Search continues for suspect in mansion arson

U.S. Secret Service investigation of state building security ordered

A review by the U.S. Secret Service of the security at Texas state buildings has been ordered by the chair of the Texas Public Safety Commission after an arson blaze inflicted severe damage to the Texas Governor's Mansion two weeks ago. The review will include the mansion, the State Capitol and other state buildings.

"There was a security lapse," said Commission Chair Allan Polunsky (right) of the security provided at the mansion by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The initial review of the security in relation to the fire at the mansion showed nearly half of the security cameras were not working and the security detail was inadequate.

DPS Sgt. Michael Escalante provided the commission with a preliminary report Thursday that noted only one DPS Trooper was at the mansion when the fire occurred. Escalante also said an infrared beam system that activates an alarm when someone scales the mansion walls has been inoperative since February or March.

Escalante said an off-duty Austin police officer reportedly saw someone make a U-turn on a street near the mansion and a cigarette lighter found near where the car was parked is being analyzed.

Texas businesses to fight controversial Margins Tax

Poll shows 'dramatic' increase in amount of taxes many now owe

Final payments for the state's Texas Margins Tax were due on Monday, but opposition to the new business gross-receipts tax is growing after many business owners reported seeing their tax burden skyrocket compared to previous years.

The new tax had been due on May 16, but the deadline was extended a month by Comptroller Susan Combs' office to give businesses more time to understand the program. The tax was enacted during the last legislative session as a way to bring down property taxes.

Texas business owners began battling the tax even before it was put into effect, but have stepped up their efforts in recent months. One such group, the Texas Business Tax Coalition, has called the tax unfair, too high and a drag on entrepreneurship in the state. Will Newton (pictured), director of the Texas chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, a member of the coalition, said his group's concerns fell on deaf ears in the Legislature.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Larry Temple, executive director, Texas Workforce Commission

Career highlights and education: Had a 20-year private sector career in the real estate and oil and gas exploration businesses (back when we thought $30 a barrel was really something!). Began public service career in 1992 as deputy director of Mississippi Department of Human Services and moved to Texas to take post of Welfare Reform Director for Texas Workforce Commission in 1997. Appointed executive director of agency in 2003. Received BA in history from St. Edwards University.

What I like best about my job is: The privilege of getting to work with a great team made up of very, very smart people.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Always hire people that are smarter than you are.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but make sure you learn from them.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Playing tennis or working with my quarter horses.

People would be surprised to know that I: Ran hurdles in college...I win a lot of bets on this one!

One thing I wish more people knew about the Texas Workforce Commission: The wonderful difference we make in the lives of those we help find a job.

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.

Texas Hold 'Em

New initiative aimed at stopping border smuggling by truckers

Smuggling illegal weapons, drugs or humans across the Texas-Mexico border just got a little more difficult. Gov. Rick Perry this week announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety will begin working with the U.S. Border Patrol in the "Texas Hold 'Em" initiative that will crack down on truckers moving goods illegally.

"Up until today, when those lawbreakers had their trucks apprehended, they were convicted in federal court," said Perry at a news conference Thursday. "They typically paid a small fine or served a brief sentence. Then it was back to business as usual. Starting today, that all changes." Perry called the driver's license revocation "the next logical step in our efforts to secure our border." Perry said the message to truckers who break the law by smuggling is, "If you knowingly smuggle goods across the Texas border, you will lose your license and your livelihood." Those convicted of felony smuggling will have their commercial driver's licenses revoked.

During the first eight months of Fiscal Year 2008, Border Patrol agents in Texas stopped 423 tractor trailer rigs resulting in the detainment of 1,800 undocumented immigrants and confiscation of more than 112,000 pounds of illegal drugs. Mexican crime cartels are recruiting commercial drivers to transport contraband across the border.

The Texas Hold 'Em initiative includes:

• Revoking commercial driver's license privileges for felony convictions;
• Increasing awareness of smuggling penalties;
• Initiating a public service announcement campaign; and
• Creating a hotline and offering rewards for information leading to felony convictions for smuggling.

Texas Hold 'Em is a permanent program that will serve as a standard operating procedure across all five border sectors within the state and will likely set the standard as the Border Patrol seeks similar agreements with other border states to expand the program nationwide.

Emerging Tech Fund cites $3.7M in biotech funding

An additional $3.7 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund will be invested in two new companies to advance Texas biotech activities. Secretary of State Phil Wilson this week announced that $2 million will go to Receptor Logic, Ltd. of Abilene and $1.7 million will be invested in Terapio Corp. of Austin.

Receptor Logic, Ltd.'s $2 million will be used to assist in efforts to create antibodies through its T Cell Receptor mimic (TCRm) technology. The TCRm offers insight into how the immune system interacts with a diseased cell with the result being better immunology research, better clinical diagnostics and better therapies.

Terapio Corp. will use its award of $1.7 million to enhance its research, development and commercialization of a topical cream to prevent and treat "Hand-Foot Syndrome," a side effect of some chemotherapy treatments.

Governor's Competitiveness Council to meet June 23

Drafts of the Governor's Competitiveness Council's (GCC) Report to the Governor and a State Energy Plan will be discussed in a public hearing of the council on Monday, June 23. The documents are expected to be presented to Gov. Rick Perry sometime in July. The Monday meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. in Room E1.030 of the Capitol Extension.

When it was created in November of last year, the GCC was charged with identifying issues affecting Texas' economic competiveness related to six targeted industry clusters. The council is to make recommendations to the governor that should be undertaken by the state and state agencies to increase Texas' competiveness.

The report to the governor is based on public and private sector concerns regarding how to improve and enhance the state's competiveness position in a global marketplace. The energy plan is based on the state making its energy portfolio more diverse, with recommendations on establishing a reliable energy supply that is balanced and competitively priced.

State sales tax collections smaller than last two years

Although May sales tax revenues were up this year over figures for May 2007, the amount of the increase is smaller than in the two previous years. State Comptroller Susan Combs this week noted that the state collected $1.8 billion in sales tax revenue for May, up 4 percent over the same month last year.

