Monday, December 28, 2009

Local Elections Approaching--click here for more--

Get more on local elections impacting our community by following the title link above....

Monday, December 21, 2009

For more on HOA reform efforts in Texas--click this title link--

Or see these related sites of interest:

http://www.ahrc.se/new/index.php/src/home

http://pages.prodigy.net/hoadata/ (get the list of abusive law firms)

http://www.hoanewsnetwork.com

http://stoptexashoaforeclosures.com/


Stay tuned for more on this growing problem....

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Chron: Missouri City School (FBISD) Makes States "Worst" List

Two Fort Bend schools make "worst" list
December 16, 2009 1:51 pm Zen T.C. Zheng, Chronicle

Hunters Glen Elementary (Missouri City, TX), a campus on the Fort Bend school district's east side, and Stafford Middle School in the Stafford Municipal School District, have made the "worst school list" compiled by the Texas Education Agency.

The list, released today by TEA, has nearly 50 schools across the Greater Houston area deemed the worst-performing in the state.

These are the campuses where 50 percent or more of the students failed TAKS in any two of the last three years or were rated "academically unacceptable" in 2007, 2008 or 2009, according to Chronicle reporter Ericka Mellon in her blog today.

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/12/hunters-glen-elementary-state-worst-school-list

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/12/hunters-glen-elementary-good-or-bad

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

FB Star Reports On Taxpayers Meeting With The DA--Click here for the full story--

Follow the title link above for more...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

FBN: DA Looks Into Possible Open Records/Open Meetings Violations of FBISD!

Inquiry Launched Into Possible Open Records Violations By FBISD
December 15th, 2009 | by Jamie Mock, FBN

Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey has asked the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office to launch an “inquiry” into possible violations of the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act by the Fort Bend Independent School District.

The request was made after Healey met with a group of Fort Bend County residents, led by New Territory resident Nancy Hentschel who says the school district has “stalled” in providing information about the proposed Global Science and Technology Center.

An opponent of the district’s proposed $26.4 million science center, Hentschel said the information she is seeking could have been essential to the public before the FBISD Board of Trustees gave its approval for the project to proceed in a limited fashion....

-Click the title link for more--

Chron: Complaint Filed With District Attorneys Office


Click the title link for the full story...

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/12/science-center-opponents-file-complaint-ag#comment-392

Monday, December 14, 2009

FB Star: Disinformation continues surrounding GSTC...

FB Star: Disinformation continues surrounding GSTC...
From Bev's Burner.....(before the meeting with the D.A.)

Now tell me again......Why do we need another science museum? It seems that every superintendent we’ve hired wants a monument to himself. Dr. Chopa wanted a language center. Dr. Hooper proposed a technology center and now it’s Dr. Jenney’s turn. He wants a global science center. And he wants it in the face of declining revenues and an economic crunch.

Heretofore, the FBISD board of trustees has been disinclined to provide these monuments. Now, not so much.
We’ve heard from dozens of folks, from FBISD employees to taxpayers who are absolutely astounded that the board would support this undertaking, especially in this economy, and especially since the opening of the Houston Museum of Natural Science right here in Sugar Land [Not to mention the 10 million dollar budget deficit from last year and projected 20 million dollar deficit from this year].


I’ve had various people visit with me about the global center, trying to convince me that it’s a viable project. The most compelling argument and one that I bought for a while is that the cost of building it is about the cost of any new building and that it will be borne by private contributions. Then FBISD will have a valuable piece of real estate come what may.

But there are so many other expenses besides the building that would have to be provided by the district for years to come[yearly operational expenses estimated at between $800k and 1 million per annum).

I guess the thing that sends a red flag to me is the district’s unwillingness to come completely clean about the whole project. After a group of citizens wanted to see all the information about the global center, the district went to the attorney general to delay releasing that information; then, according to the group, the district did not release all of the information and the protestors say they can prove it. They have a Friday meeting with DA John Healey (who is up for re-election).

The district has claimed all along that the communication they have received from the public is very supportive. There seems to be some question about that.

Of course the district forestalled some release of information by letting a private citizen, former Sugar Land mayor David Wallace, seek private funding. So far, Wallace’s actions are closed to the public since it doesn’t involve tax money.

What I can’t understand is that if the district is telling the truth, why didn’t they immediately make a full disclosure. None of this going to the state’s attorney general nonsense. I’ve been on the other end of that situation before, and it is simply a delaying tactic. The Fort Bend sheriff’s office uses it quite frequently; just one of the reasons I find the current sheriff dishonest.

I’ve had dealings with the school district in the distant past and I can tell you that information can be manipulated six ways to Sunday.

