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TxDOT official: 'Our bridges are safe'

Collapse of structure over river in Minnesota stirs up fears

Collapse of an eight-lane bridge over the Mississippi River on I-35 in Minneapolis Wednesday has Texans wondering if the same thing could happen in the Lone Star State, where there are more bridges across roads and highways than in any other state. TV news images of mangled steel, crushed vehicles and hundreds of emergency workers sifting through concrete and metal rubble and in the river water below for the dead and injured have made motorists throughout the nation ask that same question about bridges in their states.

"Our bridges are safe," said Randy Cox (pictured), director of the Bridge Department of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). He described what he calls a periodic "very thorough bridge inspection" of the state's more than 50,000 bridges that are under the jurisdiction of either state or local governments.

Randy CoxThose inspections come at least every 24 months, said Cox, and not only include a visual inspection, but an underwater inspection and a hands-on "fracture critical" inspection. And those doing the inspections are "experienced, well-trained bridge inspectors" whose work, Cox said, is overseen by engineers.

A 2006 report from the Federal Highway Administration indicated that of the more than 49,000 bridges in Texas, 2,219 were found to be structurally deficient and 7,943 were found to be functionally obsolete.

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Coalition addresses statewide interoperability plan

The Texas Radio Coalition, a group of statewide public safety representatives charged with developing a revised Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan, met this week in Austin for a planning session. With $65 million in grant funding available to the state from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the group will make recommendations to Gov. Rick Perry as to how the money would best be spent to ensure interoperability statewide. They are working toward a unified wireless radio system among local, state and federal public safety agencies.

Pete Collins"In any disaster, whether man-made or natural, communications within the first responder community is vital to ensure the safety of our residents," said Perry. The governor said he will work with the coalition to update the state communication plan "across jurisdictions for swift, coordinated response during disasters."

Pete Collins, City of Austin Chief Information Officer and Chair of the Texas Radio Coalition, noted that a seven-year joint project between the city and Travis County has led to a high level of radio interoperability between the two, and a $6 million grant in 2005 is being used to extend that regional system to public safety entities in nearby Williamson County.

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Baldwin president of Tech Health Sciences Center

John BaldwinJohn C. Baldwin (pictured) has been named president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Baldwin is a professor of surgery at Harvard University and president and chief executive officer of the Immune Disease Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. A native Texan, Baldwin holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard where he was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. He earned his medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Baldwin previously served as head of surgical programs at Baylor College of Medicine and as dean of the Dartmouth Medical School and as the university's associate provost for health affairs. His other business experience includes biotechnology and bioengineering, intellectual property, technology transfer, pharmaceutical and device company start-up, health insurance, banking and nonprofit organizations.

"The Health Sciences Center does great work in educating future health care professionals and conducting research," said Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance. "That, coupled with Dr. Baldwin's skill and leadership experience, will take the HSC to a new level of excellence." Baldwin will begin his new role on Aug. 27.


Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Sherry Cook

This week's salute is to Sherry Cook, CPM, IRM Director, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Career highlights and education: Sherry Cook has been serving in state government for more than 29 years. The majority of her career of 28 years was spent with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Her career with the DPS included nine years with the Texas Rangers Division as a Crime Analyst, which met with challenging and demanding times while working in Waco on such cases as the Branch Davidian investigation to identifying and tracking the notorious Texas serial killer, Kenneth Allen McDuff. Assembling and tracking crime evidence and criminal data were key factors in promoting her career toward the elements of law enforcement technology. Upon leaving the Texas Ranger Division, she moved into the Information Management Division in 1996 as a Network Specialist to advance her technology career and over time pursued management within the technical arena being promoted to Assistant Manager of System Technology Services in 1998 and Manager in 2001. Her responsibilities included oversight of the agency help desk, the enterprise server team, desktop support, senior trainers and the agency's computer disbursement depot. She served a dual role as a project representative for a number of innovative projects, such as homeland security entailing cameras on the border and in-car computing for the Highway Patrol Division. In August 2006, she made a difficult career decision and moved from DPS, accepting a position as the IT Director for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

When time permitted Sherry continued with her education. She earned her associate's degree from Austin Community College in 1998, and her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science from Texas State in 2004. She is currently working on her MSIS degree from Texas State and was recently awarded outstanding graduate student from the College of Applied Arts. She was also awarded and recognized for outstanding research project. She is a Certified Public Manager and a member of various professional and civic organizations.

What I like best about my job is: The ability to be creative and flexible throughout the decision-making process.

The best advice I've received for my current job: "To under-promise and over-deliver."

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Begin by listening to your co-workers and making observations. A lot of thought and time has been given to current process and procedures, so learn your audience and when change happens, support it - don't fight it.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Along with my husband at our farm in Winchester, restoring an old family home built in the 1940s.

People would be surprised to know that I: Am currently working on my Peace Officers Certification.

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.



Adams named chair of Texas Racing Commission

Jesse Adams of Helotes has been named by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as chair of the Texas Racing Commission. Adams has been a member of the commission since 2003. He is president of Adams and Polunsky, a real estate and property tax consulting firm in San Antonio. Adams earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.


Have you heard of 'gold collar' jobs?

Most folks have probably heard of white, blue or even pink collar jobs - but the term "gold collar" may be a little unfamiliar. It refers to the high-wage work done by technical workers - welders, auto and aviation mechanics, electricians and others performing more "manual" jobs. Workers with these types of skills make up 65 percent of the American workforce.

