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O'Brien selected as LBB directorSees surplus as unique challenge for budget writers
With the 80th legislative session fast approaching, the Legislative Budget Board this week officially named John O'Brien, a 17-year veteran of state government, director of the LBB, the budget-writing arm of the Texas Legislature. O'Brien, a graduate of the LBJ School of Public Affairs, has held the title of deputy director of the LBB since 2002, but he has fulfilled the duties of director since John Keel left the position to become state auditor in 2004. 
O'Brien said this week that he believes the projected budgetary surplus poses a challenge for the Legislature as it must guard against spending surplus money on recurring expenses. "It's a cliché, but I really do believe it is harder to write a budget with a surplus than with a deficit," O'Brien said. With a deficit, he said, "it is easier to say no." O'Brien said he was "committed to the non-partisan role the LBB plays in the process." "We've built a reputation as a group of people you can come to and get a straight answer from, regardless of party, or chamber," he added. "That's real important to me and I think that will serve me well (as director)." O'Brien joined the LBB in 1989 and worked on the team that developed the "Robin Hood" school finance plan adopted by the Legislature in 1993. Prior to joining state government, he worked for the City of Austin. Keel credited O'Brien with having "the best mind on public school finance of anybody I've ever worked with." "He's very smart. Very analytical. And he's a very hard worker personally," Keel said. Of his management style, Keel said O'Brien "is very respectful of the individual employees and their contributions to the office." Last year, the Texas State Agency Business Administrator's Association named O'Brien its Administrator of the Year in recognition of his leadership and contributions to state government. Lone Star
Rick Perry · GovernorCareer highlights: What I like best about my job is: Best advice you've received for your current job? What advice would you give a new hire in your office? If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker in state government. If you would like to suggest a “Lone Star,” please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. We’re also interested in hearing about promotions, reorganizations, awards or other news related to work inside Texas state agencies. Drop us a line! Staples announces top aides at Ag Department
Senator Todd Staples, Texas agriculture commissioner-elect, has filled two key jobs in his new administration. Drew DeBerry (pictured), currently deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will serve as Staple's deputy commissioner. Shannon Wickliffe Rusing, who heads Staples' Senate office, will become the chief of staff at the TDA. DeBerry, a graduate of Texas Tech University, has also worked for State Sen. Robert Duncan of Lubbock. Rusing, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, has also worked as a legislative staff member in the Texas House. Legislative Reference Library director named
Mary Lynn Camp has been formally selected as director of the Legislative Reference Library, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of former director Dale Propp. Her selection was made by the Legislative Library Board, which consists of the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House and the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. In addition, two senators appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and one House member appointed by the Speaker serve on the committee. Camp has served as Assistant Director of the Texas Legislative Reference Library since October 2004. She holds a Masters of Science in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and has also worked in a variety of state agencies and legislative offices. Dewhurst announces staff changesRob Johnson, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's deputy chief of staff, will replace Bruce Gibson as chief of staff beginning Dec. 1. Gibson is pursuing other business opportunities, but will oversee Dewhurst's inauguration. Johnson began working with Dewhurst in 2001. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, the 31-year-old Johnson has been executive assistant and deputy chief of staff to the lieutenant governor since 2003. In making the announcement, Dewhurst credited Gibson, a former state representative, with important contributions to the success of the Texas Senate over the last four years. Railroad Commission pairs mentors/protégés
The Railroad Commission of Texas recently hosted a forum for historically underutilized businesses which highlighted some success stories of the commission's Mentor-Protégé program. The program brings together budding entrepreneurs with experienced, established businesses. Besides the RRC, other state agencies with similar contracting needs - like earth-hauling, well-plugging and environmental services - participated in the event. They included the General Land Office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Water Development Board. Commissioner Michael Williams encouraged existing environmental service vendors to participate as mentors in the Mentor-Protégé Program, noting that the relationship expands business opportunities for all participants. Budget cuts hit historical roads effortThe Texas Historical Commission has been informed it will lose federal funds it receives to make Texas roads prettier, safer and historically relevant. Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson notified the Historical Commission by letter recently that the agency will cut the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program, in response to three Federal Highway Administration requests that the state give up more than $305 million promised to Texas. The requests were prompted by federal budget constraints caused by last year's hurricane response and by the Iraq and Afghanistan military effort. The funds paid for projects such as bicycle and pedestrian pathways, preservation of transportation facilities such as railways, control or removal of billboards and acquisition of scenic easements. Texas State to open engineering school
