Texas law enforcement sees photo ops
Red light cameras are aiding law enforcement efforts in nine Texas cities and more than a dozen other jurisdictions are in various stages of planning or implementing programs that will use the technology to issue tickets to impatient motorists trying to beat red lights.
Thanks largely to a June opinion from Attorney General Greg Abbott, which gave the green light to the installation of red light cameras on state highways, more cities are embarking on plans that could substantially increase their traffic fine revenue. The opinion permits TxDOT to both install and operate the cameras on state highways and to authorize cities to employ the cameras on state highways passing through their jurisdiction.
Red light cameras are triggered by a sensor when a car passes through an intersection after failing to stop at a red light. The camera snaps a photo of the car's license plate, and authorities send a citation through the mail to the vehicle's registered owner. Studies have credited the new technology with reducing red light violations 20 to 50 percent, as well as a 25 to 30 percent reduction in intersection-related injury crashes.
"Intersection safety is a serious problem and red-light cameras have proven to be an effective countermeasure. Cities are beginning to investigate and implement the use of automated enforcement at intersections to improve traffic safety and to augment scarce enforcement resources," noted Carlos Lopez, director of TxDOT's Traffic Operations Division.
Some nine Texas cities - Denton, Duncanville, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Houston, Plano, Richardson and Rowlett - already have installed red-light cameras for traffic enforcement, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But many others are in various stages of discussing or implementing a program, including Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Hickory Creek, Arlington, Richland Hills, El Paso, Montgomery County, Amarillo, Austin, Balcones Heights, Conroe, Copperas Cove, Denton, Alamo Heights, Terrell and Hutto.
Houston started issuing tickets based on photos at 10 intersections, and while officials estimated the city would earn about $6.7 million annually - based on a conservative collection rate - the success of other cities indicates that Houston could earn as much as $24 million from the program.
Cities have been able to begin the program without actually spending any money: in Corpus Christi, for instance, contractors are being asked to foot the bill for all equipment, installation, maintenance and citation processing. In return, the company would receive a yet-to-be-determined cut of revenue generated by the citations and collected for the city. Currently in Corpus Christi, red-light violations cost a driver $150.
Technology upgrades aid public safety efforts
The influence of new technology is spreading through all government sectors, improving services for constituents and improving safety for public servants. Among the latest jurisdictions to benefit from technological innovations are:
- The Baytown Fire and Rescue Department, which is retrofitting its department air packs with a new "personnel accountability safety system." The Baytown City Council approved $30,000 for the purchase of a new PASS system which emits a loud alarm if a firefighter remains motionless for a specified period of time. The equipment uses state-of-the-art radio technology to give incident commanders more accurate information on the welfare of firefighters during a fire.
- In Beaumont, new security cameras at three high schools already have taped an assault, a theft, a burglary and loitering students in hallways. School officials say the cameras allow them to monitor hallways from their office computers to check on students skipping class. School trustees last May approved a purchase of $410,000 for 204 cameras, which were installed across the three campuses during the summer.
- The Austin school district has completed about one third of a project, authorized in a 2004 bond vote, to install 3,000 cameras at its 120 schools and other facilities.
- In Orange, the police department this week began installing in its 10 patrol cars laptops equipped with software that will allow officers to search multiple law enforcement databases when they stop a motorist. Fourteen laptops also will be given to investigators and narcotics detectives. Orange police officers will be able to immediately detect if they have been given false information, and can access outstanding warrants, stolen vehicle reports, department of motor vehicle photos and National Crime Information Center photos. The city of Orange purchased the software with a $126,150 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The laptops were funded by a $75,000 foundation grant.
Woods named deputy commissioner at TDA
Lisa Woods, who has worked with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs since 1991, this week was named deputy commissioner for TDA. She succeeds Martin Hubert, who was named commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Woods served as Combs' chief of staff when Combs was a member of the Texas House. She then served as chief of staff at TDA until 2003, before taking a job in Colorado with the University of Colorado Foundation.
