Texans feeling pain of higher prices statewide

Officials say state in good position to deal with slowing economy

Driven primarily by the cost of fuel, almost every segment of the Texas economy is doing a little belt-tightening these days. And while many across the state are experiencing some tough economic times, state officials say Texas remains better positioned to weather the current economic downturn than almost any other state in the union.

As the cost of regular gasoline reaches $3.52 a gallon and diesel fuel hits $4.13 across Texas, nearly every segment of the state's economy is feeling the pinch. Other factors, including droughts in Australia, the weakness of the U.S. dollar and investors speculating on the cost of crude oil, are causing food prices to rise at the fastest pace in nearly two decades, jumping 4 percent overall in 2007 and spiking much higher in some categories.

That is causing some major changes in how Texans' hard-earned dollars are being spent - from small families all the way up to the state's largest cities. However, state officials are quick to point out that Texans have it better than most.

"From what we've seen so far, we are in a good position to deal with this," said R.J. DeSilva with the State Comptroller's Office. "There is somewhat of a cooling of the Texas economy, and we're in a much better position than in most states. One of the things we are watching closely is sale tax revenues - so far so, so good. The growth has been in the 5, 6 or 7 seven percent range so far this year."

Texas has an economy that is the second largest in the nation and the 15th largest in the world based on GDP figures. As the largest exporter of goods in the United States, Texas currently grosses more than $100 billion per year in trade with other nations.

Delisi, Meadows named to Transportation Commission

Long-time Perry advisor, Fort Worth businessman picked

Deidre Delisi of Austin, former chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry, this week was named by Perry to chair the Texas Transportation Commission. He also named William "Bill" Meadows of Fort Worth as a member of the Commission.

Delisi brings more than 12 years of experience in government policy to her new role as chair of the commission that oversees the Texas Department of Transportation. In addition to serving Perry as deputy chief of staff and then chief of staff, she also was Perry's special assistant when he was lieutenant governor. Delisi also served as a legislative aide for Sen. Bill Ratliff and worked at the Texas Department of Commerce. Delisi holds a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a master's from Stanford University. She replaces Hope Andrade, who was named chair following the death last year of former Chair Ric Williamson.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Harry Bradley, superintendent, Texas State Cemetery

Career highlights and education: Education: Graduated from Cisco High School, 1961; BS in economics, Hardin-Simmons University, 1965; MA in economics, Hardin-Simmons University, 1969. Served in the United States Air Force, 1965-1967. Career highlights: 1994 to present, superintendent, Texas State Cemetery. 1992-1994, legislative liaison, Texas Department of Insurance. 1987-1991, Director of Administration Service, Texas Water Development Board. 1983 - 1987, special assistant, Office of the Governor, Governor Mark White. 1981-1983, Director of Data Processing, Attorney General's Office. 1979-1981, chief of staff, Sen. Grant Jones. 1977-1979, economic advisor, General Land Office. 1971-1974, economic advisor, Texas Water Development Board. 1970-1971, chief demographer, City of Austin.

What I like best about my job is: I enjoy helping people. We often deal with people at one of the hardest parts of their lives, when they lose a loved one. We try and make it as easy as possible for family members. I have my phone on 24 hours a day in case anyone needs me or the staff.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Be nice and polite to everyone.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: We help people and this job is not an eight-hour-a-day shift. We work when the people of Texas need us to work, whether that is in the evenings, holidays or weekends. The Texas State Cemetery is a special place and we try to keep it looking that way.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: I never leave work early.

People would be surprised to know that I: brokered the agreement for the Stacey-Ivie Reservoir Project in Coleman and Runnels Counties, Texas, in 1986 and served as the superintendent of the Texas State Cemetery Renovation Project from 1994 to 1997. I work with the grounds crew on a daily basis.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: I wish more people knew about the history we have here at the State Cemetery and wish everyone could take a guided tour.

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.

DFPS responds to questions on Eldorado investigation

Testimony from officials of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) wasn't exactly what members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee wanted to hear in a legislative hearing earlier this week.

DFPS allegations of possible physical abuse and a report of more than 40 instances of broken bones among children removed by state officials from the Yearning for Zion Ranch near Eldorado early last month could not be substantiated by medical evidence, even though DFPS Commissioner Carey Cockerell (pictured) later called the allegations "cause for concern."

More than 400 children were removed from a polygamist sect at the ranch and many have since been placed by Child Protective Services (CPS) in foster homes throughout the state. Allegations of sexual abuse of underage females was somewhat substantiated when a young girl from the compound, reportedly a minor, gave birth to a baby boy earlier this week.

Rymal to serve HHSC as director of budget, fiscal policy

Greta Rymal (pictured) has been named director of Budget and Fiscal Policy for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. She replaces Ken Welch, who left HHSC to become chief financial officer at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Rymal previously served as HHSC's federal relations liaison in Washington, D.C., a post she held since 2003. In that position, she identified and analyzed information that might impact health and human services in Texas and represented Texas in discussions on these issues with experts and staff from governmental and legislative offices.

Prior to serving HHSC, Rymal spent nearly 30 years in a variety of positions with the Legislative Budget Board, serving as Washington liaison, assistant director, assistant director for federal funds analysis and senior budget examiner for health and human services.

