Houston Political Blog

Rosenthal Defiant; MJ Khan on the agenda

From ABC13.com:

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal refuses the GOP's request to step aside. The Harris County Republican party held an emergency meeting last night to discuss the scandal involving Rosenthal and the romantic emails he sent his secretary. The board told Rosenthal it would no longer support his bid for re-election and asked him not to run for a third term in office.

Rosenthal attended the meeting. In an interview you'll see only on ABC-13, Rosenthal told the board his response.

"The answers were that I'm gonna run for district attorney and I'm gonna win," said Rosenthal as he left the meeting.

--

On a separate issue, the City Council Agenda is now online, and the first council meeting will take place immediately after the swearing in ceremony.  So, what's on the agenda?  Besides all the real city business, one of the first items will be to appoint M.J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem.  I've cut the agenda note and pasted it below.

2.      CONFIRM appointment of Council Member M. J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem

3.      RECEIVE nominations for Vice Mayor Pro Tem

a.                  APPOINT Vice Mayor Pro Tem

Rosenthal Defiant; MJ Khan on the agenda

From ABC13.com:

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal refuses the GOP's request to step aside. The Harris County Republican party held an emergency meeting last night to discuss the scandal involving Rosenthal and the romantic emails he sent his secretary. The board told Rosenthal it would no longer support his bid for re-election and asked him not to run for a third term in office.

Rosenthal attended the meeting. In an interview you'll see only on ABC-13, Rosenthal told the board his response.

"The answers were that I'm gonna run for district attorney and I'm gonna win," said Rosenthal as he left the meeting.

--

On a separate issue, the City Council Agenda is now online, and the first council meeting will take place immediately after the swearing in ceremony.  So, what's on the agenda?  Besides all the real city business, one of the first items will be to appoint M.J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem.  I've cut the agenda note and pasted it below.

2.      CONFIRM appointment of Council Member M. J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem

3.      RECEIVE nominations for Vice Mayor Pro Tem

a.                  APPOINT Vice Mayor Pro Tem

Rosenthal Defiant; MJ Khan on the agenda

From ABC13.com:

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal refuses the GOP's request to step aside. The Harris County Republican party held an emergency meeting last night to discuss the scandal involving Rosenthal and the romantic emails he sent his secretary. The board told Rosenthal it would no longer support his bid for re-election and asked him not to run for a third term in office.

Rosenthal attended the meeting. In an interview you'll see only on ABC-13, Rosenthal told the board his response.

"The answers were that I'm gonna run for district attorney and I'm gonna win," said Rosenthal as he left the meeting.

--

On a separate issue, the City Council Agenda is now online, and the first council meeting will take place immediately after the swearing in ceremony.  So, what's on the agenda?  Besides all the real city business, one of the first items will be to appoint M.J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem.  I've cut the agenda note and pasted it below.

2.      CONFIRM appointment of Council Member M. J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem

3.      RECEIVE nominations for Vice Mayor Pro Tem

a.                  APPOINT Vice Mayor Pro Tem

Rosenthal Defiant; MJ Khan on the agenda

From ABC13.com:

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal refuses the GOP's request to step aside. The Harris County Republican party held an emergency meeting last night to discuss the scandal involving Rosenthal and the romantic emails he sent his secretary. The board told Rosenthal it would no longer support his bid for re-election and asked him not to run for a third term in office.

Rosenthal attended the meeting. In an interview you'll see only on ABC-13, Rosenthal told the board his response.

"The answers were that I'm gonna run for district attorney and I'm gonna win," said Rosenthal as he left the meeting.

--

On a separate issue, the City Council Agenda is now online, and the first council meeting will take place immediately after the swearing in ceremony.  So, what's on the agenda?  Besides all the real city business, one of the first items will be to appoint M.J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem.  I've cut the agenda note and pasted it below.

2.      CONFIRM appointment of Council Member M. J. Khan as Mayor Pro Tem

3.      RECEIVE nominations for Vice Mayor Pro Tem

a.                  APPOINT Vice Mayor Pro Tem

The Rosenthal statement

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal released the following statement relating to his email issues earlier today:

Statement by Chuck Rosenthal

Recently some Harris County District Attorney inner office emails have been released in the media.

