Early voting numbers setting records in some parts of Texas

Long list of candidates, multi-million-dollar bond issues bringing out voters

Driven by a slate of local, state and federal officials who are seeking public office and a variety of multi-million-dollar local government bond issues, Texas voters are already setting records in some areas of the state as they head to the polls in advance of the Nov. 2 General Election. 

"We are seeing very positive results with Early Voting this year," said Jordy Keith, deputy director of communications for the Secretary of State's Office. "After the first three days of early voting, over 5 percent of registered voters have cast their ballot. In comparison, at the conclusion of the third day of early voting in 2006, less than 3 percent had voted early." 

Keith said the Secretary of State's office thinks the surge in early voting "indicates that Texas voters appreciate the convenience of early voting as well as having the option to vote at an early voting location in their county intead of at their assigned precinct on Election Day."

By the end of the first day of early voting, 1,778,802 of the state's 8,339,034 registered voters in some of Texas' 15 largest counties had cast their ballots in person in early voting or by mail-in ballot. In many parts of the state, "Casta Ballot," (pictured) a whimsical character and creation of the Secretary of State's Office, spread the word of the VOTEXAS initiative aimed at providing information to would-be voters on a statewide tour. As of Thursday, 435,077 voters had cast early ballot by mail or in person.

A first-day total of 26,285 who cast their ballots in person in Dallas County helped set a new record in that county for votes cast on the first day of early voting. The previous record was 9,111 set in 2006. Elections Administrator Bruce Sherbet said he expects close to a 40 percent turnout in this year's election, and possibly as high as 50 percent. By Thursday, 57,826 Dallas County voters had cast ballots in early voting and by mail.

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One Texas entity granted funding from TIGER II stimulus funds

Fort Worth's Tower 55 project awarded $34 million toward $91.2 million project

Fort Worth's Tower 55, a major rail and traffic bottleneck, is the only Texas project awarded funds from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) II funding announced this week. The project was awarded $34 million in TIGER II grant funding toward its $91.2 million project to improve train traffic flow through a major rail intersection.

The Fort Worth project is one of 42 capital construction and 33 planning projects in 40 states that shared nearly $600 million in allocations from the TIGER II program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The projects include everything from highways and bridges to transit, rail and ports. There were more than 1,000 construction grant applications from all 50 states, United States territories and the District of Columbia for the $600 million in available funds. The funding sought through the applications totaled more than $19 billion.

The original TIGER I project distributed $1.5 billion from the federal Recovery Act. Applications from 1,500 entities for the first round of the funding totaled $60 billion, 40 times the amount available. 

The Fort Worth project will increase rail capacity by more than 40 percent over the first half of 2010 traffic levels and improve train flow by adding another north-south track and installing new signals and a new interlocking system. It will also include bridge and underpass improvements and some street improvements. Underpasses for pedestrian and bicycle use will also be constructed. The current intersection operates at 90 percent over capacity with close to 100 trains per day. Commuter trains can face delays of half an hour while freight trains can be delayed as much as 90 minutes.  

Leija, Huckabee chosen 2011 Texas Teachers of the Year
Two Texas teachers - Daniel Leija (right) and Beth Huckabee (left) - were recently celebrated as the best educators in the state and awarded prize packages that include $5,000 cash, more than $16,500 in technology and a computer.

Leija, who teaches fifth grade at Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, is the 2011 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and will go on to compete for the nationwide Teacher of the Year honor.

Leija, an Air Force veteran who mentors through the Troops to Teacher program, says that teaching is his calling and legacy. He strives to be an advocate who cheers students on, a counselor who listens to fears and insecurities, and a role model worth following.

Huckabee, the 2011 Texas Secondary School Teacher of the Year, has taught science in the Flour Bluff Independent School District for 31 years. She wants to promote life-long learning, a mannerism her Internet Generation students will need for an undoubtedly fast-paced future.

After 40 years in front of the chalkboard-turned-SMART board, Huckabee still loves her job: "I still get up in the morning looking forward to going to school and I am a little sad in May when the school year ends." 

Debbie Unruh selected as independent ombudsman for TYC 

Debbie Unruh (pictured), captain and jail administrator for Randall County Sheriff's Office, has been appointed independent ombudsman for the Texas Youth Commission.

As ombudsman until February 2011 when the term expires, Unruh will review TYC procedures and report any serious problems with the overall commission or any facility.