"For the first nine months of fiscal 2008, state sales tax collections are up 5.8 percent over the same period in fiscal 2007," Combs said. "While increases are smaller than in 2006 and 2007, growth in state sales tax revenues continues at a healthy rate."

Combs sent cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $459 million in June local sales tax allocations, up 9.3 percent compared to June 2007. City sales tax allocations so far this year were up 5.4 percent over the same period last year. Cities received $306.3 million, counties received $28.4 million, special taxing districts received $17.3 million and local transit systems received $106.9 million. State sales tax collections in May and local sales tax allocations in June represent sales that occurred in April and were reported to the Comptroller in May.

To view allocations by city, click here. To view allocations by county, click here.

Craddick appoints five to Treatment Review Committee

House Speaker Tom Craddick recently appointed five members of the Pain Treatment Review Committee created by an amendment sponsored by Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon of San Antonio during the 80th Legislative Session.

The appointees are:

• Judge Polly Jackson Spencer, a lawyer from San Antonio who served as a judge on the Probate County Court;
• Dr. Miguel Bedolla, a family practice physician from San Antonio;
• Dr. Carl D'Agostino, an anesthesiologist and a pain medicine specialist who has practiced in Midland and Odessa;
• Russell Meyers, the chief executive officer of Midland Memorial Hospital; and
• Dr. Judson J. Somerville. Dr., an anesthesiologist from Laredo.

Edmonds appointed chair of Houston's Port Commission

Members of the Harris County Commissioners Court and the Houston City Council recently re-appointed Jim Edmonds (pictured) as chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

Edmonds, president of a consulting firm, was initially appointed to the port commission in 1996 to represent Harris County. He was appointed chairman in 2000. Commissioners serve two-year terms and receive no pay. Edmonds also serves as chairman of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Gulf Coast Freight Rail District, I-69 TxDOT Advisory Committee and the Alliance for I-69 Texas.

Public, private schools eligible for TEA dropout grants

A new grant program by the Texas Education Agency could allow private schools to get public dollars to help dropouts finish high school. The $6 million grant program would provide money for programs to help students who have dropped out of Texas public schools.

The program is available to public school districts, charter schools, colleges and other education providers as well as nonprofit organizations with experience in providing educational programs. Nonprofit private schools may compete for the public grant funds. Religious schools are eligible to apply, but the money cannot be used for religious instruction.

As much as $150,000 in startup money is available for each grantee, and additional money will be disbursed based on each student's progress. A private school, for example, could get as much as $6,000 per student after the student passes certain benchmarks, such as earning the credits to advance a grade or getting a diploma, according to rules proposed this week by the Texas Education Agency. A public hearing on the proposal will be held at 9 a.m. on June 25 at the Capitol Extension Auditorium in Austin.

Retired physicians boost UT School of Nursing

As a partial answer to the nursing shortage, the Harris County Retired Physician Organization (RPO) has joined an innovative volunteer program with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing that pairs retired physicians with nursing students.

The collaboration, recently honored by President George W. Bush, places retired physicians inside first-year labs as volunteer instructors. School officials say the key problem in the nursing shortage is the lack of an adequate number of teachers. The retired physicians are filling a gap and helping the school produce more nurses.

The collaboration was the idea of Patricia Starck, D.S.N, dean of the School of Nursing, and Shelly Liss, M.D., president of the RPO. In collaborating with the organization, Starck saw a way to tackle two issues: address the shortage of quality nursing faculty and capitalize on the collective knowledge of retired physicians eager to keep a foot in the health care industry.

In the accompanying UTHSC-Houston photo, retired pediatrician Alvin Jaffee, M.D. (left), goes over the chart of a mannequin infant with nursing student Rachel Cain during a clinical skills lab at the UT School of Nursing at Houston.

UH Hilton Hotel, Conference Center to get $12M facelift

The Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center is getting a $12 million facelift. Through an agreement with Hilton Hotels, the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management is redeveloping the existing property into a state-of-the-art hotel and conference center that will provide hospitality students with a new training facility.

Plans include the development of six prototype rooms in the College's South Wing that will be used to test hotel room designs. The project also includes a multi-year pro bono consulting and services agreement with an affiliate of Hilton Hotels under which the university will be provided assistance in managing the hotel. Officials say the project is an integral part of the University of Houston's 20-year master plan.

John Bowen (pictured), dean of the Conrad N. Hilton College, said Conrad Hilton wrote the College's $1.5 million founding check in 1969, and since then, his foundation and the affiliated fund have contributed more than $60 million to UH.

The project will be funded by a $6.5 million gift from the Conrad N. Hilton Fund - an affiliate of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation - $2.9 million from the University and $2.6 million from hotel capital reserves. The new Hilton Hotels consulting agreement was effective June 1. Renovation is slated to begin in late fall with completion targeted for December 2009.

Wayland University gets grant for distance learning

With an expansion of its distance learning capabilities, Wayland Baptist University is helping to fill the gap in the shortage of qualified teachers and nurses in the San Antonio area. The AT&T Foundation has awarded a $290,000 technology grant that will allow the school to invest in the equipment needed to technologically support distance learning.

James Antenen (pictured), dean of Wayland Baptist University at San Antonio, said the AT&T grant would give Wayland the opportunity to expand program offerings and add classrooms, laboratories and distance education programs. Wayland officials are looking to help solve three major problems facing higher education: the shortage of nursing students, the shortage of qualified elementary and secondary teachers, including bilingual teachers, and the inability to find qualified college-level faculty for many of these programs at smaller campuses and traditionally underserved areas.

The AT&T-backed project will help Wayland serve an estimated 2,000 additional students annually. Wayland's main campus is in Plainview, but it has operated a campus in San Antonio for the last 25 years. The university currently has 1,650 students enrolled in San Antonio.

Harris County may seek $144 million jail bond

Harris County voters - who rejected plans for a $245 million, 2,500-bed jail in November - may be asked by asked by county commissioners to approve a bond proposal for a $144 million jail facility this fall.

