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Gas prices top $3 throughout TexasHigher pump prices to impact local, state government budgets
Gas prices in the state reached an all-time high this week. The cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has climbed to more than $3 in nearly every Texas city. The public sector is not immune to the pain of these swollen gas prices. Budget talks for the new fiscal year are under way for local governments and school districts. Officials throughout the state are factoring in the impact of pumping more cash into gas tanks as prices are not expected to come down in the near future. "Counties will begin their budget processes very soon, and we anticipate a lot of consternation regarding the continuing increase in fuel prices, as well as road materials," said Elna Christopher, spokeswoman for the Texas Association of Counties (TAC). "The inflation rate is way in the double digits." Counties have been coping with fuel cost increases for some time. From fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2006, county budgets for fuel jumped 38 percent, including 33 percent for law enforcement, according to figures provided by TAC. [more]Rawson named DIR executive director
Brian Rawson (pictured) this week was named Executive Director of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) and Chief Technology Officer for the State of Texas. Rawson has held those positions on an interim basis since Larry Olson resigned in December of 2006. "As a native Texan, and as someone who is passionate about public service, I can think of no better way to serve this state than as its Chief Technology Officer," Rawson said. "Texas has a wonderful technology vision, and our focus now must be to deliver on that vision." Board Chair Cliff Mountain said, "We have set a clear strategic direction for information technology in Texas and, although we looked at a number of strong candidates for this position, Brian clearly possesses both the skills and the deep experience to execute on that plan." DIR is responsible for the effective planning, implementation and management of a statewide technology infrastructure that supports the business operations of all state agencies. Rawson has 23 years of experience in a variety of information technology management, executive-level management and leadership positions, most notably with the State of Texas and a global information technology consulting firm. Most recently, Rawson served as director of DIR's Service Delivery Division. In that role, Rawson oversaw the public-private partnership for TexasOnline, the official Web site of the State of Texas, and directed all internal business services operations for the agency. Prior to joining DIR, Rawson was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Texas Education Agency. He has also held executive positions with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board. Rawson serves on numerous committees and boards serving the State of Texas. He holds a bachelor's degree in Data Processing and Analysis from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward's University. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to A. Duane Waddill, executive director, Texas Residential Construction CommissionCareer highlights and education: BBA in Accounting from Abilene Christian University. State service began at the Texas Department of Mental Heath and Mental Retardation. Was Chief Financial Officer at the State Preservation Board during the Capitol Renovation and Restoration Project. Also served as the Director of Administration and Corporate Activities at the Office of Consumer Credit Commission, a regulatory agency. First arrived at the Texas Residential Construction Commission during the agency's creation in Fiscal Year 2004. Have served as the chief financial officer, deputy executive director and now as the agency head. What I like best about my job is: knowing that my team can make a difference in this state. I know at every turn, there's an opportunity - whether setting the commission's strategic direction, hiring new staff, developing procedures or formulating policy. The bottom line is that I like helping people, especially fellow Texans. For me, this is not just a job, but a calling. The best advice I've received for my current job : My father told me that if I promise something to someone I better deliver because my reputation is all I really have. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: I tell every new hire that they are joining an incredible team and what they do is important for the people all over the state. I expect everyone to be professional and to "do the right thing." If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: I really enjoy spending time with my wife and family. It doesn't really matter what we are doing as long as it's together, although I do love the lake in the summer time. People would be surprised to know that I: Officiate high school football. One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: : That the commission created minimum warranties and performance standards that for the first time in Texas history provide written protections to homebuyers and homeowners that undertake major remodeling projects. The commission-created standard minimum warranties require a builder or remodeler to stand behind their work for one year for workmanship and materials; two years for mechanical delivery systems; 10 years for structural issues; and 10 years for habitability. 