Unruh holds two bachelor's degrees, one from Wayland Baptist University and another from Newport Beach University.

Texas courts now receiving DPS traffic citations electronically
All Texas Department of Public Safety traffic tickets are now electronically available to participating courts and precincts just one day after being written.

The change - from mail service or hand delivery, followed by manual data entry at the court - is expected to save both DPS and the courts much time and money.

A few justice of the peace courts began using the system earlier this year. Since Midland County started last month, each court has saved about 20 hours per week in time previously spent entering data, said Charles Hall, constable of Precinct 4.

Texas Tech health science center garners $10 million grant
The Hunt Family Foundation recently donated $10 million to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) to help develop a nursing school at its campus in El Paso. The new school will be named the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing.

Chancellor Kent Hance (pictured) said the gift will help Texas Tech to meet its goal to improve educational opportunities for future generations and to improve health care in Texas.

Texas Tech officials in 2008 established an accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and in 2009, officials expanded the nursing program to include the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in anticipation of creating a freestanding nursing school in El Paso. Officials expect the new school of nursing in El Paso to have 500 students enrolled by 2015.

Gannon new alumni relations head at Texas State-San Marcos
Kim Gannon (pictured) was recently selected to lead the Alumni Association at Texas State University-San Marcos. She will strive to build upon the connections that more than 130,000 former Bobcats have to their alma mater, as well as introduce the association to current students.

Gannon, who has two decades experience in alumni relations, has worked for Sonoma State University, the University of La Verne and, most recently, for California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Gannon holds a bachelor's degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

Prestigious Milken Educator Awards go to Dallas, Bryan educators
Rogelio Garcia, a third-grade teacher at James B. Bonham Elementary School in Dallas, and Tracy Spies, principal of Ben Milam Elementary School in Bryan, were recently awarded the distinguished Milken National Educator Awards and an accompanied $25,000.

Garcia, coordinator of Bonham's bilingual program, serves on the campus Language Proficiency Assessment Committee and also on the school's leadership team as the bilingual representative. Garcia and Spies join an elite class of about 2,400 Milken award winners nationwide.

Spies is a life-long educator and the principal of Milam Elementary. She is an exemplary leader and mentor, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University.

Coastal Bend College hires dean to complete executive structure

Bruce Exstrom (pictured), chief academic officer of Coastal Bend College, was recently appointed to the college's new executive management team of four deans.

As the dean of instructional services, Exstrom will oversee academic and workforce instruction, prison programs and educational resources. He has a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska.

He joins three other deans: Velma Elizalde, dean of student services; Ruth Cude, dean of administrative services; and Glynis Holm Strause, dean of institutional advancement.

Grant supports research to fight lung disease
Researcher Hugh Smyth of The University of Texas at Austin recently captured a $2 million federal grant to fight lung disease with innovative, new weapons.

Smyth, assistant professor of pharmaceutics, will focus his research on cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease known for creating thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the lungs. The secretions create a barrier that drugs haven't been able to penetrate.

Smyth's research aims to cut through the muck with extremely small "nanoparticles" that use magnetic fields to knife through secretions. The magnets, of comparable strength to the refrigerator variety, then pull drugs through and to the target.Smyth's research, which he believes has relevance to other lung diseases, is aided by the grant from the National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Tech mulls housing complex to deal with student population growth
Texas Tech University leaders plan to build new housing for the burgeoning student population, but have not agreed on the project's size, scope or location.

The Board of Regents recently OK'd $750,000 for a study to examine the feasibility of a proposed 32-acre complex, which would include restaurants, retail businesses and loft-style housing for 2,000 students.

The study's approval doesn't mean all regents support the multi-use complex, said board Vice Chairman Jerry Turner (pictured). Some board members want to discuss other uses for the proposed site, west campus land valued at $20 million. As university leaders debate uses for the land and sites for housing, they remain aware of approaching deadlines. For student housing to be available by fall 2012, construction must start by next spring.

Thomas recognized for service to national group
Katherine Thomas, executive director of the Texas Board of Nursing, was recently honored for 15 years of service and leadership with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

In the accompanying photo, Thomas (right) receives her plaque from Myra Broadway, NCSBN president.

Thomas currently serves as one of two directors-at-large on the NCSBN board of directors. She has a long history of committee membership and leadership with the group.

Cruz, Andrews retire from Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Two long-time employees of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)  recently retired from their posts in that agency.

