In recent decades, energy costs have soared across the board, but one Texas agency in particular is actually saving taxpayers millions by slashing electricity bills. Since 1990, the State Energy Conservation Office's LoanSTAR energy retrofits have saved taxpayers more than $200 million.

Dub Taylor, director of the State Energy Conservation Office, said SECO's "bread and butter is public sector energy savings." Created in the 1970s, SECO is an advocate of energy efficiency and a provider of energy management services which minimize state energy expenditures and reduce operating costs for public entities.

SECO's Texas LoanSTAR program (Loans to Save Taxes And Resources) targets public buildings, including state agencies, school districts and local governments, for energy retrofits that pay for themselves in actual energy savings. Often while "operating conditions of these state buildings are not ideal," Taylor said there is no money in the budget for capital improvements. The LoanSTAR program, which is federally funded, allows agencies to get "past the initial hurdle."

Charged with "comprehensive energy management," SECO is in its first year of a four-year contract with the State Council on Competitive Government (CCG). The Council's goal is for the state to achieve significant reductions in energy costs through the integration of information management, energy procurement and energy conservation projects.

Jim Scogin, director for CCG, said that the contract has "far exceeded our expectations in the first year. These savings have been almost like hitting a home run . . . When completed, this contract will save the state potentially $100 million. That's huge savings for taxpayers."

Electricity procurement has been the main focus this first year, Taylor said. Millions of taxpayer dollars are being saved simply by "handling state account packages more creatively and bidding out to the market," he continued.

Kimbrough named conservator at TYC

Jay Kimbrough, previously appointed as "special master" to head up the investigation of allegations of abuse at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) and a reported cover-up of those allegations, is now "conservator" of the agency. Gov. Rick Perry this week reached a compromise with other state leaders to put Kimbrough in charge of the agency with newly appointed Interim Executive Director Ed Owens answering to Kimbrough.

Kimbrough pledged to have current executive-level TYC employees re-apply for their jobs, and also said that the more than 100 TYC employees with felony records would be fired.

Kimbrough will serve until the 80th Regular Legislative Session ends in May, according to the governor, at which time another conservator will be appointed until a single commissioner is named. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst hailed the appointment of a conservator, saying Kimbrough now has the "tools and the authority to clean house" at the agency. House Speaker Tom Craddick said having a conservator would "ensure a rapid and thorough investigation" that would guarantee not only the safety and well-being of the young people who reside in the facilities, but also the "good management" of the agency.

The naming of a conservator comes after allegations arose recently regarding sexual abuse of residents of the juvenile corrections facilities by TYC staff and the subsequent reported cover-up of those allegations by some TYC employees and officials. The agency's executive director resigned, Owens was named to that post on an interim basis, the board's chair was demoted and then the entire board resigned.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to David L. Lakey, M.D., commissioner, Texas Department of State Health Services

Career highlights and education: I became commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services just four months ago, starting on January 2, 2007. I am excited about leading one of the state's largest agencies with a staff of 11,500 and an annual budget of $2.5 billion. In my job, I oversee programs ranging from disease prevention, bioterrorism preparedness and family and community health services to environmental and consumer safety, regulatory programs and mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.

Before my move to Austin, I served as an associate professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Clinical Infectious Disease and medical director of the Center for Pulmonary and Infectious Disease Control at the University of Texas Health Center in Tyler where I had been a faculty member since 1998. At the UT Center for Biosecurity and Public Health Preparedness, I served as associate director for infectious disease and biosecurity. I also chaired a bioterrorism preparedness committee for 34 hospitals in East Texas and worked for the development of the Public Health Laboratory of East Texas in 2002.

I decided in the third grade in Anderson, Ind., that I was going to become a physician. That dream followed me on to earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, graduating with high honors from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind., and receiving my medical degree with honors from Indiana University School of Medicine. I was a resident in internal medicine and pediatric medicine and completed a fellowship in adult and pediatric infectious disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. I am board certified in adult and pediatric infectious disease.

