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SMU continues talks with Bush Library committeeSubject of 'focused discussions,' location still not official
Southern Methodist University officials are hopeful that the private university in Dallas may be announced as the site of the proposed George W. Bush Presidential Library in the coming weeks. "There is no way to project a timeline, but I can hope a decision is weeks -- rather than months -- away," said Brad E. Cheves (pictured), vice president for Development and External Affairs at SMU. 
The Bush Presidential Library Site Selection Committee announced in December that it planned to enter further discussions with SMU as the next phase of its process to choose a site for the library. "Where we are now is SMU is the subject of focused discussions," Cheves said, adding that SMU President R. Gerald Turner meets with the selection committee "on a regular basis," engaging in "discussions across the board" that are going forward in a "very positive way." Other options for the $200 million library were Baylor University, The University of Dallas, and a 10-city coalition that would base the library at Texas Tech University, all chosen by a three-member selection committee composed of former Commerce Secretary Don Evans; Marvin Bush, the president's brother; and Craig Stapleton, a Bush relative. Cheves said it is SMU's understanding that there are "no other ongoing discussions" with other universities. The priority now is "literally site selection," he said. Within its original proposal, SMU offered several site options. The university is proceeding with the demolition of a condominium complex that it acquired last year. Cheves said the work had been planned regardless of the outcome of the library selection. In 2005, SMU Board of Trustee member Ray Hunt donated $35 million to the university to buy another parcel of land, now occupied by a shopping center, which could also be used for the library. "Since it is not our process, we just have to respect [the committee's pace]. Our role is to be responsive and interactive," Cheves said. The White House's Public Liaison Office referred all questions regarding the proposed library to SMU, a private institution with approximately 11,000 students. "We are very honored to be included in what appears to be the final phase of selection for The Bush Presidential Library," said Cheves. "[SMU] is a beautiful, tranquil setting for higher education." TBPC welcomes new director of construction
Mark A. Widaski this week was named the Texas Building and Procurement Commission's Director for Facilities Design and Construction. His duties include management and oversight of statewide facility design, development, construction and space management. A certified Energy Manager and a Certified Professional Constructor, Widaski earned his bachelor's degree in construction technology and his master's degree in business administration from the University of Houston. He has extensive engineering, construction, project management, quality assurance, operations and maintenance, and business operations experience. Most recently, Widaski worked for CenterPoint Energy. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Robert L. (Bob) Cook, executive director, Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentCareer highlights and education: BS in Wildlife Science, Texas A&M University-1965; Wildlife Biologist-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD); Project Leader/Area Manager Kerr Wildlife Management Area; Statewide White-tailed Deer Program Leader; Vice-President-Ranch and Wildlife Operations, Shelton Land & Cattle Company, Texas and Montana; Division Director TPWD Wildlife Division; Chief Operating Officer TPWD. What I like best about my job is: I have "The Best Job" in the entire state of Texas. Sometimes I cannot believe that I have actually been paid to manage, conserve and protect our fish, wildlife, natural habitats, state parks and historic sites for my entire career. It has been wonderful. The best advice I've received for my current job is: Don't wrestle with pigs. If you wrestle with pigs, you get very dirty and the pigs have lots of fun. Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Do not take this job unless you are willing to work very hard, do the right thing regardless of politics, and unless you are totally dedicated to TPWD's Mission Statement: "To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations." If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: On the land where I was born and raised and continue to enjoy -- Lost Creek Ranch, Brown County, Texas. People would be surprised to know that I: love to work in my vegetable and flower garden, and I love to cook. One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: That the men and women who work for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department scattered across the great state of Texas -- whether they are park rangers, game wardens, fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, administrative or clerical technicians, accountants, communications specialists, or computer jocks -- are probably the most dedicated, most committed, most professional employees in all of public or private service. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking:: Richard Louv's "Last Child in the Woods; Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" by Ken Miller. 