I understand that I have said some things that have caused pain and difficulty for my family, my coworkers and friends. I deeply regret having said those things. Moreover, I am sorry for the problems I have caused anyone.

I also understand that sometimes things happen for a purpose. This event has served as a wake-up call to me to get my house in order both literally and figuratively.

The Rosenthal statement

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal released the following statement relating to his email issues earlier today:

Statement by Chuck Rosenthal

Recently some Harris County District Attorney inner office emails have been released in the media.

I understand that I have said some things that have caused pain and difficulty for my family, my coworkers and friends. I deeply regret having said those things. Moreover, I am sorry for the problems I have caused anyone.

I also understand that sometimes things happen for a purpose. This event has served as a wake-up call to me to get my house in order both literally and figuratively.

The Rosenthal statement

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal released the following statement relating to his email issues earlier today:

Statement by Chuck Rosenthal

Recently some Harris County District Attorney inner office emails have been released in the media.

I understand that I have said some things that have caused pain and difficulty for my family, my coworkers and friends. I deeply regret having said those things. Moreover, I am sorry for the problems I have caused anyone.

I also understand that sometimes things happen for a purpose. This event has served as a wake-up call to me to get my house in order both literally and figuratively.

The Rosenthal statement

Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal released the following statement relating to his email issues earlier today:

Statement by Chuck Rosenthal

Recently some Harris County District Attorney inner office emails have been released in the media.

I understand that I have said some things that have caused pain and difficulty for my family, my coworkers and friends. I deeply regret having said those things. Moreover, I am sorry for the problems I have caused anyone.

I also understand that sometimes things happen for a purpose. This event has served as a wake-up call to me to get my house in order both literally and figuratively.

... And... we're back..

The blog is back after some slow posting during my holiday travels!  And yes, that's me at a Starbucks in Beijing's Hohai district.  What can I say, I need my caffeine. In Houston just in time to ring in 2008, no doubt one of the more active political years America's been through... Should be exciting!

Yesterday, my first day back in the country, I ran into Democratic County Judge hopeful David Mincberg in a restaurant.  Mincberg seemed quite content to munch on lunch while watching Republicans Charles Bacarisse and Judge Ed Emmett battle it out for the Republican nomination.  We had a brief conversation, where the topic of the DA's emails came up.  The former Dem. party chair didn't want to offer any opinionated blah blahs, but one can guess what he's thinking.

I might drive by the Discovery Green on the way to work... just to see how the inauguration set up is coming along.

... And... we're back..

The blog is back after some slow posting during my holiday travels!  And yes, that's me at a Starbucks in Beijing's Hohai district.  What can I say, I need my caffeine. In Houston just in time to ring in 2008, no doubt one of the more active political years America's been through... Should be exciting!

Yesterday, my first day back in the country, I ran into Democratic County Judge hopeful David Mincberg in a restaurant.  Mincberg seemed quite content to munch on lunch while watching Republicans Charles Bacarisse and Judge Ed Emmett battle it out for the Republican nomination.  We had a brief conversation, where the topic of the DA's emails came up.  The former Dem. party chair didn't want to offer any opinionated blah blahs, but one can guess what he's thinking.

I might drive by the Discovery Green on the way to work... just to see how the inauguration set up is coming along.

... And... we're back..

The blog is back after some slow posting during my holiday travels!  And yes, that's me at a Starbucks in Beijing's Hohai district.  What can I say, I need my caffeine. In Houston just in time to ring in 2008, no doubt one of the more active political years America's been through... Should be exciting!

Yesterday, my first day back in the country, I ran into Democratic County Judge hopeful David Mincberg in a restaurant.  Mincberg seemed quite content to munch on lunch while watching Republicans Charles Bacarisse and Judge Ed Emmett battle it out for the Republican nomination.  We had a brief conversation, where the topic of the DA's emails came up.  The former Dem. party chair didn't want to offer any opinionated blah blahs, but one can guess what he's thinking.

I might drive by the Discovery Green on the way to work... just to see how the inauguration set up is coming along.

... And... we're back..