Jim Brazell

According to Jim Brazell, a consultant to Texas State Technical College and IC2 Institute at The University of Texas at Austin, there is a vast job market awaiting those possessing gold collar skills.

The Texas Workforce Commission reports that five of Texas' eight top-paying jobs one year after graduation are held by those with associate's - not bachelor's - degrees. They pay an average of $34,000 to $44,000 per year.

"Technical jobs are growing at five times the rate of other occupations," Brazell says. "The demand for technical workers is even greater than the need for engineers."

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FutureGen teams present best, final offers

Teams from Odessa and Jewett in Texas and Tuscola and Mattoon in Illinois this week presented their "best and final offer" to become the site for the FutureGen power project, a $1.5 billion federal demonstration project.

Michael Williams

The project is intended to create the world's first zero-emissions fossil fuel plant. When operational, the prototype will be the cleanest fossil fuel fired power plant in the world. The two Texas and two Illinois teams made the final cut among a number of applicants and have already passed geological and other criteria. Project officials expect a period of several weeks after the final offers were submitted before any further action. At that point, additional information may be sought by the FutureGen Alliance. The final decision on which of the four sites will be the new home for the plant is expected in mid-November. The project is expected to create 1,300 skilled construction jobs and would result in a payroll of $250 million over a four-year period.

Texas Railroad Commission Chair Michael Williams (pictured), who chairs the FutureGen team in Texas, said the state is committed to being a partner in the project. "When FutureGen is built in Texas, we will step to the plate and help defray the costs of this historic experiment," Williams said, adding financial incentives include a pledge to appropriate $20 million to help offset construction costs.

Gov. Rick Perry said the initiative would be a success at either the Odessa or Jewett site, noting the state has provided "valuable financial incentives and unmatched liability protection."


New names approved for two state agencies

The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Texas Cooperative Extension have been renamed the Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service, following action of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

The new names, which will go into effect in January, did not come about without some controversy. Two of the regents voted against the names, saying they did not want to move the word "agriculture" from the moniker since agriculture plays such a big role in the state and the founding of Texas A&M, while the others said the term AgriLife better explains the purpose of the two agencies.


Firm awarded $22 million TEF grant

Rackspace Managed Hosting has been awarded a $22 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund. The funds, announced by Gov. Rick Perry, are extended in hopes of the company expanding to a new facility in the Windcrest/San Antonio area. Rackspace is one of the faster-growing managed hosting specialists in the world, providing global business Web hosting services. It has offices in San Antonio and Austin and data center operations in Dallas, Virginia and London.

The TEF investment is expected to generate more than $100 million in capital investment and create 4,000 jobs over the next five years.


Donnell named to ERS board of directors

Cydney C. Donnell (pictured) of Fredericksburg has been named by Gov. Rick Perry as a member of the board of the Employee Retirement System of Texas, which oversees the state employee retirement fund, administration of state employee and retiree health insurance benefits, deferred compensation pay and flex benefits program.

Cydney Donnell

Donnell is an executive professor in the Mays Business School Finance Department at Texas A&M University, where she has oversight of the graduate real estate program. She has previous experience as managing director and portfolio manager of an asset management firm. She is a member and former board of governors member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and is a former member of the Texas A&M Foundation Investment Advisory Committee. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M and a master's from Southern Methodist University.


Eight more counties eligible for FEMA assistance

Eight more Texas counties have been added to the list of those eligible for public and individual assistance from the flooding events in Texas since June. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has added Bee, Denton, Medina, Parker, Runnels, Smith, Starr and Tarrant counties to the 34 other Texas counties already eligible for assistance. Those counties include Archer, Baylor, Brown, Bosque, Burnet, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Eastland, Erath, Fannin, Grayson, Hamilton, Hunt, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Mills, Montague, San Saba, Stephens, Victoria, Webb, Wichita, Williamson and Wise.

Public Assistance Funds can be used to repair and restore damaged infrastructure and can be used for such items as debris removal, emergency services related to the flooding and repair and replacement of damaged roads, buildings, utilities and other public facilities.

Individual Assistance funds can be used for temporary housing, home repair and other expenses not covered by insurance. Some low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration may also be available for that purpose.


TAMU awarded $6 million from state fund

Theresa FossumTexas A&M University will use $6 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to recruit world-class researchers to the Texas Institute for Preclinical Studies.

The money also will be used to train veterinarians, physicians, scientists, technicians and engineers to work in the biomedical industry, and will go toward training undergraduate and graduate students and academic and industry personnel in regulatory issues.

"The Emerging Technology Fund dollars will allow TIPS to hire world-class researchers who have a strong history and interest in commercialization," said Theresa Fossum (pictured), director of TIPS and professor of surgery at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She said the mission of the program is to bring new drugs and devices to the marketplace. The grant, awarded by Gov. Rick Perry, will be used with $40 million from the TAMU System and another $2.5 million from a research partnership that promotes economic development.


Ag Commissioner urges drivers to check TDA Web site

Todd StaplesIt's bad enough that gas prices are approaching $3 per gallon, and now comes word that some gas stations aren't giving motorists their money's worth at the pump.

Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples (pictured) and the Texas Department of Agriculture have begun posting on the TDA Web site a list of gas stations in Texas that have failed recent gas pump inspections. "We want Texans to know our inspectors are on the frontlines ensuring they are receiving what they are paying for," Staples said. TDA recently increased penalties for any fuel pump found out of compliance, the first increase in fines since 1996.

Consumers can find the online listing on the TDA Web site by clicking on "public information reports."