TSTC, Temple College forge partnership

East Williamson County Higher Education Center to be built

A new sign (pictured with key players of the collaborative entities) was unveiled last week in Williamson County marking the spot for the new East Williamson County Higher Education Center on a 70-acre tract of land. The center will involve a collaboration among area school districts, Texas State Technical College, Temple University, the Texas Bioscience Institute and other private or public colleges and university partners negotiating with the center.

The $6 million for Phase One of the project was secured through bonds, with each of the partnering entities pledging $10,000 per year to the center. Phase One will include 25,000 square feet to house classrooms, an automotive lab, administrative space and community space. Dr. Chuck McCarter serves as the center's executive director. "This is a regional concept," said McCarter. "It involves both Hutto and Taylor, as well as smaller surrounding communities of East Williamson County, which have long supported education at Temple College Taylor Center."

Officials with the center plan to seek additional funding during the next legislative session. Construction is expected to begin soon, with an opening date forecast for fall 2009. The center is intended to provide a portfolio of educational and workforce opportunities for the citizens of rural East Williamson County in a multi-institutional setting.

PUC action will result in consumer tax reduction

Commissioners of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a $144 million reduction in the state's Universal Service Fund (USF) that should result in consumer phone bills being reduced by approximately 1 percent starting in January of next year. The reduction was part of a compromise between the PUC and phone companies.

The USF originally was intended to help defray the cost of phone service in rural areas of the state. The agreed-to settlement will be phased in over four years. The large telecom carriers will be allowed to increase basic service costs to consumers to help defray the loss of USF funds.

The slashing of the USF fund marks the second reduction to Texas consumers' telephone taxes as the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) was eliminated during the last legislative session. That tax added 1.25 percent to consumer telecom bills.

Former DSHS Commissioner joins Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Dr. Eduardo Sanchez (pictured), former commissioner of the Texas Department of Health Services and the Texas Department of Health has been named vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas, effective May 30. Sanchez comes to Blue Cross/Blue Shield after a stint as director of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's School of Public Health.

Sanchez chairs the National Commission on Prevention Priorities and the Advisory Committee to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He holds master's degrees from the UT Health Science Center and Duke University and his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School.

TEA names partners in Texas Virtual School Network

The Texas Education Agency recently announced seven key partnerships with local Education Service Centers and several other education entities to participate in the launching of the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN). Authorized by legislators in 2007, TxVSN will provide online courses through the Internet to students throughout Texas with classes scheduled to begin in spring 2009.

Partnering with TEA in the TxVSN project are:

• Region 10 Education Service Center in Richardson, in collaboration with the Harris County Department of Education, will serve as headquarters for network operations;
• Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, which will review electronic courses and ensure the courses meet state standards;
• Five professional development providers will train educators who will teach electronic courses through the network. The five providers are the Education Development Center, Inc., ESC Region 4, ESC Region 11 in Fort Worth, Harris County Department of Education and Texas A&M University Center for Distance Learning Research.

A list of initial approved course offerings will be available in the fall of the 2008-2009 school year. A schedule will be developed for the ongoing review process for additional courses and professional development providers. Information about course offerings, approved professional development providers and participation in the TxVSN will be posted at www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/txvsn. Questions about the TxVSN should be sent to txvsn@tea.state.tx.us.

Eschbach named as new State Demographer

Karl Eschbach (pictured) of San Antonio has been named State Demographer by Gov. Rick Perry. The state demographer's office distributes census information for the state, as well as Texas population estimates and projections and information from federal, state and other government sources.

Eschbach is an associate professor in the department of demography and interim director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a past board member of the Texas Economic and Demographic Association and past caucus chair of the American Public Health Association.

Eschbach received a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree and doctorate from Harvard University, and a post-doctoral fellowship in demography from the University of Wisconsin. He replaces Steve Murdock of Helotes, who left that position after being named director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

TDA awards $300,000 in federal funds to Caldwell

The Texas Department of Agriculture has awarded a $300,000 grant from federal funds to the City of Caldwell to spur economic development. The infrastructure grant, awarded through the Texas Capital Fund, will provide funding for improvement to roads and gas lines.

The Texas Capital Fund, a part of the federal Community Development Block Grant program, provides about $10.7 million in competitive awards each year to boost economic development in small Texas cities and counties. Administered in cooperation with the Office of Rural Community Affairs, the program is housed under TDA's Rural Economic Development Division.

Alternative to TxTag offered for 183A toll road

Officials with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority note that the number of motorists using the 183A toll road has doubled their original projections. Some 55,000 toll transactions per day have been recorded. Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein (pictured) said most of the motorists using the toll road are coming from the north, and the extension planned (which should be under construction in two years) will shorten their travel time even more.

TxTag usage also is reported higher than projected. Officials note than 80 percent of motorists using the toll road have TxTags.

The Mobility Authority this month is offering a new service - Pay-by-Mail - for drivers who do not have a TxTag to use 183A. The will have the option of being sent a bill for their tolls. The rate will be a little higher than the TxTag and will also have a $1 convenience fee attached.

Shannon elected chair of State Bar board

Joe Shannon, Jr., chief of the Economic Crime Unit of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office, has been elected chair of the board of the State Bar of Texas.

Shannon has practiced criminal defense law, prosecution, personal injury, insurance defense, family law and commercial litigation. He has served as president of the Tarrant County Bar Association, the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association and the Family Law Advisory Committee of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He also is a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association.

Shannon holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law.

Early voting for May 10 election ends Tuesday

Early voting for the May 10 General Election began Monday, and will continue through Tuesday, May 6. Most early voting polls are open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Check with voter registrars to ensure these times of voting availability. While early voting can be done at any site, those who vote on Election Day will have to vote at their respective precinct voting boxes.

