Take a Ride On The Perry Go Round!

Rick Perry Claims To Have Lowered Taxes But Under His Watch, Taxes Have Gone Up Nearly $1.6 Billion

Note: A web site paid for by Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison pokes some animated fun at Gov. Cowpoke Perry: http://www.slickrickperry.com/ Interestingly enough, we found the advertisement posted momentarily on the lefty blog, Daily Kos.

. . . . Rick Perry has turned the Governor’s Office into a Revolving Door of Money and Influence for his friends.

When you take a closer look at some of the worst decisions to come out of Perry’s office, they all seem to have one thing in common: A former or future Perry staffer was lobbying for them and giving big bucks to Perry’s campaigns.

Letter writer expresses concerns over unplanned growth, and Barton

To the editor:

I am writing to express my support for County Judge Liz Sumter in her campaign for re-election. Her opponent in the Democratic Primary, Jeff Barton, is not someone that I, or anyone in Hays County, can depend on to help us conserve the natural resources that are so becoming more and more scarce as the population grows.

Barton’s record reflects his unqualified support for the rapid and unplanned growth in the western part of Hays County and his reluctance to support the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District charged with protecting the use of groundwater.

I attended the Commissioner’s Court meeting where the court was considering granting a sum of $200,000 to the HTGCD for operating expenses in the coming year (a mere pittance in comparison the budget for most GCDs).

Barton’s comments and questions reflected an under the table acceptance of Rep. Patrick Rose’s political deal that left the GCD high and dry in a time of drought. His thinly veiled gloating over the fact that his precinct in Eastern Hays County had water restrictions in place months ago and were not facing the lack of water that was apparent in Western Hays County was misleading and downright fallacious. His comments did not address the fact that the Edwards Aquifer is the source of groundwater for his precinct while the Hays Trinity Aquifer (a smaller and less rechargeable aquifer) is the source of groundwater for Western Hays County. How can he represent the whole county with this kind of ignorance and arrogance?

Please consider carefully the future of all of Hays County when voting in the primary and vote for someone who listens to and considers the needs of all residents.

Sincerely,
Dorothy Knight

For Texans and TxDOT, the 'cake and eat it too' isn't working

If TxDOT is as broke as they claim, and demand is flat, then why would they worry so much about anything beyond maintaining the Texas roads we already have?

Note: We received this timely commentary via an alert Driftwood area resident. Much appreciated. It certainly brings the question home to Hays County, i.e., the need for more road construction from the 2008 road bond and beyond, and the mounting cost of maintenance. Makes one wonder what kind of baloney we're all being fed.

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Everyone knows that TxDOT loves to build roads. And so do the contractors that TxDOT hires. And not only do these contractors love to build the roads, but they are generously willing to help elect the politicians who decide to build these roads.

But at some point, somebody really needs to ask if we need more roads in Texas than we already have. The answer is that we probably don't. How do we know that? The most recent Federal Highway Administration data shows that from Nov. 2008 to Nov. 2009, the actual use of roads in Texas only increased by .1%, as we see here:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/09novtvt/page6.cfm

In other words, taking the best data for travel on all the roads in Texas combined over the last year, we see that it would take about 100 years for the level of traffic to go up by even 10%.

Consider the implications. The legislature is not willing to raise the gas tax, so this necessarily causes the gas tax revenue, both the state and federal portions, to be about flat. Which situation then makes it really really hard for TxDOT to borrow against this revenue stream, which is falling short of even keeping up with inflation. Even though the travel demand on their current roads is flat, they still want to build more roads, which would obviously cause TxDOT's maintenance funding shortfall to get even bigger.

If TxDOT is as broke as they claim, and demand is flat, then why would they worry so much about anything beyond maintaining the Texas roads we already have? At least not until someday when the economy recovers and/or we discover a new supply of cheap oil, causing people to start driving more and needing lots of new road capacity, right?

TxDOT likes to complain that they can barely afford to maintain their current Texas roads. But the way they chose to deal with the problem is in a way that may be nice for their contractors, but is practically guaranteed to make TxDOT's maintenance problem worse.

Like they say, when things can't go on any longer, they won't. - Roger

Barton should get a grip and withdraw

Barton's vainglorious campaign has managed to upset some of his erstwhile east side supporters for leaving the Pct. 2 county commissioner seat exposed to a possible Republican takeover

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Kathi Thomas at the State
Democratic Convention in Ft. Worth

Note: In a long shot challenge against Republican State Sen. Jeff Wentworth, District 25, in 2006, Thomas received a respectable 37 percent of the vote. She served a short stint as Hays County Democratic Party treasurer, serves on the Dripping Springs Democratic Action leadership team and is a candidate for precinct chair in her own Precinct 443.

By Bob Ochoa
RoundUp Editor

Kathi Thomas of Dripping Springs knows her way around politics and politicians as good as anyone.

Yet she can't quite figure out why Pct. 2 County Commissioner Jeff Barton decided to challenge a fellow Democrat – incumbent County Judge Liz Sumter – in the upcoming March 2 Democratic primary. The challenge has exacerbated an uneasy split in the party, along east-west lines.

"I wrote to him about this (Barton)," said Thomas. "You only get a primary opponent if the person has done a really terrible job or is really corrupt. I think it was wrong and he should not have done it . . . I can't see any reason other than ego. She (Sumter) has been a good judge; she's protected the people who live here and has protected the environment."

Close observers have noticed Barton on the stump feigning sincerity and saying he wants to heal the rift. Some suggest a good place for Barton to start the healing would be to withdraw from the race – not a likely event. An e-mail flier sent around by his campaign says, "we need everyone's help as we work hard to cross the finish line." The same flier announces a Feb. 17 fund raiser in Barton's honor at the Headliner's Club in Austin, the ultimate venue for schmoozing with political big wigs and powerful interests. Not a good harbinger for the average citizen in Hays County.

Jeff Barton
Barton's vainglorious campaign has managed to upset some of his erstwhile east side supporters for leaving the Pct. 2 county commissioner seat exposed to a possible Republican takeover. Win or lose the primary contest against Sumter, Barton must vacate his commissioners court seat at the end of the year. The thinking is that the Republican commissioner candidate, Kyle Mayor Mike Gonzalez, has a good shot at winning the seat.