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. Statewide issue to appear on May 12 ballotMay 12 is a General Election Date in Texas and municipalities from the City of Dallas to the Town of Trophy Club will be electing mayors and council members. Many independent school districts will elect trustees and governmental entities at all levels will hold bond elections. One issue will appear on ballots statewide that should be of interest to anyone who is or one day will be 65 or older: a proposed constitutional amendment that will impact seniors' school property taxes. During a special session in 2006, the legislature generally lowered school property taxes in direct response to a court order. The increased state spending necessary to offset the lowered local taxes has led to debate in the current session about exceeding the constitutional spending caps on the state budget. Somewhat lost in the highly publicized debates was the (non) impact on two important groups. Under current law, homeowners with disabilities or those who are at least 65 years old are eligible to have their school property taxes frozen. The tax reductions passed in 2006 did not provide for these groups to receive a proportional reduction to that received by other homeowners. To allow persons with disabilities and seniors to receive proportional reductions, changes are needed to both the Texas Constitution and to statutory law. In February, both chambers of the legislature overwhelmingly passed SJR 13, which calls for the constitutional changes. The House Research Organization Thursday published a report providing background and details of the amendment. On May 12, voters will be asked to accept or reject the proposed amendments. Details can be found on the Secretary of State's Web site. Three appointed to DIR Board
Three new members were appointed by Gov. Rick Perry this week to the Department of Information Resources Board. The new appointees include The Honorable Charles Bacarisse of Houston, who is serving his fourth term as the District Clerk of Harris County; Rosemary R. Martinez, CPA, who is vice president for Business Affairs at the University of Texas at Brownsville; and Robert E. Pickering, Jr. of the Netherlands, who will fill the unexpired term of William Transier. Bacarisse has served Harris County as District Clerk since 1995. A Southern Methodist University graduate, Bacarisse has worked in the White House Office of Media Relations for President Ronald Reagan and as assistant director of the Office of Public Liaison for President George H.W. Bush. He also served as administrative assistant to former Harris County Judge Jon Lindsay. 
Martinez was named Vice President for Business Affairs at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College in 2000. She joined the university in 1997 as budget director and controller. Previously, Martinez worked for Cameron County for 13 years, as assistant county auditor, county budget officer and administrative assistant to former County Judge Tony Garza. She has also worked in the private sector as business manager with TCI, Tele-Communications, Incorporated. A graduate of Pan American University, Martinez has served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Foundation for Volunteerism and Community Service. 
Pickering, who is with LBI International AB, a marketing and technology company, began his IT career in 1974 as partner at Andersen Consulting. He joined First City Bankcorp in 1996, as Chief Information Officer, and three years later became Chief Information Officer of Continental Airlines. Pickering was Chairman and CEO of Origin from 1998 to 2000, one of the largest IT services companies in Europe. A graduate of Baylor University, Pickering also serves on the boards of a variety of organizations including the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. All appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Bacarisse and Martinez's terms end in 2013; Pickering's ends in 2009. Texas receives $48.6 million for coastal protectionTexas for the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) will receive $48,591,202 from the U.S. Department of the Interior for coastal protection and restoration - including conservation, planning assistance and infrastructure projects, connected to offshore energy exploration. The funding, authorized in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, directs the Department of the Interior to allocate $250 million annually to six coastal states that host offshore energy production, including Texas, which will receive 20 percent of the overall CIAP funding. Within that amount, $17,006,920 is available for the Coastal Political Subdivisions, or specific counties, to develop comprehensive strategies to protect marine species, coastal wildlife and conservation efforts. Texas counties that will receive funds include Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Matagorda, Orange, Victoria, Aransas, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Cameron, Kenedy and Willacy. UTMB names finalist for president
Dr. David L. Callender was named by The University of Texas System Board of Regents this week as the sole finalist for president of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The board is scheduled to finalize its selection during its May 9-10 meeting. Regents interviewed four candidates from a pool of more than 25 applicants from across the country. Callendar will succeed Dr. John D. Stobo, who plans to retire by Aug. 31. Callender is currently chief executive officer and associate vice chancellor of the University of California at Los Angeles Hospital System. He also is an adjunct professor of surgery at the UCLA medical school, and a member of the governing board of the University Health Consortium. Callender previously served The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as executive vice president and chief operating officer, vice president for clinical programs and medical director of the center's Physicians Referral Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University, a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Houston. Emerging Tech Fund grants $950,000 to building innovationA grant of $950,000 from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund was awarded this week to Global Contours Ltd. of Rockwell for advance development of its patented Smart Concrete, a material that senses infrastructure conditions when used to construct new buildings, bridges, highways, dams, levees and tunnels. The Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) is a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor's request. The award will leverage an additional $950,000 received from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Army to accelerate the commercialization of this technology. To date, the TETF has allocated $75 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities in areas promoting collaboration between public and private sector entities; matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors; and attracting more first-rate research teams to the state to help Texas universities with cutting edge technology research and development. TDA provides $750,000 to Brownwood for jobs