The blog is back after some slow posting during my holiday travels!  And yes, that's me at a Starbucks in Beijing's Hohai district.  What can I say, I need my caffeine. In Houston just in time to ring in 2008, no doubt one of the more active political years America's been through... Should be exciting!

Yesterday, my first day back in the country, I ran into Democratic County Judge hopeful David Mincberg in a restaurant.  Mincberg seemed quite content to munch on lunch while watching Republicans Charles Bacarisse and Judge Ed Emmett battle it out for the Republican nomination.  We had a brief conversation, where the topic of the DA's emails came up.  The former Dem. party chair didn't want to offer any opinionated blah blahs, but one can guess what he's thinking.

I might drive by the Discovery Green on the way to work... just to see how the inauguration set up is coming along.

Intrigue in the DA's office...

For a man who always answers the question "How are you?" with "I'm blessed,"  this wasn't a fun week for District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal.  If you haven't read the story yet, click here for the blow by blow.  The photo of Rosenthal with his executive assistant Kerry Stevens is from Rosenthal's own website. For those who haven't been around (including your humble blogger), the story from ABC13.com:

It all started with a 2004 federal lawsuit filed by two brothers. Rosenthal was called to give a deposition. Emails were subpoenaed as part of the case. The contents of those emails have been somewhat a diversion to the original case. ...

Among the correspondence from the county DA's email address are exchanges between Rosenthal and his executive secretary, Kerry Stevens.

In a three-day period in July of this year, Rosenthal wrote to Stevens' home email saying, "You saw me looking at new toys yesterday. I could buy one or save the money to take you somewhere."

In another brief email, he says, "Bet I could make you sleep."

And on the Fourth of July, he writes to her, "I love you so much."

Eyewitness News obtained copies of the emails after the records were unsealed last Friday. On Thursday morning, Rosenthal's new attorney - this one is not a county lawyer - says the records are private. ...

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt ordered the hundreds of pages of emails be sealed back up.

Allegations have been made that the request and release of the emails are part of a political plot. Attorney Lloyd Kelley is representing the two brothers in the original civil lawsuit.

Kelley, who used to be city controller, ran for DA against Rosenthal seven years ago and lost. Kelly is also a friend and former law partner of C.O. Bradford, former Houston police chief, and Rosenthal's opponent in next year's election.

Attorneys for Kelley's firm deny that. ...

All this comes at a time when Rosenthal is facing a competitive opponent for next year's election that actually has some name ID. Harris County Democrats, who are hoping that the county can flip in 2008, are no doubt hoping this will have some impact on the electorate... Will we still remember this in 2008?  And will it matter? Time will tell, but the blogosphere sure is having fun with it... here, here, here, and here.

Intrigue in the DA's office...

For a man who always answers the question "How are you?" with "I'm blessed,"  this wasn't a fun week for District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal.  If you haven't read the story yet, click here for the blow by blow.  The photo of Rosenthal with his executive assistant Kerry Stevens is from Rosenthal's own website. For those who haven't been around (including your humble blogger), the story from ABC13.com:

It all started with a 2004 federal lawsuit filed by two brothers. Rosenthal was called to give a deposition. Emails were subpoenaed as part of the case. The contents of those emails have been somewhat a diversion to the original case. ...

Among the correspondence from the county DA's email address are exchanges between Rosenthal and his executive secretary, Kerry Stevens.

In a three-day period in July of this year, Rosenthal wrote to Stevens' home email saying, "You saw me looking at new toys yesterday. I could buy one or save the money to take you somewhere."

In another brief email, he says, "Bet I could make you sleep."

And on the Fourth of July, he writes to her, "I love you so much."

Eyewitness News obtained copies of the emails after the records were unsealed last Friday. On Thursday morning, Rosenthal's new attorney - this one is not a county lawyer - says the records are private. ...

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt ordered the hundreds of pages of emails be sealed back up.

Allegations have been made that the request and release of the emails are part of a political plot. Attorney Lloyd Kelley is representing the two brothers in the original civil lawsuit.

Kelley, who used to be city controller, ran for DA against Rosenthal seven years ago and lost. Kelly is also a friend and former law partner of C.O. Bradford, former Houston police chief, and Rosenthal's opponent in next year's election.