Rick Cruz (right) of Houston has worked in law enforcement since 1984 and joined TABC in 1989, where he served as an agent stationed in El Paso, Harlingen, Lubbock, McAllen and Houston. While at TABC, Cruz was awarded a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education Master Police Officer Certification. He also graduated from the Governor's Management Development program.

Renee Johnston Andrews (left) recently retired as an executive assistant to the TABC administrator, a post she had held for the last seven years. She previously worked at the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and the Texas Youth Commission. Her retirement ends a public service career that spanned 31 years.

Mary Case to head Bush International Airport as general manager
Mary Case (pictured), a 28-year aviation veteran, has been named general manager of George Bush International Airport, the eighth busiest airport in the nation.

Case makes Houston history as the first person to have headed all three City of Houston owned and operated airports. Case served as general manager of Ellington Airport for seven years before leaving for William P. Hobby Airport in July 2005.

Case has a bachelor's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

ETCOG Hires Cunningham as Director of Finance
Charles Cunningham (pictured) has been named finance director of the East Texas Council of Governments, a voluntary association of leaders within 14 East Texas counties.

Cunningham, former assistant city manager/director of finance for the city of Kyle, has more than 30 years of financial management experience. At ETCOG, Cunningham will oversee all financial activities such as writing budgets and developing funding forecasts.

"Charles brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from both public and private sectors that make him an ideal director for ETCOG," ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland said. "We are fortunate to have Charles and enthusiastically welcome him to the ETCOG Team."

Texoma housing group wins almost $6.99 million in grants
The Texoma Housing Finance Corporation (THFC) recently was awarded $6.99 million from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program of the U.S. Housing and Economic Recovery Act.

A portion of the funding will be used to build 50 new homes on residential lots. The award is almost double the amount expected by corporation officials, said the program administrator for THFC, who credited leaders from the Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), Grayson County and the City of Denton for their efforts in obtaining the additional funding.

TCOG supplied THFC with a viable number of income-eligible and credit-qualified potential homebuyers from its Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which helped win the grant, said Frank Budra, who chairs the THFC board. He also praised a decision by Grayson County and Denison officials to turn over their interest in vacant lots to THFC for new homes to be built so that the lots can return to tax rolls with new homes and new home owners. The funding will provide qualified homebuyers with down payment assistant, closing cost assistance and a 30-year, zero-percent, fixed-rate mortgage loan that will be required to be repaid.

DETCOG recognized nationally for its disaster plan
The Deep East Texas Council of Governments, an association of cities, counties and special districts within 12 counties, recently received a national award for a program that aims to help victims of Hurricane Ike, and also prepare for future disasters.

In the accompanying photo, DETCOG Executive Director Walter Diggles (right) accepts the 2010 Innovation Award from Mike Norton, president of the National Association of Development Organizations.

The Hurricane Ike Disaster Case Management Pilot Program, which has helped more than 2,000 hurricane-impacted Texans, provides a guide of best practices to use for the case management of future disasters. The program is funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

ERCOT board certifies full nodal systems ready for go-live
The electricity grid operator for most of the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), can proceed with the transition from a zonal market to a nodal market by the Dec. 1 go-live date, ERCOT leaders recently said.

The move will transform the current power grid, which is divided into zones, into one monitored and managed by hundreds of nodes. The change is expected to expose pockets where electricity is over-priced - and then help lower the costs.

Although ERCOT workers still need to work out some kinks before the go-live date, leaders do not expect delays.  "None of the remaining issues are significant enough to prevent moving forward with the implementation activities," said Mike Cleary (pictured), senior vice president and chief operative officer of ERCOT.

HSU President Lanny Hall recognized by educator groups
Hardin-Simmons University President Dr. Lanny Hall (pictured) has been named winner of the Friend of Education Award by the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education. The award recognizes and rewards individuals not officially connected to teacher preparation organizations but who have made significant contributions regarding improving teacher preparation and have been supportive of the organizations in the consortium. The award is not annual; rather it is presented when an individual has demonstrated longtime support for teacher education.

Hall began his career in education as a high school history and government teacher. He later moved into a government career, first as a congressional aide and then being elected to three terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He also was an administrator with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). Hall has served as a university professor, vice president and chancellor and has served as president of three Baptist universities. He has twice served as president of Hardin Simmons University and in 2001 was named chancellor. 

