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Perry names Robert Scott new education chiefPolicy adviser had been filling in as interim education commissioner
The first order of business for newly appointed Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott (pictured) is to reorganize the state's 915-employee education agency, a move designed to strengthen its oversight of the financial and academic performance of public schools.
Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday named Scott, an attorney and longtime policy adviser, to lead the Texas Education Agency. As education commissioner, he will oversee the state's 4.6 million-student education system and an annual administrative budget of $123 million. For four years Scott, 38, oversaw the day-to-day operations of the agency as chief deputy commissioner. Most recently, he had been filling in as interim commissioner since Shirley Neeley left the job in July. Scott was considered the top contender for the post. He has been Perry's senior adviser for public education, an education advisor in the Texas Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and an advisor to former education commissioners Mike Moses and Jim Nelson. [more]Lanier new head of Council on Competitive Government
Dustin Lanier (pictured) has been named director of the Texas Council on Competitive Government (TCCG), which reviews functions of state agencies and looks for ways to make government more effective through efficiencies and cost savings. Among the tools the council and state agencies use to realize those efficiencies are outsourcing, public-private partnerships and assessments of whether some services should be provided in-house by the agency or by private contractor. The Council includes the governor, lieutenant governor, state comptroller, land commissioner, Speaker of the House, Labor Commissioner of the Texas Workforce Commission and the board chair of the Texas Facilities Commission. Prior to assuming the director's role at TCCG, which is effective next week, Lanier was the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). At DIR, he was responsible for strategic planning and the development of statewide technology policy, and was integral in many of the change efforts led by DIR over the last three years. Immediately prior to joining DIR, Lanier served as Special Assistant for Technology Policy to Gov. Rick Perry. Lanier has both private and public sector experience in the technology industry, and is a graduate of Duke University. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Susan Johnson, associate commissioner, Texas Health and Human Services CommissionCareer highlights and education: EWTG (Executive Women in Texas Government) Woman of the Year, obtaining my doctoral degree, and becoming associate commissioner. What I like best about my job is: My job gives me an opportunity to really make a difference in peoples' lives. Each day, staff and clients know that they can call on my office to assist them in resolving their problems or concerns, no matter if it is related to benefits and services, or personnel matters. The best advice I've received for my current job: Pick your battles. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Volunteer for new and challenging opportunities. Even if those opportunities are outside of your comfort zone, give it a try and see what valuable lessons will be gained or growth will be achieved. You never know what doors will be opened just because you took that one step. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: You will find me browsing the stores for great bargains, or having some "grandmother-time" with my precious grandson. People would be surprised to know that: Although I do a moderate amount of public speaking and dealing with the public, I am actually an introvert. One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is an agency committed to the people of Texas, particularly those individuals in need of financial, medical and protective help. The Commission draws its strength from the long and rich histories of the agencies that make up health and human services; and clients receive the best care and service possible because of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by thousands of agency workers around the state. Moreover, this agency and its partners are continually seeking ways to improve the delivery of services so that our clients have what they need when they need it. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. TABC promotes three to captain positions
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has promoted three individuals to the rank of captain in various regions of the state. New captains are Hank Blanchard (right) in the Lubbock Region, Robert Saenz (middle) in the Austin Region and Sonja Pendergast (left) in the Dallas Region. Blanchard, a veteran of more than 20 years with TABC, has been selected as captain of Region 1, which includes Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Angelo, Wichita Falls and surrounding areas. Since joining TABC in January 1986, Blanchard has been stationed in Houston, Lubbock, Odessa and Amarillo. Before joining the agency, Blanchard was the operations manager of a family-owned ranching and farming business in the Childress area. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University. His promotion was effective Sept. 10. Pendergast was selected as captain of Region 2 that includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Longview and surrounding areas. She began her career with TABC in 1986 and has since been stationed in the Victoria, Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston offices. She holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Her promotion is effective Oct. 1. Saenz began serving as Region 4's captain on Sept. 10. The region includes Austin, Waco, Victoria and surrounding areas. Before starting his career as an agent with TABC in 1993 in the Galveston office and the Del Rio Outpost, Saenz was a detective for the Del Rio Police Department. He was promoted to sergeant for the TABC Odessa District in 2002 and has served as lieutenant for the Austin District since 2004. Saenz holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University. Dauster to head governmental affairs at DSHS
