SocraticGadfly, having seen that H-E-B has arrived on the north side of the Metroplex, decided to indulge nostalgia, if nothing else, but found it (and the H-E-B cult) crushed by reality when compared with shopping options he already has.
======================== And here are some posts of interest from other Texas blogs. Your Local Epidemiologist goes over the research on the “hygiene hypothesis” for kids’ health. The San Antonio Report introduces the Bexar County candidates for their appraisal district board. The Fort Worth Report attended a candidates forum for Tarrant Appraisal District Board hopefuls. Texas 2036 has bad news about how our students are doing in math. The Observer warns that the recent Panhandle wildfire is a harbinger. The Bloggess may have solved a little art mystery.
Posted onApril 19, 2024|Comments Off on Thoughts on 19 Years, Harris County, and SD15
A Short Break
Every now and then the reality of politics, whether it’s international, national, state, or local, just gets to me and I take a break from writing anything. Sometimes, I even ignore the news–as much as one can in this world. I was on another mental health break this month when I realized that I started DosCentavos.net 19 years ago this month. So, I thought I’d better write something to commemorate this as I begin to head toward year 20.
I really don’t know what to expect during this next year. We have several elections, starting in May and ending in November, that will be very consequential at various levels. Personally, I have some things going on that will be very consequential, too. So, continual writing–a la Kuff–is still not in my plans, but it is hard not to have an opinion with so much going on. So, I hope you will still hang out with me on the DC and enjoy my writings, whether they be about politics, music, or culture.
A Need for Accountability at the County
Judge Lina Hidalgo’s recent revelation of the outcome of an audit by the independently run County Auditor’s office is huge news that should change the way business is conducted in Harris County. And it’s about time.
…the county doesn’t produce a rigorous paper trail when choosing the winners of contracts. The engineering department, which oversees major infrastructure projects along with commissioners’ offices, did not have consistent records available until as recently as July 2023.
Judge Hidalgo is proposing that the decision on contracts be given to an independent purchasing department, rather than it be ruled by Commissioner’s Court. It should be added that the Judge does not accept political contributions from vendors, while Commissioner’s campaigns–both parties–are heavily funded by vendor donations.
Currently, companies are chosen by engineering department staff, as well as staff from the four commissioner’s offices. There were no conflict of interest certifications on file for those employees and no written policies requiring staff to document their conflicts, according to the audit.
I think I heard that 90+% of vendors make political contributions to curry favor. As things stand with Commissioners having the ultimate say, we have what amounts to four fiefdoms with a lot of power over tax dollars without much accountability as to who gets the money among the vendors. Or why they got the money. While Commissioner Rodney Ellis offered “tepid” support, the other three seem to be against it.
I think there is room for compromise. Perhaps each Commissioner and their staff should still manage the infrastructure in their respective precincts, but there must be more control and accountability regarding awarding contracts. You never know when an awful DA may try to railroad you, right?
The idea of “centralizing” things isn’t new, but that would mess with a commissioner’s political accountability and their ability to serve immediate needs–like the jagged potholes that always appear on Queenston in NW Harris County. Besides, the only truly centralized thing I’d like to see is to get rid of vendors and have public employees do all of the work so that there is better accountability and better treatment of workers overseen by the County. But that’s just the socialist in me.
Anyway, I have a feeling this all points to what is to come in Harris County politics in the near future. I saw so many things–even from my perch in front of my laptop–that just didn’t sit well with me. Given the last mayoral election and the sycophantic behavior among many, it’s safe to say that my dislike list has grown while local battles between Dems are going to become a thing.
SD15 is Jumping!
I’ve been checking my mail frequently and I am really impressed with Molly Cook‘s messaging, especially her calling out opponent, Jarvis Johnson and his funders and bad votes he has taken. She has a particularly good digital ad, too. While Johnson runs on what he calls experience of being a long-time insider, Cook brings a fresh approach to legislation backed up by experience in organizing voters on the ground. On top of this, she works as an ER nurse. Talk about being among the people. If I were Jarvis, I wouldn’t be beating this “experience” thing too hard. Being on the inside is really getting old, no matter what Party one belongs to.
We have two elections for SD 15. May 4 is the special election to replace the last guy and May 24 the the Democratic Primary run-off. More on this in another post soon. For now, check out this ad!
