Monday, April 30, 2007

MC Exclusive: Sign Wars Mark The Start Of Early Voting

It looks like the Missouri City and FBISD elections are in full swing. Much like last years races the sign wars have begun in earnest (click the title link above for background). For instance, just this past weekend in Brightwater, district C challenger Kevin Tunstall's signs were removed from homeowners yards in Brightwater by Gibson supporters, the Owen endorsed/backed candidate. Across town in the district A race it was reported that similar activity had taken place in the neighborhood of Eunice Reiter (the district A incumbent).

During the mayoral races last year signs were ravaged by supporters of the mayor. Click the title link to get that historical perspective from Fort Bend Now. Kevin Tunstall, the district C reform candidate stated that signs that had been requested by homeowners had been removed from their yards and replaced with Gibson signs (Gibson's campaign is being personally handled by the special interest backed mayor of MC). Tunstall said he was in the process of confirming and replacing the signs after talking to the victimized homeowners. "I can't believe supporters of my opponent would go on someones private property and actually, without permission, remove my signs and replace them with Ms. Gibsons. This is not only illegal it maybe criminal tresspass and certainly can be viewed as stealing, if not allowed by those individual homeowners." Tunstall said.

Kevin further urged Missouri City residents to get out and vote today (Monday). Early voting has started and with the return of the sign wars, apparently in full swing. Get out and vote and change this type of politics here in MC!

Labels: , ,

Friday, April 27, 2007

Early Voting Starts Monday for MC City Council & School District Races (Click this title link for more)

Get information on reform minded candidates by following the title link above and stay informed and keep in touch!

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

FBN: New Sienna School May Open Over Capacity (click title link for full story--just damn good planning, right?)


Rapid Growth Means New FBISD Elementary Will Be Full Upon Opening
by Bob Dunn, Apr 24, 2007

Last month, Fort Bend Independent School District’s board agreed to spend money in the district’s fund balance to bring a new elementary school on line in Sienna Plantation by 2008, to relieve severe overcrowding at Scanlan Oaks and Sienna Crossing elementaries.

Last night, board members and administrators wrestled with the mathematics behind that move, and the stark realization that by the time the new elementary is opened in fall 2008, both it and the other two existing schools will be full to the brim with students. . .

. . .Trustee Stan Magee noted that he’s advocated building larger schools because of rapid population growth in new developments. “Sienna’s explosive,” Magee said. “Aliana is about going to eat our lunch. Telfair is explosive.”

Superintendent Dr. Timothy Jenney said the district is in its present position because of “a matter of timing. The issue tonight is whether or not we want to open up in 2008 with additional temporary buildings” and then move students to a new, larger Sienna elementary school half-way through the school year.

“We need to start owning some of these drawings,” Trustee Ken Bryant said of architects’ plans for existing schools, “and store them in our file cabinets. We haven’t explored this, Lee. It’s called owning the product.”

“We own this one, Ken,” Smelley replied.


Comment: How about the local districts pushing for developer kick-in on the land. That would save millions and help the schools to keep up with the growth.

Labels: , , ,

Monday, April 23, 2007

FBS Covers Landfill & Local TV Station Controversy (3 articles--click title link for first one)

TV stations say landfill expansion could
knock the wind out of hurricane warnings

By Cheryl Skinner
A prominent Austin environmental attorney has entered the battle to keep Blue Ridge Landfill from gaining an expansion permit that will allow it to pile trash 170 foot high. Three Houston television stations are now saying the plan could knock the wind out of Doppler radar predictions and impact the public safety of the entire area.


Austin attorney, Rick Lowerre, says he has filed paperwork with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on behalf of three Houston area television stations. In a press release last week Lowerre said at least two Houston television stations will ask the State to deny a permit to expand a Houston area landfill.

KTRK Channel 13 (ABC) and KHOU Channel 11 (CBS) filed documents last week in opposition to the height increase of the landfill because the increase would block the stations’ weather radar towers, putting the public at great risk from hurricanes and other severe weather events, Lowerre said. In a phone interview Monday, Lowerre said FOX television had also joined in the attempt to thwart the expansion because that station also has towers in the immediate area of the landfill. . .(get the full story by clicking title link above).

Other FBS related stories:

http://www.fortbendstar.com/Columns/skinner_cheryl.htm

http://www.fortbendstar.com/041807/n_Commissioners%20use%20BFI%20tipping%20fees%20for%20Arcola%20area%20youth%20program.htm

Labels: , , ,

Friday, April 20, 2007

FBN: Coverage of MC Council Candidates Forum (Click the title link for more)-

Mo. City Council Candidates Debate Issues At Forum, Reveal Business News
by Bob Dunn, Apr 20, 2007, 08 10 am

Most challengers for Missouri City Council slots called for change and cited complacency during a Thursday night candidates’ forum, while incumbents cited past accomplishments as evidence the city is in good hands.

News, or rumored news, also surfaced during the event:

→ District B incumbent Don Smith and District C challenger Barbara Gibson said a controversial so-called sidewalk ordinance – which makes citizens responsible for repairs to sidewalks, curbs and streets adjacent to their property – has been resolved, with the city agreeing to assume responsibility for repairs.

→ District B challenger Lou Hunter said he has confirmed that the Blockbuster Video store on Texas Parkway intends to leave that location.

→ Smith said he is “working right now” with Fiesta Mart Inc. “and you will see in a very few days that they are interested” in locating to the Texas Parkway corridor.

→ District A incumbent Eunice Reiter hinted that the city is counting on a bill in the Texas Legislature that could somehow have a bearing on its consideration for purchasing Quail Valley Country Club.