Attorneys for Kelley's firm deny that. ...

All this comes at a time when Rosenthal is facing a competitive opponent for next year's election that actually has some name ID. Harris County Democrats, who are hoping that the county can flip in 2008, are no doubt hoping this will have some impact on the electorate... Will we still remember this in 2008?  And will it matter? Time will tell, but the blogosphere sure is having fun with it... here, here, here, and here.

Intrigue in the DA's office...

For a man who always answers the question "How are you?" with "I'm blessed,"  this wasn't a fun week for District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal.  If you haven't read the story yet, click here for the blow by blow.  The photo of Rosenthal with his executive assistant Kerry Stevens is from Rosenthal's own website. For those who haven't been around (including your humble blogger), the story from ABC13.com:

It all started with a 2004 federal lawsuit filed by two brothers. Rosenthal was called to give a deposition. Emails were subpoenaed as part of the case. The contents of those emails have been somewhat a diversion to the original case. ...

Among the correspondence from the county DA's email address are exchanges between Rosenthal and his executive secretary, Kerry Stevens.

In a three-day period in July of this year, Rosenthal wrote to Stevens' home email saying, "You saw me looking at new toys yesterday. I could buy one or save the money to take you somewhere."

In another brief email, he says, "Bet I could make you sleep."

And on the Fourth of July, he writes to her, "I love you so much."

Eyewitness News obtained copies of the emails after the records were unsealed last Friday. On Thursday morning, Rosenthal's new attorney - this one is not a county lawyer - says the records are private. ...

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt ordered the hundreds of pages of emails be sealed back up.

Allegations have been made that the request and release of the emails are part of a political plot. Attorney Lloyd Kelley is representing the two brothers in the original civil lawsuit.

Kelley, who used to be city controller, ran for DA against Rosenthal seven years ago and lost. Kelly is also a friend and former law partner of C.O. Bradford, former Houston police chief, and Rosenthal's opponent in next year's election.

Attorneys for Kelley's firm deny that. ...

All this comes at a time when Rosenthal is facing a competitive opponent for next year's election that actually has some name ID. Harris County Democrats, who are hoping that the county can flip in 2008, are no doubt hoping this will have some impact on the electorate... Will we still remember this in 2008?  And will it matter? Time will tell, but the blogosphere sure is having fun with it... here, here, here, and here.

Intrigue in the DA's office...

For a man who always answers the question "How are you?" with "I'm blessed,"  this wasn't a fun week for District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal.  If you haven't read the story yet, click here for the blow by blow.  The photo of Rosenthal with his executive assistant Kerry Stevens is from Rosenthal's own website. For those who haven't been around (including your humble blogger), the story from ABC13.com:

It all started with a 2004 federal lawsuit filed by two brothers. Rosenthal was called to give a deposition. Emails were subpoenaed as part of the case. The contents of those emails have been somewhat a diversion to the original case. ...

Among the correspondence from the county DA's email address are exchanges between Rosenthal and his executive secretary, Kerry Stevens.

In a three-day period in July of this year, Rosenthal wrote to Stevens' home email saying, "You saw me looking at new toys yesterday. I could buy one or save the money to take you somewhere."

In another brief email, he says, "Bet I could make you sleep."

And on the Fourth of July, he writes to her, "I love you so much."

Eyewitness News obtained copies of the emails after the records were unsealed last Friday. On Thursday morning, Rosenthal's new attorney - this one is not a county lawyer - says the records are private. ...

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt ordered the hundreds of pages of emails be sealed back up.

Allegations have been made that the request and release of the emails are part of a political plot. Attorney Lloyd Kelley is representing the two brothers in the original civil lawsuit.

Kelley, who used to be city controller, ran for DA against Rosenthal seven years ago and lost. Kelly is also a friend and former law partner of C.O. Bradford, former Houston police chief, and Rosenthal's opponent in next year's election.

Attorneys for Kelley's firm deny that. ...