In addition to local government and school board elections being held, some $7 billion in Texas school district bond elections are also at stake.

Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson (pictured) encourages Texans to participate in their local elections. "With such a high profile presidential election under way, a great deal of attention has been placed on the importance of voting," stated Wilson. "Next week's local elections are very important and, in many instances, may have an even greater impact on our daily lives than presidential contests, making voter participation even more critical."

Wilson also noted that information regarding a Constitutional Amendment Election to provide school property tax relief is "inaccurate." He said there will not be a statewide proposition on the ballot.

TxDOT opens Segment 4 of SH 130 toll road

Central Texas drivers now have increased access to southeastern Travis County with the opening of Segment 4 of SH 130. The latest addition to the Central Texas Turnpike Project is approximately eight miles long and extends from SH 71 to US 183 interchange near Mustang Ridge.

With the opening of SH 130 Segment 4, all 65 miles of the Central Texas Turnpike System 2002 Project - SH 45 North, SH 130, and the Loop 1 Extension - will be open to traffic. The next phase will be the completion of SH 45 South from I-35 east to SH 130. The final segment of SH 130 from US 183 south to Seguin will be completed by a private company.

State Planning Assistance Grants awarded

Five regional councils of government (COGs) will share more than $788,000 in State Planning Assistance Grants to pursue local economic development initiatives and foster intergovernmental cooperation and planning. The grants are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division.

More than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs are awarded annually. The State Planning Assistance Grant Program funds were awarded to the following:

• Central Texas Council of Governments - $62,500
• Nortex Regional Planning Commission - $62,500
• Houston-Galveston Area Council - $436,697
• Alamo Area Council of Governments - $164,006
• Heart of Texas Council of Governments - $62,500

ORCA announces $250,000 grant to Mount Enterprise

The Office of Rural Community Affairs recently announced the award of $250,000 in federal grant funds to the city of Mount Enterprise to improve its wastewater system. The grant will be used to provide 19 homes with first-time sanitary sewer service and to construct a lift station, said Mayor Harvey Graves.

Since 1999, more than $728,700 in grant funds has supplemented approximately $502,400 in city funds to build a new wastewater treatment plant, install 63 manholes, two lift stations and more than five miles of sewer collection lines in Mount Enterprise. More than half of the homes in the city, 110, have been connected to the public sewer system. Before the sewer system was built, residents depended on septic tanks for wastewater treatment.

New parking garage and transit terminal set for UTEP

The El Paso City Council recently signed off on a new parking garage and transit terminal for The University of Texas at El Paso. Deputy City Manager Pat Adauto (pictured) said federal grant funds are expected to pay for the facility.

A transit terminal for Sun Metro will be located on the ground floor of the proposed five-story facility. A minimum of 500 parking spaces will be available on the upper floors of the facility, with 220 of the parking spaces to be leased to UTEP for student parking. In turn, UTEP will lease the land to the city.

The parking lot operating on the land currently provides 200 parking spots, so once the parking garage opens, students will have 20 additional spaces and the transit terminal will be used by the campus buses, Adauto said. Construction is expected to begin in early 2009.

Five selected as finalists for San Jac College presidents

Two search committees recently recommended five candidates be considered for the positions of president to replace Dr. Charles Grant of the North campus and Dr. Monte Blue of the Central campus. Both announced last year they would take an early exit program offered by the college. The five candidates invited for campus interviews are:

• Dr. Barbara Burrows, who currently serves as provost at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa, is a candidate for president of the North campus. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin;
• Dr. Allatia Harris, who currently serves as district director for Academic Curriculum Initiatives at the Dallas County Community College District, also is a candidate for president of the North campus. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin;
• Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, who currently serves as district director for Achieving the Dream for the Alamo Community College District of San Antonio, is a candidate for president of the Central campus. She has a Ph.D. from Baylor University;
• Dr. Thomas D. Klincar, who currently is commander for the College for Enlisted Professional Military Education at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, is a candidate for president of the North campus. He holds a Ph.D. from La Salle University in Manila, Philippines;
• Dr. John W. Ganio, who currently serves as vice chancellor for Education at St. Louis Community College, is a candidate for president of both North and Central campuses. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Albany.

Huffman leaves City of Austin for Nature Conservancy

Laura Huffman (pictured), Austin Assistant City Manager since 2002, has resigned to accept a position with The Nature Conservancy of Texas. Huffman, a native of Austin, had worked in the city auditor's office before going to San Marcos to be deputy city manger. In 2002, Huffman returned to Austin as an assistant city manager, hired by former City Manager Toby Futrell. When Futrell retired, Huffman applied for the city manager position.

The Nature Conservancy announced Huffman's hire, touting s her experience negotiating a water contract between the City of Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority and her work with the city's green space acquisition program.

The Nature Conservancy of Texas owns and operates more than 30 nature preserves and projects around the state. It is a division of The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization with more than 1 million members.

Wilcox retires from UT-Austin International Office

Jerry Wilcox, director of the International Office at The University of Texas at Austin since 1998, has retired. His last day of work was April 25. Dr. Terri Givens, vice provost for undergraduate studies and international activities, will direct the International Office.

Givens announced other changes in the International Office, including the appointment of Heather Barclay Hamir as director of the Study Abroad Office. Directors Teri Albrecht (International Student and Scholar Services) and Larry Phu (Central Administration) will take on increased duties following Wilcox's departure.

