Hall Previously Claimed Valero Told Him His Wife's Position With The Firm Constituted No Conflict Of Interest
Vince Leibowitz - February 28, 2008
AUSTIN--Former San Antonio City Councilman Art Hall has accepted more than $5,000 in contributions from Valero Energy's political action committee and several of its employees, according to records from the Texas Ethics Commission.
On February 8, Hall received a $5,000 contribution from the Valero Political Action Committee, a PAC notorious for giving thousands of dollars to Texas' most conservative Republicans-- and Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams, the man Hall and Dale Henry (D-Lampasas) seek to replace in the November general election.
In addition to the $5,000 from Valero's PAC, Hall also took more than $2,000 from Valero employees and attorneys in late January and February. According to Hall's most recent filing with the Texas Ethics Commission, he received the following contributions from Valero employees and attorneys:
Robert Bower, Valero Attorney, $500 2/23
Theodore Guidry, Valero employee, $500, 1/26
Diane Hirsch, Valero Attorney, $300, 2/23
Martin Loeber, Valero Attorney, $500, 2/23
Rich Walsh, Valero Attorney, $1,500, 2/23
Parker Wilson, Valero Attorney, $500, 2/23
"The money that Art Hall has accepted from Valero's PAC and its employees is especially troubling given the fact that he is very connected to Valero through the fact that his wife is an attorney for Valero," said Vince Leibowitz, campaign director for Dale Henry, Hall's principal opponent.
According to Hall's Personal Financial Statement on file with the Texas Ethics Commission, Hall's wife owns between 5,000 and 9,999 shares of stock in Valero which, if sold, would represent a net gain of $10,000 to $24,999.
"All of this is especially disturbing given the fact that Art Hall is actually getting advice from Valero on what constitutes a conflict of interest for his campaign," said Leibowitz.
At a forum in Decatur on January 29, Hall was asked if he believed it constituted a conflict of interest that his wife, Stephanie Hall, is an attorney for Valero considering the Railroad Commission regulates the oil and gas industry. Hall told the audience that he had contacted Valero and that he was advised by the company that her work would not constitute a conflict of interest for him.
"Art Hall is getting ethics advice and money from Valero energy. What else is he getting from them? Are they advising him on energy policy as well? Art Hall represents no departure from the current rubber-stamp culture at the Texas Railroad Commission where Commissioners take thousands of dollars from oil company PACs and their employees and then give them whatever they want without regard for the best interest of Texas consumers or the environment," Leibowitz said.
"Valero's PAC is notorious for giving large sums of money to Republicans and pet conservative causes," Leibowitz said. "Valero has given Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams $20,000. Now Art Hall is taking Valero's money and telling Texans that he will bring 'balance' to the Texas Railroad Commission. What kind of 'balance' is that, exactly? The kind of 'balance' where Hall will simply be another hand out taking money from the oil industry? That's not 'balance,' that is merely more of the same," Leibowitz continued.
Valero has given incumbent Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams $10,000 on two occasions: once less than a year ago on June 28, 2007, and once on June 7, 2002. Valero has also contributed to some of Texans most anti-consumer, counter-progressive Republicans and Republican causes.
The company's PAC gave $15,000 to Tom Craddick's "Stars Over Texas" Leadership PAC ($10,000 on 10/11/06 and $5,000 on 10/25/04), and $30,000 to Speaker Craddick's personal campaign account since 2004 ($10,000 on 11/08/05 and $10,000 on 11/5/07, and $10,000 on 11/10/04). A small sampling of Valero's contributions to Republicans include:
Texas Conservative Coalition ($2,500 on 9/10/07)
Former State Rep. Joe Nixon ($1,000 on 3/5/04)
Lt. Governor David Dewhurst ($10,000 on 11/6/03)
Attorney General Greg Abbott ($10,000 on 7/11/03)
Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo ($5,000 on 1/29/04)
U.S. Senator John Cornyn ($2,500 while Cornyn was Texas' AG on 11/7/2000)
State Rep. Phil King ($2,500 on 10/23/07)
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples ($5,000 on 11/27/07)
Former State Rep. Talmadge Heflin ($1,000 on 11/9/04)
The Valero-tied contributions aren't the only suspect contributions Hall has received as a candidate. While on the San Antonio City Council, Hall accepted money from executives and employees of the HB Zachry company, a San Antonio-based company which has paired with Spanish company Cintra and, in March 2005, signed a comprehensive development agreement authorizing $3.5 million in planning for the first phase of the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor. Hall accepted a $500 contribution from HB Zachry on April 26, 2005 and a $250 contribution from J.P. Zachry on August 8, 2005. As a San Antonio City Councilman, Hall also took money from Valero's PAC on May 3, 2005 ($500).
At the January 29 forum in Decatur, Hall also failed to state a position on a question that asked whether or not he favored continued development of the Trans-Texas Corridor, which will include "designated utility zones" which will facilitate the transport of oil and natural gas and could have a significant negative impact on Texas' environment and groundwater.
Henry faces Art Hall of San Antonio and Mark Thompson of Hamilton in the March 4 Democratic Primary. The winner of the March 4 Democratic Primary will face Commissioner Michael L. Williams in the general election.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Bill stumps for Hillary in Arlington Sunday
By Faith Chatham - DFWRCC - Feb. 25, 2008
Several thousand North Texans turned out with little advance notice to hear former President Bill Clinton address the public at a Get our the Vote Rally in Vandergriff Park in Arlington Sunday morning.
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
President Clinton was introduced by Tarrant County Constable Sergio de Leon (pictured below), who President Clinton said he'd known in Arkansas. The president said: "I've known him since he was a little boy." He told the crowds: "I'm so proud of him. I have watched him grow up!"
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
Faith Chatham, co-founder of DFW Regional Concerned Citizens, discusses NAFTA and toll roads with President Clinton. He said NAFTA hasn't turned out like we intended. We need to revise it. He was surprised when she told him that there are plans to build 675 miles of toll roads in the DFW Metroplex alone. He wanted to know "Why? and "Who's puahing it?"
About this year's Presidential race, Bill Clinton asked:
Prior to the rally in Arlington Sunday, President Clinton worshipped at the Potter's House in Oak Cliff with Bishop T.D. Jakes.
President Bill Clinton will return to the DFW metroplex for a Tuesday morning event at Mountain View College in Dallas and a Tuesday evening event (5:00 p.m.) in the Marine Park on Fort Worth's north side near the stockyards.
Chelsea Clinton spoke at three area University campuses earlier this month. Senator Hillary Clinton appeared at a rally in Oak Cliff Friday and cancelled her Fort Worth Rally that same day in respect for the police officer who was killed in an accident while escorting her motorcade Friday.
U-TUBE VIDEO by JELATOV
President Bill Clinton in Arlington - Part 2
U-TUBE VIDEO by JELATOV
Hillary Clinton's campaign has visited Arlington twice this month. Chelsea spoke at UTA during her three university speaking tour earlier this month for her mother's campaign. Husband Bill returned to Arlington to speak for his wife. Usually ignored by national Democratic political campaign as being "too expensive and too Republican" to merit expenditure of campaign resources, Arlington has defied the "RED" label this year. At all five early voting sites Arlington Democratic voters outnumbered Republican early voters during each of the first five days of early voting. Larger percentages of Democrats are voting early and larger percentages of Republicans are staying home.
See WFAA Coverage
See story by Anna Tinsley of the Fort Worth Star Telegram
See DMN Story
Several thousand North Texans turned out with little advance notice to hear former President Bill Clinton address the public at a Get our the Vote Rally in Vandergriff Park in Arlington Sunday morning.
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
President Clinton was introduced by Tarrant County Constable Sergio de Leon (pictured below), who President Clinton said he'd known in Arkansas. The president said: "I've known him since he was a little boy." He told the crowds: "I'm so proud of him. I have watched him grow up!"
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
PHOTO BY BRENDA MARTINEZ copyright 2008
Faith Chatham, co-founder of DFW Regional Concerned Citizens, discusses NAFTA and toll roads with President Clinton. He said NAFTA hasn't turned out like we intended. We need to revise it. He was surprised when she told him that there are plans to build 675 miles of toll roads in the DFW Metroplex alone. He wanted to know "Why? and "Who's puahing it?"
About this year's Presidential race, Bill Clinton asked:
"Which is more important to you: Should we make a new beginning with somebody not involved in either the problems of this decade or the progress of last ... or should we make a new beginning with a change-maker who knows when to compromise and when to stand stong firm?"
Prior to the rally in Arlington Sunday, President Clinton worshipped at the Potter's House in Oak Cliff with Bishop T.D. Jakes.
President Bill Clinton will return to the DFW metroplex for a Tuesday morning event at Mountain View College in Dallas and a Tuesday evening event (5:00 p.m.) in the Marine Park on Fort Worth's north side near the stockyards.
Chelsea Clinton spoke at three area University campuses earlier this month. Senator Hillary Clinton appeared at a rally in Oak Cliff Friday and cancelled her Fort Worth Rally that same day in respect for the police officer who was killed in an accident while escorting her motorcade Friday.
U-TUBE VIDEO by JELATOV
President Bill Clinton in Arlington - Part 2
U-TUBE VIDEO by JELATOV
Hillary Clinton's campaign has visited Arlington twice this month. Chelsea spoke at UTA during her three university speaking tour earlier this month for her mother's campaign. Husband Bill returned to Arlington to speak for his wife. Usually ignored by national Democratic political campaign as being "too expensive and too Republican" to merit expenditure of campaign resources, Arlington has defied the "RED" label this year. At all five early voting sites Arlington Democratic voters outnumbered Republican early voters during each of the first five days of early voting. Larger percentages of Democrats are voting early and larger percentages of Republicans are staying home.
See WFAA Coverage
See story by Anna Tinsley of the Fort Worth Star Telegram
See DMN Story
Obama in Fort Worth Thursday, Feb. 28
By Barack Obama Campaign - Feb. 25, 2008
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 FORT WORTH STAND FOR CHANGE RALLY
Thursday evening, details TBA
This event is free and open to the public. Go to texas.barackobama.com to RSVP and receive updates.
Media Coverage: The event is open to the press. For credentials, please RSVP at http://www.barackobama.com/mediarsvp.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 FORT WORTH STAND FOR CHANGE RALLY
Thursday evening, details TBA
This event is free and open to the public. Go to texas.barackobama.com to RSVP and receive updates.
Media Coverage: The event is open to the press. For credentials, please RSVP at http://www.barackobama.com/mediarsvp.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Both Texas Democratic Governor Candidates Endorse Hillary Clinton
By Texans for Hillary - 2/21/2008
BOB GAMMAGE ENDORSES HILLARY
Former U.S. Congressman Chris Bell Endorses Hillary for President
Houston, TX –Former U.S. Representative Chris Bell today announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President.
"It is no longer about being a great candidate - because of the many challenges we face, it's now about being a great president on day one," Bell said. "Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who has the experience, passion and vision to start turning our dreams of change into a reality on her first day in the oval office. She is also the only candidate who has faced the right-wing smear machine head on and lived to tell the tale. We need a battle tested nominee."
Bell, the Democratic nominee for governor of Texas in 2006, says he plans to appeal to his supporters throughout the state on behalf of Senator Clinton.
"Chris Bell has been a strong voice for Texans and I am so proud to have his support of my candidacy," Clinton said. "From the economy, to education, to health care, Congressman Bell knows it will take experience and strength to make change happen in the White House. I look forward to having his help in spreading our message across Texas."
Born in Abilene, Bell represented a Houston area U.S. House district from 2003 to 2005. He was also a member of the Houston City Council from 1997 to 2001. In the race for governor, he received over a million votes, trouncing two well funded independents and coming within nine percentage points of defeating the incumbent Republican.
Congressman Bell is a strong advocate for health care reform, public school education and a passionate supporter of stem cell research. He has long fought for issues important to Texans, including comprehensive immigration reform and improving transportation.
BOB GAMMAGE ENDORSES HILLARY
Former U.S. Congressman Bob Gammage Endorses Hillary for President
Austin, TX - Today the Clinton campaign announced that former U.S. Congressman and Texas Supreme Court Justice Bob Gammage is endorsing Hillary Clinton for President, demonstrating its continued momentum across the Lone Star State.
"Texas knows Hillary and Hillary knows Texas," said Gammage. "Hillary has a proven track record fighting for Texans that dates back more than three decades. Her leadership and experience are unparalleled and I am confident that she is the best candidate to lead this nation. On March 4, Texans will play a critical role in determining not only the Democratic nominee, but also the next President of the United States and I encourage all Texans to get to the polls for this important election."
Bob Gammage is a native of Houston, Texas. He served 25 years in public office in the Lone Star State. Gammage won his first race for office, for the Texas House of Representatives, in 1970. He went on to serve in the Texas State Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and as a Justice on the Texas Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Texas. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General of Texas and as a Special Consultant to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Gammage has been setting the campaign trail ablaze for Hillary. As a Veteran for Hillary, he made two trips to Iowa to stump for her in the snow. Here in Texas, he worked with other supporters to secure her Texas state headquarters in Austin and spoke at its opening rally. He is also assisting the campaign in arranging Chelsea's visits to some Texas university campuses.