The Texas Department of Agriculture this week awarded a $750,000 Texas Capital Fund award to the City of Brownwood in support of economic development. Brownwood received the award to help construct a 27,000-square-foot building for Barr Fabrication on six acres in the city's industrial park. Barr Fabrication, manufacturer of internal components of wind energy towers, plans to expand its current operations and create 51 permanent jobs for the city. The Texas Capital Fund, a part of the federal Community Development Block Grant program, provided the award. "This award is an excellent example of good business and great public-private partnerships working for rural Texas," said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. Approximately $10.5 million in competitive awards are provided by the Texas Capital Fund each year to enhance the economic development of rural Texas cities and counties. The Texas Capital Fund, administered in cooperation with the Office of Rural Community Affairs and housed under TDA's Rural Economic Development Division, provides funding for infrastructure, real estate, main street and downtown development. Governor calls for TSU conservatorshipGov. Rick Perry this week requested the resignations of the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents. The governor also asked the House and Senate to convene the Legislative Audit Committee to authorize a conservatorship for the university that will allow him to appoint a conservator. "Conservatorship will bring a strong leader to the forefront of the university to reinstate accountability, take immediate and decisive action to correct mismanagement, and make the fiscal decisions necessary to get TSU back on track," he said. Evidence of mismanagement and improper financial practices led to the creation of the TSU Advisory Committee in January. In March, the advisory committee submitted recommendations to the governor, lieutenant governor, House Speaker and the TSU Board of Regents. Casscells starts work as Assistant Secretary of Defense
S. Ward Casscells III, M.D., vice president for biotechnology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, this week was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, after being nominated in February by President George W. Bush, and has already begun his duties. In his new position, Casscells will be responsible for overall leadership of the Military Health System, serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for all DOD health policies and programs and oversee all DOD health resources. He is taking a leave of absence from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and as associate director for cardiology research in the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. "It is an honor to be asked to care for our active, reserve and retired military and their families -especially now - when we have so many wounded and disabled, and have struggled to provide the best care," said Casscells. DPS plans new Rio Grande Valley regional headquartersTexas Department of Public Safety officials working in the Rio Grande Valley are hoping to open a new regional headquarters building in Hidalgo County. The Senate last week passed a state budget bill that includes $44 million for the new 105,000-square-foot building to replace the existing site, which is less than one-third of that size. A conference committee including members of both the House and Senate and appointed by the House Speaker and lieutenant governor will hammer out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the appropriations bill. The regional headquarters, now located in McAllen, offices 122 employees and serves as the central office to lab, license and highway patrol activities. It is approximately 40 percent smaller than similar regional offices across in Texas, according to DPS. The site for the new building would also be in the McAllen area, depending on where DPS found 25 acres of accessible land, and include a helipad and mechanic's shop to repair patrol cars. Another provision in the budget would enable DPS to use $456,000 to build a drug incinerator in Hidalgo County. There is no incinerator with large capacity in South Texas. Licensing commission makes appointments
The Texas Commission on Licensing and Regulation this week unanimously appointed three new members to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's (TDLR) new Medical Advisory Committee. Ivan Melendez of McAllen was appointed to a committee seat designated for a trauma specialist; Wayne A. Lee of San Antonio was appointed to a seat designated for a sports doctor, and Blane Sibille of Plano was appointed to a seat designated for a member of the public. The commission also reappointed two current committee members to new two-year terms: Mickey Christakos of Allen to a seat designated for a member of the public, and Ramiro Moreno of San Antonio to a seat designated for an emergency medical technician. Each of the new and reappointed members' two-year terms will expire February 1, 2009. The commission on Licensing and Regulation this week also appointed two new members to the Property Tax Consultants Advisory Council: Stephen R. Dunson of Aleda, and Steven G. Mills of Mansfield to seats designated for a registered property tax consultant. Their terms will expire February 1, 2009, and February 1, 2010, respectively. The commission also voted to appoint a current member and registered property tax consultant, W. Ken Parsons of Dallas, to a new three-year term, which expires February 1, 2010. All appointments were made by Chairman Frank Denton (pictured) of Conroe with the approval of the commission. Gas records available to public online through RRC