Hunter, Gibson, Reiter and Smith are among seven candidates for three council positions who squared off at the season’s first public candidates’ forum at Missouri City Hall, put on and moderated by the Texas Parkway Alliance.

Businessman Rodney Griffin is challenging Position A incumbent Reiter; sociology professor Cynthia Lenton-Gary and mortgage banker Hunter are challenging Position B incumbent Smith; and health care administrator Kevin Tunstall and homeowner association president Gibson are vying for Position C, being vacated by Councilman Bob Burton.

“I believe that when people go unchallenged they grow complacent, and complacency begets neglect,” Tunstall said at one point during the forum. “I ran to challenge the status quo.” . . .


Follow the title link above for the full story and support independent non-special interest candidates this election cycle!

Labels: ,

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Packed District B Contested Council Race Should Be Interesting (Read this Houston Chronicle Piece)-


Incumbent faces 2 opponents
Contest exists for District B in Missouri City

By ZEN T. C. ZHENG
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

• What: Texas Parkway Alliance candidate forum
• When: 7 p.m. today

• What: Candidates running for Missouri City City Council

• Where: City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway.

Revitalization of the Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road corridors is a central concern of three candidates vying for the Missouri City District B City Council seat.

The position, held since May 2001 by incumbent Don Smith, 64, has drawn opponents Lou Hunter, 32, a mortgage broker, and Cynthia Lenton-Gary, 48, a sociologist.

The challengers are among critics of the municipal government that they say has done little to address the issue of declining commercial presence along Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road, two corridors once filled with vibrant businesses, services and residences.

They say while neglecting the two corridors, the city focuses too much on the development of Texas 6 adjacent to affluent new subdivisions.

Lou Hunter

Hunter moved from Houston's South Park and Sunnyside area seven years ago to Missouri City's Meadowcreek subdivision.
"This is a bedroom community, quiet, quaint, and I wanted to stay here to raise my kids," said Hunter, father of three school-age children.

However, the "deterioration" on the two corridors reminded him of his old neighborhood marked by an aging population, worsening economic conditions and low education level. He said he is the youngest homeowner on his street.

"More and more businesses are closing on Texas Parkway and Cartwright. There are lots that have been vacant for years and nothing has been done about it," he said. "There's no one parking lot on Texas Parkway that's not riddled with potholes. We also have issues with poor lighting, and gentrification is going on all around the city."

He said the city should apply pressure on retail owners to bring their properties up to standards.

"I see more and more businesses on Highway 6, and here in District B there is a general decline. It was a slap in the face to see Kroger leave and rebuild on Highway 6. I don't think City Council is doing enough," Hunter said.

"It's funny that the council was interested in hearing Riverstone (subdivision) residents making comments about the choices of color of their trash cans, but here kids in District B have to walk in a ditch on streets without sidewalks."

Hunter called Smith indecisive on the issue and questioned why City Council had not wanted to create a tax increment reinvestment zone for redeveloping the corridors.

"Don has a softer approach," he said.

Smith called Hunter "misinformed."

"TIRZ is not designed for revamping shopping centers," Smith said.

Hunter, who has spoken to youth groups on character-building and has donated to youth causes, criticized the city leadership for "not reaching out to the older neighborhoods" and wants to seek "real citizen input" before council decisions.

"I'm realistic. I don't expect five-star dining on Texas Parkway, but there are businesses that can be sought after," he said. "If the streets are filled with hardworking, clean, family-owned mom-and-pop shops, I'd be happy."

Hunter vowed not to accept "out-of-district special interest campaign funding," which he said has become "the norm for many on City Council over the years." He wants to take back "local control from the special interests now operating and profiting in our community."

He also wants to review city ordinances that "negatively impact property values" and stop "fast-track privileges for corporations." He wants to create a committee to review possible term limits for council members, and create incentives to protect the environment from "irresponsible development."

Cynthia Lenton-Gary

Lenton-Gary remembered a "suburban" lifestyle in District B where businesses and services were plentiful and neighborhoods were vibrant when she moved here 25 years ago.
"Since then the face of the district has changed and been painted with a negative image. The Texas Parkway area is in true need of revitalization," she said. "It's time to get rid of this negative image. We need new leadership to create new direction for the district."

Lenton-Gary, who failed in her bid to snatch the seat of Fort Bend school district board trustee Arthur Pace in the 2005 election, said she is running for City Council to serve the community.

"In this election, Don (Smith) is not important to me. I haven't considered Don in this race at all. What's important is the people of my community that I'm concerned with," she said. "I am running because I can be a strong voice for them."

Lenton-Gary wants to improve the appearance of streets and shopping centers and push for vacant retail properties to be filled.

"Right now, businesses are leaving and moving further out to the Highway 6 area," she said.

She criticized current city leaders for "not doing enough."

"I really think if you have the right people in position, the City Council can work with county and state elected officials to change this environment — to bring it back to how it was 25 years ago."

One key ingredient to success is engaging the community, she said.

"I want to foster relationships with people of the community and members of FBISD to help ensure equal and equitable education for our children," she said.

In addition, she wants to work with different levels of government to create "a safer community"and bring a mass transit system to the city to attract businesses.

"It's important to have constable and police officers patrolling our neighborhoods more. I feel it's necessary that more officers are employed," she said.

"I've seen a problem with a lot of juveniles hanging around and doing nothing but loitering outside businesses. That is very bad for business," she said. "If law enforcement officers are more visible, that would alleviate the situation."


Click the title link above for the full HC piece. Last week special interest backed Mayor Allen Owen made a very strong endorsement for the long-term special interest backed incumbent, Smith for this seat. Is this the political kiss of death now in Missouri City? Stay informed and keep in touch!