Wright amendment language changed
Some of the language in an agreement hammered out earlier this summer regarding the proposed repeal of the Wright amendment has been changed, mainly due to antitrust concerns. The bill was to have been taken up in the U.S. House Judiciary Committee this week, but discussion has been delayed until probably next week.
Officials of the cities of Fort Worth and Dallas and American and Southwest Airlines reached a compromise they all could sign off on in June, but the proposal has faced numerous hurdles as it is being debated by Congress. The change would remove a phrase in the bill that offers a blanket exemption from competition laws, which opponents of the legislation say would have provided an unfair benefit for the two airlines involved.
The bill being considered would lift flight restrictions at Dallas Love Field in 2014 and allow one-stop tickets from anywhere in the country from Love Field. The agreement would also reduced the number of gates at Love Field from 32 to 20. Time is running out on the proposal, as Congress will only be in session for less than a month before the pre-election break.
Perry announces environmental initiative
More than $500,000 in state seed money and in-kind contributions is being made available to the Trinity River Basin Environmental Restoration project to improve the river's ecosystem and water quality. Gov. Rick Perry said the project will leverage federal dollars "for projects that improve water quality, hydrology, wetland restoration, hardwood reforestation, wildlife habitat and voluntary landowner stewardship."
State funds will be used for storm water control, irrigation programs and education. These and other state funds and private donations could leverage as much as $30 million in the next three to five years to develop a comprehensive water flow model with the Army Corps of Engineers, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and expand ecotourism opportunities in the Trinity River Basin. Funds also will be used to leverage federal dollars for grants for the rural areas of the basin.
Texas A&M University's Texas Water Resources Institute will lead and coordinate the project, working closely with the Trinity Basin Conservation Foundation, a group of local landowners, conservationists, and parks and wildlife advocates. While landowner participation in the project will be voluntary, incentives will be offered to encourage participation. The Trinity River Basin is the only basin in the country that connects two major metropolitan areas - from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to Houston. The river is in close proximity to 8.9 million residents and provides water to 40 percent of the state's population.
Border Sheriff's Coalition awarded grant
The Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition has been awarded a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, and the funding will be used to help provide equipment and supplies for the Operation Linebacker Task Force.
"Our borders must be secured - it is an issue of national security," said U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in announcing the grant. The Operation Linebacker Task Force will assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection in preventing terrorism, strengthening control of the Texas-Mexico border, and protecting American citizens. The Task Force is an initiative of the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition, an association of the sheriff's offices in Texas' 16 border counties.
UTEP appoints Gen. Riojas to position
Brig. Gen. Jose D. Riojas has been named Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Texas at El Paso. Riojas, who recently announced he will retire from the U.S. Army after 30 years, will begin his new position at UTEP on Nov. 1 and will be responsible for planning and implementing the university's response to build research capacity relating to border security and defense systems.
Riojas said UTEP will have a "profound impact" on development of the El Paso region's economy as well as being a "powerful asset for homeland security and defense issues" both locally and nationally. Riojos currently commands Joint Task Force North at Fort Bliss. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, Riojas is a former senior assistant professor of military science at Bowling Green State University and was a political military affairs officer in the U.S. State Department and an Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Army at the Pentagon. Prior to his assignment at Fort Bliss, he was Assistant Division Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division at Sweetwater, Ga.
Madla's departure leads to naming of new chairs
The early departure from the Texas Senate of Sen. Frank Madla of San Antonio, who was defeated earlier this year in the Texas Primary Election, has led Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst to name two new committee chairs.
The Senate Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Committee, previously chaired by Madla, will now be headed up by Sen. Royce West of Dallas. The IGR Committee's jurisdiction relates to local government issues, such as city and county affairs.
The Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education, previously chaired by West, will now have Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo as chair. The committee's jurisdiction is over state policy affecting colleges and universities in Texas
Hubert named to TCEQ
Martin August Hubert of Austin has been named to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality by Gov. Rick Perry. The commission oversees and establishes policy for the state’s lead environmental permitting and enforcement agency.