Nick Dauster (pictured) has been named Director of Governmental Affairs at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Dauster has been in the Governmental Affairs Unit of DSHS since its inception in 2004 and was in the same position for two years prior at the then-Texas Department of Health. He succeeds Kirk Cole, who was promoted to Director of the Center for Consumer and External Affairs at DSHS. Prior to his employment with TDH and DSHS, Dauster was a legislative aide in the Texas Senate for six years, working for two state senators. He was also a policy analyst for the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and worked four years in the Office of Program Integrity at the Texas Department of Human Services. Dauster also worked in the federal government as a congressional aide to a Texas member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dauster holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master's from The University of Texas at Austin. Employee Retirement System hires Mireles as CIO
The Employee Retirement System of Texas has named Mel Mireles (pictured) as its new Chief Information Officer, effective Oct. 30. Mireles is currently CEO of a technology consulting firm, where he oversees day-to-day business operations of the company as well as technical activities. Mireles is no stranger to Texas state government, with 20 years of government experience. He served as director of the Enterprise Operations Division of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) before signing on with the consulting firm. While at DIR, he directed the Texas Information Technology Security Office and led the development of the State's Information Technology Strategic Plan and Texas' statewide technology standards and guidelines. He also previously served as chief advisor to the Governor's Homeland Security Division concerning technology initiatives. Mireles was chief information officer at the Texas Railroad Commission, manager of IT Security Operations at the State Treasury and IS Auditor-in-Charge at the State Auditor's Office. Mireles holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) and is certified in Homeland Security, Level III (CHSIII). He is the president of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-sponsored organization, Infragard. Owens says new TYC infrastructure will support reform
In a state of turmoil following allegations of abuse of inmates at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), the agency is poised to make a recovery, according to the Conservator's Report from Conservator Ed Owens (right). Despite the resignation of the agency's executive director, removal of the agency's board and termination of some agency executives, out of what some perceived as "chaos," said Owens, a team of dedicated leaders arose to move toward transformation of the agency. A rehabilitation plan for the agency was produced after the abuse allegations surfaced and Owens said that the agency's staff has "made great strides in implementing reform initiatives," offered by the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee for TYC, the State Auditor's Investigative Report and the Conservator's Report. The TYC, he notes, now has a "solid infrastructure" to support the reform initiatives.
Because of his belief that "the success of an organization is the strength of leaders who facilitate the process," Owens supported the naming of Dimitria Pope (left) as acting executive director. The agency then paired persons with superior organizational skills and knowledge with those with strong juvenile justice backgrounds. New divisions, including a Youth Rights Department and Correctional Training, were created. Changing the culture of the agency and instituting an accountability system are key strategies in turning the agency around and protecting the youth in its care and custody, said Owens. However, he added, changing the culture at the agency "will not occur overnight, but must be an on-going process that instills a different value system into agency employees." Owens said current leadership and staff are doing an "admirable job in the midst of public criticism" and despite that criticism, the rehabilitation of the system is "challenging, but doable." Schenck appointed to Texas Lottery Commission
David J. Schenck (pictured) of Dallas has been appointed to the Texas Lottery Commission. The commission oversees the Texas Lottery and ensures that lottery and bingo games are conducted in a legal and fair manner. Gov. Rick Perry made the appointment this week. Schenck, an attorney and partner of Jones Day L.L.P., received a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Albany and a law degree from Baylor University School of Law. His term expires Feb. 1, 2013. Cornyn seeks more funds for Border Relief ProgramFunds could double - from $50 million to $100 million - for the federal Border Relief Program that distributes grants to help border law enforcement officials keep their communities and the nation's borders safe. An amendment by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (pictured) of Texas to double the program's funding is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's appropriations bill that is currently in a congressional conference committee. Conferees from the U.S. House and Senate will now try to iron out their differences on the bill, which would then go to the president.