So far, the Barton campaign seems not to be receiving red carpet treatment from west side Democrats. Audience members at a candidates' forum held Sunday at the Canyon Grill in Dripping Springs questioned Barton's veracity after he made a statement that Judge Sumter had sought to indict Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe.

"That was sheer nonsense," said one attendee. Another later suggested that Barton himself tried to oust Ingalsbe by backing her opponent in the Democratic primary of 2008.

"Hard core Democrats over here are not going to vote for him," said Thomas.

Barton is receiving a cool reception as well from many long time activists around Wimberley and Woodcreek.

Steve Klepfer, a prominent local businessman, former Wimberley mayor and a candidate for Pct. 3 county commissioner in 2008, said this: "I have worked with Commissioner Barton, and very clearly for the interests most important to me – meaning groundwater, surface water and reasonable growth management in western Hays County – I will be supporting Judge Sumter strongly."

Barton and his political strategists may have believed the March 2 primary against Sumter would be a cake walk, and that he would be the candidate most able to defeat the Republican opponent in November.

But Barton's base of support in Pct. 2 is crumbling. Political miscalls by Barton and his gang has led to a drop in support among San Marcos Hispanics. His "win big on the east side and grab a few votes from the west side" strategy was not an inclusive strategy from the beginning. It could all very well backfire and leave a lot of Democrats picking up the pieces for a long time to come, no matter the outcome of the primary. Barton should get a grip and withdraw from the race before more damage is done.

TCEQ finds E. coli in raw water sample from Aqua's Woodcreek North system

Note: We received this note from an alert area resident. WPOA's office has confirmed the information, and noted that the raw water sample (taken Jan. 27/tested Jan. 28) containing E. coli came from a well not treated with disinfection. It is not considered an immediate risk to residents.

Link: E. coli bacteria 10,000x

Last week (1/29) the WPOA received an e-mail from Larry E. Mitchell of Aqua Texas asking the organization to help get the word out about E-coli bacteria found in one of their wells serving Woodcreek phase II, commonly referred to as Woodcreek North. This is the second such notice from ATI since the first of the year. These notices are required by the TCEQ when this type of contamination is detected. The threat to the people in Woodcreek North appears minimal but it is concerning.

The e-mail from Aqua's Larry Mitchell:

From: Mitchell, Larry E. LEMitchell@aquaamerica.com
Date: Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Subject: public notice required
To: WPOA OFFICE woodcreekpoa@gmail.com

Dear Sir:

The TCEQ is requiring us to do another public notice regarding a raw water sample (untreated water) from a well serving Woodcreek Phase 2. We were wondering if you might help us again in getting the notice out. If you could mail this notice to your member list we would greatly appreciate it. Any questions let me know.

Thanks.

Larry E. Mitchell

Former WimDem chair endorses Sumter for County Judge

Sumter’s leadership . . . resulted in the commissioners’ decision to set minimum lot sizes of six acres for future developments using well water

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Note: Perry and Susan Raybuck are Wimberley residents. Mrs. Raybuck formerly served as chair of the local WimDems. See Sumter's campaign web site here: http://judgesumter.com/


To the editor:

County Judge Liz Sumter has had a remarkably effective first term.

She pushed to improve the county government’s transparency and accessibility. The Commissioners Court now posts agendas, the budget, and even the bills the county owes online. She initiated regular public forums in each community to allow the court to get input on a variety of county issues.

In our 24 years in Hays County, we cannot recall another county judge who has shown a similar commitment to listening and responding to local concerns.

After more than 30 homeowners in northern Hays County had their wells dry up in the drought of 2006, near dense new developments using water wells, many area residents became active in efforts to ensure our natural resources were managed sustainably. Sumter’s leadership and those community forums resulted in the commissioners’ decision to set minimum lot sizes of six acres for future developments using well water.

Given political realities at the state and local level, that could not have been an easy decision to secure.

Since county governments have little authority to manage growth, Judge Sumter initiated an effort with elected officials in 14 other Texas Hill Country counties to propose legislation to give them the authority they needed. The counties secured legislative sponsors for a bill to grant them the authority to recoup their costs for building infrastructure to new developments, set lot sizes for future developments that consider water availability, and require setbacks so land users with incompatible usages would have a buffer to minimize conflict with other neighbors. Though that bill did not pass, the fifteen counties continue to work together on the issue.

Then there is Seton Hospital and two health clinics she and the court were able to bring to the county.

We enthusiastically support Judge Liz Sumter for re-election.

Perry and Susan Raybuck

County gears up for 2010 Census

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to the county's public information officer Laureen.Chernow@co.hays.tx.us, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County is gearing up for the 2010 U.S. Census – a critical undertaking that will help determine its share of some $400 billion per year in federal funding for education, hospitals and social programs, as well as the number of seats Texas will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and how redistricting lines will be redrawn.

The census, required by the U.S. Constitution, counts every person in every household every 10 years to reach a population figure that will be used officially for the next 10 years.

Census questionnaires will be delivered in mid March, and should be returned by April 1. Failure to do so will cause an added government expense and inconvenience by requiring a Census worker to call and/or visit to ensure the household is properly counted.

This year’s census form has only 10 questions. To take a look at the form in advance, go to: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php and choose English or Spanish.

“The information that the census collects is not shared with any other government agency or private business,” said Sophia Azoubel, one of the Census Bureau’s representatives for Hays County. “Population Information is needed for programs that ultimately benefit the people of Hays County. An accurate count would help ensure that federal funds are allocated equitably to Hays County.”

The Census Bureau is currently hiring temporary part-time and full-time workers to assist with the Census. Hays County residents can call 1-866-861-2010 for information about available jobs, qualifications and how to apply.

Rose and the Texans for Lawsuit Reform connection

Note: Wimberley voter Barbara Hopson sent the note below. Mr. Rose of course is welcome to chime in to correct information that may be misleading. We recall a time when Rose was a leader in the push for lawsuit reform in the Legislature. It was supposed to result in dramatic reductions in insurance premiums for everyone. So far, the much anticipated results – premium reductions and making our lives less expensive – seem to have escaped us all.

