Commuters have less than a week to get a free TxTag - a Texas toll roads prepaid electronic windshield sticker - and take advantage of half-price travel along Texas toll roads.

TxTags allow drivers access to toll roads in Central Texas, Dallas, Houston and Tyler. Instead of stopping at toll booths to exchange money, TxTag drivers continue traveling at highway speeds and pay tolls electronically from a prepaid account.

As early as March, the state plans to start charging a $9.65 fee for the tags. Currently, the TxTag is free, but users have to deposit a minimum of $20 into a new account from which their tolls will be deducted. The current 50 percent discount on tolls for TxTag drivers will be reduced to 10 percent beginning March 1.

Gaby Garcia, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation, said that since last summer more than 200,000 TxTags have been activated statewide.

The TxTag sticker, slightly smaller than a vehicle inspection sticker, is placed on a vehicle windshield's interior, approximately one-half-inch below the rearview mirror. The tag uses an electronic chip and the windshield glass to send a signal to an electronic system above toll lanes. A TxTag cannot be shared - moving the tag between vehicles could damage its chip.

"Here in Austin we had a rush leading up to January 6. Then TxTag travelers could take advantage of the free month of tolls. There was a heavy volume of calls, people going online and coming into our customer service center in Austin [to buy TxTags]," Garcia said.

Users are required to keep a minimum amount of money in a TxTag account to maintain active status and to avoid receiving toll violation tickets. If an account is opened with a credit or debit card, $20 will be automatically drafted from that card anytime the TxTag balance falls below $10. A TxTag Account Management Card allows users to manage the account by making payments online (www.TxTag.org) or by phone (1-888-GoTxTag). If a TxTag is ordered online, it will be mailed within three to four business days and upon receipt, is activated and ready for installation.

"We are certainly always adding more TxTag users to our base as new toll roads open and customers get more familiar with the roads," said Garcia. "As toll roads go, there will be [sales] peaks and valleys since customers increase and decrease travel and use of the roads."

Fritz resigns from post at DSHS

Randy Fritz, chief operating officer at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), has resigned his position, effective March 2, to pursue professional opportunities in the private sector.

Fritz was involved in a number of successful initiatives and projects during his last three years at DSHS - the modernization of the vital statistics unit, the newborn screening expansion, the transition of the IT data center function to an outsourced model, the departmental response to Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, and the employee wellness pilot.

Fritz was also part of the team that helped create DSHS from three other agencies in 2004.

Lone Star

Beto Gonzalez, superintendent, Temple ISD

Career highlights and education: An educator with experience as a high school teacher, a secondary school administrator, a graduate school professor and as dean of a college. In addition, served President George W. Bush at the Departments of Labor and Education and is currently Superintendent of Schools for the Temple Independent School District. Became a high school teacher in California and later assistant principal at middle and high school levels. From 1991 to 1995, taught English literature, ESL (English Second Language) and Spanish at Wasco High School in Wasco, CA, and at Centennial High School, a nationally recognized school in Bakersfield, CA. While pursuing a doctoral degree, taught at the Graduate School of Education at Fresno Pacific University and later served as Dean of Student Services at Bakersfield College.

When approached about working in President George W. Bush's administration, recognized it as a prime opportunity to impact policy at the national level. Served as the Special Assistant in the Office of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor, responsible for coordinating Hispanic outreach and media relations in addition to the role as Hispanic spokesperson for the Department of Labor. Later served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

What I like best about my job is: The ability to be involved and a part of so many in education. My family travels to areas of farm labor continued up to my college graduation. During these years, effective education programs and caring principals, teachers and coaches played a vital role in my academic development, eventually leading me to the completion of several degrees and credentials in education. Overcoming the challenges of my early years inspired me to pursue a career in public service as an educator. My message to students everywhere, In this country as long as you do your homework, you can become anything you want! No one can hold you back from someday enrolling in a school of medicine, engineering, education or other area and earning a college degree. Nothing can hold you back in this country -- not even your financial challenges.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Has been from many mentors and supporters.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Pursue your dreams; make a difference in a child's life as a teacher, mentor and friend.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: With my family, riding a motorcycle, reading a book, or playing the piano.

People would be surprised to know that I: Never finished one school year at one school K-12.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century, by Thomas Friedman; Certain Trumpets: The Nature of Leadership by Garry Wills; Good to Great and the Social Sectors by Jim Collins.

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.