Comments Off on Thoughts on 19 Years, Harris County, and SD15
Well, our friends at FIEL are holding a protest of the on-hold law on March 30, 11AM at Antioch Park, 554 Clay, Houston, TX. It’s time to rise up and send a message; and that goes for Democratic activists and politicians, too.
Given arguments before the 5th Circuit, there is only more confusion and uncertainty about actually enforcing the law and the people it affects. That means Abbott’s intent is working: Keep Brown and Black people living in fear and allow law enforcement to run amuck doing whatever terror they wish to do on these communities, while appeasing a bigoted base of voters. Seriously, if a fear-monger like Greg Abbott didn’t even want to listen the courts during the battle over his floating balls, do you expect him to follow the rules or enforce them on law enforcement agencies, especially constables?
And, no, we cannot wait until the November election to send a message. And the message isn’t only for Republinuts.
How Are We Paying For It?
Much like Kuff, I keep asking just how are we supposed to pay for the local mayor’s deal with the firefighters? First of all, kudos to my own CM Tiffany Thomas and District J’s guy for asking the questions of the deal that must be asked. When the guy in charge doesn’t rep one’s values, then one must rely on those that represent. In this case, I was certainly represented when they asked where the Fire Chief was involved in all of this, given his exclusion at certain events. The other questions were important, too.
Though something called judgment bonds will pay for everything up front, according to one article, it will cost $72 million per year for debt service payments. For how long? Probably longer than the 5-year union contract they whipped up. Certainly, the bond lawyers are making a load of cash faster than we can pay for it.
What are the options? Well, since the City is facing a $60 million deficit for the next budget, it’ll probably be cuts to needed programs and increases in other fees. Certainly property taxes and increasing the revenue cap should be considered. Partnering with the county on some things is another idea, but that would entail County Judge Lina Hidalgo being acknowledged by the Houston guy.
Also, a reminder to the guy in charge: Just because you say “transparency” doesn’t mean you’re being transparent.
Fascist, Election Denying Loser on the METRO Board
I think that’s all that needs to be said about this. And no, she didn’t “win” anything…again!
Posted onMarch 1, 2024|Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 03012024
Never Go Full-MAGA
And that’s what Kim Ogg has done with a republinutty ad where she attacks Sean Teare and the City of Los Angeles. Using the anti-California line that is oft-used by republinuts, Ogg adds some fear-mongering using black and white mugshots of some nice-looking white folks whom she railroaded in her witch hunt of Judge Hidalgo; a video of a losing republican candidate whining about crime; and GEORGE SOROS!!!
To top it off, the ad shows something called “Texas Small Business Owners PAC” in huge letters, but in barely seen letters, “paid for by Kim Ogg.” So disingenuous. Actually, we see right through it.
Wow! Now, talk about desperation. Fortunately, in his own ads, Teare reminds voters of Ogg’s witch hunt using Republican lawyers to go after Democrats. Seriously, though, I’m not surprised that Ogg would stoop so low. But I do become more and more disappointed at prominent Dems who continue to support Ogg. That kind of ad makes me a never-Ogg in November. I only vote for Democrats.
Speaking of full-MAGA
Are we really surprised that popular bible mega-thumper Ed Young is a bigot? His rant against migrants from the pulpit proved it a lot more than his support of MAGA idiots in the public eye. The name-calling is one thing but using stats like “8 to 10 million” makes one think of the original 10 million migrants we’ve been trying to get some sort of status, within them the 2 million Dreamers. He is doing everything republinut politicians do to scare people. And what better place to spread lies and misinformation than a mega-church.
He’s speaking the same line as those we see in republinut ads, such as Greg Abbott and his other pendejos. Unfortunately, it’s all “legal,” though it is quite unChristian. I hope his membership dwindles, but I doubt it. Even the Latinos in that church walk around with a dumb, glazed look of unquestioned loyalty to Ed Young. Loyalty to God is up for debate.
Thus far, I’ve only seen one response from the political world, and that’s my County Commish Lesley Briones. I guess all the other Dems are running for re-election.
Biden on the Border
I’m glad he finally visited. We’ve been wanting him to visit since, well, Obama was in office. And Obama only showed up for fundraisers in the RGV. Unfortunately, all talk is about border control without any talk about Dreamers or fixing the immigration system itself. You see, that’s the problem with the border. And when you start talking republican-lite about the border, the republicans win that part of the debate.