Despite a call by Harris County staff to not issue bonds to pay for the proposed $144 million downtown jail, Commissioner Steve Radack (pictured) was adamant that the court seek voter approval for bonds. Radack said he was concerned that money earmarked for roads and bridges would be shifted to pay for the jail.

The court asked the county budget and management office to report back in two months on whether the county could float a bond for the new jail. The scaled-back jail would serve as a central processing facility for Harris County and the city. It also would have 300 beds for inmates with medical and mental health needs, about 500 fewer than originally planned. Another 672 beds would be assigned to inmates expected to be released within 72 hours, with 200 reserved for the city's short-term prisoners.

Fort Worth to study downtown streetcars

Forth Worth city officials are studying building a modern streetcar system in the downtown area linked to other public transportation. The system, which might resemble those in cities such as Seattle, Portland or Tacoma, could cost between $16 million and $40 million per mile.

Mayor Mike Moncrief (pictured) said it would take some "creative thinking" to figure out how to pay for such as system. The system could have stations every two to four blocks, use overhead electric lines and share the roadways with other vehicles. In 2002, the city spent $1 million to study the feasibility of streetcars. The City Council approved a proposal but failed to secure funding for the system, which would have connected downtown with the Cultural District and the Stockyards, the near south side and the southeast Polytechnic area.

City staffers asked that the council appoint a 15-member committee to study whether the city should move forward on a streetcar plan. The committee, which is expected to be appointed by June 30, would review previous light-rail studies, visit several cities that have light-rail or streetcar systems, identify potential routes, and estimate the cost and find possible funding sources.

Houston approves agreement for five light rail lines

The Houston City Council recently approved an agreement to allow the Metropolitan Transit Authority to build five light rail lines on Houston streets. With the agreement, Metro said it could possibly break ground next week on the East End line and can complete all five routes by 2012.

Councilwoman Jolanda Jones (pictured), who opposed the agreement, said she has concerns about the proposed Wheeler route, about Metro's credibility and alleged favorable treatment the agency gives wealthy neighborhoods over less affluent ones. Metro officials also said they would reconsider plans to build part of the University line on Wheeler Ave., a main thoroughfare in the Third Ward.

Laredo Airport gets $4.4 million for improvements

The Federal Aviation Administration has given the City of Laredo a $4.4 million grant for continued improvements at Laredo International Airport. Mayor Raul Salinas (pictured) said the funds would be used for the continued and efficient operation of the airport, especially to enhance, improve and expand air service to and from Laredo.

Officials said $3.2 million will be used to rehabilitate the main runway, and about $1.2 million will be used to acquire runway protection zones and upgrade passenger terminal automation and security access systems.

Salinas said Laredo's unique position as the gateway to Mexico and one of the leading inland trade ports in the country means that the city needs an airport that can handle a high volume of passenger and cargo traffic.

DOE withdraws from FutureGen partnership

The U.S. Department of Energy is formally withdrawing from its partnership to build a futuristic coal-fire power plant in central Illinois with power and coal companies. The agency recently sent a letter to the companies involved, saying that it will formally withdraw from the FutureGen project. The companies are collectively known as the FutureGen Alliance.

Energy Department spokeswoman Angela Hill said the letter sets in motion the final administrative steps to be taken under the cost-shared Cooperative Agreement between the Department of Energy and the FutureGen Alliance. Two Texas cities were in the running for the site of the plant.

News of the Energy Department's formal withdrawal was expected, according to politicians who have worked to keep the project alive since the agency said in January that it did not want to build the plant in Mattoon, Ill. The department said the project's cost was too high. FutureGen was kicked off by President George W. Bush in 2003 as a way to prove that coal could be used as a relatively clean way to generate power. Carbon dioxide from the power plant would be trapped and permanently stored underground.

Del Mar to receive $3.2 million NSF grant

A National Science Foundation grant will assist Del Mar College in bringing more opportunities to train students and professionals in geospatial studies. College officials say their share of a $5 million grant will go to the Corpus Christi campus' future GeoTech Center for researchers and students.

College officials say it could help attract more students to the program, which encompasses land-mapping fields, such as surveying. Mapping systems also are used by city utility and emergency planning departments for jobs that include building infrastructure and determining and updating flood zones.

Phillip Davis (pictured), Del Mar College professor of computer science and the center's director, said the college will use funds to pay staff members and for academic curriculum materials and center resources. He said funding also would go toward development of noncredit training for professionals. The college will receive $3.2 million of the grant to use over four years. Partner institutions in other regions of the nation will receive the remaining funds.

Temple ISD faces $1.98 million budget shortfall

The Temple Independent School District is considering budget cuts and possible staff reductions as it deals with a $2 million revenue shortfall. A decrease in staffing would take place through attrition without replacements, for a possible savings of roughly $1.3 million.

District Spokeswoman Regina Baird said the cuts could include one high-level administrative position, but added that most of the positions that will remain vacant are paraprofessional. Additional operating changes could be enough to wipe out the deficit.

Baird said that even though Temple's population is growing, most of the growth is occurring outside of Temple ISD's boundaries, meaning additional property tax revenue goes to neighboring Belton ISD.

Gregg considering parking garage in 5-year capital plan

Gregg County Commissioners are considering a proposed five-year capital improvement plan that includes renovation of the airport terminal and the addition of a $7 million multilevel parking garage at the courthouse.

County Judge Bill Stoudt (pictured) said major airport projects under consideration are reconstruction of two taxiways, construction of a south perimeter road and expansion and remodeling of the terminal building. Most of the funding for those projects would come from a combination of federal grants and county revenues, he said.

The plan also calls for construction of a multilevel parking garage with office space for fiscal year 2010. The garage would be at the courthouse employee parking lot and available to employees and the public. The largest transportation project in the plan is the rehabilitation of Texas 149/322 from Interstate 20 to the Texas 149/322 split. The $25 million project would primarily be paid for by the Texas Department of Transportation, although the county might spend as much as $5 million.

