Texas voters endorse $15B in improvement projects
Bond programs create variety of opportunities for contractors
Texas voters created a wide assortment of opportunities for contractors Tuesday by overwhelmingly approving more than $15 billion in bond expenditures for capital improvement projects to address growth issues in the state, cities, counties, school districts and community colleges.
For the most part, the bond issues for new schools, roadways, jails, courthouses, police stations, new parks, technology upgrades and long-term expansion programs passed with comfortable margins.
For a comprehensive list of bond proposals that passed or failed Tuesday, click here.
The largest bond issue in the history of the Fort Worth ISD, totaling $593.6 million for six new schools, renovations of existing campuses, classroom additions and technology upgrades, won an easy victory. In Collin County, a large majority of voters gave the go-ahead to $328.9 million for road improvements throughout the county, new criminal justice buildings and parks improvements. Dallas voters handily endorsed the long-debated $1.3 billion Trinity River toll road project.
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Scott & White to benefit from $7.5 million TEF grant
A $7.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant to further medical research and generate jobs has been awarded to Scott & White Memorial Hospital and to the Sherwood & Brindley Foundation in Bell County. The hospital will use the funds as it seeks to expand its Cancer Research Institute and other healthcare programs. That action is expected to create some 1,500 jobs over 10 years. New positions are expected to include scientists, nurses, coordinators and other staff.
In making the award, Gov. Rick Perry said the funds will allow Scott & White to "attract the highly skilled workforce it needs to become a more recognized center for cancer research and state-of-the-art healthcare."
The proposed Texas A&M Medical School on the Temple campus of Scott & White is expected to benefit from the increased research capabilities. "The Texas Enterprise Fund has provided the critical step in Temple's effort to move forward in establishing itself as a biotech center," said Temple Health and Bioscience District Chair Wendell Williams.
This week's salute is to Audrey Selden, Senior Associate Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Texas Department of Insurance
Career highlights and education: Audrey Selden is an innovative public servant who assists consumers with insurance concerns as the Texas Department of Insurance's Senior Associate Commissioner for Consumer Protection. Audrey received the 1997 Ma Ferguson Award for Excellence in the Public Sector. Her department has been recognized as a "best practices" model by The Urban Institute and the U.S. General Accounting Office. She is a graduate of Leadership America and Leadership Texas. Audrey served as Texas Assistant Secretary of State from 1991 to 1994. Audrey received her BA in political science and a Masters of Public Administration from Michigan State University. Her juris doctorate is from Harvard Law School. She clerked for U.S. District Judge William Wayne Justice, working on the Ruiz prison reform case.
What I like best about my job is: My job is fabulous because of the opportunity to help Texans every day with insurance questions or complaints, the variety of work assignments and the incredibly talented people that I work with.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Keep your energy level up and remember that "We are the government, and we are here to help."
Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Keep your energy level up and remember that "We are the government, and we are here to help."
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: You could find me volunteering for the Foundation for Women's Resources, Trinity Episcopal School, Girl Scouts of Central Texas or at the movies.
People would be surprised to know that I: was recruited to be an operator for a major telephone company, taught college courses at Jackson State Prison in Michigan and enjoy painting pastel portraits.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The Texas Department of Insurance is a dynamic, excellent place to work. We are actively recruiting attorneys, financial analysts and fraud investigators.
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.
Dan Dominguez is new HUB manager for TPASS
Dan Dominguez, former HUB program director for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), has a new job in a similar capacity with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Dominguez assumed his new post as HUB program manager for the Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) yesterday.
Regina Hall, HUB reporting specialist with TCEQ, has been appointed interim HUB program director while the agency conducts a search for a permanent replacement for Dominguez. His last day with TCEQ was Nov. 2.
TCEQ offers rebates for cleaner running school buses
The Texas Commission on Environment Quality (TCEQ) has $7.5 million to reimburse school districts for costs related to using school buses with reduced emissions through the Texas Clean School Bus Program. The agency will begin accepting applications from school districts tomorrow.
The commission estimates that of the 36,000 diesel-powered school buses used in Texas, more than one-third of them are at least 10 years old and emit more pollution than the newer models. The agency recommends retrofitting buses with pollution-control devices to reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent. The cost of retrofitting ranges from $800 to $7,500 per bus.
"One of my goals is to continue finding ways that will make our air cleaner while protecting our school children," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia (pictured). "The Legislature has appropriated over $7 million for clean school bus projects, which helps us begin to achieve that goal."