If Cornyn's amendment stays attached through the conference committee and the bill is signed by the president, the Border Relief Program would see a significant increase in funding. The grants, which would be awarded from 2008-2012, are available to eligible law enforcement agencies to obtain equipment, hire additional personnel, upgrade and maintain law enforcement technology and to cover operational costs including overtime and transportation costs. Funds are available to agencies that serve communities of fewer than 50,000 and are located no more than 100 miles from a United States border with either Canada or Mexico. "The federal government has a responsibility to ensure border communities don't have to foot the bill when their local law enforcement officials support our security needs," said. Cornyn. "This program will help border sheriffs do the important work of keeping their local communities safe and contributing to border and national security." Deadline for grant program to feed homebound is nearThe postmark deadline for submitting a grant application to receive funding from the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program is Nov. 1. The program, created during the 80th legislative session, helps defray the cost of home-delivered meals not fully paid for by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) or the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The Legislature appropriated $20 million to fund the grant program for the next two years. To be eligible, an organization must be a non-profit or a governmental agency that is a direct provider of home-delivered meals. The entity also must receive a grant of 25 cents or less from a county where it is delivering meals for each person 60 years old or older. If the non-profit organization or agency serves multiple counties, it must submit a grant application for each county. On average, home-delivered meals usually cost between $3 and $6 for food and transportation. Under the grant program, TDA will be able to refund $1 per meal served during the last state fiscal year that was not supported by DADS or AAA funding. New state license cards being issued for professionals
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has begun issuing new license cards aimed at addressing licensee concerns and saving money. New cards for individuals are being issued when licenses are renewed. The previous embossed licenses drew complaints from licensees because the embossing made them hard to photocopy for work records. The new licenses are not embossed. "We are always looking for cost-effective ways of improving the services we offer while maintaining our budget," said William Kuntz (pictured), TDLR's executive director. Decreased costs for the 150,000 or so licenses issued each year will offset the increase in postal rates to send them out, said Kuntz. Those who would like to have the new cards before their renewal date can apply for a duplicate card. Texas Land Office expands natural gas grant programA $5 million grant program that encourages cities, counties, school districts and other public entities to switch fleet vehicles from diesel to clean-burning natural gas is expanding into 14 additional Texas counties, Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, recently announced. New to the program are counties in the Austin, San Antonio, Tyler and Longview areas. They join 20 counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Beaumont-Port Arthur and Houston-Galveston areas eligible for state grants to help cover the cost of replacing diesel fleet vehicles with natural gas-powered vehicles. A variety of vehicles - including street sweepers, forklifts, buses and garbage trucks - are eligible for the grants. The program is funded with a Texas Emissions Reduction Plan grant through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The newly formed Renewable Energy Division of the Land Office, which manages the program, is now accepting applications from public entities for the grants. For more information, contact the division at 512-463-9210. Border Trade Alliance supports opposition to border wallThe Border Trade Alliance (BTA) has thrown its support behind the Texas Border Coalition's (TBC) hard-line resolution to defeat the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's plan to build a fence along the Texas-Mexico border. BTA leaders, including incoming Chairman Art Macias (pictured), recently released a policy letter stating that they back the "important issues" raised by the TBC resolution demanding "smart and effective security" on the border. The TBC does not believe the federal proposal is a smart or effective way to secure the border.
"The BTA values the efforts of the Texas Border Coalition and looks forward to working with it to motivate policy makers in Washington to pursue solutions at the border that protect and enhance commerce as well as national security," the letter states. The BTA is comprised of corporations involved in international trade in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The TBC is made up of officials from cities and counties from El Paso to Brownsville. Congress has authorized $1.2 billion for about 700 miles of fencing along the United States-Mexico border. This would include about 330 miles of so-called virtual fence - a network of cameras, high-tech sensors, radar and other technology. The remaining 370 miles, primarily in more urban areas, are expected to have an actual, two-layer fence. State sales tax collections up 7 percent in SeptemberThe state took in $1.62 billion dollars in sales tax in September, a 7 percent increase over September 2006, according to Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. Combs sent $443.7 million in monthly sales tax payments to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, up 6.8 percent compared to last October. So far in 2007, local sales tax allocations are 6.9 percent higher than last year. "Growth in September sales tax collections slowed slightly, but continue to increase at a healthy rate," Combs said. "Receipts from the mining, manufacturing and retail sectors continue to demonstrate the current strength of the Texas economy." To view the sales tax allocations throughout Texas by city, click here. To view sales tax allocations by county, click here. Harris County favors Atascocita for youth facility
