Daily Archives: March 21, 2007

First draft of the budget passes out of committee

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Every time the Lege meets, they have one task on their must-do list, and that’s pass a budget. They could do nothing else (and there are times when that would be a good idea), but they have to do this. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | Comments Off on First draft of the budget passes out of committee

Looks like Orlando will escape the legislative axe

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Back in January, I wrote the following about any attempt by the Lege to eliminate the office of Harris County Treasurer now that it was being held by Orlando Sanchez: I have my doubts that any progress will be made … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 3 Comments

TYC: What did Perry’s people know?

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

One of the many questions regarding the Texas Youth Commission scandal is about what Governor Perry knew and when he knew it. The Chron advances that story today. Gov. Rick Perry’s staff knew as early as June 2005 that two … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Scandalized! | Comments Off on TYC: What did Perry’s people know?

Red light camera ban bill to be heard today

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Grits reports that the Urban Affairs Committee will be holding a hearing on Rep. Carl Isett’s HB985, which bans red light cameras, including their possible use for catching speeders, later today (see the schedule here). Scott’s feelings on these things … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Red light camera ban bill to be heard today

The do-nothing prosecutor

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

One of the themes of the TYC scandal is that for whatever the reason, the local prosecutor never bothered to take the evidence from Texas Ranger Brian Burzynski and charge the alleged wrongdoers with crimes. It turns out that this … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Scandalized! | 1 Comment

What happened to HB478?

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Have you ever been dinged for a late fee by a utility company even though you mailed your bill in on time? Utility companies in Texas, unlike (say) the IRS, are not required to use the postmark of the bill … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment

Preservation isn’t just about buildings

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I want to highlight a comment from this story about the removal of an iconic Maxwell House sign from the East End plant where the coffee was ground (here are the before and after pictures so you can see what’s … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 1 Comment

Jones and Morales

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Over at Kuff’s World, I’ve got a look at the city’s response (PDF) to Ray Jones’ lawsuit regarding his exclusion from the ballot for the City Council special election. Bottom line: I think the city has the better of the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 1 Comment