Supporting Hillary is a family affair for the Gammage family. Gammage’s wife, Lynda, is helping to coordinate housing for many of the out-of-state staffers and volunteers, and their son Sam, a Texas State University student, is volunteering at the Austin headquarters.
The Clinton campaign continues to gain support throughout Texas as Hillary’s message of change and experience resonates with people across the state. More than 100,000 Texans have signed up to volunteer for Hillary and 4,700 people attended a campaign rally with former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton campaign’s Austin Headquarters last weekend.
More Democrats vote in Arlington and Tarrant County all of first five days of early voting
By Faith Chatham - DFWRCC - Feb. 24, 2008
In Arlington, Democratic voters outnumbered Republican voters at all five polling places for each of the first five days of Early Voting. Countywide, over twice the number of Democrats voted early or by mail than Republicans.
In Arlington this year, larger numbers of Democrats are voting than Republicans. Democratic turnout at the five Arlington early voting sites exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in decades. In Arlington, known as a "Republican stronghold", 1033 votes were cast the first day of Early Voting in the Democratic primary while only 496 Republican votes were cast.
County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early the first day; 2,606 Republicans voted early in Tarrant County on Tuesday.
On Wednesday Feb. 20, in Arlington, 1112 Democrats voted early; 463 Republicans voted early at the five early voting sites in Arlington.
On Thursday, Feb. 21, in Arlington, 846 Democrats voted early; 421 Republicans voted Thursday in Arlington.
On Friday, Feb. 22, in Arlington, 1,164 Democrats voted early; 557 Republicans voted early Friday in Arlington.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, in Arlington, 1,259 Democrats voted early; 431 Republicans voted early Friday in Arlington.
During the first five days of early voting in Arlington, 2,423 Democrats voted early and 988 Republicans voted early in Arlington during the first five days of early voting.
TARRANT COUNTY
County Wide on Tuesday Feb. 19, 5,732 Democrats voted and 2,607 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Wednedsay Feb. 20, 5,602 Democrats voted and 2,583 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Thursday, Feb. 21, 4,554 Democrats voted and 2,204 Republicans voted.
Wednesday. 5603 Democrats voted early and 2583 Republicans cast early ballots.
County Wide on Friday, Feb. 22, 5,992 Democrats voted and 2,985 Republicans voted early.
County Wide on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6,979 Democrats cast early ballots and 2,514 Republicans voted early.
During the first three days of Early Voting this year in Tarrant County 15,888 Democrats voted early and 7,394 Republicans voted early.
MAIL BALLOTS
By the second day of early voting, Tarrant County Elections reported a total of 2,146Democratic Primary mail ballots had been received and 1,982 Democratic Primary Vote by Mail ballots were still unvoted; 536 Republican Primary voters have returned Vote by Mail Ballots; 849 Republican Vote by Mail ballots remained to be voted at the close of the second day of Early Voting.
By Saturday, Feb. 23rd, 2,579 Democratic Vote by Mail Ballots had been returned and 893 Democratic Vote By Mail Ballots remained unvoted; 714 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots had been returned by Thursday and 888 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots remianed out and unvoted.
Democrats outpaced Republicans at the polls in Tarrant County on each of the first five days of Early Voting. Arlington, formerly thought of my many as a Red city, and discounted by most national Democratic campaigns as too expensive to work and too Republican to merit expenditure of resources, continues to turn out over two Democratic voters for every Republican. Democratic turnout has attracted the Presidential Campaigns. Chelsea Clinton appeared at UTA earlier this month. Her father, President Bill Clinton, will be 'stumpin'' for his wife at a rally this morning, (Sunday, Feb. 24) from 9:30-noon at Vandergriff Park. Arlington, noted as a city with a large number of Republican donors, has attracted Republican Presidential candidates in past years and some statewide Democratic candidates. This year, instead of fundraisers, the campaigns are holding rallies open to the public. Retail politics has arrived in Arlington
COMPARISON OF TARRANT COUNTY EARLY VOTERS BY DAY
FOR LAST THREE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
DAY 1 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 1,558
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 396 - Republican Voters: 286
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,732 - Republican Voters: 2,607
DAY 2 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 558 - Republican Voters:2,518
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 464 - Republican Voters: 387
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,602 - Republican Voters: 2,583
DAY 3 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 713 - Republican Voters: 3,319
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 591 - Republican Voters: 496
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 4,554 - Republican Voters: 2,204
DAY 4 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 983 - Republican Voters: 4,665
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 610 - Republican Voters: 538
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,992 - Republican Voters: 2,985
DAY 5 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 1,205 - Republican Voters: 5,788
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 542 - Republican Voters: 372
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 6,979 - Republican Voters: 2,514
SOURCE: Tarrant County Election 3-4-2008 Primary Elections Combined Early Voting posted Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008
In Arlington, Democratic voters outnumbered Republican voters at all five polling places for each of the first five days of Early Voting. Countywide, over twice the number of Democrats voted early or by mail than Republicans.
In Arlington this year, larger numbers of Democrats are voting than Republicans. Democratic turnout at the five Arlington early voting sites exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in decades. In Arlington, known as a "Republican stronghold", 1033 votes were cast the first day of Early Voting in the Democratic primary while only 496 Republican votes were cast.
County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early the first day; 2,606 Republicans voted early in Tarrant County on Tuesday.
On Wednesday Feb. 20, in Arlington, 1112 Democrats voted early; 463 Republicans voted early at the five early voting sites in Arlington.
On Thursday, Feb. 21, in Arlington, 846 Democrats voted early; 421 Republicans voted Thursday in Arlington.
On Friday, Feb. 22, in Arlington, 1,164 Democrats voted early; 557 Republicans voted early Friday in Arlington.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, in Arlington, 1,259 Democrats voted early; 431 Republicans voted early Friday in Arlington.
During the first five days of early voting in Arlington, 2,423 Democrats voted early and 988 Republicans voted early in Arlington during the first five days of early voting.
TARRANT COUNTY
County Wide on Tuesday Feb. 19, 5,732 Democrats voted and 2,607 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Wednedsay Feb. 20, 5,602 Democrats voted and 2,583 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Thursday, Feb. 21, 4,554 Democrats voted and 2,204 Republicans voted.
Wednesday. 5603 Democrats voted early and 2583 Republicans cast early ballots.
County Wide on Friday, Feb. 22, 5,992 Democrats voted and 2,985 Republicans voted early.
County Wide on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6,979 Democrats cast early ballots and 2,514 Republicans voted early.
During the first three days of Early Voting this year in Tarrant County 15,888 Democrats voted early and 7,394 Republicans voted early.
MAIL BALLOTS
By the second day of early voting, Tarrant County Elections reported a total of 2,146Democratic Primary mail ballots had been received and 1,982 Democratic Primary Vote by Mail ballots were still unvoted; 536 Republican Primary voters have returned Vote by Mail Ballots; 849 Republican Vote by Mail ballots remained to be voted at the close of the second day of Early Voting.
By Saturday, Feb. 23rd, 2,579 Democratic Vote by Mail Ballots had been returned and 893 Democratic Vote By Mail Ballots remained unvoted; 714 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots had been returned by Thursday and 888 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots remianed out and unvoted.
Democrats outpaced Republicans at the polls in Tarrant County on each of the first five days of Early Voting. Arlington, formerly thought of my many as a Red city, and discounted by most national Democratic campaigns as too expensive to work and too Republican to merit expenditure of resources, continues to turn out over two Democratic voters for every Republican. Democratic turnout has attracted the Presidential Campaigns. Chelsea Clinton appeared at UTA earlier this month. Her father, President Bill Clinton, will be 'stumpin'' for his wife at a rally this morning, (Sunday, Feb. 24) from 9:30-noon at Vandergriff Park. Arlington, noted as a city with a large number of Republican donors, has attracted Republican Presidential candidates in past years and some statewide Democratic candidates. This year, instead of fundraisers, the campaigns are holding rallies open to the public. Retail politics has arrived in Arlington
COMPARISON OF TARRANT COUNTY EARLY VOTERS BY DAY
FOR LAST THREE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
DAY 1 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 1,558
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 396 - Republican Voters: 286
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,732 - Republican Voters: 2,607
DAY 2 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 558 - Republican Voters:2,518
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 464 - Republican Voters: 387
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,602 - Republican Voters: 2,583
DAY 3 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 713 - Republican Voters: 3,319
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 591 - Republican Voters: 496
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 4,554 - Republican Voters: 2,204
DAY 4 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 983 - Republican Voters: 4,665
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 610 - Republican Voters: 538
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,992 - Republican Voters: 2,985
DAY 5 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 1,205 - Republican Voters: 5,788
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 542 - Republican Voters: 372
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 6,979 - Republican Voters: 2,514
SOURCE: Tarrant County Election 3-4-2008 Primary Elections Combined Early Voting posted Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
President Bill Clinton to appear in Arlington Sunday, Feb. 24th
Join President Bill Clinton for an "Early Vote Rally" in Arlington!
Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
at Vandergriff Park
2800 South Center Street
Arlington, TX 76014
General Area: Near the Bob Duncan Community Center (an early voting site).
(This park is between I-20 and Pioneer Parkway. There is also an entrance on Matlock Road.)
Vote early for Hillary and then join President Bill Clinton for a rally in Arlington! Voting for Hillary early takes us one step closer to getting our country back on track. To find the early vote location nearest you.
For more information see website:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/txearlyvote/
Host: Texas For Hillary
For decades most national Democratic campaigns have bypassed Arlington as too Republican and too costly to work.
Sandwiched between the Dallas and Fort Worth media markets, Arlington is viewed as one of the most costly cities to reach voters. Usually campaigns bypass Arlington and concentrate their dollars in communities which are viewed as less red.
Shifting demographics continue to make Arlington more attractive to Democratic campaigns. This year both the Clinton and Obama campaigns have devoted resources to reaching Arlington voters. Earlier this month Chelsea Clinton appeared at UTA and President Bill Clinton is scheduled to appear at a rally in Arlington tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 24rd.
During the first three days of early voting, more voters have voted in the Democratic Primary at all Arlington early voting sites than in the Republican Primary in Arlington. Democratic turnout Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 19, 20, 21 in Arlington has exceeded the highest turnout of any party in the past decade.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tarrant County Democratic Voters outpace Republican early voters during first three days of early voting
By Faith Chatham - DFWRCC - Feb. 22, 2008
On the third day of Early Voting, all Tarrant County voting sites except two reported more Democratic Voters than Republican Primary Voters.
At Benbrook City Hall 104 Republicans voted early on Thursday and 98 Democrats voted early. At Nance Elementary 16 Republicans voted early and 10 Democrats voted early. A significant number more Democrats than Republicans voted Thursday at all other Tarrant County Early Voting sites.
County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early on Tuesday while only 2,605 Repubicans voted early. This year both parties in Tarrant County have exceeded the number of voters participating in their primaries during the first and second days of early voting in the 2000 and 2004 Primaries. On the third day, Republican turn-out was less than in 2000; Democratic turnout on the Third Day in Tarrant County this year is over 6 1/2 times greater than 2000 Day three turnout and over 7 1/2 times greater than in the 2004 Presidential Democratic Primary.
In Arlington this year, larger numbers of Democrats are voting than Republicans. Democratic turnout at the five Arlington early voting sites exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in decades. In Arlington, known as a "Republican stronghold", 1033 votes were cast the first day of Early Voting in the Democratic primary while only 496 Republican votes were cast.
County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early the first day; 2,606 Republicans voted early in Tarrant County on Tuesday.
On Wednesday Feb. 20, in Arlington, 1112 Democrats voted early; 463 Republicans voted early at the five early voting sites in Arlington.
On Thursday, Feb. 21, in Arlington, 846 Democrats voted early; 421 Republicans voted Thursday in Arlington.
County Wide on Tuesday Feb. 19, 5,732 Democrats voted and 2,607 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Wednedsay Feb. 20, 5,602 Democrats voted and 2,583 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Thursday, Feb. 21, 4,554 Democrats voted and 2,204 Republicans voted.
Wednesday. 5603 Democrats voted early; 2583 Republicans cast early ballots.
During the first three days of Early Voting this year in Tarrant County 15,888 Democrats voted early and 7,394 Republicans voted early.
MAIL BALLOTS
By the second day of early voting, Tarrant County Elections reported a total of 2,146Democratic Primary mail ballots had been received and 1,982 Democratic Primary Vote by Mail ballots were still unvoted; 536 Republican Primary voters have returned Vote by Mail Ballots; 849 Republican Vote by Mail ballots remained to be voted at the close of the second day of Early Voting.
