Why I Can't Quit

Politics is a brutal, nasty business. 

I confess I have been feeling rather cynical about it all lately, primarily due to folks supposedly on my own 'team.'  Regarding the Left, my expectations are pretty low, so I'm rarely disappointed and even sometimes pleasantly surprised.   As for the Right, we have our share of those motivated by greed, hatred, personal grudges, and desire for power.  I sometimes wonder why I bother with the whole mess.

And then I see a picture like this one. 

Baby Esther, victim of a late-term abortion, lies in her coffin.

This reminds me in the starkest terms that there is true evil in this world.  We are not gods, but mere humans; those around us will disappoint us, and our own personal failings may be the most demoralizing of all.  But if we allow the frailty of humanity to steal our resolve, then evil will prevail. 

As we enter a new political campaign season, I am resolved that I cannot and will not be silent.  I will speak out on behalf of what I know to be right and best for my community.  Even though members of my own party call me names (for opposing tax increases on struggling families no less!) I will not be cowed. 

After all, if I fear God, whom then shall I fear?

Who's Who in Texas House District 149? Updated, 9/15

Although redistricting maps are not quite finalized, Williamson County residents are slated to have a new Texas House district in 2012.  District 149 is situated in the Southwestern portion of the county and includes parts of Austin, Leander, and Georgetown, and most of Cedar Park.  This will be a relatively conservative district, and the winner of any Republican Primary is likely to hold the seat.

So who's running?  Here are the names I've heard tossed around, in no particular order, of course...

Cynthia Long, Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2, re-elected in 2008.  Locally popular. 
Matt Powell, Cedar Park City Councilman.
Tony Dale, Cedar Park City Councilman, former Army Captain.
Stephen Thomas, former Cedar Park City Council, former HD 20 candidate.
Ted Pataki, staffer for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, and yes, son of that Pataki, NY Governor George.  Ted is also a Marine Officer combat vet who spent time in Iraq. 
James Bernsen, staffer for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, combat vet, and U.S. Navy Reserve Officer. 
Bob Lemon, Cedar Park Mayor.
Don Tracy, Cedar Park City Council.
Paul Tish, former President of Brushy Creek MUD.
Bob Tesch, developer, former Perry appointee to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Mary Dale, Cedar Park Attorney.
Chris Fielder, Leander City Council.
Eric Stratton, conservative GOP activist.
Stacy Rudd, Chairman of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce.
Maria Acosta, Central Texas 9-12 Leader.

Corbin Van Arsdale is a registered lobbyist and former State Rep who recently relocated from Spring to Cedar Park; his name has been mentioned by a few activists, but he doesn't seem inclined to run. 

Some good Republicans here, but I think by the filing period we'll be down to just a few of the best.

Stay tuned...

Update:  My apologies to all those whose names start with "T" and end with "H."   Hopefully I got it right this time...

Update, August 31, 2011.  Since County Commissioner Cynthia Long signaled she is not running, both Ted Pataki and Corbin Van Arsdale have announced their respective candidacies.  Also, there are still some Cedar Park officials considering a run.  Stay tuned...

Update, September 15, 2011.  With a new baby, new job, and working on his MBA, Ted Pataki has decided not to run.  Like pretty much everyone on the above list, Pataki is supporting Cedar Park City Councilman Tony Dale, who announced on Tuesday. 

Summer Sabbatical

While our leviathan government never seems to relent, we humans need rest now and then. Since I only answer to God, I've decided to take a Summer Sabbatical. My 'pay' of course will remain the same while I relax and enjoy my beloved husband and precious children. I may post occasionally over the next two months, but won't return 'full-time' until Fall.

I hope readers are all watching for results from the Texas Legislative Special Session, and the continued machinations of the Round Rock Independent School District.  The latter recently remembered they received oh, $6 million in stimulus money, but the Super Super still plans to fire teachers.  Never mind that the budget adjustments are significantly less than what Liberals insisted they would be, and of course you must pay no attention to that $198 million in rainy day funds the RRISD has amassed with your tax dollars.   

But hey, have a great Summer!

Governor Perry on the 2011 Special Session

This afternoon Texas Governor Rick Perry took time to speak with media and bloggers in a conference call where he discussed the accomplishments of the 82nd Legislature, and outlined what still needs to be done, especially since Democrats attempted a 2009 redux in killing legislation with delay tactics and filibuster. 

Among accomplishments, the Governor listed passing a budget that cuts spending and keeps Texas' status as a "low-tax haven," and still keeps $6 billion in the 'rainy-day-fund' for inevitable future challenges. In addition, he noted the legislature had strengthened eminent domain policy, required abortionists to show women an ultrasound, and passed an important 'Loser Pays' bill.

Regarding the issue of Health Care Compacts, Perry said he did expect those proposals, which create alternatives to Obamacare, to be taken up in the special session.

In answering a question about the redistricting legislation for the State Board of Education, the Governor stated, "I was not particularly happy with that piece of legislation." Noting that there seemed to have been some gerrymandering against some of the more Conservative members of the SBOE, he preferred to allow the legislature handle the issue. Perry did not sign, but did not veto the SBOE map.

Although he did not mention Congressional re-districting in his special session proclamation, the Governor noted that he had the prerogative to add issues to a call. He said the legislature should and will take it up. "Stay tuned" he said.

When asked about failed Texas legislation to prevent TSA 'groping-without-cause,' Perry said that some alternate proposals were being studied, but were not yet ready for official consideration. The federal government has threatened to prohibit air travel to Texas destinations if such legislation is enforced, yet another example of what seems to be a Federal war against the Lone Star State.