Betts reappointed Commissioner of Workers' Comp

Albert Betts Jr. has been reappointed commissioner of Workers' Compensation by Gov. Rick Perry. Betts has served as commissioner since Sept. 2005.

Prior to that, he served in several positions at the Texas Department of Insurance: chief of staff, deputy commissioner for human resources, and assistant general counsel to the commissioner.

Betts has also been an assistant attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General, assistant general counsel at the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission and general counsel for the State Office of Risk Management.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. His appointment is subject to approval by the Texas Senate.

San Antonio works to secure BRAC funds

San Antonio leaders are trying to ensure that federal funds earmarked for construction projects at Fort Sam Houston are delivered as promised.

Under recommendations from the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC), San Antonio military facilities should undergo a total of $2.23 million in construction and renovation projects. Fort Sam Houston is slated to add 7.9 million square feet to become one of two major military medical centers in the nation.

The funding for the fort and other military facilities is uncertain because Congress cut $3.1 billion of the $5.6 billion in BRAC allocations from President Bush's original budget. Texas lost $741 million in the cuts.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (pictured), San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and other officials met with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to develop a strategy for restoring the funds. The group's goal is to encourage Congress to approve the $3.1 billion in a supplemental appropriations bill and to make sure that the fort gets the initial $141 million to begin construction this year.

If the funding is not restored, Laughlin Air Force Base also stands to lose $25 million for initial construction projects. Under BRAC recommendations, Laughlin is slated to absorb military training programs from Moody Air Force Base in Georgia.

'Tis the season for school bond elections

If you've noticed a sudden surge in bond elections being called by school districts throughout the state, there's a reason. The deadline for calling a May bond vote is fast approaching and school districts are trying to get in under the wire. Those districts planning bond elections that don't get on the May ballot will have to wait until the November elections or later. And school boards are acutely aware that the more time that passes before a bond issue is voted on, the higher costs - particularly those for construction - are going to be.

Some districts are also choosing to split up their bond issues into several separate propositions. By doing so, each proposition has its own chance to pass and any that might not pass will not affect the others.

Paper trail for electronic voting discussed

A paper trail for verification of votes cast with electronic voting machines is a good - but expensive - idea.

Lawmakers are currently discussing legislation, HB 384 by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham that would require counties to add a paper trail that would allow for verification of votes cast electronically. Other similar bills have also been filed during the current 80th Legislature.

While many agree with the need for a ballot paper trail, county officials are wondering where the $40-$50 million will come from to pay for the initiative. Some who testified this week at the House Elections Committee hearing on the bill suggested fees or grants to pay for a printer that would be attached to every electronic voting machine. Voters could check to make sure the paper printout correctly recorded their votes.

Boerne considers bond for citywide improvements

The Boerne City Council is considering a $21.5 million bond issue to go before voters May 12, which includes a trail system connecting parks, a new police station, expansion to the fire station, and sidewalk projects.

The $1.99 million trail projects proposition aims to connect all of Boerne's major parks by a system of trails to recreational facilities, including future developments. Officials are leaning to crushed granite or asphalt for the surface, and alcoves with resting spots are planned along creeks where users could take in scenic views or fish.

The $10.25 million public safety improvements proposition outlines $7.7 million for a new 20,000-square-foot police station and an 8,000-square-foot municipal court building. The remainder of the funds would be used to expand and upgrade the existing fire station.

Parties compromise on sharing red light fine revenues

Cities that have approved the use of cameras to catch motorists who run red lights have been enjoying the additional revenue from fines that result from those traffic violations. Some state lawmakers want to either ban the cameras or ensure that the state gets at least part of those revenues.

Lawmakers and city officials now are working on a compromise that would cap the fines at $75 per violation. Some cities were charging as much as $150 per violation and bill author Sen. John Carona of Dallas said reducing fines would also reduce the "financial incentive" and ensure the cameras are being used for safety reasons and not for revenue. Carona's SB 125 allows cities approximately 35-40 percent of the fine revenue to be used to operate the cameras, with the remaining money divided equally between the state and cities. Cities would have to use those funds - approximately $20 per violation - for safety and transportation projects.

The cameras have helped reduce traffic crashes, says Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin (pictured). Plano installed red-light cameras at four intersections last year and Rushin reports there has been a 49 percent decrease in intersection crashes at those intersections, compared to 5.3 percent decrease city-wide. There also has been a 32 percent decrease in red-light violation crashes at those four intersections, while there was only a 6.8 percent decrease city-wide.

