Anybody who is willing to sell out our State is no good in my book. Let's get this process started. Click for details
Let's start with Perry.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Deal Struck, TTC-35 can move forward
Here is the article in the Austin American Statesman
To those of you along the TTC-35 routes, I say that this is a sad day. You can be sure that TXDOT will move with lightning speed to develop and build as much of the TTC 35 corridor as they possibly can. Hopefully, during the process, we will be able to fight individual segments and come up with some small victories.
Rick Perry is your adversary. He is perfectly willing to sell you out to corporations in return for campaign contributions.
Mike Krusee is your adversary and sadly one of your own. He is perfectly willing to sell you out to corporations in return for campaign contributions.
Follow the money folks and learn the lessons. When Perry and Krusee disclose campaign contributions, make note of the construction industry and any firm involved in toll roads. Make note of how much they donate and how little it is in comparison to the amount of money they will make when they take your land and then charge you to drive across it. Keep in mind when looking at this dollar figure that this is what you were worth to Perry, Krusee, and company. You are standing in the way of their campaign contributions and they have sold you out.
My suggestion, if they take your land, make it part of the deal that you are not required to pay tolls on any road in Texas, ever again. Will you get it...no. Should you ask for it...YES!
Here is the article in the Austin American Statesman
To those of you along the TTC-35 routes, I say that this is a sad day. You can be sure that TXDOT will move with lightning speed to develop and build as much of the TTC 35 corridor as they possibly can. Hopefully, during the process, we will be able to fight individual segments and come up with some small victories.
Rick Perry is your adversary. He is perfectly willing to sell you out to corporations in return for campaign contributions.
Mike Krusee is your adversary and sadly one of your own. He is perfectly willing to sell you out to corporations in return for campaign contributions.
Follow the money folks and learn the lessons. When Perry and Krusee disclose campaign contributions, make note of the construction industry and any firm involved in toll roads. Make note of how much they donate and how little it is in comparison to the amount of money they will make when they take your land and then charge you to drive across it. Keep in mind when looking at this dollar figure that this is what you were worth to Perry, Krusee, and company. You are standing in the way of their campaign contributions and they have sold you out.
My suggestion, if they take your land, make it part of the deal that you are not required to pay tolls on any road in Texas, ever again. Will you get it...no. Should you ask for it...YES!
Here is the article in the Austin American Statesman
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Kolkhorst Needs our Support and DESERVES our Thanks
Representative Kolkhorst has fought hard for what we want. She's taken a lot of heat for it. We need to support her. Call, fax, or email her office and let them know you support her efforts to keep Amendment 13 on SB792.
Phone: (512) 463-0600
email: Email Form
Fax: (512) 463-5240
Win or lose on this corridor battle, Representative Kolkhorst is a shining example of a representative who listens to constituents and represents their concerns in Austin, without fail.
As an example...
During debate in the house on SB792, representative Kolkhorst was facing challenges from folks on an amendment she offered. The amendment would have put limitations on the buyback calculations for these private toll roads. Krusee and company argued that it was unfair to private companies to apply her limitations. Her response was "I'm trying to get the best deal for the State of Texas."
AMEN to that Rep. Kolkhort!
That one sentence sums up our whole argument against these corporate roads. People, legislators, need to quit worrying about getting the best deal for private companies and start worry about what is best for Texas. Thank you Representative Kolkhorst.
I said earlier that those who failed to represent us will be named. Along that same line, we need to take our time to thank those who have provided the representation we demand. Representative Kolkhort has lead the charge and we all owe her a sincere thanks after this is all said or done...win or lose! Take the time to express your thanks to her.
She has represented all Texans, not just her constituents.
Phone: (512) 463-0600
email: Email Form
Fax: (512) 463-5240
Win or lose on this corridor battle, Representative Kolkhorst is a shining example of a representative who listens to constituents and represents their concerns in Austin, without fail.
As an example...
