Daily Archives: March 22, 2005

More stupid developers’ tricks

The Chron has a story today about something near and dear to my heart – a battle between Heights homeowners and a developer. After work and on weekends, between appointments or during lunch breaks, a half-dozen or so Heights residents … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 5 Comments

I got yer sunshine right here

Never let it be said that our Lege does not have a finely honed sense of irony. Last week, newspapers around the country banded together for Sunshine Week, an effort to publicize the importance of open government and public access … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in That's our Lege | 2 Comments

I called it

Me, earlier today: I’m sure Judge Whittemore’s ruling won’t be the end of [the Terri Schiavo case], just as I’m sure that pre-ruling stories which proclaimed him fair and unbiased will be non-operative within the next hour or so. Senator … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in National news | 9 Comments

Strayhorn criticizes HB3

Comptroller Strayhorn has released a letter (PDF) which criticizes HB3 for not coverning the proposed property tax cuts with alternate revenue. In Fiscal Year 2006, the bill raises $2.8 billion in new state taxes with no local property tax relief. … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | Comments Off on Strayhorn criticizes HB3

Destination: Freeport

And now for something a little less weighty: The City of Freeport in Brazoria County has designated an official red-light district inside its borders. In a 4-0 vote Monday night, City Council approved the district on a 40-acre tract extending … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in The great state of Texas | 4 Comments

Federal judge upholds the law

You’d think a headline like the one just above would be pretty banal, but when dealing with the Terri Schiavo case, nothing has been normal. I’m sure Judge Whittemore’s ruling won’t be the end of it, just as I’m sure … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in National news | 9 Comments

Muni WiFi ban to be heard on Wednesday

When last we checked in, the ban on free municipal wireless networking had been dropped from HB789, but as the bill was still in committee and as the ban is favored by Regulated Industries Committee Chair Phil King, it ain’t … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment

Brooks bashes Abramoff and Reed

Wow. A genius like Abramoff doesn’t spring fully formed on his own. Just as Michelangelo emerged in the ferment of Renaissance Italy, so did Abramoff emerge from his own circle of creativity and encouragement. Back in 1995, when Republicans took … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Scandalized! | 1 Comment