Hubert currently is deputy commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture. He previously served as general counsel for the Texas Senate Natural Resources Committee, and was the special assistant and general counsel to then-Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and received a law degree from St. Mary’s University and a master of laws in taxation from the Georgetown University Law Center. If approved by the Texas Senate, Hubert will serve for a term that expires Aug. 31, 2011.
Stakeholders to help pick next Health Commissioner
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) stakeholders will be allowed to have input in the selection of the agency's next commissioner. Commissioner Dr. Eduardo J. Sanchez has announced his resignation effective in October, and a national search is under way to name his replacement.
Those who work closely with DSHS will have two opportunities to offer input that HHSC Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins will use when he selects a new commissioner. On Sept. 11, public health and members of professional medical associations will meet and produce a list of leadership qualities and other qualifications they feel the next DSHS commissioner should have. Once applicants are screened and reviewed, those stakeholders will be invited to an informal question and answer session with the final two candidates.
SE Texas Regional Airport gets repairs grant
A special hurricane repair grant from the Federal Aviation Administration will assist with repairs as a result of damages caused by Hurricane Rita at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport in Port Arthur. The grant funds of more than $8.2 million will mostly be used for improvements and repairs to the main passenger terminal, where much of the roof was ripped off, a wall was heavily damaged and the terminal suffered water and wind damage.
Following last year's two devastating hurricanes, emergency federal funds were made available for grants-in-aid for repairs and costs associated with storm damage at public use airports in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The funds were earmarked for such projects as repairs to terminals, hangars, runways, airfield signs, lighting, fencing, navigation aids and fuel systems as well as emergency operating costs. They are all 100 percent federally funded with no local match required. When the airport receives the funds, the Jefferson County will be reimbursed for the approximately $1 million it has already spent on repairs.
Not only will the funds be used for repairs, but officials also plan to renovate the design of the terminal, reducing the space for passenger use from 41,000 to 24,000 square feet and dedicating 17,000 square feet for retail and office space. Officials are hopeful to go to bid in January and complete construction by June.
Leslie finalist for Alamo CC chancellor
Former Houston Community College System Chancellor Dr. Bruce Leslie has been named the lone finalist for the chancellor position at the Alamo Community College District.
Leslie served six years as chancellor of the Houston system, the nation's second largest system with some 55,000 students and six campuses. He resigned from the Houston system in June.
Leslie earned his master's degree from Sam Houston State University and his doctorate from the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin. He has also done postgraduate studies at Harvard University. Prior to his affiliation with the Houston Community College System, Leslie was chancellor of the Connecticut Community-Technical College System for three years and spent 12 years as president of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY. Leslie would replace former Chancellor Terence Kelly, who vacated the position in January due to health reasons. Daniel Derrico has been serving as interim chancellor since April and did not apply to become chancellor.
Midland, Howard counties study jail partnership
Both facing overcrowding in their respective jails, officials in Midland and Howard counties are not ruling out the possibility of a jail partnership that could alleviate the space constraints both counties are reporting.
Howard County recently approved a bond issue that includes a $10 million, 144-bed jail expansion. In Midland County, law enforcement officials are pushing for a 400-bed jail expansion and hoping to get a jail project off the ground with part of the county's $5 million in capital improvement funds. A 400-bed expansion is estimated to have a $15 million price tag. Midland County officials are exploring funding options to pay for an expansion.
Officials understand there would be questions to address if such a partnership came about, such as who would be responsible for operating the jail.
Ahrens named to TDI ombudsman slot
Jennifer Ahrens, the Texas Department of Insurance Associate Commissioner for Life, Health and Licensing, has been named by Commissioner Mike Geeslin as TDI's Health Care Provider Ombudsman. The position was previously held by Audrey Selden, senior associate commissioner of TDI's Consumer Protection Division.
Ahrens, former general counsel and advisor to the Governor's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy, will assist health care providers in their dealings with insurance carriers. The office also helps expedite resolution of provider complaints and analyzes complaint data that might require corrective action or lead to suggested changes in TDI rules.