TxDOT to try out traffic violation monitoring cameras

Three traffic monitoring cameras have been scheduled for use by the Texas Department of Transportation to monitor vehicle speeds at sites near College Station and El Paso. The six-month study will, according to TxDOT officials, be used only to test the technology.

While numerous cities throughout Texas are installing red-light cameras to photograph license plates of offending vehicles and mailing the photo and a ticket to the owner of the vehicle, TxDOT says it will simply send a letter of notice to the speeders, but no citations will be issued. They indicate the tests will be simply to record motorists' speed on highways, with that information to be used to determine if posted speed limits should be changed.

The testing will be done on I-10 near El Paso and on State Highway 6 near College Station.


Red light cameras installation facing Sept. 1 deadline

A number of Texas cities are working feverishly toward a Sept. 1 deadline to get red-light camera contracts in place. The cameras have become a trend throughout the state as cities have installed them at various intersections to catch motorists who run red lights. The offenders are sent photos of their vehicles caught running the light and a traffic citation to go with it. The argument over whether the cameras were being installed as a source of increased revenue versus a safety measure found its way to the Texas Legislature during the last legislative session.

As a result, legislation passed and takes effect Sept. 1 that will require any revenue generated from citations issued due to the use of red-light cameras be split 50-50 with the state. And the revenue the city can keep can only be used for safety programs and transportation-related items. Additionally, the new law states that no vendor of the cameras can receive a percentage of the fees for each violation but must be paid through fines for the installation and maintenance of the cameras.

One of the cities currently considering installing the cameras is Amarillo, where some members of the city commission would like to see revenues dedicated to a benevolent fund or program to fund transportation education. The city of Fort Worth beat the Sept. 1 deadline by this week authorizing the use of the cameras, although delayed until Aug. 9 the hiring of a contractor. Other Tarrant County cities that already have the cameras include Arlington, Richland Hills, North Richland Hills and Bedford. The city of Burleson also recently approved the use of red-light cameras, which should be installed by November. Even in the Gulf Coast area city of Alvin, officials are conducting a study on the issue, and are hopeful to consider vendors in the fall. Alvin would join another Gulf Coast city, Lake Jackson, which installed red-light cameras in March. Sugar Land, too, recently approved the cameras, which will be operational in October. The city of Houston is almost a year into its use of the cameras and has issued almost 100,000 citations as a result.


Number of Guard soldiers at border to be cut

The number of National Guard soldiers on the Texas border in El Paso will soon be cut from 1,500 to 900, representing continuation of cuts that started in June. The Guard members were in both Texas and New Mexico as part of Operation Jumpstart, where they were assigned to assist U.S. Border Patrol agents.

The Border Patrol hopes to add 2,500 new agents throughout the country through the end of this year and 3,000 more next year. The U.S. government ordered 6,000 Guard members to the United States-Mexico border in May of last year to play a support role to the Border Patrol. They were not serving in a law enforcement capacity but rather were responsible for building barriers, monitoring security devices and maintaining the infrastructure.


State to dedicate World War II Memorial

nameThe "Greatest Generation" of Texans will be honored with the dedication Wednesday, Aug. 15, of the Texas World War II Memorial (pictured) on the grounds of the State Capitol. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. outside the east entrance of the Texas Supreme Court Building. Major Gen. Robert Ivany (USA Ret.), president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, will be the guest speaker.

The memorial will honor the 22,000 Texas men and women who died in service to the nation during World War II. More than 830,000 Texans served in the conflict.

The ceremony is slated for the date generally known as "Victory over Japan Day" and the official end of World War II. The memorial was made possible through donations from Texas corporations, associations, foundations and individual citizens.


Midland ISD to continue dual language program

Citing the success of its dual language program, officials of the Midland ISD note that even though federal funding is running out for the program, they hope to continue it. Although federally funded, the program mirrors a pilot program planned for some other Texas schools. Both mix non-English speaking students with non-Spanish speaking students, with hopes of an end result of bilingual students.

In the Midland program, 543 students are paired with a bilingual and a non-bilingual student. Students may be taught in Spanish one day and English the next. School officials say neither sets of students get behind on their other language skills. The students, who were tested, performed at above average in both languages.

The program was started in kindergarten and first grade, but school officials hope to expand to third grade and eventually into secondary grades. They also stressed the importance of family involvement, so that parents can continue at home what the children learn in school.


Fort Bend ISD anticipating $490 million bond vote

Officials in the Fort Bend ISD are discussing taking a more than $490 million bond vote to voters in the district in November. A committee is putting the finishing touches on a proposal to be presented to the school board next month that includes $280 million in new construction, $170 million in renovations, $26 million for technology, $11.2 million for vehicles and $1.5 million for security upgrades.

The possible bond vote is in anticipation of projected growth of nearly 30,000 additional students over the next nine years.


TAMU System board picks Hussey, Peddicord

Mark Hussey (right) has been named director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Lee Peddicord (left) the director of the Texas Engineering Experiment station, by action last week of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Hussey has been serving as interim director of his agency while Peddicord most recently served as vice chancellor for research and federal regulations and was a nuclear engineering professor.

Mark Hussey

Lee Peddicord

Both Peddicord and Hussey were named the lone finalists for the positions earlier this year. Additionally, Gayne Fearneyhough was named interim director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab, and replaces Lelve Gayle, who has retired. Also confirmed as general counsel for the TAMU System was Deputy Chancellor Jay Kimbrough.


Houston superintendent wants $805 million bond vote

Houston ISD Superintendent Abelarado Saavedra has asked his school board to approve an $805 million bond referendum for a three-phase construction and renovation plan for the school district. He is hopeful the board will vote next week to take the issue to the public.