All school districts and charter schools in Texas that operate one or more diesel-powered school buses, or a transportation system provided by a countywide district, are eligible to be reimbursed for costs of approved retrofits. For application information click here.
Texas voters back $6 billion in state construction
Voters statewide Tuesday endorsed three constitutional amendments to fund $6.25 billion for a variety of capital improvement projects including highways, state facilities and infrastructure improvements in economically distressed areas of the state.
Proposition 12, which won by 63 percent of the vote, provides for $5 billion in highway improvements throughout the state. Proposition 4 passed by a statewide margin of 58 percent and authorizes $1 billion in bonds for a variety of state facilities, including repairs for state parks and the historic Battleship Texas, new prisons, county courthouse renovations and a new driver training facility for state troopers.
Proposition 16, which sailed through with 61 percent of the vote, allows for the issuance of up to $250 million in bonds by the Texas Water Development Board to provide residential water and sewer service financial assistance to the poorest areas of the state.
UT regents expected to name Caven chairman today
The University of Texas System Board of Regents, meeting today in Austin, is expected to name H. Scott Caven Jr. (left), a regent since 2003, as its new chairman. James Huffines (right), chairman for almost three and one-half years, would step aside but would remain a regent.
Caven, a money manager from Houston, was named the board's vice chairman this summer. He holds a bachelor's degree and a juris doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin. Huffines, a commercial banker who resides in Austin, earned a bachelor's degree from UT-Austin and attended Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
New college savings plan announced by Comptroller
This could be "The Start of Something Big" for Texas families saving for college! The State Comptroller's Office this week announced two new plans for college savings that will offer broader investment options and more competitive fees. The Texas College Savings Plan and the LoneStar 529 plan will take the place of the old Tomorrow's College Investment Plan.
Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured) cited the new "The Start of Something Big" slogan to announce the plans, which she says will provide a "bigger, better opportunity for Texas families to save money to help pay the soaring cost of a college education."
A new investment firm will begin managing Texas' $200 million 529 plan this month and the 20,000 account holders will transfer automatically to one of the two new plans. Under the new plans, an account can be opened with as little as $25 and with future contributions as small as $15. Assets in the plans can be used for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies. Investments in the plans earn tax-free returns and withdrawals are free if the funds are spent on qualified college expenses. A new Web site with additional information, www.texascollegesavings.com, and a toll free number, 1-800-445-GRAD (4723), will be activated Monday, Nov. 19. Information is available now by calling toll free, 1-800-947-0695.
Schools consider child care as 'perk' for employees
As public schools struggle with recruitment and retention of employees, many are looking into employee child care as a possible perk to entice employees to their districts. More and more, employers are recognizing the importance of child care to their employees, resulting in it becoming one of the fastest growing benefits or perks being offered.
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has been conducting feasibility studies with Texas school districts over the last four and a half years that could lead to day care being offered in a facility in the districts.
Janice Esau (pictured), program consultant with the Child Care Solutions service offered by TASB, said a survey has been distributed to approximately 100 of the state's public school districts. "We're helping school districts explore whether or not they should offer their employees child care," she said.
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State awards Crime Stoppers programs $576,000
Fifty-six Crime Stoppers programs across Texas received a total of $576,000 in grants this week from the Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund. The funds were distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). Gov. Rick Perry announced the awards earlier in the week.
Crime Stoppers programs focus on reducing crime by operating local hotlines that receive and forward information about criminal activities and fugitives from members of the public to appropriate law enforcement agencies. Informants are guaranteed anonymity and receive cash rewards when tips lead to an arrest. Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.
Texas Clipper becomes artificial reef next week
The 473-foot Texas Clipper next Thursday will be sent to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico at a site about 17 nautical miles from South Padre Island, where the ship will become an artificial reef. As a coral reef and home to snappers, groupers and other bottom fish, the ship is expected to generate as much as $30 million annually for the South Texas economy.
The artificial reef project is being spearheaded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (TPWD). The reef will be the site of several scientific monitoring programs. The University of Texas-Brownsville will partner with TPWD to monitor biological growth on the hull of the ship from the very beginning, and Texas A&M University and the National Marine Fisheries Service will conduct an ongoing experiment to look at the pace of corrosion in Gulf waters. The vessel was retired as the oldest ship in the United States Merchant Marine fleet in 1996.
Land Board delays Christmas Mountains bid decision
The School Land Board on Tuesday postponed a decision on awarding a bid for the state-owned 9,269-acre Christmas Mountains tract adjacent to Big Bend National Park for 90 days to give the National Parks Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department time to submit offers.