As part of an ongoing project to digitize and index the records for more than one million oil and gas wells drilled in Texas since 1919, the Texas Railroad Commission is making records available for online searches. This imaging is part of a three-phase process the Railroad Commission is undertaking this year to allow the public to research individual well records online rather than having to travel to Austin to search the agency's records department. The first phase includes the imaging and indexing of the most-recent 20 years worth of paper records on gas wells and is expected to be completed by September. In addition, microfilmed oil and gas records from 1964 to1985 are projected to be online by September. "I'm thrilled we are able to make technological advances available to users so that information is publicly available with a couple of clicks instead of a couple of weeks," said Railroad Commission Chairman Elizabeth Ames Jones. Current records available for online searches are those oil and gas well records from the past 20 years in the Panhandle and North-Central Texas. Searches can be made by going to the Commission's Web site under "Information Resources," "Search Oil and Gas Records." Texas House passes bill to establish Central Texas A&M
The Texas House this week passed a bill to establish a Texas A&M University branch to serve the needs of Fort Hood and Central Texas. The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration. Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock who co authored the bill, told House members that passing it was "one step toward providing much needed higher education opportunities for about one million Central Texans who are currently underserved." House Bill 1668 provides funding for infrastructure costs that would be added to millions of dollars area residents, businesses and industries have already invested in the Texas A&M - Central Texas project. Communities In Schools presents Best of Texas awardsCommunities In Schools (CIS) program, a dropout prevention program administered by the Texas Education Agency and made possible by volunteers, works to help students stay in school. In conjunction with National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, The CIS of Texas program this week honored 11 individuals with CIS Best of Texas Awards at the Texas State Capitol. The Paul Lane Award of Excellence went to Kris Downing, professional development specialist of CIS Central Texas, who has worked with the program for 17 years as a social worker, advocate and clinician. The Board Member of the Year is Karl Schmalz of Irving, CIS Dallas Region. Executive Director of the Year is D.M. "Mike" Steele of Fort Worth, CIS of Greater Tarrant County. Staff Member of the Year is Julie Lyon of Mt. Pleasant, CIS of Northeast Texas. Volunteer of the Year is Kenny Thompson, DDS, of Mt. Pleasant, CIS of Northeast Texas. Parent of the Year is Dorothy Harris of Waco, CIS McLennan County Youth Collaboration. Student of the Year is Tashia Rusnak of Canyon Lake, CIS of South Central Texas. Superintendent of the Year is Paul Vranish of Tornillo, CIS El Paso. Principal of the Year is Jessica Hicks of Waco, CIS McLennan County Youth Collaboration. Teacher of the Year is Nance Talbett of Copperas Cove, CIS Bell-Coryell Counties; and Business of the Year is Bank of America of Fort Worth, CIS of Greater Tarrant County. Texas Commission on the Arts announces appointments
The Texas Commission on the Arts this week appointed the state poet laureate, state musician, state two-dimensional artist and state three-dimensional artist for one-year terms. The 2007 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate Steven Fromholz of Kopperl, Texas State Musician Dale Watson of Austin, Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist Lee Herring of Rockwall, and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist David Keens of Arlington. The 2008 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate Larry Thomas of Houston, Texas State Musician Shelley King of Austin, Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist Janet Eager Krueger of Encinal and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist Damian Priour of Austin. "The work of these artists, and others like them, ensures that art and culture thrives in our great state and we are pleased to honor these talented men and women with this recognition," said Rep. Harvey Hilderbran (pictured), chair of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state, and must have received recognition for excellence in their respective disciplines, and critical reviews in state, regional or national publications. The Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician and State Artist Committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker, makes the final selections. Conroe ISD plans $3.6 million of summer projectsConroe ISD school trustees this week approved nearly $4 million in summer campus renovations and security upgrades. Among the $1.8 million projects are new art rooms at one campus, playground drainage work at another elementary, an elevator at the alternative high school and concessions at Conroe High School, as well as other improvements to at least four other campuses. An additional $1.8 million is allocated for safety and security upgrades at 12 campuses, including security cameras at those campuses as well as at the high school athletic fields. Conroe ISD will have a total of 1,600 cameras district-wide on campuses after the summer additions. Fire alarms will be upgraded as well. Houston police use 'Web Cop' for case management