During debate in the house on SB792, representative Kolkhorst was facing challenges from folks on an amendment she offered. The amendment would have put limitations on the buyback calculations for these private toll roads. Krusee and company argued that it was unfair to private companies to apply her limitations. Her response was "I'm trying to get the best deal for the State of Texas."
AMEN to that Rep. Kolkhort!
That one sentence sums up our whole argument against these corporate roads. People, legislators, need to quit worrying about getting the best deal for private companies and start worry about what is best for Texas. Thank you Representative Kolkhorst.
I said earlier that those who failed to represent us will be named. Along that same line, we need to take our time to thank those who have provided the representation we demand. Representative Kolkhort has lead the charge and we all owe her a sincere thanks after this is all said or done...win or lose! Take the time to express your thanks to her.
She has represented all Texans, not just her constituents.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Proof that HB1892 guts the TTC
I've said it many times. HB1892 is our best chance to put an end to the Trans Texas Corridor. Sure, it only contains a two year moratorium. But the provisions allowing local metro tolling authorities control and operate toll roads in their areas is what cripples the TTC.
Click here for the proof.
An alliance formed years ago to advance the development of Hwy 59 from Houston to Laredo into an interstate, I69, is falling apart over HB1892. The alliance has encouraged Governor Perry to veto HB1892. Harris County Toll Road Authority, likely its biggest contributor and member, is about to drop out of the alliance over the alliance's stance that Perry should issue the veto. HCTRA wants local control. The alliance realizes that if HCTRA has local control, then the toll road in other areas, probably won't get built.
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT!
Go ahead and veto it Rick 'King' Perry.
To the rest of us. Call your Senator and Representative and reiterate your support of HB1892. We are literally a week or two away from getting what we've been hoping for. Let's push this one over the goal line.
Click here for the proof.
An alliance formed years ago to advance the development of Hwy 59 from Houston to Laredo into an interstate, I69, is falling apart over HB1892. The alliance has encouraged Governor Perry to veto HB1892. Harris County Toll Road Authority, likely its biggest contributor and member, is about to drop out of the alliance over the alliance's stance that Perry should issue the veto. HCTRA wants local control. The alliance realizes that if HCTRA has local control, then the toll road in other areas, probably won't get built.
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT!
Go ahead and veto it Rick 'King' Perry.
To the rest of us. Call your Senator and Representative and reiterate your support of HB1892. We are literally a week or two away from getting what we've been hoping for. Let's push this one over the goal line.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Just when you thought TXDOT and Our legislature couldn't get worse
Just when you thought that the assault on common sense couldn't get any worse, we have HB 2268.
This bill would give TXDOT the authority to purchase land for road alignments in advance of an actual project. TXDOT wouldn't have to conduct pulic meetings. They wouldn't have to have done environmental studies. They could just purchase land 'in case' they decided to put a road there.
What is going on? Why does anyone think this is a good idea? The purpose of study and public meetings is to allow public input and careful consideration of road alignments. Purchasing land ahead of this will severely limit the alternatives considered because the mentality will be..."we might as well put the road here...we already own the land." I guess the only part of this bill that passes the sanity test is that condemnation can't be used to acquire the land. Basically, a land owner would have to willingly sell the land to TXDOT.
This raises a few questions for me. Why would TXDOT want to do this? Where are they going to get the money to purchase the land? I thought TXDOT was in virtual financial crisis, that they were barely able to maintain existing roads. Do they now have the money to purchase land that they may or may not need? Instead of speculating on land, let's spend that on the roads.
A few reasons come to mind why TXDOT would want to do this. Number 3 scares me the most.
1. Buying land now, when plans are not firm, is cheaper than when you know your road alignment. Land values only increase. Perhaps TXDOT wants to offer landowners a deal that, had the landowner waited longer, would have cost TXDOT more and fairly compensated the landowner.
2. Perhaps TXDOT wants to purchase wide swaths of land in the hopes that when they do develop a road through them, they can then sell the unneeded land to commercial developers for a profit, enriching themselves and allowing developers access to land that might have cost the developer more at a fair market value?