For more on Rose's TLR connection, see this illuminating Jan. '07 dispatch from Austin-based Burnt Orange Report: http://www.answerbag.com/article/Patrick+Rose+for+Texas%3F/65c0a61d-4fbe-b5b9-f2ef-052a6736035c/rose-pruning

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to Mr. Rose at info@patrickrose.com, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

___________________

On January 30, 2010, voters in Patrick Rose's Texas House district received in the mail a glossy flyer which attempts to make much of the little that Rose has accomplished for senior citizens. What the flyer did not mention, of course, is that in 2004-2008 Rose received contributions totaling $130,500 from Texans for Lawsuit Reform (source: www.followthemoney.org).

On December 1, 2009 the group presented Rose with their annual award – meaning that Rose did more for them than any other politician that year. The bland name of that organization belies that it is a consortium of business groups which want to severely limit the damages which seniors (or any other citizens) can be awarded for damages done to them by businesses. Does that sound "helpful" to seniors?

Barbara Hopson
P.O. Box 1753
Wimberley, TX 78676-1753
512-842-2882
hopsonbarbara@yahoo.com

Aqua legal notice winds up in the Daily Record

Note: We spoke with Aqua Texas' Glen Lewis a short while ago and asked where Aqua had published its legal notice announcing its application to the state for a service expansion around Woodcreek. Lewis is Aqua's Corporate Development Coordinator in Austin. He said the legal notice appeared in the San Marcos Daily Record, Jan. 18th and 25th editions.

We then asked Mr. Lewis why Aqua decided not to publish the legal notice in a newspaper with a larger circulation in & around Woodcreek and Wimberley, or at least inside the 78767 zip code . . . you know, maybe to inform more people in the affected area. Lewis told the RoundUp: "Number one, it's none of your business. Number two, it was a corporate decision where to place the ad. We weren't hiding from anyone. The rule says publication of county wide (circulation) and that's what we chose to do."

Mr. Lewis says he's not happy with the RoundUp, apparently for our earlier attempt to assist in spreading the word of the corporation's local plan to expand. We have a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson that Mr. Lewis and his bosses might want to think about when reviewing their corporate communications policy: "Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee, and do not try to make the universe a blind alley."

Go to this link to read the complete legal notice printed in the Daily Record: http://classifieds.cnhi.com/categoryadlist?test=1&publishername=sanmarcosrecord&adnumkey=040&categoryname=Public%20Notices&datehunt=2010-01-28

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to Mr. Lewis at gelewis@aquaamerica.com, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

________________

2010-01-28

Public Notices

17240979 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY (CCN) TO PROVIDE WATER UTILITY SERVICE IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS Aqua Utilities, Inc. dba Aqua Texas, Inc. has filed an application to amend CCN No. 11157 with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide water utility service in Hays County. The proposed utility service area is located approximately 0.2 miles northwest of downtown Woodcreek, Texas, and is generally bounded on the north by Colemans Canyon Road; on the east by Mount Sharp Road; on the south by Warblers Lane; and on the west by Elm Street. The total area being requested includes approximately 50 acres and 0 current customers. The proposed amendment affects customers and/or areas located in the following zip code: 78676. A copy of the proposed service area map is available at Aqua Texas, Inc., 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 400W, Austin, Texas 78723 or by calling 512/990-4400.

Link up to Rose, Backus campaigns

We have an interesting race forming in the March 2 Democratic primary for State Representative, District 45. You can follow the campaigns of incumbent State Rep. Patrick Rose here: http://www.patrickrose.com/ and his challenger Andrew Backus here: http://www.backus2010.com/

Sumter warns of possible increase in county tax rate

Note: One of the most disturbing aspects of having to listen to commissioners discuss their multi-million dollar projects and the implications on next year's county budget was that nary a word was said about the plight of hard pressed home and business owners. Only Judge Sumter came close. Commissioners speak of tax rates and appraisals – a one or two penny increase in the tax rate – as though it's no big deal. Business owners and average folks speak of 30% drops in sales, meeting the next payroll and layoffs. Many people are living on fixed incomes. Get real guys, you are not 'serving the people well,' as Commissioner Conley so fondly believes, if you are entertaining even the idea of an increase in the tax rate. Let's hear less about what great jobs you're doing and more about how you intend to reduce your expenditures and our taxes.

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

By Bob Ochoa
RoundUp Editor

Hays County Judge Liz Sumter warned this week that even in the best of scenarios, including a 2.5 percent growth in property appraisals, the county may be forced to raise its tax rate by slightly less than a penny in next year's county budget.

"If we borrow everything we're scheduled to borrow, we're looking at (a tax rate of) 47.63 cents, based on a 4.5 percent interest rate," Sumter said. "It's a guess, a projection of what we will be looking at. It is a growth rate that I don't think anybody is anticipating."

In worst case projections, with growth flat or a dip of one percent, Sumter says the county is looking at increases in the tax rate of slightly more than a penny, up to 48.11 cents. The current tax rate stands at 46.92 cents per hundred valuation, a 1.42-cent increase from the prior year's budget.

"What I'm hearing from people is that they are already stretched as far as they can be stretched," said Sumter. "I still think the commissioners court hasn't addressed the overall issue of how do you move forward with these projects without increasing taxes."

Commissioners and the judge discussed their options at a mini-budget workshop Tuesday Jan. 26 during their regular meeting, far ahead of their normal budget deliberations that start in earnest in the summer. Their plate is loaded with expensive capital projects, including construction of a $72 million government center, parks and road bonds yet to be sold totaling about $70 million, improvements to the jail and possible construction of a new jail with projected costs of between $50 million and $60 million.

Two years ago, voters approved $207 million in road bonds and $30 million for parks and acquisition of open space. Voters were informed then that approval of the bonds would likely result in a 5.1 cent increase in the county's tax rate, spread out over several years.

"Yes, the citizens had full knowledge the rate would go up for the roads and parks," said Sumter. "However, the variable today is the economy itself. No one could have predicted . . . that the economy would have gotten this bad. Even if the court has dictated to go ahead, the question is whether or not this is the right thing to do at this time. Do I think we should raise taxes? Not at this time. If that means slowing down some of the roads or pushing money to another location, then I think that's what we do."

Much of Tuesday's abbreviated budget discussion centered on whether to proceed with construction of the new government center. The project has not been brought to voters for approval, although county officials pointed out it has been under discussion for several years. Its total cost has been pared back from $90 million to a little more than $72 million.

"We built in the cost in the budget five years ago," said Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe of San Marcos. "If the growth rate decreases or stays flat, in either scenario, we have the money budgeted."