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. Lawmakers wrapping up 80th LegislatureIt's all over but the shouting for the 80th session of the Texas Legislature. Sine die is only three days away. A total of 10,524 bills and resolutions were introduced this session, according to the Texas Legislative Reference Library. As of this morning, Friday, 4,550 had passed - including 602 House bills and 425 Senate bills. The most important bill - and the only one legislators must pass each session - is the appropriations bill. Lawmakers convened the session with a budget surplus and managed to hammer out a two-year spending bill worth more than $150 billion. The bill now goes to the governor, who has line item veto power that he can execute. The budget bill reportedly includes increased funding for rehabilitation efforts at the beleaguered Texas Youth Commission (TYC), expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), foster care program funding, funds that provide alternatives to prison incarceration and/or new prison design, a state employee pay increase and current and future tax cuts. Some major bills were passed and were either sent to the governor or are still in conference committee, including a Texas Youth Commission reorganization bill, an omnibus water bill, legislation that transfers duties that do not primarily concern state facilities from the Texas Building and Procurement Commission to the State Comptroller's Office, a bill that would require the Health and Human Service Commission to develop a transition plan to enhance the eligibility system for delivery of benefits of the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS), legislation addressing the needs of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as it struggles to maintain state parks and a bill that provides for a constitutional amendment that would allow a public referendum on providing $3 billion in funding for a state Cancer Institute. Lawmakers passed two major transportation bills. The first was vetoed by the governor, sending legislators scrambling to produce a second one that not only would pass muster with the governor, but also preserve the two-year moratorium on building new private toll roads that was part of the original bill. Bills affecting public education were also among those that passed and have either been signed into law or are awaiting the governor's signature or veto - bills that mandate seat belts for school buses, defibrillators for schools and optional classes in biblical history and religious literature. Higher education needs also were addressed, with bills passed that include incentives for state universities with higher graduation rates and increased financial aid for students. TxDOT awards highest honor to Laughlin
Russell Laughlin (pictured) was recently recognized with the Texas Department of Transportation's "Road Hand Award," the department's top honor that has only been bestowed on 208 people since it was created in 1973. Laughlin, senior vice president of Hillwood Properties, was presented the award by TxDOT Executive Director Michael Behrens. "Russell Laughlin is a true friend of transportation," said Behrens. "He understands the challenge we face in solving Texas' transportation problems and the importance of local and regional partnerships in identifying the needs to meet the demand of tomorrow. His dedication to improving transportation has been an inspiration to all." Laughlin has managed infrastructure and land development at AllianceTexas, one of the state's most successful public/private partnerships. Additionally, he has collaborated with local, state and federal officials to address transportation improvements and other growth-related issues in the entire North Texas region. Laughlin serves as chairman of the 35W Coalition Transportation Committee, is on the Executive Committee of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition and the Executive Committee of the Metroport Cities Partnership, and was a member of the Executive Committee for the Western Initiatives Effort. He also serves on the Region C Water Planning Board. Deal apparently reached on transportation billWith one major transportation bill of the 80th Legislature DOA when it arrived at Gov. Rick Perry's office and now buried after his veto, lawmakers crafted a reincarnation of the bill that now awaits approval in both the House and Senate before it can go to the governor for approval. The new legislation, like the bill that was vetoed, includes a two-year moratorium on private toll road contracts, with some key projects in North Texas exempt from the moratorium. Other provisions of the bill include limits on the term of private toll road contracts, a buy-back provision for the state relative to those projects and a provision allowing local toll road agencies the first shot at the projects over private companies. The bill does not, however, have the provision some lawmakers sought that would prevent building of additional segments of the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor for two years. The original transportation bill vetoed by Perry led to threats by lawmakers of a veto override, and threats by Perry of a special session. Lawmakers now are confident the new bill will pass muster in the governor's office. HUB committee hosts West Texas economic forum
The HUB Discussion Workgroup (HDW) Committee recently held an economic forum, titled "Selling One Region at a Time . . .". Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams was the guest speaker. The Outreach HDW Committee was able to bring the event to Midland with the help of Gov. Rick Perry and House Speaker Tom Craddick. Williams, while pitching state programs already in place, also told the crowd of more than 400 that they must communicate to legislators what is expected. "A strong economy means a strong state of Texas," he said. The economic forum featured display booths from a variety of state agencies and organizations as well as a round table session matching state contract procurers with West Texas businessmen. Informational sessions about obtaining HUB certification were also held. Pictured from left to right are Lorenzo "Bubba" Sedeno of Texas Tech University, HDW Co-Chair; Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams, Cassandra Johnson of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, HDW Secretary; and Lisa Maldonado of the Texas Youth Commission, HDW Chair. The Outreach Committee is chaired by Kathy Cowen (not pictured) of the Texas A&M University System. Border security bill may be in troubleA bill that would give the