Harris County officials are throwing their support behind building a juvenile detention center in Atascocita in that county. The officials are asking the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) to build the facility on property there previously designated for a detention facility. One of the urgings of the Texas Legislature regarding reform of the troubled TYC was to build a facility in a metropolitan area so young people from those areas who had to be incarcerated would be closer to their families. The closest TYC facility to the Houston area is 100 miles. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett (pictured) said since most of the youth offenders are not incarcerated more than a few months, it would be better to keep them "in our own neighborhood" rather than in facilities in rural areas of Texas. One of the constitutional amendments on the November ballot in Texas would provide for the sale of general obligation bonds for a number of state construction and rehabilitation projects, among them a new metropolitan area TYC facility. Army Corps awards $92 million for trauma centerThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Monday awarded a $92 million contract for a new battlefield trauma center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. The concept of the medical center is to help integrate combat care research with other functions of the military. The award is the largest so far in the San Antonio Base Realignment and Closure program. Local military installations are expected to add as many as 11,000 new military and federal employees in the next several years. New construction is expected to cost $600 million. Texas academicians on Gore's Nobel Peace Prize team
A Texas A&M University agricultural economics professor and an atmospheric researcher at Texas Tech University (TTU) were among a team of hundreds that won a Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice President and environmentalist Al Gore for its work on an international committee studying global warming and its effects. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established in 1988 to evaluate the risk of climate change caused by humans, was awarded the prize for its most recent report on global warming. The group publishes an updated report every five years, and this year the report consisted of four books - the science of climate change, effects of climate change, mitigation and a summary. A&M Regents Professor Bruce McCarl (right) served as the lead author for a chapter focusing on agriculture and mitigation. Katharine Hayhoe (left), associate professor in the Department of Geosciences at TTU served as one of the reviewers for the massive international analysis. The prize was awarded jointly last Friday to Gore and team members. $5.3 million awarded for drug, violence preventionGov. Rick Perry has awarded $5.3 million in grants to 85 programs dedicated to drug and violence prevention and the development of student academic achievement. Funds are provided through the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund and are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). "Giving our students the opportunity to learn and grow in a protected environment is essential to the development and productivity of Texas youth," Perry said. "These grants promote safe communities and schools by supporting students' academic advancement and programs that will encourage them to make positive decisions toward becoming productive citizens." To find out more about the grants and which organizations won them, click here. Fitzpatrick is interim graduate dean at Lamar University
Oney Fitzpatrick (pictured), a 16-year faculty veteran, has been named interim dean of graduate studies at Lamar University. He succeeds Jerry Bradley, who is now teaching full time in the Department of English and Modern Languages. Fitzpatrick joined the Lamar faculty in 1991. He served as assistant professor of psychology, chair of the Department of Psychology and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Fitzpatrick earned a bachelor's degree from Wooster College and master's degree from the University of Dayton. Fitzpatrick holds a doctorate from the University of Houston. Highway 121 toll project wins environmental clearanceThe federal government issued an environmental clearance Wednesday for the State Highway 121 toll road project. The clearance was required before the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) could sign the project agreement already negotiated and agreed to by the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). NTTA, which is committed to paying $3.3 billion for the road contract, has signed the agreement and is waiting for TxDOT's signature. Now that the project has federal clearance, TxDOT is expected to sign the agreement, giving NTTA 45 days to close its financing and make the upfront payments. The payments are in return for the right to build the 26-mile toll road in Collin and Denton counties and collect tolls for the next 50 years. Already, local governments in North Texas have proposed hundreds of transportation projects that would be paid for by the money NTTA has promised to pay. HUD awards grants for rural housing programsThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $1.2 million in grants to Texas rural housing programs in Brownsville, El Paso, El Cenizo and New Caney. The funding is part of $16.8 million in grants provided nationwide through HUD's Rural Housing and Economic Development Program. In exchange for the grant funds, the four communities are expected to leverage more than $1.8 million from other public and private sources to promote economic development, create jobs and produce more affordable housing. SHSU wins seventh National Science Foundation grant