Private bidders are John Poindexter, the owner of the Cibolo Creek Ranch in Presidio, and Mike and Ramona Craddock of Dallas. The board, which is part of the General Land Office, has declined to release additional details of the existing bids.
Texas natural gas firms must replace old fittings
The Railroad Commission of Texas earlier this week voted 2-1 to require natural gas utilities to replace older rubberized compression-style couplings, costing them millions of dollars that might be passed on to customers. Commissioners Michael Williams and Elizabeth Jones voted in favor of giving the utilities two years to dig up and replace the couplings and requiring them to update the commission on their progress every six months.
Commissioner Victor Carrillo (pictured) voted against the move, expressing concern that the commission did not allow for traditional comments from the public or utilities before making a decision. Carrillo said the utilities could sue the commission for overstepping its authority.
The order to replace the older fittings that link underground natural gas lines to homes follows two fatal explosions since October 2006 in North Texas. The couplings were implicated as the cause of both blasts. Carrillo also questioned whether there was enough evidence to show that the couplings posed an immediate safety risk.
Remaining funding secured for polytrauma center
Texas lawmakers have obtained the $36 million in remaining funding for the construction of a new polytrauma center in San Antonio to treat troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Department of Veterans Affairs had proposed the $66 million facility at Audie Murphy VA Hospital earlier in the year. At that time, $30 million in funding was approved by the U.S. Congress.
The San Antonio facility will be the United States' fifth polytrauma center for the treatment of soldiers with multiple wounds, including head injuries. The center is slated to open in 24 months. It will have more beds than centers operating in Florida, Minnesota, California and Virginia.
Strauss Center creates Brumley Chair in Global Affairs
A $1 million gift from Jon and Rebecca Brumley of Fort Worth to the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law at The University of Texas at Austin will create a chair dedicated to developing peaceful ways to ensure that technological and scientific advances do not endanger global security.
The Jon Brumley Chair in Global Affairs will fund programs that examine current and past efforts to reconcile technological advances with security needs, particularly the struggle to contain the threat of nuclear proliferation. Jon Brumley (pictured) earned a bachelor's degree from the university and has had a distinguished career in the energy business, having served in leadership positions of a number of companies. Rebecca Brumley earned a master's degree from the university and is chair of the Red Oak Foundation in Fort Worth.
San Antonio in running for Air Force cyber command
San Antonio is still in the running for a new U.S. Air Force cyber command that could be permanently established within one year. Lawmakers representing the Alamo City have been pushing for the command. Maj. Gen. William Lord, commander of the cyber mission, told the lawmakers this week that the Air Force will develop criteria for selecting a site and begin evaluating candidates within 90 days.
The Air Force wants to select a site by early spring and permanently establish the headquarters by October 2008. Despite an Air Force decision to locate the provisional headquarters at Barksdale AFB near Shreveport, La., San Antonio is still a candidate for the new command. Other states interested in the cyber command headquarters include Nebraska, which is pushing Offutt AFB as a site, and California with Beale AFB near Yuba City. Barksdale is considered to be a leading candidate for the permanent command.
A&M-Kingsville engineering school wins $5M grant
The Texas A&M University-Kingsville College of Engineering has won a second $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation since opening in 2002.
The award will help fund operations and environmental engineering student research at the Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology-Research on Environmental Sustainability of Semi-Arid Coastal Areas program, said Kuruvialla John (pictured), associate dean of the college. The foundation grants are awarded to Hispanic-serving institutions to increase the number of Hispanics interested in pursuing science-related programs.
Baylor wins $23M grant for vaccine research
Baylor College of Medicine has received a $23.7 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health, to conduct clinical trials of vaccines and therapies for infectious diseases.
The college is among eight vaccine and treatment evaluation units across the country to receive the federal funding over seven years for the vaccine research. The lead investigator at the Baylor vaccine unit is Dr. Wendy Keitel (pictured), an associate professor of infectious diseases.
UH board of regents selects Khator as president
The University of Houston board of regents has named Renu Khator (pictured), a University of South Florida provost, as president of the university and chancellor of the UH System. Khator, the sole finalist for the post, was unanimously appointed to be the next UH leader during a special board meeting Monday.
The 52-year-old Khator will replace Jay Gogue, who left in March to become the president of Auburn University, his alma mater. Khator will take office in January 2008. Khator, a native of India, has been provost of the University of South Florida since 2003. Before that, she served as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences for three years.