3. Purchasing land before constructing a road will quiet opposition to the road in the future. Think about this one. When a new road is built, the opposition is strongest and most vocal from those who face condemnation. As a result, road projects are looked at with more scrutiny and face more public criticism. We'll take the Trans Texas Corridor as an example. The initial alarm was raised by folks who were scared of losing their land as a result of the road. Had TXDOT purchased the land ahead of time, perhaps the public outrcy wouldn't have been so loud and we wouldn't even be talking about moratoriums because most people wouldn't know what was going on until it was too late.
Think about this. But don't think too long. Call your Senator and oppose this bill, HB 2268.
This bill would give TXDOT the authority to purchase land for road alignments in advance of an actual project. TXDOT wouldn't have to conduct pulic meetings. They wouldn't have to have done environmental studies. They could just purchase land 'in case' they decided to put a road there.
What is going on? Why does anyone think this is a good idea? The purpose of study and public meetings is to allow public input and careful consideration of road alignments. Purchasing land ahead of this will severely limit the alternatives considered because the mentality will be..."we might as well put the road here...we already own the land." I guess the only part of this bill that passes the sanity test is that condemnation can't be used to acquire the land. Basically, a land owner would have to willingly sell the land to TXDOT.
This raises a few questions for me. Why would TXDOT want to do this? Where are they going to get the money to purchase the land? I thought TXDOT was in virtual financial crisis, that they were barely able to maintain existing roads. Do they now have the money to purchase land that they may or may not need? Instead of speculating on land, let's spend that on the roads.
A few reasons come to mind why TXDOT would want to do this. Number 3 scares me the most.
1. Buying land now, when plans are not firm, is cheaper than when you know your road alignment. Land values only increase. Perhaps TXDOT wants to offer landowners a deal that, had the landowner waited longer, would have cost TXDOT more and fairly compensated the landowner.
2. Perhaps TXDOT wants to purchase wide swaths of land in the hopes that when they do develop a road through them, they can then sell the unneeded land to commercial developers for a profit, enriching themselves and allowing developers access to land that might have cost the developer more at a fair market value?
3. Purchasing land before constructing a road will quiet opposition to the road in the future. Think about this one. When a new road is built, the opposition is strongest and most vocal from those who face condemnation. As a result, road projects are looked at with more scrutiny and face more public criticism. We'll take the Trans Texas Corridor as an example. The initial alarm was raised by folks who were scared of losing their land as a result of the road. Had TXDOT purchased the land ahead of time, perhaps the public outrcy wouldn't have been so loud and we wouldn't even be talking about moratoriums because most people wouldn't know what was going on until it was too late.
Think about this. But don't think too long. Call your Senator and oppose this bill, HB 2268.
Oppose new attempts to 'FIX' transportation issues
Why should your rep oppose SB792?
Because HB1892, with moratorium language attached, calls for a 2 year study on the privatization of our roads. We don't need hastily done legislation like SB792. We need time to study our options. Late night fixes and compromises with the Governor and TXDOT are not what the public wants. We want a halt to this privatization madness and the time to study our needs more in depth.
All the noise now about 'problems' with HB1892 is being blown out of proportion for political gain. It was quick, hastily voted on, middle of the night legislation that got us to where we are today. During debate on HB1892 on the senate floor senators expressed concerns with passing legislation in a hasty fashion. That is exactly what is going on right now. We don't need it again. Let me tell you how this will play out.
This can play out three ways...two of them bad
Script 1: BAD
Script 2: BAD
Script 3: GOOD
Pass HB1892 and let the studying and careful consideration begin.
Because HB1892, with moratorium language attached, calls for a 2 year study on the privatization of our roads. We don't need hastily done legislation like SB792. We need time to study our options. Late night fixes and compromises with the Governor and TXDOT are not what the public wants. We want a halt to this privatization madness and the time to study our needs more in depth.
All the noise now about 'problems' with HB1892 is being blown out of proportion for political gain. It was quick, hastily voted on, middle of the night legislation that got us to where we are today. During debate on HB1892 on the senate floor senators expressed concerns with passing legislation in a hasty fashion. That is exactly what is going on right now. We don't need it again. Let me tell you how this will play out.