By Thursday, Feb. 21st, 2,324 Democratic Vote by Mail Ballots had been returned and 1,935 Democratic Vote By Mail Ballots remained unvoted; 584 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots had been returned by Thursday and 856 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots remianed out and unvoted.
At the close of the third day of early voting 15,888 Democrats had voted early (in person and by mail) and 7,394 Republicans had voted early. In Tarrant County on each of the first three days of early voting, over twice the number of Democrats cast early votes than Republicans.
In 2000 in Tarrant County more Republicans voted early than Democrats during the first three days of Early Voting; In 2004 more Democrats voted early during the first three days of early voting than Republicans. However, this year a much higher percentage of Democrats are voting early than in 2004.
DAY 1 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 1,558
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 396 - Republican Voters: 286
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,732 - Republican Voters: 2,607
DAY 2 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 558 - Republican Voters:2,518
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 464 - Republican Voters: 387
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,602 - Republican Voters: 2,583
DAY 3 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 713 - Republican Voters: 3,319
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 591 - Republican Voters: 496
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 4,554 - Republican Voters: 2,204
SOURCE: Tarrant County Election 3-4-2008 Primary Elections Combined Early Voting posted Friday, Feb. 22, 2008
On the third day of Early Voting, all Tarrant County voting sites except two reported more Democratic Voters than Republican Primary Voters.
At Benbrook City Hall 104 Republicans voted early on Thursday and 98 Democrats voted early. At Nance Elementary 16 Republicans voted early and 10 Democrats voted early. A significant number more Democrats than Republicans voted Thursday at all other Tarrant County Early Voting sites.
County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early on Tuesday while only 2,605 Repubicans voted early. This year both parties in Tarrant County have exceeded the number of voters participating in their primaries during the first and second days of early voting in the 2000 and 2004 Primaries. On the third day, Republican turn-out was less than in 2000; Democratic turnout on the Third Day in Tarrant County this year is over 6 1/2 times greater than 2000 Day three turnout and over 7 1/2 times greater than in the 2004 Presidential Democratic Primary.
In Arlington this year, larger numbers of Democrats are voting than Republicans. Democratic turnout at the five Arlington early voting sites exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in decades. In Arlington, known as a "Republican stronghold", 1033 votes were cast the first day of Early Voting in the Democratic primary while only 496 Republican votes were cast.
County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early the first day; 2,606 Republicans voted early in Tarrant County on Tuesday.
On Wednesday Feb. 20, in Arlington, 1112 Democrats voted early; 463 Republicans voted early at the five early voting sites in Arlington.
On Thursday, Feb. 21, in Arlington, 846 Democrats voted early; 421 Republicans voted Thursday in Arlington.
County Wide on Tuesday Feb. 19, 5,732 Democrats voted and 2,607 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Wednedsay Feb. 20, 5,602 Democrats voted and 2,583 Republicans voted.
County Wide on Thursday, Feb. 21, 4,554 Democrats voted and 2,204 Republicans voted.
Wednesday. 5603 Democrats voted early; 2583 Republicans cast early ballots.
During the first three days of Early Voting this year in Tarrant County 15,888 Democrats voted early and 7,394 Republicans voted early.
MAIL BALLOTS
By the second day of early voting, Tarrant County Elections reported a total of 2,146Democratic Primary mail ballots had been received and 1,982 Democratic Primary Vote by Mail ballots were still unvoted; 536 Republican Primary voters have returned Vote by Mail Ballots; 849 Republican Vote by Mail ballots remained to be voted at the close of the second day of Early Voting.
By Thursday, Feb. 21st, 2,324 Democratic Vote by Mail Ballots had been returned and 1,935 Democratic Vote By Mail Ballots remained unvoted; 584 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots had been returned by Thursday and 856 Republican Vote By Mail Ballots remianed out and unvoted.
At the close of the third day of early voting 15,888 Democrats had voted early (in person and by mail) and 7,394 Republicans had voted early. In Tarrant County on each of the first three days of early voting, over twice the number of Democrats cast early votes than Republicans.
In 2000 in Tarrant County more Republicans voted early than Democrats during the first three days of Early Voting; In 2004 more Democrats voted early during the first three days of early voting than Republicans. However, this year a much higher percentage of Democrats are voting early than in 2004.
DAY 1 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 1,558
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 396 - Republican Voters: 286
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,732 - Republican Voters: 2,607
DAY 2 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 558 - Republican Voters:2,518
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 464 - Republican Voters: 387
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,602 - Republican Voters: 2,583
DAY 3 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 713 - Republican Voters: 3,319
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 591 - Republican Voters: 496
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 4,554 - Republican Voters: 2,204
SOURCE: Tarrant County Election 3-4-2008 Primary Elections Combined Early Voting posted Friday, Feb. 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Denton County Commission candidates
By DMN - Thursday, February 21, 2008
Hugh Coleman
Age: 40
Education: Bachelor's degree from Trinity University; law degree from University of Tulsa
Occupation: Attorney for Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant
Years living in Denton County: eight
Total campaign contributions (including in-kind contributions): $22,049
Money spent: $16,211
Cynthia White
Age: 45
Education: Bachelor's degree from University of North Texas; work on master's degree from UNT
Occupation: Precinct 1 county commissioner since 2000
Years living in Denton County: 22
Total campaign contributions (including in-kind contributions): $28,849
Money spent: $15,735
WHITE, COLEMAN ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ROADS
Republican candidates for Precinct 1 commissioners clash on cash, structure
By Dan X. McGraw - Denton Record-Chronicle Staff Writer - Wed., Feb. 20, 2008
The local spotlight has turned on the Precinct 1 county commissioner’s race as the Republican candidates continue to one-up each other and the March primary draws closer.
Hugh Coleman
Through campaign fodder and forums, Commissioner Cynthia White and her opponent Hugh Coleman have criticized each other, both for their campaign contributions and for their philosophies on the county’s road and bridge system in a mostly rural precinct.
White, 45, who serves as an ex-officio road commissioner, has contended that the system should remain as is because it provides residents more benefits than the old system.
“This [change] has been phenomenal for residents,” White said. “We finally have a system that puts an elected official directly responsible for the roads. We have also paved more roads and increased customer service.”
Coleman, 40, a former Denton County assistant district attorney, has advocated for returning to a county engineer system that would centralize the department under one building. He would also put a certified public engineer in place.
Under that system, Coleman said, the department would be free of influence from developers and campaign contributors, and run more efficiently.
ALSO ONLINE
Precinct 1 Commissioner's Race
“I want to take the politics out of roads,” he said. “My opponent de-evolved the system. I want to take this county into the future. We need someone who is certified by the state. We don’t need amateurs.”
By putting a county engineer in place, Coleman said, the county could save taxpayer dollars by eliminating contracts to Teague, Nall & Perkins and Innovative Transportation Solutions.
The county pays more than $14,000 per month to Teague, Nall & Perkins for engineering work, and Innovative Transportation Solutions has a yearly contract for more than $300,000 for consulting work.
White has said that Innovative Transportation Solutions is invaluable for the county, and that the county is working to hire a county engineer.
While the road issue has become the most debated topic, the candidates have exchanged blows to one another about political contributions.
Coleman has pledged not to take money from developers or vendors to ensure that his decisions wouldn’t be influenced if he is elected. Coleman has criticized White for taking $7,000 from developers and vendors.
“It colors your opinion,” he said.
Responding to allegations that she is too close to developers and vendors, White said her decisions are not affected. The county works to partner with those developers, and they get no benefits from her or the rest of the Commissioners Court, she said.
White pointed to a developer’s request to change the name of Byran and Fields roads, which she voted against.
Using the same argument on contributions, White has criticized Coleman for being backed by court-appointed attorneys. In past forums, she has called it illogical to not see a problem with those contributions.
However, Coleman said the judges, not the Commissioners Court, determine the attorneys’ pay, so those contributions could not influence how he served as commissioner.
Coleman has also questioned White’s desire to increase public safety in the county, and if elected, he said he would like to increase patrols and extend them to freshwater supply districts.
White refuted that comment by pointing to dozens of positions allocated to the sheriff’s office, but she cannot force how the sheriff uses them, she said. Coleman criticized that argument.
While the race has taken its twists and turns, it won’t end in March. Whoever comes out of the Republican primary will face Democratic candidate Phyllis Wolper in the general election.
The winner of that race will take office Jan. 1, 2009.
DAN X. McGRAW can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is dmcgraw@dentonrc.com .
CANDIDATE BACKGROUNDS
HUGH COLEMAN
Age: 40
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Trinity University; law degree from University of Tulsa
Occupation: Attorney for Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant
Years living in the county: Eight
CYNTHIA WHITE
Age: 45
Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of North Texas; work on master’s degree from UNT.
Occupation: Precinct 1 county commissioner
Years living in the county: 22
FUNDING GLANCE
Through the first months of their campaigns, Hugh Coleman and Cynthia White have gone different directions to build their campaign war chests. Here is a breakdown of how much money the candidates have, who their biggest contributors are and how much they’ve spent.
Hugh Coleman
Fund total: $31,369.19
Total contributions (including in-kind contributions): $22,049.59
Money spent: $16,211.07
Top contributors: $1,500 from Bruce Isaacks*; $1,000 from Douglas Coleman; $900 from Randall Hearne; $850 from Leslie Hudson; $500 from nine others
* includes an in-kind contribution
Cynthia White
Fund total: $15,180.09
Total contributions (including in-kind contributions): $28,849.50
Money spent: $15,735.25
Top contributors: $2,500 from Phil Huffines; $2,500 from Don Huffines; $2,000 from the Texas Realtors Association; $1,000 from eight others
Read more in the
Denton Record-Chronicle
Hugh Coleman
Age: 40
Education: Bachelor's degree from Trinity University; law degree from University of Tulsa
Occupation: Attorney for Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant
Years living in Denton County: eight
Total campaign contributions (including in-kind contributions): $22,049
Money spent: $16,211
Cynthia White
Age: 45
Education: Bachelor's degree from University of North Texas; work on master's degree from UNT
Occupation: Precinct 1 county commissioner since 2000
Years living in Denton County: 22
Total campaign contributions (including in-kind contributions): $28,849
Money spent: $15,735
WHITE, COLEMAN ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ROADS
Republican candidates for Precinct 1 commissioners clash on cash, structure
By Dan X. McGraw - Denton Record-Chronicle Staff Writer - Wed., Feb. 20, 2008
The local spotlight has turned on the Precinct 1 county commissioner’s race as the Republican candidates continue to one-up each other and the March primary draws closer.
Hugh Coleman
Through campaign fodder and forums, Commissioner Cynthia White and her opponent Hugh Coleman have criticized each other, both for their campaign contributions and for their philosophies on the county’s road and bridge system in a mostly rural precinct.
White, 45, who serves as an ex-officio road commissioner, has contended that the system should remain as is because it provides residents more benefits than the old system.
“This [change] has been phenomenal for residents,” White said. “We finally have a system that puts an elected official directly responsible for the roads. We have also paved more roads and increased customer service.”
Coleman, 40, a former Denton County assistant district attorney, has advocated for returning to a county engineer system that would centralize the department under one building. He would also put a certified public engineer in place.
Under that system, Coleman said, the department would be free of influence from developers and campaign contributors, and run more efficiently.
ALSO ONLINE
Precinct 1 Commissioner's Race
“I want to take the politics out of roads,” he said. “My opponent de-evolved the system. I want to take this county into the future. We need someone who is certified by the state. We don’t need amateurs.”
By putting a county engineer in place, Coleman said, the county could save taxpayer dollars by eliminating contracts to Teague, Nall & Perkins and Innovative Transportation Solutions.
The county pays more than $14,000 per month to Teague, Nall & Perkins for engineering work, and Innovative Transportation Solutions has a yearly contract for more than $300,000 for consulting work.
White has said that Innovative Transportation Solutions is invaluable for the county, and that the county is working to hire a county engineer.
While the road issue has become the most debated topic, the candidates have exchanged blows to one another about political contributions.
Coleman has pledged not to take money from developers or vendors to ensure that his decisions wouldn’t be influenced if he is elected. Coleman has criticized White for taking $7,000 from developers and vendors.
“It colors your opinion,” he said.
Responding to allegations that she is too close to developers and vendors, White said her decisions are not affected. The county works to partner with those developers, and they get no benefits from her or the rest of the Commissioners Court, she said.
White pointed to a developer’s request to change the name of Byran and Fields roads, which she voted against.
Using the same argument on contributions, White has criticized Coleman for being backed by court-appointed attorneys. In past forums, she has called it illogical to not see a problem with those contributions.
However, Coleman said the judges, not the Commissioners Court, determine the attorneys’ pay, so those contributions could not influence how he served as commissioner.
Coleman has also questioned White’s desire to increase public safety in the county, and if elected, he said he would like to increase patrols and extend them to freshwater supply districts.
White refuted that comment by pointing to dozens of positions allocated to the sheriff’s office, but she cannot force how the sheriff uses them, she said. Coleman criticized that argument.