Corpus Christi considers fate of Memorial Coliseum
A consultant has recommended that the boarded-up Memorial Coliseum, located on Corpus Christi's bayfront, be preserved and revived as a mixed-use development that would boost the city's tax base and generate economic development in the area. The city-owned coliseum, which opened in 1954, is a memorial to war veterans and is considered architecturally significant.
The city has struggled with options for the coliseum since 2004, when it was replaced by the American Bank Center as the city's main venue. Preserving the building, including its main arched structure, is estimated to cost about $120,000. A new roof could cost about $1.8 million. The City Council is slated to discuss the consultant's report next week.
San Antonio West Campus gets reprieve from closing
Don't shut those doors on the San Antonio High School West Campus just yet. District Judge Larry Noll (pictured) has issued a temporary restraining order halting the action. Although the school board recently voted to close the campus because of low attendance and low academic performance, parents have filed a lawsuit to stop that action. The campus was to be combined with the South San Antonio High School.
Although the order blocks closing the school before a full hearing is held, Noll denied requests of the parents who filed the lawsuit for an order to rescind the board's vote to close the campus and to stop the combination of the two schools into a 5A school for athletic and academic purposes.
West Campus students already are sharing the South High facilities after their school suffered extensive flood damage just prior to the new school year kicking off.
Austin red-light cameras to go up at 15 intersections
Austin residents take notice. Anyone running red lights in the city soon will be snapped, videotaped and fined $75 for the infraction, plus an additional $25 for late payments. The City Council yesterday unanimously approved installing red-light cameras over the next three months at 15 intersections throughout the city. The locations have not been selected but will be in coming weeks. More intersections will be selected over time.
The council gave the go-ahead to the installations by endorsing a 15-year, $15.8 million contract with a private vendor. The city experimented with red-light cameras at two downtown Interstate 35 intersections last summer. The pilot program recorded more than 2,900 violations in 42 days.
Accused violators will be mailed tickets. The photos and videotapes will be posted for viewing on a Web site that the vendor will set up. The accused will receive personal identification numbers allowing them access to their online photos and videos.
Computerized system alerts HPD to stolen vehicles
The Houston Police Department (HPD) is testing a new computerized system designed to make it easier to track stolen vehicles. There were about 1,000 cars and trucks reported stolen in the city last month.
The Automatic License Plate Recognition System has been mounted on several HPD patrol cars and automatically scans the license plate of any vehicle that crosses their path. The information is fed into a database that will instantly alert the officer if the car is stolen or is connected to another serious incident, including an Amber Alert. HPD officials said they are seeking grant funding and donations to upgrade more patrol cars.
Digital El Paso offers free wireless downtown
Downtown residents and businesses in El Paso will soon have free access to the Internet. The free wireless program, Digital El Paso, will be available in most areas of downtown El Paso. Computer training and wireless-ready computers will be available for downtown residents to take home.
The downtown area historically has been home to a large low-income population and Mayor John Cook (pictured) says having computers and wireless access for those residents will empower the community. The downtown program is a pilot, and county officials hope to eventually expand the program to the entire county.
The initiative began with some $150,000 in private and public donations and includes El Paso County, El Paso ISD, El Paso Housing Authority, El Paso Community College, the University of Texas at El Paso and a number of local businesses.
Mansfield may build $45 million events center
The city of Mansfield is considering a public-private partnership for the construction and management of a $45 million civic and events center, Mayor Barton Scott (pictured) said this week. Before a final decision is made, Scott said, the City Council needs more time to gather information and evaluate a feasibility study before inviting public opinion on the proposal. The study, which will help determine the size and location of the arena and project its economic impact on the community, has been set for council review during a special meeting Nov. 27.
The arena, which the city would build at its own expense, would seat 5,000 to 6,000 spectators and accommodate major concerts, graduation ceremonies, conventions and perhaps minor league hockey games. The private company that would manage the center operates the 17-team semipro Central Hockey League. The Texas Brahmas team that plays in North Richland Hills is a member of the league.
Lovitt announces retirement from TAMU-Corpus Christi
Robert Lovitt (pictured), executive vice president for finance and administration at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has announced his retirement, effective in April 2008. Lovitt has been with the university since 2005.
Lovitt has been involved with university finance and administrative operations for more than four decades, 23 years of which have been at Texas institutions. Prior to his affiliation with TAMU-Corpus Christi, he was senior vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas and also previously served at the University of Houston-University Park. The university has not announced when a search will begin to replace Lovitt.