Now, I’m sure people will throw the latest stats that even show Democrats are willing to sell out the issue for a victory in November. I’ll just throw back that Democrats have dropped the ball by refusing to talk about this issue until the heat rised ever since Obama. What’s the solution? At this point, when even preachers are whining rather than offering any kind of calming effect, I don’t know. But the republicans are adding to the numbers of the heartless and mindless every day. Biden might as well go full MAGA and sign an executive order doing so. If we’re going to be awful, let’s go all the way, right?
The COVID Report
Looks like we are down to the 200s percentage wise in the poop water locally. Anecdotally, I’ve seen some folks announcing their infections, still. I’m on a month since my infection, and I’m told I get up to 90 days of immunity–maybe. So, I’m probably going in for a booster soon since I’m losing my immune system’s defenses sooner than later. Mask up! Stop COVID diving into crowds.
Posted onDecember 1, 2023|Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 12012023
The COVID Report
Houston’s viral load in the wastewater has been increasing steadily. Now at 157%, my non-science thinking is that this doesn’t include Thanksgiving get-togethers, so, it will increase some more as we head into the Holiday Party season and family holiday season at home. Obviously, get your vaccine update. But please wear masks if you’re in a crowded scene, the store, the doctor, or anywhere you’re around more than a few people. You just never know who’s going to infect you.
In other news, COVID-denying Texas AG sues Pfizer because they didn’t end the pandemic fast enough? Republican COVID-denying policies caused more confusion and more death, but Pfizer didn’t try hard enough? Yes, the Republican Party is the party of frivolous lawsuits. On behalf of friends and family who died because of Republican idiocy, the AG (and all Republicans) can go f— himself.
Greyhound’s Not So Sudden Move
I mean, I think we knew they were moving from that downtown location because of its high-dollar sales potential. We also know bus terminals for multiple companies are in areas where they are in demand–in the community. Where did we think they would move? Kingwood? River Oaks? Greyhound has moved to a location in the East End that already existed. It shouldn’t be a surprise.
Yes, it’s smaller. Yes, it will cause traffic issues, added vagrancy and homelessness, as well as being a “new” drop-off for TDCJ parolees who are trying to start their lives again. But my surprise isn’t even the location, as much as it is the “surprised” reactions of politicians who represent that area and the city. Especially during election season, it is easy to notice how connected politicians are to the real estate and business community given the endorsement game. So, it is hard to believe that no one knew this was about to happen. As Flo would say, “Hubo on convenio.”
Anyway…
La Veep Was In Town
Not that most unconnected brown folks were invited. Other than this Texas Trib article about the “moderated” discussion on brown folks, I didn’t see or hear much from connected folks. Lots of selfies, though.
Biden-Harris needs to take the campaign to the people. And now.
Posted onNovember 10, 2023|Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 11102023
Manchin
Good riddance. While Democrats will whine that he will cost them a majority, Manchin’s cost us much more in the realm of public policy, from immigration reform to election reform. He was never a voice of “moderation” as his “moderate” label is being used by the talking heads more than ever, he was a voice of gridlock, petty politics and self-benefiting corruption. Anyway, good riddance!
Operation Lone Star Claims 8
Out in my former home county, Zavala County, a police chase given permission by Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star boondoggle caused the death of 8 persons. If you don’t know about these deadly and dangerous chase-caused crashes, they happen a lot, endangering innocent people, and in this case, sometimes killing them. Since I keep tabs on Zavala County, it’s a daily thing that they post photos of their migrant captures when they actually stop a smuggler, as if they were trophies handed over to Greg Abbott and Biden’s Migra.
While the smuggler and five Hondurans escaping violence and poverty in their home countries were killed in this head-on crash, so were two non-migrant folks from Georgia. These deaths and injuries don’t need to happen. These potentially deadly chases are not necessary. I would hope that Dems in the Texas Lege bring up these deaths during the 4th special session in which Abbott wants to add to his boondoggle.
Human smuggling would not be a problem if Congress and President Biden actually tried to fix a broken immigration system. Thankfully, there’s a process for the US to send the bodies back, right?
Democrats Win The 2022 Election!Again!