Perry indicated that while he is glad the Texas Constitution limited the length of the legislative session, there are still some things that must be addressed.  Conservatives are optimistic about the special session, and hope to revive several items including a ban on so-called Sanctuary Cities.  There are also indications that the June session won't be the end either; some are predicting a second special session in July.

Sounds like a politically interesting summer after all.

PEC Candidates' Pledge

Previously I wrote about the election for the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board and the importance of restoring common-sense governance to this nation's largest electric co-op.  Two of the candidates in the Williamson County portion of the District, Alan Yore and Stephen Thomas, have released a "Pledge to PEC Members." 

Dear Fellow PEC Member,

For nearly 75 years, the Pedernales Electric Co-op has served the families, residents, and businesses of the Texas Hill Country. Our co-op has provided the power to light our homes and driven our economic development. When PEC first started, no private company was willing to build and maintain the electric lines to our area. Our co-op is an ongoing symbol of our ability to do for ourselves when others would not.

Today, you have an important opportunity to reclaim the PEC Board for the "can do" families of the Hill Country. If you honor Stephen Thomas and Alan Yore with your vote for PEC board, we pledge to uphold the highest traditions of the co-op by:

*Restoring PEC’s Reputation. We are tired of seeing PEC in the headlines, and pledge to conduct ourselves in a manner befitting such a great organization.

*Getting Back to Basics. Focus on reducing rates and delivering reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost.

*Governing, Not Micro-Managing. Board members should set the goals for the co-op, and make sure that the new CEO and great employees have the tools to meet those goals.

*Staying True to the Cooperative Model. PEC should continue to play a visible and supportive role in the communities that it serves.

If you believe it is time to once again have a co-op focused on your needs and the needs of most of the families in the Hill Country, then we would appreciate you voting today for Alan Yore and Stephen Thomas. We appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Alan Yore
Stephen Thomas

PEC members may vote via mail-in ballot or on the PEC website by June 10, or may vote in-person at the annual meeting on June 18 in Johnson City.

Financial Transparency Measure for Higher Education

From the office of Representative Bill Zedler: 

ZEDLER CALLS FOR FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY IN HIGHER EDUCATION


AUSTIN – The Texas House of Representatives adopted an amendment by Rep. Bill Zedler (Arlington) requiring institutions of higher education to place certain financial information online, or to place a direct link on their Internet homepage to the state's financial transparency website, Window on State Government (www.window.state.tx.us).


The Zedler Amendment was attached without opposition to Senate Bill 5 by Zaffirini, which is being sponsored in the House by Rep. Dan Branch (Dallas), Chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education. Based on discussions with university officials, there should be minimal or no cost to implement this initiative.

"There has been an intense debate, discussion, and criticism of financial practices at our state's colleges and universities. To a large extent, this criticism is likely rooted in the perceived lack of transparency. Taxpayers and students should be able to know where their money is being spent," said Zedler.


Upon final passage of Senate Bill 5 in the House, it will return to the Senate where the changes made by the House of Representatives will be considered. "I appreciate the overwhelming support for this transparency measure, and anticipate that it will be in the final bill that heads to the Governor's desk," said Zedler.


In a similar vein, Speaker Joe Straus (San Antonio) and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst established the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence, and Transparency on May 6th. Members of the joint oversight committee include: Sens. Judith Zaffirini (Laredo), John Carona (Dallas), Robert Duncan (Lubbock), Kel Seliger (Amarillo), Rodney Ellis (Houston), Kirk Watson (Austin); and Reps. Dan Branch (Dallas), Dennis Bonnen (Angleton), Joaquin Castro (San Antonio), Eric Johnson (Dallas), Lois Kolkhorst (Brenham), and Jim Pitts (Waxahachie).
Discussing the recently formed committee, Rep. Zedler said, "The legislative leadership has decided to prioritize this investigation for a reason. I hope the committee is able to dig in and exert greater accountability for the taxpayer dollars we invest in higher education."

Texas Taxpayer Savings Grants

In light of our current challenges, many policy analysts are looking at innovative ways to balance the budget without raising taxes. We have seen some great proposals this year regarding Medicare and Medicaid spending and higher education reforms, and now Texans for Voluntary Taxpayer Savings has proposed Taxpayer Savings Grants, which could possible save the state $2 billion in the next biennium.

The Taxpayer Savings Grant proposal is a voluntary program that allows parents to transfer a child from a public school to a private school, with a TS grant to help pay tuition.  For each student who voluntarily takes a grant, the state saves an average of $3,429.  Furthermore, the public school would not have expenditures for that child (think smaller classes,) but the school would keep a portion of funding. 

Currently, the average total cost per student in Texas public schools is $11,567.  The proposed grants would be calculated on maintenance and operations expenditures alone ($8,572 per student) and therefore each grant is equal to only 60% of the M&O expense, which is $5,143 per student.  The state saves the other 40% of the M&O expense, which is $3,429 per student.  Additionally, the difference between operation and total expenditures is about $3000 per student.  So even though the student is no longer attending, the difference of $3000 remains in the Texas public school system and actually results in an increase in per pupil funding. 

Not only would the Taxpayer Savings Grants save money for the State of Texas while increasing per pupil funding for public schools, the grants would allow parents to choose the school best suited to their child's needs.  I have long been a critic of the one-size-fits all paradigm that dominates our nation's approach to education.  Different children have different educational needs and it is madness to think there is only one way to educate a child.  I often hear teachers complain about a lack of parental involvement, so let's get parents involved by allowing them a voice in their own child's education.

The analysts who created this program are hoping the Texas House will be able to attach the measure to legislation before the session ends.  With savings projected for the State, the Texas public school system, and taxpayers, this seems like a win-win-win deal.  It is unfortunate that the proposal comes so late in the session and I do not predict passage, but it is an idea that deserves consideration.