Munoz' ties to 281 toll road create trail of corruption
Politicians for Sale
Munoz' ties to 281 toll road create trail of corruption
Thứ Sáu, 19 tháng 9, 2014
Munoz' ties to 281 toll road create trail of corruption
Thứ Ba, 16 tháng 9, 2014
Royalty Rip Off?
Now, it's YOUR turn. If you feel you were screwed, show up.
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 at Brewer High School, 1025 West Loop 820 North
- 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 17 at River Oaks Community Center, 5300 Blackstone Drive
You can read the entire article @ WFAA.com
Tension grows between driller and royalty owners.
Thứ Sáu, 12 tháng 9, 2014
Thứ Tư, 10 tháng 9, 2014
Blackland Tollway meeting on 9/11
Is that a sign?
We hear there is another meeting on the Blackland Tollway, though many out that way haven't heard about it yet.
Ask WHY.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Garland Central Library (Downtown)
North Program Room
625 Austin St
Garland, TX 75040
Blackland Tollway meeting - Take 2
Maybe the public will get to speak at this one.
The COG and those other groups may want to pack their lunch.
Monday, September 22nd - 6:30
Rockwall Performing Arts Center
1201 T.L. Townsend Drive
Rockwall, Texas 75087
Thứ Ba, 9 tháng 9, 2014
YOU are invited!
Come one, come all! Learn WHO spends YOUR money on WHAT!!
Come early, we know how they pack the room with their supporters & staff (read - Contractors/Donors) before the scheduled "door opens" time.
We'll see you there! Fun times!
Thứ Bảy, 6 tháng 9, 2014
Calling Collin County
500 people showed up & just as it was getting hot, they shut it down!
The Northeast Gateway Turnpike would run on the east side of Lake Lavon.
Wow! There's just something about these private toll road scams that get under the skin of Texans.
Last night was the public hearing on this mysterious private Blacklands toll road through Greenville to Rockwall in Dallas and Collin counties. It's been re-routed and re-named the Northeast Gateway Turnpike. The tollway is being done through a completely for-profit private corporation, the Texas Turnpike Corporation, whose parent company is named Public Werks, although the environmental study is being conducted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).
The statute that allowed this company to build private toll roads using EMINENT DOMAIN has since been repealed. Texans changed the Texas Constitution to protect them from eminent domain for private gain, and yet this company was grandfathered in (this is why we opposed the bill, SB 18, because it was chalk full of LOOPHOLES like this!).
The meeting facility only held 250 people and 500 people showed up! But no one said a thing about the capacity crowd until the meeting started to get hot. Conveniently, BEFORE the public comment began, the Fire Marshal shut it down and said they'd have to get another venue that can hold more people and reschedule the meeting in 10-14 days. This is a classic method by bureaucrats and planners to quell public opposition.
Of course, they put it off in hopes of demoralizing the opposition and to thin out the crowd. Remember, the MOST important way to oppose a toll project is to get your opposition ON THE OFFICIAL RECORD through oral or written public comment. You can submit comment orally at the microphone during the hearing or sometimes to a stenographer/court reporter off to the side at the hearings or in writing via email (usually within 10-30 days AFTER the hearing).
ACTION ITEM FOR NEXT MEETING
We need folks to turnout in even BIGGER numbers when this meeting gets rescheduled. We plan to have volunteers staff tables with clipboards to collect contact information of those opposed to the toll road so we can stay in touch and organize.
If you can help, please contact Terri Hall at terri@texasturf.org
Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 9, 2014
Residents say NO WAY to Tollway
We've talked to some of those organizing the fight against the plunder for the Blackland Tollway and we've put them in touch with some others that can help.
Good luck to all! We have a feeling the elected officials & the COG are going to need it.
If you haven't heard - Don't mess with Texas. Texans don't like it.
You can get the scoop on WFAA.com. And stay tuned, we'll have more to come.
Fire marshal shuts down overcrowded toll road meeting
Too many people showed up. Police told News 8 that they counted 360 inside NeSmith's cafeteria, which only holds 200. The fire marshal said it was unsafe and the meeting had to end.
"In my 35 years, we've never had a shutdown meeting because of an overflow crowd. But that's good. They're interested," Morris told News 8.
NCTCOG immediately began looking for new larger venues that could accommodate all the interested residents.
Morris said this public meeting would be rescheduled in the next 10-to-14 days.
Thứ Năm, 4 tháng 9, 2014
Story remains the same, only the names have changed
Thứ Tư, 27 tháng 8, 2014
No more Downtown Parking means..
We received an email concerning the Bass Hall Parking issue. It made us think about the Cultural District parking issue. We noticed we go there much less frequently since we have to pay to park and the garage is always so crowded and/or malfunctioning when you are trying to escape.
They do the same to downtown and we'll go there less frequently than we already do, too.
Tell them what YOU think.