Wilcox joined the university after 27 years in international education at Cornell University. His introduction to international education included working abroad in a German factory as a guest worker and serving with the Peace Corps in Thailand with the U.S. Department of Public Health.

Texas Tech's Whitmore on short list for San Jose State

Texas Tech's departing president, Jon Whitmore (pictured), is a candidate for president of San Jose State University. He is one of three finalists to lead the California State University satellite campus. In a news release, CSU said the other finalists are Elizabeth Grobsmith from Northern Arizona University and Eduardo Ochoa from Sonoma State University.

Whitmore, who resigned as Tech's president in February, will visit the San Jose campus on May 7. CSU officials want their new president to start this summer. Since he resigned at Tech, officials at several universities have expressed interest in hiring Whitmore, including Louisiana State and Portland State.

El Paso Med School gets radiology residency program

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has approved a four-year residency in radiology for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.

It is the first time in 15 years that a new residency has been approved for the institution, and it is the first radiology residency within the Texas Tech University Health Sciences System.

Graduates of the new program will be available to interpret X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds in the El Paso area, helping to relieve a physician shortage. Residency training is specialized training beyond the medical degree, and ranges anywhere from three to five years.

Lamar University stadium wish list tops $18 million

Lamar University is planning up to $18 million in renovations and upgrades to Cardinal Stadium on the Beaumont campus. University President Jimmy Simmons (pictured) said the current plan being discussed is preliminary. The renovations are a first step toward reviving the school's football program.

Major upgrades to the stadium include a two-story, 42,000-square-foot athletics facility - $7.25 million; new seats, bleachers and other improvements - $1.5 million; new restrooms and concession stands - $2 million; and artificial turf to replace the natural-grass playing surface - $1.34 million. Other potential add-ons include VIP suites and a club area.

The university must go before the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board this month to have an architect approved before the project can proceed.

Raymond Nimmer named new UH Law Center dean

Raymond T. Nimmer (pictured) has been named dean of the University of Houston Law Center. He has been serving as interim dean since 2006 and was the top candidate following a nationwide search.

Nimmer holds the Leonard H. Childs Professorship and is a founding member of the Institute of Intellectual Property and Information Law at the UH Law Center. Last year, he served as the Fulbright Distinguished Chair of International Commercial Law at Universidad Caholica in Lisbon. He is an expert in technology issues and areas of business law.

The author of more than 20 books, Nimmer holds a bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University and his law degree, awarded with distinction from the Valparaiso University School of Law.

UTSA hosts inaugural North American Energy Summit

The University of Texas at San Antonio played host to energy leaders, industry professionals and academicians representing three different countries when it hosted the inaugural UTSA North American Energy Summit this week. The summit featured experts with diverse backgrounds from the United States, Canada and Mexico addressing the energy needs for future generations.

Distinguished guests included Elizabeth Ames Jones, commissioner, Railroad Commission of Texas, who is serving as NAES Honorary Chair; Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Judge; Dale Klein, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Michael McElroy, Harvard University; Grant Heffelinger, Sandia National Laboratory; Norris Pettis, Consul General of Canada; Ibrahim Dancer, University of Ontario, Canada; and Miriam Grunstein, Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo, Mexico City.

CPS Energy, Bexar County, Southwest Research Institute, Canadian Consulate General, Valero Energy Corporation, City of San Antonio and the State Energy Conservation Office of Texas sponsored the UTSA North American Energy Summit.

UT-Permian Basin to develop engineering program

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin has received preliminary authority from state officials to develop plans for a new engineering program.

Vice President and Provost William Fannin said with approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board the earliest classes could start would be 2009-2010. The final proposal will be reviewed by The University of Texas System administration and forwarded to the Coordinating Board.

President David Watts (pictured) said the decision to pursue engineering was community driven. He said UTPB officials went on listening tours throughout the Permian Basin, and heard feedback that there was a need for the university to increase its focus on the energy industry. The university currently has pre-engineering transfer programs with UT-El Paso and UT-Austin. UT-El Paso lets UTPB students transfer into its upper division engineering program, and the agreement with UT-Austin is only for mechanical engineering.

Mesquite City Council ponders $12.2 million bond sale

The Mesquite City Council heard a presentation last week on an impending bond sale. The estimated $10.1 million in general obligation bonds along with slightly more than $2 million in tax and revenue certifications will be used for street improvements, municipal improvements and computer and vehicle upgrades.

City officials are also seeking to issue another $3.4 million in public property finance obligation bonds. The city plans to issues a second series worth about $12.2 million for improvements to the water and sewer system.

Representatives of the company putting together the bond package noted that interest rates on municipal bonds have spiked, but are still below 5 percent. Independent credit raters are expected to inform the city of their decisions by May 7. If all goes according to schedule, the council should be able to approve the bond package by May 19 and go forward with the sale by early June.

Corpus Christi school officials discuss priorities

Corpus Christi Independent School District administrators have given specific instructions to a community panel on future needs of the district's facilities. Administrators briefed the 41-member Citizens' Advisory Committee on science lab and athletic facility needs around the district.

Dr. Janis Jordan (pictured), the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, told the committee that both King and Moody high schools should have more science labs, along with a need for renovations to athletic dressing rooms and fields. Administrators also gave committee members a 17-page list of campus- and district-generated renovation possibilities. Twenty-two CCISD campuses are more than 50 years old and in need of repairs, district officials report.