Dr. Pam Williford, dean of the Irvin School of Education at Hardin-Simmons University, said Hall advocated for education as a state representative and as a congressional aide and worked on behalf of teachers while at TRS. "I am just so proud our president was recognized for his support of teacher preparation," she said.

San Angelo reorganizes economic development efforts
San Angelo City Council recently approved a recommendation by city staff to reorganize the city's economic development efforts into one office. The reorganized office will be called the Community and Economic Development Department and is expected to save the city about $130,000 a year, said City Manager Harold Dominguez. The reorganization also will make it easier for current and prospective business owners to seek permits, incentives or abatements at a single location.

The plan includes merging some economic development services provided by the city's Development Services Department with the City of San Angelo Development Corp. (COSADC), the city's economic development entity, he said. Council members also created the Department of Neighborhood and Family Services and terminated a contract between COSADC and the Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CVCED), a nonprofit organization that provided business incubation services. COSADC will absorb the incubator services and eliminate two positions that are now vacant, Dominguez said. Donna Osborne, director of the CVCED will be the city's economic development coordinator and Shawn Lewis, director of Development Services, will be director of the Community and Economic Development Department.

Council approved $665,000 in September to purchase a warehouse and parking lot for the newly reorganized Community and Economic Development Department and a Business Resource Center that provides space for some of the city's economic development partners such as the Small Business Development Center of Angelo State University.

College Station to begin putting its checks online
College Station residents can soon visit the city Web site to find financial documents that show how the local government spends some of its money. The city will upload checks it sends to outside agencies, to vendors for goods and services and any for travel reimbursements.

The city will not publish payroll checks or any transactions that involve third parties.

Mayor Nancy Berry (pictured) hopes to expand the program so that each check is a hotlink to a description of the project it funds.

Port San Antonio to kick off $3.74 million flood control project
Officials of Port San Antonio recently announced plans to begin a $3.74 million flood control project to protect the aerospace facility. The Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a $1.69 million grant for work on the flood control project to begin in 2011. The Texas Military Preparedness Commission also awarded a $1.3 million grant toward the project.

Plans call for building an almost mile-long drainage channel through the 575-acre site on the airfield's south side to prevent flooding of up to 3 feet in some areas of the aerospace complex in 2007. Port officials also plan to upgrade drainage along a 1.7-mile stretch of a new road from the northwest entrance of the complex to Billy Mitchell Boulevard. Officials also plan to address flooding near the aircraft engine test cells alongside Southwest Military Drive.

Montague County wins $30,000 grant for emergency services
Montague County commissioners plan to use a $30,000 Homeland Security grant to pay for a mass notification program to use in emergency situations.

The notification system under consideration can be programmed to call a specific location in an emergency such as a storm, fire or water problem, and the contact can be made via telephone, Internet or text message, said Kelly McNabb, emergency management coordinator for the county. The county would pay for the phone minutes used and all unused minutes rollover, McNabb added.

County leaders have not yet decided whether to allow people to subscribe online and place all numbers into the notification program. Residents will be given the opportunity to opt out of the emergency notification system, McNabb said.

Austin area receives $3.7 million Sustainable Communities Grant
A recently awarded $3.7 million federal grant will go toward developing high-density, mixed-use areas throughout the Austin region. 

The grant, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, supports the building and zoning of sustainable communities, where housing, jobs and education centers are either within walking distance or connected by efficient public transit. "As our area continues to change we must plan better transportation systems, economic development and preserve our quality of life," said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell (pictured).

The grant, awarded to the Capital Area Council of Governments, is part of a national program that gave $98 million to state, local and tribal governments across the country.

Denton approves $500,000 to upgrade road to transit center
Denton City Council members recently agreed to set aside almost $500,000 to pay for improvements to Hickory Street as part of its nearly $1.8 million "grand street" project.

The funding will pay for upgrading water and sewer lines on Hickory Street and is from the operating budget of the water department and unspent wastewater bonds, said P.S. Arora, assistant director of wastewater.

City officials are racing to complete the initial phase of the project by completing the upgrade of water and sewer lines from the transit center west to Bell Avenue before passenger rail service begins next summer. The second phase is to upgrade the water and sewer lines from the Square to the future downtown transit center.  A federal grant is paying for the new sidewalks and landscaping for the project, but the city is responsible for utility improvements needed for the project, Arora said. The plan, approved by council in August, calls for creating wider sidewalks, angled parking spaces and shared travel lanes accommodating bicycles to improve mobility.

