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Allegations at TYC lead to shakeup

Executive director resigns, board chair fired, interim director named

TYC Dwight Harris TYC Don-Bethel TYC Edward Glenn Owens

Allegations in recent days of abuse and a reported cover-up at the Texas Youth Commission have led to the resignation of the agency's executive director, the naming of a new interim executive director, the firing and replacement by Gov. Rick Perry of the agency's board chair and threats by the Texas Legislature to put the agency into conservatorship.

The state's Legislative Audit Committee was scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. today, Friday, for an emergency meeting to determine if there was "gross fiscal mismanagement" by the agency. The committee was to hear a report from State Auditor John Keel. That meeting was postponed until 1 p.m. today.

The shakeup at the agency came following allegations of abuse of teen-aged residents by officials at a TYC facility in West Texas, and news that the allegations were not reported by the agency for more than a year. Reports are now surfacing alleging that similar cases of abuse have been reported at the TYC unit in Brownwood.

TYC Executive Director Dwight Harris (right) announced his resignation last week. On Thursday, Perry fired Board Chair Pete Alfaro and named Vice Chair Don Bethel (center) to replace him. Bethel sent a letter to TYC employees on Thursday assuring them that "our agency is still functioning and still committed to its mission of helping our youth."

Perry also recommended that Neil Nichols, who had been named interim executive director to replace Harris, be replaced by Ed Owens (left), deputy executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The TYC board held an emergency meeting via teleconference Thursday and named Owens acting executive director. "It became clear this week we couldn't wait another day to set a new course," said Bethel after the emergency meeting. "This board is committed to leading a period of change at TYC and we're confident Mr. Owens is the right person to help us do that while we search for a new executive director." The governor has instructed the board to hire an inspector general to conduct an independent investigation of the allegations of abuse and possible cover-up.

In a rare evening session, the Texas Senate met Wednesday night to pass SR 384, a resolution calling for the appointment of a conservator to assume all the powers and duties of the governing body of the agency and requesting the Legislative Audit Committee to meet to determine if the agency is guilty of "gross fiscal mismanagement." The resolution also states that if the audit committee does determine fiscal mismanagement, it should notify the governor and recommend that a conservator be appointed.

Officials with the governor's office note that Perry is reluctant to strip the agency of its entire management team, but would rather let this week's leadership changes at TYC have time to deal with the agency's problems.


Transier resigns from DIR board; Mountain new chair

William Transier

William L. "Bill" Transier (pictured), chairman of the board of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), today resigned his position so that he would have more time to concentrate on his business career, where he co-founded and now serves as co-chief executive officer and director of Endeavour International Corp. Transier, from Houston, was appointed to the board in 2003 by Gov. Rick Perry and his term would have ended in 2009. He was replaced as chairman today by DIR board member Cliff Mountain of Austin.

Mountain is managing member of Accent Capital in Austin and previously served as General Manager and Vice President of Large Corporate Accounts for Dell. Since retiring from Dell, Mountain has been involved in venture capital investing. He previously also spent eight years in sales and marketing management for several high tech companies. Mountain holds a BBA degree in finance from The University of Texas at Austin.

Mountain, too, was appointed by Perry in 2003 to a term that expires in 2009.


Lone Star

Albert Betts

Albert Betts, Commissioner of Workers' Compensation

Career highlights and education: Prior to my appointment as Commissioner of Workers' Compensation in September, 2005, I served as the Chief of Staff at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). I previously served as TDI's Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources and as Assistant General Counsel to the Commissioner. My other state employment was as an Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General, as an Assistant General Counsel with the former Texas Workers' Compensation Commission, and as a General Counsel for the State Office of Risk Management.I have been a licensed attorney since 1991. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and my law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

What I like best about my job is: The challenge of making the workers' compensation system work better and the opportunity to help Texas employees who have a work-related injury. A big part of that challenge has been to restore confidence in the system. It is my goal to make the Texas workers' compensation system a model for the rest of the nation.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Be patient.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: I would tell them to always remember that our job is to serve the people of Texas. I think providing excellent customer service is my primary message to all of our employees.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: At one of my kids' ball games or at a movie.

People would be surprised to know that I: That I am a movie buff and that I own more than 300 DVDs.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: That the Division itself does not pay out workers' compensation benefits; that we are the regulator of the system and we make sure that due process is followed if a claim dispute arises.