District officials have discussed several possible bond packages of $70 million, $95 million, $116 million and $166 million that would address facility needs. The committee is expected to make its report in late summer, in time for the district to schedule a bond election in November.

Burleson approves $40 million for parks, water, streets

The Burleson City Council recently approved spending more than $40 million to improve parks, the city water system and streets.

Of that $40 million, $16 million will pay for construction of the 65,000-square-foot Bartlett Park Recreation Center expected to begin in early September and be completed in January 2010.

Another $13 million will pay for building the Chisenball Sports Complex with 18 softball, baseball and football fields. Construction is slated to begin in late September on the sports field complex with completion scheduled for summer 2009, said Peter Krause, director of parks and recreation. The remaining $14 million will go toward water rehabilitation and street construction listed on the spring 2008 project list.

Taylor County Commissioners sued over tax abatements

Wind energy opponents have filed a lawsuit against the Taylor County Commissioners Court for granting what the plaintiffs say are illegal tax abatements to wind farms developed within the county. According to the lawsuit, wind energy equipment is not eligible for tax abatements under the State Tax Code.

In 2004 and 2006, Taylor County commissioners granted five tax abatements potentially worth $5 million to $10 million to three companies that have built farms of wind turbines in rural areas of the county.

Earlier in the year, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued an opinion concerning tax abatements in which he questioned whether wind farms are eligible for abatements. The Texas Tax Code allows a county to grant a tax abatement to the owner of taxable real property, but not those who lease the property. County officials declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Emergency managers in Houston area earn credentials

Six Houston area individuals were among 61 candidates recently approved as Certified Emergency Managers (CEM) by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). IAEM currently has more than 3,200 members who represent local, state and federal government as well as private industry and military emergency managers.

Houston Area Emergency Managers receiving the designation include Jeff Braun, Emergency Management Coordinator, Fort Bend County; Douglas Havron, Administrative Director, Southeast Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council; Terry Moore, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Houston; Sharon Nalls, Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Houston; James Palmer, Assistant Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Houston; Lori Upton, Assistant Director/Emergency Management Coordinator, Texas Children's Hospital.

The newly certified emergency managers join with the 1,114 other emergency managers who have been approved for the designation since January 1993. In addition to requiring all with the CEM designation to pass a written exam, credentials requirements also include experience, references, education, training and contributions to the profession. To maintain their CEM status, members must submit a total of 500 points covering education and instruction, participation and service and leadership to the profession every five years.

New Caney ISD approves $14.6M for new high school

Trustees for the New Caney Independent School District recently approved $14.6 million for the first two phases of construction of the new Porter High School.

The first phase includes erosion control, site utilities, temporary fencing, dirt work, lime stabilization, termite control, site concrete work, sealant materials, structural steel and erection of the structural steel.

Superintendent Rick Cowan (pictured) said that hitting the budget on the projects in the current climate of rapidly rising construction costs is due to conscientious evaluation of submitted proposals. More than 350 bids were received from subcontractors and vendors to supply labor and materials.

Hays County approves $2M to improve Blue Hole park

Hays County Commissioners recently approved a $2 million grant to develop the Blue Hole in Wimberley as a regional park. Located on Cypress Creek, the Blue Hole is a spring-fed area popular with swimmers and campers.

Plans call for improvements to the swimming area, a pavilion, sports fields and a camping area. The 129-acre property was operated by a private owner, but was purchased in 2005 by the village when the owner announced plans for a mixed-use development.

A local group has raised about $300,000 to develop the park and is seeking grants from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to increase the total to $3.1 million, said Don Ferguson, Wimberley city administrator. Once the funding is in place, it will take about two years to complete the park improvements, Ferguson said. The $2 million county grant is from $30 million in bonds approved in a May 2007 bond election.

Lewisville red-light cameras delayed for TxDOT review

Eight months after the Lewisville City Council approved the installation of 20 red-light cameras, city officials are still awaiting approval from the Texas Department of Transportation to install the cameras. TxDOT must approve any red-light cameras installed on state roads.

Police Chief Russell Kerbow (pictured) said some of the delay occurred when city officials were asked to send more detailed data to TxDOT. The additional data was submitted in late April, he said. Once TxDOT gives its approval, a Texas-based private company will install and operate the red-light cameras within about 30 days, Kerbow said.

The city's agreement places installation and maintenance costs on the private operator so the city's only expense will be to pay officers overtime to review photos and videos of red-light cameras, Kerbow said. Using a sliding scale based on the number of violations, the private operator will receive between $28 and $48 of the $75 citation paid by vehicle owners. Lewisville is required by state law to pay the state half of its revenue after costs. Other cities pay vendors a monthly fee per camera with the anticipation of collecting a larger share of fees, but that can become less profitable as drivers become more aware of the cameras, Kerbow said.

Mark Hull named director of Habitat Texas

Mark Hull has been named executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Texas (Habitat Texas), and as such will direct the organization's operations, programs and policy direction. He will work with Habitat affiliates, supporters, elected officials and state agencies to assist low-income families in becoming homeowners.

Hull most recently served as the Directory of Policy and Research with the Texas Association of Community Development Corporations where he led the policy, advocacy and research programs. Prior to that, he worked in international economic development policy with the Corporation for Enterprise Development.

It's coming soon...of course!

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

There will be new faces and new issues when the 81st Texas Legislature convenes in January 2009. That date may seem like a long time off, but for those who follow or work with the state legislature, it's just around the corner.