By going to the Houston Police Department's Web site (www.houstontx.gov/police), residents will be able to report minor offenses, like criminal mischief, without waiting for an officer to arrive on the scene and take their information. Police Chief Harold Hurtt last week said he hopes the new "Web Cop" program will free up more officers to respond to major crimes and enable them to devote more time to anti-crime patrolling around the city. Last year, HPD officers responded to more than 73,000 minor thefts and more than 26,000 criminal mischief cases, he said. No longer will officers have to travel to every scene to record information and compile a report. Hurtt estimates that each report made online will save about 60 minutes of officer time. The online system is not intended to be used to report an emergency such as a violent crime. Several other police departments around the United States are considering or have already adopted Web-based reporting programs. Northside ISD proposes $12 million for security camerasTrustees of Northside Independent School District, which is in the San Antonio area, hope to install security cameras in all of the district's 15 middle schools. Funding would be made possible by the $700 million bond package to go before voters May 12. Within the bond proposal, the district has earmarked $12 million for the cameras. Northside ISD has reported a dramatic drop in juvenile offenses, since surveillance cameras were installed in all of its 11 high schools. District officials say that referrals to alternative schools and calls to the police from the high school are down more than 50 percent. Seguin moves forward with red light camerasThe Seguin City Council this week authorized City Manager Doug Faseler to pursue a contract to place traffic light cameras at street intersections to record drivers who run red lights. Texas lawmakers are currently considering legislation that could limit the fine amount and redistribute the fine revenue between the municipalities and the state. Seguin Police Chief Luis Collazo said the city would most likely begin with four to six cameras at various intersections. A growing number of Texas cities, such as Houston and Lubbock, has already installed traffic light cameras. Harlingen to build police station, soccer complex
Harlingen City Commissioners this week approved issuing $22 million in certificates of obligation for capital improvements, including $9 million for a new police station and $4.5 million for a soccer complex. Voters in 2003 rejected a $12.9 million bond issue for a new police station and public safety complex. However, voters approved $22 million in bonds for street and drainage improvements and a new fire station. City Commissioner Jay Meade said the city can not get things done if everything is subject to citizen approval, and the police station is an issue of public safety. Other planned capital improvement projects for the city include: $2.4 million drainage improvements, $1.5 million fire station, $1.25 million for Pendleton Park, $500,000 for a comprehensive drainage study, $325,000 street improvements, $150,000 for traffic control, and $150,000 for the municipal auditorium upgrades. Funding for mentoring programs availableEligible Texas schools can now apply for federal grant funding for the Safe and Drug-Free Schools-Mentoring Programs. The grants come through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. The Safe and Drug-Free Schools-Mentoring Programs grants can be used to: enable children to receive support and guidance from a mentor; improve students' academic performance; improve interpersonal relationships between children and their peers, teachers, other adults and family members; reduce the dropout rate; and reduce juvenile delinquency and gang involvement. More than $29.3 million is available nationwide this year for local educational agencies and nonprofit, community-based organizations. Schools have until May 23 to complete and submit their applications. For more information, click here. Water park proposed for Pampa
The City of Pampa may become home to a water park, as city officials laid out a proposal for the new recreation destination week. Pampa City Manager John Horst told the city commission that pools are on their way out, and "people in the summer enjoy a water park where water sprays on them and they can splash around." Saginaw, near Fort Worth, recently built a water park with a pool, beach and river around it for $2.2 million. Sunray's small water park, estimated to have cost $1.5 million was partially built using grant money, said Shane Stokes, Pampa's community services coordinator. Stokes suggested that the city hire a planner to study current facilities before any plans are made. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has money available, Stokes said, but its grants are competitive. Renovations under way at Clute police stationConstruction crews will soon begin renovation on Clute's former city hall, to convert the building into an expanded police station, according to Dennis Smith, Clute's interim city manager. The first work scheduled will be a sprinkler system. Renovations to the building, which are expected to take about six months, will be done in two phases. The first phase includes asbestos abatement in the police station portion of the building. The old dispatch area and the police offices were gutted for the renovations, and the area will be remodeled and serve as the main entrance to the building. All of the offices on the police station side will be made into new rooms, including a squad room, a patrol briefing room and a state-of-the-art video interviewing room. New windows will be installed throughout the building and the exterior will be changed to stucco. The cost of the renovations will be paid with the $3.5 million in certificates of obligation approved by city council in 2005. |
Construction thriving in Boomburbs and Technoburbs