governor sweeping authority over how more than $100 million in border security funding would be spent may be in trouble in the legislature. With only three days left in the session, lawmakers are still trying to get the bill passed that many say will help curb human and drug trafficking along the Texas border. Much of the funding would go to border area sheriff's departments, but lawmakers question giving authority over the funds to one political office. TYC attempting to segregate residentsFor the first time in more than 10 years, officials of the Texas Youth Commission are attempting to segregate female from male residents. The TYC complex in Brownwood is being converted to an all-female facility while the one in Giddings will be converted to house male residents. Officials also are studying the possibility of converting the facility in Corsicana to an all-female site. TYC is currently implementing a reorganization plan after allegations of abuse of residents and a reported cover-up by agency officials of those charges. Since that time, the president of the TYC board was demoted and eventually all board members resigned. The agency now is operating under a conservator appointed by the governor. DPS prepares for long holiday weekend
Col. Thomas Davis, Jr., director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, reminds Texans as the long Memorial Day weekend begins today to drive safely. "We'll have all available troopers out on Texas roadways, looking for folks who are speeding, not wearing seatbelts and who appear to be driving while intoxicated. Slow down, buckle up and drive sober, so you can have a more enjoyable weekend," said Davis. An assist to the Memorial Day weekend safety effort by DPS are the Click It or Ticket national campaign aimed at increasing the number of people who buckle up their seatbelts when driving or riding in a vehicle and the nationwide C.A.R.E. - Combined Accident Reduction Effort - program, designed to reduce traffic fatalities. State police officers throughout the country are participating in C.A.R.E., maximizing enforcement on major interstate highways to reduce fatalities commonly associated with holiday weekends. TDA increases fines for gas pump violationsTexas drivers, who are already paying a premium price for gasoline, this week gained some extra protection from the state against dishonest retailers. For the first time in more than 10 years, The Texas Department of Agriculture is increasing penalties for any fuel pump found out of tolerance in the state. New fines are effective today, Friday. "Gas prices are high enough without consumers getting shortchanged at the pump," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Drivers need to have confidence they are receiving exactly what they are paying for every time they fill up." Using guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, TDA tests fuel pumps for weights and measures violations. Overall, the new fines for gas station owners out of compliance have quadrupled from previous amounts. Repeat offenders are now facing a fine of as much as $500 per pump. In addition, TDA inspectors will place an "out of order" tag on any pump not dispensing the correct amount of fuel. The pump has to be repaired and re-inspected by TDA before it can be used again. Lottery Commission appoints director to bingo division
The Texas Lottery Commission recently appointed Philip D. Sanderson as the director of the Charitable Bingo Operations Division. A bingo staff member since 1994, Sanderson served as the division's assistant director for nearly 10 years More than 1,200 non-profit and charitable organizations host bingo in Texas. Each organization is required to distribute a minimum of 35 percent of their earnings to charitable activities. The money benefits veteran's organizations, homeless shelters, volunteer fire departments and services for needy children. "Last year, non-profit organizations conducting bingo in Texas posted more than $31 million in charitable distributions. I look forward to leading this division in regulating the most charitable game in Texas," said Sanderson, who is currently the co-chair of the Charitable Gaming Committee of the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA), a non-profit association of gaming regulators. Angelo State to become part of Tech SystemThe 6,000+ students of Angelo State University will become part of the Texas Tech University System in September, moving from under the Texas State University umbrella for the first time in some 50 years. Proponents of the bill, which Gov. Rick Perry signed into law this week, sought the alignment with the Tech System because it is a geographically and philosophically similar institution. Bill allocates $3.1 billion in BRAC fundingThe U.S. Senate this week passed an emergency supplemental funding bill that includes $3.1 billion for Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. In Texas, BRAC committee recommendations include closing San Antonio’s Brooks Air Force Base and creating a major military medical center at Fort Sam Houston. Under the plan, San Antonio would see a gain of approximately 3,500 jobs and as much as $1 billion in new construction. The expansion of Fort Bliss in El Paso will grow the number of troops to an estimated 30,500 by 2013, driving approximately $2.6 billion in new construction and more than 40,000 new jobs to the area, according to a recent study. The Naval Station Ingleside near Corpus Christi, the Red River Army Depot near Texarkana, Sheppard AFB near Wichita Falls and Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, are all also scheduled for closure or realignment. State energy office awards WTAMU grantThe Texas State Energy Conservation Office has awarded West Texas A&M University's Alternative Energy Institute a grant of $40,000 to assist with its efforts relative to renewable energy sources. The grant will allow the institute to purchase new equipment and expand the Texas State Anemometer Loan Program, which assists qualified landowners in collecting data necessary to