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

FBN Coverage of Tunstalls Visit to MC City Council Monday

The Politics Of Tax Breaks And Land Development
Fort Bend Politics

By Bob Dunn

When Kevin Tunstall approached the microphone at Monday night’s Missouri City Council meeting, the District C council candidate hadn’t completed two full sentences before Mayor Allen Owen stopped him.

“Let me caution you,” the mayor said, “I will not allow a political speech” during a council session. It was as if everything that happens before a city council or county commission doesn’t carry political overtones, especially less than a month away from an election.

The subject of Tunstall’s comments, for instance.

He was there to talk about this arcane economic development tool called a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. And it turns out that the theory and practice of creating such TIRZs is fraught with political implications, since TIRZs go hand-in-hand with land developers. And in Fort Bend County, as everywhere else, it seems land developers go hand-in-hand with politicians.

Tunstall said he’d been prompted to study up on the concept of a TIRZ, after two other Missouri City residents – one a past political candidate and the other a current council candidate – had approached council at consecutive recent meetings to suggest a TIRZ should be used to attract business and development along Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road. Council members suggested the two citizens were short on facts about TIRZs and how they operate. . .

(Get more by clicking the title link above)--

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

MC Council Flip-flops On Signage Issue--

Missouri City Council Turns Thumbs Down On Requested 40-Foot Kroger Grocery Sign
by Bob Dunn, Apr 17, 2007, 09 46 am

Missouri City Council surprised Newquest Properties officials Monday night – and perhaps city staffers, too – by refusing to grant variances for 10 signs that would be much larger than allowed by the city’s sign ordinance.

Houston-based Newquest wants the signs on behalf of Kroger, which is planning to locate a grocery at Fort Bend Town Center, a new two-phase retail center at State Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Parkway.

The refusal was surprising because council members voted at their last meeting to approve an ordinance on first reading that would have allowed the sign variances – even including one 40-foot-tall, 660-square-foot sign that would have dwarfed the maximum current commercial sign size of 96 square feet. Monday night the council was expected to approve the ordinance on its second and final reading, and city staff had recommended it do so. . . (click title link above for full FBN story).

------------

Comment: Interesting that this council claims they did it for residents who live in Missouri City when they ignored their pleas at the first reading. Perhaps some other group influenced this decision?

Labels: , , , ,

Missouri City Out Of Compliance With State Law!

This just in to MCC:

Tunstall Uncovers Statutory Shortcomings

MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS Kevin Tunstall, candidate for City Council District C of Missouri City, has uncovered a shortcoming of City Officials regarding statutory reporting requirements for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones.

State law requires City Councils to file a notification of the establishment of a TIRZ and further requires annual financial reports to be filed with Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Tax Code, Chapter 311 § 311.016 (b)).

As of April 16, 2007, Patricia Bailey with the Comptrollers office has verified that Missouri City officials have neither notified their office, nor filed any of the required reports mandated under Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code. Depending on when the zones were created, both TIRZs 1 & 2 may have been operating outside of oversight capabilities of the state government.

A government bureaucracy derelict in its responsibilities casts a negative perception on our city, Tunstall said. Perhaps the City Council should spend less time and money on PR Firms and Lobbyists and spend more time on performing their duties as elected officials.

This statutory requirement has been in effect since 1999. Currently, the only Fort Bend County TIRZ being reported is Sugar Land TIRZ #1.

Ethical, open and fiscally responsible government should be the goal of our community,Tunstall stated. When government is not held accountable, we all lose both our dignity and our rights. I think we can do better.

###

Ms. Bailey with the Comptrollers office may be reached at 800-252-9121 x 34416


Comment: Last night, during the open session, Kevin Tunstall confronted the Missouri City Council over improper reporting (or the lack of reporting) on several tax reinvestment zones in our city. Could this impact one of these zones being formed for Sienna Plantation near the town center?

Labels: , , ,

Monday, April 16, 2007

Local T.V. Stations Oppose Blue Ridge Landfill Expansion (Click title link for more)-

TV Stations: Landfill Trash Heap Would Block Doppler Radar, Put Public At Risk
by Bob Dunn, Apr 15, 2007, 11 07 am

The safety of everyone in the Houston and Galveston region will be at risk if Blue Ridge Landfill expands, because the giant pile of refuse would block Doppler radar signals and prevent hurricane detection, three Houston TV stations claim.

That information surfaced in documents filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Those documents include a request by Houston’s ABC, NBC and Fox Broadcasting television affiliates to formally contest plans by Blue Ridge Landfill TX LP to expand Blue Ridge Landfill, at 2200 F.M. 521, a mile north of Fresno in Fort Bend County.

The landfill’s owner, a subsidiary of industry giant Allied Waste, wants to increase the landfill “waste footprint” from the current 302 acres to 784 acres, and increase the maximum height at which refuse can be piled, from the current 58 feet to 170 feet.

But at that height, say officials with KTRK Channel 13, KHOU Channel 11 and Fox affiliate KRIV, the giant mound of garbage would block weather radar signals from the stations’ towers, 3 miles or less away to the northwest.

“The landfill, if so constructed, would block the radar signals to much of the southeast and preclude the collection of weather information, such as the location, speed and direction of movement of hurricanes in parts of the Gulf of Mexico,” Austin attorney Richard Lowerre wrote in a request for a contested hearing over the landfill expansion. “The expanded landfill would also prevent the tracking of tornados and other storms to the southeast.” . . .

Labels: , , , ,

Saturday, April 14, 2007

FBN Reports On Recent FBISD Candidate Endorsements!

FBISD Employee Union Endorses Pinnock, Broxson In Board Race
by Bob Dunn, Apr 13, 2007

Fort Bend Independent School District Board candidates Bob Broxson and Noel Pinnock won endorsements Friday from the Fort Bend Employee Federation.

