Daily Archives: December 23, 2008

Vasquez officially selected to replace Bettencourt

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

As expected. Harris County Commissioners Court today appointed Republican businessman Leo Vasquez to fill the vacancy left by resigning tax assessor-collector Paul Bettencourt. […] Vasquez said he first will focus on customer service and efficiency and plans to meet with … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

75 declared anti-Craddick votes?

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

Harvey Kronberg reports on a meeting of Republican representatives in Austin about the fate of Tom Craddick. If the Dems can deliver their promised 64 votes, there are now 75 declared votes against Craddick’s re-election as Speaker. Today a group … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on 75 declared anti-Craddick votes?

Casino gambling for Galveston?

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve said before that I fully expect there to be a push for an expansion of legalized gambling in Texas in the next legislative session. Here’s further evidence of that. Casino gambling is increasingly seen by some as a way … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Hurricane Katrina | 3 Comments

Layoffs for you, bonuses for me

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Faculty Association has a question about UTMB. One would think that any outfit pleading $710 million in damages due to Hurricane Ike would instantly cut out bonuses and such, particularly $3 million worth of bonuses, eh? They tell … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Hurricane Katrina | Comments Off on Layoffs for you, bonuses for me

Has driving peaked?

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

The Morning News notes the trend of fewer vehicle miles travelled (VMT) in the US. All across the country, Americans began driving fewer miles on average as far back as 2005, and they may have crested as early as 2002, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Comments Off on Has driving peaked?

Texas blog roundup for the week of December 22

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling, jing-ting-ting-a-ling, too. Come on, it’s lovely weather for a blog roundup together with you. OK, needs work. But the links are fine as they are. Click on for the weekly Texas Progressive Alliance roundup. Continue reading →

Posted in Blog stuff | Comments Off on Texas blog roundup for the week of December 22