed by Gov. Rick Perry makes sweeping suggestions aimed at reducing the pain and frustration homeowners feel when they open tax bills. And, the task force took aim at one underlying cause of rising local property taxes - unfunded mandates, those state and federal requirements thrust upon local entities without any accompanying revenue to defray costs.

    In his message to Perry and the Legislature, task force chairman Tom Pauken poignantly noted that the "stealth tax" of rising property appraisals has caused pain to Texas families. The report pointed to skyrocketing property taxes that have forced some from their homes. As the task force traveled the state, its members heard troubling stories from every locale: families in El Paso selling their homes and moving across the border to New Mexico; Wharton County families selling homes that have been in the family for generations because they can no longer pay property taxes; working class families in coastal communities forced out by huge increases in appraised values and property taxes.

    "Frustration and anger among taxpayers in Texas is mounting," Pauken said.

    The task force's recommendations are controversial and will generate heated debate in the legislature. For instance, there is a suggested requirement to publicly disclose all home sales prices. A 5 percent cap on the increase in property tax revenues that local governments can collect is also advocated. Both recommendations will be met with opposition from numerous diverse groups.

    But the task force took an even bolder step and aimed one interesting suggestion directly at legislators. The report urges elected officials to adopt a ban prohibiting future unfunded mandates.

    In making such a recommendation, the report pointed to some specific examples. For instance, adult probation services ordered by the state have forced Texas counties to increase local government spending in this area by 88 percent. Meanwhile, decreased state funding for judges has cost numerous counties untold sums; in Dallas County alone, the increased cost is estimated at $75,000 annually.

    Legislators will carefully examine the recommendations, and then attempt to balance tax relief with numerous other factors including challenges faced by local governments. One can only guess at the possible outcome. It is possible, but not certain by any means, that lawmakers might even find a way to retire that unfortunate phrase - unfunded mandates - from our lexicon.


    FW mayor named to homeland security task force

    Mike Moncrief

    Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief has been appointed to the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Homeland Security Task Force.

    "The City of Fort Worth has a great deal of experience and expertise when it comes to emergency response and public safety. I believe we have a lot to offer to the national discussion about securing the homeland," said Moncrief. "Being present at the table on this and other committees is extremely important in representing the city's interests on policies and regulations that greatly affect our way of life."

    The task force is made up of mayors and security experts from across the country. In the upcoming meeting, the task force is expected to hear a presentation on new homeland security legislation in the Senate.


    UNT to get new provost

    Howard Johnson

    University of North Texas provost Howard Johnson, who is a finalist for president of Florida A&M University, will become a special assistant to Chancellor Lee Jackson.

    UNT President Gretchen Bataille has appointed Gary S. Krahenbuhl, formerly senior vice president at Arizona State University, to serve as UNT's interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, while the university conducts a national search to fill the position.

    As Jackson's assistant, Johnson will help the university improve how it addresses student access and its graduation rate.


    Navarro to get new superintendent

    The Navarro Independent School District this week named Dee Carter, who has been serving in an interim capacity, as its lone finalist for superintendent.

    Board president David Reiley said Carter "brings in financial insight that is very helpful to the district. And her experience is unmatched."

    Prior to her service in Navarro, Carter worked as the superintendent of Seguin ISD and as interim superintendent for Santa Gertrudis ISD in Kingsville.


    Greenville city manager retires

    Karen Daly

    Greenville city manager Karen Daly retired this week after a three-year tenure.

    "It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Greenville," Daly said. "I have been honored to work with a professional group of City employees who are committed to doing an outstanding job for this community and its residents."

    Prior to her service in Greenville, Daly was assistant city manager for the City of Longview. During her tenure in Greenville, she achieved several goals, including lowering the city's property tax rate by 3.5 cents.


    Henderson gets interim schools chief

    Bobby Brown, formerly the business director and assistant superintendent at Henderson ISD, has been hired as interim superintendent until a replacement is found for departing Superintendent Tommy Alexander.

    Brown, who has retired from the district, has served as interim school superintendent previously -- in June 2000, when Superintendent Jo Velvin retired.

    HISD board members recently hired an outside auditor to review procurement and expenditure procedures.


    Rivercrest school get new superintendent

    Harleton Superintendent Rick Logan will depart his post soon to take over as head of Rivercrest Independent School District.

    "I have agreed to accept the position at Rivercrest," said Logan, who was named lone finalist for the job in Rivercrest. "I graduated from high school there. I taught and coached there my first three years of my educational career. I'm just returning home."


    Leander superintendent to retire

    Tom Glenn

    After 20 years as head of Leander schools, Superintendent Tom Glenn this week informed his school board he would retire at the end of 2007.

    "I am very proud of our school district, and proud of my association with it," Glenn said. "I have complete trust and faith in the board of trustees to carry the district forward."

    Glenn has been involved in education for more than 33 years.


    White urges business leaders to conserve energy

    Bill White

    Saying lower fuel costs are good not only for consumers' pocketbooks, but also for business, Houston Mayor Bill White called upon business leaders to reduce the region's power and fuel use by 5 percent over the next 5 years.

    Speaking this week to the Greater Houston Partnership, White said Houston could be a national leader in conservation by employing a mix of education, incentives and new standards for construction to reduce fuel consumption.

    White pointed to a city program encouraging weatherization. A targeted neighborhood saw a 20 percent reduction in electricity consumption after simple upgrades to homes, such as window caulking, weather stripping on doors and attic insulation.

    With new federal and state revenue, White said that program could be expanded this year. He said he had set a five-year goal to cover 10 percent of Houston's homes, as many as 30,000 residences, for the weatherization program.


    SPI seeks additional K-12 consultants in Texas

    SPI is looking for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has an immediate need for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena.

    To apply for a part-time K-12 consulting position at SPI please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put Application for K-12 Consultant in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

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    DIR user forum slated for this week

    The Texas Department of Information Resources will hold an interactive forum on upcoming opportunities and current initiatives at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the GTC Southwest 2007. This free event will be open to anyone involved in planning, procurement and use of technology resources who is employed by a state agency, public college or university, public school district, city, county or other state-funded entity. For an agenda, click here.


    State government Internet security forum scheduled

    The 7th Annual Internet Security Forum will be held Wednesday, March 28, at the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The Department of Information Resources is currently seeking input on topics to be addressed. For more information, click here.