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.


TBPC welcomes new Director of Business Services

Diane B. Smith

Diane B. Smith was recently named to the Texas Building and Procurement Commission Executive Management Team as Director for Business Services. She brings 22 years of state service to the job.

The Houston native earned a Bachelor of Science degree in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. Smith began her career at the Department of Human Services, where she planned special events and was director of communications. At the Texas Department of Agriculture, she was the Assistant Commissioner for Marketing and Agribusiness Development and then became the Assistant Commissioner for Administration. Smith next served as the Senior Deputy Commissioner for Workforce and Support Services at the Texas General Land Office, where she oversaw all support functions, including information technology and administration. Smith then became director of administration for the lieutenant governor. More than two years ago, she left the Texas Senate to become a special assistant at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Smith's experience includes extensive management; she has previously supervised human resources, financial services, risk management, information technology, communications and correspondence.


Austin, Travis Co. could work on $12.4 million tunnel

Travis County seems ready to help the City of Austin fund the Waller Creek tunnel, a $124 million flood control project that has been dormant for nearly 10 years due to increasing costs.

The two bodies would have to form a taxing district along the downtown Waller Creek corridor to pay for the project, which is predicted to encourage economic growth in the area.

Austin will deposit all of the new property tax revenue from the district toward the project over 20 years, and Travis County will contribute half of its portion from the area. If construction costs increase or the anticipated development fails, Austin will cover the gap. In 1998, Austin voters approved $25 million in bonds to build the tunnel, but that amount was too low. Since then, the project's design and financing have been frequently reconfigured to find a solution.

Without the tunnel, more than 40 buildings and many residents would be threatened in the event of a major flood. City officials hope the tunnel would regulate water, and create a destination similar to San Antonio's River Walk. The plan does not include money for trails or other infrastructure along the creek.


Lawmakers propose ending TAKS in high school

Lawmakers this week proposed replacing the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, administered to 11th-graders across the state, with 12 end-of-course tests as a requirement for earning a high school diploma.

High schoolers would need to take 12 end-of-course tests on core subjects over several years - and earn a passing average of 70 - to graduate, instead of passing TAKS language arts, math, science and social studies tests during their junior year.

The first set of affected students would be those who are now in the sixth grade, entering high school in 2009. The proposal - SB 1031 - would continue TAKS in middle and elementary schools, but alter the testing schedule in some grades.

Students who fail a proposed subject exam - given on computers - would receive tutoring before retaking it. Students still would have to pass their coursework and the tests to graduate. Texas gave end-of-course tests in four subjects until 2002; an end-of-course exam in Algebra 1 is still given.


AG delays ruling for 60 days

An attorney general's opinion created great concern in Texas county clerk offices. It said that clerks must remove Social Security numbers before distributing public documents, or face a possible fine and jail time. It applied to a variety of records, including real estate titles and liens as well as birth and death certificates and marriage licenses.

In response to the concerns, HB 2061 has been filed, requiring clerks' offices to implement a procedure for removing Social Security numbers, but doing away with an employee's personal liability if a Social Security number were accidentally released on a document.

Elna Christopher, spokesperson for the Texas Association of Counties, said that Attorney General Greg Abbott's initial ruling caused an immediate slowdown because clerks normally file records without reading them. Each piece of paper now has to be carefully scanned for Social Security numbers. If found, the clerk has to copy the document, black out the Social Security number, and give the requester the redacted copy.

"It was just chaos because it upset county clerks so much," said Christopher. "They were trying to figure out what to do, caught between the Open Records Act and this opinion."

In response, Abbott suspended the ruling by 60 days. A memo to county clerks from the Texas Association of Counties, the Texas Conference of Urban Counties, and the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas explains that the temporary abatement does not change the ruling and advises clerks to consult their district attorneys on how and if they should proceed with processing public documents.

HB 2061 clearly states that clerks' offices will have to design a process to remove Social Security numbers from documents, including records that were publicly available on the Internet. This may require searching public records dating back to the 1930s, when the Social Security system was created. It could to cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars to comply.