While the race has taken its twists and turns, it won’t end in March. Whoever comes out of the Republican primary will face Democratic candidate Phyllis Wolper in the general election.
The winner of that race will take office Jan. 1, 2009.
DAN X. McGRAW can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is dmcgraw@dentonrc.com .
CANDIDATE BACKGROUNDS
HUGH COLEMAN
Age: 40
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Trinity University; law degree from University of Tulsa
Occupation: Attorney for Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant
Years living in the county: Eight
CYNTHIA WHITE
Age: 45
Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of North Texas; work on master’s degree from UNT.
Occupation: Precinct 1 county commissioner
Years living in the county: 22
FUNDING GLANCE
Through the first months of their campaigns, Hugh Coleman and Cynthia White have gone different directions to build their campaign war chests. Here is a breakdown of how much money the candidates have, who their biggest contributors are and how much they’ve spent.
Hugh Coleman
Fund total: $31,369.19
Total contributions (including in-kind contributions): $22,049.59
Money spent: $16,211.07
Top contributors: $1,500 from Bruce Isaacks*; $1,000 from Douglas Coleman; $900 from Randall Hearne; $850 from Leslie Hudson; $500 from nine others
* includes an in-kind contribution
Cynthia White
Fund total: $15,180.09
Total contributions (including in-kind contributions): $28,849.50
Money spent: $15,735.25
Top contributors: $2,500 from Phil Huffines; $2,500 from Don Huffines; $2,000 from the Texas Realtors Association; $1,000 from eight others
Read more in the
Denton Record-Chronicle
Tarrant County Democratic Voters Outnumber Republicans at Early Voting
By Faith Chatham - DFWRCC - Feb. 21, 2008 - Updated Feb. 22, 2008
More Democrats cast early ballots during the first day of early voting at every Tarrant County early voting site. Democratic Primary voters exceeded the the number of Republicans voting even at sites which normally draw more Republican early primary voters than Democrats. County wide 5733 Democrats voted early on Tuesday while only 2605 Repubicans voted early.
Both parties have exceeded the number of voters participating in their primaries during the first and second days of early voting in the 2000 and 2004 Primaries. This year, larger numbers of Democrats are voting than Republicans.
Democratic turnout at the five Arlington early voting sites exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in decades. In Arlington, known as a "Republican stronghold", 1033 votes were cast the first day of Early Voting in the Democratic primary while only 496 Republican votes were cast. County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early the first day; 2,606 Republicans voted early in Tarrant County on Tuesday.
Heavy Democratic voting trends continued on the second day of Early Voting with Democratic voters exceeded the number of Republican Primary voters at all Tarrant County Early Voting sites. On Wednesday Feb. 20, 5603 Democrats voted early; 2583 Republicans cast early ballots. During the first two days of early voting 11,336 Democrats voted early and 5189 Republicans voted early.
By the second day of early voting, Tarrant County Elections reported a total of 2,146Democratic Primary mail ballots had been received and 1,982 Democratic Primary Vote by Mail ballots were still unvoted; 536 Republican Primary voters have returned Vote by Mail Ballots; 849 Republican Vote by Mail ballots remained to be voted at the close of the second day of Early Voting.
At the close of the second day of early voting 15,464 Democrats had voted early (in person and by mail) and 6,574 Republicans had voted early. Democratic voters still have over twice the number of VOTE BY MAIL Ballots out than Republican Primary Voters.
Tarrant County Elections reports show early voting sties in Arlington, noted as a predominately Republican voting city, registered consistently high Democratic turnout at all five early voting sites during both of the first two days of Early voting. At Bob Duncan Community Center 550 Democratics voted; 204 Republicans voted. At Arlington City Hall 504 Democrats voted early; 225 Republican voted early. At Elzie Odum Recreation Center 325 Democrats voted early; 128 Republicans voted early. At the Arlington Fire Training Center 185 Democrats voted early; 113 Republicans voted early. At the South Service Center 581 Democrats voted early; 288 Republicans voted early.
In 2000 in Tarrant County more Republicans voted early than Democrats during the first two days of Early Voting; In 2004 more Democrats voted early during the first two days of early voting than Republicans. However, this year a much higher percentage of Democrats are voting early than in 2004.
DAY 1 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 105
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 464 - Republican Voters: 387
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,733 - Republican Voters: 2,606
DAY 2 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 558 - Republican Voters: 2,519
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 105
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,603 - Republican Voters: 2.583
More Democrats cast early ballots during the first day of early voting at every Tarrant County early voting site. Democratic Primary voters exceeded the the number of Republicans voting even at sites which normally draw more Republican early primary voters than Democrats. County wide 5733 Democrats voted early on Tuesday while only 2605 Repubicans voted early.
Both parties have exceeded the number of voters participating in their primaries during the first and second days of early voting in the 2000 and 2004 Primaries. This year, larger numbers of Democrats are voting than Republicans.
Democratic turnout at the five Arlington early voting sites exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in decades. In Arlington, known as a "Republican stronghold", 1033 votes were cast the first day of Early Voting in the Democratic primary while only 496 Republican votes were cast. County wide, 5,733 Democrats voted early the first day; 2,606 Republicans voted early in Tarrant County on Tuesday.
Heavy Democratic voting trends continued on the second day of Early Voting with Democratic voters exceeded the number of Republican Primary voters at all Tarrant County Early Voting sites. On Wednesday Feb. 20, 5603 Democrats voted early; 2583 Republicans cast early ballots. During the first two days of early voting 11,336 Democrats voted early and 5189 Republicans voted early.
By the second day of early voting, Tarrant County Elections reported a total of 2,146Democratic Primary mail ballots had been received and 1,982 Democratic Primary Vote by Mail ballots were still unvoted; 536 Republican Primary voters have returned Vote by Mail Ballots; 849 Republican Vote by Mail ballots remained to be voted at the close of the second day of Early Voting.
At the close of the second day of early voting 15,464 Democrats had voted early (in person and by mail) and 6,574 Republicans had voted early. Democratic voters still have over twice the number of VOTE BY MAIL Ballots out than Republican Primary Voters.
Tarrant County Elections reports show early voting sties in Arlington, noted as a predominately Republican voting city, registered consistently high Democratic turnout at all five early voting sites during both of the first two days of Early voting. At Bob Duncan Community Center 550 Democratics voted; 204 Republicans voted. At Arlington City Hall 504 Democrats voted early; 225 Republican voted early. At Elzie Odum Recreation Center 325 Democrats voted early; 128 Republicans voted early. At the Arlington Fire Training Center 185 Democrats voted early; 113 Republicans voted early. At the South Service Center 581 Democrats voted early; 288 Republicans voted early.
In 2000 in Tarrant County more Republicans voted early than Democrats during the first two days of Early Voting; In 2004 more Democrats voted early during the first two days of early voting than Republicans. However, this year a much higher percentage of Democrats are voting early than in 2004.
DAY 1 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 105
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 464 - Republican Voters: 387
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,733 - Republican Voters: 2,606
DAY 2 EARLY VOTING
Tarrant County - 2000:
Democratic Voters: 558 - Republican Voters: 2,519
Tarrant County - 2004:
Democratic Voters: 372 - Republican Voters: 105
Tarrant County - 2008:
Democratic Voters: 5,603 - Republican Voters: 2.583
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Resolutions for Precinct Convention
By Terri Hall - TURF - Feb. 18, 2008
PLAN TO GO TO YOUR PRECINCT CONVENTION WHEN THE POLLS CLOSE
Resolutions to bring to precinct convention / caucuses that convene at your precinct immediately after the polls close on March 4:
- Eminent Domain -
RESOLUTION
Against the eminent domain abuse for toll roads
Whereas, private Texas land can be taken through eminent domain for roadways; and
Whereas, the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Turnpike Authority, and Regional Mobility Authorities in
the State of Texas have proposed and signed Comprehensive Development
Agreements (CDAs), also known as public-private partnerships, that would allow
land taken through eminent domain to be leased by private companies including
foreign consortiums/entities, for private and/or commercial gain; and
Whereas, the existing Texas eminent domain law has so many loopholes andexceptions that any new or existing public roadway and road right of way canbecome part of a public-private partnership (CDA) leased and operated by
private companies, including foreign consortiums/entities, for private and/or
commercial gain;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we urge the Legislature to close any loopholes in our
eminent domain laws that allows ANY government agency to take our private land for toll roads to be operated, leased, or managed by private companies, including foreign companies, for profit; and further be it
Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, prohibit the use of any portion of any new or existing, publicly-owned roadway facility or right of way to be operated, leased, or managed by private
companies, including foreign companies, for profit.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_ _ , at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
#_______,_ ____________ County of the__________________Party of Texas.
________________________________________
Name of Officer
________________________________________
Signature
- Tolling Existing Roads -
RESOLUTION
Against the Tolling of Existing Roadways in Texas
Whereas, we have already paid for our public roads and public road rights of way through the various local, State and federal taxes spent on road construction and maintenance; and
Whereas, the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Turnpike Authority, and Regional Mobility Authorities in
the State of Texas have proposed the conversion of portions of existing road
facilities and/or rights of way into tolled road facilities and rights-of-way; and
Whereas, existing Texas law has so many loopholes and exceptions that any existing public roadway and road right of way can be tolled without a vote of the citizens of the county in which the facility or right of way is located; and
Whereas, the conversion of any portion of an existing public road or road right of way into a tolled roadway constitutes the double taxation of the Citizens of the State of Texas;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we oppose the tolling of any portion of any existing, publicly owned roadway facility or right of way; and further be it
Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, prohibit the use of any portion of any existing, publicly-owned roadway facility or right of way as part of a tolled roadway facility and/or tolled right of way without the majority vote of the citizens in the county in which the existing public roadway facility or right of way is located; and further be it
Resolved, that this measure be applied immediately to ANY and ALL roadways not currently open to traffic as a toll road to prevent any proposed conversions from occurring without such a vote of the residents of the affected county.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_, at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
#_______,_____________County of the__________________Party of Texas.
________________________________________
Name of Officer
________________________________________
Signature
________________________________________________________________
- Market-based tolling - download resolution
RESOLUTION
Repeal Market-Based Tolling
Whereas, market-based tolls determine the highest possible toll “the market can bear;” and
Whereas, market-based tolls do not determine the toll rate based on the actual cost of construction, maintenance, and debt retirement but rather on how much profit the government can make off a given roadway; and
Whereas, this method of tolling allows the government to siphon money from motorists on one road segment to pay for other road segments;
Whereas, this method of tolling essentially applies the same problematic provisions as private equity toll roads (that are currently under a moratorium in Texas) to government toll roads by having private companies determine how much money the government can make off a roadway as if a private firm were
tolling the road;
Whereas, this method of tolling is to maximize revenue and gouge motorists with unnecessarily high toll taxation rather than about providing transportation;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we oppose market-based tolling; and further be it
Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, prohibit the use of “market valuation” and any form of market-based
tolls; and further be it
Resolved, that this measure be applied immediately to all roads where bonds have not already been sold.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_ _ , at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
_______,_ ____________ County of the__________________Party of Texas.
________________________________________
Name of Officer________________________________________
Signature
- Privately-controlled toll roads -
RESOLUTION
Against the Ownership, Leasing, Operation, and Management of
Public Facilities by Private Entities
Whereas, the public facilities owned by the agencies and units of government of the State of Texas are owned, in fact, by the citizens of Texas; and
Whereas, proposals have been made to turn over the ownership, leasing, operation and/or management of existing and future public facilities in Texas to agencies, companies and/or private consortiums which are lead and primarily owned by private entities; and
Whereas, we believe that the collective public and private resources exist within the United States of America to safely, securely and efficiently own, operate and manage the public facilities owned by the citizens of the State of Texas; and
Whereas, we see no need for private firms and governments to profit from the public facilities owned by the citizens of Texas; and
Whereas, turning over for lease or ownership, the operation or management of public facilities to privately-controlled organizations represents an unnecessary financial and security risk to the citizens of the State of Texas;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we oppose any contract between any agency or unit of government of the State of Texas and any private company or government or any private consortium including foreign firms; and further be it Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, to prohibit agencies and units of government of the State of Texas from entering into any contract with any private company or government or any private consortium including foreign firms for the purposes of transferring the ownership, leasing, operation and/or management of any Texas public facility;
and further be it
Resolved, that this measure be applied immediately to prevent any such contracts under consideration from being executed and to cancel any such existing contracts.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_ ____ , at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
#_______,_ ______________ County of
the__________________Party of Texas.