Anglo student enrollment declining

Anglo students are the only ethnic group in Texas public schools that declined during the past decade. The numbers dropped by 6 percent, from 1.76 million to 1.65 million, according to a report released this month by the Texas Education Agency.

Hispanic student enrollment showed the greatest spike; over 10 years, it increased by 46.5 percent, from 650,999 students to 2 million. In turn, students receiving bilingual education or English as a second language instruction increased by 55.6 percent.

For the 2005-06 school year, more than 4.5 million students enrolled in Texas public schools, a 19 percent increase from the previous decade.

Audit report addresses state employee benefits

The State Auditor's Office this week released a report regarding the value of state employee benefits as they relate to employee compensation.

The report concludes that the average classified, full-time state employee's total compensation package for 2006 was $52,138, or $25.07 per hour. That compensation package includes 67 percent salary and 33 percent benefits. The report notes the Texas state employee figures compare favorably with other state and local government compensation packages, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis.

Marion ISD selects superintendent finalist

The Marion school board has selected James Hartman as the lone finalist for the Marion ISD superintendent spot.

Hartman, who is currently superintendent of the Bangs Independent School District, has a master's degree in education and superintendent certification from Angelo State University.

Alamo Community Colleges consider future needs

Trustees of the Alamo Community Colleges, formerly called the Alamo Community College District, are discussing the need for future facilities, although they do not plan to hold a bond election until at least 2010.

Potential projects include construction of a sixth college in North Central Bexar County and restoration of multiple projects approved in the 2005 bond election that were cut or reduced because of construction cost inflation.

Trustees plan to create or revisit the master plans for each college before deciding on future construction, but they predict that the next bond could carry a $576 million price tag.

Perry appoints three, names chair

Gov. Rick Perry recently appointed William W. Lindsay Jr. to the Small Business Industrial Development Corporation and named A. Mario Castillo as the corporation's chairman.

Lindsay, of Denison, is the immediate former mayor of that city and a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel. Castillo, of San Angelo, is president and owner of Aegis Group, a governmental relations and public affairs firm.

Perry also chose Jacquelyn K. Hawkins for the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee and reappointed Major General Josue Robles Jr. (pictured) to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. Hawkins, of Austin, is a government consultant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. Robles, of San Antonio, are executive vice president, CFO and corporate treasurer for USAA.

TWC grants almost $1 million for new jobs, training

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded a total of $978,837 in three grants to create new jobs and provide skills training for workers.

Job training for two of the three grants will be provided by Texas State Technical College in Waco. One grant, for $223,986, will fund job creation and worker training for more than 130 engineering, technician and programmer positions in four Central and North Texas workforce areas. A second grant, for $425,907, will provide jobs and training for more than 400 maintenance technician, order clerk, welder and painter positions in a Central Texas workforce area. The third grant, for $328,944, will fund more than 450 millwright, machine operator, stain operator, hydraulics and clerical positions in the East Texas workforce area. Panola College will provide the training for this grant.

These grants are part of the commission's Skills Development Fund, a program that finances customized job training projects. Businesses must partner with community or technical colleges to apply for the funds.

Representatives appointed to border conference

Reps. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City and Tracy O. King of Batesville were both appointed recently by House Speaker Tom Craddick to represent the Texas House on the Border Legislative Conference (BLC).

The BLC joins legislators from the 10 United States and Mexican border states to address challenges and economic opportunities facing both countries. Its goal is to allow legislators to develop public policy for the border region, thus improving the quality of life for all citizens in the area.

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran of Kerrville was appointed to serve as an alternate on the BLC.

Permanent School Fund reaches $25 billion

The fund that provides money for public schools in Texas has reached a milestone - the Permanent School Fund (PSF) recently topped $25 billion for the first time. The fund has consistently been "one of the top funds in the world," according to Geraldine "Tincy" Miller, chair of the State Board of Education.

The PSF is the second largest education endowment fund in the country, earning returns of 14.98 percent last year and growing from $21.9 to $24.4 billion. Some $1.7 million of the funds will be distributed to Texas public schools during the 2006-07 biennium. A portion of that funding will be used to purchase textbooks, while the remaining funds will be distributed to school districts on a per capita basis. The fund is also used to guarantee school bonds - more than 3,300 bonds worth $64.5 billion in the last 24 years.