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. For more than five decades, Texas suburbs have flourished, attracting residents and jobs from nearby cities. Boomburbs and Technoburbs, as they are being called, are cropping up across the state, increasingly becoming major employment centers and home to all types of industry. Of the nation's 30 fastest growing counties from 2000 to 2005, six were in Texas: Rockwall, Denton and Collin near Dallas, Fort Bend and Montgomery near Houston, and Williamson County near Austin. Much of the continued growth in these metropolitan centers has to do with the prosperous high-tech industry. These areas have been termed "Technoburbs." Residents for years have been moving out of the cities in search of better schools, lower crime rates and more affordable housing. Industry moves to the suburbs seeking better tax rates and lower property costs. "Boomburbs" - low density, fast-growing suburban cities with populations greater than 100,000, such as Mesquite, Arlington and Irving in the Dallas area - are expanding at historic rates. People living in these areas find that they have most of the benefits and resources associated with major cities, such as nearby access to airports, good transportation systems, mass transit and diversified entertainment venues. Despite the recent trend of building high-density, multiple-unit downtown housing to attract professionals back to the core of metropolitan areas, most of the new construction in schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies is occurring in the suburbs. Perhaps the most noticeable result of rapid growth is the need for more public schools. Evidence of this Texas trend is the abundance of proposed school bond packages, set to go before voters May 12. The bond packages include suburban projects that equate to hundreds of millions of dollars. In the Dallas area, Mesquite ISD's student population has increased by approximately 600 students each year for the past decade, and the community is still growing. Voters will consider a $180 million bond package to cover new construction, expansion and technology needs. The Houston suburb of Aldine hopes to build eight new campuses under the district's $365 million bond issue. There are hundreds of opportunities that accompany city sprawl and suburbanization. As families migrate to the suburbs, all kinds of needs evolve. The City of Sugar Land, a suburb of Houston, plans to build a new fire administration and emergency operations center to serve its growing population. Near Dallas, the City of Forney is moving forward with a new justice center to house police, fire and emergency operations as well as the municipal court. The healthcare industry is also expanding at a record pace, and much of the new construction and hospital expansions are scheduled for suburbs. St. David's Healthcare, based in Austin, recently doubled the size of its Round Rock center. The Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System has completed an extensive expansion in Grapevine. Between 1990 and 2000, the population of some Texas suburban counties increased by as much as 80 percent. Population projections and demographic studies do not point to any slowdown in the near future. Contractors should not overlook Texas suburbs when seeking new opportunities. Register now for upcoming SPI vendor seminar College district selects chancellor candidatesThe North Harris Montgomery Community College District recently named four candidates to replace outgoing chancellor John Pickelman. The board of trustees announced district officials Diane Troyer, president of Cy-Fair College, and Steve Head, executive vice chancellor of the college district, were selected for the final interview process, as well as Richard Carpenter, president of the Community College of Southern Nevada, and Henry Shannon, chancellor and chief executive officer of St. Louis Community College. A committee of faculty, staff and community members, appointed by the college district, reviewed 25 applicants from around the country. Two-day interviews with each of the four final candidates will be scheduled in the coming weeks. The finalists will participate in open forums at each campus for faculty and students and meet community members. The board plans to appoint the new chancellor in the next month, to be instated in the summer. Canadian ISD plans for campus improvementsCanadian ISD voters last November approved an $8 million school bond for facility improvements in the Hemphill County district. School trustees his week discussed specific projects, including an indoor athletic facility, energy efficient windows, and science lab renovations. Frank Belcher, Canadian ISD superintendent, said that the athletic facility would cost more than $2 million, and be the first of its kind in the Panhandle. Montgomery city administrator resignsMontgomery City Administrator Vicky Rudy resigned this week to pursue a job in Rollingwood, an Austin suburb that is only two square miles but has population of 1,400. Rudy worked to upgrade Montgomery's aging water and sewer systems and said she hopes to do the same in Rollingwood, after she leaves the Houston area. Appointments by the GovernorGovernor Rick Perry this week announced the following appointments:
Anna city staff plans for new facilitiesThe City of Anna is working on the design phase of a new City Hall. The city council has yet to see any final site plans or building designs. In addition, a new annex is set to open this week, which will accommodate 60 to 70 people to attend council meetings. Anna, which is located in Collin County, plans to expand its staff after acting City Manager Kenny Jenks reviews the budget. Jenks said that he's "excited" about the new building because there's rapid population growth and the city needs to increase staff to deal with the increase. Argyle ISD names new superintendent