Dan Wegmiller, the county's bond and financial advisor, presented commissioners with a flex bond sale schedule, with one option to sell the entire $72 million in certificates of obligation and another to split the sale over two years at $60 million and $12 million. "At current interest rates we're still at 4.5 cents (portion of the tax rate), or below, so we're within budget," he said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Karen Ford of Dripping Springs touted the efficiency the government center will bring to the county by housing many offices and courtrooms in one building. Ford said, "the choice we have today is one big (bond) issue that takes up pretty much all of that 4.5 cents and not leaving much cushion for implications of what our road bond is taking. We could absorb that next year and not have a tax increase next year. It's just a matter of how you manage your debt (issuance)."

Commissioners later voted unanimously, on a motion from Commissioner Ingalsbe, to publish the court's intent to sell $72 million in bonds in late March for the center's construction, with the understanding the sale would be subject to change.

"A week before the sale we'll know what the interest rate will be and come back to the court and go through the same exercise to figure out what the impact will be," said Sumter.

The county's projects building manager Bob Hinkle of Broaddus & Associates, Austin, informed commissioners that a mock up model of the government center is being constructed at the San Marcos Airport.

Commenting generally on the discussion, Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley said, "I want the public to know we're on top of the issues, on the road bond issues, making sure they were fully informed of the worst case scenarios. We're coming in under (cost estimates), we are getting low interest rates and we are getting low bids. Where I think we need to have a thorough discussion, and a real area of concern, is when the costs of the government center, or anything, is going (over budget). There are many paths we can go down. We have planned accordingly and have served the people of Hays County well through those plans."

Woodcreek North petitions county to take over road maintenance

Note: We're checking for more details on what it will cost the county (and taxpayers) to take over maintenance of Woodcreek North's roads. County road chief Jerry Borcherding says that a cost study was done. We can't help but notice Commissioner Will Conley's largese with the taxpayers' money, at large, inasmuch as he seems to have played a central role in pushing for this latest road adoption plan. We have to wonder who or what is pushing his buttons. Nothing against the good people of Woodcreek North, but this does give one pause to ask: How many more private roads will Flash Conley push for adoption before the county's road maintenance bank goes bust or eventually require higher taxes to pay the mounting costs?

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Click on photo to enlarge

By Bob Ochoa
RoundUp Editor

About 60 Woodcreek North and Wimberley Springs community residents attending a Property Owners Association meeting Saturday voted to request that Hays County take over maintenance of about 43,000 linear feet, or 8 miles, of roads in WN and Wimberley Springs subdivisions.

The vote followed a petition signed by more than 300 residents, according to WNPOA president, DuAnne Redus.

The petition, Redus said, "affirmed that it would be a good thing for the county to take over the major roads."

Not included in the plan are many more miles of auxiliary roads that will continue to be maintained with POA fees.

Ms. Redus explained that the genesis for the takeover plan and petition came from Pct. 3 Commissioner Will Conley. "He (Conley) came to the November (POA) meeting and met with the board and said we're willing to do this if I can get it through the court, and it would help if we could get affirmation from the people."

According to Redus, Conley said in response to a questioner at Saturday's meeting that he anticipated taking the road adoption plan to commissioners court within the next 30 days.

Letter writer calls Barton out for "gross misrepresentations"

Note: We received this open letter from Woodcreek resident Ann Merritt. We are not surprised by Commissioner Barton's "gross misrepresentations," a persistent MO of his. We prefer to call them lies, but hey, we also understand that all's fair in love, war and politics. Just a reminder that some politicians are more prone to lying than others and that alert voters can always to do a little fact checking of their own.

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Letter to the Editor:

Recently, Hays County Commissioner J. Barton issued misleading statements in his campaign announcement, most of them directed against County Judge Liz Sumter.

In an article printed by the Austin American Statesman on January 4th that was titled "Hays Commissioner Jeff Barton to Run for Judge," reporter Patrick George quoted Barton as follows: "In his speech, Barton criticized Hays for being the lowest-paying county in the region for law enforcement officers and said he'd restore budget cuts to the county library fund and to emergency medical services."

J. Barton said he will restore budget cuts to county libraries.

Fact: There were no library budget cuts. Libraries in Hays County enjoyed a 23% increase in funding since Judge Sumter took office.

J. Barton said he will restore budget cuts to EMS.

Fact: There were no EMS budget cuts. EMS experienced a 29% increase in funding since Judge Sumter took office.

J. Barton said Hays County law enforcement officers are the lowest paid in the region.

Fact: Hays County law enforcement officers are some of the highest paid in the region. Only Austin and Kyle pay more.

J. Barton said Judge Sumter voted to increase county commissioners' pay.

Fact: J. Barton voted for his own 14% pay raise. Then he announced that he was not going to take the pay raise. He subsequently reversed his position, for unknown reasons, and he took the pay raise.

J. Barton's statements contain inaccurate claims, many of which fall into the category of gross misrepresentations. One would hope that those who rise to the level of Hays County commissioners would adopt a higher ethical standard, one that promotes the Public Good and incorporates reality in pursuit of that goal.

I am going to stick with the facts. In fact, I am going to stick with Judge Sumter.

Ann F. Merritt
Woodcreek, TX 78676

Bylaws and Member Bill of Rights – PEC is open for business

As part of the bylaws revision, we are proposing a Member Bill of Rights – a measure that incorporates open meetings, open records, and fair and open elections into our bylaws . . .

More information and comments on the bylaws and the bill of rights can be found at: https://www.pec.coop/CorpProfile/Bylaws.aspx

Note: Dr. Cox, of Wimberley, represents District 7 on the Board of Directors of the Pedernales Electric Coop, your power company.

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to Patrick at patrickcox7@gmail.com, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story


By Patrick Cox, Ph.D.
Guest Commentary

At Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), we are changing the way we work and do business. At the “New PEC," we are taking an open approach to our governance, operations and policies.

This is not an interim action taken because of the misdeeds of previous coop administrations. These revisions include a complete revision of the PEC bylaws – the rules that govern the affairs of the cooperative and its members.

As an innovative proposal in our revised bylaws, we are proposing a Member Bill of Rights. The Member Bill of Rights is a first-ever initiative that establishes the importance of the principles of openness and fair elections, by making them permanent fixtures at the cooperative changeable only with member approval.