Proponents of the project will tell you that science scores will rise--even with just 4-6 visits each year. But they can’t tell you how. Logistically, it seems like a nightmare to get 50 campuses on the schedule.

What they also don’t tell you is what it will do to teachers. Teachers will first have to spend hours planning the lessons. Then they’ll have to check the labs to be sure that all of the essentials are available for use during the lessons. They’ll have to spend at least 10-15 minutes making certain that the students pack up anything they will be required to take with them, then load them on the bus.

Dr. Jenny has stated that teachers can instruct on the way to the center--which for some students can be a ten minute trip and for others a 20-40 minute trip. Ask any teacher what they think of that one.

Taking all these into consideration means students and teachers are off campus, with no instruction, for a minimum of 30-60 minutes each time they visit the center. They get to do the same thing on the return trip.

District administrators and board members will tell you that professional development is key to raising scores. I’d like to point out that the $26 million slated for the global center would go a long way to training every employee in his or her field for the next 15 years.

Again, I am astounded that the board would support this undertaking. They are looking at cutting the academies, one educational tool that will certainly raise grades, but continue on with this hobby horse.

Now why did the district delay releasing all the information? I think it was in order to proceed full speed ahead with their current plans. It’s beginning to look like a done deal, whether funds can be raised privately or not.

David Wallace, get over it. . .

FBISDWatch Comment: We don't always agree with Ms. Carter, but on this issue we do!!!


Source: http://www.fortbendstar.com/Columns/burner.htm

Saturday, December 12, 2009

MC Resident Richard Raymond Officially Files For DA Seat!

FB Independent Release: Missouri City Resident, Richard Raymond Files For DA Position!

Attorney Richard Raymond joins the DA race

Richard Raymond, attorney and business owner, is running for Fort Bend County District Attorney in the Republican Party primary on March 2, 2010.

A lifelong Republican, Raymond has been proud to call Fort Bend County his home for over 23 years.

Raymond intends to bring accountability and distinction back to the Fort Bend County DA’s office.

Raymond, a loving father of three daughters and a dedicated husband, is active in his church and several clubs and civic groups across the county.

His legal, business and accounting experience will allow him to marshal the manpower of the DA’s office in the most effective manner possible on behalf of Fort Bend County taxpayers, Raymond said in a statement.

Raymond, age 51, graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas in 1985 with a BBA in Accounting and Management, and received a Jurist Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1989. Raymond is both a highly trained attorney and a Certified Public Accountant.

Raymond married his high school sweetheart, Melissa, 28 years ago. They have lived in Fort Bend County since 1986 and have raised three daughters here; Brandyn, 25, Lauryn, 20, and Lexi, 12.

Melissa is a Fort Bend ISD special education teacher at Holly Elementary School.

Raymond and family worship at Holy Cross Church and are long-time supporters of the Christian Children’s Fund.

Raymond is a member of the Texas State Bar Association, and licensed by all Texas State Courts as well as the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas; the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; and the United States Tax Courts. Raymond currently practices both civil and criminal law.

Raymond is a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, and the Holy Cross Men’s Bible Study Group and is active in the Fort Bend County Republican Party.

Raymond is a practicing attorney and partner at Cohen & Raymond, Attorneys at Law, L.C., as well as the president of Gulf Scientific, Inc. Raymond also serves as an officer for Access Chemicals & Services, LLC.

Raymond says he will serve as a dedicated and conservative District Attorney, ensuring justice and accountability for all Fort Bend County residents.

Raymond is committed to saving the taxpayers’ money and achieving tough punishments for criminals.

Raymond said: “If elected, as your next District Attorney, I pledge to make Fort Bend County a better place for families to live, work and raise children. As District Attorney, you can be assured that Fort Bend County will not tolerate drug dealers and criminals. I believe in seeking long prison sentences and punishing criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”

Additionally, as an attorney, CPA and business man, Raymond seeks to restore fiscal conservatism and accountability to the District Attorney’s office.

“I will, within the budget, stop the waste of tax dollars, eliminate questionable prosecutions, frivolous investigations, and mismanagement. I will ensure the efforts and resources of the District Attorney’s office are re-dedicated to the business of convicting criminals.”

Raymond’s campaign is endorsed by Sheriff Milton Wright. Wright’s wife, Marian Wright, is serving as Raymond’s campaign treasurer.

Incumbent DA John Healey and Attorney Nina Schaffer have already announced their candidacy for the office of Fort Bend County DA.

Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=2118&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

Friday, December 11, 2009

FBW: Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office Initiates Preliminary Investigation Into Potential Violations Of TPIA & TOMA Acts By FBISD!

Click the title link above for the latest...

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Monday, December 07, 2009

FB Independent Chimes In On Open Meetings/TPIA Challenges By Local Officials--

Click the title link for the complete story...