David Beirne, spokesman for Harris County, said their county clerk's office does not post records on the Web, but does offer public-access terminals with electronic images of original records. He estimated new software and servers to remove Social Security numbers from the electronic documents could cost the county $17.4 million.


Agriculture Commissioner appoints senior staff

Ag Dolores Alvarado Hibbs Ag Rick Rhodes

Dolores Alvarado Hibbs has been promoted to general counsel by Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and Rick Rhodes has been appointed assistant commissioner for the Texas Department of Agriculture's Rural Economic Development Division.

Appointed deputy general counsel in 1999, Hibbs has worked in TDA's Legal Division since 1983. Before joining TDA, she worked for the Legal Aid Society of Central Texas. A 1980 graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, Hibbs is active in the Hispanic Issues Section and the Agriculture Law Committee of the State Bar of Texas. She lives in Austin with her husband and two daughters.

As former manager of the Domestic Expansion and Recruitment Program in the Governor's Office from 2002 to 2004, Rhodes brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate, legislative and community leadership to TDA. While in the Governor's Office, he and his economic development team helped recruit more than $7 billion in new capital investments to Texas and created more than 18,000 new jobs in less than two years. A former bank president in Sweetwater and mayor of Sweetwater from 1985 to 1993, Rhodes co-founded the Texas Midwest Community Network, a 21-community region near Abilene that focused on economic development to improve the quality of life in rural communities.


TCEQ meeting documents now accessible on-line

TCEQ Kathleen Hartnett White

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will make reference materials for each commission agenda available on-line at no cost, beginning with the March 7 agenda. The new service, e-Agenda, offers access to the supporting material of each agenda item before the Commissioners.

"Our goal, in making this information accessible, is to encourage additional public participation and provide awareness of the process," said TCEQ Chairman Kathleen Hartnett White.

On the Commissioners' Agenda page of TCEQ's Web site, e-Agenda provides users a detailed look of each agenda, with hyperlinks to reference materials. Items will be updated, up to five days prior to each meeting, and all items will be archived.


Law enforcement agencies apply for military surplus

Through the 1033 program, law enforcement agencies can receive equipment no longer used by the U.S. military, such as rifles, pistols, trucks, computers, helicopters, body armor, vacuum cleaners, mattresses, clothes, ice makers, cameras and desks.

The equipment has been turned in by the military and classified as excess or surplus, said Col. Russell Malesky, coordinator for the Texas 1033 program.

"Instead of sitting in some yard rusting away, here's an opportunity to use it."

The program's aim is to give law enforcement agencies equipment they couldn't afford otherwise. Since the program began in 1990, millions of dollars in equipment have been allocated to agencies nationwide. In Texas, agencies have snagged more than $80 million in equipment since 2001. Helicopters are one of the most sought-after items in Texas, and some wait years in hopes of obtaining one.

To law enforcement officials, the only cost is shipping or picking up the equipment and maintaining it. If the government decides it needs the items again, agencies must return them; aircraft or weapons must ultimately be returned to the government, transferred to another agency or destroyed.


Angleton hires city manager

Greg Smith

Angleton recently hired a new city manager, Greg Smith (pictured), currently the city manager of Henderson, a 12,000-resident city in East Texas.

Smith has extensive experience in city government; he served as a city manager in Overton, before moving more than four years ago to Henderson, where he helped the city with its wastewater system. Angleton¸ which has a population of approximately 19,000, is undergoing a similar infrastructure project.

A start date in Angleton has not been set. Smith will replace former city manager Michael Stoldt, who left last fall, and current interim city manager Paul Feazelle.


Dallas homeless center under way

The City of Dallas broke ground Tuesday on its new homeless assistance center after years of planning and a bond election, in an effort to combat its mounting concerns about a homeless population.

The center, which will focus on the city's longtime homeless with mental health and addiction issues, will have 100 beds for short-term use and an outdoor pavilion to sleep 300 people. The $21 million project will offer a variety of services including showers, lockers, meals, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and job training programs.

Scheduled to open in 2008, officials say the facility is only the first step before moving into permanent housing. Dallas County has nearly 6,000 homeless people on any given night - in shelters and on the streets, according to a 2006 report.


Rice Alliance receives NASDAQ grant

The Rice Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship has received a $105,000 grant from NASDAQ to help fund its Rice Business Plan Competition, the largest and richest intercollegiate MBA/graduate-level business plan competition in the world.