City weighs proposed Midland convention center

The Midland convention center task force met this week and discussed the future of a possible new Midland Center.

Approximately two city blocks would be required for the new building and an additional two to four blocks would be needed for parking.

Task force member Ted Jones said either expanding Midland Center or constructing a new convention center "is a golden opportunity" for the community, breathing life into downtown.

Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition debuts site

The Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition (TRTC) is debuting its new Web site (www.trtcmobility.org), detailing all aspects of the transportation advocacy group's mission, activities and initiatives and providing timely updates on mobility-related legislation and policy issues.

The TRTC is a non-profit membership organization that advocates for solutions to the mobility crisis in the western half of the North Texas Metroplex. By galvanizing the public and key policymakers, the TRTC seeks to increase the state's investment in transportation, including improved highways and expanded railways, while working to enhance air quality and the sustainability, livability and economic vitality of the region.

The new website is part of the TRTC's public education campaign to increase the visibility of its key legislative initiatives and transportation priorities and to more actively educate and involve the public in advocacy for critical mobility solutions.

"We want to educate as many people as possible about the growing transportation crisis in this region," said Vic Suhm, executive director of the TRTC, noting the organization will offer presentations to community and civic groups and others. For more information about the TRTC and membership, visit the coalition's Web site at www.trtcmobility.org.

Sherman City Manager resigns

Sherman City Manager Scott Wall resigned at a recent city council meeting, with the council formally accepting his resignation and naming assistant city manager Giles Brown as interim replacement.

First Provost Fellow appointed at UTPA

Dr. Ala Qubbaj, an associate professor in The University of Texas-Pan American's Department of Mechanical Engineering, was recently appointed as the school's first Provost Fellow by Dr. Paul Sale, provost/vice president for academic affairs.

Qubbaj, who began his duties Feb. 1, will assist the provost in policy analysis and development, faculty development, faculty recruitment and refinement of promotion and tenure processes.

In addition, Qubbaj will work with vice provosts and other offices in implementing campus-wide programs and initiatives. His first project is to work on a new faculty development and mentoring plan.

ERCOT: Texas power stable in 2008

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) recently announced that the state's reserve power supply will fall below the 12.5 percent minimum level in 2009, instead of 2008.

According to Sam Jones, president and CEO of ERCOT, additional natural gas units to the Texas power supply network have made a positive difference. Jones cites the state's growing economy and population as factors for the declining reserve margin. He plans to release an official report in June.

ERCOT manages the flow of electric power to some 20 million Texas customers, 85 percent of the state's electric load.

Fort Worth welcomes new transportation coordinator

Cinde Weatherby Gilliland, Fort Worth's new regional transportation coordinator, will represent the city in several major projects. They include the expansion of the North Tarrant Express (Interstate 35W/Loop 820/Texas 183 corridor), the Trans-Texas Corridor, and the Metroplex regional rail initiative.

One long-term plan is to develop a new rail line sidestepping downtown and convince railroads to stop using the inner-city tracks for the majority of freight movement, which includes hazardous-materials shipments.

Gilliland has experience with public and private transit organizations; most recently as vice president of URS Corp. She also helped the Fort Worth Transportation Authority create a long-term strategic plan for the T bus and rail service.

Soccer stadium on horizon for Houston area

The Houston Dynamo major league soccer team is considering four Texas cities - Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland and Webster - as the location for a new soccer stadium complex. A decision on the location of the stadium is expected this spring.

The Dynamo plans to finance a majority of the stadium's cost, but is seeking some financial assistance from the cities in which it could be built.

The Dynamo is interested in building a stadium comparable to the 20,500-seat Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, which is home to FC Dallas. In addition to that stadium, the park has 17 soccer fields on approximately 140 acres. Built for $105 million, some $55 million came from the city of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District and Collin County.

One potential site for the Dynamo stadium is 52 acres near the University of Houston System at Sugar Land.

Bonham City Manager retires

The Bonham City Council has recently begun a search for a new city manager, inviting six candidates for interviews. Current City Manager Blaine Hinds will retire this spring.

Bill would align Angelo State with Texas Tech

Angelo State University would affiliate with Texas Tech University if legislation being drafted by Rep. Drew Darby of San Angelo should pass during the current legislative session. Darby and Angelo State boosters are asking that the San Angelo school be moved from the Texas State University System and instead be aligned with Texas Tech.