All this comes at a time when Rosenthal is facing a competitive opponent for next year's election that actually has some name ID. Harris County Democrats, who are hoping that the county can flip in 2008, are no doubt hoping this will have some impact on the electorate... Will we still remember this in 2008?  And will it matter? Time will tell, but the blogosphere sure is having fun with it... here, here, here, and here.

And we wish you a merry...

And we wish you a merry...

And we wish you a merry...

And we wish you a merry...

It's official... mark it on your calendar...

Looks like the Downtown Park will be ready in time for the inauguration... 9:30 a.m. January 2nd, see you all there!

It's official... mark it on your calendar...

Looks like the Downtown Park will be ready in time for the inauguration... 9:30 a.m. January 2nd, see you all there!

It's official... mark it on your calendar...

Looks like the Downtown Park will be ready in time for the inauguration... 9:30 a.m. January 2nd, see you all there!

It's official... mark it on your calendar...

Looks like the Downtown Park will be ready in time for the inauguration... 9:30 a.m. January 2nd, see you all there!

The resignation reverb

Matt and Isiah are doing a great job covering the surprise announcement from Council Member Ronald Green's office.  I even got several text messages all the way in Turkey from City Council staffers who were shocked by his decision to step down from the Fiscal Affairs committee.  From all indications, it sure looks like MJ Khan got the whole Mayor Pro Tem thing all to himself (we could all be wrong, but if people were betting on this...)  Both Khan and Green are expected to run for Controller in two years, so it definitely looks like Green is trying to assert himself and stand apart from the Mayor's agenda, as much as he would want to.

As for Khan, it will be interesting to see how he will position himself if he does become Mayor Pro Tem.  He is, technically, a Republican.  Even though this is a non-partisan city government, we'll see how far he can stray from the Mayor's agenda while still maintaining that title of Pro Tem, and maintaining his independence, and preparing for a campaign.. etc...

So, rest up for a Christmas holiday, and may the fireworks start on January 2nd!

The resignation reverb

Matt and Isiah are doing a great job covering the surprise announcement from Council Member Ronald Green's office.  I even got several text messages all the way in Turkey from City Council staffers who were shocked by his decision to step down from the Fiscal Affairs committee.  From all indications, it sure looks like MJ Khan got the whole Mayor Pro Tem thing all to himself (we could all be wrong, but if people were betting on this...)  Both Khan and Green are expected to run for Controller in two years, so it definitely looks like Green is trying to assert himself and stand apart from the Mayor's agenda, as much as he would want to.

As for Khan, it will be interesting to see how he will position himself if he does become Mayor Pro Tem.  He is, technically, a Republican.  Even though this is a non-partisan city government, we'll see how far he can stray from the Mayor's agenda while still maintaining that title of Pro Tem, and maintaining his independence, and preparing for a campaign.. etc...

So, rest up for a Christmas holiday, and may the fireworks start on January 2nd!

The resignation reverb

Matt and Isiah are doing a great job covering the surprise announcement from Council Member Ronald Green's office.  I even got several text messages all the way in Turkey from City Council staffers who were shocked by his decision to step down from the Fiscal Affairs committee.  From all indications, it sure looks like MJ Khan got the whole Mayor Pro Tem thing all to himself (we could all be wrong, but if people were betting on this...)  Both Khan and Green are expected to run for Controller in two years, so it definitely looks like Green is trying to assert himself and stand apart from the Mayor's agenda, as much as he would want to.

As for Khan, it will be interesting to see how he will position himself if he does become Mayor Pro Tem.  He is, technically, a Republican.  Even though this is a non-partisan city government, we'll see how far he can stray from the Mayor's agenda while still maintaining that title of Pro Tem, and maintaining his independence, and preparing for a campaign.. etc...

So, rest up for a Christmas holiday, and may the fireworks start on January 2nd!

The resignation reverb

Matt and Isiah are doing a great job covering the surprise announcement from Council Member Ronald Green's office.  I even got several text messages all the way in Turkey from City Council staffers who were shocked by his decision to step down from the Fiscal Affairs committee.  From all indications, it sure looks like MJ Khan got the whole Mayor Pro Tem thing all to himself (we could all be wrong, but if people were betting on this...)  Both Khan and Green are expected to run for Controller in two years, so it definitely looks like Green is trying to assert himself and stand apart from the Mayor's agenda, as much as he would want to.