ACC board selects presidential search committee members
The board of trustees of the Austin Community College (ACC) District recently appointed 25 members to advise the board in its search to replace Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, who is retiring as president and chief executive officer of the community college district. Search committee members are scheduled for their first meeting on Friday, Nov. 5.

The appointees to the search committee reflects the diversity of the district by having members representing the community college and the public and by balancing geographic representations, said Barbara Mink, chair of the ACC board of trustees, who will serve on the committee. Others appointees are John-Michael Cortez, secretary of the ACC board; Jeffrey Richard, a member of the ACC board; Allen Kaplan, vice chair of the ACC board; Ben Farrell, executive vice president of finance and administration for the ACC district; Mariano Diaz-Miranda and Linda Welsh, both representing full-time ACC faculty members; Anaka River and Mario Aquilar, who both represent adjunct faculty of ACC; Angular Adams, who represents professional and technical employees at ACC; and Derek Thomas, president of the Classified Staff Association at ACC.

Also: Giovanni Sanchez and Samantha Davis, representing ACC students; Glen Colby, co-chair of the Round Rock Annexation Steering Committee; Kay Wesson, tri-chair of the Bastrop Annexation Steering Committee; Terry Mazurek, co-chair of the North Hays Annexation Steering Committee; Albert Sierra, tri-chair of the San Marcos Annexation Steering Committee; Andy Martinez, president and CEO of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Martha Smiley, an attorney and president of AARO executive committee; Mary Daigle, a partner in a consulting firm who also chairs the Workforce Solutions Board; Tom Gallagher, a member of the ACC Foundation and president and CEO of South Market; Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr., a vice president at the Seaton Family of Hospitals; Kay McClenney of The University of Texas at Austin and Bret Champion, superintendent of Leander Independent School District.

Denison ISD group mulling new high school, closing three schools
The Facilities Committee of the Denison Independent School District recently agreed on a new feeder pattern for students that could eliminate five elementary schools, add a new intermediate school, a new high school and renovate the current high school into a seventh and eighth grade school.

The committee, created in March, toured each district campus and reviewed a needs assessment of each campus before opting to reorganize the district with a goal of saving on employee and utility costs, said Superintendent Henry Scott (pictured). Staffing costs the district so much because the schools are too small, he added. While the ideal size of an elementary campus is about 450 students, at least one of the elementary schools has only 217 students enrolled. District officials estimate that closing two elementary campuses could save between $1.2 million and $1.5 million in costs for employees and utilities.

Committee members now plan to meet with the district's financial adviser to discuss the amount of debt the district can handle before presenting their final recommendations to trustees in about two months.

Fort Hood, Killeen ISD discussing stadium partnership
Officials at Fort Hood recently proposed that Killeen Independent School District share in the use of the new $15.9 million Prichard Stadium once the stadium is rebuilt. The old stadium on the Army post was recently demolished to make room for the new Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.

Trustees for the school district expressed concern that the general public might be restricted because the stadium is located on an Army base, but the director of public works for the base assured board members the stadium's new location just off of US 190 would allow entrance to parking areas without entering a base security gate. Killeen ISD currently has one stadium used for high school football games and other activities and events.

Plans call for the new stadium at Fort Hood to have 5,500 seats, a track around the athletic field, concession facilities and a stage. Seating capacity could be expanded if district officials decide to enter into a partnership on the stadium, base officials said.

San Antonio approves land swap with federal government
City Council members in San Antonio recently approved an agreement to exchange with the federal government land on Santa Rosa Street that houses the police headquarters in exchange for federal property at HemisFair Park.

The land swap will permit the General Services Administration to begin construction of a 300,000-square-foot federal courthouse on the site of the current police facility.

The agreement calls for the GSA to turn over to the city the 4.6 acres now occupied by Wood Courthouse and Spears Training Center along with a payment of $3.4 million, the difference in value between the city-owned property and the HemisFair property. City officials plan to build a new Public Safety Headquarters directly west of the current police headquarters across Santa Rosa Street.

Regional transportation group mulling toll road conversions
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) recently began discussion on whether to ask the state to allow conversion of some Metroplex highways into toll roads to help increase funding for road repairs. The agency discussed establishing toll roads on SH 360 from I-20 to East Sublett Road and on SH 161 from SH 183 to the President George Bush Turnpike.