The proposal calls for building 22 new schools and repairing more than 125 existing facilities. It also includes $27 million for updates at secondary school labs and another $90 million for safety upgrades such as fences and surveillance cameras.


San Antonio, Bexar County to share jail services

Bexar County and the City of San Antonio are exploring the sharing of some jail services, including booking and court services. The two are studying the county moving its jail court to a city court building to provide initial hearing services currently handled by city judges. The county also will pay the city more than $1 million for its half of detention services, food for detainees, medical services and city employees to respond to requests from the public. The city is expected to save nearly $1.5 million as a result. No city employees are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the consolidation. Officials note they are also studying other possible consolidations, such as city and county health services.


TEA awards $1.2 million in T-STEM grants

Four Texas schools are the recipients of more than $1.2 million in Texas Education Agency grants to establish Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) academies. The academies are intended to provide specialized instruction aimed at improving academic performance in science and math.

New academies will be establishes at the School of Excellence in Education in San Antonio, the Lasara High School, the Valley View High School in Pharr and Longview High School. T-STEM is a $71 million initiative that will eventually create 35 learning academies and was developed by the Texas High School Project, a public-private partnership that seeks to ensure that high school graduates are prepared for college. There are already 18 established academies.

The T-STEM academies can enroll no more than 100 students per grade. Students are urged to consider science, technology, engineering and math careers. Partners of the Texas High School Projects are the Texas Education Agency, the Office of the Governor, the Communities Foundation of Texas, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the Wallace Foundation, National Instruments and others.


Wilkins named provost at University of North Texas

Wendy WilkinsFormer Michigan State University dean Wendy K. Wilkins (pictured) has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of North Texas. Wilkins currently serves MSU as professor of linguistics. She will begin her position at UNT on Aug. 16.

UNT President Dr. Gretchen Bataille said Wilkins will bring a background of "unusual breadth to this important position." She said Wilkins has participated in all aspects of a university - humanities, arts, research, international education, administration and funding.

Wilkins served as dean of the College of Arts and Letters at MSU. She replaces Howard Johnson, who transferred to a UNT System position earlier this year. She was named one of five finalists from a pool of candidates that resulted from a nationwide search. She previously held academic and administrative positions at Arizona State University, was a faculty member at the University of Washington and at Centro de Estudios Linguisticos y Literarios, El Colegio de Mexico, and Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Ixtapalapa, both in Mexico City.


Steroid screening not likely for school start date

Officials of the University Interscholastic League have indicated that a state-mandated steroid testing program will not likely be ready when high school athletics start as a part of the upcoming school year. A contractor has yet to be hired to administer the random testing, although 14 contractors submitted bids. The bid process was closed last week and now UIL officials are set to name a committee to sift through the proposals and make a recommendation.

The UIL does not think that can all happen before football season starts in August at most Texas high schools. The legislation passed by the 80th Legislature states that some 23,000 students in 400 Texas high schools will be tested randomly. A positive test will result in a 30-day suspension for the first offense. Texas is one of only three states that mandates random steroid testing among high school athletes.


Cap Metro OKs $6 million in rail funding

Austin's Cap Metro board recently approved two projects valued at more than $6 million as it prepares for commuter rail service. A $2.6 million contract was approved for the building of five station platforms and another $1.9 million was approved for purchasing and installing a dispatch control system. Another $800,000 was approved for commuter rail shop equipment and $1.2 million for installation and upgrade of traffic gates where rail lines intersect streets.

The $90 million computer rail project for Cap Metro was authorized by votes in 2004 for a Leander to downtown Austin line. The first two cars, being built in Switzerland, will be delivered in October. Service for the line is expected to begin late next year.


Lancaster withdraws plan for four-day school week

A four-day school week in the Lancaster ISD is off the table - for now. Officials of the school district this week withdrew their request of the Texas Education Agency for a waiver on the number of state-mandated school days so the district could operate on a four-day week. The action came less than a week after they took their proposal to TEA officials in Austin.

Larry Lewis

Lancaster ISD Superintendent Larry Lewis (pictured) hailed the proposal as a way for the district to save more than a million dollars and be beneficial to academics. However, when TEA officials met last week, they questioned the effect the plan might have on the state's school funding formula. The TEA also questioned the timeliness of the request, as it would have to be approved 30 days before the start of the school year. LISD officials said that deadline and questions on the effects the proposal might have on employee contracts were among the reasons for withdrawing the proposal.

However, district officials are planning to appoint a committee to study the issue perhaps for implementation in the 2008-09 school year.


Belton, Bell County to sell bonds for projects

The Bell County Commissioners Court and the Belton City Council are considering issuing certificates of obligation to fund debt without increasing the tax rate.

Belton officials might spend $5.75 million in certificates supporting drainage and street projects, city hall renovation and constructing a public works maintenance building. It also would allot money for a splash pad at a park in south Belton and for a drainage pond in one area of the city.

Bell County officials may order the sale of $6.1 million in certificates of obligation to update old road and bridge department equipment, build a record and voting equipment storage building, replace the sign and sound system at the Bell County Expo Center, update equipment for the Bell County Communications Center and the information systems department.


Homeland security bill addresses border issues

The new $41 billion congressional homeland security bill will involve enhancing law enforcement efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and give local entities more say in where a border fence will be built so as to protect local commerce.

The general bill includes $3 billion to increase the U.S. Border Patrol, and build 700 miles of fence and 300 miles of vehicle barriers.