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has received a seventh National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for $599,980 for a four-year program called Peers Enhancing their Education through Research and Scholarship. The seven grants awarded to SHSU over the years total $2 million. "NSF grants are one of the true gold standards for scientific research in the academy," said David Payne (pictured), provost and vice president for academic affairs at SHSU. "The growth in the number of such grants is a clear sign of the increasing quality of leading-edge scientific research being conducted here." The National Science Foundation funds specific research proposals that have been judged the most promising in the United States by a rigorous and objective merit-review system. Khator sole finalist for UH chancellor, UH president
Dr. Renu Khator (pictured), vice president at the University of South Florida, has been selected as the only finalist for the University of Houston (UH) System chancellor and UH president positions. UH System Board of Regents Chairman Welcome Wilson made the announcement Monday following a vote by the board. Texas law requires that the board give public notice at least 21 days prior to a meeting in which final action is taken on the employment of a university chancellor or president. The board can meet anytime on or after Nov. 5 and vote to confirm Khator. If confirmed, she will become the third person to hold the dual title of UH System chancellor and UH president. She follows Arthur Smith, who retired in 2003, and Jay Gogue, who recently became president of Auburn University. She would begin serving in January 2008. Interim Chancellor and President John M. Rudley will continue to serve until Khator takes office. Panel recommends development of UT's Brackenridge
West Austin land owned by The University of Texas and occupied by a municipal golf course and student apartments should be developed to earn money to further the university's educational mission, a 10-member panel recommended to the UT System Board of Regents last week. The panel urged the regents to hire a planning firm to develop a master plan to guide future uses of the property known as the Brackenridge Tract. Final decisions on how to develop the land will be up to the regents. James Huffines (pictured), chairman of the regents, appointed the Brackenridge Tract Task Force last year to recommend ways to utilize the property to the maximum benefit of the university. The land was donated to the university in 1910 by Col. George Washington Brackenridge, a banker and philanthropist who served as a regent for more than 25 years. Southwestern University receives $150,000 grantSouthwestern University in Georgetown has received a $150,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The three-year grant will be used to fund collaborative programs among faculty members. The collaborative projects will focus on one of five areas: community-based learning, diversity, research, study abroad or teaching strategies. Prairie View A&M receives $1 million NSF grant
Prairie View A&M University has been awarded a $1 million three-year education research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will be used to identify and evaluate the factors that contribute to the success of academically gifted black students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at black colleges and universities. Faculty members Felecia McInnis Nave (right) and Sherri S. Frizell (left) with Prairie View A&M's College of Engineering will partner with three faculty members with the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University to conduct the study. Three new names proposed for college districtThe finalists in the search for a new name for the North Harris Montgomery Community College District are: Lone Star College, North Horizon College and North Star College.
The three finalists were chosen from 350 suggestions submitted by students, faculty and residents. The finalists were culled by a name review committee. The district's board of trustees will make the final selection later in the year. But until then, residents can submit reviews of the finalists by clicking here. The district is comprised of five colleges. But because of the district's cumbersome name, residents of the north Houston community have trouble identifying with the district as an entity. Richard Carpenter (pictured), chancellor of the college district, said he hopes that a less bulky name will help north Houston residents associate their community with the district and boost the district's branding campaign in the next bond election. Harris County DA to retry ousted TSU President Slade
Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal said Tuesday that he will retry former Texas Southern University (TSU) President Priscilla Slade (pictured) for criminal financial mismanagement. Slade's almost two-month trial on a charge of misapplication of fiduciary property ended in a mistrial last Friday after jurors said they were deadlocked. Prosecutors said Slade misspent more than $500,000 in university funds to make extravagant purchases for her homes, including $138,000 on landscaping and $100,000 in furniture and other home decorations. University regents terminated her contract in June 2006 following an internal audit of her expenses. Defense attorney Mike DeGeurin has maintained that no crime was committed. He has said that the costs were reasonable and necessary for Slade to improve the school. Two from San Antonio named to Institute of Medicine
