Monthly Archives: October 2007

“A shame, and a surprise”

Posted on October 22, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

One more bit of shock and outrage about Sharon Keller, from someone who once worked for the Court of Criminal Appeals: All the Texas judges had to have been available by phone for this vote. At least that’s what they … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on “A shame, and a surprise”

I-45 Coalition touts tunnel at City Hall

Posted on October 22, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

In other transportation news from last week, the I-45 Coalition spoke before City Council last week to urge support for the I-45 Parkway concept. Here’s a KTRH report of their appearance: It’s a whole new way of thinking about your … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 2 Comments

Dumbledore comes out

Posted on October 22, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Well, this is a surprise. J. K. Rowling, author of the worldwide best-selling Harry Potter series, met some of her American fans Friday night and provided some surprising revelations about the fictional characters who a generation of children have come … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Books | 1 Comment

The HCC trustee races

Posted on October 22, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I think this will be the last of the campaign overview stories. Five candidates are vying for two spots on [Houston Community College]’s governing board in the Nov. 6 election, and all but the one incumbent are taking issue with … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on The HCC trustee races

Endorsement watch: Mayor White

Posted on October 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron endorses Mayor White. Well, what were you expecting, a plug for Outlaw Josey Wales? Sometimes these things are very, very easy. Much more enlightening in a way is the airing of grievances by the Chron’s new lightweight conservative … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 1 Comment

The District I overview

Posted on October 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

And the Chron wraps up their series of Council race overviews with a look at the District I contest, which may be the closest one going. They also talk to some people who aren’t the candidates themselves, which adds something … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on The District I overview

PUC denies request to halt Kenedy wind farm

Posted on October 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Via South Texas Chisme, the Public Utilities Commission has denied a request to halt construction of the Kenedy Ranch wind farm. The Coastal Habitat Alliance, which includes King Ranch, Frontera Audubon Society and several other organizations, had petitioned for “intervenor” … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in The great state of Texas | Comments Off on PUC denies request to halt Kenedy wind farm

Still waiting for DeLay’s day in court

Posted on October 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Now that there are no more appeals pending for Tom DeLay, and Travis County DA Ronnie Earle says he’s ready to go to trial, when shall we see The Erstwhile Hammer in court? Not just yet, says the presiding judge. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Scandalized! | Comments Off on Still waiting for DeLay’s day in court

Houston Votes Kick-off Voter Registration Training

Posted on October 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Want to be a deputy vote registrar and help get people registered to vote? Here’s how you can do that: Houston Votes Kick-off Voter Registration Training Monday October 22nd 6:00pm – 7:30pm Upper Kirby Management Building 3015 Richmond Houston, TX … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Who endorses you, baby?

Posted on October 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

More fun in the At Large #5 race: City Council candidate Zaf Tahir has exaggerated his civic experience, according to opponents and city officials. Tahir, who is running for the At-Large 5 seat, served as chairman of the Mayor’s Task … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on Who endorses you, baby?

Still more complaints filed against Keller

Posted on October 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Keep it up, I say. Joining a swelling tide of criticism, 130 attorneys from Harris County have filed a judicial conduct complaint condemning the actions of Judge Sharon Keller, who presides over the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The latest … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on Still more complaints filed against Keller

Judge narrows sign ordinance injunction

Posted on October 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s an update to the billboard ordinance lawsuit, from earlier this week. A federal judge on Tuesday clarified her recent order enjoining the city’s sign ordinance, allowing inspectors to again enforce most provisions in the code. U.S. District Judge Melinda … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Comments Off on Judge narrows sign ordinance injunction

The HISD District 4 overview

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s the Chron overview of the District 4 HISD Trustee race. Since I’ve complained about how dull some of these other stories have been, let me say that this one was nicely done, focusing on the contrasts between the two … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Where the U-Line goes in the east

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

After yesterday’s confusion, I think I finally understand where the Universities line will go on the east end. Today’s Chron story clarifies it for me: The University route approved by the board was a last-minute hybrid. West of Main it … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Comments Off on Where the U-Line goes in the east

ACORN endorses HISD bond referendum

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Didn’t get to this story from Wednesday about another endorsement for the HISD bond referendum, which also has some details about what the opposition is up to. Leaders of ACORN, a grass-roots organization for low-income Houston families, endorsed the bond … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 5 Comments

Old Sixth Ward home tour Sunday

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The following is via email from Leigh Hollins of the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association: The Old Sixth Ward’s Annual Victorian Houston Home Tour is THIS SUNDAY, Oct 21, from 12:30 – 5:30 pm. Tickets are available the day of … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Old Sixth Ward home tour Sunday