Biodiversity institute proposed at UT site
Some faculty members at The University of Texas are proposing that the university's "Brackenridge tract" be used as a biodiversity institute - to include such amenities as a museum, greenhouse, classrooms and storage of millions of animal and plant species.
The proposal comes in response to the Board of Regents' hearing a task force report that urged reducing, relocating or keeping a biological field laboratory on part of the Brackenridge tract. The faculty members want to preserve the lab. While there is support for its retention, expansion would require a cost study and feasibility study and perhaps fundraising. The task force spent more than a year studying the tract. The group of faculty sees a biodiversity institute as a way of educating the public regarding how mass extinction of plants and animals might affect the world.
SFA regents moving forward with nursing school
Stephen F. Austin State University regents have voted to move forward with construction of the university's new Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing, according to Danny Gallant (pictured), interim vice president for finance and administration. At a recent meeting, the regents approved the nursing school's project budget and gave approval for the search for an architect.
The project budget includes the costs of construction, furnishings, infrastructure and the issuance of bonds totaling $13 million. Regents will seek approval for the project from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and will request issuance of tuition revenue bonds (TRBs) to help fund the project. The facility will include classrooms, laboratories and faculty offices.
Regents also authorized a request for financing for a $28 million Education Research Center, already approved by the THECB, and requested issuance of TRBs to help pay for the center.
Steeber lone finalist for Sadler, Southmayd ISD
Daingerfield ISD Assistant Superintendent Robert Steeber has been named the lone finalist for the superintendent position at the Sadler and Southmayd ISD. By law, Steeber will have to wait 21 days before he can accept the offer.
Prior to serving in the Daingerfield ISD, Steeber was a teacher and coach in the Collinsville ISD and an assistant principal in the Celina ISD. He will replace Bill Gentzel, who retired from the S&S ISD in August. Wayne King has been serving as interim superintendent and will continue to do so until Steeber takes over in January.
Texas State hits 'home run' with new polymer
It was two years in the making, but a new patented fluorinated polymer able to withstand intense temperatures and created by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas State University-San Marcos is reaping benefits. The new plastic polymer licensing agreement is paying off for the Japanese company that sought the new product, for the researchers and for Texas State.
"This is the first purchase in what we hope will create more interest in the polymer," said Patrick Cassidy (pictured), a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, part of the team that received the grant to produce the product. "It's great to see the department hit a home run like this." The polymer has been compared to Teflon.
The inventors will receive $2,000 each and royalties of 0.25 percent of annual net sales, while the university will also earn royalties of 0.25 percent of annual sales. Cassidy admits the real reward is "the recognition for our program."
These student iPods welcomed in classrooms
Some schools in Texas welcome the use of iPods in the classroom. The Lake Dallas Primary School is taking advantage of grant funding to develop the district's first iPod Language Lab. iPods are portable media players and in the Dallas school they are being used to help students develop reading fluency.
The iPods can be used to record and play back fluent reading models. A story is recorded on the iPod and students follow along with printed text, both hearing and seeing the words of the story. Students attend the language lab several times each week, with the class taught by teachers as part of the students' reading instruction.
And at Grand Prairie's Whitt Elementary, 18 employees are using the new technology afforded by iPods to teach their students, too. Students call the use of the iPods fun and easier to learn with. The school purchased more than 300 video iPods. Carrollton-Farmers Branch was among the first districts to begin using iPods in the metro area. The district currently has some 4,000 units being used in elementary, middle and high schools.
Temple ISD says it would consider Marable for top job
If Temple ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Dana Marable (pictured) wants it, her interim job just could become permanent.
Marable has been on the job as interim superintendent for about a month, taking over after former Superintendent Beto Gonzalez resigned. She is earning high marks for her work and is not ruling out applying for the permanent job.
The school board originally said it would hire a search firm after the first of next year, but now members are hopeful to have a new superintendent in place by the end of the current school year. Marable's three-month contract ends in January but is subject to a month-to-month renewal.
Same college, much less cumbersome name
In Montgomery County, the birthplace of the Lone Star flag, the North Harris Montgomery Community College District will get a new - and quite appropriate - name change. More than 400 possible new names for the college district were offered by community members to a Name Review Committee. The committee narrowed the list to nine and then to three. A popular vote that included 3,700 ballots led to the new name - the Lone Star College System.
Montgomery County Judge Alan Sadler said the name is "both relevant and pertinent" because it reflects the history of the community as the birthplace of the Lone Star flag. The five colleges that are a part of the system will have "Lone Star College" as a prefix to the campus name. As an example, Montgomery College will become Lone Star College at Montgomery.