Killeen police headquarters costs escalate
What a difference four years makes...
In 2002, Killeen voters approved a $64 million general obligations bond package dedicated to capital improvements. From that figure, $15.7 million was dedicated to construction of a new police headquarters. Since then, increases in construction and equipment costs have pushed that figure to approximately $30 million. City officials now are facing the likelihood of having to issue additional debt if they want to continue with the police project, but are reluctant to increase taxes to do so.
Abbott taps Rose as First Assistant AG
Jeff Rose has been named Deputy First Assistant Attorney General by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Rose has served as Chief of the Civil General Litigation Division at the Office of the Attorney General since 2003, handling some of the state's highest profile civil litigation matters, ranging from school finance to health care administration.
Abbott called Rose a "trusted legal advisor, not just for me and my office, but to outside clients, commissions, agencies and boards across the state."
Rose brings to his new role extensive trial and appellate experience on behalf of the state. Prior to joining the OAG, Rose was a partner in the Austin office of a Dallas-based law firm. He is a Baylor University graduate and was on the Dean's List at Vanderbilt Law School.
Six educators finalists for teacher of the year
The top six finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year for 2006-07 have been announced by Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley. The six - three elementary and three secondary teachers - were chosen from 40 regional Teachers of the Year.
The three finalists for Elementary Teacher of the Year are: Dana Boyd, second grade teacher in the Ysleta ISD; Susan Gowens, second grade teacher in the Flour Bluff ISD; and Maureen Haggerty, special education teacher in the College Station ISD. Finalists for Secondary Teacher of the Year are: Victoria Fletcher of Hubbard ISD; Mark LaCroix of Midland ISD; and Nika Maples of Keller ISD. A panel of judges made their selection of finalists based on teaching philosophy, education issues and trends, teaching style and the message they would communicate if chosen Texas Teacher of the Year. The finalists now advance to the final judging with one of the two Texas winners to be the state's nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Texas' top two educators will be awarded $5,000 in cash and a technology package valued at $15,000.
Investment officer Boldt returning to private sector
Bob Boldt, president and chief executive officer of the University of Texas Investment Management Co., which handles some $20 billion assets for the University of Texas System, the Texas A&M University System and other state institutions, has resigned to return to private sector business.
Boldt took over the reins of UTIMCO in 2002, growing endowments from $11.1 billion to $15.5 billion. Cathy Iberg, UTIMCO's deputy chief investment officer, will serve as acting president and CEO during the search for Boldt's permanent replacement. Although Boldt's last day at UTIMCO was last week, he will continue to serve in a consulting capacity for three months.
Sage named vice provost at UT
William Sage has been named to the newly created position of vice provost for health affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Sage holds both medical and law degrees and will have oversight over numerous health-related issues at the university as well as teaching in the UT School of Law. Sage previously taught at Columbia University.
Rathers donate $2 million to Sam Houston State
TV newscaster Dan Rather and his wife Jean this week contributed the largest single monetary gift in school history to Sam Houston State University, the legendary newsman's alma mater. The $2 million in funds has been designated for scholarships and discretionary funds for support of the university's communications programs.
"The gift from Dan Rather and his family is a milestone in Sam Houston State's history," said SHSU President James Gaertner (pictured).
This is not the first donation from Rather, who has previously established new scholarships and supported existing programs including journalism, the library, alumni relations, the Honors Program and numerous enrichment programs. Rather earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from SHSU in 1953, when the institution was still known as Sam Houston State Teachers College.
Patterson launches land conservation plan
With a goal of saving family farms and ranches, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has been named to oversee a new Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. The program matches landowners with non-profit organizations interested in buying development rights from the farmer or rancher. The program encourages using conservation easements for land preservation. It provides an option for landowners who are forced to choose between keeping their land or selling for development.
The Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Advisory Council will provide counsel to the Land Commissioner. The council will consist of four ex officio members - the Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office; the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture; the presiding officer of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and the State Conservationist of the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Named by Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the council are: Thomas R. Kelsey of Houston; R. Neal Wilkins of Texas A&M University; Glen David Webb of Abilene and Bob McCan of Victoria. Dan Dierski is a representative from the Texas Farm Bureau.
Watkins top choice for Bryan city manager
The Bryan City Council has chosen David Watkins of Auburn, Alabama, as its top choice to become the city's next city manager. If Watkins and the city come to a contract agreement, Watkins would replace former City Manager Mary Kaye Moore, who in February announced she would retire.
Watkins is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Kansas and spent 19 years as city administrator in Lenexa, Kansas. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in public administration. City officials hope to have a new city manager hired by Oct. 1. Watkins was also being considered for the assistant city manager slot in nearby College Station.
TDA cites Urban School Grant winners
Eleven Texas schools have been named recipients of more than $26,000 awarded under the Texas Department of Agriculture's Urban School Grant Program. The schools qualify for up to $2,500 each for elementary schools' agricultural demonstration projects in urban school districts with 49,000 or more students.
"Each student will work hands-on with agriculture while cultivating math, science, language arts and social studies skills and developing an appreciation of how these skills are used outside the classroom," said Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs. Among the projects are a community garden to study growing conditions and weather patterns while another will build and maintain a "salsa garden," taking home salsa the students make from harvesting their garden.
Winners of the grants are: Bethune Academy, Aldine ISD, Houston; Blanton Elementary, Arlington ISD; Bryant Elementary, Arlington ISD; Butler Elementary, Arlington ISD; Nan Clayton Elementary, Austin ISD; Wooten Elementary, Austin ISD; Farney Elementary, Cypress Fairbanks ISD; Zavala Elementary, El Paso ISD; Ridgemont Elementary, Fort Bend ISD; Burton Elementary, Fort Bend ISD; Meadowbrook Elementary, Fort Worth ISD; and Ed White Elementary, Houston ISD.
Dickinson seeking city administrator
Some three-dozen applicants have submitted resumes for the city administrator position open in Dickinson, and city officials report they are still taking applications. Plans are to interview five candidates by Oct. 27. Interim City Administrator Mike Clawson is one of the applicants.
The new administrator will replace Ivan Langford, who resigned in May to become town manager of Little Elm. Langford had served in Dickinson since 1999. City officials hope to offer the city administrator job to the top candidate by the end of October.
Freer ISD to hold $22 million bond election
Officials of the Freer ISD this week approved calling a $22.9 million bond election in November. The funds would pay for repairs and renovations among the district's facilities. The district plans to hold informational meetings regarding the bond election before the November balloting.
Houston Ship Channel upgrades security
Thanks to $31 million in federal homeland security grant funds, Harris County and the Port of Houston Authority are increasing security at the Houston Ship Channel. Among the security devices purchased to ensure safety along the port area are cameras, radar units, infrared imagers, sonar, a bomb-detecting robot and radiation detection devices. Additionally, the county is discussing purchase of five boats to set up a county marine unit to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in its patrolling of the channel.
Some 250 security cameras are expected to be installed along the more than 50 miles of channel. The cameras will help detect possible terrorism that might be facilitated by underwater swimmers, motorists or pedestrians. More cameras will be installed along highways and perimeters of industrial sites. Thermal imaging equipment will be used for night surveillance and both radar and sonar will be used to detect possible underwater threats.
The county will seek more than $9 million more in U.S. Homeland Security Department grants this year, which would require a $3 million match by the county. Port Authority Managing Director Wade Battles (pictured) said the Port Authority also will seek a $4 million grant to purchase vehicles to patrol such critical infrastructures as the Washburn Tunnel, Sherman Bridge, Hartman Bridge, Channel Toll Bridge, Lynchburg Ferry and the Bayport Container area.
Rita adds 300 buildings to Port Arthur's demolition list
Port Arthur city officials are struggling to find funds to demolish some 300 buildings added by Hurricane Rita to their list of abandoned and dilapidated structures.