____________________
Name of Officer
________________________________________
Signature
PLAN TO GO TO YOUR PRECINCT CONVENTION WHEN THE POLLS CLOSE
Resolutions to bring to precinct convention / caucuses that convene at your precinct immediately after the polls close on March 4:
- Eminent Domain -
Against the eminent domain abuse for toll roads
Whereas, private Texas land can be taken through eminent domain for roadways; and
Whereas, the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Turnpike Authority, and Regional Mobility Authorities in
the State of Texas have proposed and signed Comprehensive Development
Agreements (CDAs), also known as public-private partnerships, that would allow
land taken through eminent domain to be leased by private companies including
foreign consortiums/entities, for private and/or commercial gain; and
Whereas, the existing Texas eminent domain law has so many loopholes andexceptions that any new or existing public roadway and road right of way canbecome part of a public-private partnership (CDA) leased and operated by
private companies, including foreign consortiums/entities, for private and/or
commercial gain;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we urge the Legislature to close any loopholes in our
eminent domain laws that allows ANY government agency to take our private land for toll roads to be operated, leased, or managed by private companies, including foreign companies, for profit; and further be it
Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, prohibit the use of any portion of any new or existing, publicly-owned roadway facility or right of way to be operated, leased, or managed by private
companies, including foreign companies, for profit.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_ _ , at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
#_______,_ ____________ County of the__________________Party of Texas.
________________________________________
Name of Officer
________________________________________
Signature
- Tolling Existing Roads -
Against the Tolling of Existing Roadways in Texas
Whereas, we have already paid for our public roads and public road rights of way through the various local, State and federal taxes spent on road construction and maintenance; and
Whereas, the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Turnpike Authority, and Regional Mobility Authorities in
the State of Texas have proposed the conversion of portions of existing road
facilities and/or rights of way into tolled road facilities and rights-of-way; and
Whereas, existing Texas law has so many loopholes and exceptions that any existing public roadway and road right of way can be tolled without a vote of the citizens of the county in which the facility or right of way is located; and
Whereas, the conversion of any portion of an existing public road or road right of way into a tolled roadway constitutes the double taxation of the Citizens of the State of Texas;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we oppose the tolling of any portion of any existing, publicly owned roadway facility or right of way; and further be it
Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, prohibit the use of any portion of any existing, publicly-owned roadway facility or right of way as part of a tolled roadway facility and/or tolled right of way without the majority vote of the citizens in the county in which the existing public roadway facility or right of way is located; and further be it
Resolved, that this measure be applied immediately to ANY and ALL roadways not currently open to traffic as a toll road to prevent any proposed conversions from occurring without such a vote of the residents of the affected county.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_, at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
#_______,_____________County of the__________________Party of Texas.
________________________________________
Name of Officer
________________________________________
Signature
________________________________________________________________
- Market-based tolling - download resolution
Repeal Market-Based Tolling
Whereas, market-based tolls determine the highest possible toll “the market can bear;” and
Whereas, market-based tolls do not determine the toll rate based on the actual cost of construction, maintenance, and debt retirement but rather on how much profit the government can make off a given roadway; and
Whereas, this method of tolling allows the government to siphon money from motorists on one road segment to pay for other road segments;
Whereas, this method of tolling essentially applies the same problematic provisions as private equity toll roads (that are currently under a moratorium in Texas) to government toll roads by having private companies determine how much money the government can make off a roadway as if a private firm were
tolling the road;
Whereas, this method of tolling is to maximize revenue and gouge motorists with unnecessarily high toll taxation rather than about providing transportation;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we oppose market-based tolling; and further be it
Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, prohibit the use of “market valuation” and any form of market-based
tolls; and further be it
Resolved, that this measure be applied immediately to all roads where bonds have not already been sold.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_ _ , at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
_______,_ ____________ County of the__________________Party of Texas.
________________________________________
Name of Officer________________________________________
Signature
- Privately-controlled toll roads -
Against the Ownership, Leasing, Operation, and Management of
Public Facilities by Private Entities
Whereas, the public facilities owned by the agencies and units of government of the State of Texas are owned, in fact, by the citizens of Texas; and
Whereas, proposals have been made to turn over the ownership, leasing, operation and/or management of existing and future public facilities in Texas to agencies, companies and/or private consortiums which are lead and primarily owned by private entities; and
Whereas, we believe that the collective public and private resources exist within the United States of America to safely, securely and efficiently own, operate and manage the public facilities owned by the citizens of the State of Texas; and
Whereas, we see no need for private firms and governments to profit from the public facilities owned by the citizens of Texas; and
Whereas, turning over for lease or ownership, the operation or management of public facilities to privately-controlled organizations represents an unnecessary financial and security risk to the citizens of the State of Texas;
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that we oppose any contract between any agency or unit of government of the State of Texas and any private company or government or any private consortium including foreign firms; and further be it Resolved, that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to, without exception, to prohibit agencies and units of government of the State of Texas from entering into any contract with any private company or government or any private consortium including foreign firms for the purposes of transferring the ownership, leasing, operation and/or management of any Texas public facility;
and further be it
Resolved, that this measure be applied immediately to prevent any such contracts under consideration from being executed and to cancel any such existing contracts.
Adopted this ____day of _______, 20_ ____ , at the Precinct Convention of Precinct
#_______,_ ______________ County of
the__________________Party of Texas.
____________________
Name of Officer
________________________________________
Signature
Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TURF) Primary Election Good Guy / Bad Guy Report Card
By Terri Hall - TURF - Feb. 18, 2008
Early Voting February 19-29
Primary Election Day: March 4
We based our Good Guy / Bad Guy List upon who voted FOR and AGAINST the Governor’s counterfeit private toll moratorium bill, SB 792. It not only didn’t stop the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC-69 was taken out of the moratorium in SB 792), it unleashed “market valuation” where the government now looks at a toll road the way a private toll operator does, which is seeing how much money they can make off the road. All traditional turnpikes have now been replaced with a market-based model.
Market-based tolls determine the highest possible toll “the market can bear.” Market-based tolls do not determine the toll rate based on the actual cost of construction, maintenance, and debt retirement but rather on how much profit the government can make off a given roadway. This method of tolling allows the government to siphon money from motorists on one road segment to pay for other road segments.
This method of tolling is to maximize revenue and gouge motorists with unnecessarily high toll taxation. It’s also a way to cut loose the controversial privatization model and replace it with a public one that essentially does the same thing under a different name. Market-based tolls are a way for the Governor to create a cash cow to fund the segments of the Trans Texas Corridor that aren’t toll viable.
Find out where every candidate stands on the issues of toll roads and the Trans Texas Corridor before you vote. Press them on specifics, don't let them just tell you they're opposed. How are they going to stop the Trans Texas Corridor and how will they give the taxpayers veto power (like a public vote on ALL toll projects) and rein-in the mess at TxDOT? The time for tough talk and no action is over!
Exceptional Good Guys
Rep. Garnet Coleman, Dist 147 (Houston) (has primary opponent)
Rep. David Leibowitz, Dist 117 (San Antonio) (has General Election opponent in the fall)
Rep. Nathan Macias, Dist 73 (Hill Country north of San Antonio) (has both primary and general election opponents)
Rep. Ken Paxton, Dist 70 (North TX, Collin County) (no opponent)
Good Guys - Good Guys with both primary and general election opponents
Jessica Farrar, Dist 148 (Harris County)
Good Guys with General Election opponents –
Good Guys with General Election opponents –
Lon Burnam, Dist 90 (Tarrant County)
Ana Hernandez , Dist 143 (Harris County)
Joe Farias, Dist 118 (San Antonio)
Stephen Frost, Dist 1 (Northeast TX)
Sid Miller, Dist 59 (Stephenville area)
Senfronia Thompson, Dist 141 (Harris County)
Good Guys Running unopposed –
Joaquin Castro, Dist 125 (San Antonio)
Jodie Laubenberg, Dist 89 (North TX, Collin County)
Trey Martinez Fischer, Dist (San Antonio)
Ruth McClendon, Dist (San Antonio)
Joe Straus, Dist (San Antonio)
Marc Veasey, Dist 95 (Tarrant County)
Mike Villarreal, Dist (San Antonio)
Mixed Bag
Rep. Joe Pickett (voted for SB 792, but fights for accountability at TxDOT, insists toll roads more expensive than free roads, outspoken critic of TxDOT) (no opponent)
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (voted for SB 792, but pushed the people’s moratorium bill, HB 1892, against TTC but says she’s not against toll roads) (no opponent)
Sen. Glen Hegar (voted for SB 792, but fights for accountability at TxDOT and sits on the Sunset Advisory Committee) (not up for re-election)
Sen. Robert Nichols (voted for SB 792, but authored and pushed the people’s moratorium bill, HB 1892; opposes tolls on existing roads, but for some toll roads) (not up for re-election)
Sen. Dan Patrick (he voted for SB 792 and is generally for toll roads, but he called for Dewhurst to investigate TxDOT’s misuse of taxpayer money for an ad campaign and illegal lobbying with a study committee that will report back to the Senate) (not up for re-election)
Bad Guys
- Every Senator voted for market-based tolls and the Governor’s counterfeit moratorium bill, SB 792
- Every State Rep voted for market-based tolls and the Governor’s counterfeit moratorium bill, SB 792, except for 19. Those still holding or running for office are listed above.
Early Voting February 19-29
Primary Election Day: March 4
We based our Good Guy / Bad Guy List upon who voted FOR and AGAINST the Governor’s counterfeit private toll moratorium bill, SB 792. It not only didn’t stop the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC-69 was taken out of the moratorium in SB 792), it unleashed “market valuation” where the government now looks at a toll road the way a private toll operator does, which is seeing how much money they can make off the road. All traditional turnpikes have now been replaced with a market-based model.
Market-based tolls determine the highest possible toll “the market can bear.” Market-based tolls do not determine the toll rate based on the actual cost of construction, maintenance, and debt retirement but rather on how much profit the government can make off a given roadway. This method of tolling allows the government to siphon money from motorists on one road segment to pay for other road segments.
This method of tolling is to maximize revenue and gouge motorists with unnecessarily high toll taxation. It’s also a way to cut loose the controversial privatization model and replace it with a public one that essentially does the same thing under a different name. Market-based tolls are a way for the Governor to create a cash cow to fund the segments of the Trans Texas Corridor that aren’t toll viable.
Find out where every candidate stands on the issues of toll roads and the Trans Texas Corridor before you vote. Press them on specifics, don't let them just tell you they're opposed. How are they going to stop the Trans Texas Corridor and how will they give the taxpayers veto power (like a public vote on ALL toll projects) and rein-in the mess at TxDOT? The time for tough talk and no action is over!
Exceptional Good Guys
Rep. Garnet Coleman, Dist 147 (Houston) (has primary opponent)
Rep. David Leibowitz, Dist 117 (San Antonio) (has General Election opponent in the fall)
Rep. Nathan Macias, Dist 73 (Hill Country north of San Antonio) (has both primary and general election opponents)
Rep. Ken Paxton, Dist 70 (North TX, Collin County) (no opponent)
Good Guys - Good Guys with both primary and general election opponents
Jessica Farrar, Dist 148 (Harris County)
Good Guys with General Election opponents –
Good Guys with General Election opponents –
Lon Burnam, Dist 90 (Tarrant County)
Ana Hernandez , Dist 143 (Harris County)
Joe Farias, Dist 118 (San Antonio)
Stephen Frost, Dist 1 (Northeast TX)
Sid Miller, Dist 59 (Stephenville area)
Senfronia Thompson, Dist 141 (Harris County)
Good Guys Running unopposed –
Joaquin Castro, Dist 125 (San Antonio)
Jodie Laubenberg, Dist 89 (North TX, Collin County)
Trey Martinez Fischer, Dist (San Antonio)
Ruth McClendon, Dist (San Antonio)
Joe Straus, Dist (San Antonio)
Marc Veasey, Dist 95 (Tarrant County)
Mike Villarreal, Dist (San Antonio)
Mixed Bag
Rep. Joe Pickett (voted for SB 792, but fights for accountability at TxDOT, insists toll roads more expensive than free roads, outspoken critic of TxDOT) (no opponent)
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (voted for SB 792, but pushed the people’s moratorium bill, HB 1892, against TTC but says she’s not against toll roads) (no opponent)
Sen. Glen Hegar (voted for SB 792, but fights for accountability at TxDOT and sits on the Sunset Advisory Committee) (not up for re-election)
Sen. Robert Nichols (voted for SB 792, but authored and pushed the people’s moratorium bill, HB 1892; opposes tolls on existing roads, but for some toll roads) (not up for re-election)
Sen. Dan Patrick (he voted for SB 792 and is generally for toll roads, but he called for Dewhurst to investigate TxDOT’s misuse of taxpayer money for an ad campaign and illegal lobbying with a study committee that will report back to the Senate) (not up for re-election)
Bad Guys
- Every Senator voted for market-based tolls and the Governor’s counterfeit moratorium bill, SB 792
- Every State Rep voted for market-based tolls and the Governor’s counterfeit moratorium bill, SB 792, except for 19. Those still holding or running for office are listed above.