assess the wind resources at their location, and to generate public wind data that will improve general knowledge and understanding of wind resources in Texas. The institute will loan the equipment to landowners to monitor winds on their property for up to two years. "This is a statewide initiative that will go a long way toward increasing our state data base of wind resources," Ken Starcher, director of AEI, said. "It will also help landowners and investors make informed decisions about the possibility of locating wind turbines in specific areas." The institute is the major information resource on wind energy for the state of Texas and has had a cooperative agreement since 1976 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The $40,000 grant will allow the institute to double the number of anemometers that help researchers determine how fast the wind blows at a site, its duration and direction. Emergency center in Bryan to be delayed
An agreement for joint management of a new emergency operations center in Brazos County is expected to be signed next month, but the new facility will not be completed in time for the upcoming hurricane season beginning in June. The facility will be jointly operated by Brazos County, the cities of Bryan and College Station and Texas A&M University, and will be housed in the basement of the Woolworth building in Bryan. Brazos County Commissioner Kenny Mallard said he had hoped the EOC would be completed in time for this year's hurricane season, but all information now points to the center being completed in 2008. Evacuations resulting from recent Hurricanes Rita and Katrina brought in more than 9,000 evacuees to the Brazos Valley. Mallard said the 10,000-square foot center that will become the EOC currently is a "clean slate" to be built out. TEA appoints high school advisory groupFourteen Texans were appointed this week to the Texas Education Agency's High School Allotment Advisory Group by Commissioner of Education Shirley J. Neeley. The group's mission is to develop standards for the effective use of the High School Allotment, the state's newly created $320 million investment in preparing high school students for college and career success. Members will meet for the first time June 22. Created by the Texas Legislature last May, the Allotment provides school districts with $275 per student in grades 9-12 based on average daily attendance. The funds are to be used to improve college readiness, particularly among underachieving students; to implement rigorous instruction; to create opportunities for advanced academic studies; and to improve high school completion rates. The High School Allotment Advisory Group appointees are: Salem Abraham, a school board member from the Canadian Independent School District; Celeste Alexander of Austin, education researcher from the University of Texas; Benita Ashford of Dallas, principal of Pearl C. Anderson Middle School; Dennis Brown, a higher education representative from El Paso Community College; Catherine Clark, education researcher at the Texas Association of School Boards; Roderick Emanuel, superintendent of Bastrop ISD; Larry Johnson, superintendent of Quinlan ISD; Barbara Lerner, a higher education representative from Texas Woman's University; Charles Nix, principal of Rockwall-Heath High School; Christopher Ormiston, teacher at Boerne High School; Torrence Robinson of Dallas, a community and business member from Texas Instruments; Debra Roesler, school business officer from the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD; Linda Villarreal of Corpus Christi, executive director of the Region II Education Service Center; and Kay Waggoner, superintendent from Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Study: DART expansion to boost North Texas economyAs work begins to extend the Dallas Area Rapid Transit's light rail system, the regional economy is expected to get a multi-billion boost, according to a study recently released by the mass transit agency. Profits will greatly outweigh the $4.86 billion investment in the line, the study reports. Texas will gain $8.1 billion in economic activity from build-out of the next 48 miles of light rail by 2013, concluded Bernard Weinstein and Terry Clower with the Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas. The economic benefit will be from direct expenditures by construction contractors, suppliers, employees of contractors and vendors spending earnings for goods and services, state and local sales and use taxes, property taxes, and license and permit fees. DART's new 20-station Green Line will operate along more than 27 miles from southeast Dallas to Carrollton, starting in 2010. Another 14-mile, seven-station Orange Line to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is set for completion in 2013. The 4.5 mile, one-station Blue Line expansion to downtown Rowlett is scheduled to be in use by 2012. Texas State to spend $31 million on expansionTexas State University-San Marcos will be the site of a $31 million construction project this summer. The system's Board of Regents last week authorized the university to fund a 94,000-square-foot expansion of the Student Recreation Center. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2008. The expanded center will include an eight-lane lap pool and a leisure pool, a rock climbing facility, increased space for the weight room and cardiovascular areas to address overcrowding, additional basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor soccer court, a golf simulator, a computer lab and a snack bar and lounge area. The Student Recreation Center expansion is included in the campus master plan adopted by the regents in 2005. The project will be funded by Texas State University System revenue financing bonds and Higher Education Assistance Funds. Boerne to buy land for city hall, libraryThe Boerne City Council recently approved spending nearly $4.6 million on 15.6 acres downtown for a new city hall, library and other future facilities. The first building scheduled for construction is the new city library, for which voters authorized $5 million in bonds May 12. An additional $2 million will have to be raised through donations. A start date for construction has not yet been determined, and the city has yet to design the library or new city hall. According to Mayor-elect Dan Heckler, additional uses for the newly-acquired site include a community center, museum and convention center. In 2005, the city purchased 10 acres where it plans to relocate the police station, its emergency operations center, animal control and municipal courts. TCEQ passes new clean air rules for D-FW, HoustonThe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) this week adopted amendments to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) and clean air rules for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) areas, implementing more stringent emissions controls to improve air quality. New emission control strategies in the DFW area, combined with existing rules implemented under the previous one-hour federal ozone standard, are predicted to bring the area into attainment of the new, more stringent, eight-hour ozone standard by the EPA's 2010 deadline. The HGB ozone nonattainment area, which includes one of the most comprehensively controlled industrial complexes in the world, will take longer to reach attainment. In both areas, reaching attainment is challenging, due to a rapidly growing population. In addition, cars, pickups, trains, planes and construction equipment, which are largely regulated by the federal government, cannot be controlled by the state. To help control mobile sources, the legislature established the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) in nonattainment and near-nonattainment areas. The TERP program provides incentives for owners of heavy-duty equipment and vehicles to replace or rebuild old, highly-polluting engines resulting in reduced emissions from these sources. Rio Grande Valley may get drug treatment center
A $3 million drug treatment center may be built in Edinburg, if lawmakers can agree on funding within Texas' pending biennial budget. The proposed facility has been approved by the House and Senate Conference Committee on HB 1. The treatment center is part of a wide-ranging statewide strategy to address substance abuse and rehabilitation issues at the community level. Lawmakers have proposed alternatives to sentencing offenders, including probation and parole options. The state budget includes more funding for substance abuse treatment and diversion programs for non-violent offenders at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Rep. Aaron Pena said the proposed center has been one of his "primary goals" since becoming a state legislator. The exact location, size and capacity of the facility have not been decided. TDA to provide grants to urban schoolsThe Texas Department of Agriculture is now accepting grant applications for up to $2,500 each for elementary school agricultural projects that increase students' understanding of agriculture. Urban school districts of 49,000 students or more are eligible. "These projects give students a real-world, hands-on opportunity to learn where their food and clothes come from and practical knowledge that will last them a lifetime," said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. Previous school projects have included: vegetable gardens; a Texas-shaped butterfly garden with native plants; animal care; and outdoor environments to learn about the life cycle of plants and animals. Elementary schools in the following independent school districts are eligible to apply for the funding: Arlington ISD; Austin ISD; Dallas ISD; El Paso ISD; Fort Worth ISD; Garland ISD; Houston ISD and districts near Houston, including Aldine ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Fort Bend ISD; Pasadena ISD; Plano ISD; and San Antonio ISD as well as districts in the San Antonio area, including North East ISD and Northside ISD. Grant applications must be received by TDA no later than 5 p.m. Friday, June 15, and the projects must be implemented between Sept. 1, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2008. More information can be found at www.tda.state.tx.us under "Programs By Name." Traditional campuses morph into charter schoolsThe San Antonio Independent School District is converting some of its campuses to charter schools to combat declining enrollment and perk up academic performance. Nearly 20 percent of the district's 92 campuses are now classified as internal charters. Six campuses will open as internal charters in the fall. Charter schools court students from outside a district's attendance zones and focus on a range of subjects, including fine arts and technology. To date, San Antonio ISD has won $4.7 million in seed money from the federal government to launch 11 of the 12 existing charters. The Texas Education Agency administers the federal grant money to the districts and monitors how the money is spent. Eight other districts across the state have internal charters. McCabe resigning Tarleton State presidency
Dr. Dennis P. McCabe, the 14th president of Tarleton State University, has tendered his resignation, effective in May 2008. McCabe, who was named president in 1991, plans to stay on at Tarleton in a teaching capacity, in teacher education and school administration. McCabe began his career at Tarleton in 1988 as vice president for university operations. He later served as interim president before taking on that position permanently in 1991. McCabe holds bachelor's and master's degrees from New Mexico Highlands University and his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. University officials have not yet announced what their plans are in seeking a replacement. Texas institutions win DoD grantsThe U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) this week announced plans to award $8.6 million to 32 minority institutions as part of the fiscal 2007 DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Infrastructure Support Program. Five Texas schools will receive funding to enhance programs and research capabilities in areas critical to national security. Grant funds will be awarded to the following:
Harris County to begin work on Alief clinic this fall
The Harris County Hospital District will break ground on a 60,000-square-foot hospital in the Alief area in November, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Steve Radack announced this week. Construction of the two-story building is estimated to cost $13.5 million. Equipment may cost an additional $4 million, according to Radack. The clinic is expected to open in the summer of 2009. It will include a family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dental and vision care and mental health screening. A 24-hour urgent care center is also planned. The 12-acre site can accommodate a future expansion, up to 30,000 square feet. More transition comes for Brownwood city managementJames Campbell, Brownwood's economic development director, was appointed interim city manager by council members this week after Pat Chesser stepped down from the position. While Campbell has said he does not want the job permanently, he will fill in until Sept. 30, unless a new city manager is hired. The city council appointed Chesser, who is the Brownwood city attorney, as interim city manager in November after Kevin Carruth resigned. Council members will likely hire former City Manager Gary Butts as a consultant to assist in the search for a city manager and to help prepare the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Prior to coming to Brownwood, Campbell was the assistant director of economic development in Abilene and also served as city manager in Corsicana and Colorado City, and as director of public works for Big Spring. Baylor starts work on new hospital
Houston's Baylor College of Medicine broke ground this week on Baylor Clinic and Hospital, the school's first inpatient facility. The 35-acre site is located within a mile of the main BCM campus and will include an adult hospital, outpatient clinics, faculty offices and research space. The healthcare facility, slated to open by 2010, will focus on personalized, gene-based medicine. Baylor started a "Best Minds, Best Medicine" fundraising campaign three years ago, and has raised more than $492 million towards its $1 billion goal. The money will cover clinical, research and education projects. "It's the first time that I know of in this region that a facility - outpatient clinic, faculty offices, diagnostic and therapeutic services, and an inpatient facility - are all being built in an integrated way, on a platform of digital technology," said BCM President and CEO Dr. Peter G. Traber. "This will provide enormous opportunities for improving patient care and safety, and for integrating our programs so that we deliver the type of care that we really want to, which is personalized and at the same time focused on the most recent advances in medicine." City manager spot still vacant in Aransas PassThe search for a city manager to serve Aransas Pass was stymied this week after the lone finalist turned down the position. Mayor Tommy Knight said Gary Broz, whom the council recently interviewed, "respectfully" declined the offer by phone. Broz is the city manager of Port Lavaca, and was one of three candidates being considered by city council. Aransas Pass has been without a permanent city manager since J. Scott Thompson departed in November. Mike Sullinger, a municipal judge, is serving as interim manager. |
State works to ensure safety for Texas students
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. State lawmakers this session are on a mission to ensure safety for Texas school children on and off campus. School districts throughout the state are also being proactive and taking independent steps to improve student safety. The Texas House and Senate recently passed and will send to the governor legislation that mandates seat belts for all passengers on school buses. HB 323 requires three-point seat belts beginning September 2010. Allowing three years for the mandate to take effect gives schools some flexibility in finding cost effective options for implementation. Additional funding to cover the expense will presumably be included in the final appropriations bill. The legislature has also passed legislation mandating at least one heart resuscitation device on all 8,000 campuses in Texas. If signed into law, this particular legislation would take effect September 1. Portable automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are used to restore normal heart rhythm when an individual suffers a heart attack. The state may allocate $18 million for the resuscitation devices. Private gifts and donations could also pay for them. If nothing derails this mandate, schools will be required to have an AED available during athletic competitions and practices as well as someone who knows how to use the defibrillator. The bill requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to include instruction in CPR and AED as part of the health curriculum. [more]Attention vendors! Still time to register for local government seminar Two interns join SPI team
This week SPI welcomes two interns - each with diverse talents - to the staff. Scott Weatherford is in his senior year at The University of Texas at Austin and pursuing two degrees - a BBA in marketing and a BA in government. As a student manager for the UT Men's Basketball team, Weatherford maintains equipment, manages inventory records, coordinates daily practices and assists with film. Weatherford is an avid volunteer on and off campus. He has helped raise more than $30,000 for three consecutive years to benefit the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center. As a member of the Texas Wranglers, Weatherford has chaired the Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, a citywide fundraising event. He also launched a strategic marketing plan and promotion process for the Supreme Court Basketball Camp. Weatherford was the 2004 recipient of the Liberal Arts Honors Freshman Scholarship. 