Demolition costs about $3,500 a building, and while the city received a federal grant of $90,000 that will pay for fewer than 30 buildings.
Once a building is demolished, the city puts a lien against the property to help recoup the demolition costs. Buildings considered an "imminent health hazard" are given priority. Since the hurricane created a need for new housing, city officials hope to expedite the process so new construction can begin on the old lots.
Buffalo Bayou may get designation for federal funds
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership has been working to acquire private donations of property easement to advance the partnership's $800 million, 20-year master plan, providing a park system that will include a hike and bike trail.
Planners project that another $4.5 billion in private investment is expected alongside those public projects.The organization has purchased a dozen one-acre easements at about $1 million each.
Congress in 2002 authorized a feasibility study on designating Buffalo Bayou as a National Heritage Area. If authorized, the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area could receive up to $1 million in operational funding annually for a decade. Congress has approved $1.65 million to purchase land for park areas along the bayou, and the city and county have provided matching funds and agreed to take over the properties for park development. Those funds went toward acquiring land for the county's Buffalo Bend Nature Park near Wayside Drive, an expansion of Hildago Park near the Turning Basin, and the acquisition of property for a city park near Lockwood Drive.
College Station names economic development leader
David Gwin, community development manager in Carrollton, has been named economic development director for the city of College Station, and will assume his new role Oct. 2.
Gwin was chosen from a field of some 30 applicants. He replaces Kim Foutz, who resigned in February to take a job as assistant city manager in Temple. Prior to his affiliation with Carrollton, Gwin worked as a planner in Arlington and Garland. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. He will be the lead staff liaison on the city's hotel-convention center project and will be responsible for hiring an assistant director to replace Charles Wood, who recently resigned to accept a position with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce in Florida.
Dallas to reopen bidding for Trinity River bridge
After initial bids for the Woodall Rodgers bridge left city officials with sticker shock, officials held meetings with potential contractors to attempt to clarify the project and reduce its cost.
As a result, when the Texas Department of Transportation reopens bidding next week, city officials are hoping the bids will be much closer to their projected cost of $65 million. The 1,800-foot Woodall Rodgers signature span was originally intended to cost $57 million. Since June's $113 million low bid, city officials have rustled up an additional $8 million.
The bridge's architect envisioned a central helix out of a cylindrical steel frame instead of a seven-sided frame. City officials and contractors have studied low-cost construction methods, including the use of lower-cost foreign steel under a federal "Buy America" provision, as long as the full price of the project is 25 percent less than a project using American steel. In the last bidding go-round, the foreign steel cost didn't meet that requirement.
Garcia honored by Hispanic Heritage Foundation
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College president Juliet V. Garcia was one of six Hispanics honored this week by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation during its 20th annual ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Other honorees included actor Antonio Banderas for arts, Hall of Fame baseball player Juan Marichal for sports, Kennedy Center Chair James A. Johnson for vision, Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch for leadership and recording artist Jose Feliciano for lifetime achievement. The ceremony will be aired on NBC on Sept. 30.
Aransas Pass delays spending grant funds
Plans for boat ramp repairs at Aransas Pass are on hold as city officials discuss the possibility of using $95,000 in Texas Parks and Wildlife grant funds for other development projects. Because the city has not moved forward to use the funds for improving boating access, TPWD said the city's share of the federal grant funds from recreational gasoline taxes has instead been put toward active grants. The city will, however, be eligible for the funds once officials decide to move forward with a project.
In the meantime, city officials are looking at using grant funds to help develop a harbor management plan to address abandoned boats, bilgewater waste and environmental cleanup. The city also anticipates seeking up to $1 million in boating infrastructure grants to build docks at the harbor in conjunction with a proposed $250 million private development project. Relocation of the ramp could be part of that project.
