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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.
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Items should be typed or printed and should include the name and daytime phone number of a contact person. Items submitted after deadline will be considered for that week's edition but may be held over for later publication. Photos should include information on the time and place of the event, as well as full names of people from left to right, front row to back.
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Important Web sites
State articles in the on-line Courier:
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Foster & adoptive families needed
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Published May 1, 2008 |
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Minimum Auto Liability Insurance Limits to Increase on April 1
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Published April 3, 2008 |
Gov. Perry Touts Texas’ Efforts to Reform Health Care System
Ibn Sina Medical Center Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Providing Care to Houston’s Neediest
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Published March 27, 2008 |
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Gov. Perry: FEMA aid for Texas wildfires comes up short
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Published March 27, 2008 |
Gov. Perry urges Texans to be prepared
Designates Feb. 24 – March 1 Severe Weather Awareness Week in Texas
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Published on-line Feb. 21, 2008 |
Gov. Perry: an educated Texan is an unlimited Texan
Commends UNCF’s efforts to support college education
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Published on-line Feb. 21, 2008 |
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TURF wars – Terri v. TxDOT
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Published Feb. 14, 2008 |
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Mission: stop toll roads
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Published Feb. 7, 2008 |
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Hearin' about toll roads
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Published Jan. 17, 2008 |
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Courtesy reminders addressing accessible parking for Texans with disabilities now available
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Published Jan. 3, 2008 |
Memorial sign program launched
Sanctioned signs to cost $300
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Published Dec. 27, 2007 |
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TxDOT meets match
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Published Nov. 22, 2007 |
Just a 'simple country lawyer'
Van Os clarifies need for amending constitution
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Published Oct. 25, 2007 |
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Combs recounts sojourn in state "counting house'
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Published Oct. 4, 2007 |
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Macias reports possible surprise for TxDOT
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Published Sept. 27, 2007 |
Gov. Perry: Border Security Council to hold public meetings in border communities
Operation Border Star ongoing along the border region
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Published Sept. 27, 2007 |
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Comptroller to speak at KCRW annual luncheon
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Published Aug. 30, 2007 |
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Macias opens district office
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Published Aug. 23, 2007 |
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Macias gives BCRW legislature update
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Published July 19, 2007 |
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Macias named TFR 'taxpayer hero'
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Published July 12, 2007 |
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Macias to host town hall meeting, attend luncheon
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Published July 12, 2007 |
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State articles from earlier in 2007 |
State articles from 2006 & 2005 |
Foster & adoptive families needed
Published May 1, 2008
Child Protective Services needs additional foster and adoptive families throughout the Hill Country to care for abused and neglected children on a temporary or permanent basis. Homes are especially needed in Kerr, Gillespie, Real, Medina and Bandera counties.
To help with this shortage, training classes will begin in June in Kerrville. Anyone interested in learning more about the program should plan to attend one of the three informational meetings scheduled on the foster care and adoption.
Presentations will start at 6 pm, Tuesday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 13, in Room 117 of the Kerrville Church of Christ, 1900 Loop 534. In addition, a meeting is also slated for Monday, May 19, at Kerrville’s Calvary Temple Church, 300 Loop 534.
For reservations, call Laura Wright at 830-792-4303, extension 248. Wright can also provide alternative sessions for anyone unable to make these meetings. RSVPs are required.
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Minimum Auto Liability Insurance Limits to Increase on April 1
Published April 3, 2008
AUSTIN – The minimum amount of automobile liability insurance Texas drivers are required to carry for bodily injury/property damage will increase on April 1 from the current $20,000/$40,000/$15,000 (“20/40/15”) coverage to “25/50/25” coverage.
Texas law requires people who drive in Texas to be financially responsible for the accidents they cause. Most drivers do this by buying auto liability insurance. Liability insurance pays to repair or replace the other driver’s vehicle and pays the medical expenses of the other party; it does not pay to repair or replace the policyholder’s vehicle.
The current minimum amount of liability insurance required by law is $20,000 for each person injured in an accident, up to a total of $40,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. The limits will increase on April 1 to $25,000 of coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
The 80th Legislature amended the current financial responsibility law in 2007 to increase the auto liability limits amid concerns that the current limits aren’t enough to cover the costs of an accident resulting in severe injury or major vehicle damage.
The limits will increase again on January 1, 2011, to $30,000 of coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident (30/60/25).
Drivers who carry minimum limits will begin to notice the new limits as they renew their auto policies or buy a new policy, but they won’t need to take any action unless contacted by their insurance company.
There are severe penalties for violating the state’s financial responsibility law. A first conviction will result in a fine between $175 and $350. Subsequent convictions could result in fines of $350 to $1,000, suspension of your driver’s license, and impoundment of your vehicle. The state of Texas will implement the new Texas Financial Responsibility Verification Program this spring that will allow law enforcement officers to immediately verify whether a driver has car insurance.
For more information about the new limits or automobile insurance coverage, visit the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) resource page at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/financialrespon.html, read TDI’s Automobile Insurance Made Easy publication at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/consumer/cb020.html or call the Consumer Help Line at 1-800-252-3439.
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Gov. Perry Touts Texas’ Efforts to Reform Health Care System
Ibn Sina Medical Center Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Providing Care to Houston’s Neediest
Published March 27, 2008
HOUSTON — Speaking to an audience of medical professionals and community leaders at the Ibn Sina Community Medical Center, Gov. Rick Perry Thursday, March 27, emphasized the importance of changing societal paradigms from hospital-based care to encouraging preventive care. The governor also touted the state’s efforts to decrease the number of uninsured Texans by creating a health insurance assistance program for those individuals who cannot afford it on their own.
"Together with philanthropic organizations like the Ibn Sina Foundation, Texas is making great strides to ensuring health coverage for those uninsured Texans who need help the most," said Gov. Perry.
In his 2007 State of the State Address, Gov. Perry proposed, and the Legislature passed, an innovative approach to reducing the number of uninsured Texans. The program is designed to increase the percentage of Texans with health care coverage, focus on prevention, and emphasize consumer choice in health services.
Specifically, the program helps individuals below 200 percent of the federal poverty limit purchase health insurance through employer-based programs or private plans by paying a portion of the premium cost. This initiative will decrease the number of uninsured Texans, and promote ownership of personal health care.
Ibn Sina Community Medical Center brings affordable, high-quality preventive medical care to the immigrant and indigent communities in Houston. Patients receive immunizations, health screenings, low cost lab services, and prescriptions are given free of charge if they are available. The center expects to serve more than 13,000 patients this year.
"The Ibn Sina Community Medical Center plays an important role in this community, promoting preventive health care and positive lifestyles to all the lives they touch," said Gov. Perry. "Efforts like this exemplify the best of the human spirit and advance our common goal of achieving a happy and healthy Texas."
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Gov. Perry: FEMA aid for Texas wildfires comes up short
Published March 27, 2008
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry March 20 urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Texans more assistance in recovering from catastrophic losses and damages from three months of wildfires that have affected about 85 percent of Texas counties.
Since Jan. 1, 2008, more than 5,300 wildfires have burned nearly 940,000 acres and destroyed 140 homes in Texas. Some 216 of Texas’ 254 counties have suffered damage from the wildfires.