UTEP awarded $13 million GEAR UP grant

The Department of Education has awarded the University of Texas at El Paso more than $12.9 million from the GEAR UP Program to help more than 3,000 local middle school students prepare for college. The program would receive $2.15 million each year over the next six years.

The award will benefit students from 11 middle schools in the Ysleta Independent School District through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) at UTEP. The district's sixth- and seventh-grade students will receive academic support emphasizing math, science, engineering, English and Advanced Placement courses. The students will continue in the program through their senior year.

GEAR UP is a federal program that helps youth from low-income communities obtain a postsecondary education through tutoring programs, standardized testing preparation and other programs.

Texas State to move health programs to Round Rock

At a recent meeting of Round Rock Friends of Higher Education, Perry Moore (pictured), provost at Texas State University, said the university eventually plans to move its College of Health Professionals from San Marcos to Round Rock. Texas State already has scheduled groundbreaking for its new $36 million nursing building in August and is planning several buildings on about 100 acres located in the rapidly growing higher education center in northeast Round Rock.

A&M Health Science Center's plans for a medical school in Round Rock are moving ahead quickly since the legislature last year appropriated $9 million for the campus. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin this summer.

Austin Community College now shares space in the Round Rock Higher Education Center and offers classes whose credits can transfer to Texas State. ACC also plans to build its largest campus on about 80 acres in Round Rock that will eventually accommodate about 12,000 students, said Veronica Rivera, vice chair of the board of trustees. The school plans to break ground on the first phase in January, she said.

Mercedes city, schools plan new sports complex

Mercedes city officials have budgeted $60,000 for the upcoming fiscal year to conduct a feasibility study for a multi-event sports complex. Mercedes Assistant City Manager Michelle Leftwich said planning for the sports complex is in the preliminary stages but the complex could house a swim center, baseball, softball and soccer fields, as well as a football stadium.

Leftwich said the Mercedes school district and the city have met several times to discuss the needs of the community for such a facility. She said expenses would be shared. The biggest undertaking within this project could be the construction of a new football stadium for the football team. The old stadium is adjacent to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds.

Mercedes Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Oscar Montoya said there had been talks about renovating the antiquated stadium. However, when Mayor Joel Quintanilla - the driving force behind this project - first discussed construction of the complex, Montoya said it quickly became a viable option. The city has already spent about $30,000 on a consultant to help with a parks and open space master plan, Leftwich said. The plan was submitted to and accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, giving the city an opportunity to apply for grants to fund the project.

Round Rock expected to annex land for new HSC

The Round Rock City Council is moving forward with the annexation of 14 acres of land for the first phase of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. The land is located at the southwestern corner of County Road 112 and A.W. Grimes Blvd., an area that is quickly becoming a center of medical-related learning facilities. Annexation of the land will allow the Texas A&M University facility to access city water and wastewater services.

Using a $9 million appropriation from the legislature, the university is moving quickly to open the Round Rock facility, said Dr. Nancy Dickey (pictured), president of the A&M System's Health Science Center. She expects the first phase to be completed in fall 2009. The 130,000-square-foot first building of phase one will cost $50 million to $60 million to construct and will be used for clinical teaching, laboratories, student life and administration, according to the health science center.

The center is the third medical-related learning facility planned near the intersection. Texas State University plans to begin construction this fall on a nursing school at the Round Rock Higher Education Center and Austin Community College has purchased 60 acres next to the Texas State site where it will offer nursing and other training. Seton Medical Center Williamson is also near the intersection.

Victoria ISD puts contract awards on hold

The Victoria Independent School District board recently postponed awarding contracts on two new elementary schools when bids came in some $2 million over budget. Board members want to renegotiate the contracts.

The schools are part of a $159 million bond project approved by voters in May 2007. The project also includes two new high schools, a new middle school, an addition to middle school campus improvements and the initial phases of a district special events center. The tentative budget for the new elementary schools is $17.5 million, but the bid proposals totaled about $19.5 million.

Rising costs of construction are being blamed for the high bids. The delay will also allow the district to see what two additional schools in the project will cost. Proposals for one of the new high schools and the middle school will be opened next week.

Humble approves five more red-light cameras

The Humble City Council recently approved adding five red-light cameras to catch the image of vehicles running red lights.

City Manager Darrell Boeske (pictured) said cameras installed at Whitaker Drive have reduced accidents, which had averaged one to two daily before the camera was installed. Humble is averaging 2,000 violations per month with current cameras; the first installed was in 2007.

An analysis of traffic indicated one of the most troublesome intersections was at US 59 North service road and FM 1960 as those who run red lights must cross seven lanes of traffic. In addition to a camera at that intersection, the city also will add four more cameras at intersections on FM 1960. The cost to install the new cameras will be paid by the private contractor. The city of Humble pays a lease fee of $4,250 per month for each red light camera exchange. That money goes toward construction, maintenance, electricity and other operations that keep the cameras operational.

Waco officials review plans for library renovation

Waco City Council recently was presented design plans for renovation of its Central Library. Plans call for the facility to keep its mid-20th century exterior, but would add a dramatic new entrance.

Under the plan presented to council, the building would be reoriented so patrons will enter from the east side of the building and both current entrances would be closed. The new entrance would include a bright red metal and glass atrium to allow daylight into the ground floor and basement. Plans call for the ground floor to house fiction, computers and an enlarged children's section, while the lower floor will house nonfiction, reference materials and a teen center with chess tables, a computer bar and spaces for working on school projects. Landscaping, sculpture lighting and a courtyard in the back of the building also are included in the plans.

Last year, voters approved $12 million for a new West Waco library and renovation of the Central Library. Work will not begin on the Central Library until renovation of the Dunlap Library is completed in about 15 months. The budget for the Central Library renovation is $5.4 million, but could increase as the cost to move the West Waco branch was lower than estimated.