ENDORSEMENT
ENDORSEMENT OF VALINDA HATHCOX
FOR U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 4
by MarÃa Luisa Alvarado
February 16, 2008
The people of Texas and America will gain exceptional representation in Washington D.C. from VaLinda Hathcox as the next United States Representative for District 4 of Texas. Let me explain. I believe my campaign experience in 2006 afforded me an opportunity to get to know the heart of other candidates on the campaign trail. As candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, VaLinda Hathcox was an inspiration to me in that the truth to her was not to be compromised for popularity. The people and the land of Texas are vast in diversity but for the most part they are solid and true. That is the character of VaLinda Hathcox, and is the desperate need in Congress.
However, it is not enough to rely solely on the character that our elected officials take to our Nation’s Capitol. VaLinda Hathcox takes to Washington D.C. a proven record of public service as an attorney in the defense and protection of health services for the poor, as well as administration of legal judgments and education on tax matters. There is much work ahead to restore this nation that her hands‐on experience on solving issues will be an advantage for us all.
This election year, the people of Texas and Americans across the country will judge for themselves what change and how much change our country can sustain after 8 years of poor performance from our Federal government. It is not enough to believe that a new President in the White House will begin to solve ourproblems. As proof, let us just look back to the presidential campaign promises of 2000 “a uniter, not a divider”, and of 2004 “safer world, and more hopeful America.” One President alone cannot restore a nation. We live in a representative democracy and so who we send to Congress is just as, if not more, important. The character and the type of experience of those we elect to Congress must be that which will further the causes of the American people. I believe VaLinda Hathcox to be a strong and unyielding voice that will speak for those of us in Texas, and America.
For Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, VaLinda Hathcox is one change in Washington D.C. that will increase our opportunity for representation that has been long overdue. Please join me in supporting VaLinda Hathcox by casting your vote for her on March 4th, and visiting her campaign website at http://www.VaLindahathcox.com to contribute further. 
Monday, February 18, 2008
Texas Railroad Commission approved millions of questionable expenditures for Atmos Energy - Costs passed through to consumers
By R.A. DYER - Fort Worth Star-Telegram Staff Writer - Mon, Feb. 18, 2008
AUSTIN -- Even as Atmos Energy was removing luxurious hotel stays and limousine rides from a natural gas rate case last year, its attorneys and consultants litigating the issue were running up more bills at fancy hotels and spending more than $100 for restaurant meals, according to documents obtained by the Star-Telegram.
North Texas customers of the gas utility will have to foot the bills -- plus about $1.7 million more in questionable expenditures -- because the three members of the Texas Railroad Commission gave them their approval last week.
Among the questionable charges are more than $16,400 in bills at expensive hotels, more than $3,000 for meals at pricey restaurants, and mileage reimbursements by at least one Atmos official that is almost double the federal standard.
All the charges were accrued by attorneys and regulatory experts involved in a 2007 Atmos rate case. Most of the controversial costs were charged by the North Texas utility, although one of the cities opposing Atmos also failed to sufficiently document some expensive consultant charges, according to the report.
In the 2007 case, Atmos tried to charge its ratepayers for the cost of hotel stays of over $900 per night, expensive cases of wine, extravagant meals and limousine service. The utility removed those expenditures after they were reported by the Star-Telegram.
The cost of litigation
By state law, expenses associated with litigating rate cases -- whether those expenses are incurred by utility attorneys, or by attorneys representing ratepayer interests -- typically get passed onto customer bills. The controversial charges cited in the expert's report were included in a compromise settlement on legal costs from last year's case, and which was approved Tuesday by the three members of the Railroad Commission.
But commission Chairman Michael Williams stressed that the agency expert did not find that any of the legal bills were definitively out of bounds -- only that some could bear more scrutiny.
Williams also noted that the agency's expert recommended approval of the legal expenditures because further scrutiny would only drive up costs more.
"What the hearing examiner has to say is that, on first blush, these items could raise concern -- however, he's also recommending approval," Williams said. "This [settlement] is in the best interest of cities. There is an argument that we could have thrown it out, and forced them to [have a trial to prove their expenses] -- but that would not have served the ratepayers."
What are some of expenditures raising concern? According to the findings from the hearings examiner:
Atmos attorneys and consultants submitted $16,410.94 in hotel charges that could be considered excessive. Although the examiner's report did not break down the calculation, it said charges above $172.50 per night -- that is, $150 plus tax -- could be considered a luxury. "Other parties had no trouble staying at motels that were under $150 per night on most occasions," the examiner wrote, adding, "The State of Texas limits its motel travel expense to a maximum reimbursed rate of $85 per night, plus tax."
The Feb. 5 report identified $3,143.75 in questionable Atmos meal expenses. A "review of the invoices of Atmos Mid-Texas for meals from consultants' shows 88 occurrences of meals in excess of $100," the hearings examiner said.
The hearings examiner cited $3,888 in questionable mileage expenses by Atmos and noted that one of the utility's consultants billed for mileage reimbursement of 85 cents per mile. "There is nothing in the record to support the reasonableness of this amount," the examiner said, adding that the Internal Revenue Service considers 44.5 cents per mile a reasonable allowance for reimbursement.
More than $365,000 in charges associated with a technical billing issue raised may have been unwarranted because an expert witness for the utility was found to be unfamiliar with the company's billing practices.
Atmos attorneys have said the company can defend each expenditure. In a statement, the utility noted that all parties in the rate case agreed to the legal costs.
The hearings examiner also identified $186,750 in consultant charges from Dallas that lacked sufficient backup documentation. Norman Gordon, an attorney representing Dallas in the rate case, said the municipality could have easily provided the documentation had it become necessary.
$9.7 million in legal bills
In total, attorneys for Atmos and various city groups and others opposing the company ran up about $9.7 million in legal bills in the rate case. Of those overall legal costs, Atmos attorneys and legal consultants will bill ratepayers for about $6.6 million, and various city groups and others opposing Atmos will bill for $3.1 million.
Atmos has sought to increase rates in that case by about $56.9 million annually. City attorneys had sought to lower rates by about $37 million. The Texas Railroad Commission ultimately awarded a $4.8 million increase and a one-time refund of $2.2 million to customers.
Read more in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
AUSTIN -- Even as Atmos Energy was removing luxurious hotel stays and limousine rides from a natural gas rate case last year, its attorneys and consultants litigating the issue were running up more bills at fancy hotels and spending more than $100 for restaurant meals, according to documents obtained by the Star-Telegram.
North Texas customers of the gas utility will have to foot the bills -- plus about $1.7 million more in questionable expenditures -- because the three members of the Texas Railroad Commission gave them their approval last week.
Among the questionable charges are more than $16,400 in bills at expensive hotels, more than $3,000 for meals at pricey restaurants, and mileage reimbursements by at least one Atmos official that is almost double the federal standard.
"As it now stands ... the parties have not established the reasonableness of certain expenses included in the reimbursement requests," an agency hearings examiner says in a Feb. 5 report.
All the charges were accrued by attorneys and regulatory experts involved in a 2007 Atmos rate case. Most of the controversial costs were charged by the North Texas utility, although one of the cities opposing Atmos also failed to sufficiently document some expensive consultant charges, according to the report.
In the 2007 case, Atmos tried to charge its ratepayers for the cost of hotel stays of over $900 per night, expensive cases of wine, extravagant meals and limousine service. The utility removed those expenditures after they were reported by the Star-Telegram.
The cost of litigation
By state law, expenses associated with litigating rate cases -- whether those expenses are incurred by utility attorneys, or by attorneys representing ratepayer interests -- typically get passed onto customer bills. The controversial charges cited in the expert's report were included in a compromise settlement on legal costs from last year's case, and which was approved Tuesday by the three members of the Railroad Commission.
But commission Chairman Michael Williams stressed that the agency expert did not find that any of the legal bills were definitively out of bounds -- only that some could bear more scrutiny.
Williams also noted that the agency's expert recommended approval of the legal expenditures because further scrutiny would only drive up costs more.
"What the hearing examiner has to say is that, on first blush, these items could raise concern -- however, he's also recommending approval," Williams said. "This [settlement] is in the best interest of cities. There is an argument that we could have thrown it out, and forced them to [have a trial to prove their expenses] -- but that would not have served the ratepayers."
What are some of expenditures raising concern? According to the findings from the hearings examiner:
Atmos attorneys and consultants submitted $16,410.94 in hotel charges that could be considered excessive. Although the examiner's report did not break down the calculation, it said charges above $172.50 per night -- that is, $150 plus tax -- could be considered a luxury. "Other parties had no trouble staying at motels that were under $150 per night on most occasions," the examiner wrote, adding, "The State of Texas limits its motel travel expense to a maximum reimbursed rate of $85 per night, plus tax."
The Feb. 5 report identified $3,143.75 in questionable Atmos meal expenses. A "review of the invoices of Atmos Mid-Texas for meals from consultants' shows 88 occurrences of meals in excess of $100," the hearings examiner said.
The hearings examiner cited $3,888 in questionable mileage expenses by Atmos and noted that one of the utility's consultants billed for mileage reimbursement of 85 cents per mile. "There is nothing in the record to support the reasonableness of this amount," the examiner said, adding that the Internal Revenue Service considers 44.5 cents per mile a reasonable allowance for reimbursement.
More than $365,000 in charges associated with a technical billing issue raised may have been unwarranted because an expert witness for the utility was found to be unfamiliar with the company's billing practices.
Atmos attorneys have said the company can defend each expenditure. In a statement, the utility noted that all parties in the rate case agreed to the legal costs.
"This cooperative and collaborative approach to negotiation and compromise has allowed the parties in this proceeding to avoid a protracted legal battle that would have increased costs and expenses exponentially," the company said.
The hearings examiner also identified $186,750 in consultant charges from Dallas that lacked sufficient backup documentation. Norman Gordon, an attorney representing Dallas in the rate case, said the municipality could have easily provided the documentation had it become necessary.
$9.7 million in legal bills
In total, attorneys for Atmos and various city groups and others opposing the company ran up about $9.7 million in legal bills in the rate case. Of those overall legal costs, Atmos attorneys and legal consultants will bill ratepayers for about $6.6 million, and various city groups and others opposing Atmos will bill for $3.1 million.
Atmos has sought to increase rates in that case by about $56.9 million annually. City attorneys had sought to lower rates by about $37 million. The Texas Railroad Commission ultimately awarded a $4.8 million increase and a one-time refund of $2.2 million to customers.
Read more in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Saturday, February 16, 2008
William McKenzie: For Texas Dems, only name remains same
By William McKenzie - Dallas Morning News Columnist - Tuesday, February 12, 2008
There's a Clinton on the ballot again, but that's about all that's similar to 1992, the last time Texas Democrats had a bona-fide presidential primary.
Texas grew so Republican in the intervening years that it's almost impossible to remember that 16 years ago, we had a Democrat as governor in Ann Richards, a Democrat as senator in Lloyd Bentsen, a Democrat as lieutenant governor in Bob Bullock, a Democrat as Texas House speaker in Gib Lewis, and a bevy of white male Democrats playing key roles in the Legislature like Pete Laney, David Cain and Rob Junell.
As it happened, the party was on its last legs; two years later, Republicans would start sweeping statewide races. But Democrats still dominated state politics when the 1992 presidential primary was in full swing.
One reason was because they had plenty of those white male Democrats, or WMDs. They made up a majority of the Texas congressional delegation. And most WMD voters were to the right of the national party and products of corporate offices or the farms of East and West Texas.
Coming from nearby Arkansas, Bill Clinton won their votes. But the WMDs made it possible for a conservative Democrat like Massachusetts Sen. Paul Tsongas to have a voice in the 1992 primary. He was Mr. Clinton's top opponent when the race hit Texas in March 1992. And thanks to Mr. Tsongas, a deficit hawk among deficit hawks, the Democratic contest focused on controlling spending as much as rolling out new investments.
Mr. Clinton loved to yammer about investing in roads and bridges and middle-class tax cuts, all parts of his bridge to tomorrow. Mr. Tsongas would counter with piles of statistics showing how we were eating our children's future by failing to control entitlement spending.
Heck, in his book, A Call to Economic Arms, which I still have in my bookcase at work, he wrote that he wanted Congress to spend 1 percent less than the annual cost of living adjustment that programs like Social Security receive. It's not everyday that you hear any politician, much less a government-friendly Democrat, advocate for reducing entitlement spending.
You sure won't hear that this year, sad to say. There's little upside for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama to talk about fiscal responsibility. There are too few conservative Democrats to win over. The ones who used to elect Tory Democrats like Mr. Bentsen or Charlie Stenholm have moved out of the party.
What has come in their place is a growing Latino influence on the Democrats. Hispanics are on course to become Texas' dominant population segment by 2020 or 2030. Whites will slip to No. 2, while blacks will be third.
This shift is having quite an effect on Texas' politics and culture. One way you see it is in the changing way race is discussed these days.
The historic black/white discussion continues, but when it comes to demographic issues like where new schools should go, the debate is as likely to be between Latinos and African-Americans.
It will be interesting to see how well Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama manage this tension. She's banking her Texas strategy on turning out Latino voters; he naturally has support among African-Americans.
Who will scramble the equation and win large numbers of both minority groups? The answer will help us understand who can best build coalitions.