Chantelle Wallace is a candidate for a master's degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, Wallace has covered politics, education, the courts and police news for The Daily Texan student newspaper. She has also contributed to Texas and Exchange, magazines published by UT's McCombs School of Business, and done Web publishing for the university. Working in the public relations department of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Wallace drafted press releases, conducted interviews and fulfilled other media needs. During a year in the People's Republic of China, Wallace taught English and French at Yangtze University. She has also volunteered in Ghana and Togo, West Africa. Wallace's undergraduate degree in political science and sociology is from Pepperdine University. State's $3 billion cancer plan to appear on ballotThe decision to spent $3 billion on cancer research initiatives will be left to Texas voters. Lawmakers concluded this week that voters should approve the 10-year plan, and decided to put the issue to a bond election in November. The goal of establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas is to find cures for cancer. Under the plan, grants would be awarded to state medical schools and teaching hospitals where research is conducted. If approved, an oversight committee appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker would monitor the institute, and award up to $300 million in grants per year, starting in 2009. San Antonio river authority general manager to retire
Greg Rothe, general manager of The San Antonio River Authority, will retire in September after eight years with the agency. He plans to spend more time with his family and pursue "personal business interests." While at SARA, Rothe oversaw the implementation of the San Antonio River Improvements Project and increased the organization's water quality and regional flood-management programs in the river basin. During his long career in public service, Rothe worked for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, the Edwards Underground Water District and San Antonio Water System. Randolph Field ISD names new superintendentRandolph Field ISD officials recently announced their intention to hire William "Billy" Walker as the district's superintendent. He will replace Barbara Maddox, who plans to retire July 1. Walker is currently assistant superintendent for business services at Killeen ISD. Randolph Field's schools are located on Randolph AFB and serve children of active duty military or civilian employees who work on the base. Walker has a bachelor's degree from East Texas Baptist University and a master's degree from Lamar University. He has served as superintendent of Tenaha ISD for five years, as a school principal for three years, and was a teacher and coach from 1979 to 1993. Campirano offered Brownsville port job
Eddie A. Campirano, assistant general manager of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, is the lone finalist for the director job at the Port of Brownsville. Campirano was one of three candidates named to the short list of finalists. Other finalists included David McNeel of Gulfport, Miss., and Randolph Robb of Orange Park, Fla. The position in Brownsville has been vacant since September and the Brownsville Navigation District Board this week made the decision to offer the job to Campirano. Bioenergy facility may come to GatesvilleCoryell County commissioners this week approved a resolution supporting a grant application for a feasibility study to build a bioenergy processing facility in Gatesville. Precinct 1 Commissioner Jack Wall said the court approved a similar resolution to perform a feasibility study last year, but the grant was not approved. Sugar Land plans for red light cameras this fallSugar Land will soon join the growing number of Texas cities that use cameras at traffic intersections to record motorists who run red lights. After receiving preliminary approval, Police Chief Steve Griffiths plans to present the city council with a vendor contract later this month. If a contract is approved, the cameras would be in operation this fall. Camera locations will be selected based on traffic data. The city plans to lease the cameras and hire a contractor to mail violation notices and collect fines. Sugar Land's proposed resolution includes best practices from other cities, but the city's final course of action hinges on pending legislation that may alter the operation of red light cameras. Transit authority receives grant for rail securityThe Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to improve rail security. A portion of the money will fund terrorism awareness and front-line employee training. The $1.5 million is part of $14.2 million in grants allocated to urban areas across the nation by the Department of Homeland Security through its Transit Security Grant Program. Its purpose is to provide resources to prevent, respond to and recover from emergencies - such as terrorist attacks and major disasters - that could impact vital infrastructure. Temple to use federal grant for city improvementsIn an effort to revitalize the city, Temple officials plan to use federal grant money to improve infrastructure. Aging buildings on the city's east side will be demolished. The federal grant - approximately $525,000 - will also cover sidewalk improvements and lighting. Some projects may begin as early as October. Longview names new city manager