On Oct. 7, SPI and the LBJ School of Public Affairs will host the 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference. This highly popular day-long conference is held prior to each legislative session and offers hard-to-come-by information and insight about the upcoming session. The agenda for the conference is looking extremely interesting.

Attendees come from state agencies, school districts, higher education, local government, courts, nonprofit organizations and the offices of elected officials. Participants also include board members and others interested in the workings of the Texas Legislature. Attendees range from "newbies" who have never been involved in a legislative session to seasoned veterans who have been around for 20 or more years! Many high ranking state agency officials have attended all five previous conferences.

Cleburne chooses lone finalist for superintendent

Cleburne Independent School District trustees have chosen Ronny Beard as the lone finalist for superintendent. Beard will be officially hired May 19 to succeed Robert Damron, who stepped down March 31 in the wake of a state audit report that identified spending irregularities.

Beard is expected to take over as superintendent July 1 when his contract with the Sweetwater school district ends. July 1 is also the date of Damron's official retirement, which was announced in February and before he was reassigned. State law requires a 21-day waiting period before school boards can vote on and finalize their choice for a superintendent.

Save this date!!!!

Mark your calendar for the 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference, set for Tuesday, Oct. 7. The event, held in advance of the 81st Legislative Session that convenes in January 2009, is hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. The day-long seminar includes guest speakers, panelists and valuable information for those preparing for the 2009 Legislative Session. Watch TGI weekly for more details!

SPI adds two new senior consultants

Gordon Pierce brings
local government expertise

Gordon Pierce (pictured), who has spent more than 25 years in municipal government work, has joined the SPI team as a senior consultant. He began his career in city government in the early 1970s in Lancaster, holding a number of positions, including staff for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Street Department Superintendent, Director of Parks and Recreation and later as both acting and assistant city manager. He later served as city manager for the cities of Jacksonville and Nacogdoches. Pierce retired as city manager of Terrell in June of last year.

Pierce has completed additional professional development courses at Texas A&M University, the Southwest School of Municipal Finance at Texas Tech and at the Southwest Legal Studies Foundation.

He is past president of the East Texas City Managers Association, the Texas Foundation for Improvement of Local Government and the Texas City Management Association. He has also held membership in the International City Management Association and the North Texas City Managers Association.

SPI adds Gibbons as
expert in higher education

Gene Gibbons (pictured) brings some 30 years of higher education/community college expertise to the SPI consulting team. He has spent three decades with the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). Gibbons most recently served DCCCD as executive vice president and vice president for instruction at the Brookhaven College in the DCCCD. Other positions he has held at Brookhaven include vice president for instruction and student services, dean for Social and Behavioral Sciences and dean of Continuing Education and Evening Programs.

Gibbons also has been a faculty member, teaching in the Integrated Studies Program and distance-education courses. He was vice president for instruction at the Eastfield College campus of DCCCD.

Carthage ISD taps Hambrick as new superintendent

Trustees for the Carthage Independent School District recently appointed Joseph Glen Hambrick as the new superintendent to replace Superintendent Reba Alllison, who announced her retirement in January.

Hambrick, who currently serves as superintendent for Elkhart Independent School District, will assume his duties in Carthage on June 1. He has a bachelor's degree from East Texas State University, a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. from Sam Houston State University. He served in positions as teacher, principal and coach in the Crockett, Nacogdoches, Buffalo, Garrison and Groveton school districts and then as superintendent of Rosebud-Lott ISD until he became superintendent in Elkhart in 2004.

Texas border to get 29
new federal prosecutors

The U.S. Justice Department recently announced the appointment of 29 new federal prosecutors to serve along the Texas-Mexico border to beef up prosecutions of drug and human smugglers, gunrunners and illegal immigrants. The assignment of 21 additional federal prosecutors in Arizona, seven in California and seven in New Mexico along with 29 from Texas, will translate to a total of 64 additional assistant U.S. attorney general posts along the border of the United States and Mexico, said Deputy Attorney General Mark Flip.

The Justice Department has allocated an additional $7 million to fund the new prosecutors and new support staff, he said. The assignment of additional staff and prosecutors was based on requests by each district, Flip said.

Because all areas of the border experience different types of problems and concerns, the U.S. attorneys in charge of each district will have flexibility on where to focus the additional resources, he said.

Leander Fire Department receives federal grant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced the award of a $948,825 grant to the Leander Fire Department to recruit firefighters and other emergency responder personnel.

The grant is part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program which was instituted to help fire departments increase the number of frontline firefighters to attain 24-hour staffing to assure communities have adequate protection from fires and fire-related hazards. SAFER grants also can be used to recruit more volunteer firefighters.

Nursing school at HCC gets $140,000 federal grant

The Coleman College for Health Sciences at Houston Community College recently received a $140,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will be used to increase the number of registered nursing graduates to meeting the growing needs of the aging population. Toward that goal, Coleman College instituted the Accelerated Nursing Proficiency Center to increase nursing graduates by 2010.

The Center, which begins the two-year project on June 1, offers instruction outside the classroom through four components designed to develop students' skills. These four integrated components are to increase skills in English proficiency for non-native speakers, improve medical terminology vocabulary, emphasize medication dosage calculations and provide tutoring services and student workshops.

Hurst approves red-light cameras throughout city

The Hurst City Council recently approved an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to install red-light cameras at three state intersections. The council's action brings the total to six cameras that will be installed at four intersections, with only one of the intersections controlled by the city.