While some RTC staff and the transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments urged caution about approaching legislators about the change, Dallas City Councilman Ron Natinsky (top) said the proposal deserves discussion and suggested checking with legislators to inquire if the proposal will float. The RTC has had a long-standing policy against converting freeways into roll roads.

Midlothian ISD sets $93.7 million bond election for May 2011
Trustees for the Midlothian Independent School District recently agreed to call a $93.7 million bond election on May 13, 2011, to ask voters to approve funding for a new elementary school, expand a middle school and begin building a new high school.

Plans call for increasing the size of Frank Seale Middle School to accommodate 1,200 students and to build a second high school in two phases to hold 2,500 students if voters approve the bonds, district officials said.

Harker Heights to seek $8.12 million loan to upgrade sewers
Harker Heights City Council members recently agreed to apply for an $8.12 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to pay for upgrading the city's sanitary sewers. The deadline for applying for the loan is in December, but state officials may take up to a year to make a decision on the application, the finance director said.

Current plans call for sanitation sewer improvements to an area east of Comanche Gap Road to FM 2410, an area that most likely will be developed within the next five years, said Councilman John Reider (pictured).

Dittman tagged as new assistant city manager in Mesquite
Mesquite city officials recently selected Jerry Dittman as an assistant city manager. Dittman went to work for the city in October 2001 as a traffic engineer and served as an assistant city planner and assistant director of public works.

In his new duties, Dittman will provide support to City Manager Ted Barron by overseeing the public works department, human resources, economic development, the metro airport and the fire department. He has a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master's degree from Rice University.

McAllen hires Rigo Villarreal

as new bridge director
Rigo Villarreal, former Hildalgo County official, recently stepped into his new position as director of McAllen's International Bridge department. Villarreal, who replaces long-time director George Ramon, will manage 30 employees and have oversight of two international bridges.

The 3.2-mile Anzalduas bridge opened to vehicles last December, but is not yet open to cargo traffic. The Hildago bridge has seen a decline in vehicle traffic - from a peak 6.1 million in 2002 to 4.5 million last year - due to the faltering economy and violence in Mexico.

Vest resigns as economic development chief in Odessa
Gary Vest, who served as the director of economic development for the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, recently resigned from the post he held since November 2007. Vest resigned to seek other opportunities, said the chamber's director of business retention and expansion.

Palestine to conduct own

search for new city manager

A city employee for almost seven and a half years, Ohrt has served as the city's court administrator since January 2007. He holds a bachelor's degree from Washburn University in Kansas and a master's degree from Kansas University. He also said he is considering applying for the permanent position as city manager.

Palestine City Council members recently appointed Michael Ohrt as the interim city manager to replace former City Manager Dale Brown, who was terminated from that position in early October. At a recent workshop meeting, Mayor Bob Herrington (pictured) said he favors city officials conducting their own search for a permanent city manager rather than hiring a search firm to help with the search. One council member supported the mayor's suggestion and council members are expected to discuss the search at their next regular council meeting.

Bost resigns as VP for global initiatives at Texas A&M
Eric Bost (pictured), who previously served as ambassador to South Africa under President George W. Bush, recently resigned as vice president for global initiatives at Texas A&M University, a position he assumed in January 2009. The position will not be filled and is among several changes made within the academic affairs department, according to Karan Watson, interim provost.

The regional offices that had reported to Bost will now report to Martyn Gunn, whose new title is vice provost for academic affairs. Bost will remain in his position until the end of the year. The reorganization is expected to fully integrate the international efforts of the university with regular planning and student services processes and reduce spending, Watson said.

Goodfellow AFB selects liaison with San Angelo ISD
Goodfellow Air Force Base officials recently selected Larry Lumpkin as the new school liaison with the San Angelo Independent School District. He will help with issues arising with military dependents when their parents' deploy and with assignment transfers. Goodfellow AFB is one of the first bases to hire someone to fill the new position created to assist military families, said Col. Scott Shuttleworth.

Lumpkin, a retired science teacher and a Catholic priest on leave of absence from Tulsa, Oklahoma, holds two master's degrees. He also will work with students, staff and faculty of other school districts where children from Goodfellow AFB are enrolled, Lumpkin said.

Wichita Falls ISD to conduct study of secondary facilities
Trustees for the Wichita Falls Independent School District recently agreed to conduct a secondary facilities study to assess the needs of junior and senior high schools in the future.