David Willard, an assistant city manager in Odessa, has recently been named the lone finalist for Longview city manager. Willard is slated to start his new position June 25, in time for the city's budgetary process. He was chosen from five finalist candidates. During the last five years, Willard has served as Odessa's assistant city manager. From 1995 to 2002, he was city manager of Borger. Willard also had a five-year stint as county judge in Hutchinson County. Before serving in local government, he owned Willard Oil & Gas in Borger. Cedar Park plans for November bondThe Austin suburb of Cedar Park is planning for a November bond election to fund new city buildings, parks and roads. The city has not yet announced an amount for the bond referendum. City officials are currently assessing municipal needs, but at least 25 roads are under consideration for the upcoming bond proposal. Cedar Park voters in November 2001 approved a bond package totaling $60 million. Clute to be without a city managerClute Interim City Manager Dennis Smith recently announced that he will retire at the end of this month. With less than a week until Smith's departure, no decision has been made about his possible replacement. Clute is looking for a permanent city manager as well as another interim manager, according to Councilman Travis Quinn. City council members are expected to review resumes June 7. Smith dedicated 21 years to city management in Converse, Pearland, Baytown and Clute. He served as the assistant city manager of Clute for five years under Barbara Hester, who retired in February as city manager. Superintendent tapped for Lake Dallas
Lake Dallas ISD officials this week announced Gayle Stinson as the lone finalist to replace Superintendent Tom Davenport, who will retire at the end of June after 18 years with the district. If hired, Stinson will become the district's first female superintendent. Stinson taught in Lake Dallas and several other North Texas districts before becoming an administrator in 1997. She became superintendent of the Atlanta, Texas, school district in 2006. Athens ISD receives grantThe Athens ISD recently received more than $700,000 in grant money from the Murchison Foundation. The grant will provide the district an additional $50,000 per year in 2008 and 2009. The district plans to spend $425,000 for technology equipment, including a computer projector in every academic classroom and mobile computer carts. Grant money will also help establish a new college and career center at Athens High School. Other plans include opening professional learning libraries at each campus and hiring consultants to work with Athens educators. Midland city manager resignsThe Midland City Council this week appointed Assistant City Manager Tommy Hudson acting city manager following Rick Menchaca's resignation. Menchaca's spokesperson said Menchaca will work as a consultant to the city until a new city manager is hired. Harrison County proposes new jail
Like many other Texas counties, Harrison County is struggling with jail overcrowding and exploring facility options. County Judge Richard Anderson (pictured) said officials may move the entire jail operation to a site adjacent to Willoughby Juvenile Detention Center. A courtroom would also be established at that site, in addition to 350 beds for inmates. The goal of the new building is to comply with the state's jail standards, he said. No start date was been set for the project. Officials recently toured McKinney's precast concrete structure. The facility is similar to what Harrison County is considering as another alternative to expanding the existing jail and courthouse. SPI announces job opportunitiesFederal expertsStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) has immediate needs and is conducting a search to find subject matter experts with 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. Research analystsSPI 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. K-12, healthcare and local government consultantsSPI has additional needs for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena and in the healthcare arena in Texas. SPI also is seeking part-time consultants who have strong connections to local government in the state, particularly the San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston areas. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for (either) K-12 Consultant, Healthcare Consultant or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Recent Reports
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Discover ins and outs of selling to local governmentStrategic Partnerships, Inc. will host a half-day seminar for vendors seeking to increase revenues with either state government, cities, counties, law enforcement organizations, COGS, health clinics, river authorities, universities, community colleges and K-12 public schools. There are a few more openings for participants to attend the June 21 workshop. To view the seminar agenda, click here. Among the presenters will be Mary Scott Nabers, former state elected official; Roy Hogan, former CFO; Mike Sheridan, former agency director; Tommy Huntress, former CIO; Mariann Morelock, director of research for SPI; Gay Erwin, vice president public affairs for SPI; Robert Stluka, former mayor, and Billy Hamilton, former Texas Deputy State Comptroller. Cost of the seminar is $125 per person. To print a registration form, click here, or for more information, e-mail rstluka@spartnerships.com. 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. Texas B2G conference to be held at Texas StateThe Texas State Small Business Development Center, a program of the McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University-San Marcos and the Texas Association of Public Purchasers, will host a Central Texas Business Procurement Conference (Texas B2G) on Wednesday, May 30, at the LBJ Student Center, Texas State University-San Marcos. The conference will include an expo where attendees will be able to access multi-million dollar government and private sector markets for potential supplier and subcontracting opportunities. Additionally, training for sales in the procurement market will be presented by prominent government, corporate and business leaders. For more information, call 512-716-4800, e-mail sbdc@txstate.edu, or view the conference Web site. |
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