The endorsements came less than 24 hours after the 1,500-member arm of the American Federation of Teachers labor union held a public forum for FBISD board candidates.

Pinnock, a Missouri City educator with the Houston Independent School District, is running against incumbent Position 7 board Trustee Ken Bryant and challengers David Reitz and Ann Hopkins.

Broxson, a consultant, is running for board Position 3 against incumbent Trustee Lisa Rickert.

The employee federation, which says it represents about one of every five employees, and about one in four teachers at FBISD, did not issue a statement elaborating on the endorsements. The board election will be held May 12. . . (click title link for more).

Labels: , ,

Friday, April 13, 2007

MCC Exclusive: Pinnock Garners FBEF Endorsement, An Arm of the American Federation of Teachers!


Just in to MCC:

Noel Pinnock, one of the front runners in the position 7 FBISD school board races, has just been endorsed by the Fort Bend Employees Federation (FBEF), a wing of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest professional teacher associations in the country. Mr. Pinnock resides here in Missouri City and announced in March his intentions to seek a seat on the school board. He is in his second decade as an educator and has a child in FBISD schools.

Pinnock garnered the honor after his performance at the Marriott Hotel at Sugar Land Town Square. SOS, a local community watchdog website, recognized Noels strong showing in the local district races in a recent release. When asked what his three primary areas of concern are in the district Mr. Pinnock stated that "transparency in government and fiscal accountability are essential to efficient school operations and will free up tax dollars for the classroom and help alleviate over-crowding".

Readers can get additional information at the Pinnock virtual campaign headquarters at:

http://pinnockforschoolboard.blogspot.com/


Stay informed and keep in touch!

Labels: , , , ,

FBN Covers Candidates Forum at the Marriot--

Fort Bend ISD Board Candidates Outline Goals, Vie For Union Support
by Bob Dunn, Apr 13, 2007

The campaign for two Fort Bend Independent School District board seats swung into high gear Thursday night, as candidates appeared at the season’s first public forum and vied for endorsements by the Fort Bend Employee Federation.

Three of the four candidates present – Board Position 3 incumbent Lisa Rickert and challenger Bob Broxson, and Board Position 7 challenger Noel Pinnock – answered in the affirmative to a key question posed by the 1,500-member federation, an arm of the American Federation of Teachers labor union.

The question: “Would you vote to allow FBISD employees to elect their own representatives to meet and confer with the administration on matters of policy and procedures?”

Position 7 challenger David Reitz didn’t provide a direct answer to the question, saying “I can’t tell you right now one way or the other.”

Follow the link below for the full story (or click the title link):


http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2785/fort-bend-isd-board-candidates-outline-goals-vie-for-unioin-support

Labels: , ,

Thursday, April 12, 2007

FBISD Candidate Forums (From SOS)-


These are the dates for the FBISD forums. Please attend if you can:

Fort Bend Employee Federation Forum Sugar Land Marriot --April 12 7:00 - 9:30 pm

Retired Teacher's Association is hosting a candidate forum 1st Colony Conference Center-- April 19th at 1:00 pm

New Territory Community Assoc. Forum 1200 Walker School Rd. --April 19th 7:30 - 9:30 pm

A Concerned Citizens Group Glover Elementary - 1510 Columbia Blue Dr --April 19th 7:00 - 9:00 pm

AARP Meeting is allowing candidates to speak briefly at their regular meeting scheduled at the Senior Center on Matlage --April 25th at 1:00 pm

Community Forum for Old Sugar Land Sugar Land Library on Eldridge -- April 26th 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Fresno Education Steering Committee is hosting a forum held at Ft. Bend MUD 23 M.R. Massey Administration building at 1570 Raab Rd. in Fresno -- May 1st at 7:00 pm


Get full SOS release at: http://save-our-schools.blogspot.com/2007/04/fbisd-candidate-forums-coming-up.html

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Follow Local Missouri City Elections at MCElectionInformation.blogspot.com

Click the title link above to learn more about local candidates running for council and school district races. Also see releases on MCC.


Stay informed and keep in touch!

Labels: , , ,

Monday, April 09, 2007

Chronicle Story: Another Golf Course in Our Area? ? ?

Comment: With all the talk about saving QVCC by the city we see in this report that another golf course is scheduled for our area in Riverstone (another Johnson Development Co. here in MC) after Sienna, according to the report, lost 2 courses in the South Sienna project after it was sold off in '05. Read on or click the title link for the full story:


Missouri City hires consultant for golf course study

By SESHADRI KUMAR
Chronicle Correspondent


The City Council of Missouri City has hired the National Golf Foundation, a nonprofit group based in Jupiter, Fla., to conduct a feasibility and marketing study for the Quail Valley Golf Course.

The city also hired an appraiser and a legal counsel after an executive session on April 2, City Manager Frank Simpson said.

To help the city make a decision if it should acquire the golf course, an expert study is needed and the Foundation was found to be the best suited for the job, Simpson said. The city of Houston used the Golf Foundation for a golf course study in 2005. Its other municipal clients include Corpus Christi, San Antonio and San Marcos. . .

The Foundation charges a fixed fee of $22,000, Simpson said. In about eight weeks, City Council will have enough information to make an informed decision on the future of the golf course, he said.

The city has retained Alan Dominy of Houston as the appraiser. The property to be appraised in Quail Valley includes two 18-hole golf courses at El Dorado and La Quinta, and two 9-hole courses, Par 3 and the Executive Course, Simpson said. Also, the country club, as well as the tennis center, not owned by the gold course owners, will be appraised, he said. In all 26 tracts will be evaluated as a part of the deal.

Reid Wilson with the law firm Wilson, Cribbs and Goren, will be the outside legal counsel for the city in the golf course transaction, Simpson said. His services will be required if the city decides to acquire the property.