Tyler ISD officials updated on November bond issue

Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid (pictured) recently updated trustees for Tyler Independent School District on projects he is considering for a November bond proposal. Reid also reported that TISD has completed most projects in the $95.9 million Phase 1 bond project on time and under budget. The newer facilities also experienced an almost 30 percent reduction in energy costs, Reid said.

Under the district's original master plan, Phase 2 called for replacement or renovation of elementary schools that were not updated or replaced under Phase 1. Replacing five elementary schools would cost $112 million and remodeling the remaining elementary schools would cost about $77 million, for a total cost of $189 million, according to estimates presented in May.

After a lot of review and research, Reid said he is leaning toward recommending five elementary schools for replacement and possibly one other project from the elementary list to keep the bond election within a $125 million range. He said the district needs to sell a bond that is the amount of work that can be accomplished at one time, when explaining why he did not recommend all the projects included in Phase 2 of the master plan. Updating middle schools and high schools is included in Phases 3 and 4 of the master plan.

West Texas A&M names Atchison interim graduate dean

West Texas A&M University officials recently named Dr. Tim Atchison (pictured) as interim dean of Graduate School and Research. In this position, he oversees all graduate school matters, including admissions, curriculum, graduation and graduate faculty status.

Atchison has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas, a master's from Abilene Christian University and a Ph.D. from the University of Houston. He currently works with the Brain Injury Research Center at the Texas Medical Center in Houston with support from the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation. His research centers on how to use distance-learning tools for cognitive rehabilitation.

Beeville mulling $2 million in water-related projects

Beeville officials are studying whether to spend about $2 million to improve their fresh water lines, sewer lines and drainage. The projects, if approved by council, will be paid for with certificates of obligation. City officials also discussed the possibility of receiving a state grant to help pay for some of the improvements.

City Manager Ford Patton said he has doubts that seeking a grant from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) would save the city very much money because the state requires more detailed engineering studies that often increase the costs. He also warned that waiting several months for the state to act on the grant request could also add costs because of the rising price of construction materials. Some of proceeds from the sale of certificates of obligation could be used to provide matching funds for a $300,000 community development block grant, he added. Because the state has warned that several of the projects are urgently needed, Patton suggested moving ahead with the repairs. The projects include replacement of the bar screen in the water treatment plant and repairs to a water tank.

Councilman Jimbo Martinez, however, argued that taxpayers expect the city to fully explore all of the grants and loans available from TWDB before proceeding with the projects. If working with the state saves taxpayers money, it is worth exploring, Martinez said. Staff agreed to work up a comparison of methods available to finance the project and present that information to council members.

Weatherford College approves $96.25M bond proposal

Following a 2007 rejection by voters of a $125 million bond proposal, Weatherford College regents recently voted to try again after reducing the bond package to $96.25 million. The proposal will be on the Nov. 4 ballot.

President Joe Birmingham (pictured) said the revised plan focuses on renovation and construction to facilities on a 40-year-old campus, ensuring sufficient space for staff, faculty and students and expanding programs. The college's allied health program turned away 339 qualified students last year because there was not enough space to take them, Birmingham said.

Birmingham also said he is confident Parker County voters will recognize the value the college provides to the area and approve the bonds.

Budget shortfalls threaten Collin County arts hall project

After 10 years of planning and fundraising, supporters of the proposed 2,100-seat Collin County performance center are confronting a budget shortfall and uncertainty about the future of the joint venture between the cities of Plano, Allen and Frisco.

Plano Mayor Pat Evans (pictured) said it is discouraging that only $7 million in contributions have come in from donors for the proposed facility that was first projected to cost $85 million, a 25 percent increase over the original projected price tag. This increase in cost has resulted in an $18 million gap between the cost and the $60 million pledged by the cities and $8 million in private contributions.

Evans supports moving ahead with the facility and hoping private donations will increase once ground is broken. She also thinks a possibility exists that McKinney, which has rejected efforts to participate in the joint venture, may decide to partner in the facility now that the election has changed the makeup of its city council. Another option is for the three participating cities to increase their $19 million share of the project costs. Ground breaking for the facility has been postponed until at least fall of this year, she said.

UTEP grant to help minorities earn doctorates

A $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation has been awarded to The University of El Paso to help students earn doctorates in science, technology, engineering or mathematics to increase the number of minorities with graduate degrees in these areas.

The $987,000 award will support 12 students pursuing graduate degrees in UTEP's Bridge to the Doctorate program, which is part of The University of Texas System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. Each student will receive a $30,000 stipend a year for two years plus funding to help cover tuition and related cost-of-education expenses.

"Nationwide, the number of underrepresented minorities pursuing STEM doctoral degrees is extremely low. The grant gives UTEP a great opportunity to make a significant contribution in this area," said electrical and computer engineering professor Dr. Benjamin Flores (pictured), the grant's primary investigator. To be selected, students must be alumni of the undergraduate portion of the Alliance for Minority Participation program. Students will be selected this summer and begin or continue their studies at UTEP in the fall.

Los Fresnos students get second chance for diploma

The Los Fresnos Independent School District recently received a grant to help fund the College, Career and Technology Academy recently formed to offer students a second chance at high school graduation. The grant, which could be as large as $250,000, is from the Texas Education Agency.

The new academy offers intensive attention to former Los Fresnos High School students between the ages of 18 and 23 who were unable to fulfill graduation requirements to help them earn a high school diploma. Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar (pictured) instituted the academy, which also receives local and federal funding.

Cindy Arredondo, the director of the academy, said the program offers curricula tailored to the individual needs of students and partners with several businesses and institutions that will allow students to become more familiar with the business or institution.

Transit officials considering streetcars for downtown

Two agencies, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority, are planning streetcar systems for the Dallas Central Business District.

DART and the city of Dallas are looking at a streetcar network in planning for a second downtown rail line to help commuters navigate the city's downtown area. The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority is counting on a $2 million grant to study the feasibility of looping the McKinney Avenue Trolley route through the center of downtown, where streetcar travel ended in the 1950s.