District officials plan to review and analyze the secondary schools, their support buildings and extracurricular structure to develop a comprehensive plan with scope and timelines included. A similar study in 2006 of elementary facilities resulted in the closing of several older schools and the construction of two new schools. The study will help board members get a better perspective on the type of changes that could be made to secondary education facilities considering the likelihood of declining enrollment, district officials said.

Grayson County takes over Sherman ISD building
Grayson County commissioners recently agreed to take over ownership of the 94-year-old former administration building of the Sherman Independent School District. The proximity of the former administration building to the Grayson County Courthouse and Justice Center makes it a perfect addition to the county campus, said County Judge Drue Bynum (pictured). County officials paid nothing for the building, but school district officials are exploring the possibility of using the county's voting machines free of charge during school elections in exchange for donating the facility to the county.

Officials plan to move the county clerk's office and the maintenance department into the new facility, but have not yet determined what other county offices will move into the building, said Bynum. He estimated it should cost about $78 per square foot to renovate the building compared to $100 per square foot to construct a new building. The county currently has about $1 million set aside to renovate the building, which needs a new roof and asbestos abatement if the county decides to open the auditorium.

Grand Prairie police chief steps down; remains as consultant
Grand Prairie Police Chief Glen Hill recently resigned after a 12-year run in the top post, perhaps the longest-serving chief in the metroplex. Hill will continue to receive his $141,000 annual salary for 14 and one-half months, during which time he will work from home as a consultant to City Manager Tom Hart. "After 12 years of service, this is a good way to phase him out," said Hart, who appointed Senior Deputy Chief Mike Shaw to lead the police department until a permanent replacement is found.

Red Lick ISD to hire business manager, technology director
Trustees for the Red Lick Independent School District recently agreed to create three new positions this year, including a new business manager and technology coordinator.

A technology coordinator is needed to manage technology and to train teachers in using technology, said Superintendent Rose Mary Neshyba. The new business manager is needed to streamline accounting needs and handle accounts payable, she said. The third position is a fine arts instructor.

Orange County considering request for $50,000 in jail repairs
Orange County Commissioners recently began considering a request by Captain Don Harmon (pictured) of the Orange County Sheriff's Office to approve about $50,000 in repairs to the county jail. The first priority is the repair a rusting awning leading from the main facility to the dormitories with an estimated price tag of about $18,000, Harmon said. The jail's maintenance department and inmates could perform a majority of the repairs, about 75 percent, but the awning repair most likely will require outside help, he added. The awning is a safety concern that could cause issues with jail inspectors, he said.

County officials asked Harmon to get three propositions from the purchasing department, prioritize the propositions and then return to the commissioner's court with a recommendation and estimated costs for the repair for commissioners to consider.

TABC selects new head of business services, compliance Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) officials recently selected Shelby Eskew (top) as the director of business services and Steven Moore (bottom) as the new compliance manager of field operations for Region 2 in Dallas.

Eskew joined TABC in August 2004 to assist with budget administration. Previously she was employed at KUT-FM and the Texas Youth Commission. She has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and is a 2008 graduate of the Texas Fiscal Officers Academy.

Moore, who recently held a variety of positions in the food and beverage industry in California, attended California State University in San Bernardino.

Edinburg nabs $1 million federal grant for housing assistance
The Community Block Grants (CDBG) program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded a $1 million grant to Edinburg for housing assistance programs.

Edinburg Community Development (ECD) plans to use the funds for reconstruction and improvement of homes or to build new homes for those in need, said Marissa Garza, director of ECD. Some of the funding also will be used for street improvements in the Bar-5 colonia, a new sidewalk to connect a neighborhood to a local park on SH 107 and for emergency repairs to homes that have severe gas line, sewage or electrical problems that need immediate attention.

San Angelo to try out new purchasing methods
San Angelo City Council members recently agreed to negotiate a contract with a private company that finds cost savings and revenue generation opportunities for cities and other entities primarily through bulk purchasing and training projects.

About 200 cities, about 70 percent of them in Texas, are using the services of the private company, the chief executive officer said. He also estimated the service could save San Angelo about $250,000 annually. The city negotiates separately for compensation for specific services, but some of the services will cost the city nothing, the representative said. For instance, vendors would provide the compensation if city officials decide to join with other cities to make a large purchase, he added. With West Texas communities expected to lose representation in the Texas Legislature when redistricting occurs, West Texas cities need to aggressively pursue collaborative efforts, said City Manager Harold Dominguez.