UNT seeking research administrator
The University of North Texas has begun its search for a new vice president of research. UNT President Dr. Gretchen Bataille will be seeking to replace Dr. T. Lloyd Chesnut, who resigned in August. Provost Howard Johnson has been overseeing the position since November. Officials hope to have a new vice president in place by the spring.
Bataille said she will also seek a full review of the current research office so the search committee can better find a candidate who will fit at the university.
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Security concerns fuel demand for background checks
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
In the five years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, American views on the necessity of security measures have been radically transformed. After absorbing the catastrophic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, it is understandable that citizens no longer blink an eye as they pass through metal detectors or respond to requests to produce identification.
We want to be safe and we're willing to pay any price to achieve security.
Not only are we seeing enhanced security in airports and large public gatherings, it is just as apparent in the proliferation of government agencies and private employers requiring fingerprinting and extensive criminal background checks on job applicants.
While homeland security efforts may have initiated much of the new interest in fingerprinting and background checks, other factors have added to the demand as well. Employers concerned about liability want to make sure they don't hire a driver with drug or alcohol convictions. Parents want assurance that their children's day care center has screened its workers and public school superintendents want to know as much as possible about bus drivers, janitorial staff and substitute teachers.
Increasingly, governmental officials see background checks as the best method of preventing fraud. Earlier this year, the Office of the Inspector General's Medicaid Provider Integrity section initiated a process to conduct criminal history background checks for all prospective providers of Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care and the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program. In addition, criminal background checks are performed on any persons with "indirect ownership interest" of prospective providers.
Other agencies that have recently mandated new measures to screen personnel include:
- Texas Tech University's Health Science Center now screens both students and residents in training at its facilities.
- The University of Texas System requires criminal background checks of all applicants, with more intensive screening for personnel with access to cash and checks as well as those able to obtain data sensitive to national security or critical data processing systems.
- The University of Texas's College of Pharmacy began in January requiring pharmacy students to submit to a criminal background check. And, the college has informed students that it may require them in advance of their clinical experience to submit to a drug screen.
- The State Board of Educator Certification requires all prospective teachers to be fingerprinted.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a criminal history database and offers fingerprinting services. But the demand for the service has created opportunities for private sector firms that are able to facilitate the process. The UT College of Pharmacy and others refer students to a third party vendor and require each individual to bear the costs associated with a background check. The State Board of Educator Certification recommends that applicants use the DPS's private vendor for fingerprinting, but does not require them to do so.
As border initiatives ramp up, there will undoubtedly be more demand for biometrics, background checks, and tighter security measures of all types. Firms with solutions of this ilk should definitely not overlook the public sector marketplace in the next few years.
Hart joins SPI as communications manager
As a writer for nationally recognized newspapers and magazines, Patti Kilday Hart has spent nearly 30 years developing an intimate understanding of Texas and national media outlets.
Before becoming communications manager for Strategic Partnerships, Patti wrote for Texas Monthly magazine, collaborating with Executive Editor Paul Burka since 1989 on the magazine's signature "Ten Best, Ten Worst Legislators" article. She also wrote a regular column for Texas Monthly on state government and politics on wide-ranging issues. During the past decade, she also has written articles for The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Dallas Morning News, TIME, Redbook and The New Republic magazines.
Patti's career has taken her to many different Texas regions. Her first media job was as a reporter for The Corpus Christi Caller. Next, she covered police, suburban and courthouse news for The Dallas Times Herald before transferring to the newspaper's state Capitol bureau. In Austin, she covered legislative and political issues for theTimes Herald, with an emphasis on criminal justice and state prison system issues.
A native of Houston, Patti attended The University of Texas at Austin, where she received a Bachelor of Journalism degree with honors. At UT, she served as managing editor of The Daily Texan, the University's student newspaper.
Patti has also served on several Austin non-profit boards, including Meals on Wheels of Austin and the St. Stephen's Board of Trustees. She will make a great addition to the SPI Team.