What I like best about my job is: The people I get to work with and the opportunity to make significant changes that have the potential to help thousands of people. The Department of State Health Services daily touches the lives of thousands of Texans, from the very young to the very old. My job, and that of the thousands of others at DSHS, helps to provide essential services that address all types of disease, while encouraging good health for all. This agency has a significant mission. The staff is great, very dedicated and wonderful to work with.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: To surround myself with people smarter than I am and to listen to their advice. This philosophy is essential in an agency as large and complex as DSHS, where no one can be the expert in everything. Daily I am learning about new programs and responsibilities of this agency, and the key to our success will be through working as a team. I am not afraid to listen to advice.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Be willing to work effectively with others. I need team players, not individual superstars. I need people who are accountable for their decisions, who uphold the highest ethical standards, who build morale and who take pride in doing a great job. I also would advise them to have some fun while they complete their job.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: With my family. I'm blessed to have such a wonderful support group at home in my wife, my son and my daughter. We are involved in both church and school, especially with activities such as baseball, flag football and cheerleading. I also enjoy bicycle riding with my son. The time I can spend with my family is the highlight of each day.

People would be surprised to know that I: Enjoy many activities including biking, hiking, mind-bending games and any kind of problem-solving puzzles. I also really enjoy acting goofy with my kids.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The size, scope and complexity of this agency, which is the fourth largest in Texas state government, is something most people do not understand. There also is the exciting challenge of combining behavioral health with traditional public health. What drew me to public health was the realization that you can attack some of the root causes of health problems through prevention. The cost of taking care of disease after it's already presented is enormous. Public health in its broadest definition helps us prevent many of these problems. Through education, through immunizations, through the laboratory, through other public health activities we are can detect many of these problems early and stop them before they become major issues. I want people to realize how important public health initiatives have been and will continue to be for the health and well being of all Texans.

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.

TxDOT announces where it will slash funding

In response to a federal mandate, the Texas Transportation Commission Thursday targeted numerous highway programs for cuts, as some $288 million in funds must be returned to the Federal Highway Administration by April 19.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Michael Behrens noted that the reductions "will not impact existing construction projects and are being made in a way to maintain flexibility so locally-determined priorities can be achieved."

Texas is not alone in returning federal funding, said Behrens. He said all 50 states were instructed to return federal transportation funds. This round of funding being returned by Texas is in addition to $305 million in funds TxDOT has had to return to Washington in the last 15 months. Budget shortfalls at the federal level which have caused funding cuts to the states have been blamed in part on the costs of funding the nation's war on terrorism and the country's response to recent hurricanes.

Sera likely to be named interim director of TEEX

Texas A&M University regents meet Thursday and today, and were expected to name Gary Sera, Division Director for Texas Engineering Extension Service, as interim director of the agency.

The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) provides training, technical assistance and emergency response to help develop a skilled workforce to support public safety, security and economic growth.

The TEEX position was left vacant earlier this year when Robert Lanny Smith was reassigned to the chancellor's office. Vice Chancellor of Engineering Kem Bennett, who oversees TEEX, has been serving as interim director. Administrators are continuing to search for a permanent replacement.

Austin company awarded $600,000 technology grant

An emerging technology grant of $600,000 was awarded by Gov. Rick Perry Friday to Quantum Logic Devices of Austin for the commercialization of its patented nanoelectronic platforms, which allow hospitals, clinics, physicians and consumers to perform simple medical tests to immediately identify possible illnesses.

The grants, awarded to technologically innovative companies, come through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005.

Quantum Logic Devices plans to work closely with the University of Texas and the Advanced Technology Development Facility for further development of its prototype.

Senate passes water reservoir bill

The state Senate this week passed a $750 million water conservation proposal to create as many as 19 reservoirs during the next 20 years.

Senate Bill 3, authored by Sen. Kip Averitt of Waco, calls for the state to spend nearly $11 million over five years beginning in 2008 to create and maintain the Environmental Flows Advisory Group. If the bill is approved as law, the advisory group will find sites for each of the reservoirs and meet with property owners to negotiate land purchases.

The group will also help develop a statewide water conservation program, and work with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Averitt said although he will try to secure funding during the current budget discussion, he will leave future funding to be discussed by legislative committees during the interim.

Geeslin reappointed as Texas Insurance Commissioner

Mike Geeslin of Austin this week was reappointed by Gov. Rick Perry for another two-year term as Texas Insurance Commissioner. The commissioner oversees the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), which regulates the insurance industry and provides information and assistance to insurance consumers.