This year's primary will play out in our cities, more than old Democratic strongholds like East Texas. The Democratic resurgence today is found in places like Dallas and Houston, once GOP bastions. And it matches up with large Democratic populations in El Paso and San Antonio.
That will make it easy for the candidates to skip between cities. And they can reach many of their voters through the state's big media markets.
Here's one final difference from 1992: The feeling then was of an inevitable Republican rise. Today, you get the sense that Texas Democrats are only a few years from returning as a powerhouse. Texas Monthly even declared that state Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat, would become the state's first Hispanic governor – in 2018.
So, the campaign Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama wage in the coming weeks may presage future Democratic campaigns in our state. Instead of leading to an end of an era, this primary could give us a taste of the beginning of a new one.
Read more in the Dallas Morning News
There's a Clinton on the ballot again, but that's about all that's similar to 1992, the last time Texas Democrats had a bona-fide presidential primary.
Texas grew so Republican in the intervening years that it's almost impossible to remember that 16 years ago, we had a Democrat as governor in Ann Richards, a Democrat as senator in Lloyd Bentsen, a Democrat as lieutenant governor in Bob Bullock, a Democrat as Texas House speaker in Gib Lewis, and a bevy of white male Democrats playing key roles in the Legislature like Pete Laney, David Cain and Rob Junell.
As it happened, the party was on its last legs; two years later, Republicans would start sweeping statewide races. But Democrats still dominated state politics when the 1992 presidential primary was in full swing.
One reason was because they had plenty of those white male Democrats, or WMDs. They made up a majority of the Texas congressional delegation. And most WMD voters were to the right of the national party and products of corporate offices or the farms of East and West Texas.
Coming from nearby Arkansas, Bill Clinton won their votes. But the WMDs made it possible for a conservative Democrat like Massachusetts Sen. Paul Tsongas to have a voice in the 1992 primary. He was Mr. Clinton's top opponent when the race hit Texas in March 1992. And thanks to Mr. Tsongas, a deficit hawk among deficit hawks, the Democratic contest focused on controlling spending as much as rolling out new investments.
Mr. Clinton loved to yammer about investing in roads and bridges and middle-class tax cuts, all parts of his bridge to tomorrow. Mr. Tsongas would counter with piles of statistics showing how we were eating our children's future by failing to control entitlement spending.
Heck, in his book, A Call to Economic Arms, which I still have in my bookcase at work, he wrote that he wanted Congress to spend 1 percent less than the annual cost of living adjustment that programs like Social Security receive. It's not everyday that you hear any politician, much less a government-friendly Democrat, advocate for reducing entitlement spending.
You sure won't hear that this year, sad to say. There's little upside for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama to talk about fiscal responsibility. There are too few conservative Democrats to win over. The ones who used to elect Tory Democrats like Mr. Bentsen or Charlie Stenholm have moved out of the party.
What has come in their place is a growing Latino influence on the Democrats. Hispanics are on course to become Texas' dominant population segment by 2020 or 2030. Whites will slip to No. 2, while blacks will be third.
This shift is having quite an effect on Texas' politics and culture. One way you see it is in the changing way race is discussed these days.
The historic black/white discussion continues, but when it comes to demographic issues like where new schools should go, the debate is as likely to be between Latinos and African-Americans.
It will be interesting to see how well Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama manage this tension. She's banking her Texas strategy on turning out Latino voters; he naturally has support among African-Americans.
Who will scramble the equation and win large numbers of both minority groups? The answer will help us understand who can best build coalitions.
This year's primary will play out in our cities, more than old Democratic strongholds like East Texas. The Democratic resurgence today is found in places like Dallas and Houston, once GOP bastions. And it matches up with large Democratic populations in El Paso and San Antonio.
That will make it easy for the candidates to skip between cities. And they can reach many of their voters through the state's big media markets.
Here's one final difference from 1992: The feeling then was of an inevitable Republican rise. Today, you get the sense that Texas Democrats are only a few years from returning as a powerhouse. Texas Monthly even declared that state Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat, would become the state's first Hispanic governor – in 2018.
So, the campaign Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama wage in the coming weeks may presage future Democratic campaigns in our state. Instead of leading to an end of an era, this primary could give us a taste of the beginning of a new one.
Read more in the Dallas Morning News
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Kaufman County sheriff candidate indicted on oppression charges - Kaufman County sheriff hopeful indicted on 3 allegations as police chief
By RICHARD ABSHIRE - The Dallas Morning News - Tuesday, February 12, 2008
rabshire@dallasnews.com
A candidate for sheriff in Kaufman County has been indicted on three charges of official oppression while serving as chief of police in Pelican Bay.
One indictment charges Eddie Frankum with unlawful "mistreatment, arrest or detention." The other two allege sexual harassment. Each charge is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine.
Mr. Frankum called it "dirty tricks" in January when a warrant was issued for his arrest in a separate case based on allegations that he had stolen police equipment from his former department.
Mr. Frankum, who was expected to turn himself in on Monday, did not return calls for comment.
David Montague, spokesman for the Tarrant County district attorney's office, confirmed Monday that a grand jury on Feb. 7 indicted Mr. Frankum on three counts involving two complainants, whom Mr. Montague declined to identify.
Mr. Montague said he did not know when the original complaints that led to the indictments were made or whether they originated with an agency other than the district attorney's office.
All the incidents allegedly happened between February and August 2006 while Mr. Frankum was employed by the Police Department in Pelican Bay, a town of about 1,600 northwest of Fort Worth in Tarrant County.
"The investigation was done by the district attorney's office," said Gilbert Towns Jr., who succeeded Mr. Frankum as chief of the Pelican Bay Police Department.
Chief Towns said the investigation was already under way before he took over as chief in July 2007.
Mr. Frankum is challenging incumbent Sheriff David Byrnes in the March 4 Kaufman County Republican primary
Read more in the Dallas Morning News
rabshire@dallasnews.com
A candidate for sheriff in Kaufman County has been indicted on three charges of official oppression while serving as chief of police in Pelican Bay.
One indictment charges Eddie Frankum with unlawful "mistreatment, arrest or detention." The other two allege sexual harassment. Each charge is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine.
Mr. Frankum called it "dirty tricks" in January when a warrant was issued for his arrest in a separate case based on allegations that he had stolen police equipment from his former department.
Mr. Frankum, who was expected to turn himself in on Monday, did not return calls for comment.
David Montague, spokesman for the Tarrant County district attorney's office, confirmed Monday that a grand jury on Feb. 7 indicted Mr. Frankum on three counts involving two complainants, whom Mr. Montague declined to identify.
Mr. Montague said he did not know when the original complaints that led to the indictments were made or whether they originated with an agency other than the district attorney's office.
All the incidents allegedly happened between February and August 2006 while Mr. Frankum was employed by the Police Department in Pelican Bay, a town of about 1,600 northwest of Fort Worth in Tarrant County.
"The investigation was done by the district attorney's office," said Gilbert Towns Jr., who succeeded Mr. Frankum as chief of the Pelican Bay Police Department.
Chief Towns said the investigation was already under way before he took over as chief in July 2007.
Mr. Frankum is challenging incumbent Sheriff David Byrnes in the March 4 Kaufman County Republican primary
Read more in the Dallas Morning News
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
ISSUES IN THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT RACE
By Faith Chatham - Feb. 13, 2008
Judge Susan Criss's dad, Lloyd Criss, is proud of his daughter's performance on the bench. He sent me these statistics:
Texas Supreme Court - 100% Republican - 9 Jurists - delivered 144 Opinions
13th Court of Appeals - Predominately Democrat - 9 Jurists - 864 Opinions
Very large backlog. Justice Yanez wrote on 72 (highest performing of cases) and admits to largest backlog on the Court.)
212th District Court - 100% Democrat - 1 Judge (Susan Criss) - 1400 Cases
Lloyd Criss is proud that his daughter does not require "injured Texans to wait years for justice in her court."
Judge Susan Criss's dad, Lloyd Criss, is proud of his daughter's performance on the bench. He sent me these statistics:
Texas Supreme Court - 100% Republican - 9 Jurists - delivered 144 Opinions
13th Court of Appeals - Predominately Democrat - 9 Jurists - 864 Opinions
Very large backlog. Justice Yanez wrote on 72 (highest performing of cases) and admits to largest backlog on the Court.)
212th District Court - 100% Democrat - 1 Judge (Susan Criss) - 1400 Cases
Lloyd Criss is proud that his daughter does not require "injured Texans to wait years for justice in her court."
Williams' Acceptance Of Super Bowl Tickets Highlights Need For Contribution Reform For RRC
By Vince Leibowitz - Dale Henry Campaign - Feb. 13, 2008
AUSTIN--Following revelations by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams accepted free Super Bowl tickets from a lobbyist for CenterPoint Energy in 2004, the Dale Henry Campaign released the following statement:
"This episode highlights the need for real campaign finance reform for the Texas Railroad Commission," said Dale Henry (D-Lampasas).
"The Texas Railroad Commissioners should not have such a cozy relationship with the industries they regulate. It just promotes the continued rubber-stamp culture of the Commission. Of course, given the culture of the Texas Railroad Commission, I suppose it should come as no surprise to us that a sitting Railroad Commissioner would take Super Bowl tickets from a CenterPoint Energy Lobbyist and then turn around and vote on cost-of-service rate increases that are passed on directly to consumers," said Vince Leibowitz, Campaign Director.
"This is exactly why I've proposed my "Texans First Campaign Finance Reform" package," said Henry. "The members of the Texas Railroad Commission should not take money from--and should not be beholden to--the industries they regulate. This is why I plan to, as Railroad Commissioner, ask the Texas Legislature to pass a campaign finance bill that will prohibit the practice of Railroad Commissioners accepting money from the industries they regulate," Henry said.
Dale Henry, a petroleum engineer with more than four decades of experience in the oil and gas service industry, is the most experienced candidate in the race for Texas Railroad Commission. Henry is endorsed by State Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio, The Harris County Democrats, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, The Austin GLBT Political Caucus, Stonewall Democrats of Austin, longtime progressive leader David Van Os and other individuals listed on his campaign website.
Henry faces Art Hall of San Antonio and Mark Thompson of Hamilton in the March 4 Democratic Primary. The winner of the March 4 Democratic Primary will face Commissioner Michael L. Williams in the general election.
AUSTIN--Following revelations by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams accepted free Super Bowl tickets from a lobbyist for CenterPoint Energy in 2004, the Dale Henry Campaign released the following statement:
"This episode highlights the need for real campaign finance reform for the Texas Railroad Commission," said Dale Henry (D-Lampasas).
"The Texas Railroad Commissioners should not have such a cozy relationship with the industries they regulate. It just promotes the continued rubber-stamp culture of the Commission. Of course, given the culture of the Texas Railroad Commission, I suppose it should come as no surprise to us that a sitting Railroad Commissioner would take Super Bowl tickets from a CenterPoint Energy Lobbyist and then turn around and vote on cost-of-service rate increases that are passed on directly to consumers," said Vince Leibowitz, Campaign Director.
"This is exactly why I've proposed my "Texans First Campaign Finance Reform" package," said Henry. "The members of the Texas Railroad Commission should not take money from--and should not be beholden to--the industries they regulate. This is why I plan to, as Railroad Commissioner, ask the Texas Legislature to pass a campaign finance bill that will prohibit the practice of Railroad Commissioners accepting money from the industries they regulate," Henry said.
Dale Henry, a petroleum engineer with more than four decades of experience in the oil and gas service industry, is the most experienced candidate in the race for Texas Railroad Commission. Henry is endorsed by State Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio, The Harris County Democrats, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, The Austin GLBT Political Caucus, Stonewall Democrats of Austin, longtime progressive leader David Van Os and other individuals listed on his campaign website.
Henry faces Art Hall of San Antonio and Mark Thompson of Hamilton in the March 4 Democratic Primary. The winner of the March 4 Democratic Primary will face Commissioner Michael L. Williams in the general election.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Water preservation key issue for Railroad Commission candidate
By Sandra Cason - The Marshall News Messenger - Friday, February 08, 2008
It's all about water, said Dale Henry, Democratic candidate for Texas Railroad Commission.
"My campaign is important for one reason," Henry said, "and that is because the state of Texas is running out of water. It is an abused natural resource and the Railroad Commission has done nothing about it for the past 106 years."
If he is elected in this, his third bid for the seat, Henry said he will be the first commissioner with hands-on experience in oil and gas exploration, the industry for which the commission provides oversight.
Henry faces Art Hall and Mark Thompson in the March 4 Democratic Primary. If he is the party nominee, Henry will face Republican incumbent Michael Williams in the November general election.
A resident of Lampasas, 50 miles west of Austin, and a graduate of University of Texas, Henry is a retired employee of Schlumber J company, having worked in the oil fields of Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf.
"I spent a number of years in research and development and I hold several fracturing patents," Henry said.
"I've been out there and seen it all," he added.