Preliminary estimates place the cost of the Olive Street spur of the McKinney Avenue line to cost about $6.5 million. DART has no official cost estimates for its streetcar project, but offered a rough estimate of $8 million to $20 million per mile. City Council member Angela Hunt, who represents downtown Dallas, said she thinks efforts to revive streetcars in the central business district may succeed as more residents turn to public transportation in response to high gas prices.

Newly named UTEP Institute selects Pineda director

The College of Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso has named Ricardo Pineda (pictured) as director of the newly named Research Institute for Manufacturing and Engineering Systems (RIMES).

Previously the institute was known as the Institute for Manufacturing and Materials Management, or IM3. The new name recognizes the addition of systems engineering to the institute's manufacturing focus.

"Many of the institute's industry partners are in the defense and aerospace sector, so systems engineering is a logical progression from our manufacturing origins," Pineda said. He also hopes to add research and academic programs to RIMES.

Commerce could have new city manager soon

Officials with the city of Commerce report they could have a new city manager and new fire chief soon. The search for a new city manager has been narrowed to four and a sole finalist from the field of 12 candidates for fire chief has been named.

The four finalists for city manager are expected to meet with the city council this weekend. The city hired a search firm to assist in its efforts to find a new city manager.

Texas agriculture producers looking at record losses

A perfect storm of hot temperatures, strong winds, little precipitation and high fuel costs could lead to the largest single-year loss on record for Texas farmers and ranchers, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Travis Miller (pictured), an extension service drought specialist, said the tally for all crops and livestock, which won't be officially tallied until late in the growing season, could top the largest single year loss of $4.1 billion set in 2006. May was dry and June was even drier which has placed much of Texas in a moderate, severe or extreme drought. The only areas not experiencing a lack of rain are east of Interstate 35 in the middle of the state, he said.

At the same time, the high cost of energy is another factor that is threatening record losses. The cost of fertilizer, diesel and feeding livestock have increased dramatically and crop insurance payments do not cover losses due to increasing prices, he said. Cotton producers in southern Texas already have lost nearly their entire crop and as many as 500,000 acres of dry land cotton already have been lost because of high winds and heat that robbed the soil of as much as an inch of moisture this year.

Our Lady of the Lake ready to start rebuilding

Officials and students of Our Lady of the Lake University are looking forward to a rebuilding program to repair and restore the university's Main Building, which suffered some $14 million in damages during a May 6 fire. Officials this week gave a tour of the more than 100-year-old building and said the rebuild will take approximately three years.

The rebuild will be financed by insurance money, donations and pledges in excess of $1.7 million from the community and a $1 million gift from Valero. Fire officials believe the fire was caused by an electrical short in the attic.

Since the fire, more than 100 students, faculty and staff who lived and worked in the building have been relocated and classes previously scheduled in the Main Building for the fall have been scheduled for other campus buildings.

Juarez to assume new roll at Texas A&M-Kingsville

Dr. Rumaldo Z. Juarez (pictured), who recently announced his resignation as president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, will become a professor in the Department of Psychology and Sociology in the university's College of Arts and Sciences. His teaching and research field is sociology with a specialty in social gerontology.

Juarez served almost six years as president and was named President Emeritus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in June.

TAMU System Chancellor Mike McKinney also said that Juarez was granted a professional developmental leave to study recent literature in his field, develop curricula for courses and seek funding for research projects. The yearlong leave also will give the university time to schedule and plan for courses that Juarez will teach, McKinney said.

Texas Woman's University receives $1 million grant

Texas Woman's University's new T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center recently won a $1 million grant from the Meadows Foundation.

The Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center combines TWU's Parkland and Presbyterian sites into a campus at the Parkland location. Groundbreaking for the new 190,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for 2009, with completion planned for 2011.

The new institute will allow the state's leading provider of new nurses and other healthcare professionals to incorporate industry-standard technology into classrooms and laboratories, thus enhancing career preparation, said Linda Perryman Evans, president and CEO of the Meadows Foundation.

What really happens
when Texans dial 9-1-1?

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

If you've ever witnessed a traffic accident with injuries, or happened upon a house fire, or been involved when a child was exposed to poisonous materials, you most likely reached for a phone and called 9-1-1. Thousands of calls each day are routed to that number. In fact, the Texas 9-1-1 system currently receives approximately 6 million calls each year and the state's Poison Control Centers get about 360,000 each year.

Most people never think about what happens behind the scenes when emergency calls are made. Very few individuals could name the agency that oversees the state's emergency calls and associated operations.

The Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) oversees Texas' statewide 9-1-1 system which is operated by two dozen Regional Planning Commissions. CSEC also shares administrative responsibility with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for the Texas Poison Control Network.

Fort Hood airfield to receive $1.4 million federal grant

The Robert Gray Army Airfield at Ford Hood will receive a $1.4 million grant to help keep passengers from waiting long periods for flights to take off. The $1,440,566 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration will reimburse the city for current expansion projects and some new projects, said John Sutton (pictured), director of aviation.

The growth in the number of passengers has resulted in more bags going through baggage handling than the system was designed to handle, Sutton said. Airport officials also plan to expand the terminal and provide more seating for passengers. Construction on the projects is expected between 2010 and 2011. City Council also recently approved a contract to begin planning for a second runway that will be paid for with a $1.5 million grant from the Killeen Economic Development Council.

Murphy to take reins of North Central Texas COG

John Murphy (pictured), a long-time member of the Richardson City Council, is taking the reins today, Friday, as president of North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Ellis County Judge Chad Adams noted that Murphy, with his years of experience with regional boards, is well prepared for the job. The council of governments is tasked with pursuing the region's legislative agenda as well as transportation and regional transit planning financing.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now.

Mike McKinney, a medical doctor, is a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing Houston area counties from 1984 to 1991 and serving as Speaker pro tempore from 1989 to 1990. In 1995, he was named Texas commissioner of health and human services, with oversight of 11 state agencies, and held that position until 1998. In 2001 and 2002, he served as chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry. In 2003, McKinney was named senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and in 2006, he was chosen as chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, with oversight of the system's nine universities, seven state agencies and a statewide health science center.