Geeslin was first appointed to his current post in June 2005, and previously served two years as deputy commissioner for policy at TDI . During that time, he coordinated the implementation of major insurance reforms directed by the legislature. Prior to that time, Geeslin was a budget and policy advisor to Perry on insurance and regulatory matters in both the governor's office and lieutenant governor's office. He also worked as chief of staff for the late Sen. Tom Haywood, as a legislative aide to Sen. Florence Shapiro, and as an assistant to Congressman Joe Barton.

While earning a degree in communications from Texas A&M University, Geeslin was a member of the Corps of Cadets and served as a Ross Volunteer.

Texas Workforce Commission awards colleges grants

The Texas Workforce Commission recently awarded a $1.6 million grant to the North Harris Montgomery Community College District, to add or improve 1,500 jobs in the local labor force.

The money comes from TWC's Skills Development Fund. Because the college district partners with a dozen local companies with large advanced manufacturing operations, it was a solid candidate for the grant, which is funded by business taxes.

TWC also presented a $300,000 job-training grant last week to Navarro College in Ennis. The funds will be used to create or upgrade 142 jobs for technicians, supervisors, engineers, maintenance, management and office personnel, among others.

Texas State Technical College Waco will receive a nearly $900,000 job training grant for oil workers. The funds will be used to train drill rig managers, rotary drill operators, derrick operators and roustabouts.

Two DARS employees among Houston fire victims

Two employees of the Houston Northeast field office of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services were among three persons who died in a blaze in Houston this week that destroyed the DARS office located in the six-story building. The two are Jeanette Hargrove and Shana Ellis.

Hargrove was a vocational rehabilitation counselor for DARS, working with high school students with disabilities and helping them transition from school to work or continued education. Ellis had been a vocational rehabilitation counselor at DARS since 2005.

"It is a tremendous loss for our agency and the consumers they worked with," said DARS Commissioner Terry Murphy.

Committee recommends change for Texas Southern

The advisory committee reviewing Texas Southern University released a report of its recommendations this week, suggesting allowing the university to remain autonomous, but requiring greater financial oversight and reporting.

"Our recommendations focus on fixing the fiscal flaws that have undermined the ability of TSU to deliver a quality education, and providing a framework for success in the future that preserves the institution's autonomy while also refocusing on stricter financial oversight of the institution's taxpayer and tuition dollars," said Glenn Lewis (pictured), chairman of the advisory committee.

The committee recommended that the State Auditor have financial oversight of the university. Also, financial reports should be given each quarter to the regents, legislature and governor. The report further recommended that the legislature provide emergency funding to the university so it can pay its bills and make much-needed building repairs.

Changes in the university's board and mission were also on the list of suggestions. The committee recommended a new board that will bring a new direction to the university and redefine its mission.

Travis County commits to $124 million tunnel project

The Travis County Commissioners this week committed to help the City of Austin fund the $124 million Waller Creek tunnel, a flood control project on the east end of downtown that has been dormant for nearly 10 years due to increasing costs.

As part of the deal with Travis County, Austin takes on all of the financial risk if construction costs increase or anticipated development fails. In 1998, Austin voters approved $25 million in bonds to build the tunnel, but that amount was too low.

Although the city has not granted the plan final approval, city officials have said they hope the tunnel would create a destination similar to San Antonio's River Walk. The plan does not include money for trails or other infrastructure along the creek.

UTSA names scholar to direct cyber-security institute

The University of Texas at San Antonio has chosen Ravi S. Sandhu to lead the university's new Institute for Cyber Security Research as the Lutcher Brown Chair in Computer Science.

The institute is funded by a $3.5 million grant from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, which supports industry and educational initiatives. It will expand UTSA's existing cyber security research and incorporate commercialization of security products.

"While UTSA has already achieved significant accomplishments in the field of cyber security research, the addition of Dr. Sandhu will further Texas' ambitions to be a major competitor in the global technology marketplace," Gov. Rick Perry said.

Sandhu is currently a professor of information security and assurance at George Mason University and chief scientist and co-founder of TriCipher, Inc., an information security company.