This can play out three ways...two of them bad
Script 1: BAD
- Perry and TXDOT complain that HB1892 has 'problems'
- Legislature (Carona, Krusee and company) come up with hasty 'fixes' in large bill, SB792.
- Legislature hastily approves legislation and sends to Perry.
- Perry vetos HB1892 in preparation for hasty legislation (SB792)
- SB792 is found to have flaws because it was done so fast.
- Perry can now claim that he has to veto it because of its flaws and legislature either doesn't have the time or the will to override the veto of SB792 and HB1892 is now gone as well.
Script 2: BAD
- Perry and TXDOT complain that HB1892 has 'problems'
- Legislature (Carona, Krusee and company) come up with hasty 'fixes' in large bill, SB792.
- Perry vetos HB1892 in preparation for hasty legislation (SB792)
- Legislature is unable to agree on SB792 and we are left with nothing.
- Support for HB1892 is eroded and no veto override happens.
Script 3: GOOD
- You call your rep and senator and tell them to ignore SB792 and stick to HB1892.
- Governor Perry vetos HB1892
- Legislature overrides his veto because they aren't distracted.
- TTC is effectively dead because of provisions in HB1892 limiting its profitability.
Pass HB1892 and let the studying and careful consideration begin.
How do you spell smokescreen? SB792
Does anyone else get an uneasy feeling about all these late dealings regarding HB1892 and SB792? Do you get the feeling that those who are causing all this fuss are fully aware and intending to erode support for HB1892. I've said it before. Perry hates HB1892. He doesn't like a moratorium but along with all the other limits and controls in HB1892, he absolutely despises it.
Why does the Governor not like HB1892? I'll tell you.
Not only does HB1892 declare a moratorium on any new private development agreements, but it severely hurts the profit potential for private companies on the TTC. It does this by giving local toll road authorities the right to develop and control roads within their areas without TXDOT interference. This is a severe blow to the TTC. It takes away the very areas that promise to be the most profitable stretches of road along the TTC. A toll road in the middle of nowhere is useless to a private company. It won't make any money because traffic will be too light. However, were the private company to control and operate that same toll road in/around major metro areas it could prove profitable by funnelling traffic onto these more profitable segments. Take away the profitable segments and the private operator has no potential for profit. Take away profit from large road construction contractors and private investment dries up. Take away private investment and profit potential and CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS dry up. That is why Rick Perry hates HB1892. It gives local control over roads and takes away his power to appoint favorable transporation commissioners and planners who will sell roads to the highest bidder. Sure, HCTRA and other major toll authorities can sell us out too...but its a lot easier to stir up enough voting public anger in local areas than it is to do so statewide. Giving control to local authorities puts more power in the hands of the people who vote...making it a local issue, controlled locally by voters. King Perry wants nothing to do with voters making decisions. He's the KING...or so he thinks.
Call your rep and Senator and express your continued support for HB1892 and tell them not to be distracted by Perry's crying and SB792.
Why does the Governor not like HB1892? I'll tell you.
Not only does HB1892 declare a moratorium on any new private development agreements, but it severely hurts the profit potential for private companies on the TTC. It does this by giving local toll road authorities the right to develop and control roads within their areas without TXDOT interference. This is a severe blow to the TTC. It takes away the very areas that promise to be the most profitable stretches of road along the TTC. A toll road in the middle of nowhere is useless to a private company. It won't make any money because traffic will be too light. However, were the private company to control and operate that same toll road in/around major metro areas it could prove profitable by funnelling traffic onto these more profitable segments. Take away the profitable segments and the private operator has no potential for profit. Take away profit from large road construction contractors and private investment dries up. Take away private investment and profit potential and CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS dry up. That is why Rick Perry hates HB1892. It gives local control over roads and takes away his power to appoint favorable transporation commissioners and planners who will sell roads to the highest bidder. Sure, HCTRA and other major toll authorities can sell us out too...but its a lot easier to stir up enough voting public anger in local areas than it is to do so statewide. Giving control to local authorities puts more power in the hands of the people who vote...making it a local issue, controlled locally by voters. King Perry wants nothing to do with voters making decisions. He's the KING...or so he thinks.