Another measure provides $100 million to reimburse law enforcement in United States border cities that arrest and detain smugglers and undocumented workers.


Parks and Wildlife to train school archery instructors

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Texas Archery in the Schools Program (TASP) will offer basic archery instructor training beginning next week. The program is the Texas state affiliate of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and is designed to provide Olympic-style target archery training in elementary through high school physical education classes. The program is a two-week segment of a physical education course for target archery.

TPWD adopted the program in 2004, making Texas one of 45 states with similar programs. It is aimed at teaching school students skills that include discipline, focus and precision. Basic Archery Instructors (BAI) may attend a one-day training but more advanced instruction over a three-day period is also available for attendees to become a Basic Archery Instructor Trainer (BAIT.)

The dates and locations for the archery instructor training sessions include: Wednesday, Aug. 8, BAI, Somerset High School, San Antonio; Monday, Aug. 6, BAI, Welder Wildlife Foundation, Sinton; TBA, BAI, Alpine; Oct. 10-12, BAIT/BAI, El Paso.


Ingleside offers Gray city manager post

The name of James "Jim" Gray (pictured) has risen to the top of nearly three-dozen applicants for the city manager spot at the city of Ingleside. Gray was among the top three candidates called for interviews last weekend, at which time a tentative contract offer was extended.

The city has been without a city manager for nearly a year. During the interim, the city's former financial consultant, Paul Baen, has been serving as city manager.


TSU may get national transportation security center

Congress has sent the president legislation to establish a national transportation security center at Texas Southern University, which would pave the way for millions of dollars in U.S. Department of Homeland Security grants. The center would conduct research on transportation security and develop and provide training for transportation workers.


Remelius, Lujan earn posts at TAMU-Kingsville

Dr. Terisa Remelius (right) has been named vice president for student affairs and Manuel Lujan (left) was promoted to vice president for enrollment management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Terisa Remelius

Manuel Lujan

Lujan, current associate vice president for enrollment, is now vice president for enrollment management. Prior to joining TAMU-Kingsville, he served as associate vice president of enrollment management and then dean of enrollment management at TAMU-Corpus Christi. He also previously was dean of admissions and registrar at Angelo State University. Lujan earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Angelo State.

Remelius comes from the University of South Dakota, where she was assistant vice president of student services and dean of students. She has also served in professional roles at St. Louis University and Greenville College in Illinois and at Central Methodist College and the Afton and Lindbergh School Districts in Missouri. She has been a graduate faculty member at the University of South Dakota and St. Louis University. Remelius earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Ph.D. from St. Louis University. She was selected following a nationwide search and replaces Dr. Tom Jackson, who became vice president for student affairs at the University of Louisville last year.


Fort Worth ISD bond election will top $593 million

In November, Fort Worth Independent School District voters will decide whether to approve a $593.6 million bond package that will add six new schools, upgrade classroom technology, provide new buses, improve the district athletic facilities and provide 122 new classrooms in eight schools.

The bond issue results from a yearlong study of district facilities including room sizes, painting, and roof and security systems. The study identified important infrastructure issues in the district such as the fact that more than half of the district's schools are at least 50 years old and approximately 900 classrooms currently congregate in portable buildings.


Texas fire departments can apply for grants

Texas fire departments can apply for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, which are intended to enhance employment and deployment capabilities so fire departments have 24-hour staffing to ensure protection from fire and terrorism-related hazards.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is releasing grant guidance and application information for approximately $110 million in SAFER grants for Fiscal Year 2007.

"SAFER grants support two specific activities: the hiring of firefighters and recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters," according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The grants pay a portion of the salaries of newly hired firefighters over the five-year award performance period."


Rains don't scuttle Texas parks activities

Despite Texas' recent rash of rainy weather and the floods that have followed, state parks are open for business and looking unusually lush, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Anglers are taking advantage of higher water levels (as in the TPWD photo at right), which allow fish to move to new habitats and re-colonize areas they couldn't reach before such as upstream small dams. Heavy rains also insert nutrients into streams, help clean them out and reset the environment.

"Last year at this time, our state was experiencing terrible drought conditions almost everywhere," said Walt Dabney, director of Texas state parks. "While this year's rains have certainly reduced visitation on some weekends, Spring Break and recent holidays, when the rains resume a more normal pattern, the parks are going to be the greenest and the rivers and lakes the best they've been in many years. It should make for an outstanding park experience."


Denton prepares for $280 million bond election

Denton school board members approved the $270 million in bond recommendations made by the school district's citizens' advisory committee, and added an additional $12 million to the package.

The proposal include building more schools, funding school renovations, buying land and possibly beginning a child care program for employees' children.

The board is expected to officially call a bond election at its next meeting on Aug. 14.


Police department using wi-fi surveillance cameras

The Corpus Christi Police Department is test running three real-time, wi-fi surveillance cameras in high crime areas. The recorded video can be used to identify potential suspects or witnesses in an investigation, and the surveillance tapes provide strong evidence for prosecution.

Last year Dallas installed similar cameras and has had lower crime rates in surveillance-monitored areas such as the skate park where there's been a clear reduction of vandalism.

The cameras aren't watched 24 hours a day, but with the click of a mouse, officers can zoom, pan and tilt to find small details that make a dramatic difference in crime detection.

Costing $65,000, the cameras were paid for with money from gang and drug seizures, along with grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.