We have embarked on this open approach in order to re-establish trust with our members and the integrity of the PEC. As the PEC board, management and employees have begun this arduous process to restore the reputation and integrity of the nation’s largest electric cooperative, we have chosen to follow an open path – one that provides openness in our communications, meetings, records, as a standard for conducting our business.

The new board, management and employees have faced many challenges in reforming the PEC. In 2008, the Navigant Consulting Company review of the PEC clearly demonstrated that previous boards and management betrayed the membership and tarnished the reputation of the nation's largest electrical cooperative.

The Navigant investigators stated, "The lack of controls and effective Board oversight allowed PEC's former Senior Management to enter into questionable transactions, receive significant compensation, and operate the Cooperative inefficiently, as well as on a basis contrary to the best interests of the Cooperative's members." The mandate to reform the PEC, and to act to protect the membership and the cooperative, could not have been more clearly stated.

We initiated our reforms by changing our process. We now have open meetings. Electric cooperatives are not required by law to have open meetings. In order to change the organization, the PEC board changed our closed-door policy and opened meetings to members, the media and the public. Agendas are posted in advance, meetings are conducted in an orderly manner, and members are allowed to make statements to the board. All of our meetings are broadcast live on the PEC web site.

Like other boards and councils, we have executive sessions for board meetings that are closed to members and the press. The purpose of an executive session is only to discuss real estate, personnel matters, contracts, security and proprietary matters.

Like open meetings, records should be open to members. In the past, previous PEC boards and management withheld information relating to finance, policies and decisions that coop members should have been entitled to review and discuss. Nearly all records and information are now open. We have imposed restrictions on confidential information relating to the corporate and personal records of members that are not released. As part of our commitment, we are placing as much information as possible on the PEC web site to keep our members informed.

We have also reformed the election process. Members nominate directors and can vote in director elections either by mail, online or at the annual meeting. We now have one member/one vote. No member can cast more than one ballot in a director election.

We have opened our bylaw revision process to our members. The PEC bylaws cover issues relating to meetings, directors, elections, and many other member and governance issues. The PEC Governance, Bylaws and Legal committee is currently accepting member comments and suggestions. Information is available on the PEC web site and at local PEC offices throughout the service area.

As part of the bylaws revision, we are proposing a Member Bill of Rights – a measure that incorporates open meetings, open records, and fair and open elections into our bylaws. If these are approved and adopted, only the members will have the ability to make any future changes on these specific issues in our bylaws.

More information and comments on the PEC bylaws and the Member Bill of Rights can be found at: https://www.pec.coop/CorpProfile/Bylaws.aspx

In the new competitive environment and the evolving era of corporate accountability and media scrutiny, we need to meet the challenge of being open and more responsive. While openness may not always be the most efficient and may sometimes even be embarrassing, a standard of openness and accountability will be a positive benefit for the PEC and its members.

PEC Board: ‘This Cooperative is not for sale’

TO: All PEC-area newspapers
MEDIA CONTACT: Anne Harvey, (830) 868-4933; Austin line, (512) 219-2602

January 20, 2010

Read the whole story at this link: http://www.pec.coop/News/PressRelease.aspx?PRID=227

Johnson City, Tx – Pedernales Electric’s Board of Directors clearly stated at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19 that the Cooperative is not for sale. The Board made this declaration after meeting in executive session to discuss an offer to purchase the Cooperative made by New Jersey-based Quentin Capital Management LLC. In 2008, Quentin Capital also made an offer to buy PEC.

“We remain committed to the position — as previously stated by the Board on Sept. 15, 2008 — that this Cooperative is not for sale,” said PEC Board President and District 6 Director Larry Landaker. The Board directed staff to create a formal response to Quentin Capital and to develop a policy for Board consideration to address any potential future offers.

In other business, the Board heard a report about a new contract that the Lower Colorado River Authority signed with a wind farm near Corpus Christi. PEC’s long-term contract with the LCRA ensures that the Cooperative will be allotted approximately 60 megawatts of power from the new facility. When the wind farm comes online, it will bring PEC’s electric capacity from renewable resources to approximately 277 megawatts.

The Board received an update on the proposed Bylaws revisions and possible creation of a Member Bill of Rights. District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox — who is the chairman of the Governance, Bylaws and Legal Committee — stated that the committee will continue accepting feedback until Monday, Jan. 25.

“We are still accepting comments on the proposed bylaws revisions and also are asking for specific comments on the proposed member bill of rights,” said Cox, who directed members to PEC’s Web site for more information.

E-mail your comments on the proposed bylaws revisions to this address: Bylaws@peci.com

Aqua files application to expand service area around Woodcreek

Editor's Note: We received word today that Aqua Texas is seeking to expand its service into an approximate 50-acre area about .2 miles northwest of "downtown" Woodcreek. (See copy of notice below, edited for length). By law, Aqua must publish its application to the state to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity in the classifieds section of a newspaper within the general area of the expansion. We thought we'd lend Aqua a hand in getting the word out, just in case the legal notice fails to appear in a local newspaper read by the local folks affected. If you're an enterprising sort, be on the lookout for a "Westridge Legal Notice," or something to that effect, in Hays County newspapers, or farther out, (with general circulations outside of Woodcreek and Wimberley). We're hoping Aqua does not go down the road of trying to camouflage its intentions.

Has anybody got any idea where "downtown" Woodcreek is? We're stumped.

For more details and questions, contact Glen Lewis, Aqua's Corporate Development Coordinator in Austin at 512.990.4400 Ext. 104, or shoot Glen an e-mail . . . gelewis@aquaamerica.com

___________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE
AND NECESSITY (CCN) TO PROVIDE WATER
UTILITY SERVICE IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS

Aqua Utilities, Inc. dba Aqua Texas, Inc., has filed an application to amend CCN No. 11157 with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide water utility service in Hays County.

The proposed utility service area is located approximately 0.2 miles northwest of downtown Woodcreek, Texas, and is generally bounded on the north by Coleman Canyon Road; on the east by Mount Sharp Road; on the south by Warblers Lane; and on the west by Elm Street. The total area being requested includes approximately 50 acres and 0 current customers. The proposed amendment affects customers and/or areas located in the following zip colde: 78676.

A copy of the proposed service area map is located at Aqua Texas, Inc., 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 400W, Austin, Texas 78723 or by calling 512/990-4400.