Call your rep and Senator and express your continued support for HB1892 and tell them not to be distracted by Perry's crying and SB792.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Don't think Perry is actually interested in good public policy
While Governor Perry makes it seem that his only interest is good public policy, don't let him fool you.
Governor Perry is in a position where, for the second time this session, a high stakes/visibility piece of legislation is poised to go against him. In addition, both pieces of legislation have overwhelming support in both the Senate (27-4) and the House (139-1). Governor Perry claims that he will sign a moratorium, but not HB1892. I say that he's bluffing. He has no intention of signing any transportation changes into law, be it HB1892 (moratorium and other restrictions) or SB1267 (moratorium only). He knows its a matter of timing. If he is able to get HB1892 recalled, he'll the have the timing down to where a veto is impossible or may even be unnecessary.
Here is the bottom line. The house has yet to put SB1267 on the calendar and members of the calendar committee have said that it won't make it on the calendar. Perry is more than aware of this. He knows that if HB1892 is recalled he won't be forced to veto because it may not make it back to him before the end of the session. If it does make it back, he can wait till the session ends to veto it and avoid an override. He also knows SB1267 will never make it to his desk and he won't be forced to sign a moratorium. This is political gamesmanship of the worst kind.
Please call your Representative and make sure they know you support them in not bowing to Governor Perry's pressure. We were on offense but Perry is trying to put us on defense. Don't let that happen, we have the support needed to make this happen, regardless of what Perry thinks. Heck, he started the whole corridor and privatization concept, he's not going to admit he was wrong and end it or let it be studied in the light of day, as the moratorium calls for.
Don't let anyone fool you in to thinking that HB1892 doesn't do what we want. We want careful study of Texas Trsnsportation needs. We want local control of toll roads if toll roads are the only option. HB1892 gives us what we want.
Governor Perry is in a position where, for the second time this session, a high stakes/visibility piece of legislation is poised to go against him. In addition, both pieces of legislation have overwhelming support in both the Senate (27-4) and the House (139-1). Governor Perry claims that he will sign a moratorium, but not HB1892. I say that he's bluffing. He has no intention of signing any transportation changes into law, be it HB1892 (moratorium and other restrictions) or SB1267 (moratorium only). He knows its a matter of timing. If he is able to get HB1892 recalled, he'll the have the timing down to where a veto is impossible or may even be unnecessary.
Here is the bottom line. The house has yet to put SB1267 on the calendar and members of the calendar committee have said that it won't make it on the calendar. Perry is more than aware of this. He knows that if HB1892 is recalled he won't be forced to veto because it may not make it back to him before the end of the session. If it does make it back, he can wait till the session ends to veto it and avoid an override. He also knows SB1267 will never make it to his desk and he won't be forced to sign a moratorium. This is political gamesmanship of the worst kind.
Please call your Representative and make sure they know you support them in not bowing to Governor Perry's pressure. We were on offense but Perry is trying to put us on defense. Don't let that happen, we have the support needed to make this happen, regardless of what Perry thinks. Heck, he started the whole corridor and privatization concept, he's not going to admit he was wrong and end it or let it be studied in the light of day, as the moratorium calls for.
Don't let anyone fool you in to thinking that HB1892 doesn't do what we want. We want careful study of Texas Trsnsportation needs. We want local control of toll roads if toll roads are the only option. HB1892 gives us what we want.
FHWA backs off of threats
In previous developments, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) had written a threatening letter, at the request of Mike Krusee, regarding HB1892. In the letter they expressed concern but not certainty that the provisions in HB1892 would cause Texas to lose Federal funding for highways. U.S. Senator Hutchinson, from Texas, wrote a letter back expressing her discomfort with a federal agency attempting to influence local state politics. Upon being challenged, the FHWA has now written a response to Senator Hutchinson saying that HB1892 can be implemented without jeapordizing federal funding.