Socorro to hire search firm

to find new city manager
City council members in Socorro recently agreed to hire a search firm to help find a new city manager. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Carol Garcia, whose contract was terminated in June 2008.

Shortly after Garcia left the post, council members selected Manny Soto to serve as the interim city manager, but agreed he could spend a week a month at his consulting firm in California. The council then voted to terminate Soto's contract in August 2009 and hired Lorenza Fraire as the interim city manager. Council members in May of this year then rehired Soto as interim city manager after Fraire was terminated from the position. Soto said he has not yet decided if he will apply for the permanent position of city manager, which requires the city manager to become a resident of Socorro within six months of employment.

Corpus Christi City Council hires firm to create master park plan
Corpus Christi city leaders will spend more than $200,000 to upgrade the long-range park system plan that identifies good spots to put in green spaces as well as currently underused parks. Despite some debate, the council voted to hire an experienced Houston firm, rather than a local company with no planning history.

The master plan - based on an analysis of demographic change, data from phone surveys and public input - is expected to help pull in grants from the state, which favors cities with a plan. After the last park plan, the city collected $3 million in state grants.

Strategic Partnerships seeking additional outside consultants

SPI is seeking additional outside consultants who have experience in county/city government in Texas.

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants who are retired or former county or municipal elected officials, experts in healthcare, K-12  in the DFW, Houston and El Paso areas. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Ashley Nauert at anauert@spartnerships.com

Italy ISD names Williams

as interim superintendent
Charlie Williams was recently named the interim superintendent of the Italy Independent School District, 45 miles south of Dallas.

Williams, who begins Nov. 1, served as superintendent of the Van Alstyne district for 15 years.

CPRIT introduces newly redesigned Web site
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, a state agency that Texans voted to establish in 2007, recently unveiled a new Web site that better reflects its core goal - to fund the best cancer research and prevention programs.

The site, which features a new video welcome on the home page, is now easier to navigate and contains more information. New features include a searchable database where visitors can find grant award information and video features, which will be added to about once a week.

Deer Park mulling $1.7 million library expansion, roof repairs
Deer Park city officials recently discussed a proposed $1,748,584 million expansion of the public library and $46,000 in repairs to the roof of the community center gymnasium.

Plans call for expanding the existing library by an additional 6,300 square feet, with work scheduled to begin during the summer of 2012. The library expansion project is to be done in phases, city officials said.

San Marcos CISD mulling purchase of headquarters

Trustees for the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District recently agreed to enter negotiations to buy the former corporate headquarters of a building supplies company.

The property includes a 13,861-square-foot building and a 32,414-square foot building, both located on 5.14 acres on I-35. The property's assessed value is $1,478,800. Trustees plan to move the district's central office, curriculum department, child nutrition department and technology department if the district purchases the property, district officials said.

TEF funding totaling $1.2 million goes to electrical products co.

Some $1.2 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) is being invested in Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc. (CED) to relocate its corporate headquarters from California to Irving. This investment will create 120 jobs and generate an estimated $3.3 million in capital investment in the area.

CED, a Forbes 125 private company, is one of the largest electrical distribution companies and one of the largest private companies in the country. CED supplies wire and cable, load centers, panel boards, transformers, switches, motor controls, drives and other electrical products to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Clarendon tags Little

as new city administrator
The Clarendon board of alderman recently selected Lambert Little as the new city administrator. Little previously served as city manager in Mexia, Edna and Hico. He is scheduled to begin working in his new position on Nov. 1.

Buckert chosen as new city manager in Balcones Heights
Balcones Heights city officials recently selected Amy Buckert (pictured) as the new city manager. Buckert, who serves as city manager in Olmos Park, will replace former City Manager Sean Pate, who resigned his position in Balcones Heights to become city manager in Gladewater.

Buckert previously served as a senior management assistant for Hurst before accepting the position of city manager in Olmos Park in 2007. Yvonne Griffin, the city's finance director, will serve as interim city administrator in Balcones Heights until Buckert assumes her duties in mid-November.

Coppel approves almost $2.3 million for fire vehicles
Coppell City Council members recently approved spending almost $2.3 million to purchase three new fire engines and a quint/aerial apparatus that serves as a fire engine and as a ladder truck.

The new vehicles are needed to replace vehicles that have been in service for 10 to 14 years, well past their expected service life, said Fire Chief Kevin Richardson.