A request for a public hearing must be in writing. You must state (1) your name, mailing address, and daytime telephone number; (2) the applicant's name, application number of another recognizable reference to this application; (3) the statement, "I/we request a public hearing"; (4) a brief description of how you or the persons you represent, would be adversely affected by the granting of the application for a CCN; and (5) your proposed adjustment to the application or CCN which would satisfy your concerns and cause you to withdraw your request for a hearing.

Persons who wish to intervene or comment should write the:

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Water Supply Division
Utilities and Districts Section, MC-153
P. O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087

within thirty (30) days from the date of this public notice

[snip]

If you are a landowner with a tract of land at least 25 acres or more, that is partially or wholly located within the proposed area, you may request to exclude the tract from the proposed area (or "opt out") by providing written notice to the Commission within (30) days from the date that notice was provided by the applicant.

[snip]

Sumter schedules Jan. 26 workshop for reality check on finances, projects, taxes

Are Commissioners willing to raise taxes if we cannot find enough to cut and the devaluation of property is 2 or 3%?

Editor's Note: What's the old saying: The chickens are coming home to roost. Here it means our county commissioners have been on a spending spree the last couple of years, and now find themselves in a heap of financial trouble. Not the least of the chickens is the growing debt from the sale of the '08 road bonds. Judge Sumter is showing real courage to lay it all on the table and ask for input from the citizens. Kudos to her for that. Evidently the advice and actions of her fellow commissioners, up to now, has not been very helpful. Sumter has scheduled a commissioners court workshop Tuesday, Jan. 26 to explore options moving forward. Remembering that there are 5 votes on the court, we see the workshop as a direct challenge to commissioners to wake up to the economic reality that surrounds us all. It will be an interesting dance, but they must address this challenge by reducing costs and debt if they are to avoid handing us another tax increase in next year's county budget.

Send your constructive comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to Judge Sumter at lizsumter@co.hays.tx.us, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

From Judge Liz Sumter
To Hays County Citizens

People all over Hays County are losing their jobs and homes. Some people have been able to keep their jobs and homes, but they’ve had to tighten their belts.

Your county government should not be any different. In my view, here’s how a prudent person behaves. She thinks in terms of a family budget - what can I really afford among all the needs I have without increasing my already ballooning debt?

As your County Judge, it is my responsibility to lead the court through these uncertain economic times. To do that, I look at the county's needs, as a whole, prioritize them, and then decide what we can afford to do and what might have to wait. I look at national, state and local indicators such as unemployment, employment growth, foreclosure numbers, and sales tax revenues. I also consult with Appraisal Districts throughout the region to get an idea about where property values might go, and I take a good look at social services to see if the service demand is growing.

Here’s the reality for Hays County:

– Unemployment has risen from 3.8% in 2007 to 6.9% in the third quarter of 2009.

– Employment growth has declined from 6% in 2007 to .3% in the third quarter of 2009.

– Foreclosures are up from an average of 100 per month last year to an average of 143 per month over the past four months.

– Sales Tax Revenue has fallen from $9,758,657.29 in 2008 to $9,476,550.80 in 2009, and the decline has continued through the past five months.

– The food bank in Hays County has seen a 20% increase in people needing food in 2009, while corporate donations are down 81% and civic group donations are down 42%.

My conversations with several Appraisal District chief appraisers in the region, including our own, lead me to believe that the best we can hope for is a flat valuation of property this year but more likely a decrease in property values. That means entities that rely on property taxes to fund their services and capital projects will have less money for the same tax rate.

Here’s the challenge:

– Voters have approved roads totaling $226 million dollars ($60 million is borrowed debt).

– Voters approved park projects totaling $30 million ($20 million is borrowed debt).

– The Dacy Lane improvement totaling $8 million is on the drawing board ($8 million is borrowed debt).

– The Government Center, currently estimated at $73 million, is under consideration.

– Cost estimates are being developed for a Jail, as well as Precinct 2 and 3 Offices.

Everything on the list is necessary, but the list, taken in whole, is very expensive — particularly the road and Government Center expenditures. Accordingly, I have asked our team of experts involved in the road and Government Center projects to answer a number of questions, including:

– What are the operational costs of the new government building?

– How many new people would we need to support the building?

– Since the building is not within the budgeted tax rate can it be scaled down?

– Can we shell in some of the courtrooms and spaces?

– If we decide to eliminate a floor how easy would it be to add on in the future?

– If we need to slow down the borrowing on roads, what can be accomplished with what we have borrowed and spent so far?

In the next few weeks, I will be presenting a variety of options to the Commissioners on the Court. Each Commissioner will have to bring his/her best judgment to the table. The specific questions they will have to answer include:

– Should we wait to make a decision on borrowing until we get firm numbers from the Central Appraisal District in April/May? If we do, what does that do for the schedule of the government building?

– Should we stop borrowing on roads for awhile and shift funds to roads we can complete with the money we have on hand now?

– Apart from jail improvements that are tied to compliance issues, should we save our cash and see how much of a cushion that can provide for the next budget year?

– If we decide that building roads, parks, and government facilities is not what we cut, what services should we cut?

– Are Commissioners willing to raise taxes if we cannot find enough to cut and the devaluation of property is 2 or 3%?

My job, as County Judge, is to direct the traffic on the Court, so to speak. When the discussion about these critical issues starts, my job is to make certain that individual Commissioners have the information they need so they can make informed decisions. It is also my responsibility to keep the focus on Hays County as a whole.

I want to hear from you. I have scheduled a workshop for Commissioners on Tuesday, January 26th. The workshop will address these important issues. I hope you will find time to attend. Remember: My office is in the Courthouse, but you — the citizens — own the building.

Trinity Aquifer still unprotected

Comal County Commissioners voted Thursday to tell TCEQ they would prefer to form a district with Hays and Travis counties

Note: Thanks to alert citizen Susan Cook for forwarding this story from the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Read the whole story at this link: http://herald-zeitung.com/story.lasso?ewcd=aa8fb566027af083&-session=HeraldZeitung:443CA99F02bca079ECXUO15E10A3

By Chris Cobb
The Herald-Zeitung
Published January 12, 2010

Comal County Commissioners recommended forming a new three-county groundwater conservation district on Thursday, as they continue to work with the state to protect water within the Trinity Aquifer.