Hanson, Welch named W. Texas A&M chairs

West Texas A&M University has named two faculty members as heads of new or revamped academic departments on campus - Dr. Trudy Hanson (right), professor of speech communication, will chair the new Department of Communication, and Dr. Reed Welch (left), associate professor of political science, will chair the revamped Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Trudy Hanson

Reed Welch

Hanson holds her bachelor's and master's degrees from Louisiana State University and completed her doctoral work at Texas Tech University.

Welch earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. At WTAMU, he has served as graduate adviser for political science and as assistant director of the Honors Program.


Brazoria toll road authority studying toll lanes

Brazoria County's toll road authority and engineering office is hoping to expedite creation of new tolled lanes on Highway 288 by uniting with Harris County's Toll Road Authority and transportation department or the Texas Department of Transportation. The lanes are currently scheduled for completion in 2014.

Senate Bill 792, signed in June, gives local entities the option to construct, develop and operate toll roads in their jurisdiction. Based on that bill, Brazoria County Toll Road Authority was granted $70,000 for legal, financial and engineering consultants to look into the possibility of the county controlling its future with Highway 288.

Road fees will be paid only if voters approve a future bond election and the funds from those bonds become available. Brazoria County Commissioners are considering creating a report to examine construction and engineering costs, traffic projections, toll-fee scenarios and revenue projections regarding the new lanes.


Tarleton appoints two new deans

Tarleton State University has added two new names to its deans roster: Dr. Raja Iyer (left) is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. James Pierce (right) is dean of the College of Science and Technology. Their appointments were effective Aug. 1.

James Pierce

Raja Iyer

Iyer received his bachelor's degree from the University of Burdwan in India, and his master's degree from the University of Minnesota. He came to Tarleton in 2004 and has taught courses in computer information systems, operations management, statistics and economics. He has also served as CIS department head, director of the Center for Information Technology Management and director of a master's program in information systems.

Pierce's bachelor's degree and Ph.D. are from The University of Texas at Austin. He was a research associate, project investigator and postdoctoral trainee at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Smithville, and has worked for Texas A&M University-Kingsville as a professor and assistant dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.


Barnes named to board; Cooper named chair

Robert C. Barnes of Granbury has been named by Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the board of the Texas Mutual Insurance Company. Perry also named board member Richard Cooper as presiding officer. The company acts as a competitive force in the workers' compensation market to guarantee the availability of workers' compensation in Texas and to act as the insurer of last resort.

Barnes is owner and president of Bob Barnes Companies, a real estate development and management company. Cooper is president of National Travel Systems and has been a board member of the TMIC since 1996.


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Thousands of contracting opportunities result from BRAC recommendations

Mary Scott Nabers

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

When officials in San Antonio held a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) procurement conference earlier this year, all kinds of vendors and service providers were in attendance. One fellow was there to offer something rather unusual - surge protectors.

His theory was that since one of the BRAC recommendations was to transform Fort Sam Houston and Brooke Army Medical Center into training and medical care centers, it would be extremely important to ensure that electronic equipment would never fail due to power surges. The important point made by the presence of a vendor selling surge protectors is that the needs are so great and the projects are so large, every type of contractor should be able to find opportunities.

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Hey, Austin.
We're coming home!


Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) has been teaching Strategic Government Sales Workshops throughout the United States for a number of large government contractors. Now, the team is ready to hold a session in Austin.

SPI's Selling to State and Local Government conference is taught by our one-of-a-kind team of former high-level state and local government officials and veteran sales executives. This one-day, action-packed, information-rich program is a must for anyone interested in selling to government.

Register now for this unique conference, scheduled for early September. Check this space next week for more details on time and date. Space is limited and no more than 50 participants will be accepted.

All 50 participants will receive a Guide to Upcoming State and Local Opportunities for 2008. This valuable information will describe dozens of upcoming state government opportunities (all funded and scheduled for the state's new fiscal year which begins in September). Participants will also receive listings of upcoming local government opportunities (all funded) with information attached regarding timelines, budgets, decision-makers and historical data.

For more information, please call Reagan Weil, SPI business development director, at 512-531-3917 or email Reagan at rweil@spartnerships.com.


Brumback named city manager in Baytown

Garry Brumback, assistant city manager for the city of Clearwater, Florida, has been named Baytown's next city manager. Brumback was one of three finalists for the position from a field of more than 52 applicants.

Gary Brumback

In Clearwater, a city of more than 100,000, Brumback is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the administration, engineering and utilities and quality of life departments. He also has experience in operations and financial management as well as in redevelopment and revitalization, planning and hurricane preparedness. Brumback earned his bachelor's degree from Virginia Military Institute and his master's from Boston University. Brumback replaces Gary Jackson, who left Baytown to become assistant city manager in Deer Park.


Keller ISD planning 'green' features in new school

The Keller ISD's fourth high school isn't scheduled to open until 2009, but the drawings and blueprints for its $88.5 million construction have been completed for the project slated to start in the fall. The two-story building's "green" features will include windows for natural light to reduce the amount of electricity needed, geothermal heating and cooling and bricks bought locally or from energy-efficient companies.

The school will be situated in the Villages of Woodland Springs subdivision in far north Fort Worth and will require the Keller school district to redraw high school attendance zones. It will have capacity for approximately 3,000 students.


Smith lone finalist at Center Point school district

Donna Smith is the lone finalist for superintendent at Center Point Independent School District. She retired from her role as West Texas superintendent in 2005 and has been working with youth activities at her church in Boerne since then.