The event's goal is to provide mentoring and support for emerging companies that may one day become a part of NASDAQ. Thirty-six MBA/graduate schools from across the country will participate in this year's competition, March 22-24 in Houston. The competition's grand prize includes a $100,000 equity investment, $20,000 cash and more than $55,000 in business services including office space, marketing support and business mentoring.

The NASDAQ Educational Foundation grant represents a three-year commitment to the Rice Alliance and will support the competition from 2007 to 2009.


Carrillo elected OCS Policy Committee Chair

Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo

Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo was recently elected by members of the Department of the Interior's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Policy Committee to serve as OCS Policy Committee Chairman for a two-year period.

Since 1975, the OCS committee has provided advice to the Secretary of the Interior and the Minerals Management Service regarding all aspects of leasing, exploration, development and protection of resources in the federal waters offshore of the coastal states. The nation's current and future energy needs will require continued leasing, exploration and development of OCS lands in an environmentally sensible manner.

From 2003 to 2005, Carrillo served as Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees the Texas energy sector - the oil and gas, pipeline and surface mining industries. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission - a national organization representing the governors of oil- and gas-producing states.


DSHS to assess East Texas health needs

The Texas Department of State Health Services, along with local health departments, is assessing community health needs in East Texas.

The agency is using a survey to gather information on public health, mental health, substance abuse and medical care. The department is also holding 17 community forums across the region from March 5-9 to gather additional input.

The report and recommendations will be available by May 27. For the date and times of community forums, click here.


Deadline for bond elections nears

As the deadline for calling a May bond election fast approaches, cities, counties and school districts are striving to finish proposals. Their projects are numerous, but new construction seems to be at the top of most lists.

Among the entities preparing for bond issues are:

  • To keep pace with rapid growth, the Clear Creek Independent School District has proposed a $183.1 million bond package that includes $167.3 million to build the district's fifth high school, an intermediate school and two elementary schools, and to convert the two existing ninth-grade centers into intermediate schools. The proposal also includes $19.3 million to pay for new roofs district-wide, school buses, security cameras and keyless entries at elementary schools, and math and science labs.
  • The Robstown school district has scheduled a $15.5 million bond election to build two new elementary schools. Another possible project is a physical education training area at the Robstown High School tennis courts.
  • To fund a new high school, Brady ISD has decided to call for a $14.5 million bond election. Trustees have yet to decide what other projects the bond will encompass.
  • Canton ISD will hold a $22.9 million bond election to fund improvements to the elementary and high school campuses. Elementary plans include new parking, a new roof, new windows, new air conditioners, a new administration area with classrooms on the side. Cafeteria and library, renovations, repainting, new floors, new lights and new ceilings are also included. Other plans include making the high school an 825-capacity facility by expanding the library and adding classrooms and new science labs. Proposition 2 of the bond package is adding a second 200-seat gym and restrooms to the main gym.
  • Del Valle ISD has called a $105.8 million bond election to fund a new opportunity center, high school expansion, new middle school and elementary campuses, and district-wide security, technology, accessibility and energy.
  • The City of Longview called for a $26 million bond package that includes five diverse capital improvement projects. Voters may approve all, some or none of the propositions on the May 12 ballot. The projects include improvements for all areas of the city: upgrades to streets, parks, municipal facilities, public works facilities and fire stations.
  • Port Neches-Groves ISD's proposed $122.7 million bond issue includes two new middle schools built around the existing buildings, repairs to all elementary schools and upgrades to the high school and stadium. High school construction plans include a new career and technology center. At the stadium, grass will be replaced with an artificial turf, and a new two-level press box, new concessions, restrooms and additional seating will be added.
  • The City of Katy is moving forward with a $7.5 million bond package that would fund street repairs, the construction of a new municipal court building and renovations to the Katy Fire Department. Katy also plans to use $3 million worth of unissued bonds from the 2000 bond election to finance more street enhancements.
  • The City of Whitehouse is proposing a $3 million bond for a new city park. The money would cover land acquisition, park development, road construction and parking lots.
  • Hays County is considering a $190 million bond election for highway improvements, including widening Ranch Road 12 between San Marcos and Wimberly; widening Farm to Market Road 1626 to the Travis County line; and building a three-mile segment of the San Marcos loop. The bond also includes money for parks and open space acquisition. The county commissioners should settle on a final dollar amount at next week's meeting.