We wanted to bring to your attention a recent story in the Star-Telegram regarding possible parking changes to two large downtown garages near Bass Performance Hall.
If a new lease agreement isn't reached between the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District Board and the garage owners, the 777 Main parking garage located directly behind Bass Hall at the corner of 5th Street and Commerce (which provides free parking to patrons attending Bass Hall performances) and the Sundance Square City Center garages could become paid parking garages.
Please read Downtown board considers less funding for free downtown parking | Business | Star-Telegram.com for further details about the on-going negotiations.
If you would like to express your concerns and provide feedback, there is a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Three Board of Directors Meeting tomorrow at 9 am. Below are the meeting details.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Three
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 9 am
City of Fort Worth Annex Building, Third Floor Conference Room
908 Monroe Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Citizen presentations will take place towards the end of the meeting. There is a 3-minute limit per presentation.
Thứ Sáu, 22 tháng 8, 2014
Seen this??
TxDOT bails out toll roads
SH 130 & Loop 49 just for starters
Transportation Commission votes to 'forgive' $55 million loan to Tyler toll authority (for Loop 49) and gives $32 million to subsidize lower truck toll rates on SH 130 (again!). Meanwhile, the toll authority in Tyler is bragging that Loop 49 is enjoying better than expected traffic and higher toll revenues.
But don't be fooled, just because they say they're getting more traffic than expected does NOT mean they're operating in the black. In fact, the only reason Loop 49 has more toll revenues is a toll rate hike. The reason they needed their TxDOT debt forgiven was their debt load was impeding their ability to issue more debt to extend the tollway to Lindale (another boondoggle). It's also seeking local property taxes to bailout their loser toll project.
On SH 130, TxDOT used some of Cintra's concession money last year to buy down the truck toll rates - so trucks were using the road for the same price as autos. When the subsidies ceased, so did the uptick in truckers using the tollway. So even though Cintra is on the verge of bankruptcy (despite all of TxDOT's help) and in technical default, TxDOT chose to kick them another $32 million in YOUR tax money to, once again, subsidize truck toll rates. So autos are paying to give truckers a discount. Meanwhile, TxDOT is seeking to block us from getting information about these bailouts by asking the Attorney General to keep these records SECRET!
That's just for starters.
Our research has revealed over $10 billion in YOUR tax dollars will subsidize or otherwise prop-up loser toll projects in Texas over the next 10 years.
This double tax theft of our taxes for toll roads will not stop until we get new leadership at this broken agency. Thankfully, two new Transportation Commissioners (out of the 5-member commission appointed by the governor that oversees TxDOT) will be appointed early in the next governor's administration.
We have our eyes on two fabulous, pro-taxpayer potential picks. So stay tuned...
Diversions of road funds to rail
The running total is now up to $700 million in road dollars diverted to rail & trolley cars. In addition to that, TxDOT in concert with local MPOs will spend $48 million on hike & bike trails in San Antonio in next 4 years and another $28 million in DFW. Much more when you include every region. All the while TxDOT whines there's no money to fix our roads without tolls!
While many of these hearings are mundane and purposely set-up in a way to keep the public in the dark, opposition to tolls MUST get on the official record. Creating controversy helps with legal options down the road. Be sure to attend and get your comments on the official record!
DFW -
Community Workshops on Proposed Toll Managed Lanes in Dallas
Here's their 'sales' job...
"Priced facilities such as toll roads, public-private partnerships and new TEXpress Lanes help expand transportation options when traditional funding falls short of meeting transportation needs. Investing tolls in the transportation system improves safety, reduces congestion, enhances quality of life, spurs economic development and benefits the region.
"TEXpress Lanes and the proposed transition of HOV lanes to Express lanes are two types of facilities that help address transportation demand, air quality concerns and expand mobility options. At the community workshops, transportation partners will review development of these plans, outline how to use the facilities and discuss next steps for transportation in the region."
Don't buy it
You're smart enough to know 'managed' toll lanes do NOT solve congestion they displace it to the free lanes that will remain in gridlock for our lifetimes. Say 'No' to tolls and the waste, fraud, and abuse of our tax dollars.
Monday, August 25
6:00 PM
Texas A&M AgriLife Extensions Center
Building E Auditorium
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, TX 75252
Tuesday, August 26
6:00 PM
Euless Library
201 N. Ector Drive
Euless, TX 76039
Thứ Tư, 20 tháng 8, 2014
Oops, they did it again
Well guess what? They still do. When asked about it, they said, "I don't know".
Read both Static's this week, they are too good to pass up.
Ads Don’t Add Up
Thứ Sáu, 15 tháng 8, 2014
NEXT, PLEASE!!
Abuse of Power??
FBI in Dallas, Grand Jury in Austin, WHO is coming to Tarrant County?
It's been busy out here today.
Stay tuned.
Thứ Sáu, 8 tháng 8, 2014
Dallas, Fort Worth - same difference
Read all about the John Wiley Price scam on Wfaa.com
Compared to Tarrant County, well, there is no comparison.