UT-Tyler names Hobbs interim department chair

Dr. Jeffrey Hobbs (pictured), associate professor of speech communication at The University of Texas at Tyler, has been named interim chair of the school's communication department. He will oversee educational direction and faculty development within the department and carry managerial duties. Hobbs succeeds Dr. Roger Conaway, professor of communication, who will begin serving as president of the Association of Business Communication in October.

Jeffrey Hobbs

A UT-Tyler faculty member since 2001, Hobbs holds a bachelor's degree from Harding University, two master's degrees from Abilene Christian University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. He also serves as UT-Tyler debate coach.


Sollenberger to lead planned Baylor hospital

Donna Sollenberger will soon become head of a hospital that hasn't even been built yet. The former head of the University of Wisconsin's hospital and clinic has been tapped to lead the Baylor College of Medicine's planned 600-bed facility that is not due to open until 2010. Ground was broken for the site in May and a $1 billion fundraising campaign launched. When Sollenberger comes on board Oct. 22, she will become only the second female chief executive officer in the Texas Medical Center.

Donna Sollenberger

A former vice president for hospital and clinics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Sollenberger steered the University of Wisconsin's children's hospital to a successful opening this year and was also involved in the planning of facilities at M.D. Anderson, California's City of Hope Medical Center and the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois-Springfield.


O'Connor leaving Whitewright for Celina ISD

Whitewright School District Superintendent Rob O'Connor has resigned and will move on to the larger school district in Celina.

Acting as interim superintendent will be Reed Pittman, who has been the city's middle school principal and special programs director.

Proposals for O'Connor's replacement will be made in October, a search firm will be hired in November, applications will be reviewed in December, interviews will follow in January and a replacement should be hired in February.


Baytown adopts aquatic master plan

Baytown City Council has adopted an aquatics master plan and is debating whether to run a water park at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex or give the facility to a private developer.

The arrangement stipulates that the city will maintain the facility for $315,000 each year in upkeep unless private developers express interest in doing so. The $11.5 million master plan includes a neighborhood pool, a spray park and several "splash pads."


Governor announces appointments this week

Gov. Rick Perry this week named the following appointments:

  • Gerardo M. 'Jerry' Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas Residential Construction Commission, for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013
  • Mickey Randall Redwine of Ben Wheeler, Texas Residential Construction Commission, for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013
  • Beau Egert of Houston, One Star Foundation, term to expire March 15, 2009
  • Rev. Charles Lewis Jackson of Houston, One Star Foundation, term to expire March 15, 2010
  • Janine Turner of Colleyville, Star Foundation, term to expire March 15, 2009
  • Barry L. Anderson of Arlington, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2008
  • Beverly Ashley-Fridie Ed.D. of Edinburg, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2010
  • Stuart Joseph Babenco of El Paso, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2008
  • Walter G. Diggles Sr. of Jasper, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2010
  • Gregorio Flores III of San Antonio, One Star National Service Commission term to expire March 15, 2009
  • Courtney Johnson of Woodway, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2008
  • Diana T. Juarez of Laredo, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2010
  • Michael S. Kling of Cedar Park, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2008
  • Connie Roberts of El Paso, One Star National Service Commission term to expire March 15, 2009
  • Dolores Schwertner of San Angelo, One Star National Service Commission term to expire March 15, 2009
  • Art Serna Jr. of Austin, One Star National Service Commission term to expire March 15, 2009
  • Martha A. Tatum of Sugar Land, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2010
  • Joseph Zavaletta Jr. of Brownsville, One Star National Service Commission, term to expire March 15, 2010
  • Corsicana looking at four-option bond election

    The Corsicana City Council met on Monday to discuss a proposed bond package involving a four-option ballot to let voters choose from four different projects that include street replacement on a dozen thoroughfares, park projects, a downtown project and a new fire/police station.


    Weatherford College studying construction plan

    The Weatherford College Board of Trustees recently viewed the proposed construction project for the Weatherford campus based on comprehensive assessments of facilities, infrastructure and related needs.

    The proposal's plans involve construction of a "one-stop" student services building, a student union, cafeteria, staff offices, updated physical education facilities, an allied health classroom, lab facility, general classrooms, renovations to all but three existing buildings and infrastructure and roadway upgrades.

    A bond issue for construction would be just over $98 million. The board's bond election timeline sets the Aug. 23 meeting as the deadline for ordering an election for November of this year.


    Surprise! Texas drought has officially ended

    It probably comes as no surprise - particularly to areas of North and Central Texas that have been inundated by rain and floods this summer - that the drought in Texas has officially been declared over.

    The 10-year drought adversely affected water levels of rivers and lakes throughout the state. Numerous cities called for mandatory water restrictions and the agriculture industry suffered. But then the rains came. Water reservoirs went from as much as one-quarter full to upwards of 85 percent full.

    However, the flip side to the good news of no more drought is that coastal waters of Texas have created a "dead zone" of oxygen-depleted water from Freeport to the Matagorda Bay that is threatening marine life. Fresh water from rivers reaches the Gulf of Mexico and depletes the oxygen, so oxygen at the surface does not get to the salt water below where marine organisms live. Some may die without access to oxygen.


    Clarksville ISD names Bryant lone finalist

    Pamela Bryant is the lone Superintendent finalist with the Clarksville Independent School District. The 31-year CISD veteran has been acting as interim superintendent since May when Joe Oliver resigned. According to state law, the school board must wait at least 21 days before taking final action on Bryant's employment.


    Paris picks Carruth as next city manager

    Kevin Carruth is the new city manager of Paris. He won't begin until after Aug. 17 when he finishes a 60-day stint as town manager of Prosper.