As for Khan, it will be interesting to see how he will position himself if he does become Mayor Pro Tem.  He is, technically, a Republican.  Even though this is a non-partisan city government, we'll see how far he can stray from the Mayor's agenda while still maintaining that title of Pro Tem, and maintaining his independence, and preparing for a campaign.. etc...

So, rest up for a Christmas holiday, and may the fireworks start on January 2nd!

The other media

As we wait anxiously to see who's going to get the title of Mayor Pro Tem, I thought I'd post a few other pictures of how some other folks on the other side of the world do what I do.  I had a chance to visit a national TV station and the country's largest newspaper, Zaman.  Zaman publishes the fastest growing English edition of their papers.  At the TV station, we saw a portion of a political talk show being taped, and I had a chance to sit on the news set.  Too bad I couldn't read any of the scripts!  As for Zaman headquarters, let's just say Matt Stiles and Tim Fleck would be envious.  The spanking new building has a distinct modern flair, a cafe downstairs, and NO SCAFFOLDING!  The newspaper's foreign editor showed us next morning's edition, and talked about their efforts to balance a newspaper whose readership comes from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Unlike the TV station I visited, the newspaper people had very nice digs.  Modern cubicles, the whole bit. But, it was a national paper, I don't know what the local papers look like.

The other media

As we wait anxiously to see who's going to get the title of Mayor Pro Tem, I thought I'd post a few other pictures of how some other folks on the other side of the world do what I do.  I had a chance to visit a national TV station and the country's largest newspaper, Zaman.  Zaman publishes the fastest growing English edition of their papers.  At the TV station, we saw a portion of a political talk show being taped, and I had a chance to sit on the news set.  Too bad I couldn't read any of the scripts!  As for Zaman headquarters, let's just say Matt Stiles and Tim Fleck would be envious.  The spanking new building has a distinct modern flair, a cafe downstairs, and NO SCAFFOLDING!  The newspaper's foreign editor showed us next morning's edition, and talked about their efforts to balance a newspaper whose readership comes from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Unlike the TV station I visited, the newspaper people had very nice digs.  Modern cubicles, the whole bit. But, it was a national paper, I don't know what the local papers look like.

The other media

As we wait anxiously to see who's going to get the title of Mayor Pro Tem, I thought I'd post a few other pictures of how some other folks on the other side of the world do what I do.  I had a chance to visit a national TV station and the country's largest newspaper, Zaman.  Zaman publishes the fastest growing English edition of their papers.  At the TV station, we saw a portion of a political talk show being taped, and I had a chance to sit on the news set.  Too bad I couldn't read any of the scripts!  As for Zaman headquarters, let's just say Matt Stiles and Tim Fleck would be envious.  The spanking new building has a distinct modern flair, a cafe downstairs, and NO SCAFFOLDING!  The newspaper's foreign editor showed us next morning's edition, and talked about their efforts to balance a newspaper whose readership comes from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Unlike the TV station I visited, the newspaper people had very nice digs.  Modern cubicles, the whole bit. But, it was a national paper, I don't know what the local papers look like.

The other media

As we wait anxiously to see who's going to get the title of Mayor Pro Tem, I thought I'd post a few other pictures of how some other folks on the other side of the world do what I do.  I had a chance to visit a national TV station and the country's largest newspaper, Zaman.  Zaman publishes the fastest growing English edition of their papers.  At the TV station, we saw a portion of a political talk show being taped, and I had a chance to sit on the news set.  Too bad I couldn't read any of the scripts!  As for Zaman headquarters, let's just say Matt Stiles and Tim Fleck would be envious.  The spanking new building has a distinct modern flair, a cafe downstairs, and NO SCAFFOLDING!  The newspaper's foreign editor showed us next morning's edition, and talked about their efforts to balance a newspaper whose readership comes from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Unlike the TV station I visited, the newspaper people had very nice digs.  Modern cubicles, the whole bit. But, it was a national paper, I don't know what the local papers look like.

Hey, that's my job...