After appealing FEMA’s denial of Perry’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA granted an Emergency Declaration for Texas. That assistance, however, provides only 75 percent assistance limited to federal fire fighting resources, and does not include reimbursement for the $20.5 million already spent by local and state entities to protect life and property throughout Texas.
"FEMA’s approach to aid for wildfires is fundamentally flawed," Perry said. "It discourages state and local entities from taking steps to prevent the loss of lives and property by refusing to assist in the preventive efforts."
In a letter to FEMA Administrator David Paulison, Gov. Perry today called on the federal government to reimburse the state in full for operation efforts carried out since January.
"On behalf of all Texans affected by the ongoing wildfires, I strongly urge FEMA to reconsider its decision to deny our Texas request for aid," said Gov. Perry.
Gov. Perry continues to request federal aid for:
* Individual Assistance including the Individual & Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture loans;
* Public Assistance, which includes debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair of damage to public structures; and
* Hazard Mitigation statewide, which entails actions to strengthen infrastructure against future disasters.
The state currently has the following air resources committed to wildfire response: six Air Attack, five UH-60s, one CH47, five Type 1 Helicopters, one ASM Aircraft, three Air Tankers and four SEATS. To provide an effective response for fire suppression operations, the Texas Military Forces and the Texas Forest Service have pre-positioned these aircraft to maximize effectiveness and minimize response time. Since Jan. 9, Texas aircraft have dropped a total of 2.2 million gallons of water and fire retardant.
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Gov. Perry urges Texans to be prepared
Designates Feb. 24 – March 1 Severe Weather Awareness Week in Texas
Published Feb. 21, 2008
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry Feb. 22 urged Texans to prepare for severe storms which historically impact our state in the Spring by designating Feb. 24-March 1 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
"Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds Texans that dangerous climate conditions can develop quickly, so it’s vital that we plan ahead for such threatening situations," Perry said. “By building a culture of preparedness, we can take steps to reduce risk, ensure safety and ultimately save lives."
During Severe Weather Awareness Week Texans are advised to assemble a "readiness kit" of important emergency supplies including a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food; and are encouraged to keep a battery-operated radio or television set to receive important information during storms, designate a place to go in case of evacuation, and develop an emergency plan for communicating with relatives and friends.
While dangerous storms can strike at any time of year, March, April and May bring the greatest potential for violent weather events in Texas, including damaging thunderstorms, hail storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. According to the National Weather Service, Texas leads the nation with an average of 139 tornado strikes per year and often suffers the highest resulting death toll of any other state. Additionally, Texas endures the second-highest level of lightning fatalities and often leads in the number of flash flood deaths per year. A majority of these victims suffer due to failure to take proper precautions in such emergencies.
For more information about Severe Weather Awareness Week, please visit the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management Web site: www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem and the National Weather Service Southern Region Headquarters Web site: www.srh.noaa.gov.
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Gov. Perry: an educated Texan is an unlimited Texan
Commends UNCF’s efforts to support college education
Published Feb. 21, 2008
SAN ANTONIO – Gov. Rick Perry Wednesday, Feb. 13, gave the keynote speech for the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) South Texas Governor’s Luncheon. The UNCF provides financial support to small higher education institutions throughout the country to help keep the cost of education feasible for underserved populations. The event marked the governor’s second partnership with UNCF. Last September, the governor spoke at UNCF’s Dallas/Ft. Worth event, which raised more than $185,000 for partner schools.
"As governor, it is my mission each and every day to build a Texas that welcomes all and includes all; that recognizes the hopes and aspirations of all of our citizens; and that empowers each and every citizen to dream, dare and achieve," said Gov. Perry. "I believe that an educated Texan is an unlimited Texan. I want Texas children to know this simple truth: We don’t care where you come from; we care where you are going."
By providing financial support to smaller colleges, UNCF helps increase minority degree attainment by lessening the cost of college. This year’s San Antonio luncheon hopes to exceed Dallas’ record by raising $200,000. The net proceeds from this event will help support UNCF’s member institutions, including five Texas colleges: Paul Quinn College in Dallas; Texas College in Tyler; Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins; Wiley College in Marshall and Huston-Tillotson University in Austin.
UNCF administers more than 300 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Approximately 4,500 Texans attend UNCF schools.
The 80th Legislative Session provided a significant boost to Texas’ financial aid programs by allocating $747 million in funding for deserving students, an increase of 24 percent from last biennium. This includes an increase of $96.2 million for Texas Grants, $39.4 million for B-on-Time, $5 million for Texas College Work Study and $5 million for the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant. Together, this will help 16,000 more students afford college than in years past.
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TURF wars – Terri v. TxDOT
by Judith Pannebaker
BCC Editor
Published Feb. 14, 2008
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District 73 Texas Rep. Nathan Macias with Terri Hall, founder and director of Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom, at a recent public forum in Bandera
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Terri Hall, persistent opponent of the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) and the toll ways set to crisscross the state, recently expressed her concerns during a public forum in Bandera County.
Sponsored by the Ranchers and Landowners Association, Concerned Citizens, the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce and Bandera County Republican Women, Hall’s presentation addressed the growing travelway controversies and how they will affect the “lives, property and wallets” of Bandera County.
For a portion of the meeting, she tag-teamed with State District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias, whom Hall characterized as “one of the good guys, a true hero on this issue.”
‘Defacto activist’
Hall described herself as a “defacto activist.” As a mother of six home-schooled children, the California native said, “I have better things to do than fight the government, but this is about our way of life and our freedom to travel.”
A secondary theme running through her presentation was the unresponsiveness of elected officials to their constituents, the taxpayers, and the fact that the people are no longer represented by their elected officials.
Hall said, “There are no citizens in Austin, but the place is swarming with lobbyists, who ‘have their way,’ leaving taxpayers by the wayside.” She finds the specter of private companies extracting funds from Texas citizens as untenable. Equally as inexcusable was the image of the Lone Star State as a mere “conduit for goods.”
As it stands now, foreign private companies from Spain, Italy and Australia are in the catbird seat to run this state’s highway system.
Roads to tolls
Tracing the legislative steps that brought the situation to the fore, Hall referenced the 2001 Proposition 15, which purportedly allowed construction of the Trans-Texas Corridor. However, according to www.corridorwatch.org, a briefing paper on the proposed constitutional amendment compiled for the Texas House of Representatives did not reference construction of the TTC or any other corridor.
In 2003, HB 3588, an omnibus transportation bill, opened the door to “toll first” policy. “This bill allowed losing bidders on contracts to be paid up to $1 million,” Hall said, reiterating, “and these are just the ‘losing’ bidders.”
Not only did HB 3588 force tolling of previous freeways, as well as the TTC, it also took away the public's right to vote on toll plans.
Although promoted as the “cleanup”' bill for HB 3588, the 2005 HB 2702 contained even more enabling legislation for the Trans-Texas Corridor, removing some of the last remaining legal roadblocks for its construction. The 2007 SB 792 enabled private companies to charge “market value tolls.” All future toll road projects would undergo a “market valuation” by a third-party to determine what their value might be in up-front concession payments. The local toll road agency would then have first dibs at doing the project as long as it could raise that up-front money.