No more Wahoo

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Allow me to take a moment to wholeheartedly endorse what Joe Posnanski says about the terribly offensive mascot of the Cleveland Indians, Chief Wahoo: [I]t is not just time to get rid of Wahoo, it is way, way past time. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Comments Off on No more Wahoo

Trees on Kirby update

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s some more info about the Kirby widening compromise that was reached recently. Trees for Houston, the city of Houston and two Upper Kirby District groups outlined a plan leaders from each group said would save as many trees and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Trees on Kirby update

“Baby Jessica”, 20 years later

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Twenty years ago, a little girl from Midland named Jessica McClure was rescued from a well as the whole world watched. There was no fanfare here Tuesday to mark the day in 1987 when 18-month-old Jessica McClure was lifted to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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The District B overview

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Back to the norm for the District B overview story. I can’t really think of anything to say about it, so read it or don’t as you see fit. Continue reading →

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Candidates and back taxes

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this story concerning the candidates for City Council and HISD Board of Trustees who have delinquent property tax bills: 1. While this is certainly a valid issue, I wonder if it’s really worthy … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 1 Comment

Metro picks Cummins-Elgin option

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Hot dog! Miya is the first to report it: 2:35 Adopted! Going West: Richmond, Cummins, Westpark to Hillcroft Transit Center. Going East: Wheeler, along Ennis, North to Scott, along Elgin, and ending at the Eastwood Transit Center. Now (I hope!) … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 4 Comments

CHIP veto upheld

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

No surprise at all. Thankfully, this won’t be the last we hear of this. Which means there will be more opportunities for the holdout Republicans to show how utterly out of touch they are. I’d be gleeful if it weren’t … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | Comments Off on CHIP veto upheld

Get ready for the U-Line decision

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

It’s coming this morning. Metro officials have said they were leaning toward routes on Richmond and Wheeler avenues that have drawn sharp opposition and enthusiastic support. Today’s planned vote, in a 9 a.m. meeting at 1900 Main, follows a request … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Comments Off on Get ready for the U-Line decision

Texas Congressional fundraising numbers

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Two things to say about this story and other news concerning Congressional fundraising in Texas. Sekula-Gibbs, a former Houston city councilwoman elected to fill in for DeLay until the next full House term started, topped all candidates for fundraising in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | Comments Off on Texas Congressional fundraising numbers

State Rep. Robert Puente to retire

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Via BOR, Quorum Report breaks the news that State Rep. Robert Puente (D, San Antonio) will retire rather than run for another term. Puente was a major Craddick D, so this – even more than the Kirk England party switch … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 1 Comment

Lawsuit filed over allegations of voter fraud

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Well, this ought to be interesting. The Lone Star Project reports as follows: A 2006 cynical smear campaign and voter suppression scheme orchestrated by Republican State House Representative Tony Goolsby (HD102, Dallas), along with Dallas County Republican Party Chair Kenn … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Show Business for Ugly People | 1 Comment

S-CHIP day

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

In addition to being U-Line Day, today is also S-CHIP day, as the House and Senate vote to override President Bush’s veto. In anticipation of that, the CPPP has some reading for you. On October 18, Congress will vote on … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | Comments Off on S-CHIP day

RIP, Fort Bend Now

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Damn shame. Fort Bend Now is a terrific publication, a go-to source for all things CD22, and a unique resource for local news junkies. Plus, Bob Dunn is a peach of a guy. Nonetheless, as another old dad (though not … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Other punditry | Comments Off on RIP, Fort Bend Now

The District E overview

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Finally, here’s a Council campaign story that’s got something in it you couldn’t easily learn from candidate webpages. The four candidates in the race to replace term-limited District E City Councilwoman Addie Wiseman are running largely on perennial priorities in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on The District E overview

Emmett, Bacarisse spar over trivia

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

It’s Emmett v. Bacarisse in a battle about whose tax cut is less puny. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and opponent Charles Bacarisse waged a spirited and sometimes testy debate Tuesday over how much the county’s property tax rate should … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 2 Comments

“Views divided” (sort of) on Keller

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron has a look at some of Sharon Keller’s greatest hits. A fellow judge once accused her of turning the court into a “national laughingstock” after Keller said DNA tests clearing a convicted rapist were not conclusive because the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on “Views divided” (sort of) on Keller

Don’t delete that email!

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Elise Hu writes about Texas’ email retention policy and how it relates to open record laws. She cites a controversy in Missouri as an example of what can happen. Gov. Matt Blunt acknowledged Tuesday that “e-mails often are a public … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Show Business for Ugly People | 1 Comment

Farmers Branch loses another one in court

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

We know that an injunction has been issued against the city of Farmers Branch, which prevents them from enforcing their ordinance requiring landlords to verify renters’ immigration status. There were other lawsuits filed against that city related to that law, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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