Visiting Judge David Peeples of SATX ruled against all but one the of GOP election contests of the 2022 Election. Ruling that problems existed with ballot paper and some voters may have left polling locations because of that, there weren’t enough voters affected to change the outcome of the election. One remaining case remains to be decided, that of GOPer Tami Pierce’s challenge to DaSean Jones victory, won by over 400 votes. I’m rootin’ for Judge Jones.
The Hunt for Judge Lina Continues
Seems like local DA Kim Ogg has gone to Greg Abbott’s Texas Rangers to continue her hunt for our County Judge. That reminds me: I need to check my WhatsApp account. FYI: Kim Ogg and her DAs have failed the people on prosecuting and even indicting killer cops, but she’ll do everything to keep us safe from Judge Lina.
Posted onOctober 27, 2023|Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 10272023
Republican Bigotry Continues
It should come as no surprise that Greg Abbott and a bigoted Texas House of Representatives passed three anti-migrant bills with no debate this week during the Special Session. What surprised me was that there was little push back in the media by Democrats and migrant advocacy groups as the bills were introduced and forced through. I guess they expected these bills to be railroaded, too. Like me. And the laws are expected to pass in the Texas Senate, too. And be signed by Abbott.
HB4 creates a state crime for migrants entering Texas starting at misdemeanor and that can be elevated to a felony. The law also allows police to take migrants to a port of entry and point a finger to the gate back across to Mexico.
HB6 pays $1.5 billion to Abbott supporting contractors to build a few miles of border barrier.
The House also passed SB4, which increases sentences to 10 years for smuggling or operating a stash house. Rapists and Murderers aren’t even offered a “minimum” sentence.
It’s all evil, which leaves me floored when office holders profess their love for those who practice it. Hopefully, there’s legal recourse in the courts, but I really have no hope for Texas at this point.
So Much For Safety
Greg Abbott’s COVID-denying base will love that they will not be required to get a COVID vaccine to keep their workplaces safe. That’s OK, it’s not like there’s been a huge rush to get the new COVID vaccine as only 7% of adults have gotten the latest one, thus far. What the fuck is wrong with people?
Anyway, this was on the bill, too:
Health care facilities would be allowed to require unvaccinated employees and contractors to wear protective gear, such as masks, or enact other “reasonable” measures to protect medically vulnerable patients.
Gee, thanks. Maybe they all need to wear masks since the vaccinated are still getting sick and are probably on their 3rd or 4th infection because they don’t mask. Pendejos.
Thank you, Ann Bennett
Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Ann Bennett announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024. I’ve been a loyal supporter of Ann’s for a long time. She has run the office well beyond voter registration. At least that’s been my experience as a customer. So, I wish her well.
I do know of one announced candidate with whom some folks are coalescing and that’s Annette Ramirez. Ramirez is assistant general counsel at Aldine ISD in their property tax division, among other areas. We’ll see who else pops up for the open seat.
Finally
Texas sucks, as well as the Rangers. Go Diamondbacks!
Posted onMarch 17, 2023|Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 03172023
Clarifying The Undemocratic Takeover
So, when TEA takes over Houston ISD in June, they will replace all of the elected trustees and give power to a board of managers appointed by Mike Morath and Greg Abbott. That much we knew. A look at the TEA FAQs regarding Houston ISD gives us more details, such: Authority is removed, but trustees remain elected officials. Board elections continue and when a Board of Managers is removed, elected board members return. The timeline includes how elected trustees will be phased back in to power, which will be done in thirds after the board of managers meets the goals acceptable to TEA.
So, the part of democracy where those we elect do the actual work is placed on a ventilator, but the campaigning and political consultant fees continue? Can’t wait to see the campaign messaging: “I’ll do these things if Greg Abbott gives HISD back to us!”
While the Board of Managers is in place, my hope is that members of the Board of Trustees will choose to continue to be engaged by members of the Board of Managers in an advisory capacity, to help facilitate a seamless return for those local elected officials when the time comes.
So, it’s nothing statutory, but just an invite–maybe. Whatever cover of democracy TEA and Abbott are attempting is just that.