While the Foundation will also get up to $3,000 for expenses, the appraiser and the legal counsel will be paid based on the time and material used for the job, Simpson said. No amount has yet been fixed for their services, he said. . .


"Now, the wheels have been set in motion. In eight weeks, beginning April 9, we will be able to bring together all the information needed for the City Council to decide if the golf course should be acquired or not," Simpson said.

The Willow Wisp Country Club in Missouri City closed down recently and the owners plan to build a business park there. The Old Orchard Golf Course, also in Fort Bend County, was recently closed for building homes.

The trend of golf courses being used for other remunerative developments will have no negative impact on the Quail Valley deal, Simpson said. On the other hand, the closure of two other golf courses could be positive for Quail Valley, he said.

A proposed 36-hole golf course in South Sienna has been abandoned and the plan has been taken off from the developer's agreement by the new owners of the tract, Simpson said.

In the Riverstone development, a golf course figures in the master plan and that will be in the Sugar Land part of the development. There is no indication when that golf course will be built, Simpson said. . .(click the title link for the full story)

----------------

What ever happened to MC's other golf course Willow Wisp. See this Chronicle piece for more:

----------------

Missouri City offers incentive for business park on former golf course
Company has contract to buy 160 acres

By SESHADRI KUMAR
Chronicle Correspondent

Missouri City's Willow Wisp Country Club and Golf Course will be converted into a multimillion-dollar business park, according to a plan presented to City Council recently.

Trammell Crow Development and Investment Inc. has a contract to buy the 160 acres to develop a business park, and the company has signed an agreement with Missouri City for economic incentives.

Jim Casey, Trammell managing director, said the company has not yet closed the deal. It may take another 60 days before the company completes the deal, and it is premature to make any official announcement, he said.

Casey confirmed the company's intention to develop a business park and said the company has reached an economic development agreement with the city, subject to the completion of the purchase.

City Council approved the economic development agreement at its March 19 meeting, City Manager Frank Simpson said.

Missouri City's Development Manager Morad Kabiri said the proposed Lake View Business Park will be the first, true business park in the city, and the developer has sought assistance for building streets and for drainage improvements in the former golf course, Kabiri said.

In the first phase of the development, the city will reimburse $2.8 million toward drainage and street projects and the payment will be made after the developer completes the infrastructure projects — namely street network, water and sanitary sewer and two speculative buildings, totaling about $6 million in total investment. . .

. . .After the second phase of development, the city will reimburse a little under $2 million. In the second phase the street and drainage work for the entire 160 acres should be completed. Also, the developer should have at least $50 million in taxable value on the ground to be eligible for the second-phase incentive. . .

. . .The proposed development includes light industrial, distribution and warehouse and office space. The spec buildings to be built initially will have 200,000 square feet and the total development will have about 2 million square feet of built-up space.

After the complete build-out in about 20 years, the property is expected to have a little more than $250 million in taxable value, Kabiri said. . . (get this full story at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/4697792.html)

----------------

Final note: A new neighborhood was started right next to the Willow Wisp Country Club (A closed MC golf course now being converted to an industrial/business park) named the Fairways. I wonder if this new Missouri City community will change its name now?






site (c) calvin

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, April 05, 2007

OP/ED: Carter's Creative Editing (from the FBStar)-

The following letter to the editor was in response to recent endorsements and political smears from Ms. Carter (In her "Burner" column) of the Fort Bend Star. In her response she left quite a bit out so we have included additional information by her in the e-mail exchange that initiated the release (see below or click the title link above for a heavily edited version in the Star, our local gossip rag):

Sienna resident accuses
“Bev’s Burner” of unwarranted attacks
Dear Bev,

I just wanted to respond to your recent roasting of yet another candidate that has vowed not to take “special interest” monies in your weekly put-down column. The petty nature of your attacks on the character of Mr. Pinnock indicates your true motives and relationships with the network backing one of his opponents. The Sienna Plantation candidate, Mr. Reitz, who you support and is hand picked to run by the “big money” here, who also purchases many ads in your publications, has exactly what experience? You simply endorse anyone that fits into your marketing scheme. Last year during the mayoral races you went as far as to leave out the facts that Owen, backed by the same group, even had an opponent running against him, only to apologize after the race had already ended (knowing otherwise). This is not reporting, but a farse (sic) and most in this area who may still read your paper accept it for what it has become.

I thought a few months ago you had changed when you took Bob Hebert to task on his campaign finance reporting (or should I say miss reporting (sic)), but you turned right around and gave him the big pat on the back later regardless. Was this because you sell several full page ads to him at election time? Ad pressure is an amazing thing Ms. Carter, isn’t it?

Please return to the people and stop pandering to these special interest who could careless (sic) about improving local government, schools, etc. Mr. Pinnock is a genuine hard-working educator who will represent all of Missouri City, not just 1 neighborhood and its developer’s agenda.

PS- I suppose you will endorse all the candidates that fit this mold during this election cycle. It makes me PROUD to be working/voting/supporting Tunstall/Hunter/Griffin & Pinnock. Guess what, unlike last year, we won’t be buying any ads from you (we don’t want to be hypocrites and can win without you).

Chris Calvin

Sienna Plantation Resident

Missouri City, TX.

*Editor’s note: I don’t know what newspaper you are really reading, but you certainly have your facts wrong. The following copy ran on the following date under the following headline:

March 15, 2006

Fort Bend hopefuls, incumbents throw hats in the political ring

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen will seek another term as mayor as will incumbent Councilmen at Large Jerry Wyatt and Buddy Jimerson. Unlike recent past years when Owen was the only person who filed to run for the mayor’s job, this year he will run against Greyling Byron Poats.