He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from the Indian Institutes of Technology in Bombay and Delhi, respectively, and an additional master's and doctoral degree in computer science from Rutgers University.

Reps. Chavez, Miller appointed to national groups

Rep. Norma Chávez of El Paso was appointed this week by House Speaker Tom Craddick to the Budgets and Revenue Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The committee advocates state government interests before federal agencies and the U.S. Congress.

Chavez, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, will serve a two-year term on the Budgets and Revenue Committee, which includes both legislators and legislative staff. The group is responsible for protecting Texas' interest in federal decisions regarding fiscal matters, including annual action on the federal budget.

Craddick reappointed Rep. Sid Miller of Stephenville to a third consecutive two-year term on NSCL's High-Level Radioactive Waste Working Group.

The work group collects information about the interim storage, transportation and disposal of spent fuel from commercial nuclear power plants, as well as other high-level radioactive wastes. The research is shared with fellow legislators to aid them in making informed public policy decisions. The group works with the U.S. Department of Energy as well as other federal agencies, state and local jurisdictions.

State agencies, ISDs may post spending on Web

House Bill 2560 would require school districts to post an electronic checking account transaction register on their Web sites. Other bills filed in the House would also require state agencies to put spending online. The State Comptrollers Office and the Texas Education Agency have already done so.

Conroe, County may partner on parking project

Conroe city officials and Montgomery County representatives have agreed to build a multi-level parking garage with nearly 370 spaces for their employees. The project is one effort to relieve downtown public parking congestion while keeping up with government growth.

The three-story $4.3 million garage will be constructed across from the county's annex building, and its design will allow more levels to be added in the future. Within the interlocal agreement, which has yet to be approved by both governments, the city will contribute $500,000 to the construction, and receive 100 spaces in the garage as well another 100 spaces in an existing county garage.

Montgomery County is also scheduled to break ground on its $5 million four-story commissioners court building in July 2008.

College Station, A&M revisit convention center talks

Texas A&M University and College Station officials are still negotiating plans for a hotel-convention center in Northgate, after more than a decade of dialogue.

College Station City Manager Glenn Brown (pictured) recently said the convention center is among the city council's top priorities, but progress is moving slowly. Already, more than 75 groups have committed to hosting conventions in the facility when it opens.

The hotel-convention center would cost at least $62.5 million, based on figures from more than a year ago. Four sites are being considered for the proposed 10-story hotel tower with 300 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop, a pool, a fitness center, two ballrooms, an exhibit hall and a parking garage.

NCTCOG organizes LEAP advisory committee

The North Central Texas Council of Governments recently formed the Law Enforcement Analysis Portal (LEAP) Advisory Committee, made up of 11 police chiefs and sheriffs from its 16-county region.

LEAP is a statewide multi-jurisdictional information sharing, crime and link analysis program. The advisory committee will approve content of memorandums to enable data sharing between local police agencies and sheriff offices. It will also ensure that all LEAP program members follow operation guidelines.

The Chairman of the LEAP Advisory Committee is Theron Bowman, chief of police, Arlington Police Department and chairman of the Texas Intelligence Council.

UT System names new administrator

The University of Texas System has appointed David B. Prior as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. Prior comes to the university system from Texas A&M University - College Station, where he was executive vice president and provost.

Prior replaces Teresa Sullivan, who left the UT System in June 2006 for an administrative position at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Geri Malandra, vice chancellor for strategic management, served as the interim executive vice chancellor.

"David Prior's accomplishments, academic qualifications and higher education service in Texas make him uniquely qualified to help guide the UT System and our academic institutions as they continue to set standards for improvement in such areas as graduation rates and degree attainment," said Mark G. Yudof, chancellor of the University of Texas System.

As executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, Prior will be responsible for undergraduate, graduate and research programs at the nine academic institutions that make up the university system. His appointment takes effect June 15.

Prior received both his bachelor's degree and doctoral degree in geomorphology from Queen's University of Belfast in Northern Ireland. He has taught in several universities' geology departments and was dean of the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University. He is a chartered geologist and fellow of the Geological Society of London.