Governor Perry makes appointments
Governor Rick Perry recently made the following appointments:
- James M. (Mike) Boyd of Houston; Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
- Dr. Ana D. Cleveland of Denton; Radiation Advisory Board;
- Janelle Amy Collier of Austin; Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science Advisory Board;
- Catarina Gonzales Cron of Houston; Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
- Vidal Gonzalez of San Antonio; Finance Commission of Texas;
- The Honorable Juanita Hogg of Marlin; Heart of Texas Regional Review;
- D. Marc McDougal of Lubbock; Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
- Dr. Darlene Metter of San Antonio; Radiation Advisory Board;
- Barbara A. Russell of Denton; Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
- The Honorable Clark Vandergriff of Meridian; Heart of Texas Regional Review;
- Carin Marcy Barth of Houston; Texas Public Finance Authority;
- Rosemary Combs of El Paso; Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
- Alice G. Mendoza of Kingsville; Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
- Jeanne D. Waggener of Waco; Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
- Michael L. Coats of Houston; Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee;
- Dennis Stuart of Boerne; Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee;
- Jack Arnold McGaughey of Nocona; district attorney of the 97th Judicial District;
- L. Curtis Culwell of Dallas; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Judge Robert A. Eckels of Houston; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- The Honorable John David Franz of Hidalgo; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- John R. 'Bob' Garrett of Tyler; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Robert E. (Bob) Garrett of Amarillo; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- John E. Nichols of Freeport; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Rolando B. Pablos of San Antonio; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Thomas Weir Pauken of Dallas - Chair; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Brooke Leslie Rollins of Fort Worth; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Timothy P. Roth Ph.D. of El Paso; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Calvin W. Stephens of Dallas; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Michael Stevens of Houston; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Gerald L. Winn of Bryan; Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform;
- Avis Wukasch of Georgetown, Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform.
Rockow takes UT-Dallas public affairs post
Amanda Oneacre Rockow, vice president of government relations at the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, has been named vice president for public affairs at the University of Texas at Dallas. She will join UT-Dallas on Oct. 9 and replace Carlos Pena, who left UT-Dallas in July for a private sector job.
Rockow will serve as the chief governmental and community relations liaison for the university, and her goals will be building relationships with state and local political officials, monitoring legislative and regulatory initiatives, representing the university before civic and community groups and businesses, and providing leadership to the office of public affairs. She will also assist in the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans for UT-Dallas' public affairs program. Rockow earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Gainesville names economic development director
Kent Sharp, economic development director in Big Spring, has been named director of the Gainesville Economic Development Corp., effective Oct. 1. Officials in Big Spring accepted Sharp's resignation last week.
Sharp's last day in Big Spring will be Sept. 28. The two cities have much in common regarding their economies, and Sharp said his first days in Gainesville will be spent meeting residents and investigating the area's "economic inventory."
Tarleton State names El-Saidi academic dean
Dr. Mohammed El-Saidi has been named Academic Dean at Tarleton State University-Central Texas. His focus will be on expanding course offerings and fostering established relationships with the university's community partners.
El-Saidi spent 20 years at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, as Assistant Dean of Assessment and Department Head of Accountancy, Finance, Economics and Statistics. He holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Tanta in Egypt and the University of Iowa, graduate degrees from the University of Tanta and the University of Memphis and his doctorate from the University of Memphis. He also completed a Management Development Program (MDP) certificate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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UT-El Paso announces administrative changes
Numerous administrative appointments and reassignments have been announced by the administration of the University of Texas at El Paso. Among the appointments are: Roberto Osegueda, Vice President for Research; Robert L. Anders, Dean of the School of Nursing; Pablo Arenaz, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate School; Stephen Aley, Associate Provost for Student Success; Sandra Hurley, Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs; and David Novick, Associate Provost for Facilities and Academic Support Services.
VIA's Hemingson headed to Austin's Capital Metro
Todd Hemingson, vice president of planning and development with San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit agency, has resigned his position to accept the position of vice president of strategic planning and development for Capital Metro in Austin. He will begin his new job in Austin on Sept. 27. Hemingson ends a six-year career with VIA.
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