Little Joe y La Familia made the tune, Las Nubes, a theme song of the Chicano civil rights and farm worker movement. A somber tune about suffering and challenge ends up giving one hope for the future. It’s been recorded and re-recorded many times, each time with its own brand of sabor. La Santa Cecilia vocalist La Marisoul, Los Texmaniacs, and Little Joe, all Grammy winners, have come together to produce a conjunto version of the song, filled with soul and acordeon. I love it, especially as things seem to be going to crap in the world–politically, at least. There’s always hope, right? Check it out:
It has been a year since I moved back into Houston ISD territory after living a block away just inside Alief ISD for a number of years. I was so upset that I moved in too late to have voted for my friend Holly Flynn Vilaseca in HISD District VI. As Greg Abbott begins his move to transition HISD into the Texas prison system (or something like that), the reality that elections matter hits people right in the face.
Political realities are the worst thing people can feel when bad decisions affect them, especially if they voted against their best interests or didn’t vote at all. And for almost 200K students, 30,000 staff, and millions of taxpayers, the fact that our democracy has been compromised by a power-hungry Greg Abbott should have us living in fear, yet, wanting to do something about it. So, I have a few thoughts about the TEA takeover that will happen in June.
The voters of HISD District VI had a hard-working trustee in Flynn Vilaseca. She was fighting for our kids, our teachers, and our democracy. Unfortunately, various powers preferred misinformation and a person whose idea of representation has been to sell-out HISD stakeholders, Kendall Baker, whose support of Greg Abbott’s idiocy was on TV news yesterday. Baker supports the TEA takeover and sacrificing his own political career to prove his loyalty to awful people. Baker is a right-wing zealot who has been supported by vultures, such as State Rep Mayes Middleton and local county commissioner and election denier Tom Ramsey. I hope the voters who were duped into voting for him realize what they did in voting for him. Removing him from the board is probably a good thing (as undemocratic as that may be), but knowing there are better-connected right-wing zealots who do not support public education out there and whom Abbott will appoint is unsettling. Kendall Baker was a great pawn for the right-wing zealots, though.
Watching the various news reports yesterday, I found that reporters set-off to find HISD parents to ask their opinion of Greg Abbott’s takeover of HISD. A few were somewhat informed, yet, surprised that it was going to happen. The concern was palpable. Others had the mentality that, “as long as something is done to make things better,” but with no knowledge of the politics and process and upheaval that Greg Abbott’s route would cause. And then there was that parent who wanted to feign knowledge, but was not at all paying attention. So, that there is a lack of information out there is not a surprise. And that parents need to be spoon-fed the information is also not a surprise, whether it’s done by trustees, administrators, or the political class in Houston. But it is TEA who will take advantage of the way things have always been done to keep people misinformed as only four (4) informational meetings have been scheduled to reach 200,000 students, 30,000 employees, and millions of taxpayers. Ignorance is bliss all-around, but while some hope no one says anything so that no one messes with the status quo or other agendas that may exist, the right-wing-nuts goes merrily along and actually does something to further their race to the bottom.
Kuff has a little bit more. He thinks people should apply to be on the board of managers to see if a few good minds can be placed, and I do see the logic. But there are bad things that will happen because of this unelected, undemocratic board and I’d hate for any of our good people be tainted by those decisions. I’d prefer some sort of movement to call out the decisions that are being made–a mass movement led by people and not the politicians who have that taint on them no matter which title they possess. I’d like to see those who fight hardest against Greg Abbott’s shenanigans be on the next board of trustees–once, HISD is paroled from Abbott’s prison system. At this point, I see anyone who has applied to be on the board as suspect. I hope that this takeover causes more good people to find the drive in themselves to serve–as thankless as this job may be. And also, redistrict HISD!
SocraticGadfly saw the obits news last week, and immediately remembered Michael Badnarik as “Mr. Driving Without a License,” and gave the 2004 Libertarian presidential nominee a “proper salute” for that and more.
Stace gives us his Thoughts on Viernes about the FBI raid, Abbott’s Human Trafficking bus, and Beto’s MF’in comments.
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And here are some posts of interest from other Texas blogs.
G. Elliott Morris reassesses the landscape for Democrats following the Kansas abortion vote.
The Texas Living Waters Project says that the bipartisan infrastructure bill will provide a bounty of funding to help us deal with our growing water problems.
The Houston Press finishes off its Houston Bucket List with some honorable mentions.
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