    Carruth has been city manager of Daingerfield, Hillsboro and Brownwood. The Lubbock native received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech and a master's degree from the University of Houston.


    Uninsured drivers could have cars impounded

    The city of Beaumont is studying ways to keep uninsured motorists from driving on city streets. The city council this week discussed the possibility of impounding vehicles of uninsured motorists who are stopped for traffic infractions and then charging them a minimum of $200 to recover their vehicles. City officials note more than 600 traffic citations per month are issued by officers to uninsured motorists. If approved, the city would likely have to come up with a 10-acre lot for storing the vehicles. Figures being discussed by the council are a $110 towing fee, a $20 administrative fee, a $20 per day storage fee and a $50 notification fee for offenders. Although start-up costs would be upwards of $1.7 million, Beaumont officials believe the program would pay for itself within 18 months and then generate $1.2 million for city coffers each year thereafter.


    Governor supports Travis County K9s

    The Travis County Sheriffs' Department was granted $16,468 by the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund to purchase a climate-controlled canine kennel for officers to transport their working dogs.

    The funds are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division, which annually awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.


    UT-Brownsville named winner of NSF grant

    The Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy (CGWA) at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College was granted more than $4.98 million from the National Science Foundation.

    Juliet Garcia

    The grant will fund interdisciplinary investigations at the center, which is a leading researcher in gravitational astrophysics, aiming to develop excellence in educational exploration in areas related to gravitational wave astronomy. The research conducted will chart the evolution of the universe and help researchers understand its galaxies, stars, and their dynamics and evolution.

    "This is a beautiful example of an interdisciplinary approach to mathematics and science," said UTB/TSC President Dr. Juliet V. Garcia (pictured). "We also have, collaborating in the proposal, the computer science and mathematics departments working to expand what is already a shining light of higher education in South Texas."


    Interested in contracting opportunities?

    Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) boasts one of the finest business development research divisions in the United States. The team is known for its ability to point clients to upcoming opportunities before public announcements are made. SPI teams analyze budgets and approved funding for state agencies, cities, counties, universities and all governmental entities.

    Currently, SPI researchers are finalizing their analysis of all appropriated funding for state government for the next biennium. The state's new fiscal year begins in September and every agency will have new funds.

    Interested in knowing how state agencies in Texas plan to spend hundreds of millions with contractors in the next 24 months? Call Reagan Weil for details at (512) 531-3900 or (512) 531-3917.


    SPI announces job opportunities

    Federal experts

    Strategic 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.

    K-12 and local government consultants

    SPI 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 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 or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

    Hospital consultants

    SPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, healthcare industry expertise and strong connections and relationships at hospitals throughout Texas who are interested in assisting its consulting teams. To apply for this part-time consulting position, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Hospital Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.


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    TSU could face another interim president

    Timothy BoddieThere's talk on the Texas Southern University campus that Interim President J. Timothy Boddie Jr. (pictured) could be replaced by Glenn Lewis, who currently serves as chair of the university's board of regents. Lewis, who works for a Houston law firm, admits he has asked the firm about taking leave if TSU were to offer him the position.

    If he were named to the interim presidency, Lewis could hold that position for up to a year. Regents have indicated they want to expand the pool of candidates for the presidency, which could leave the interim position intact longer. Boddie was named interim president after the former president was fired and the nine-member board of regents was replaced by the current five-member board.


    TAMU nursing college approved by regents

    The Texas A&M Health Science Center's proposed nursing college in Bryan-College Station received approval from the A&M System Board of Regents last week, pending final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

    Texas' severe nursing shortage is compounded by a nursing network that is aging and ready to retire. The A&M nursing program plans to provide three different "tracks" for the baccalaureate degree; a standard Bachelor of Science in nursing requiring two years of prerequisite courses and two years of nursing curricula; an "accelerated" program for those already possessing a bachelor's degree in a related field and needing to complete the nursing curriculum and required clinical experiences; and a program allowing registered nurses with associate degrees to complete additional course work for a bachelor's.

    Enrollment projections include 40 full-time bachelor's students in the first year, growing to a total of 250 students in less than 10 years.


    Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletter

    Most e-mail applications today have spam filtering. The e-mail address we use to send you the Texas Government Insider newsletter is editor@spartnerships.com.

    To ensure timely delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe 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.

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    TARC Conference on Regionalism set in September

    The 2007 Texas Association of Regional Councils' Conference on Regionalism is set for Sept. 5-7 at the Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin. Among the confirmed speakers for the annual event are: Texas State Sen. Kirk Watson; Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples; Dr. Ray Perryman, president of the Perryman Group; Texas State Rep. Mike Krusee; Austin Mayor Will Winn; and Billy Ray Hall, founding president of the Rural Economic Development Center. Some of the discussion sessions will center on topics that include school emergency preparedness and response, critical infrastructure protection, recycling and waste minimization and statewide interoperability. To view the agenda for the conference, click here. Exhibitor registration ends Aug. 3. To register online to attend the conference, click here.


    Attorney General's Office hosts fatherhood conference

    The Texas Attorney General's Office is hosting a national conference on "The First Nine Months of Fatherhood: Paternal Contributions to Maternal and Infant Outcomes" August 20-21 in Houston. The conference is designed to present a sampling of the emerging research findings on the impact of paternal involvement and promising field practices. Legislative and policy staff, Health & Human Services/Administration for Children & Families administrators, health, social science, and public policy researchers, public agency administrators and others are welcome.

    For more information, visit http://www.oag.state.tx.us/conferences/fatherhood/.