Bill Ratliff is a former lieutenant governor of Texas and the 2005 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award winner. He began his political career in 1998 when he was elected as a state senator. He served as president pro tempore of the Senate from 1997 to 1998 and was elected lieutenant governor by his fellow senators in a first-of-its-kind election when sitting Lt. Gov. Rick Perry became governor following the election to the United States presidency of then-Gov. George W. Bush. Ratliff subsequently entered the race to be elected to the statewide position, but later withdrew and retired from the legislature in 2004. Today he is a principal in the Ratliff Company, which represents businesses and trade associations in dealing with state government, but spends most of his time advocating for public education through the Raise Your Hand organization, serving as chair of its Advisory Committee and making public appearances on its behalf. He says he also maintains an "office" three days a week at the golf course.

If you are a former Texas government official or employee or know someone who has left state government for greener pastures, please let us know so we can feature them in an upcoming column. Send your information to editor@spartnerships.com.

Argyle ISD hires Wright as interim superintendent

Board members for Argyle Independent School District recently hired Telena Wright as interim superintendent. Wright had previously been serving as acting superintendent when former superintendent Jason Ceyanes went on paid administrative leave. Before being appointed as acting superintendent, Wright was the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. She has confirmed she is applying for the superintendent's position.

Huntsville approves land purchase for new fire station

The Huntsville City council recently approved the purchase of 4.3 acres of land for a new fire station on the city's northeast side. Mayor J. Turner, a member of the fire station committee, said a contract is being finalized with the architect selected by the committee for the project.

Fire Chief Tom Grisham said he and committee members will meet with the architect to brainstorm on what is needed in the new facility. Completing the project by the June 2009 expected completion date will present a challenge, Grisham said.

Golden Triangle area airport receives $650,000 grant

The Southeast Texas Regional Airport recently was selected to receive a $650,000 grant to improve its runway and buy a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle to replace a 10-year-old vehicle. The grant for infrastructure and safety improvements is from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Engineers have started working on a design for the new runway and should start the work within three months, said Hal Ross, airport manager. The airport is required to match 5 percent of the grant, or $27,500, he said.

James Rohack selected president-elect of AMA

J. James Rohack, M.D. (pictured), a cardiologist at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, was recently selected as president-elect of the American Medical Association. Rohack said he is looking forward to being a voice for American physicians as they work with others to solve the challenge of providing the best medical care to all while preserving the patient-physician relationship.

After serving a term as president-elect, Rohack will assume the AMA presidency in June 2009. His annual term as president will be followed by an additional annual term as immediate past president ending in June 2010. Rohack chairs the National Advisory Council to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and previously chaired the AMA Council on Medical Education. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Galveston approves arctic addition to Moody Gardens

The Galveston City Council recently approved a plan to allow Moody Gardens to build a crystalline building for polar bears, walruses, seals and other arctic animals.

The arctic project, which some estimate could cost as much as $150 million, also would feature a faux glacier and robotic examples of arctic species that cannot be exhibited. Moody Gardens has hired an architectural firm to design the project and expects to receive a design within the next four to six months.

Richardson to add five
new red-light cameras

Richardson will double the number of intersections with red-light cameras when the installation of five new cameras at three new intersections recently approved by council members is complete.

Assistant City Manager David Morgan (pictured) said the cameras should be operational within 30 to 60 days. The camera program is a tool to improve safety rather than to raise revenue, Morgan said. The system does pay for itself, he added. The five new cameras will be installed at intersections at Central Expressway and at Bush Turnpike, bringing the total to nine red-light cameras in Richardson.

Corpus Christi council to hire firm to find city manager

Members of the Corpus Christi City Council recently agreed to allow Mayor Henry Garrett (pictured) to select a search firm at a cost not to exceed $35,000 to find the next city manager. The new manager will replace City Manager Skip Noe, who is resigning.

The need for confidentiality and expertise spurred council members to decide on the use of a search firm, said Melody Cooper, a city council member. Applications submitted directly to the city are considered public records and open for public scrutiny, she noted. Applications submitted to a search firm are not available until the field is considerably narrowed. Many applicants are reluctant to apply directly for fear their current bosses will become aware of their job search, she said.

Bloomington ISD preparing for upcoming bond election

Trustees for Bloomington ISD recently hired an architect and program manager to aid in the preparation for a November bond election.

Interim superintendent Brad Williams outlined a list of renovations and facilities being prepared by the bond committee to present to board members. Among the items on the list are new libraries for all campuses, combination science classrooms, a new field house and renovations to several facilities. Comprised of school board members, parents, teachers and residents, the committee will complete ranking projects by priority before presentation to the board, Williams said.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on Selected Parole Functions at the Department of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles
• HHSC Women's Health Program Annual Report 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

• 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference
• Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association 39th Annual Summer 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 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 6/13/08

Jefferson ISD to accept bids for press box, marquee

Trustees for Jefferson Independent School District recently approved seeking bids for construction of a new press box at its football stadium and an electronic marquee. Superintendent Sharon Ross said the old press box is not able to accommodate people with disabilities and that federal and state standards require press boxes to have elevator access. No estimates were available on how much the press box may cost, she said.

Ross also told board members that the manual marquee now used by the district makes it difficult to change the message timely. An electronic marquee would allow district employees to easily change the message from an office computer. She estimated the cost of the marquee to range from $25,000 to $30,000.

University of North Texas names Thomas as dean

Officials of the University of North Texas recently named Dr. Jerry R. Thomas (pictured) as the dean of its College of Education, effective August 1. Thomas currently is a professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology at Iowa State University. He replaces Dr. Jean Keller, who is returning to teaching and research at UNT.

Thomas previously served as an associate dean at Arizona State University and on the faculty of Louisiana State University, Florida State University and Georgia Southern College. He has a bachelor's degree from Furman University and a master's and Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.