‘Why?’
“Why does Texas need freeways transformed into toll ways or construction of the TTC?” Hall asked.
The Texas Department of Transportation uses congestion as an excuse. “The fact remains, however, people’s daily commute to work is shrinking. They either move closer to their jobs or take a job closer to their homes,” she said.
According to Hall, another “crisis” – that of funding – was TxDOT-inspired. “TxDOT’s budget has tripled since 1990 and doubled since 2001, revenues have outpaced population and inflation by 178 percent,” she said.
In addition, TxDOT claims the state is gleaning insufficient revenue from the state gas tax. In response, Hall advocated ending “the rape” of gas tax revenues. Originally earmarked for state road construction and repair, for the last 20 years, $10 billion of gas taxes – on top of the 25 percent already allocated to public schools – have been diverted for promotion of tourism, the Department of Public Safety, mental health considerations, rest stops and cemetery maintenance, among other projects.
Hall also decried perks granted to private companies contracted to build toll roads, such as contractual non-competition clauses. “In these clauses, the government agrees not to expand or improve any roads around the toll ways for the life of the bond, which could be a 30- to 50-year lease, beyond most of our lifetimes,” Hall said. “Bond companies require non-compete contracts.”
‘Staggering’ tolls
She also finds the amount of money charged by companies for motorists to access a toll way staggering. “In Orange County, California, it costs $9.50 to go 10 miles,” she said.
Additionally, on Highway 281, a 17 cent toll per mile for eight miles equates to an extra $400 per year; on Loop 1604, 29 cents a mile for 20 miles can rack up an extra $3,000 a year for motorists.
Hall reminded those assembled, predicting these “teaser rate” tolls would explode in the next five to 10 years.
Currently, 73 miles of public roads are set to be tolled, including Interstate 35, Highway 281 and Loop 1604. All highways were built with tax dollars.
To increase revenue equitably, Hall suggested indexing the gas tax at a modest rate, rather than tolling already constructed highways. As goods and services increase, so would the percentage of gas tax per gallon of gasoline sold.
Land grab
Next Hall took on the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, which she described as the “biggest land grab in Texas history.” The 1,200 foot wide corridor would contain a super highway, rail lines, pipelines, separate truck lanes and electrical transmission towers. “More than 580,000 acres – 908 square miles – will be given to private companies for private gain,” Hall said, adding that the corridor would eventually displace one million rural Texans.
The first phase of the TTC is planned by a consortium comprised of San Antonio’s Zachry Construction Corporation and Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte SA of Spain, one of the world’s largest developers of toll roads. In addition, the law firm handling the Cintra Zachry consortium is Bracewell and Giuliani. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani was endorsed by Gov. Rick Perry during Giuliani’s ill-starred bid for the Republican presidential nominee.
The Spanish mega-company would operate the TTC and collect tolls for decades; however, TxDOT officials insist the land and road would be owned by the state.
In addition, the Cintra Zachry consortium would select the companies to offer concessions such as hotels, gas stations and restaurants along the TTC. Since the initial TTC would run from the Mexican border to Oklahoma and contain only five exits in the state, captive drivers would have no other choices, Hall said, adding, “Small towns will dry up.”
She also noted the paucity of exits belies TxDOT’s claim that the TTC is necessary to relieve congestion in urban areas.
Cooked books
Hall claims that imported goods from China coming to North America through Mexico is the real impetus behind the TTC, which, she predicted, would not stop in Texas but would eventually continue to the Canadian border. “I don’t want to see Texas become just a conduit for goods rejected by the European Union,” she said.
Hall also railed against TXDOT for its lack of transparency regarding queries from citizens and grassroots organizations about its plans. As witnessed by a spate of articles in mass print media, apparently lawmakers also feel TxDOT administrators had not been forthcoming.
Recent revelations have included a finding by a state auditor that TxDOT administrators had “cooked the books.” During a February hearing, state senators discovered the department had created a “funding crisis” in response to legislators putting controls on private financing of toll roads. The “crisis” came in the form of a $1.1 billion accounting error. Apparently TxDOT bean counters had computed some bond proceeds twice.
In addition, Hall said the transportation agency had hired lobbyists with $9 million of taxpayers’ money, another “no no,” according to state statutes.
Assistant District Attorney Beverly Mathews said the office of the Travis County District Attorney will investigate a complain that TxDOT illegally lobbied and promoted toll roads.
Sunset TxDOT
Joining Hall for a Q & A period, Macias said, “Road construction is an economic engine from which a lot of people profit. Tolls are not the best policy for the State of Texas.” TxDOT, he said, was coming up for “sunset review ” in 2009. “It will go away unless the legislature acts. The agency’s books, processes and procedures are under review. This would be a golden opportunity for us to shape TxDOT.”
For more accountability, Macias advocated scrapping the appointee system of the Texas Transportation Commission in favor of elected commissioners, similar to the Railroad Commission.
Unfortunately, Hall concluded, citizens often have little or no impact on government agencies – so she advocated enlisting the aid of county commissioners and city council , as well as advocacy organizations, to put pressure on state agencies. And, if local elected officials refuse, “Throw the bums out,” she asserted.
“The governor thinks if he can kick or slap down the people long enough, they will just go away,” Hall said. Clearly that will never happen. She and her cohorts are in it for the long haul – one that’s preferably not up the TCC. “We want a public referendum on all toll projects that haven’t been put under contract yet,” Hall asserted.
For more information, visit www.TexasTURF.org.
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Mission: stop toll roads
Published Feb. 7, 2008
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Cindy Payne, left, Terri Hall, and John Payne
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Cindy and John Payne, representing the Bandera Chapter of the Ranchers and Landowners Association of Texas, welcomed Terri Hall, center, featured speaker during a special presentation on toll roads and the Trans Texas Corridor. The event was sponsored by the Ranchers and Landowners, Concerned Citizens, Bandera County Chamber of Commerce and the Bandera County Republican Women. John Payne serves as president of the Ranchers and Landowners Association. An overview of the Wednesday, Jan. 30, meeting will be published in the Thursday, Feb. 14, edition of the Bandera County Courier.
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Hearin' about toll roads
Published Jan. 17, 2008
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Staff Photo by David Arny
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Toll road opponent Terri Hall, founder and director of Texans Uniting for Reform, spoke to the Bandera County Republican Women Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Silver Sage Corral. If you missed her, she will speak again Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 6 pm.
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Courtesy reminders addressing accessible parking for Texans with disabilities now available
Published Jan. 3, 2008
Ever wish you could place a note on a vehicle parked in a handicapped spot? The state now has them available.
Courtesy reminders addressing the use of parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities are now available through the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. Reminders cover the state law and fines, access aisles, curb ramps and eligibility.
"Accessible parking begins a path of travel to shop, work, eat and much more for an estimated four million Texans with disabilities," said Pat Pound, Executive Director of the committee. "It is our hope that the reminders educate more Texans on the laws of this state and how extremely important parking spaces are to people with disabilities."
The reminders can be placed under the windshield wipers of inappropriately parked vehicles to educate individuals about accessible parking responsibilities under Texas law. Courtesy reminders may be used without formal training or participation in volunteer parking programs.