Argyle ISD this week selected Jason Ceyanes, the current Lindsay ISD superintendent, as its lone finalist for superintendent from a pool of 40 applicants. Carolyn Pierel will resign from Argyle ISD at the end of the year. Mandated by state law, the district must wait 21 days after announcing the finalist before it can extend a contract to the person. Ceyanes will be officially hired May 9. Before becoming superintendent in Lindsay, Ceyanes worked in the Montgomery school district as director of special projects. He also taught at Dickinson High School and Klein Forest High School in Houston, and served as an assistant principal at Magnolia Junior High, and principal at both Burton High School and Kingwood Middle School. He earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and a master's in educational mid-management from the University of Houston - Clear Lake before completing his doctorate at Texas A&M University. Sugar Land hires consultant, looks to futureThe Sugar Land City Council plans to hire a consultant to help craft the city into a unique "destination community." The council agreed with the recommendations from Joe Esch, the city's executive director for business and intergovernmental relations, to develop a vision that would support the city's long-term economy, maintain the high quality of life, and make the area a regional employment center. Some of the city's goals include attracting a full-service hotel, having the University of Houston offer four-year degree programs and building an amphitheater, athletic fields and sites for community events that would make Sugar Land a destination for other Texans, Esch said. TCEQ promotes Earth Day with free education
Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reminds Texans to "Take Three for Texas," a bundle of three free publications of useful information, encouraging individuals to preserve and improve the environment. "Each Texan has a role to play and can make positive differences by choosing to recycle, grow green, care for the air quality by caring for their vehicles, and practicing environmental stewardship," said TCEQ Executive Director Glenn Shankle. Go to the TCEQ home page to view the following publications online: "Recycling-use the Quick Guide to Recycling;" "Grow green-the Green Guide to Lawn Care;" and "Care for the air-read When You Care for Your Car You Care for the Air." Interested Texans can request free printed copies of all three publications by sending an e-mail to educate@tceq.state.tx.us with their name and address in the body, and "Three for Texas" in the subject line. Grants at a Glance Job OpportunitiesStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is actively involved in training corporate sales executives throughout the country who seek to better understand all levels of the public sector marketplace. SPI is now hiring subject matter experts and individuals with governmental backgrounds who are interested in assisting in the training. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Training" in the subject line. SPI is conducting a search to find subject matter experts who have a high level understanding of the Federal Government procurement process. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Federal" in the subject line. SPI is seeking additional part-time research analysts with experience in Texas government. Ideally, candidates should have an understanding of procurement processes and concepts and is familiar with budgets and legislative process. Tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to jobs@spartnerships.com. Please include “Researcher Analyst” in the subject line. Recent Reports
SPI, TxDot to host HUB ConferenceStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is working with the Texas Department of Transportation to finalize the agenda for an upcoming HUB Conference. Watch Texas Government Insider next week for full details. The event will be designed to assist companies that are interested in doing more work with the agency. Event Links
Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 4/13/07 Resources
Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletterMost e-mail applications today have spam filtering. The e-mail address we use to send you the Texas Government Insider newsletter is editor@spartnerships.com. To ensure timely delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe recipients list. Otherwise, the newsletter may be flagged as spam and automatically routed to your junk e-mail folder at any time. Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services. |
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Workshop teaches Texans how to reduce energy costsTexas A&M University's upcoming workshop titled "Cutting Energy Bills in Texas: Developing an Energy Risk Management Strategy" is open to private companies, government and nonprofit organizations. It will be held Wednesday, April 25, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Related workshop information can be found at http://cuttingenergybills. UT Austin presents 14th annual HUB Vendor FairThe University of Texas at Austin's Historically Underutilized Business and Small and Disadvantaged Business Office (HUB/SADBO) is hosting its 14th Annual Vendor Fair Wednesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. The Vendor Fair is an opportunity for Historically Underutilized and Small Businesses to display their products and distribute information about their companies to University procurement personnel and representatives from other state agencies and corporations. Attendance is free. For more information, contact Annette Smith at 512- 471-2850 or click here. NASCO to host transportation conferenceMore than 350 transportation, logistics and economic development specialists from Mexico, the United States and Canada are expected to meet in Fort Worth, May 30 to June 1, for The NASCO Conference 2007: Moving North America Forward. The conference will focus on trade and transportation issues and opportunities for improved cooperation and economic partnership among the three North American countries joined by Interstate 35, along the NASCO Corridor. The event is co-hosted by the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and Texas Department of Transportation and developed in partnership with NASCO (North America' s SuperCorridor Coalition. For more information, visit www.nascocorridor.com or call Rachel Connell at 214-744-1006. |
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