Elkins to serve Tech's medical school in Lubbock
Larry Elkins (pictured), associate dean for finance and administration at the Texas Tech Medical School in El Paso, will be moving to a new job on the Texas Tech Medical School campus in Lubbock.
Elkins next week will begin his new job as executive director of correctional managed health care at the Lubbock school, where he will oversee contracts to provide medical care for inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Bloomburg ISD hires interim superintendent
Kenny Abernathy, principal at Avinger ISD, has been hired as interim superintendent and business manager for the Bloomburg ISD. He will serve out the remainder of the current school year and the 2008-09 school year. Abernathy has been principal of the Avinger elementary and high school for more than three years. Like Bloomburg, Avinger has a high school-elementary school combination.
San Marcos names Jamison interim city manager
San Marcos Assistant City Manager Collette Jamison (pictured) has been named interim city manager while the City Council searches for a replacement for outgoing City Manager Dan O'Leary. The council unanimously appointed Jamison to the position earlier this week.
Jamison, assistant city manager since April 2006, assumed her new duties Tuesday. O'Leary announced his resignation in October and will leave office Dec. 14.
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On our fourth anniversary, Texas Government Insider subscriptions reach 25,000
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Four years ago, we launched our very first edition of the Texas Government Insider.
No one here seems to remember how many subscribers we had for that first publication date on Nov. 7, 2003, but in our first edition we promised our readers "the latest in government and procurement news for the Texas public sector." We said we would bring you "interviews, case studies and success stories from around Texas, as well as keep you up to date on the latest appointments and promotions."
And we have.
That first TGI (as we affectionately call it) had six news stories, one feature article, six entries on the calendar of events, three black and white mug shots and two gubernatorial appointments.
My how things have changed in four years!
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Davis named associate dean of Baylor Honors College
Tommye Lou Davis (pictured), associate professor of classics and Master Teacher at Baylor University, has been named associate dean of the university's Honors College.
Davis earned her undergraduate degree from Baylor in 1966 and began teaching there the same year. She earned her graduate degree in 1968.
In 1972, she was named assistant professor of classics with tenure and in 1993 was designated Master Teacher and associate professor. She has also served as acting chair of the Department of Classics and as special assistant and chief of staff in the Baylor president's office.
Grant targets youth environmental education
Early childhood programs on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border will be the target for an environmental education program funded by a $50,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Laredo's Environmental Services Department will release a bilingual education video relating to water quality protection - this time choosing to target a younger audience.
The Laredo department will work jointly with Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, authorities to promote water quality protection on both sides of the border. Cartoon characters will be used to portray both the good guys, and the bad guys (pollutants). This endeavor comes on the heels of a similar program by the department that featured environmental education story books and songs for both cities.
Finance expert Baisden newest member of SPI team
Debbie Baisden (pictured), an expert in higher education, state government and public finance, is the newest member of the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. consulting team. Baisden most recently served as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she was responsible for fiscal management of all university activities, programs and properties.
Prior to her association with SFA, Baisden served in Texas state government in Austin as manager of the Higher Education Performance Review Team and as the senior budget and performance analyst for higher education for the Legislative Budget Board.
Other state government experience includes a 12-year stint as a budget and forecasting analyst with the Finance Division of the Texas Department of Transportation in Austin.
Baisden holds a bachelor's degree and an MBA from St. Edward's University and has done doctoral work at The University of Texas at Austin.
Successful government sales teams busily prepare for 2008
Time is ticking down on 2007. Most government sales teams are making an end-of-the-year push while busily preparing for a positive start in 2008. This is the time when SPI consultants and researchers sometimes do their best work.
Key to increasing government sales revenues is being able to follow the money. SPI researchers track every type of funding and can point client teams to immediate opportunities. SPI consultants are experts in the areas of strategy development, messaging and marketing. If you've got a half day and want some intensive hands-on assistance...or if you can spend two days with the experts, call to book an engagement.
SPI workshops - designed to last anywhere from three hours to two days - offer unique assistance to government sales teams. All sessions are customized to accommodate specific needs.
Contact Reagan Weil for details at 512-531-3917 or at rweil@spartnerships.com.
Cedar Park moves closer
to entertainment venue
Cedar Park could have its own minor league hockey team by 2010, after signing a memorandum of understanding with the owner of the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers.