It is recommended that the reminders be used only when a vehicle is not occupied to protect the safety of all concerned.
Order online: www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/disabilities/resources/parking
Call to order: Governor’s Committee at 512-463-5739 or dial 711 for Relay Services.
Information on key laws about accessible parking:
www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/disabilities/resources/keylaws/parking
The Governor’s Committee recommends changes in disability policies and programs in the areas of access, communication, education, emergency preparedness, health, housing, transportation, and workforce. The Committee also supports a network of committees on people with disabilities, issues awards to promote greater awareness, and evaluates the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Memorial sign program launched
Sanctioned signs to cost $300
Special to the Courier
Published Dec. 27, 2007
To inform the public about the dangers of drinking and driving, Texas Department of Transportation has implemented a new program to allow friends and family members of DWI victims to purchase memorial signs for placement near the location of fatal crashes.
The program has resulted from legislation aimed at reducing the more than 1,670 traffic fatalities in 2006 that involved drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The 80th Texas Legislature created the program at the request of Julie Blasingame. A drunk driver was involved in the death of Blasingame's daughter, Rachel. Blasingame will be the first participant in the program.
"I would love to see these memorial signs all over Texas as constant reminders for our drivers to not drink and drive," Blasingame said. "So many grieving families will want to honor their loved one's memory in this way because they know that good will come from it."
Blasingame continued, "Their loved one won't be forgotten and it will cause drivers to think about how their actions affect others. Nearly every family in Texas knows someone who has been affected by a drunk driver."
The legislation creating the program required TxDOT to develop administrative rules governing the operation of the program. The rules went into effect on Dec. 6. The department has published a new web page containing all the information a person needs to participate in the program, www.txdot.gov/services/traffic_operations/memorial_sign.htm.
"I am pleased that TxDOT has taken this important step to help raise public awareness on the dangers of DWI," said State Representative Betty Brown. "Drunk driving continues to be one of our state's most serious traffic safety issues and represents a real and serious danger to innocent law-abiding members of our communities.
If this program deters even a single impaired driver from venturing out onto streets and highways, it will have served its purpose." The memorial signs, which cost $300, will identify the victim or family name, date of the crash and the phrases "Please Don't Drink and Drive" and "In Memory of —"
The program requires that fatal crashes must have occurred on a state highway. It also bans memorializing impaired drivers killed in a traffic crash.
After remaining in place for one year, an erected memorial sign will be offered to the person who made the original application for program participation.
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TxDOT meets match
by David Arny
BCC Staff Writer
Published Nov. 22, 2007
"Activist" is a term which conjures up images of a wild-eyed rabble-rouser with a much broader agenda than the cause du jour for which they fight.
Striving to save the whales one day and holding candlelight vigils to end the death penalty the next, some folks seem to be born tilting at windmills, like Don Quixote and his obsessive quest.
Terri Hall however, appears to be cut from a different cloth entirely. During her presentation at the Bandera County Republican Women Club's November meeting, she outlined her opposition to the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) plans for a network of toll roads in her adopted state. Hall appeared more a pragmatist than a perpetual malcontent. The issue for her is simply whether or not Texans will allow a large amount of their land and money to be forcibly confiscated so a handful of foreign companies, their lawyers and Texas politicos-cum-lobbyists can realize an enormous — and perpetual — profit.
Devil in the details
The foreign toll road construction companies referred to are a Spanish firm named Cinta and the MacQuarie Infrastructure Group from Australia. As Hall explained, Public Private Partnerships are agreements between government entities and private businesses. The latter construct public works projects in exchange for guaranteed long-range dividends paid by taxpayers, in addition to other lucrative concessions.
When entering into this type of agreement, the state or municipality is generally paid an up-front sum, which, depending upon the scale of the project, can run into billions of dollars.
Hall compared the schemes to "taking out a second mortgage on our highway system."
The late US Speaker of the House Thomas "Tip" O'Neil once said "All politics are local." While there are much larger issues related to Hall's fight against TxDOT, she focused her attention on the effects that agency's agenda will have on residents of Central Texas — from the Rio Grand Valley to the Oklahoma border.
Even closer to home than the proposed Trans Texas Corridor (TTC) — a quarter of a mile wide in places and requiring the "taking" of over half a million acres under eminent domain — is the toll road planned to replace Highway 16 between San Antonio's Loop 410 and Loop 1604, also known as Bandera Road.
Commuters from Bandera, Hall said, who presently use that thoroughfare for free would be forced to pay their hard earned dollars every day for the privilege of driving back and forth to work on it.
Can't get there from here
Motorists who wish to avoid traveling on toll roads and use alternative routes instead, will have an unpleasant surprise in store for them, said Hall.
"Municipalities that sign on with these plans must enter into contractual 'no-compete agreements,' meaning they are legally prohibited from making any improvements to roads in the vicinity of the toll roads. It's a way to force drivers into using their toll roads."
Hall quoted Ric Williamson, chairman of the Texas Transportation Committee, a proponent of TxDOT's agenda. Speaking of the choices Texas drivers will have in the future, Williamson said at a rare public hearing on the issue, "It's going to be toll roads, slow roads or no roads."
Troubling behavior Acknowledging the need for major improvements and increased capacity on Texas highways, Hall claimed TxDOT is not in the dire financial straits it claims to be.
She referred to an audit by the Texas State Comptroller's Office which found TxDOT's budget had tripled since 1990 and doubled since Governor Rick Perry took office in 2000. "Part of the problem," she said, "is that an estimated $10 billion in taxes already collected for highway construction and maintenance have been earmarked for things like tourism, refurbishing cemeteries and mental health projects."
To the TxDOT claim that revenues to the highway fund haven't kept pace with population growth, Hall again cites figures from the comptrollers office, saying TxDOT's budget increases have outpaced both the influx of new residents and the rate of inflation by 178 percent.
Hall said some of the money TxDOT has already collected should be used to widen existing roads, such as the congested stretch of US Highway 281 between Loop 1604 and Stone Oak Parkway and beyond. Instead, it's being used illegally to pay for a huge public relations campaign designed to sway public opinion in favor of the agency's plans. In one instance, she noted, TxDOT officials marked a set of expenditures as "engineering costs," but were later discovered to be public relations fees.
"They deliberately defrauded taxpayers," Hall said.
Then & now
Comparing existing turnpikes in Houston and Dallas that charge tolls, Hall said, voters approved those projects in referendums.
Completely new roads were built. Money collected from tolls on those thoroughfares — as well as control over them — remained with local communities.
When the bonds which paid for those roads were paid off, the tolls were eliminated. Hall told the group that the new toll roads proposed by TxDOT will, for the most part, simply widen existing stretches of roadways.
Voters will have little or no options regarding the projects they will be financing. Profits will be paid to the stockholders of foreign-owned companies, and a percentage distributed statewide for unrelated government programs. Tolls will be collected "in perpetuity."
"When you buy a car, you can choose among competing sellers," said Hall. "You can shop around for the best price, choose the make and model that suit you best and, when the car is paid for, the payments stop.
"With TxDOT's toll road plans, there's only one expressway — you have no choice but to use their 'product.' The tax rates are dictated to you. There's no competition and there's a 50-year monopoly. And, the tolls never end, even after the road is paid for."