The challenger is an insurance agent who has lived in Missouri City one month shy of 25 years. Owen, a manager of 12 Wells Fargo Bank branches in Fort Bend County, has lived in Missouri City for almost 30 years and been mayor for 12 years.


-----------------
Comment: The above response ignored the deliberate ad placements during this contested mayoral race and the news release during the most important time of any election (early voting). The following piece was run on 5-10-06 and makes it appear that no one was running against the incumbent (whether or not this is deliberate or just poor reporting we will leave to you):

From your papers 5-10-06 election article (week of the election). It drew responses in other media around town. Mr. Poat's name isn't even mentioned and it looks like, from the way it is stated, that he isn't even running (intentional or not it supports my claim):

"Raborn said it has been three years since a city election was held in Missouri City so it’s difficult to make comparisons to the 907 people who have voted early this month in Missouri City.

The county election administrator said that in 2003 there was a contested council district race in Missouri City but no elections since. The mayor, Allen Owen, was elected in 1994 and has had only one opponent and that opponent filed to run against him but dropped out of the race. Incumbents in Missouri City’s two at-large council seats are Buddy Jimerson and Jerry Wyatt who are running unopposed for re-election."--BF reported this one

From: http://www.fortbendstar.com/Archives/2006_2q/051006/
s_FBISD%20races%20seem%20to%20get%20early%20voter%20interest.htm

and this letter correcting Ms. Carter from city secretary Fogarty on 5-17-06 with a CLASSIC bev response:

Mo City secretary questions accuracy

Dear Star News,

I must say I am flabbergasted at the information on the front page of the May 3, 2006, edition of The Fort Bend/Southwest Star, regarding the Missouri City election. It states, “Missouri City only has mayor on ballot.”

If someone had but contacted me or a staffmember in my office, we would have gladly provided accurate election information. In addition to the mayoral race in which we have two candidates -- Allen Owen and Greyling Poats, we also have two other positions on the ballot -- At Large Position 1, with candidate Jerry Wyatt, and At Large Position 2, with candidate Buddy Jimerson. Both of the At Large races are uncontested.

A simple phone call would have afforded accurate reporting on Missouri City election information.

City Secretary Patrice Fogarty

Publisher’s note: Although the headline was indeed unfortunate, we do not consider uncontested races necessary to detail. And despite repeated attempts, we were unable to get Mr. Poats to return a telephone call. I believe the story mentioned he was running. So the only people ignored were the two running uncontested races. We apologize for the inaccurate headline.

Bev Carter, publisher

From: http://www.fortbendstar.com/Archives/2006_2q/051006/letters.htm


MCC/CRD would like to encourage Ms. Carter to find a better way to endorse her candidates and act more like a newspaper!



Stay informed and keep in touch!

Labels: , , , ,

FBStar Reports On Landfill & Election Impact--

State grants Blue Ridge Landfill expansion permit
Residents say they will continue to fight

By Cheryl Skinner
Opponents of the Blue Ridge Landfill near Fresno say they will continue the fight to oppose expanding the facility, despite the revelation that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says the company meets all the requirements of law and will be granted the permit for expansion.

The TCEQ sent out letters to those who had opposed the expansion in writing saying the entity had reviewed public comments about the controversial application to expand Blue Ridge Landfill near Fresno, and concluded the owner, Allied Waste, meets the requirements of applicable law.

Blue Ridge Landfill plans to expand the “waste footprint” from 302 to 784 acres, and to increase the maximum height waste can be piled from the current 58 to 170 feet.

Opponents say the fight isn’t over. The Coalition Against Blue Ridge Landfill Expansion, a grassroots organization made up primarily of residents living near the site, say they will file for a contested hearing.

If TCEQ grants that request for the hearing, an independent judge would determine if the landfill application really does comply with the law.

Residents living near the facility have been very vocal about their opposition. The proposal to expand the landfill which is located at 2200 F.M. 521 near the town of Fresno has brought opposition from some government entities as well. Officially opposing the landfill are Brazoria County and the City of Pearland, however Fort Bend County and Missouri City have not opposed the plan to increase the size of the landfill. This is primarily due to the fact that both entities entered into an agreement some years ago that said they would not oppose future expansion plans. Allied agreed to pay a “tipping fee” to local governments and those funds can be used for improvements to the area. Local officials say the nearly $1 million a year in tipping fees has been allocated to the Fresno area. Opponents say the fee is nothing more than a legal bribe to keep officials from opposing expansion plans. . .

. . . While Allied previously acknowledged that, in November 2005 there was barium detected that was deemed “a statistically significant exceedance of barium.” But, company officials said, they felt the barium was a naturally occurring event. Opponents say this event, regardless of what caused it, could be a detriment to water wells located near the site. Some county officials have pointed out that the area will be converting from groundwater within the next few years and that should eliminate or at least reduce concerns. . .

. . . The landfill has turned into a political issue and those in opposition to the expansion are promoting a group of candidates who are running for Missouri City council slots.



Stay tuned as we update this controversy near Missouri City.

Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Chron Covers Failed Effort To Access Residential Neighborhood In The Sienna Area--

Click on the title link for the full story from the Chronicle. Not covered, the city council approved a sign height waiver on city ordinances to allow 40 foot signs along hwy 6 near our community (where was our HOA on this?).

Stay informed and keep in touch!

ABC13 Covers Landfill Proposal--


Landfill is a tall concern for some residents
By Miya Shay
(4/02/07 - KTRK/FORT BEND COUNTY, TX) - A trash company is looking at expanding a landfill from the current 40 feet limit height to a proposed 170 feet.

Also on ABC13.com:

The landfill expansion proposal would happen on FM 521, just south of McHard Road, but it's not just the extra landfill that's a concern.