So, I guess a day of sightseeing is never complete until I run into fellow Turkish reporters.  I found a satellite truck hiding in the bushes, and a reporter, camera guy, and a producer hassling a fellow Istanbul resident.  I wonder what they're talking about?  For random, non-political stuff on my travels, click here... Who knows what I'll post?

Hey, that's my job...

So, I guess a day of sightseeing is never complete until I run into fellow Turkish reporters.  I found a satellite truck hiding in the bushes, and a reporter, camera guy, and a producer hassling a fellow Istanbul resident.  I wonder what they're talking about?  For random, non-political stuff on my travels, click here... Who knows what I'll post?

Hey, that's my job...

So, I guess a day of sightseeing is never complete until I run into fellow Turkish reporters.  I found a satellite truck hiding in the bushes, and a reporter, camera guy, and a producer hassling a fellow Istanbul resident.  I wonder what they're talking about?  For random, non-political stuff on my travels, click here... Who knows what I'll post?

Hey, that's my job...

So, I guess a day of sightseeing is never complete until I run into fellow Turkish reporters.  I found a satellite truck hiding in the bushes, and a reporter, camera guy, and a producer hassling a fellow Istanbul resident.  I wonder what they're talking about?  For random, non-political stuff on my travels, click here... Who knows what I'll post?

Light Rail in Turkey!

Yes, believe it or not, following in Matt's footsteps, I too am taking a little travelling time off.  But, alas, like so many not too normal journalists, we can never quite get away.  So, in between visiting some of the oldest structures in the world, guess what I ran into today?  Light Rail, in Istanbul!  Yes, your favorite little train is winding its way through the ancient city of Istanbul.  Actually, mainly just the tourist-heavy part of the city.  I guess you need options when getting from one 3,000 year old museum to another.  As you'll see from the photos I snapped, the light rail, cars, vans, and people all share the same path.  In my brief time there, I did not see any crashes.  But then again, if you thought Houston traffic is bad, just be glad you're not in Istanbul.

Light Rail in Turkey!

Yes, believe it or not, following in Matt's footsteps, I too am taking a little travelling time off.  But, alas, like so many not too normal journalists, we can never quite get away.  So, in between visiting some of the oldest structures in the world, guess what I ran into today?  Light Rail, in Istanbul!  Yes, your favorite little train is winding its way through the ancient city of Istanbul.  Actually, mainly just the tourist-heavy part of the city.  I guess you need options when getting from one 3,000 year old museum to another.  As you'll see from the photos I snapped, the light rail, cars, vans, and people all share the same path.  In my brief time there, I did not see any crashes.  But then again, if you thought Houston traffic is bad, just be glad you're not in Istanbul.

Light Rail in Turkey!

Yes, believe it or not, following in Matt's footsteps, I too am taking a little travelling time off.  But, alas, like so many not too normal journalists, we can never quite get away.  So, in between visiting some of the oldest structures in the world, guess what I ran into today?  Light Rail, in Istanbul!  Yes, your favorite little train is winding its way through the ancient city of Istanbul.  Actually, mainly just the tourist-heavy part of the city.  I guess you need options when getting from one 3,000 year old museum to another.  As you'll see from the photos I snapped, the light rail, cars, vans, and people all share the same path.  In my brief time there, I did not see any crashes.  But then again, if you thought Houston traffic is bad, just be glad you're not in Istanbul.

Light Rail in Turkey!

Yes, believe it or not, following in Matt's footsteps, I too am taking a little travelling time off.  But, alas, like so many not too normal journalists, we can never quite get away.  So, in between visiting some of the oldest structures in the world, guess what I ran into today?  Light Rail, in Istanbul!  Yes, your favorite little train is winding its way through the ancient city of Istanbul.  Actually, mainly just the tourist-heavy part of the city.  I guess you need options when getting from one 3,000 year old museum to another.  As you'll see from the photos I snapped, the light rail, cars, vans, and people all share the same path.  In my brief time there, I did not see any crashes.  But then again, if you thought Houston traffic is bad, just be glad you're not in Istanbul.

Congrats to the new council members!

The run off is over, and now it's time to wind up the current council class, and move in the new. Congrats to Jolanda Jones, Wanda Adams, and Mike Sullivan for surviving the run-off. Good luck to surviving City Hall! ou

Congrats to the new council members!