Other voices
Hall and the group she founded in opposition to TxDOT's plans for Public Private Partnerships in toll road enterprises, TURF (Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom), are not alone in their David and Goliath-like battle. In an opinion piece appearing in the Dec. 2006 issue of Texas Monthly, editor-in-chief Paul Burka wrote, "Existing highways should not be converted to toll roads — this is double taxation. Commuters should not be forced to tithe for the privilege of using a freeway overpass."
In the same issue of Texas Monthly, fourterm State Senator John Corona predicted that if TxDOT's plans are fully implemented, "Within 30 years' time, we will bring the condition of free roads in Texas to a condition of ruin."
Perhaps the strongest words quoted by Hall were said by former State Senator John Lindsay, from an interview in the Houston Chronicle dated Jan. 1, 2007.
"Selling our highways to anyone is terrible public policy," he said. "The demands TxDOT has been making is tantamount to extortion."
Glimmer of hope
The youthful-looking mother of six said her organization consists of lawyers and legal assistants working long hours pro bono; volunteer canvassers going door-todoor; a film maker who spent countless hours shooting and editing "Truth be Tolled," an award-winning documentary about the issue; and everyday citizens who dislike what they see as the heavy-handed tactics of a state agency "run amok."
According to Hall, their efforts are beginning to show signs of promise.
A lawsuit filed by TURF to stop TxDOT from spending taxpayerfunded resources on lobbying efforts and ad campaigns promoting its toll road projects — practices she says are clearly illegal under Texas law — is going forward.
TxDOT is being defended by the office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. On Thursday, Oct. 18, State District Judge Orlinda Naranjo ruled against TxDOT's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and granted TURF's lawyer Charles Riley a 90-day continuance in the case.
Hall sees the ruling as a major victory.
"This means we will be able to continue the discovery phase of the suit," she said. "That includes taking depositions from TxDOT's top brass."
The Assistant Attorney General who fought the three-month continuance, Krista W. Silcocks, expressed her disappointment after the ruling.
Quoted in a Houston Chronicle report, she said, "State employees do not need this hanging over their heads."
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Just a 'simple country lawyer'
Van Os clarifies need for amending constitution
by Judith Pannebaker
BCC Staff Writer
Published Oct. 25, 2007
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Jannell Rath, David Van Os and Essie Stewart prior to Van Os' dissection of the 16 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution
Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker
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Civil rights attorney and human rights activist David Van Os arrived in Bandera last Saturday, fired up to offer his takes on the 16 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitutional set to be approved or not during the Tuesday, Nov. 6, election.
He is the owner and senior attorney of San Antonio's David Van Os & Associates PC, a law firm specializing in constitutional law, labor law and civil rights.
While a candidate for attorney general, Van Os took his campaign directly to the people, speaking from the steps of every courthouse in Texas' 254 counties.
Using old-fashioned stump "politicking," spiced up with a pinch of tent revival meeting, his impassioned message skewered the collective evils of big oil companies, insurance companies and media conglomerates, as well as voter complacency.
At every "whistle stop," small but enthusiastic crowds listened to his impassioned pleas to "return Texas government back to the people" and denounce the "bought and paid for perversion of the American political process."
At that time, Van Os said, "Democracy is in crisis. In every election the biggest block of voters are those who don't vote. They cast a ballot of abstention. When the majority abstains from voting, democracy is in crisis and my blood runs cold. We must turn this around and get the citizens of the counties and state to participate in self-government."
During an Oct. 20 workshop held in the Bandera High School auditorium, Van Os returned to his favorite theme, voter participation.
"When Essie (Stewart) asked me to come here and do this, I agreed immediately," he said. "I was impressed because someone wanted me to do this at all." Stewart and chairman of the Bandera County Democratic Party Jannell Rath sponsored Van Os' presentation.
Clearly, constitutions, whether that of the United States, Texas or any of the other 49 states, remain one of Van Os' most revered documents.
"In 1787, 220 years ago, the United States of America gave to the rest of the world a stunning and remarkable contribution writing and adopting a written constitution that described the rights of the people and the powers and limitations of the government. The first three words of its preamble, 'We the people .' tells it all," he said.
"Government exists only by the consent of the governed. What a concept the people are the masters and the government serves the people. Government protects the people and even technology should not be allowed to take away the fundamental concept of self-government."
Discussing the Texas Constitution in particular, Van Os characterized "cultural DNA" as making Texas unique, among the states. According to Van Os, after the Republic of Texas declared itself on March 2, 1836, it became only the second entity after the United States itself to establish self-government through a written constitution.
"Through these elections, as citizens, we vote on the wording and meaning of the fundamental charter of the Republic of Texas," Van Os said, adding, "It's a shame that so little attention is paid socially and politically in the communities to our constitutional referendums. The state constitution determines the relationship between the individual and the government. In every community in Texas, (a dialogue) like this should be going on. Mass media should be paying as much attention to the constitutional elections as it does to the candidates running for public office."
He continued, "It is important that people participate in these elections.
By deciding what the constitution says, we fulfill the concept of self-government at the most fundamental level."
Van Os explained that proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution are generated in the state legislature as joint resolutions passed by two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
"The proposed amendments are then put before the voters, who make the final decision," he said. "The more citizens who vote, the more legitimacy is invested in those amendments that pass."
Obviously, Van Os had fielded questions regarding the rationale behind perceived on-going and endless amendments to the Texas Constitution.
"The Texas Constitution is a lot more specific than the United States Constitution about what the state governments can or cannot do," he said, pointing out the present Texas Constitution was written in 1876 as a post-Reconstruction document.
"People in Texas had felt the heavy hand of the Federal troops and wanted (to draft) a constitution accordingly."
While its specific nature equates to a more self-governing democracy, that type of document naturally requires more frequent amending, Van Os indicated. However, he also ceded some of the proposed amendments were little more than noncontroversial "housekeeping" details.
Prior to introducing Van Os, Stewart described him as a Texas Monthly magazine's pick as one of the state's "super lawyers," as well as one of the "best attorneys in the nation.
"As you can see, you're not going to be listening to just anyone I picked up at the OST," she told the crowd.
Van Os also serves as lead attorney for firebrand Terri Hall in her latest lawsuit against the Texas Department of Transportation. Hall has initiated several lawsuits to prevent the transportation agency from transforming state highways into tollways.
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Combs recounts sojourn in state "counting house'
by Judith Pannebaker
BCC Staff Writer
Published Oct. 4, 2007
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Kendall County Republican Women President Grace Bellomy with Texas State Comptroller Susan Combs
Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker
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If Susan Combs runs her state office half as efficiently as she took charge of a recent meeting of the Kendall County Republican Women, Texas taxpayers have nothing to worry about.
After eight months on the job as the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Combs' fingers are firmly grasped around the state's purse strings, and, until she decides otherwise, opponents might well find themselves attempting to pry them "from her cold dead hands."
By her accounts, she's turned into quite a fiscal martinet. Combs' mantra and that of her office has become accountability, efficiency and wise use of taxpayers' money.
Combs allotted approximately an hour and a quarter from her busy schedule to speak to the KCRW at their annual Back-to-School Luncheon held at Ye Kendall Inn on Monday, Sept. 24. The time proved more than adequate, then off she sped to her next engagement.