Almost two-thirds of Comal County sits atop the Trinity, and those areas are the only piece of the Hill Country that lack a conservation district to manage and protect water resources.

Groundwater conservation districts were created by the state legislature to manage usage and monitor both the quantity and quality of underground water in Texas. The portions of Comal over the Edwards Aquifer receive protection from the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

Comal County officials have lobbied for the creation of a local district for the Trinity since the 1990s, with voters twice rejecting it at the polls by large margins in 1995 and 2001.

Push poll reportedly linked to Rose is classic political misrepresentation

Note: The voter alert below was making the rounds late last week. Rep. Rose is welcome to contact the RoundUp if he wishes to comment, at online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story.

VOTER ALERT!

Democratic Primary March 2nd

Patrick Rose's push polling operation has started. The calls (at least during this round) are tied to a 555 number, and the caller, if asked, will tell you that he/she is based in Florida.

The call starts out like a typical survey. Have you heard of Candidate X? What is your opinion of Candidate Y? Then the caller reads a list of all the wonderful things that Rose has done. Finally (and this is what it is really all about) the caller starts reading a list of misrepresentations and lies about Rose's opponent, Andrew Backus. That's why it's called a push poll – it sounds like a poll, but it's designed to push you in a certain direction.

This sort of activity is not new to the Patrick Rose team. Remember – one of Patrick's biggest contributors is Bob Perry of Houston. Perry is perhaps best known in political circles as the man who funded the swift boat operation against John Kerry. For more information about Bob Perry and why you should be concerned about Rose's close connection to him, go to: Link to Bob Perry

If you get a call, use your own judgment. Take the call. Give the caller the run around. Tell the caller you know what the game is. It is your choice. Just remember: It's a push poll. It's a dirty campaign trick. And it is classic Patrick Rose.

Citizens are demanding more than dirty tricks, misrepresentations, and ties to special interests. Unfortunately, Patrick Rose has become the poster boy for all of those. Rose doesn't deserve your support. District 45 can do much better.

Members weigh in on PEC bylaws, member bill of rights

Members can go to www.pec.coop to see a video of the forum and to learn more about the bylaws and member bill of rights. Members are encouraged to e-mail suggestions or comments before Jan. 25 to Bylaws@peci.com

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010
TO: All PEC-area newspapers
MEDIA CONTACT: Anne Harvey, (830) 868-4933; Austin line, (512) 219-2602

Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s Governance, Bylaws and Legal Committee hosted a forum on Wednesday, Jan. 13 to receive member input on possible revisions, updates and improvements to the Cooperative’s bylaws. The meeting also included a discussion of a proposed member bill of rights.

Members of the committee — District 7 Director and Committee Chairman Dr. Patrick Cox, District 4 Director O.C. Harmon, District 6 Director and Board President Larry Landaker, and Advisory Director Lamont Ramage — presided over the forum, and the committee also invited Monica Schmidt, the vice president of National Consulting Group at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, to offer her expertise on governance and ethics.

“The fact that I am sitting here is an indication of the Cooperative’s willingness to look at best practices around the country,” Schmidt said. “It’s very exciting for NRECA to now have PEC as part of the cooperative family.”

Thirteen PEC members addressed the committee on topics such as term limits, single-member-district voting and open records requests. While opinions varied, most of the members praised the Board for hosting the forum and for helping PEC continue its commitment to openness and transparency.

“Last year, I participated in the predecessor to this forum and found it to be a best practice,” said PEC member Dave Collins. “I am delighted to see that practice has been maintained by this committee. This is one of many things that have occurred in the last two years of which we can be proud and which we should continue.”

“Last year, PEC held a forum similar to this to gather information from our members on the Director elections,” said Cox. “We incorporated much of that information into changes in our election process, which we believe was very successful. Actively soliciting input from our members worked so well that we decided to continue this forum.”

The committee will continue to gather additional member comments online and through feedback forms available at all PEC offices. The committee will discuss all member feedback received prior to its next meeting on Monday, Jan. 25.

“The most important thing is to hear from the members,” said Ramage. “We want to hear from members so the right decisions can be made, so our decisions will be your decisions.”

Members can go to www.pec.coop to see a video of the forum and to learn more about the bylaws and member bill of rights. Members are encouraged to e-mail suggestions or comments before Jan. 25 to Bylaws@peci.com, or mail them to:
 Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Governance, Bylaws and Legal Committee; P.O. Box 1; Johnson City, Texas 78636-0001.

Politics 2010 . . . time to re-energize, or repeat of the same old, same old?

The same incumbents get re-elected every year even if they are doing a lousy job. It is an enigma worth viewing and one that needs a solution

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to Mr. Stern at pstern@austin.rr.com, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story


Note: When it comes to elections and candidates, some of us may suffer from SOBS (Same-Old Burnout Syndrome). Unfortunately, the symptoms are low interest and low turnout at otherwise crucial elections. Because of it, bad apples often get elected that have no business in public office. Sometimes we get lucky. The upcoming March 2 primary is one of those crucial elections. Time to re-energize, get informed and have some fun. There are a few gems among the pile of candidates running, and some real duds. Here's a link to the Hays County Elections Office with candidate information that can get you started: http://www.elections.co.hays.tx.us/CandidateOfficeholdersbrInformation/tabid/54/Default.aspx

By Peter Stern
Guest Commentary

November elections and re-elections are less than one year away. The incumbents and candidates are squaring off, starting to play political hardball. History repeats itself and no one seems to learn any lessons from it.

The economy still is a mess at the national and state levels, but there is no shortage of "Elmer Gantry" types promising rain if your land is parched, money if your wallet is filled with cob webs and a much better life if you need one. Heck, most of us do need a better life.

The same old, same old is that we are being offered empty promises.

I am glad to see the "juices" flowing around the nation, even though a lot of it is misplaced anger and arrogance. Many people are getting more agitated and involved. Many want that better life, but few know how to get there. Many are unhappy with our legislators, but there are no clear answers on how to reform our Congress. Also, there are few solutions to cleaning house on the state and local levels.

An ancient Latin saying exclaims: "Belua multorum es capitum" – The people are a many-headed beast, and nowhere is it observed better than in the political arena and especially during election time. The same incumbents get re-elected every year even if they are doing a lousy job. It is an enigma worth viewing and one that needs a solution.