So, why would a federal agency be interested in influencing local politics? They obviously were just blowing smoke because they quickly backed off from previous statements.
Here is my take on the reasoning. The Federal Highway Administration is like any other government agency. They are limited in the amount of funds they have to pass out for projects. You probably won't find any state that claims to get what it needs in funding from the federal agency. As such, there just isn't enough money to go around. When the FHWA saw the Texas model of funding roads through tolls and private capital, it saw a way to free up some of its funds for other uses. Now that the citizens of Texas have said a resounding NO to selling off roads, that source of alternate funding is going away. They were doing what they could to try to keep the alternate source of capital on the table. They were not interested in the benefit to citizens or making sure rederal rules weren't violated. They were simply protecting their budget.
So, why would a federal agency be interested in influencing local politics? They obviously were just blowing smoke because they quickly backed off from previous statements.
Here is my take on the reasoning. The Federal Highway Administration is like any other government agency. They are limited in the amount of funds they have to pass out for projects. You probably won't find any state that claims to get what it needs in funding from the federal agency. As such, there just isn't enough money to go around. When the FHWA saw the Texas model of funding roads through tolls and private capital, it saw a way to free up some of its funds for other uses. Now that the citizens of Texas have said a resounding NO to selling off roads, that source of alternate funding is going away. They were doing what they could to try to keep the alternate source of capital on the table. They were not interested in the benefit to citizens or making sure rederal rules weren't violated. They were simply protecting their budget.
Perry says legislature has no business making policy
Excuse me Mr. Perry, but that is exactly what our elected representatives are meant to do. They hear directly from constituents and that is why you are staring at HB1892.
I'm referring to this quote attributed to Perry in the Dallas Morning News.
"You shouldn't make transportation policy on the Senate floor or the House floor because it has great impact all over the state of Texas,"
See entire article here.
I say in response that you shouldn't be making public policy behind closed doors, as was done with the Trans Texas Corridor and your trend toward privatization of everything Texas. If our elected representatives are not supposed to make policy, then who? That's the legislative process. Perry is not the king. He is not the be all and end all of Texas politics.
Let me interpret this for everyone.
"I, Governor Perry, do not feel that the citizens, via their elected representatives, deserve a say in what goes on in their state. I am the boss. What I say goes. I did get 39% of the State to vote for me. Pay no attention to the fact that a large percentage of that was probably party-line voting because of the contentious elections. Pay no attention to the fact that 61% of Texans think that I'm a lousy Governor. Its my way or the special session on highways. Screw the veto, I'll just keep you working until you give me something I'm willing to sign. I'll be damned if I'm going to let a bunch of elected representatives listening to the citizens of the state endanger my many sizable campaign contriutions by those who stand to benefit from my one sided and narrow-minded policies."
I have a message for you Governor Perry. You are not the King. Most of Texas doesn't want you anywhere near Austin and politics. We all know who pays for you and your policies.
YOU ARE NOT MY GOVERNOR!
I'm referring to this quote attributed to Perry in the Dallas Morning News.
"You shouldn't make transportation policy on the Senate floor or the House floor because it has great impact all over the state of Texas,"
See entire article here.
I say in response that you shouldn't be making public policy behind closed doors, as was done with the Trans Texas Corridor and your trend toward privatization of everything Texas. If our elected representatives are not supposed to make policy, then who? That's the legislative process. Perry is not the king. He is not the be all and end all of Texas politics.
Let me interpret this for everyone.
"I, Governor Perry, do not feel that the citizens, via their elected representatives, deserve a say in what goes on in their state. I am the boss. What I say goes. I did get 39% of the State to vote for me. Pay no attention to the fact that a large percentage of that was probably party-line voting because of the contentious elections. Pay no attention to the fact that 61% of Texans think that I'm a lousy Governor. Its my way or the special session on highways. Screw the veto, I'll just keep you working until you give me something I'm willing to sign. I'll be damned if I'm going to let a bunch of elected representatives listening to the citizens of the state endanger my many sizable campaign contriutions by those who stand to benefit from my one sided and narrow-minded policies."