Why vendors who allegedly funnelled money to John Wiley Price may not be charged
Thứ Tư, 6 tháng 8, 2014
WHERE does your city get water?
YOU are going to get hosed.
You can read about it in the Startlegram.
Water rates in Fort Worth are also expected to climb as the price of raw water continues rising, said Kara Shuror, assistant water director for Fort Worth. The cost of water is the “major driver in our water budget and our water rates,” she said.
In 2014, the cost to buy from the district went up 9.5 percent. It is expected to increase 12 percent more in 2015.
In fact, the city expects the cost of water to nearly double within 10 years, costing about $130 million by 2024 compared with the $71.5 million spent on water in 2014.
“This isn’t a one-year issue. This is something we will see in the coming years,” Shuror said.
Shuror said the rates won’t be released until Aug. 12, when the fiscal 2015 budget is presented to the council, but the department is proposing water rate increases.
Thứ Ba, 5 tháng 8, 2014
Stop the Presses!
Now the FWST says, Ann is right. Well, of course she is. There are still people on this planet who don't run for office for their own political gain. They stand for what's right, no matter how much the powers that be, or the local "news" paper doesn't like it.
Here's to Fort Worth's real women - may they continue to fight for us, to piss people off and to be censured. They are the ones accomplishing something. For the rest of those boards, there's a special place reserved for you.
School budget figures need another look
Fort Worth school Trustee Ann Sutherland is raising alarms about the district’s financial reserves dropping perilously low, and she’s right.
Other school board members should pay attention.
On June 24, Sutherland was the only board member to vote against the district’s $696.7 million budget for the 2014-15 school year, which includes $16.5 million to pay for 3 percent salary increases.
“I believe the spending level is unsustainable,” Sutherland said.
Projections presented to the board by district staff experts illustrate her point. The district will spend more than it’s expected to take in during each of the next three years.
Thứ Năm, 31 tháng 7, 2014
Come one, come all!
Monday August 4th @ 6:00
1000 Calvert Street - Fort Worth
WHO are the partners? WHO profits? WHO pays?
Tired of the BS? Come see us Monday!
Attend an informational open house on Aug. 4 to learn about construction of three signature bridges that will serve as gateways to Panther Island. The bridges will be built on Henderson Street, North Main Street and White Settlement Road and will be finished in 2018.
The informal open house will be 6-7:30 p.m. in the Activities Room at the Police and Fire Training Academy, 1000 Calvert St. Representatives of the city, state and the Trinity River Vision Authority will be present to explain upcoming construction schedules and detours.
The Texas Department of Transportation awarded a $65.5 million contract to Texas Sterling Construction in a joint project between the City of Fort Worth, Trinity River Vision Authority, Tarrant County, the Army Corps of Engineers and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Bridge construction will change transportation patterns along White Settlement, Henderson and North Main. Henderson Street north of downtown will be detoured starting in mid-August, and detours on the other two streets will follow. Traffic will be rerouted either on newly constructed detour roads or by using existing streets. On Henderson Street and North Main, a reroute will be in place directly next to the existing roadway to ensure limited traffic interruption.
Thứ Sáu, 25 tháng 7, 2014
Dear FBI,
Read about the John Wiley Price arrest on NBC5.
Price Arrested, Accused of Taking $950K in Bribes
A 13-count indictment released Friday says longtime Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price took $950,000 in bribes in the form of cash, cars and property and that he and his associates committed mail and tax fraud.
Price, 64, is accused of helping companies win lucrative contracts with Dallas County in exchange for the bribes. He is also accused of illegally profiting from county business.
Thứ Năm, 24 tháng 7, 2014
Please Help Support Denton's Fracking Ban for a Frack Free Denton
City Council denied the ban: time to get out the vote!
Dear Star-Telegraph,
First, let me thank you for your support for Denton's fracking ban on behalf of everyone at Earthworks and Frack Free Denton.
At the 8-hour, 500+ person public hearing that ended in a 3am, 5-2 vote against the ban your support kept us going, literally.
As I handed out 'frack free snacks' to keep families' morale high I was so thankful for what you've already done for Denton.
Now we need to get out the vote.
Industry showed up in force at the hearing, traveling from out of state to put their nose where it doesn't belong.
If they're willing to fly people in for a public hearing, I can't even imagine how much money and disinformation will pour into the ballot initiative.
Luckily, we have people on our side. We saw at the hearing that almost every person with a Denton address was for the ban. We need to make sure those people vote in November.
With your support frack free denton will be able to engage experienced canvassers and campaign strategists to help fight this crucial battle to ban fracking in Denton.
Can you spare $50 to build the campaign's momentum?
DONATE NOW: just $50 can get our campaign rolling toward victory in November!
Thank you for your support!
Sharon Wilson, Earthworks Texas Organizer