Combs' no-nonsense West Texas straight talk clearly demonstrated she does not suffer fools and sycophants let alone wasters of public funds.
Launching into her précis- style progress report, she told the crowd, "I ran my campaign for comptroller on a platform of "It's your money.', I really mean it when I say, "The state's money is the taxpayers money'."
Underscoring that assertion, within weeks of being sworn in, Combs had listed on a state website her office's every expenditure down to money spent for pencils.
"In March, the expenditures of 200 state agencies were posted on the web," she added with a degree of satisfaction. "It doesn't take rocket science to tell where the money was going."
In addition, thanks to a bill passed on Oct. 1, citizens can now reference on the website all checks written by state agencies. "If the TCEQ writes a check to "Fred's Leaky Storage Tank Business,' you'll be able to mine that information," Combs said. "Information available on the web gives the date, amount, payer and payee of every check written by a state agency."
Another of her campaign platforms, "Easy to pay; hard to cheat," got a leg up courtesy of state legislators.
According to Combs, HB 11 addresses a change in reporting the sale of alcohol and tobacco products. She expects the new legislation to increase state's coffers by $72,455,000 by August 31, 2009.
"Stores were not remitting sales tax collected from the sales of tobacco and alcohol," Combs said, equating that to cheating the taxpayers.
The newly enacted bill allows the comptroller to require wholesalers and distributors of alcohol and tobacco products to file a monthly report with the state detailing sales made to retail establishments.
This new reporting procedure led to increased audits of the retail outlets, which, in turn, increased sales tax collections. Combs attributed a portion of the revenue gain to greater voluntary compliance by retail outlets, saying, "Historically, convenience stores tend to report an increase in taxable sales after receiving notice of audit."
In addition, Combs intends to crack down on convenience stores serving as venues for money laundering. She cited one in Tarrant county that had cashed checks for $1.6 million in a single month.
"That's a $250,000 of taxes they're holding onto," she said. "The consumers are getting stiffed.
Other epiphanies occurred when a transformer blew recently, threatening the state's computer system. By spending a judicious $4.5 million on a new mainframe and backup diesel generator, "the state's business won't grind to a halt," according to Combs.
Making good on another campaign slogan, "Simpler, smarter faster," she has streamlined the process for retrieving unclaimed property, such as closing out bank accounts, from five weeks to five days.
In addition, she noted, "A research study has shown obesity will cost the state $15.3 billion per year by the year 2025." To forestall this, the state will urge all middle schools to include physical education classes in the curriculum. "If we offered PE in schools and fed our kids better, it would be great," Combs noted said.
As a parting shot to the KCRW, she described the current mood across the state regarding government as "apathetic."
Assuming a natural role of cheerleader, the former assistant district attorney stressed the importance of voting, both in primary and general elections, to combat the pervasive current malaise.
Combs reminded Republicans, "We won Florida and make no mistake about it, we did win Florida by only one vote in each precinct. That's how important your votes are." Calling casting ballots an "obligation and privilege," she advocated making a concerted effort to getting out the vote, adding, " even if you have to drag (people) to the polls."
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Macias reports possible surprise for TxDOT
by Judith Pannebaker
BCC Staff Writer
Published Sept. 27, 2007
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Shawn Morrison, president of the Bandera County Board of Realtors, and Texas State District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias
Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker
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Texas State District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias breezed into Bandera County Friday, Sept. 14, to address the local Board of Realtors at their regularly scheduled luncheon held at the meeting room at Bandera Downs.
After offering a requisite update on the 80th legislature, Macias launched into an Q & A session, dropping what could conceivably be a bombshell.
To a series of questions regarding the state's current mobility crises, Macias indicated the next legislative session may hold a few surprises for personnel with the Texas Department of Transportation.
So long, TxDOT?
One realtor asked Macias, "The Texas Youth Commission has been called 'a broken agency.' Do you feel TxDOT is also a broken agency?"
"TxDOT is up for 'sunset review' every 12 years," he replied. "In that review, the agency can be reorganized and reformed." Macias went on to say there is a move to introduce an omnibus sunset bill against TxDOT in the 81st legislative session.
He clearly is not pleased with recent performances from the mega-agency and its personnel, especially regarding leadership issues in the transportation commission.
"I think you will see significant legislative changes dealing with the operation of the department," he predicted.
"As an engineer, I worked with TxDOT for many years," Macias said. "Previously, I think TxDOT was a well-run public service agency, but lately I believe it has gone in the wrong direction. It was not meant to be a political arm and political shield. "TxDOT has an $8 billion annual budget.
That's a lot of employees and a lot of money. To me, a bigger agency equates to a more bureaucratic and sluggish agency. (The legislature) needs to make it more responsive and 'fleet-of-foot'."
However, when asked about the move afoot to sunset the mega-mobility agency, an unnamed attorney in Austin predicted the legislature would use the threat of restructuring TxDOT as a way to impose needed charges.
TTC funding
Macias also fielded a question regarding funding for the controversial Trans Texas Corridor. The TTC, a connecting network of super-highways, was designed to offer parallel links of toll ways, rails and utility lines. In addition, the proposed tolled portion of the TTC would include separate truck and passenger lanes.
Macias described a TTC merging with a transportation network that stretched from Mexico through the nation's heartland to the Canadian border.
Construction of the TTC will be financed partially through private investors, who will then collect tolls imposed on the super-highways. One specific international company mentioned repeatedly is the Spanish conglomerate, Cintra-Zachry.
Addressing future mobility in the Lone Star State, Macias explained the reasoning behind seeking foreign investors in America's infrastructure. "It's a matter of what I call 'impatient' money verses 'patient' money," he said.
"'Patient' money can wait 30 years to get a return on their initial investment." He indicated Europeans with their centuries of civilization behind them had more of a capacity for patience than Americans.
"For this reason, foreign investors are more inclined to invest in the United States," Macias continued. "Politicians consider it the 'path of least resistance'."
Regarding toll roads, he said he was not opposed to imposing tolls on new roads to underwrite construction and maintenance.
However, Macias remained adamantly against tolling completed highways as a means to finance road construction in other parts of the state. He regarded Congress' allowing of trucks from Mexico to travel beyond the previous 25-mile limit as a means to "speed up commerce."
Mo' authority NOT!
Changing gears, Macias responded to a question about the likelihood of counties receiving broad-based increased authority to control and limit development. He reminded the assembly he had co-sponsored a bill with Texas State District 53 Rep. Harvey Hilderbran that would have given counties increased regulatory authority.
"We introduced the bill and it went nowhere," he said. "The mood on the House floor is not to allow counties to have increased authority." Macias attributed the legislators' attitude as a protection of personal property rights.
He said he had the unique ability to see both sides of this particular coin. "On one hand, I live in an unincorporated area of Comal County and a lot of folks moved to the county to get out from rules and restrictions," he said. On the other hand, however, Macias represents Bandera, Comal, Kendall and Kerr counties, all ranked within the top 15 fastest growing counties in Texas.
"In addition, they have all been designated as Priority Groundwater Management Areas," he said. Macias felt that a trigger mechanism, such as water issues, should be designated to allow counties an increased regulatory authority. "The difficult question will be increased (county) authority 'for what' and for 'how much'?" Macias noted.