The MOU details a partnership between the city and the sports group to build an indoor multipurpose center that will have a seating capacity of up to 8,000 at a cost of approximately $55 million.
Some $43.5 million of that would come from the city of Cedar Park's sales tax revenue. The center could also host concerts, area graduation ceremonies, rodeos and other sporting events. Both sides have until Dec. 15 to sign a binding agreement.
President signs bill nixing Internet access tax
The "Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments Act of 2007" was signed into law last week by President George W. Bush, extending the moratorium on state taxes on Internet access and electronic commerce until Nov. 1, 2014. It also continues the exemption from the moratorium for states that have previously enacted Internet tax laws and continue to collect them. The House passed its version of the bill, extending the moratorium for four years and the Senate followed with passage of a bill extending it seven years. After a conference committee, the Senate version of the bill was approved. It was quickly sent to the White House for the president's signature, because the current ban would have expired on Nov. 1.
Governor's appointments
Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:
- Lewis Timberlake of Austin, OneStar Foundation Board of Directors
- Walter G. Diggles Sr. of Jasper, reappointed chair, OneStar National Service Commission
- Dolores Schwertner of Miles of Concho Valley, OneStar National Service Commission
- Reymundo Torres of El Paso, OneStar National Service Commission
- Charlotte G. Hinds of Bastrop, 423rd Judicial District Court Judge
- Carl Dorrough of Longview, Gregg County District Attorney
- Jay Michael "Pat" Phelan of Levelland, 286th Judicial District Court Judge
- William A. Abney of Marshall, Red River Compact Commission
Speaker's appointments
House Speaker Tom Craddick has made the following appointments:
- Linda McKenna of Harlingen, reappointed, Primary Care Residency Advisory Committee.
New junior high may be
on horizon for Pampa ISD
Forty acres of land have been donated to the Pampa ISD for the site of a new junior high school to be built in the next few years. Officials of the school district anticipate that bond funds will pay for the new campus. The site is southeast of the originally proposed site, which was scrubbed because of a pipeline that ran under the property.
Lancaster ISD discussing
newspapers for families
This could be the ultimate in school newspapers. Lancaster ISD Superintendent Larry Lewis (pictured) is proposing the district pay for an annual subscription to the Lancaster Today newspaper for every family that has a student in the LISD. Monday night, the school board approved his plan. In return for the school buying the subscriptions for district families, the local newspaper would print information regarding the school district that is now being sent home by students through newsletters and notices. The newspaper also would provide $10,000 in scholarships each year to students in the district.
The cost of the newspaper subscriptions would be approximately $90,000 per year for the estimated 5,000 families who would receive free subscriptions. It would increase by five times the paper's current 1,000 circulation. Lewis made the news recently for another proposal in the district, when he petitioned the Texas Education Agency to allow the district to have a four-day week, which he said would significantly cut costs when the district needed additional funds to balance its budget. That proposal was eventually withdrawn.
Judson ISD ready to sign new superintendent
Willis Ray Mackey, assistant superintendent of the Beaumont ISD, has been named the only finalist for the Judson ISD superintendent post. District trustees unanimously selected Mackey from a pool of 22 applicants because of his experience.
Judson's trustees must wait a state-mandated 21 days before they can offer Mackey a contract. The board wants a signed contract by Dec. 2. Mackey also has served as superintendent of the Port Arthur ISD.
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D/FW Airport makes $5 million marketing push
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (D/FW) this week kicked off a $5 million global marketing campaign in Buenos Aires, Argentina. D/FW announced in June that it was teaming up with the Dallas and Fort Worth convention and visitors bureaus for the Visit DFW Campaign. The marketing initiative, which will focus on Mexico, South America and Asia, is designed to drive traffic to and through the airport.
Lee wants Houston
middle school razed
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (pictured) of Houston and more than a dozen parents, ministers and community activists called for Key Middle School to be demolished and a new school to be built in its place earlier this week. Houston ISD closed the school earlier this year after several teachers became ill. An initial report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found some mold contamination in the building. The CDC's full report has not yet been released.
Houston ISD Superintendent Abe Savaedra said the district continues to work to make sure all students and staff from the school are safe. Lee said she believes the school is outdated and because the price of mold remediation is too costly, it should be rebuilt.
Seabrook, Port Authority end Bayport differences
The Port of Houston Authority and the city of Seabrook earlier this week ended years of fighting over noise and pollution issues associated with the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal by signing an agreement that calls for landscaping and other barriers to separate the terminal from the southeast Harris County community.