"...A case in point is Fort Bend ISD.

Right now, a battle is brewing between a citizen [taxpayers] and the district over the proposed Global Science and Technology Center.

Even this newspaper could not get any meaningful information from the administration, not to speak of the “tight-lipped” board of trustees.

The school district has perfected the art of Open Meetings Act so much so the district controls the flow of information with impunity." Fort Bend Independent

MCC Comment: Is this the best we can do for elected officials?

FB Indep: Talk In Parts Of MC Of De-annexation!

De-annex First Colony from Missouri City
Howard Moline

Will Rogers once made an interesting analogy when he said, “Politics is applesauce,” and I agree with him.

What does a neighborhood do when its elected officials make repeated unfulfilled promises and the community’s needs have long been neglected? What are the best options to resolve these issues?

Lately, a frequent discussion topic among First Colony residents of Missouri City is whether our combined communities should de-annex from Missouri City.

The issue is receiving more attention due to 1) a realization that our spending habits and lifestyles brand us as residents of other cities; 2) monumental dissatisfaction with Missouri City’s taxing policies, that higher taxes are coming and our neighborhoods will gain little; and 3) the knowledge that we are residents of a vibrant, economically thriving community with much to offer other cities.

First Colony neighborhoods are at the western edge of Missouri City, and most of us frequent shopping areas, libraries, restaurants, and parks in other cities.

Why is this important? Primarily because our shopping and spending dollars contribute to the sales taxes revenue for those cities. This is a big deal because the taxes we pay benefit another City’s residents, not us.

We also impose ourselves on other governmental entities by using their libraries and parks. First Colony is an HOA with its own unique environment and issues that are mostly compatible with the other cities besides Missouri City. A good example is our sidewalks that are still not repaired. This is a long settled issue in other cities.

Indeed, why should First Colony residents like myself feel connected to Missouri City when our finances and our entire lives revolve around another community?

I and many First Colony residents see the spending issues and tax issues surrounding the acquisition of the Quail Valley Golf Course as a boondoggle and one that we will never see any benefit from.

The bond issue that authorized spending for the Quail Valley Parks complex never mentioned that the City’s first spending priority was the Golf Course and to date, there has been no spending for parks, to my knowledge .

Would you be in favor of a major City spending initiative that promised little benefit for your neighborhood? QV Parks spending, when it comes, may enhance all of Misssouri City’s neighborhoods but most long time residents see this as one of the many unfulfilled promises that Missouri City elected officials are prone to make. Property taxes will increase in Missouri City and those tax dollars will never benefit First Colony.

Some First Colony residents see a de-annexation move as futile because our neighborhoods (allegedly) don’t have much to offer other municipalities and we are (allegedly) a negative tax draw on Missouri City. In fact, this is total hogwash.

Residents should take a good look at their community. The First Colony area and surrounding Highway 6 shopping areas are one of the most economically thriving areas of Fort Bend County.

Our home prices are rising, we have several high volume retail stores nearby and our area would be a welcome addition to any other municipality. We benefit from the same diversity, HOA rules, and other attractions that enhance all the other First Colony communities. De-annexation would be the start of a prosperous future.

I should add that I have recently been impressed by the courage and energy that Councilmembers Cynthia Gary and Robin Eleckatt have demonstrated in representing their constituencies but they are only two against a majority on the City Council.

I think it is time that First Colony residents looked forward, not back. I understand that de-annexation would be a long, immensely difficult process but are there any better options? As a community, we are very tired of applesauce.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

FB Star: District Attorney Will Meet With Opponents Of FBISD's GSTC (Global Taj Mahal)


All open records about proposed science center not released, they say
Opponents of Fort Bend ISD’s center to meet with district attorney


By Cheryl Skinner

As Fort Bend Independent School District moves closer to approving the proposed Global Science Center, a state of the art interactive facility, opponents are gearing up for a battle to squelch the plan. Saying all of the public records on the planning and financing of the center have not been released, opponents are scheduled to meet with the Fort Bend County District Attorney next week to explore their legal options.

Nancy Hentschel, a Sugar Land resident and staunch opponent of the science center project, says she and other opponents will be meeting with Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey on Dec. 11.
Hentschel requested a multitude of information from FBISD earlier this year. FBISD, in turn, requested an Attorney General’s opinion on the release of the information sought and the AG determined the district must release most of the information requested.

After the opinion, FBISD claimed they released all the information to Hentschel and what was not released simply did not exist.
Hentschel says she has evidence to the contrary and will be taking the information to Healey in the hopes of forcing the district to comply. “We also want to explore filing criminal charges and see what legal remedies we may have,” Hentschel said Monday...

Get full piece by clicking the title link above!

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
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