UT-Austin names Director of Institutional Compliance

UT Rudolph Hamilton Green

Rudolph Hamilton Green has been named the new director of the Office of Institutional Compliance at the University of Texas at Austin.

Green will be responsible for providing education and training on and ensuring compliance with federal, state and university laws, regulations and policies.

An Austin attorney, Green received his bachelor's degree in administrative sciences from Yale University and his law and Master of Business Administration degrees from The University of Texas at Austin.


Prairie View A&M partners with Cy-Fair College

Students now may pursue bachelor's degrees at the Cy-Fair College campus without having to drive to another university to take courses. Prairie View A&M University's College of Business and Cy-Fair College recently agreed on a joint-admissions and co-enrollment program after two years of planning.

The partnership between the two institutions, known as the "PVAMU and Cy-Fair College" program, or PaCC, will allow students working on associate degrees in business at Cy-Fair to simultaneously enroll in the College of Business at Prairie View A&M, to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Courses in business management, finance and management information systems will be taught by PVAMU College of Business faculty at the Cy-Fair College campus and through digital videoconferencing and the Internet. The program's objective is to facilitate a smooth transition for Cy-Fair students to PVAMU while maximizing course transfer hours.


States receive more time to toughen up IDs

The federal government has granted states more time to comply with tougher security requirements for driver's licenses. In response to complaints about the estimated $11 billion cost and likely disturbances, the May 2008 program launch may be pushed back as far as 19 months.

The withdrawal comes during congressional debate over an expansive counterterrorism bill to counteract fraudulent identification, which includes issuing a national ID card.

An outline of requirements for states to standardize information to be included on licenses, verify applicants' citizenship status, and check information such as birth certificates and driver histories with other state and federal databases, was expected this week from the U.S Department of Homeland Security. Only IDs that meet the new standard will be acceptable for federal purposes such as boarding airplanes or entering courthouses.


Texas healthcare board gets new member

Dr. Spencer Berthelsen

Dr. Spencer Berthelsen of Sugar Land has been appointed to the Texas Health Care System Integrity Partnerships, a newly created advisory board charged with improving patient safety and healthcare affordability.

Berthelsen is managing director and chairman of the board for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and a clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He has a bachelor's degree in biology from Rice University and a medical degree from the Southwestern Medical School of the University of Texas.


UTA reviews new additions to campus

The University of Texas at Arlington is finalizing a Master Plan that includes bridges, a quad, fine arts plaza, as well as improved signs, landscaping and streetscaping.

A $14 million expansion to the Engineering Laboratory Building is taking shape this summer. A 6,500-seat special events center is also on the drawing board.

The next step is receiving approval at the UT System's May board meeting.


More Handy Legislative Links

Two weeks ago we gave a handful of links that would allow you to keep up with the legislative activities from your home or office. Last week we gave another half dozen related to the legislature and legislative process. The following links will help you search for specific bills and reports.

Texas Lutheran University names first female president

Rev.Ann M. Svennugsen

The Texas Lutheran University Board of Regents has chosen the Rev. Ann M. Svennugsen as the first female president of the university.

An ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Svennugsen is currently the president and chief executive officer of The Fund for Theological Education in Atlanta. She will start work at the university on July 1, replacing Jon Moline, who is retiring after 13 years as university president.

Svennugsen had also served as senior pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorehead, Minn., which had a congregation of 3,700. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Concordia College (in Minnesota) and received her Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.


M.D. Anderson gets $9 million grant

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has received a $9 million grant for its umbilical cord blood bank from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.

The three-year grant pays for the collection, processing and storage of umbilical cord blood at the cancer center. It will also expand the center's cord blood bank hours from five days per week to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Umbilical cord blood is a source of stem cells that can be used in transplant to patients with life-threatening blood disorders, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Cord blood collected at the center will be entered in the National Cord Blood Inventory. The federal administration's nationwide goal is to collect 150,000 units of cord blood. To date, M.D. Anderson has collected more than 1,900 units.