Marion receives grant to improve water, sewer lines

The city of Marion recently received a $250,000 federal grant to replace undersized and deteriorated steel water lines and the main cement sewer lines of Krueger streets. The improvements will give residents better water flow, water pressure and help prevent sewage backups, said Mayor Glenn Hild.

The grants are from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program. The mayor said his goal is to begin construction on the projects this fall.

Two Webb County colonias receive federal grants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded two grants of $800,000 to Webb County and El Cenizo to improve water and drainage. The grants are administered through the Community Development Block Grant Program. Webb County will use the $800,000 to drill four water wells to provide water to the residents of Bruni, Mirando City, Oilton and the Santa Teresita colonia area on Texas 359. The grant will also fund electrical controls, chlorination equipment and water line extension pumps.

In El Cenizo, the grant funding will be used to build an underground drainage structure and outfall structure to help eliminate flooding in the city. Workers are expected to install 4,200 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipe, two outfall structures and repair pavement.

Lavaca County buys
new courthouse annex

Lavaca County recently purchased a new courthouse annex in the Godwin's building, also known as the Hallettsville Shopping Center. Lavaca County Commissioners Court approved the name during regular session earlier this week.

Commissioners also discussed the status of the three tenants in the facility. All three have remaining time on their leases, but county officials plan to occupy the spaces when they become available later this year. The 1899 courthouse will be undergoing a renovation with a nearly $3 million Texas Historical Commission grant. The renovation will include plumbing, electrical and mechanical needs, among other renovations. Even after the courthouse renovation is complete, some county offices will remain in the annex building.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

• George Deshotels of Matagorda, Texas Coastal Coordination Council
• Robert Jones of Corpus Christi, Texas Coastal Coordination Council
• Alfred Chavira of Jacksonville, Angelina and Neches River Authority Board of Directors
• Julie Dowell of Bullard, Angelina and Neches River Authority Board of Directors
• Thomas H. Gann of Lufkin, Angelina and Neches River Authority Board of Directors
• David King of Nacogdoches, Angelina and Neches River Authority Board of Directors

Lt. Governor's appointments

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has made the follownig appointments:

• Jimmy Mansour of Austin, Texas Cancer Research Council
• Lionel Sosa of San Antonio, Texas Cancer Research Council
• Charles Tate of Houston, Texas Cancer Research Council

Port Isabel city manager retires after closed session

Long-time Port Isabel City Manager Robert Garcia retired last week following an hour-long executive session with city commissioners. In a previous meeting, commissioners questioned Garcia for several hours about the city's financial matters.

Commissioners unanimously approved the retirement, giving Garcia six months severance pay, six months of coverage by the city's insurance plan and pay for his unused vacation and sick days. Museum director Eduard Meza was appointed interim city manager.

Edcouch-Elsa ISD trustees approve another loan

Edcouch-Elsa ISD trustees have approved the fourth loan in six years this week to cover a revenue shortfall and fund the school district through the summer. Board Trustee Florestela Rodriguez was the only dissenting vote on the seven-member board, questioning why the district had to get a $4.5 million loan.

The line of credit from First National Bank in Edinburg is to cover the district's regular operating expenses until the Texas Education Agency sends out its August payment for the new fiscal year. School district officials say the loan is needed to cover rising gas prices and keep up with student population growth.

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 512-531-3900 or click here.

London to retire from Hays ISD at end of next year

Hays Consolidated ISD Superintendent Kirk London (pictured) this week announced he will retire at the end of the 2008-09 school year. Two other top administrators - Deputy Superintendent Bob Presley and Executive Director of Elementary Curriculum Dolores Riley - also announced their retirements. CFO Carter Scherff was named deputy superintendent.

A nationwide search for a replacement for London will occur, according to the school board. London has a 36-year education career, as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. The district does not plan to name an interim superintendent.

Jobs at SPI

SPI seeking consultants in Houston, El Paso areas

SPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, expertise and strong connections and relationships in Houston city and Harris County governments and El Paso city and county government who are interested in assisting its consulting teams. Candidates should have both subject matter expertise in local government as well as longstanding relationships with executive-level decision-makers in these areas.

To apply for these part-time consulting positions, 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 or El Paso area consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Jones returns to Amarillo College presidential post

Amarillo College President Steven Jones (pictured) has returned to his post on a part-time basis after taking a three-week medical leave. Jones, who has cancer, was granted the time off by Amarillo College's Board of Regents. Paul Matney, vice president and dean of instruction, has been working as acting president.

Jones plans to be on campus at least once a week as he undergoes treatment. He will then resume his full-time duties. The president's first day back was Monday. Matney will continue to fill in as president on days Jones is not working.

Cuero picks Gelles
as interim city manager

The Cuero City Council recently hired Maria Gelles as the interim city manager. Gelles will replace Cuero Police Chief Glenn Mutchler, who had held the position since former City Manager Corlis Riedesel announced her retirement in May.

Gelles holds a master's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is the former city manager of Helotes. She also has served as economic development manager for the San Antonio Water System and an assistant court administrator for Bexar County Commissioners Court.

King named as new
president of NEDCO

Bill King (pictured), editor of Expansion Management, an international site relocation magazine, has been named president of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corp. (NEDCO).

King, who resides in Kansas, is expected to become more proactive in soliciting retailers and industry to the area, according to NEDCO board members. Officials are hopeful his contacts with industry officials throughout the country will translate into more businesses in the Nacogdoches area. King says he has worked with literally thousands of business executives seeking to locate business operations. King replaces Judy McDonald, who announced her retirement as president last year.

Tidehaven ISD selects Wesson as superintendent

Tidehaven Independent School District board members recently selected Dr. Suzanne Wesson as their new superintendent. Wesson previously served as assistant superintendent with the district, as a superintendent at Bloomington ISD and an assistant superintendent at Kingsville ISD. She will assume her duties as superintendent on July 21.

Help us share this message, please...

To ensure timely delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe senders list. Otherwise, the newsletter may be flagged as spam and automatically routed to your junk e-mail folder at any time.

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.

6034 W. Courtyard Dr. #100
Austin, Texas 78730

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.