A $5 million gift by a New Braunfels couple will allow Texas State University to realize its goal of creating a new school of engineering. University President Denise Trauth called the donation from Bruce and Gloria Ingram "a transformational gift for the university. It will allow us to expand and greatly enhance our engineering curriculum and it will help us serve a vital mission - providing more engineers for the Texas work force." Bruce Ingram is the founder of Ingram Readymix, which operates 26 concrete plants in Texas. The Ingrams moved to San Marcos from Pearsall in 1970 and relocated to New Braunfels two years ago. TDHCA promotes new finance managerJennifer Joyce has been promoted to manager of Multifamily Finance at the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Joyce, a seven-year veteran of the department, began her career in the compliance division and has served as administrator of the Housing Tax Credit Program since 2003. A University of Texas graduate, she serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations. New school superintendents named
Hugh Ellis, a superintendent at Dawson Independent School District, located south of Dallas, was chosen as the sole finalist for the superintendent's position in Bremond. Ellis, who will replace Tim Peterson, graduated from Texas A&M University and has worked as a teacher, coach and school administrator in Corsicana, Blooming Grove and Dawson. Dr. David Simmons (pictured) will depart the Tyler Independent School District, where he serves as superintendent, to assume the reins of Richardson's schools. The Richardson school board unanimously selected him as the next superintendent this week. In the Poteet Independent School District, school board trustees recently appointed Dr. Sharon L. Doughty as lone finalist for the position of superintendent. Doughty formerly served as the assistant superintendent of Southside ISD in San Antonio. In Marion, retired Galveston ISD Superintendent Henry Boening, has been selected to be the interim superintendent of the Marion Independent School District for at least five months or until a permanent one is hired. Boening will replace Dennis Dreyer, who will go on administrative leave. The Cedar Hill Independent School District has narrowed its search for a new superintendent to three finalists: Horace Williams, Diboll ISD superintendent; Willis Mackey, former Port Arthur ISD superintendent; and Quentin Burnett, associate superintendent for finance at Birdville ISD. Lufkin considers red light camerasThe City of Lufkin has joined the lengthening list of cities considering the use of red light traffic cameras. Council members recently heard a pitch for the system from a red light traffic systems vendor. The system uses Doppler radar detection and imaging equipment to photograph the license plate of a violator. It then records the date and time of the violation and the posted speed limit. Lufkin Chief of Police Larry Brazil said the cameras would help stem an increasing number of red light violations. City Manager Paul Parker said the city will determine its most problematic areas before deploying the cameras. New interim president named for TSU
Texas Southern University's governing board has appointed a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general as interim president. James Timothy Boddie, Jr., 75, who oversaw a military base of 6,000 troops in South Korea, will lead the nation's second largest historically-black college. The Plano resident also once led the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Aircraft Management Office. He replaces former president Priscilla Slade. UT provost selection expected soon
The search committee charged with recommending a new provost for the University of Texas at Austin has narrowed its search to four candidates and plans to make a final recommendation to UT President William Powers by the end of the year. Dr. Sheldon Ekland-Olson held the post until May when he announced he would return to UT's faculty. In the interim, Steve Monti (pictured) has filled the provost position. The four finalists are Steven Leslie, dean of UT's College of Pharmacy; Paul Ludden, dean of the College of Natural Resources at the University of California-Berkeley; Robert Newman, dean of Humanities and associate vice president for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Utah; and James Staros, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at State University of New York-Stony Brook. And more personnel changes in Texas higher ed:
Regents honor professors, administratorsThe Texas A&M System Board of Regents last week honored 14 professors and administrators with the designation of Regents Professor or Regents Fellow for 2005-2006, in recognition of exemplary contributions to the A&M community and state of Texas. Those honored were:
TAMU honored for equal opportunityThe Department of Labor recently honored Texas A&M University by presenting Vice Chancellor James A. Fletcher with the Secretary of Labor's Opportunity Award. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said the award recognizes the highest level of voluntary commitment to equal opportunity endeavors and said that TAMU's programs should be emulated by the federal contractor community. UTD to follow high school students in collegeEducators at Texas high schools who want to determine how well their graduates perform in college will soon have concrete data, thanks to a project at the University of Texas at Dallas. The College Transition and Performance Project will track the progress of graduating seniors at colleges nationwide. School districts will be able to purchase reports on graduates from specific schools to see how those students fare in higher education. "The state of Texas has set ambitious goals for increasing college attendance and completion," said Dr. W. Lee Holcombe, director of evaluation and special projects for the Texas Schools Project and principal investigator for this effort. "This information is critical to meeting those goals." UT adds $25 million for science initiativesThe University of Texas System Board of Regents has authorized an additional $25 million to supplement its historic $2.65 billion system-wide initiative to enhance competitiveness in science and technology. The funds will be used to recruit more quality faculty, leverage other funding sources and to help pay for necessary research facilities. According to University of Texas at San Antonio spokesperson Marianne Lewis, no decisions have been made about how the money will be divided among UT institutions. Texas State and Dell form health care initiativeTexas State University at San Marcos is joining forces with Dell to improve the quality of community health care in North Austin and Williamson County through its Round Rock Higher Education Center (RRHEC). Texas State's counseling clinic, spearheaded by Associate Professor John Garcia, will use a $50,000 donation from Dell to help buy equipment and resources. The clinic currently serves as a public clinic where community members can seek professional mental health services. TPWD vows to keep Texas State Railroad chuggingFollowing a letter from the state's two top legislative leaders, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department verified this week that the Texas State Railroad will be able to keep running, but its long-term future depends on legislative action. Dwindling funds prompted concern among railroad enthusiasts that the TWPD would not be able to provide funding past Dec. 31. But this week, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick signed a letter informing TWPD Executive Director Robert L. Cook that they believed the department had been given sufficient funds to maintain operation of the railroad. Specifically, Dewhurst and Craddick reminded Cook that the state parks agency has been granted permission by the legislature to spend additional revenue it collects beyond state comptroller estimates. That money should be sufficient to keep the train on track until the next budget cycle, the two leaders noted. |
New feature will spotlight public servants, employees
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Texas enjoys a rich history of strong-willed individuals whose out-sized personalities have left enduring marks on public policy. One only has to walk into the Texas History Museum and gaze up at the bronze statue of Bob Bullock, or tour the LBJ Library, to recognize the powerful influence a single individual can make, even on large, unwieldy governmental institutions. In the past few decades, Texas has become increasingly complex, with seismic changes occurring in its demographics and economics. In response, government programs have become more labyrinthine and technical. But while the business of government tends to be dry, impersonal and gray, the people behind public policy usually are not. This week, we begin a new regular feature in Texas Government Insider. The "Lone Star" will each week shine a spotlight on an individual in government who makes critical decisions in the public arena. Without regard to party labels or even agency hierarchy, we hope to prove that real people - not the imagined nameless, faceless bureaucrat -- comprise our government. Gov. Rick Perry was kind enough to respond to our questions for our first "Lone Star" and we hope to follow up by providing interesting personal insight into many more men and women who shape government policy at all levels. True "government insiders" know that people matter. The month of December, leading up to the legislative session, will witness many important personnel changes in Texas government. New statewide officeholders will be assuming the reins of their agencies, and will be announcing their leadership teams. We will strive to keep you informed of all developments as the New Year approaches. Anderson County gets new judge
Linda Bostick Ray, recently elected as Anderson County Judge, has assumed office following the early retirement of County Judge Carey G. McKinney. McKinney's four-year term expires Dec. 31, but he resigned to take a job in the private sector. Ray, who defeated two opponents in the Nov. 7 general election, is believed to be the first woman to be elected to the post. Her current job as justice of the peace will be filled by Emergency Management Coordinator Gary Thomas for the remainder of the year. Her regular four-year term in office will begin on Jan. 1, 2007. Callahan tax assessor wins state awardCallahan County's Tammy Walker has been named Tax Assessor-Collector of the Year by the Tax Assessor-Collector Association of Texas. The contestants were judged on the completion and documentation of various tasks, their degree of community service involvement and tax collection rates. Walker has been a tax assessor-collector for the past six years. UT med school dean to lead kidney research group