Senate bill for disaster aid system filed

A bill that would create an Intrastate Disaster Mutual Aid System for Texas has been filed by Sen. Tommy Williams. The goal of SB 927 is to improve coordination of resources and manpower when disasters occur.

The bill would allow entities including school districts, emergency service districts, utility districts, river authorities and local communities to share resources in disaster situations. It would apply in situations where no mutual aid agreement already exists and would establish guidelines for mutual aid and reimbursement.


Texas historian appointed

Jesus F. de la Teja

Jesus F. de la Teja, professor and chair of the history department at Texas State University-San Marcos, has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry as the new Texas State Historian.

De la Teja received a bachelor's degree in political science from Seton Hall University and a doctoral degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin. His term as state historian will expire after two years.


Perry announces new Board Members

Richard R. Rahr of Texas City is the newest member of the Texas Physician Assistant Board and Kit Tennison Moncrief of Fort Worth is a new member of Humanities Texas, following appointments announced this week by Gov. Rick Perry.

Rahr is the chairman of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch and holds a doctoral degree from the University of Houston. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Moncrief is president of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and co-chair of the Jack Blanton Museum of Art. She is also co-chairman of the board of the Fort Worth Zoological Foundation and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Her term will expire Dec. 31, 2008.


Governor's Commission for Women celebrates 40 years

Mary Scott Nabers

By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

A noteworthy event is on the horizon - the Governor's Commission for Women is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a fundraising luncheon March 27. The event will honor past commissioners and women members of the 80th Legislature.

Established in 1967 by Texas Gov. John Connally, the Governor's Commission for Women has been a link between Texas women and state government for five decades. The Commission's mission is to promote opportunities for Texas women by being active in community efforts and events, informing women about relevant issues, and connecting Texas women with the information and resources needed for personal and professional success.

Some might wonder why it is necessary in the 21st Century to have a commission "for women." For many reasons, the Commission has endured as an ongoing program in the Governor's Office among governors from both political parties. In the last 40 years, women have been an increasingly significant political force in Texas and throughout the United States. Many state and local governments nationwide have commissions for women with significant records of achievement. Some, including Texas', have used their influence to educate, groom and promote women for elected and appointed office. Those efforts have certainly paid off.

Proceeds from the upcoming anniversary event, to be held at Hilton Hotel Austin, will fund the Commission's current projects, focusing on women's health, prevention of violence against women and economic development. Tickets are $50. More information is available by calling 512-475-2615 or e-mailing lguthrie@governor.state.tx.us.

Through the Commission's Web site and individual inquiries, the group serves as a resource for Texas women. In addition, the Commission features the accomplishments of notable Texas women --- first ladies, teachers, astronauts, community leaders and athletes --- by maintaining the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. Established in 1984 as a biennial awards event to honor Texas women who have made major contributions in the arts, athletics, business, education, health and leadership, the effort still thrives today. In 2003, the Commission joined with Texas Woman's University in Denton to establish a permanent Hall of Fame on the TWU campus. On display is a biography and photograph of each of the more than 100 inductees, and an interactive kiosk to view video clips of honorees.

A key priority for the Governor's Commission for Women is encouraging women to get and stay healthy. In the past few years, the Commission has hosted a breast cancer awareness event at the State Capitol and promoted National Mammography Day. In the United States, one out of seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes. What is inspiring is that today more than 2 million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States.

It is easy to see why the Commission for Women is celebrating its 40th anniversary and has received continual bi-partisan support. The Commission, its current and former members, and all members of the Texas Women's Hall of Fame are to be congratulated on a very successful track record of 40 years.


Rebecca Robbins joins SPI editorial staff

Rebecca Robbins

Rebecca Robbins, an award-winning newspaper journalist, has joined the staff at Strategic Partnerships, Inc., as Director of Publications. She will be responsible for content and production of SPI's weekly online newsletter, Texas Government Insider and will also assist with the firm's marketing and other media needs.

Robbins is a cum laude graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree. While a student at UT, she was a member of the staff of the university's student newspaper, The Daily Texan, serving as Copy Editor. She also worked as a staff writer at the Hill Country News in Cedar Park.

After graduating from UT, Robbins began her newspaper career at The Williamson County Sun in Georgetown, as an intern reporter writing feature, news and business articles, and was promoted to Education Reporter and then to Associate Editor.