Dr. Amelie Ramirez (left) and Dr. Cynthia Mulrow (right) were recently elected to the Institute of Medicine by the National Academies, independent advisors to the nation on science, engineering and medicine. Ramirez is known as a leader in cancer disparity research affecting Hispanics and other populations while Mulrow is a well-known leader in evidence synthesis, systematic reviews and practice guidelines in medicine. They are two of four from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio who have been named to the Institute of Medicine, among them the center's President Dr. Francisco Cigarroa. Ramirez is a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Health Science Center and director of outreach and health care disparities at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC). Mulrow is a clinical professor of medicine at the Health Science Center, is deputy editor of the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, and mentors junior faculty at medical schools throughout the country in her role as program director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Generalist Physician Faculty Scholars Program. Town hall meetings to focus on improving education
The E3 Alliance, an Austin-based coalition of area college officials and researchers, is determined to elevate the quality of education for Central Texas students and close achievement gaps among ethnic, geographic and other student groups. Improving education is key to a strong local economy, according to the alliance, which by 2009 plans to unveil a list of data-driven, community-supported reforms to attack the roots of problems that keep students from succeeding. To elicit suggestions from Central Texas residents, the alliance is holding a series of town hall meetings in Austin, Bastrop, Eanes, Manor, Round Rock and San Marcos beginning on Oct. 22. For more information about these meetings, click here. Austin eyeing Home Depot for municipal court buildingThe Austin City Council has authorized the city's real estate department to negotiate the purchase of a soon-to-close Home Depot store at I-35 and St. Johns Avenue that would become the future home of the city's municipal court and a police substation. The real estate office has permission to spend up to $6.9 million for the 105,580-square-foot big box store. The site also offers ample parking, good visibility and accessibility by public transportation. Converting the building is expected to take up to two years after the retailer closes in October 2008. City Real Estate Manager Lauraine Rizer said that the current municipal court building, now housed with the police station on Seventh Street at I-35, is overcrowded and in need of more courtrooms and additional space for administrative staff. Also, a new police substation will be needed to deal with the population increase in the area around I-35 and St. Johns. As part of last year's bond package, Austin voters authorized the city to spend $16 million to relocate the municipal court and $7 million for the new substation. Rizer said all of the bond money is likely to be used to retrofit the existing Home Depot building. She said the city looked at 75 properties up and down the I-35 corridor before selecting the Home Depot site. Weatherford library expected to receive grant for Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is coming to the Weatherford Public Library, which is expected to receive a $14,000 grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The Weatherford City Council already has approved spending the grant funds to implement free, public wireless Internet access throughout the library and adjoining auditorium. The city's information technology department is tentatively planning to have Wi-Fi available at the library within the next three months. Hays County commissioners contemplate bigger jail
Hays County commissioners are considering a $45 million jail expansion to keep up with the county's burgeoning inmate population. With the 362-bed jail about 90-percent full most of the time, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has estimated that the county needs to triple the size of its jail. The current jail was built in 1988, replacing a jail that had room for 48 inmates, according to Sheriff Allen Bridges (pictured). The women's wing is often full. At times the men's sections are full, too, forcing the county to send inmates to the Guadalupe County Jail at a cost of about $45 per inmate per day. Last year, the county spent $112,305 to house inmates there, Bridges said. The commissioners met earlier this week to discuss ways to resolve the county's chronic jail overcrowding problem. They will continue the discussion in weeks and months to come. Laredo banning single-use plastic bags; Austin next?
The Laredo City Council on Monday took action to ban the use of single-use plastic bags in stores throughout the city. An ordinance prohibiting their use gradually will go into effect over the next six months. The city of Austin could be next as city officials report they are close on a voluntary agreement with retailers and grocers to at least reduce the number of plastic bags being used in the city. Estimates are that some 1,000 tons of plastic bags go into Austin area landfills each year. Laredo City Councilman Hector Garcia (pictured) proposed the ban in his city, citing the adverse impact plastic bags have on the environment. City officials and environmental groups want to eliminate plastic bags altogether because they take up valuable landfill space, are harmful to creeks and litter public areas. A similar ban on single-use plastic bags has already gone into effect in San Francisco and in other cities throughout the world. Countries such as Taiwan and Bangladesh have outright banned the usage of plastic bags, while others such as Ireland have restricted their usage by taxing them.