The American Society of Nephrology has named William L. Henrich, dean of the medical school and vice president for medical affairs at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, as its new president. The organization, with 9,500 members, is devoted to the study of the kidney and kidney-related diseases. Henrich has authored more than 200 scientific publications and has conducted research into dialysis, analgesic-related kidney dysfunction and hypertension. Cities get new administrators
The City of Corinth has hired Clovia English (pictured) as city manager. English, a graduate of the University of North Texas, has served as city manager of Lockhart, and also has worked for the cities of Carrollton, Garland and Plano. The City of Alice has hired a new assistant manager, Sara Wilson, filling a seven-month vacancy in the post. Wilson, an Ohio native and graduate of the Air Force Academy, has a law degree and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. A veteran of the first Gulf War, she has worked in Austin at the Capitol Area Council of Governments and the Lower Colorado River Authority, focusing on economic development and obtaining grants. Meanwhile, Balcones Heights' city administrator Lanny Lambert has been hired as city manager of Leon Valley. He is scheduled to assume his duties on Jan. 2. In Abilene, Leslie Andrews, the head of the Keep Abilene Beautiful and the city's Community Enhancement Division, has been promoted as assistant city manager. She will replace Kathy Merrill, who departed Abilene for an assistant city manager job in College Station. Houghton honored by national road group
Texas Transportation Commission member Ted Houghton, an El Paso businessman, has been named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. The award was announced recently at ARTBA's Washington D.C. Conference on Public-Private Ventures in Transportation. Organization officials said the award recognized Houghton's "outstanding contributions to the promotion of public-private partnerships that advance transportation infrastructure improvements." The Texas Department of Transportation and Cintra Zachary were also honored for their work on State Highway 130, which ARTBA selected as one of the four best public-private partnership projects in the country this year. Collin County CC instructor named Professor of the YearJennifer O'Loughlin-Brooks, a Collin County Community College psychology instructor, has been named Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Ms. O'Loughlin-Brooks joined the college's faculty in 1995 as an associate professor and became a full-time professor in 2002. She earned her master's degree in psychology from Emporia State University in Kansas. ACC adds nanotechnology internshipAustin Community College (ACC) is recruiting nanotechnology students through a paid internship, thanks to a $4 million grant from the state. The internship is a joint program between ACC and Sematech, a consortium dedicated to commercializing technology innovations through semiconductor and emerging technology research. Hector Aguilar, department chair of the advanced technology department at ACC, said that the college hopes the program will attract students statewide to take advantage of training with Sematech. Governor Rick Perry has made the following appointments:
SPI seeks additional K-12 and Healthcare consultants in Texas Recent Reports
Event Links
Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1, 2, 3 and 4 Archives - 11/7/03 - 10/13/06 Resources
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services. |
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TASSCC conference to focus on technologyThe Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications will host the 2006 State of the State Conference at the Hyatt Regency Town Lake in Austin, Tuesday, Dec. 12. The conference will focus on strategic direction of technology in state government and higher education, and include speakers such as Susan Combs, Texas Agriculture Commissioner and Comptroller-elect, and Dr. Michael Cox, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Online registration ends Wednesday, December 5th. Click here for more information. Conference to educate newly-elected officialsThe Texas Association of Counties will hold a series of one-day conferences Dec. 4-13 to assist newly-elected officials in preparing to take office. The conferences will cover issues ranging from public hiring practices, nepotism, the Texas Open Meetings and Public Information Acts, purchasing requirements and ethics standards for public officials. To learn more about the conferences, click here. The Texas Government Performance SummitThe Texas Government Performance Summit, to be held Dec. 4-6 at the Hyatt Regency in Houston, will feature as speakers Billy Hamilton, recently retired Texas Deputy Comptroller; Charles Bacarisse, Board of Directors of the Texas Department of Information Resources; and Mary Scott Nabers, CEO, Strategic Partnerships, Inc. For more information, please click here. |
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