Citizens get glimpse of Collin County arts center

The Arts of Collin County commissioners recently held a public meeting to showcase the final design of the first phase of the Arts of Collin County center, which includes a 2,100-seat hall, outdoor stage and sculpture garden as well as creek, trail and parking improvements.

The cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano have each approved a bond program of $19 million; approximately $8 million will be used for the design process through the groundbreaking. Construction documents are expected to be complete by the end of the summer.

Collin County awarded the commission a $3 million grant through its Open Space Enhancement Program. The Arts of Collin County Foundation is also raising private funds to supplement the $85 million budget for Phase I of the project.

Cameron ISD superintendent retires

Maxie Morgan, Cameron ISD superintendent, is retiring from his position June 30 after five years leading the district.

Morgan joined the district in 1969 as a teacher and coach, and moved into administration in 1973, serving as federal programs director and media center director. From 1978 until 1982, he served as principal of Yoe High School. Morgan also served as CISD business manager for nearly 20 years before becoming superintendent.

Hidalgo County seeking interoperable radio system

Law enforcement agencies in Hidalgo County understand the importance of radio interoperability, which allows agencies and first responders to communicate with each other in real time. A county-wide radio system, including equipment and licenses for the 1,200 users, would carry a $10 million price tag.

The region received $1 million from the federal government in 2004, but decided the majority of the money would be best used to finish Cameron County's communication system. Some $400,000 was put toward gateway devices to assist communication between different systems.

There is potential for more funding this fall: the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are starting a $1 billion grant program to help first responders improve communication in disaster situations, including interoperable communication systems. The grants will be awarded by Sept. 30.

Last month, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security agreed to work together to implement a $1 billion grant program to help state, local and federal first responders better communicate during a natural or manmade disaster.

The grants are aimed at enabling and enhancing public safety agencies' interoperable communications capabilities and will be awarded by Sept. 30.

Dickinson plans for new city complex

The City of Dickinson is moving forward with plans to build a $6.5 million municipal complex, after years of discussion.

Mayor Julie Masters said the current city hall has a leaky roof as well as air conditioning and plumbing problems, and that renovations have been estimated as high as $3.9 million.

The city council has approved the project's budget and preliminary designs, but officials say that groundbreaking is months away. The existing city hall and the adjoining library will be demolished.

South Texas receives $1.72 million for economic development

The federal Economic Development Administration is investing $1.72 million in job training and business development in Laredo and Zapata County.

In Zapata County, the county's school district and economic development center will receive $1 million to create a workforce development center to serve as a regional training facility for the region.

Additionally, a San Antonio company, is receiving $720,000 to turn a Laredo building into a regional center for small business lending, financial literacy training, and technical assistance.

Port Arthur finalizes $55.9 high school project

Port Arthur Independent School District is working to finalize a $55.9 million contract to build a new high school, according to Superintendent Johnny Brown.

Brown recently said that he hopes the campus will be finished in time for this year's freshmen to attend the new school by their senior year.

The contract does not include the projected $14 million needed for an auditorium and technical center. School officials are looking for alternate funding for those projects.

UTSA streamlines software purchasing

The University of Texas at San Antonio has created a software coordinator position in an attempt to reduce duplicate purchases, improve compatibility between hardware and software, and make more licensing purchases in bulk.

The Office of Information Technology has appointed Andy Trotti to this position. She will be the software contact person for all departments and colleges at UTSA.

Ingleside names new interim city manager

The Ingleside City Council this week hired its financial consultant, Paul Baen, to replace interim City Manager Albert Uresti when his contract expires next month.

Baen, a certified public accountant, was hired as a consultant by the city in September. He has served as the chief financial officer for the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation for some 20 years.

Ingleside has been without a permanent city manager since last summer. Baen will begin his duties as interim city manager April 16.

Texas State announces new graduate IT degree

Texas State University-San Marcos will offer a new graduate program in accounting and information technology through the McCoy College of Business. Designed to meet the growing demand for accountants with a strong background in information technology, the degree program is now accepting applicants for the summer semester.

The master of science degree in accounting and information technology aims to serve students preparing to become auditors, IT auditors, information security specialists or information systems consultants. The program covers fraud detection, forensic auditing, regulatory reporting, information security, business intelligence and data mining.