Remedies for Daylight Saving Time change

Only nine days are left before this year's earlier-than-usual date for the daylight-saving time change. IT departments across the country are in the midst of updating systems before the clocks are turned one hour ahead at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 11. The Texas Department of Information Resources has brought together information and online resources (including patches) to address the impact of expanded Daylight Saving Time on computer and communications systems. The information may be found on the DIR Web site.


American Council on Education elects Texas rep

Gretchen M. Bataille

Gretchen M. Bataille, president of the University of North Texas, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Council on Education.

Bataille was one of nine new members and is the only representative from a Texas college or university. She also serves on the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors in Texas.


Chairman Jones appointed to Energy Security Partnership

RRC Elizabeth Ames Jones

Elizabeth Ames Jones, chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas, was appointed as a member to the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America. The partnership is a non-profit corporation whose goal is to help meet the nation's emerging need for hydrocarbon resources produced from United States reservoirs.

"Texas' position as America's leader in the domestic production of oil and gas makes us an important participant in the development of our country's national energy policy . . . It's important that the public, private and academic sectors work together to meet our goal for a secure energy future," Chairman Jones said. "America continues to be overly dependent on foreign energy from unstable regions of the world, and it's clear that the responsible development of [this] country's own vast unconventional reserves of oil and gas, both onshore and off, will be a critically important component to our future energy needs."

Chairman Jones was appointed to the partnership through her position on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.


Collin, Denton area to gain $2.8 billion

The Collin and Denton counties region could receive $2.8 billion as development for State Highway 121 moves forward. These funds from developer Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte (Cintra) will allow the Regional Transportation Council to provide and accelerate funding for needed transportation projects throughout the region.

Cintra has been recommended as the Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) developer for SH 121. This CDA is a public-private partnership that allows the contributor to handle all facets of toll road development, including construction, operation and maintenance.


Port of Houston approves $11 million in projects

The Port of Houston Authority has approved $11 million in security upgrades and other construction projects.

The projects include installing access control systems for the North Turning Basin restricted areas, and construction work, including a slab and reinforced concrete box culvert, and projects at Gate 8 Terminal and the East Industrial Park terminal access control.

In addition, the commission approved a letter of agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for maintenance dredging of non-federal berthing areas and the Barbours Cut Channel. The Port of Houston Authority must fund $1 million of the project.


Governor makes appointments

Governor Rick Perry this week announced the following appointments:

  • Professor Charles Thomas Hallmark of College Station, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists;
  • Ronald L. Kitchens of Harper, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists;
  • Barbara O. Roeling of Austin, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists;
  • Gregory Clayton Ulmer of Houston, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists


Brazoria County cancels spaceport plans

Brazoria County Commissioners - frustrated by lack of progress - disbanded a nonprofit corporation formed to develop a futuristic commercial spaceport in the area.

Formed in 2000 to compete for a future commercial space shuttle takeoff and landing site, the corporation received approximately $1 million in state planning grants. Leftover funds will be returned to the state.

Brazoria County's open property has been called appealing for launch sites; shuttles could travel east over the Gulf of Mexico, providing a boost toward orbit.

A proposed West Texas site in Pecos County is the likely frontrunner for Texas spaceports. Meanwhile, other states - including New Mexico, Oklahoma, Florida and California - have been more aggressive trying to develop commercial space facilities.


Maybe time for new Bexar County jail

Bexar County needs a new jail, a consulting firm hired to assess the county's current facility recently reported

The current jail is designed to hold 3,900 prisoners, but projections suggest that by 2016, more than 5,000 inmates will be housed there. A nearby annex does house an additional 600 inmates.

Jail administrators recommend a new facility be constructed adjacent to the existing jail. The estimated cost, including renovations to the existing jail and building a parking garage, is $129 million.


Rio Grande Valley gets $3 million for job training

The Texas Workforce Commission has granted $3 million in job training funds to the Rio Grande Valley.

Training programs will be administered through South Texas College, which partnered with the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative to apply for the funds. The program's goal is to improve economic and workforce development for the manufacturing industry in the Rio Grande Valley.


Sherman City Manager post changes

George Olson will officially take over as acting Sherman City Manager on March 21; he has worked for the city more than 20 years.

