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!
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