The landfill sits inside the Fort Bend County lines, but it's just across the street from a major Pearland neighborhood. Besides worries about the environmental impact, there is a new concern. Will a bigger and higher landfill affect how you get your weather information?

Along the fort bend and Brazoria County lines, the Blue Ridge Landfill is already in operation, but plans to expand the dump site is causing nearby Pearland city officials plenty of concern. That's especially with the growing Shadow Creek Ranch subdivision just across FM 521.

"It's right across the street from the fastest growing master planned community in the Houston area," said Kevin Cole of the Pearland City Council. "We have a lot of concerns from the people across the street from here."
For the people who live in the area, it's not just the sight and smell that worries them. If the landfill expansion is approved, it could eventually grow to 230 feet high. That level is much higher than the Doppler radar towers of several TV stations, situated nearby.

"It's a flat area, it's got great visibility, so it happens to be where a lot of the TV stations have put up their radars," said ABC13 Chief Meteorologist Tim Heller. "Unfortunately the landfill is also in that same spot." . . . (get the full story and the streaming video by clicking the title link above).

Also get this FBN story and thread at: http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2754

Contribute or volunteer to CABRLE by seeking more info at: http://cabrle.spaces.live.com/

Get more on the MC candidates that oppose this landfill expansion proposal at: http://mcelectioninformation.blogspot.com/


Stay informed and keep in touch. This landfill shares waterways with our community!

Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, April 02, 2007

FB Sun: Hunter, Tunstall & Griffin Speak Out On Blue Ridge Landfill Decision--


More than 1,000 signatures on a petition from residents opposing expansion of the Blue Ridge Landfill in Missouri City failed to derail the Texas Commission on Environmen-tal Quality's consideration of a permit application submitted by Allied Waste Services.


In a letter dated March 16, the commission deemed the waste company's application as having "met the requirements of applicable law."

A letter, sent to residents who commented at a recent public hearing, read, "The executive director has made a decision that the above-referenced permit application meets the requirements of applicable law.

"This decision does not authorize construction or operation of any proposed facilities.
"Unless a timely request for a contested case hearing or reconsideration is received, the TCEQ executive director will act on the application and issue the permit."

Allied, owner of the landfill, is proposing to expand the site to accommodate solid waste disposal for the next 40 years.
Proposed plans would enlarge the facility by a little more than 1,300 acres and increase the landfill's height from 58 to 170 feet.

The Coalition Against Blue Ridge Landfill Expansion, a group formed to protest the expansion, hired Richard Morrison, a local environmental lawyer, to represent residents' interests during the application and public hearing process. The group also spearheaded a campaign to garner signatures of residents opposed to the expansion.

Morrison said he plans to file a contested case hearing on behalf of CABRLE in the 30-day period following the commission's decision. A contested hearing may be requested by "affected persons" and must include a description of how and why the proposed facility creates an adverse effect on the health and safety of the individual or negatively impacts property, according to the letter. . .

. . .Several candidates in the upcoming Missouri City council race voiced their concerns.

Rodney Griffin, a candidate for the District A seat, called the TCEQ's decision a "travesty."
"What was the Missouri City City Council thinking when they took the tipping fee from Allied Waste? Certainly not the citizens. We will be victorious in another forum, but sadly not now," Griffin said.

District C candidate Kevin Tunstall, a resident of Sienna Plantation, echoed Griffin's concerns.
"I am puzzled why anyone would want a landfill next to our community and remain in opposition of having such a facility in such close proximity to not only our city, but that of our neighbors in Arcola and Fresno," Tunstall said.

Lou Hunter, candidate for Missouri City's District B seat, agreed with his fellow candidates.
"It defies all basic human consciousness and common sense to entertain the idea to expand a landfill leaking of barium less than a mile from 80 drinking water wells. It makes you wonder if there's an evil, comic-book-scripted, villainous midget behind the scenes trying to take over the world," Hunter said. "It's ridiculously inhuman. Some things just aren't worth the gamble."

An official release issued Dec. 19, 2006 reflected the city's stance on the landfill issue.

"Missouri City is not in opposition of the landfill expansion since it entered into an agreement along with Fort Bend County indicating that it would not oppose the project. We followed the county's lead in the negotiations," city manager Frank Simpson was quoted as saying in the release.

The only Missouri City councilmember to sign the petition opposing the landfill's expansion was District D Councilman Brett Kolaja, according to Sienna Plantation resident and CABRLE member Chris Calvin. Kolaja is the only Missouri City incumbent that did not draw a challenger in his bid for re-election.

-------------

Comment--Although Sienna & Sienna area residents can't vote in the city races of Arcola or Mo-City it is important to remember we have an interest in those races (the airport expansion/road diversion issues in Arcola and development issues with MC). Please support Mr. Hilton & Ms. Rojas along with Jim DeVoge as independent candidates in those races (not EDC backed). You can volunteer to block-walk make phone calls etc. for these candidates or the Mo-City challengers Rodney Griffin, Lou Hunter & Kevin Tunstall. E-mail us at responsible_dvlpmnt@yahoo.com to find out how to volunteer and help these candidates who have sworn off the special interest funding (they need your help to take back local control). We can vote in the school board races and have endorsed Noel Pinnock, a Missouri City educator with long-term experience in the schools at all levels (he also has kids in the system). Please look into these races and decide for yourself.

Labels: , , , ,

Fort Bend Sun Covers Pinnock Race For The School Board--


Noel Pinnock, a long-time Missouri City resident, has filed as a candidate for Position 7 in the upcoming Fort Bend ISD school board race.


In announcing his candidacy, Pinnock said that he wanted to be a "beacon of hope" on the school board.