I have a message for you Governor Perry. You are not the King. Most of Texas doesn't want you anywhere near Austin and politics. We all know who pays for you and your policies.
YOU ARE NOT MY GOVERNOR!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Pulling the trump card.
Did Governor Perry pull the trump card? Me thinks he did.
He has now threatened the legislature with a special session to fix what he considers are problems with HB1892. So, does King Perry believe that his options are now open to keeping the legislature in session until they give him legislation he agrees with? That's dirty politics if I've ever seen it. Let's hope lawmakers don't bow to his pressure.
Here is the story in the Austin American Statesman.
Make no mistake about it. Perry is not interested in avoiding what he calls 'very bad public policy for the state'. He is simply trying to protect his baby, private toll road contracts, which will amount to large and continuous campaign contributions.
He has now threatened the legislature with a special session to fix what he considers are problems with HB1892. So, does King Perry believe that his options are now open to keeping the legislature in session until they give him legislation he agrees with? That's dirty politics if I've ever seen it. Let's hope lawmakers don't bow to his pressure.
Here is the story in the Austin American Statesman.
Make no mistake about it. Perry is not interested in avoiding what he calls 'very bad public policy for the state'. He is simply trying to protect his baby, private toll road contracts, which will amount to large and continuous campaign contributions.
Monday, May 07, 2007
'King' Perry plays political games
Obviously, we need to thank our legislators for acting fast and getting the moratorium bill through. Now its up to Perry. And, he knows that very well. The member of his staff responsible for accepting legislation and starting the clock on his ten days to veto or sign legislation happened to conveniently be 'out sick' last Friday. As such, he gave Perry a couple of additional days on his timeline.
See the story below.
Perry plays political games.
Unfortunately, its all about politics and what Perry wants, in Perry's mind. It has nothing to do with what the people want. Perhaps Governor Perry needs to be reminded that he only won with 39% of the vote. That means that almost 2/3 of the people of Texas think he's a lousy Governor. Its episodes like this that make it all to obvious.
See the story below.
Perry plays political games.
Unfortunately, its all about politics and what Perry wants, in Perry's mind. It has nothing to do with what the people want. Perhaps Governor Perry needs to be reminded that he only won with 39% of the vote. That means that almost 2/3 of the people of Texas think he's a lousy Governor. Its episodes like this that make it all to obvious.
SB1267 out of Krusee's committee. Political Wrangling abounds.
Mike Krusee and Governor Perry, the only folks remaining in the way of our Corridor moratorium, have finally seen the writing on the well. They realize that the people of this state want to put a stop to the plans to sell us out to the highest bidder.
However, the reality is that they don't care. That is why Krusee reported SB1267 out of his committee. He's trying to muddy the waters and erode support for HB1892. Make no mistake about it, they don't want to lose. Make no mistake about it. Its the two of them against everyone else.
If Perry and Krusee have to pick between SB1267 and HB1892, they would rather have SB1267. Its a pick your poison situation. The senate bill is simply a moratorium. HB1892 does much more to weaken the allure of private capital in building our roads. In fact, the two of them are probably thinking that if they are able to get SB1267 to the Governor's desk, they will create confusion and they may even avoid a veto override and a moratorium altogether. Stay tuned and be reasy to contact your reps and reaffirm your support of a moratorium.
However, the reality is that they don't care. That is why Krusee reported SB1267 out of his committee. He's trying to muddy the waters and erode support for HB1892. Make no mistake about it, they don't want to lose. Make no mistake about it. Its the two of them against everyone else.
If Perry and Krusee have to pick between SB1267 and HB1892, they would rather have SB1267. Its a pick your poison situation. The senate bill is simply a moratorium. HB1892 does much more to weaken the allure of private capital in building our roads. In fact, the two of them are probably thinking that if they are able to get SB1267 to the Governor's desk, they will create confusion and they may even avoid a veto override and a moratorium altogether. Stay tuned and be reasy to contact your reps and reaffirm your support of a moratorium.
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