Seabrook residents for several years had opposed the creation of Bayport, which opened in February, claiming the planned growth around the terminal threatened their way of life on Galveston Bay. Bayport advocates had maintained that the terminal would create new jobs for the community.
Don't mess with city
of Mesquite's official logo
Angered that another Texas city tried to borrow from it's city logo, the Mesquite City Council this week took full ownership of its logo: "Real. Texas. Flavor." The council adopted an ordinance protecting the logo from copycats and fining $500 for each offense.
Almost two years after Mesquite's city fathers adopted the logo, the city of Longview recently came up with a slight variation on Mesquite's theme: "Real. East Texas. Living." It seems that Longview had hired the same marketing company that designed the Mesquite logo. But Mesquite officials insisted that the periods define the logo and, therefore, cannot be copied. Longview retracted the logo, and Mesquite agreed not to take legal action.
Laredo considers replacing plastic recycle bags
The Laredo City Council wants to replace blue plastic bags that residents use for recycling with blue plastic bins. City Council member Johnny Rendon (pictured) this week proposed the switch, stressing that plastic bags are bad for the environment and litter the city's landfill.
Buying plastic bins for the 3,000 to 5,000 households that recycle would cost the city about $2.7 million. Before the council approves such a large expenditure, it will launch a pilot program in coming months to test how residents respond to replacing the recycle bags with bins. The council last month approved banning over the next six months the use of plastic shopping bags in the city.
Arlington ISD picks superintendent finalist
El Paso's Ysleta superintendent Hector Montenegro (pictured) is the lone finalist to replace longtime Arlington ISD superintendent Mac Bernd. Arlington school trustees selected Montenegro earlier this week, stressing that his diverse background will help the district move forward.
Texas mandates a 21-day period between the naming of a finalist and his or her hiring. Trustees expect to offer Montenegro a contract on Nov. 29. Montenegro has been superintendent of Ysleta since 2003. He also has served as superintendent for the San Marcos ISD and deputy superintendent for Dallas ISD.
Ochiltree County facing
jail overcrowding
Like many jails throughout Texas, the Ochiltree County Jail is near capacity, leaving county officials wondering how they will either pay for a new jail or pay to have their prisoners housed elsewhere.
With only 32 beds available and a growing population, county officials are studying having to relocate inmates to the Dalhum-Hartley County jail at a cost of $40 per day, plus transportation costs. While many of the inmates are those awaiting transfer to state prison facilities, officials note they will soon have to make the decision on whether to build a new jail or house inmates elsewhere.
CCISD hires firm to assess needs due to growth
Corpus Christi ISD trustees recently hired a private demography firm to study district growth issues with an eye toward a possible bond proposal for campus improvements next year. In recent years, the district has seen a population shift to the city's Southside, which may require the redrawing of district boundaries, a new high school and major renovations at existing facilities, according to Superintendent Scott Elliff (pictured).
The study, due next spring, will provide the district with the data to determine if a 2008 bond election to fund district improvements is needed and what a bond proposal should include. The district is paying the Austin-based firm $41,700 to conduct the study.
Community crime reduction programs receive $11.5M
More than $11.5 million in grant funding recently was awarded to 128 programs across the state that strive to reduce crime and improve Texas' criminal and juvenile justice systems. The grants were awarded through the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund, distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). Gov. Rick Perry announced the awards earlier this week.
The planning fund supports cost-effective programs that complement the governor's strategy for creating successful support programs that reduce the number of crimes committed and provide accountability in the criminal justice system.
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Population hikes lead Carroll ISD to study bond issue
Officials of the Carroll ISD are preparing to appoint a committee to study the possible need for a bond election in the district, as the district's population increases and many of its facilities are nearing capacity.
The district's Finance Committee, after studying documents that predict a 2-3 percent growth in the district in the next 10 years, recommended appointment of a Citizens Bond Steering Committee to study the district's needs. Atop the list is another elementary school in the northern part of the district.
Plano not so sure about
free wireless Internet
What a difference two years makes. When Plano city officials began studying providing wireless Internet in the city, their plans were to provide the service for the entire community. That proposal has since been reduced to providing wireless access only at a library, a park and two recreation centers.
Plano learned that there were high installation costs, according to Mayor Pat Evans (pictured), and what was touted as "free" really wasn't. Fewer than 100 cities nationwide have Wi-Fi that blankets their entire communities. And only a handful of them are in Texas, where monthly fees are charged. Officials are hopeful that new technology will drive prices down and create new avenues for use of Wi-Fi.
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