"My platform for running in this year's election is to provide a beacon of hope to the citizens in Fort Bend County. It is my belief that every student, every parent, every citizen, and our business community at-large should be integral in the overall proficiency, efficiency, growth, and survival of our communities schools," Pinnock said in announcing his bid. "Schools represent the nesting grounds for the cultivation of non-bias ideas, social matriculation, academic acceleration, and a spring of life's most impressionable and memorable experiences, which define the very fabric and essence of our existence."
Pinnock also said he believes schools should focus on ensuring that all students succeed. . .(click title link above for the full story).

-------------

Comment--Although Sienna & Sienna area residents can't vote in the city races of Arcola or Mo-City it is important to remember we have an interest in those races (the airport expansion/road diversion issues in Arcola and development issues with MC). Please support Mr. Hilton & Ms. Rojas along with Jim DeVoge as independent candidates in those races (not EDC backed). You can volunteer to block-walk make phone calls etc. for these candidates or the Mo-City challengers Rodney Griffin, Lou Hunter & Kevin Tunstall. E-mail us at responsible_dvlpmnt@yahoo.com to find out how to volunteer and help these candidates who have sworn off the special interest funding (they need your help to take back local control). We can vote in the school board races and have endorsed Noel Pinnock, a Missouri City educator with long-term experience in the schools at all levels (he also has kids in the system). Please look into these races and decide for yourself.

Labels: , , ,

The Sun Reports On The Tunstall Race For Mo-City Council

Kevin Tunstall, a healthcare administrator and six-year resident of Missouri City, has filed for that city's District C council seat.

The position is currently held by Bob Burton, who is not running for re-election.

Tunstall said that he decided to be a candidate because he believes that residents are tired of controversy on City Council and that there are "misplaced priorities" in Missouri City's government.

He urged voters to support his platform of lower taxes, increased economic opportunities, and change.

"We must move away from the power plays and pandering to special interests that now control our civic agenda, and get back to doing the people's business," Tunstall said. "I will be an independent voice in the council guided by the principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. " . . . (get the entire story by clicking the title link above).

-------------

Comment--Although Sienna & Sienna area residents can't vote in the city races of Arcola or Mo-City it is important to remember we have an interest in those races (the airport expansion/road diversion issues in Arcola and development issues with MC). Please support Mr. Hilton & Ms. Rojas along with Jim DeVoge as independent candidates in those races (not EDC backed). You can volunteer to block-walk make phone calls etc. for these candidates or the Mo-City challengers Rodney Griffin, Lou Hunter & Kevin Tunstall. E-mail us at responsible_dvlpmnt@yahoo.com to find out how to volunteer and help these candidates who have sworn off the special interest funding (they need your help to take back local control). We can vote in the school board races and have endorsed Noel Pinnock, a Missouri City educator with long-term experience in the schools at all levels (he also has kids in the system). Please look into these races and decide for yourself.

Labels: , ,

Fort Bend Sun Follows Local Races--

Filing has closed for the May 12 city council and school board elections, with Missouri City and Fort Bend ISD attracting the largest field of candidates.


Seven candidates filed for only two seats on the Fort Bend ISD board, while eight filed for the four district spots on the Missouri City City Council. Sugar Land's four city council positions drew five candidates.

Missouri City: District A incumbent Eunice Reiter will face Rodney Griffin. Don Smith, the District B incumbent, will face opponents Cynthia Lenton-Gary and Louis H. Hunter. The contest in District C will be between newcomers Kevin Dale Tunstall and Barbara Jo Gibson. Incumbent Bob Burton initially filed for re-election but then withdrew.
District D incumbent Brett Kolaja will retain his seat without opposition. . .

. . . Fort Bend ISD: Incumbent trustee Lisa Rickert will face John Robert Broxson for the Position 3 seat. One-term Position 7 incumbent Ken Bryant will face four challengers. Annie Mae Hopkins, Daniel Mendez, Noel Pinnock and David Reitz have all filed for Bryant's position. . .

. . . Arcola: Incumbents Greg Abarr, James DeVoge, and Lizzie Pitts filed for re-election.
Challenging for a seat on city council are former councilwoman Rosie Rojas and Tom Hilton.
The top three vote-getters- will be elected to the at-large council.

-------------

Comment--Although Sienna & Sienna area residents can't vote in the city races of Arcola or Mo-City it is important to remember we have an interest in those races (the airport expansion/road diversion issues in Arcola and development issues with MC). Please support Mr. Hilton & Ms. Rojas along with Jim DeVoge as independent candidates in those races (not EDC backed). You can volunteer to block-walk make phone calls etc. for these candidates or the Mo-City challengers Rodney Griffin, Lou Hunter & Kevin Tunstall. E-mail us at responsible_dvlpmnt@yahoo.com to find out how to volunteer and help these candidates who have sworn off the special interest funding (they need your help to take back local control). We can vote in the school board races and have endorsed Noel Pinnock, a Missouri City educator with long-term experience in the schools at all levels (he also has kids in the system). Please look into these races and decide for yourself.

Labels: ,

POLLHOST POLL RESULTS:

POLLHOST POLL RESULTS:

 

Question: Do you trust Allen Owen, mayor of Missouri City, TX, to represent you rather than his Houston corporate backers?

 

Results:

 

3%  participating said yes  (n20)

 

91%  participating said no  (n573)

 

6%  participating responded not sure  (n39)

 

(N) sample =  632

 

Stay tuned as more surveys for coming elections are posted!

Web Statistics
Alienware Computers

This site covers the Missouri City, Texas and local vicinity. Copyright (c) c.calvin 2005-2010 ....you can contact the web-blog coordinator for MCC/CRD at responsible_dvlpmnt@yahoo.com