A man's castle-Doctrine
One participant asked if he believed the legislature would ever extend the principles behind Texas' so-called "Castle Doctrine" to cover a rancher protecting his land.
Replying in the negative, Macias said, "It's a matter of a dwelling being defined as a home, vehicle and place of business verses open land. On open ranch or farm land, the matter becomes an issue of residential trespassing."
As a type of justifiable homicide, the "Castle Doctrine" designates a person's residence, as well as other specific areas, as a place in which he is protected from illegal trespassing and violent attack. It gives a person the legal right to use deadly force to defend his "castle" from violent attack without fear of prosecution or civil lawsuits.
As a parting promise of sorts, Macias hoped to increase state funding to address Bandera County's local road woes.
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Gov. Perry: Border Security Council to hold public meetings in border communities
Operation Border Star ongoing along the border region
Published Sept. 27, 2007
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry Sept. 26 announced the first meetings of the newly-appointed Border Security Council will be held Oct. 1-3. The meetings will take place in border communities, offering a public forum for testimony relating to strengthening safety and security in the Texas-Mexico border region and areas statewide. The meetings will occur during the first phase of the State of Texas' newest border security surge, Operation Border Star.
"Texans know that border-related crime is not isolated to the border region. All Texans, and all Americans, are affected by the smuggling of drugs and humans as they make their way across the Texas-Mexico border and into our communities," said Perry. "The Border Security Council will play an important role in helping the state coordinate efficient and effective strategies to create a stronger law enforcement presence along the border to prevent and deter criminal activity."
The Border Security Council focuses on homeland security and economic development along the Texas-Mexico Border. Created in Senate Bill 11 during the 80th Legislative Session, the council is responsible for developing and recommending performance standards, reporting requirements and audit methods for funds allocated to the Office of the Governor for border security. The council also advises Governor Perry on the allocation of homeland security funds.
In coordination with the United States Border Patrol, the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition, the Coastal Bend Sheriffs Coalition and border area police departments, the State of Texas launched Operation Border Star in mid-September. This operation is a unified high intensity, multi-agency effort focused on reducing crime in targeted regions along the Texas-Mexico border. The operation will continue for a time period that will remain undisclosed for operational security purposes.
Operation Border Star draws resources from across the state to support the U.S. Border Patrol, including local law enforcement; Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, criminal intelligence personnel and Texas Rangers; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens; and Texas Military Forces personnel and equipment, including fixed wing aircrafts, and a large arsenal of helicopters with night vision capabilities.
To date, 11,095 pounds of marijuana, 35.4 pounds of cocaine and 7.4 pounds of methamphetamine have been seized as a result of Operation Border Star. Additionally, 170 illegal aliens have been arrested, including three members of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, which is considered the fastest-growing and most violent street gang in the nation today. More importantly, organized smuggling activities have decreased since this operation began. Law enforcement agencies have reported a reduction in the number of calls they have received for assistance, which reflect complaints received from the public to report suspicious or criminal activity. During periods of low smuggling activity, the number of calls decreases.
In support of this operation, the U.S. Border Patrol is hosting Joint Operation Intelligence Centers (JOIC) in each of the five Texas Border Sectors. The establishment of JOICs will enable participating law enforcement entities to maximize the effect of enforcement personnel and resources, while facilitating information sharing. Through this cohesive law enforcement effort, criminal activity with a direct nexus to the Texas-Mexico border will be reduced and higher levels of border security instilled.
"By joining together with our local, state and federal partners, we will support the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, and protect our communities by dominating the border," Perry said. "While securing our international borders is ultimately the responsibility of the federal government, Texas can and will assist in that effort to maximize its effect."
This operation will be substantially expanded during the next year with guidance from the Texas Border Security Council and more than $100 million provided by the 80th Texas Legislature for continued border security efforts.
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Comptroller to speak at KCRW annual luncheon
Published Aug. 30, 2007
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs will be guest speaker at the Kendall County Republican Women’s annual “Back-to-School” luncheon Monday, Sept. 24, at Kendall Halle at Ye Kendall Inn in Boerne.
A “meet and greet” will begin at 11 am with the luncheon served at noon.
A silent auction will also be held. RSVPs for the event may be made to Jann Turnbow at 830-537-4024 by Thursday, Sept. 20, or $22 checks payable to KCRW can be sent directly to KCRW, Box 122, Boerne 78006. Checks must be received by Sept. 20.
Combs was elected Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on Nov. 7, 2006, by an overwhelming majority; she was sworn in on Jan.1. As comptroller, she is committed to providing better access to government services, minimizing costs and applying tax and fiscal laws justly.
As Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Combs won back-to-back elections in 1998 and 2002. Blazing a trail as the first woman elected to the office, she re-engineered the Texas Department of Agriculture’s electronic information systems for greater efficiency, launching the unparalleled “Go Texan” marketing campaign for Texas-made products.
Combs’ initiatives and programs boosted economic development and ignited revitalization across the state. With a special emphasis on rural Texas, her efforts helped create and retain jobs for thousands of Texans, which, in turn, strengthened the state’s economy. Her work to ensure Texas schoolchildren had access to healthy food at school served as a national model for other states.
A Vassar College graduate, Combs worked in international advertising in New York, in the financial markets on Wall Street and for the federal government. After returning to Texas, she received her law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. After graduating, Combs served as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas handling child abuse cases, where her performance as a tough prosecutor earned her widespread respect.
Combs was born in San Antonio and has a cow-calf operation in Brewster County on the same ranch established by her great-grandfather more than a century ago. She lives in Austin with her husband, Joe, and is the proud mother of three sons – who are all as tall as she is.
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Macias opens district office
Published Aug. 23, 2007
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Texas Rep. Nathan Macias (District 73) represents Bandera, Comal, Gillespie and Kendall Counties in Austin.
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District 73 State Representative Nathan Macias opened his district office at 160 Creekside Park, Suite 206 in Bulverde on Monday, August 20.
The Creekside Park Business Complex is located directly across the street from the H-E-B on Highway 46 and immediately behind the First American Bank.
"When the legislative session ended on May 28, my top priority was to bring a report to the citizens of District 73. It has been a privilege to visit with people throughout the district at over 20 town hall and Republican Club meetings to date,” said Macias. “I am delighted to establish this office near the corner of State Highway 46 and US 281. Considering the geographic and population center points of Bandera, Comal, Gillespie and Kendall counties, this intersection is the most centrally located in the district.”
Macias' Administrative Director Adam Bell will staff the office Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. “Please contact us for assistance or to make an appointment to meet with Representative Macias at the district office or possibly at other locations throughout the district,” Bell said.
Macias added, "This office is an extension of my purpose as your state representative – to serve the citizens of the great 73rd District.”
Telephone is 830-438-0325, and fax is 830-438-0326. Mailing address for the district office is PO Box 276, Bulverde 78163.
Mailing address for Macias’ Austin office is PO Box 2910, Austin 78768; telephone is 512-463-0325, Capitol Extension E2-704.