Vehicle owners will be fined $75 if their vehicles are photographed running red lights at the four intersections of Precinct Line Road at Harwood Road, Texas 121 access road at Precinct Line, Loop 820 access road at Pipeline and Pipeline Road at Precinct Line. The city signed an agreement with a private company to operate the lights, which are expected to be installed within a few months, said Police Chief Steve Moore.

Elkhart ISD selects Moon as lone superintendent finalist

Trustees for the Elkhart Independent School District recently selected Mike Moon as the lone finalist for superintendent. Trustees are expected to vote on his contract on May 20 following the required 21-day waiting period.

Moon, who has served as an elementary principal in Elkhart for 18 years, will replace Dr. Glenn Hambrick who resigned to assume the position as superintendent at Carthage ISD on June 1.

Galveston College appoints Powell VP of Instruction

Harry C. "Buddy" Powell, a dean from a Waco community college, has been appointed vice president of instruction for Galveston College. Powell has spent the past 30 years working for McLennan Community College as supervisor of the math lab, developmental math instructor, director of the math department and dean of arts and sciences.

He is a member of several national and state community college organizations. The vice president of instruction is the second in command at the college.

Jasper school district superintendent retiring

Jasper school board members are looking for a new superintendent after Bill "Butch" Dean announced his retirement last week. Dean said that a health issue played a part in moving up his retirement plans by a year.

Dean has been a fixture in the Jasper Independent School District administration for 23 years. He served as finance director before becoming superintendent a year ago. School trustees have not yet announced their interim superintendent options.

Recent Reports

• DFPS presentation to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, April 30
• HHSC, presentation on Long-Term Care Partnership, House Committee on Human Services, May 2008
• An Audit Report on Certification of the Permanent School Fund's Bond Guarantee Program for Fiscal Year 2007
• 'Eye on Government'
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• First Annual itSMF Texas Expo
• Second Annual Global Border Security Conference and Expo
• TSABAA 39th Annual Summer Conference
• 8th Annual DIR Information Security Forum
• UT, UT System 15th Annual HUB Vendor Fair
• Texas Citizen Corps Conference
• DFW NIGP Lone Star Regional Purchasing Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 4/25/08

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Michael Bray of El Paso, presiding officer, Manufactured Housing Board
• Ahmed Osama Gaber of Houston, presiding officer, Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force
• Joe A. Barrera III of Brownsville, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Dario Guerra Jr. of Edinburg, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Wayne Halbert of San Benito, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Sonny Hinojosa of Edinburg, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Sonia Kaniger of Harlingen, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Brian Macmanus of Harlingen, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Samuel Sparks Jr. of Harlingen, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Jimmie Steidinger of Donna, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board
• Frank "JoJo" White of Progreso Lakes, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board

Austin police looking to cameras to combat crimes

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo (pictured) said recently he expects to install surveillance cameras on Austin city streets soon to help police in high crime areas and has already chosen four areas. Acevado recommended that surveillance cameras be placed in four areas of the city: the 6th Street entertainment area from Brazos to east of Interstate 35, Rundberg and I-35, 12th and Chicon and Riverside and Montopolis.

In addition to real-time monitoring by police officers, the footage will be saved up to a week to provide backup if officers do not catch the crime in progress. The police chief said he has applied for grants to pay for the cameras and expects to have at least a pilot program running by the end of the year.

Palestine donates land to University of Texas at Tyler

In an effort to help the Palestine campus of The University of Texas at Tyler, the Palestine City Council recently approved the donation of 3.44 acres of land adjacent to the university's campus on Armory Road.

The donation was given to "square off" the campus property, but includes a restriction that the property be used for the purposes of an institution of higher learning. If facilities of higher learning are not built on or adjacent to the property by the year 2020, the 3.44 acres will revert back to city ownership.

Superintendent Moore resigns at Oakwood ISD

Dr. Douglas Moore (pictured), the superintendent of Oakwood Independent School District, recently announced his resignation. Moore, who has been with the district a little more than two years, is scheduled to leave the position on July 31 to take another position at a charter school.

Moore, who has been an educator for 40 years, previously served as a coach, teacher and principal at Hull-Daisetta ISD. He also served as superintendent for the Brady, Edinburgh, Sealy, Liberty and Trinity school districts.

Oakwood trustees are scheduled to hold interviews with candidates for the superintendent's position on May 9 and 10, Moore said. He expects school board members to name a lone finalist on May 12 if the interviews go well.

Jobs at SPI

SPI seeking additional consultants in DFW areas

SPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, expertise and strong connections and relationships in Dallas-Fort Worth city and county governments and/or DFW K-12 public schools who are interested in assisting its consulting teams.

To apply for this part-time consulting position, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Dallas-Fort Worth area consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

SPI seeking to employ
experienced researchers

SPI is seeking experienced researchers for short-term engagements involving research in Texas and other states. The candidate should have experience in state or federal government and have an understanding of procurement processes and concepts. Tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to jobs@spartnerships.com.

Corinth Council accepts
city manager's resignation

The Corinth City Council has accepted City Manager Clovia English's resignation and has agreed to pay out her contract eight months before it ends. English signed a two-year contract, earning $120,000 per year, when she came to Corinth from Lockhart in November 2006. The council also voted 4-1 to name public works director Don Locke (pictured) the interim city manager for 90 days.