Current interim city manager Giles Brown has been hired by Grayson Community College as vice president for business services; he also starts March 21.

Brown has worked for the city of Sherman for almost 18 years. GCC selected him from a pool of five finalists; he was the only one from North Texas.

Mayor Bill Magers says permanent city manager plans have not been set.


College of Mainland sets bond

The College of the Mainland, a two-year community college in Texas City, has proposed a $103 million bond to pay for four phases of construction, including expansion and remodeling of nine existing campus buildings and construction of two new buildings.

The plans include a workforce training center and cosmetology building, renovations to labs in the science and math center and remodeling the student center, in addition to a 40,000-square-foot health and occupation building and a new technology center.

The public service career center stands to get a 12,000-square-foot addition for a firing range and computer simulation crisis center. Renovations are also proposed for the vocational building, learning resource center, the library and faculty offices.


Hispanic leaders honored

The Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce honored six leaders at its seventh Biennial Legislative Awards Gala.

The awards are in recognition of legislators' leadership, community involvement and commitment to Texas' Hispanic communities.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte received the Distinguished Leadership Award, former Rep. Melissa Noriega received the Educational Leadership Award, Congressman Silvestre Reyes received the International Leadership Award, and Rep. Pete P. Gallego received the Minority Business Initiatives Leadership Award. The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was given the Hispanic Chamber Legislative Leadership Award.


Grants at a Glance

SPI is your source for locating and securing grant funding from the hundreds of federal and state government agencies seeking to make Texas a better place. Our researchers and grant writers know which grant funds to target and how to submit winning grant applications.

This week's grant comes from the Texas Department of Agriculture's Rural Economic Development plan, a program designed to provide financial resources to non-entitlement cities and counties. Funds must be used for real estate development to assist a business that commits to create and/or retain permanent jobs, primarily for low and moderate-income persons. The real estate and/or improvements must be owned by the community and leased to the business. This program encourages new business development and expansions. Funds may be used for acquisition of land and/or buildings, construction of new buildings and site improvements, rehabilitation of buildings and site improvements.

The minimum award is $50,000 and the maximum is $750,000 inclusive of administration costs. The award may not exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. The next two due dates for applications are March 13 and June 5, 2007. SPI works with local governments and regional coalitions to secure grant funding. To discuss, please e-mail us at grants@spartnerships.com.


Job Opportunities

SPI is seeking researchers and research assistants for short-term engagements involving projects in other states. The researcher should have experience in IT concepts and solutions and the assistant should be comfortable making cold calls. Time commitments and tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. These positions will provide valuable research experience and insight into the government procurement arena. Please send résumé and/or cover letter to jobs@spartnerships.com. For more details on each position, please view the job descriptions at job description.

SPI is looking for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has an immediate need for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena. To apply for a part-time K-12 consulting position at SPI please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put Application for K-12 Consultant in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.


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Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 2/23/07



Resources



AGA to hold monthly luncheon

The Association of Government Accountants (AGA), Austin chapter, will hold its monthly luncheon Thursday March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. at Dan McKlusky's Restaurant, on the second floor, 301 E. 6th Street in Austin. David MacCabe, Director of Internal Audit at the Teacher Retirement System, will present a program entitled Quality Assurance Review. The meeting will begin promptly at 11:50 a.m. For more information, click here.


State government Internet security forum scheduled

The 7th Annual Internet Security Forum will be held Wednesday, March 28, at the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The Department of Information Resources is currently seeking input on topics to be addressed. For more information, click here.


TASSCC, DIR plan Technology Education Conference

The 6th annual Technology Education Conference (TEC) presented by the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Texas Department of Information Resources will be March 29 at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin.

The conference will explore innovative adaptations of technology in all areas of life and work - medicine and health, education, transportation, security, buildings and homes, and government services. Early bird, regular and on-site registration rates are available. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, and to register as a participant or sponsor, click here.


Texas Hurricane Conference set for May

The fifth annual Texas Hurricane Conference, sponsored by the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, will be held May 8-10 at the San Luis Conference Center in Galveston. Some of the topics for the conference include evacuations, sheltering, mass care, working with state and federal agencies, private sector support, health and medical issues, lessons learned from Hurricane Rita and more. To register to attend, click here. To register as an exhibitor, click here. For more information click here.