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Macias gives BCRW legislature update
by Judith Pannebaker
BCC Staff Writer
Published July 19, 2007
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Holding up their favorite pachyderms at the recent meeting of the Bandera County Republican Women were District Coordinator Patti Johnson, BCRW President Linda James, State Rep. Nathan Macias and his wife, Susan, and Chief of Staff Travis Sabine.
Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker
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State Rep. Nathan Macias met Bandera County's favorite centenarian, Linda Shaw, at the BCRW meeting. When asked if she would like to have her picture taken with Macias for the Courier, Shaw replied, "I don't know. Is he a Republican?" When assured he was, Shaw added, "Well, you can't be too careful nowadays."
Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker
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District 73 State Rep. Nathan Macias provided the Bandera County Republican Women with a succinct and timely legislative update during the group's Friday, July 13, meeting. Macias represents 150,000 citizens inBandera, Comal, Gillespie and Kendall counties.
He offered an overview of the recently wrapped-up 80th Legislative session. "The Texas Legislature meets every two years for 140 days," Macias said, adding, "but a lot of people wish it would meet every 140 days for two days."
Budget surplus
The 150 House members breaks down to 81 Republicans and 69 Democrats. "If we lose six more seats, Republicans will no longer have the majority in the House at the state level," he noted. On the other hand, with 20 Republicans and 11 Democrats in the Texas Senate, a single elected Republican would "change the mix," regarding the Senate's two-third majority rule. A 21-10 delineation would enable Republican legislation to be approved with ease.
In terms of fiscal responsibility, the 80th Legislative session concluded with a $14 billion surplus and $2.5 billion stashed away in a "rainy day" fund, Macias said.
Originally touted as a bust for business, franchise tax reform, as passed, still offers tax liability for small businesses, according to Macias. For example, businesses grossing $0 to $300,000 annually will still receive 100 percent tax liability. The small business exemption has doubled from $150,000 to $300,000 in total revenue, and since the exemption follows inflation rates, it allows small businesses to prosper and grow.
Eminent domain defeated
Although HB 2006 on eminent domain was ultimately defeated, Macias predicted it would resurface in the next legislative session. The bill called for "adequate compensation and fair market" for any property seized for use by the state, political subdivision or general public, such as rights-of-way for a new highway. The bill also provided that no private property could be seized for purely commercial use.
Expressing disappointment at its demise, Macias said, "Overall, this was a very good bill." Detractors, however, feared paying "fair market value" would lead to increased taxes with "one set of taxpayers funding major projects that would only benefit others." As Macias offered, "Where you stand on an issue often depends on where you sit."
To address the ever-present issue of water conservation, he said the legislature had appointed a 23-member Water Advisory Council. According to Macias, the council has committed to developing a sound water policy that includes regional conservation.
Voter protection defeated
Two bills that would have provided for voter protection and election integrity were summarily defeated by Democrats, he indicated. HB 626 would have required proof of citizenship at polling places and HB 218 would have required a picture identification or two non-photo IDs. Both bills were defeated in the Senate.
"Arguing discrimination and disenfranchisement, Democrats came out against both bills. However, their arguments were a bunch of bunk and I didn't buy them," he said. Macias predicted both bills would be revisited during the next legislative session.
Regarding education, he said the TAKS test would be phased out in favor of end-of-course exams, which legislators felt would be "less disruptive and more relevant to the curriculum." Macias said the new exams would also decrease "teaching to the test." Other innovative educational reforms included implementing a pilot program for "at risk" high school students, beginning in the ninth grade, as well as random steroid testing for high school athletes.
In addition, the Texas Tomorrow Fund II, a prepaid tuition program, would encourage earmarking funds for college. "Participants would lock in tuition at current rates," Macias said. With this program, the college or university would be responsible for making up tuition increases. "This is a good incentive for schools to keep their tuitions down," he noted.
Discussing the criminal justice system, Macias touched on the "lid blowing off" the Texas Youth Commission, a prison system with 5,000 incarcerated young people. "We spend $57,000 annually on each young person sent to the Texas Youth Commission and only $9,000 to $10,000 per year on students in the public school systems," he said. Decrying the current recidivism rate of 70 percent, Macias added, "We must work harder to restore young folks back to society as contributing members."
"Castle Doctrine"
He described the approved "Castle Doctrine" as a chance for citizens to exercise self-defense in their homes, cars and workplaces – a welcome change from the "retreat" mode of the 1970s. "Everyone should have the right to defend themselves and what is theirs," he said. Macias related a story about a representative from the Houston area. After voting against the bill, the representative later shot an intruder inside his home. "Who knows?" Macias quipped. "Maybe he'll become a pro-gun advocate."
County authority
In a question and answer session, he discussed a failed legislative effort to increase county authority. Describing a bill he sponsored as ultimately "not playing on the House floor," Macias said the bill would have allowed residents to vote in a referendum on increased county authority regarding subdivision density, water issues and growth rates. "What I didn't want to see was the county government left holding the bag in the form of unfunded mandates," he said. Unwilling to let the issue go, however, an unidentified audience member noted, "Unregulated development threatens the beautiful Hill Country. The county needs increased authority to plan development. The government has the responsibility to protect our non-renewable resources."
Macias rejoined, "Everyone wants the next group of people to be regulated."
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Macias named TFR 'taxpayer hero'
Contributed
Published July 12, 2007
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Texas Rep. Nathan Macias (District 73) represents Bandera County in Austin
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Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR), a conservative taxpayer advocacy group, has named Representative Nathan Macias as one of their "Taxpayer Heroes."
The TFR 2007 Legislative scorecard for the Texas House used an index of 14 key votes to provide a clear picture of spending policy, taxpayer protection efforts and overall fiscal responsibility trends.
“On the whole, these men and women could be counted on this session as wise stewards of our resources, seeking to reduce the burden of taxes, looking for smarter ways to spend tax dollars and working to make the budget process more transparent and accountable," said TFR President, Michael Quinn Sullivan. "Texans need more legislators like these who are willing to do the right thing for taxpayers and the future of Texas.”
"I am truly honored to be recognized by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility as one of their 15 'Taxpayer Heroes'," said Macias. "It’s an honor to represent District 73 to ensure the taxpayer's money is spent wisely and efficiently. I will continue to pursue additional tax relief in order to keep Texans' money in Texans' pockets."
“State representatives, on average, failed to protect Texas taxpayers against new and higher spending, and failed to promote taxpayer protections,” Sullivan continued. “The good news is that there are 15 highly-dedicated members of the Texas House working to do the right thing for Texas, earning an ‘A’ on the scorecard.”
The full TFR scorecard, including a detailed description of the votes and methodology, is available at EmpowerTexans.com.
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Macias to host town hall meeting, attend luncheon
Published July 12, 2007
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Texas Rep. Nathan Macias (District 73) represents Bandera County in Austin
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District 73 State Representative Nathan Macias will be guest speaker at a Friday, July 13, luncheon of the Bandera County Republican Women's Club at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Blvd.
The public is welcome and members of the women's club are encouraged to bring guests. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and costs $8 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Lila Ward at 830-751-2771.
Macias, who was named Freshman Representative of the Year, represents Bandera County during legislative sessions in Austin. From 5:30 pm until 7 pm, on Friday, he will hold a town hall meeting at the senior center.
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