Those who run consistently are wealthy and have special interests. Being wealthy with special interests is one thing, using that wealth and power continuously against the best interests of the community and majority of people is the problem and that's exactly what many career politicians do.

We all see this at the national, state and local levels.


I am a Republican; however, I have always distrusted and disliked this sort of political maneuvering. In particular, I dislike a person professing to belong to one party when in reality, they have a different focus and action plan. It occurs too frequently with Democrats AND Republicans. On the national level, it is like Senator Joe Lieberman, another parasite out for his own good. Much as an unethical used car salesman, he will say and promise one thing, yet will change his story depending on who is listening.

In Texas at the state level, Representative Patrick Rose and at the local level Hays County Commissioner Jeff Barton act with the same longtime practice of deception. They profess to be Democrats and run under that party umbrella, but their voting history and actions show they are NOT Democrats. Historically their actions and voting are as Texas Republicans. However, year after year they get re-elected.

The same old, same old is that this is occurring throughout the nation at all levels of government. The "many-headed beast" still re-elects the deadwood incumbents.

It is the deception by these people and how they do so little for the community good that will have me voting for their opponents. I will vote for the candidates opposing Governor Rick Perry, Patrick Rose, Jeff Barton and others like them.

They are like sharks in a feeding frenzy. They are natural in their habitat, but you don't want to be in their vicinity when they are feeding and doing what comes naturally to them.

They continue to do what they do because we permit it.

I also heard that former Representative Rick Green is running for some office again. Here's the guy who got so angry and frustrated and then physically attacked Patrick Rose. The guy should be in jail, but he's out running for political power again.

"Birds of a feather flock together." Get ready for the same old, same old.

Peter Stern, a former director of information services, university professor and public school administrator, is a disabled Vietnam veteran who lives in Driftwood, TX.

Off Topic, or . . . the ADD ward

Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.

– Will Rogers

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to web.master@dshs.state.tx.us (an agency of the Texas Health and Human Resources System), or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story


Editor's Note: Here's a post where you can comment totally off topic to your heart's delight.

From commenter Rocky Boschert: On Thursday evening Visa and Mastercard have now agreed to waive their transaction fees as well for credit card paid donations to Haitian earthquake relief.

From commenter Left the Right Behind: Rush Limbaugh said on his radio show to NOT send money to Haiti for disaster relief. He said not to do it because the Haiti relief effort would only benefit President Obama and his "light skinned and dark-skinned" Black constituents.

___________

- A skunk insisted he needed neither flight nor strength to frighten off any creature.
- If all is not lost, where is it?
- Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip round the sun.
- Lead me not into temptation (I can find the way myself).
- It's not hard to meet expenses . . . they're everywhere.

Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.
– Shakespeare

Am reserving two tickets for you for my premiere. Come and bring a friend - if you have one.
– George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill.

Impossible to be present for the first performance. Will attend second - if there is one.
– Churchill's reply

He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know.
– Abraham Lincoln

In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.
– Mark Twain

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets. All that don't get wet you can keep.
– Will Rogers

Rick Perry is a schmuck of infinitesimal proportions.
– Political Mpressions

You Can Lead a Politician to Water, but You Can't Make Him Think.
– Book subtitle, by Kinky Friedman

An economist is a man who states the obvious in terms of the incomprehensible.
– Alfred A. Knopf

It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly American criminal class, except Congress.
– Mark Twain

Government, for protecting business only, is but a carcass,
and soon falls by its own corruption and decay.
– Amos Bronson Alcot

Backus: On a fool's errand, or man with a mission?

Backus cites the need to make government more efficient and less costly, improve our public education system and reduce the embarrassingly high high school drop-out rate – starting with Hays County

Send your comments and news tips to online.editor@valleyspringcomm.net, to Mr. Backus at backus2010@gmail.com, or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story

Andrew Backus

By Bob Ochoa
RoundUp Editor

Andrew Backus is plain spoken. Do not expect polished political platitudes from this man, who some argue is on a kamikaze mission to unseat State Rep. Patrick Rose in the March 2 Democratic primary.

"If you're content with Patrick, fine," Backus, 48, told the RoundUp. "If you're not, then I'm here to serve.

"My position is one of trying to manage things in a sustainable manner, whether water resources or human resources, or any resource. . . . unless we pull together and make better decisions, the sort of status quo vision is to pave over the Hill Country. I don't think that's the quality of life people came here to live."

In response to those who claim he is a one-issue 'save our groundwater' guy, Backus cites the need to make government more efficient and less costly, improve our public education system and reduce the embarrassingly high high school drop-out rate* – starting with Hays County (see links below).

"I've been speaking to teachers and retired school administrators," he said. "The people I've spoken to don't like the standardized testing and the fact that the state is delving into their retirement funds to finance other programs in the state.

"The state doesn't rank well in so many areas (health care and education) . . . the amount of pollution we spit out. The state is advancing at the expense of the environment and its population."

Backus is Rose's first primary challenger in his eight years in office. Rose is shooting for his 5th term and ten years, placing him in that category of office holder that we all start to become wary of right about now – that of career politician.

We might ask, "What good is Rose's experience, tenure and status if he continues to drift away from the interests of the little people who elect him and closer to the people who pay big bucks to keep him in office?"

Backus is a 14-year resident of Hays County, lives in the greater Driftwood area and inside the "enormous" ETJ of the city of Dripping Springs. He is married, 14 years, to Jean Carpenter-Backus, a CPA. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Washington and Lee University, Virginia; and in 1990 received a Master of Arts in Energy and Mineral Resources from UT-Austin.

We asked Backus, why are you doing this, challenging Rose. What kind of support do you expect to receive?

He said, "I'm trying to come up to speed on the issues and want to represent the constituents. That's just the honest truth on where I am. There's an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Patrick Rose. In the Democratic base there's a significant portion not happy with his performance. I have no idea who I will get support from. If I don't then the people have spoken and say they're quite happy with the politician that has raised enormous sums of money from outside the district."

Backus says he'll have a web site up and running very soon where folks can follow developments in his fledgling campaign.

* IDRA’s annual attrition study finds that in 2008-09, Texas schools lost 31 percent of their students. The same study found the attrition rate in Hays County to be the same as the state rate, averaging 31 percent among Black, Hispanic and White students. See this link: http://www.idra.org/dropout/attrition.php