While many people may not stop to think about it that way, Henry pointed out that oil and gas drilling operations have a tremendous impact on ground water.
"Oil and gas activity inherently produces a lot of water," Henry said. "Water is what is used to bring it to the surface, but on its way, the water accumulates contaminated materials."
A common disposal method for the liquid is "to put it back in the ground."
Henry said he learned of a DeBerry preacher whose church hasn't had water in a number of years. "One well was drilled too close to his church and all the wells in the area are contaminated with salt water. You can drill a hundred good ones, but it takes just one bad well to create a whole bunch of problems," Henry said.
Good drilling practices are particularly important at this point in time because so many production companies are now using a horizontal approach.
"There's an area called the Barnett Shale," Henry said. "It is a very thick layer of stone and breaking through it has never made the effort worthwhile until horizontal drilling. That's the key."
In this method, the pipeline goes down for a distance, "turns a corner," and goes under the stone, Henry explained.
This type of drilling uses "millions of gallons of water per day. Sometimes it will be as much as 275,000 gallons," Henry added.
With such large quantities to be disposed of, Henry said it is more important than ever that the Railroad Commission check all drilling permit applications thoroughly, a practice he claims is not currently followed.
"This rubber-stamping has to stop," he said.
Use of environmentally safe drilling practices are especially important to this area because of Caddo Lake, Henry said.
"I've done hands-on work for the Railroad Commission in Caddo — the plugging of abandoned wells. Ninety percent of those I plugged had not be plugged by Railroad Commission rules and regulations the first time around.
"I will make protecting our water a priority for the Texas Railroad Commission," Henry said in a promotional brochure.
"In dry West Texas, the ranchers have to work hard at salvaging water to grow grass with which to feed cattle and produce beef. At the ranch my wife and I have operated for years, we cut the number of production acres needed per cow and calf from 25 acres to 2.5 acres by getting our water to the right place.
"Water's my passion. I know how to do it," Henry said.
"I'm not a politician and I shouldn't have to be involved in this, but the oil and gas companies are polluting our water, soil, and air, and the Railroad Commission simply turns its back and lets it happen.
"Instead of regulating these industries, the three commissioners are raking in campaign contributions from their executives and political action committees and are burying their heads in the sand.
"It's time for change," Henry said. "I need to bring the knowledge I have back to the people, if they'd like me to share it.
"I can do the job. I want the job.
"The petroleum industry is a great benefit to our state's economy, but that should not come at the expense of our environment or our fresh water supply," he said.
Read more in the Marshall News Messenger
It's all about water, said Dale Henry, Democratic candidate for Texas Railroad Commission.
"My campaign is important for one reason," Henry said, "and that is because the state of Texas is running out of water. It is an abused natural resource and the Railroad Commission has done nothing about it for the past 106 years."
If he is elected in this, his third bid for the seat, Henry said he will be the first commissioner with hands-on experience in oil and gas exploration, the industry for which the commission provides oversight.
Henry faces Art Hall and Mark Thompson in the March 4 Democratic Primary. If he is the party nominee, Henry will face Republican incumbent Michael Williams in the November general election.
A resident of Lampasas, 50 miles west of Austin, and a graduate of University of Texas, Henry is a retired employee of Schlumber J company, having worked in the oil fields of Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf.
"I spent a number of years in research and development and I hold several fracturing patents," Henry said.
"I've been out there and seen it all," he added.
While many people may not stop to think about it that way, Henry pointed out that oil and gas drilling operations have a tremendous impact on ground water.
"Oil and gas activity inherently produces a lot of water," Henry said. "Water is what is used to bring it to the surface, but on its way, the water accumulates contaminated materials."
A common disposal method for the liquid is "to put it back in the ground."
Henry said he learned of a DeBerry preacher whose church hasn't had water in a number of years. "One well was drilled too close to his church and all the wells in the area are contaminated with salt water. You can drill a hundred good ones, but it takes just one bad well to create a whole bunch of problems," Henry said.
Good drilling practices are particularly important at this point in time because so many production companies are now using a horizontal approach.
"There's an area called the Barnett Shale," Henry said. "It is a very thick layer of stone and breaking through it has never made the effort worthwhile until horizontal drilling. That's the key."
In this method, the pipeline goes down for a distance, "turns a corner," and goes under the stone, Henry explained.
This type of drilling uses "millions of gallons of water per day. Sometimes it will be as much as 275,000 gallons," Henry added.
With such large quantities to be disposed of, Henry said it is more important than ever that the Railroad Commission check all drilling permit applications thoroughly, a practice he claims is not currently followed.
"This rubber-stamping has to stop," he said.
Use of environmentally safe drilling practices are especially important to this area because of Caddo Lake, Henry said.
"I've done hands-on work for the Railroad Commission in Caddo — the plugging of abandoned wells. Ninety percent of those I plugged had not be plugged by Railroad Commission rules and regulations the first time around.
"I will make protecting our water a priority for the Texas Railroad Commission," Henry said in a promotional brochure.
"In dry West Texas, the ranchers have to work hard at salvaging water to grow grass with which to feed cattle and produce beef. At the ranch my wife and I have operated for years, we cut the number of production acres needed per cow and calf from 25 acres to 2.5 acres by getting our water to the right place.
"Water's my passion. I know how to do it," Henry said.
"I'm not a politician and I shouldn't have to be involved in this, but the oil and gas companies are polluting our water, soil, and air, and the Railroad Commission simply turns its back and lets it happen.
"Instead of regulating these industries, the three commissioners are raking in campaign contributions from their executives and political action committees and are burying their heads in the sand.
"It's time for change," Henry said. "I need to bring the knowledge I have back to the people, if they'd like me to share it.
"I can do the job. I want the job.
"The petroleum industry is a great benefit to our state's economy, but that should not come at the expense of our environment or our fresh water supply," he said.
Read more in the Marshall News Messenger
Tx RR Commission Candidate - Dale Henry: Protecting state's water a priority
By RANDY ROSS - Longview News-Journal - Friday, February 08, 2008
Protecting the waters of Texas is a priority for Dale Henry.
The 76-year-old Democratic candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission said the production of oil and gas in Texas does not matter if the industry destroys Texas' natural water sources.
"We have to stop wasting and contaminating our water," Henry said.
Henry faces Art Hall of San Antonio and Mark Thompson of Hamilton in the Democratic primary election on March 4.
Henry has more than 40 years of experience working in the oil and natural gas fields in the United States and abroad, according to his campaign Web site. He has a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
"I've been hands-on from the top to the bottom," Henry said. "I more or less speak the language of the oilfield."
The Railroad Commission is the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the liquefied petroleum gas industry and the surface mining of coal. Established by the Legislature in 1891, the commission is the state's oldest regulatory agency, according to the agency's Web site.
The self-described environmentalist from Lampasas is a former city manager and county commissioner. He also founded 4 Arrows, the first cementing service company contracted by the railroad commission.
Henry said his experience in the oil and gas industry make him an ideal candidate for the commission. He said he knows the commission's rules and regulations from working as a contractor, and he would be able to begin working on his first day.
The oil and gas industry has a strong economic impact on the state, he said. That impact has come at a cost to the public, he said.
Henry said the commission has for many years considered the economics of the industry more important than public safety. He said that philosophy has changed in recent years, but it needs to continue to change. He said the commission must consider what is in the public's best interest.
"Environmentally, we have a problem," Henry said.
He said companies often cut corners when installing casing in wells to save money. As time erodes sealing and concrete shifts, water begins flowing and drawing out contaminants.
By forcing companies to install casing properly, Henry said companies would save more money in the long-term by avoiding remedial and repair work.
"These are serious matters," Henry said.
Attempts to reach Republican incumbent Michael Williams for comment were unsuccessful Thursday.
Read more in the Longview News-Journal
Protecting the waters of Texas is a priority for Dale Henry.
The 76-year-old Democratic candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission said the production of oil and gas in Texas does not matter if the industry destroys Texas' natural water sources.
"We have to stop wasting and contaminating our water," Henry said.
Henry faces Art Hall of San Antonio and Mark Thompson of Hamilton in the Democratic primary election on March 4.
Henry has more than 40 years of experience working in the oil and natural gas fields in the United States and abroad, according to his campaign Web site. He has a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
"I've been hands-on from the top to the bottom," Henry said. "I more or less speak the language of the oilfield."
The Railroad Commission is the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the liquefied petroleum gas industry and the surface mining of coal. Established by the Legislature in 1891, the commission is the state's oldest regulatory agency, according to the agency's Web site.
The self-described environmentalist from Lampasas is a former city manager and county commissioner. He also founded 4 Arrows, the first cementing service company contracted by the railroad commission.
Henry said his experience in the oil and gas industry make him an ideal candidate for the commission. He said he knows the commission's rules and regulations from working as a contractor, and he would be able to begin working on his first day.
The oil and gas industry has a strong economic impact on the state, he said. That impact has come at a cost to the public, he said.
Henry said the commission has for many years considered the economics of the industry more important than public safety. He said that philosophy has changed in recent years, but it needs to continue to change. He said the commission must consider what is in the public's best interest.
"Environmentally, we have a problem," Henry said.
He said companies often cut corners when installing casing in wells to save money. As time erodes sealing and concrete shifts, water begins flowing and drawing out contaminants.
By forcing companies to install casing properly, Henry said companies would save more money in the long-term by avoiding remedial and repair work.
"These are serious matters," Henry said.
Attempts to reach Republican incumbent Michael Williams for comment were unsuccessful Thursday.
Read more in the Longview News-Journal
Sunday, February 10, 2008
US HOUSE TX 4 and TX 3: Republican incumbents top fundraising in Collin-area congressional races
From Staff Reports - The Dallas Morning News - Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Republican incumbents in two Collin County-area congressional races have amassed far more money than any of their challengers, according to a recent round of campaign finance reports filed by the candidates with the Federal Election Commission.
Among the reports' highlights:
•In District 4, U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall of Rockwall has received about 45 percent of his receipts from political action committees, which strongly tend to support incumbents.
•Among Mr. Hall's GOP challengers, Gene Christensen of Celina has raised and spent the most. But much of that money has come in the form of loans to himself. Most of the money given to Kathy Seei of Frisco came from contributions.
•In District 3, contributions to U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson have dwarfed the amount collected by the lone reporting candidate in the Democratic primary, Tom Daley of McKinney. Beyond that, Mr. Johnson has nearly $800,000 cash on hand and no debt.
Mr. Johnson's district includes parts of northern Dallas and southern Collin counties, while Mr. Hall's district includes a large swath that stretches east from Collin County to Texarkana.
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
The following net amounts were collected by congressional candidates through 2007, according to reports that were filed Thursday:
DISTRICT 3
Republicans
Wayne Avellanet, Plano: $0*
Sam Johnson (i), Plano: $564,968
Democrats
Tom Daley, McKinney: $1,400
Ron Minkow, Plano: $0*
DISTRICT 4
Republicans
Gene Christensen, Celina: $289,815
Kevin George, Celina: $11,965
Ralph Hall (i), Rockwall: $547,195
Joshua Kowert, Sherman: $3,239
Kathy Seei, Frisco: $54,490
Democrats
VaLinda Hathcox, Sulphur Springs: $0*
Glenn Melancon, Sherman: $21,252
*According to the FEC. Candidates receiving less than $5,000 are not required to file reports.
The Republican incumbents in two Collin County-area congressional races have amassed far more money than any of their challengers, according to a recent round of campaign finance reports filed by the candidates with the Federal Election Commission.
Among the reports' highlights:
•In District 4, U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall of Rockwall has received about 45 percent of his receipts from political action committees, which strongly tend to support incumbents.
•Among Mr. Hall's GOP challengers, Gene Christensen of Celina has raised and spent the most. But much of that money has come in the form of loans to himself. Most of the money given to Kathy Seei of Frisco came from contributions.
•In District 3, contributions to U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson have dwarfed the amount collected by the lone reporting candidate in the Democratic primary, Tom Daley of McKinney. Beyond that, Mr. Johnson has nearly $800,000 cash on hand and no debt.
Mr. Johnson's district includes parts of northern Dallas and southern Collin counties, while Mr. Hall's district includes a large swath that stretches east from Collin County to Texarkana.
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
The following net amounts were collected by congressional candidates through 2007, according to reports that were filed Thursday:
DISTRICT 3
Republicans
Wayne Avellanet, Plano: $0*
Sam Johnson (i), Plano: $564,968
Democrats
Tom Daley, McKinney: $1,400
Ron Minkow, Plano: $0*
DISTRICT 4
Republicans
Gene Christensen, Celina: $289,815
Kevin George, Celina: $11,965
Ralph Hall (i), Rockwall: $547,195
Joshua Kowert, Sherman: $3,239
Kathy Seei, Frisco: $54,490
Democrats
VaLinda Hathcox, Sulphur Springs: $0*
Glenn Melancon, Sherman: $21,252
*According to the FEC. Candidates receiving less than $5,000 are not required to file reports.
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