English leaves with a buyout package worth about one and one-half times her annual salary, which, according to council member Shannon Bryan, is consistent with other exit offers made to city managers. Neither English nor city officials would discuss the reasons for her departure. Council members gave English a positive annual evaluation with an improvement plan four months ago.

TGI ad space available

If you're not advertising in TGI, you're missing out on an opportunity for some very targeted messaging. TGI reaches more than 31,000 readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 531-3900.

Carthage to use $4.4M grant for shelter/civic center

The Carthage City Commissioners recently agreed to set aside $1 million to go with a $4.4 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for the city's Shelter Civic Center.

City Manager Brenda Samford said the funding will be used to retrofit 30,500 square feet of a 43,700-square-foot building the city owns. Plans call for the walls to be reinforced and hardened to create a safe room capable of protecting against winds up to 300 mph. The structure could serve up to 2,000 people seeking shelter from disasters such as hurricanes or flooding. The facility will have a kitchen/concession area, numerous restroom and shower facilities, a stage, storage facilities, a power generator and emergency communications office.

Samford also told commissioners she hoped the city could fund an additional $2.5 million to $3 million into a facility which could transform into a civic center by adding seating, a lighting system and parking. She is exploring the use of 4B sales tax money or hotel/motel taxes for the civic center project. Because the grant requires that the city spend at least $338,600 of the FEMA grant by August, the city manager said she hopes construction can begin in June.

Valley airport garners $1.4 million improvements grant

The Valley International Airport has been selected to receive a $1.44 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to be used for infrastructure improvements. The grant is part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program.

The grant funds are made available from the collection of fees on airline ticket sales. The funds for the airport will be used to reconstruct pavement at the DHL Boeing 767-200 cargoliner parking area. The seven-month project will allow VIA to handle more wide-body cargo planes.

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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

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First annual itSMF Texas Expo set May 20

The First Annual itSMF Texas Expo is slated for Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. Keynote speaker will be David Cannon, HP, president, itSMF USA, and co-author of the ITIL V3 book Service Operations. There will be five sessions during the day: Catalog Implementation; Sustainable ISO 20000 Certification, To ITIL or Not to ITIL: A Tale of Two Cases; Designing a Process - Pebble in the Pond Approach; and CIO's Case Study: Applying Service Economics to our IT Service Management Strategy. The expo offers the opportunity for regional practitioners and vendors of ITSM to create networking opportunities, hear industry speakers, discuss best practices and collaborate with industry colleagues. To register, or for more information, click here.

Global Border Security Conference, Expo slated

The Second Annual Global Border Security Conference and Expo, this year featuring technology awards, a job fair and "Street Survival Seminar," a free six-hour training course for law enforcement, will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and 22, at the Austin Convention Center. Among the conference agenda topics are how to get federal, state and local grants and procurement opportunities with the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Speakers will address topics that include border fence versus virtual fence, drug trafficking and violence on the border and cross-border medical threats. There will also be a number of workshops regarding security issues. An awards luncheon will be held on the 21st to honor excellence in border initiatives. For more information, click here. To register, click here, and to view the agenda, click here.

TSABAA planning annual summer conference

The State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) will hold its 39th Annual Summer Conference June 30-July 2 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. TSABAA provides an arena for issues affecting the business operations of Texas state government. This year's event features a State Board of Public Accountancy-approved ethics class from 8-11:30 a.m. on opening day. Certifications will be issued. The group also will host the 1st Annual TSABAA Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 29, at the Tierra Verde Golf Course in Arlington. The tourney will be a four-person scramble and shotgun start. Among the topics of discussion for the event are: The Expectation of Accountability for Business Administrators, Legislative Perspective featuring Ross Ramsey and Harvey Kronberg, Finance Transformation, Open Government, Performance Benchmarking, Appropriation Control, What's New with the Texas ERP Project, How to Reengineer (Improve) Processes and a legislative review. Twelve hours of continuing education credit can be earned at this event. For more information, to view the tentative agenda and to register, click here.

8th Annual DIR Information Security Forum June 2

The 8th Annual DIR Information Security Forum will be Tuesday, June 3, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Commons Center, Big Tex/Large Auditorium, 10100 Burnet Road in Austin. The 2008 focus will be on Protecting Data in a Mobile Environment. Among the topics are "Encryption for Business," "Security in a Virtualized Mobile Environment," "DIR Security Update," "Managing a Security Breach" and more. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

UT, UT System host 15th Annual HUB Vendor Fair

The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas System will host the 15th Annual Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Vendor Fair on Wednesday, May 7, at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. HUBs and small businesses can display their products and distribute information about their services to university procurement personnel and procurement professionals from other state agencies and private institutions. The event is free and open to the public. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Business owners who want to participate in the event, click here. For more information, contact Annette Smith at 512-471-2850 or asmith@austin.utexas.edu or Tiffany Dockery at 512-471-2863 or tiffany.dockery@austin.utexas.edu.

Texas Citizen Corps Conference slated June 3-4

The fourth annual Texas Citizen Corps Conference, sponsored by the Texas Association of Regional Councils, will be June 3-4 in San Antonio at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel. The conference is open to anyone interested in the Citizen Corps program, including regional councils of governments, local, state, and federal agencies, volunteers, emergency management professionals, first responder and other interested parties. Local elected officials and management level decision-makers will also be in attendance. Sessions will include training, strategic policy discussions, briefings from leaders in the Citizen Corps programs from across the nation, networking and best practices events and an exhibit hall. To register, or for more information, click here.