Members of Keep Laredo Beautiful applauded the council's action and urged citizens to reuse plastic bags as garbage can liners and avoid them at store check-out counters. Already, one Laredo retailer has initiated a reusable plastic bag campaign. The reusable bags are made out of recycled material and have the capacity of three to four single-use plastic bags. They will be available in the city in two weeks and will sell for $1 each. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to sign up your friends or co-workers to receive a free copy, click here. |
Upcoming election could lead to wealth of diverse business opportunities
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. With more than $1 billion in bonds at stake for construction, renovation, maintenance and equipment purchases for state agencies, vendors should pay particular attention to the outcome of the vote on Proposition Four in the upcoming Nov. 6 statewide election. Proposition Four is among 16 proposed constitutional amendments to be decided by Texas voters and, if this passes, it will provide a wealth of diverse contracting opportunities. As the state's prison system is currently operating at capacity, the largest amount of Proposition Four's $1 billion in general obligation bonds will be allocated to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - $273.4 million. Of that amount, $233.4 million would be set aside for three new prison facilities and $40 million would be used for repair and rehabilitation of existing facilities. Although the State Legislature is seeking options to incarceration - such as diversion and treatment programs - officials believe the state will need many additional prison beds within the next five years. As with most new construction, vendor opportunities don't end with construction of the facility itself. Prisons require furnishings, security systems, computers and other technology, telephone systems and more. [more]Hindman named ASU president emeritus
The Texas Tech University Board of Regents recently awarded the honorary title of President Emeritus of Angelo State University (ASU) to E. James Hindman (pictured) in recognition of his distinguished service of more than a dozen years as university president. Hindman served as ASU's president from December 1994 through May 2007. Under his leadership, ASU implemented 23 new graduate and undergraduate degrees as well as 10 new degree options or certifications. During his tenure, ASU underwent the biggest building boom since the early years as a four-year institution. Hindman earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from Texas Tech University. Retired educators likely
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San Antonio hosts Texas Homeland Security ConferenceRepresentatives of law enforcement, border and port security, transportation and cyber security, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, Texas Military Forces, voluntary organizations and the private sector will be on hand Monday through Friday, Dec. 3-7, for the 2007 Texas Homeland Security Conference. The conference is planned for the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Sponsored by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, those attending will hear from a variety of professionals from organizations and agencies that exemplify the Texas homeland security goals of prevention, protection, response and recovery. Attending will be representatives of higher education, public education and health and medical care, along with local, state and federal government officials. Also on hand will be representatives of more than 30 state agencies that are members of the Governor's Emergency Management Council. For more information, click here. TxDOT plans briefings for small, minority-owned firmsSmall and minority-owned businesses in Texas seeking to do business with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and with the state will benefit from one of four upcoming TxDOT-sponsored briefings in locations around the state. The briefings will provide attendees with contracting opportunities and information on how to do business with Texas. There will be General Industry sessions that include specific information regarding doing business in the construction, goods and services, information technology and professional engineering service industries. Breakout sessions will cover small and minority-owned business certifications, resources for small business development, business marketing for state contracts and information on TxDOT toll projects. Each briefing will also include a Contracting Opportunities Showcase, an Industry Networking Session and a Reception. The registration fee is $25 per person. For more information and to register online, click here. Following are the dates and locations for the briefings:
Executive Women in Texas Government sets conferenceCommissioner Hope Andrade of the Texas Transportation Commission and Claudia Stravato, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, will be keynote speakers for the upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government 21st Annual Professional Development Conference. The conference will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. During lunch, attendees will hear from businesswoman Linda Larsen on "The 7 Principles of Powerful Persuasion: Mastering the Art of Getting to 'Yes!'" Other activities during the conference will include a silent auction, more than two-dozen exhibits and numerous networking opportunities. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the EWTG scholarship program. There also will be some 30 workshops that will provide participants with opportunities for hands-on learning and development of leadership skills for multiple career levels. The 2007 Woman of the Year presentation and reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. The conference is open to all professionals and is designed for those who work in Texas government at all levels or those in affiliated organizations that support the purposes of EWTG. For more information, click here. To register, click here. E-records conference offered in OctoberThose hoping to reach up to 300 Texas government officials involved in the management of electronic records and compliance can exhibit at the annual e-Records Conference on Oct. 30, 2007 at the Pickle Center in Austin. Hosted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Department of Information Resources, this one-day event provides an opportunity to meet staff from Texas agencies and universities who may be interested in content and records management products and services. The cost to exhibit is $350. The agenda focuses on implementing a program for effectively managing electronic records, including e-mail, instant messaging, wikis and blogs. The featured speaker is Jesse Wilkins, who has worked in the document industry for 12 years as a vendor, user and consultant. He has worked with public and private sector clients to develop strategies, design processes and implement systems to manage electronic records, e-mail and collaboration tools more effectively. For more information and to register, click here. |
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Demolition has begun on the main terminal of the Southeast Texas Regional Airport, damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Rita in 2005. The work is in preparation for renovations that are expected to begin later this year and be completed by July or August. The terminal at the airport - located in Jefferson County, 10 miles south of Beaumont - will be completely redesigned and renovated with the help of an $8.2 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