The run off is over, and now it's time to wind up the current council class, and move in the new. Congrats to Jolanda Jones, Wanda Adams, and Mike Sullivan for surviving the run-off. Good luck to surviving City Hall! ou

Congrats to the new council members!

The run off is over, and now it's time to wind up the current council class, and move in the new. Congrats to Jolanda Jones, Wanda Adams, and Mike Sullivan for surviving the run-off. Good luck to surviving City Hall! ou

Congrats to the new council members!

The run off is over, and now it's time to wind up the current council class, and move in the new. Congrats to Jolanda Jones, Wanda Adams, and Mike Sullivan for surviving the run-off. Good luck to surviving City Hall! ou

Election Night!

Try not to get too excited.. with barely a blip on the radar... just a few single digits worth of turnout. Still, it's election night... so get your balloons and confetti ready!

Election Night!

Try not to get too excited.. with barely a blip on the radar... just a few single digits worth of turnout. Still, it's election night... so get your balloons and confetti ready!

Election Night!

Try not to get too excited.. with barely a blip on the radar... just a few single digits worth of turnout. Still, it's election night... so get your balloons and confetti ready!

Election Night!

Try not to get too excited.. with barely a blip on the radar... just a few single digits worth of turnout. Still, it's election night... so get your balloons and confetti ready!

Dutton Docs

First, if you haven't seen the Harold Dutton story on ABC13, go here.  I am posting some of the court documents, related to this story that aired:

...There's a nasty battle between a state representative and his ex-wife. And now, Harold Dutton says he just didn't understand the rules.

This has been a long, two day battle in family court that wrapped up Friday night. The couple was married for 9 years and had 4 boys. The ex-wife says the state representative is behind on his child support payments. But he says since the divorce in 1996, two children have turned 18 and he was confused on how much he should pay on his court-ordered child support.

According to court documents dated August of 1999, Dutton was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Phyllis, $1,500 per month until their four children turn 18. In addition to that, he was to pay $1,000 at the beginning of each school year for clothes and supplies and another $1,000 in December for Christmas gifts, something Phyllis says he hasn't done since the court order was drafted eight years ago.

...Attorneys for Phyllis say Harold is behind $48,000 in his child support payments, an amount he disputes, though he wouldn't go on camera to explain why since the case was still ongoing.

...Off camera, he says, according to his count, he overpaid the amount of child support required by $5,000. He also says he stopped making full payments in 2006 since two of his boys had already turned 18 and one was living with him at the time.

But attorneys for the other side says the question remains. Was Harold, who serves as the chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues for the entire state, abiding by the order before his children became of age.

"He makes the laws that govern the child support courts," said Phyllis. "However, he doesn't abide by the laws he's making."

We received a call from Dutton Friday night. He tells us the judge ordered him to pay his ex-wife $16,000, though he will not be held in contempt of court. Over the last eight years, he has paid about $150,000 in child support.

Now, the documents.  This is just a few pages of the multi-page lawsuit filed by Dutton's ex-wife.  You'll have have to head to the courthouse for the full report.  Click and read.

Dutton Docs

First, if you haven't seen the Harold Dutton story on ABC13, go here.  I am posting some of the court documents, related to this story that aired:

...There's a nasty battle between a state representative and his ex-wife. And now, Harold Dutton says he just didn't understand the rules.

This has been a long, two day battle in family court that wrapped up Friday night. The couple was married for 9 years and had 4 boys. The ex-wife says the state representative is behind on his child support payments. But he says since the divorce in 1996, two children have turned 18 and he was confused on how much he should pay on his court-ordered child support.

According to court documents dated August of 1999, Dutton was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Phyllis, $1,500 per month until their four children turn 18. In addition to that, he was to pay $1,000 at the beginning of each school year for clothes and supplies and another $1,000 in December for Christmas gifts, something Phyllis says he hasn't done since the court order was drafted eight years ago.

...Attorneys for Phyllis say Harold is behind $48,000 in his child support payments, an amount he disputes, though he wouldn't go on camera to explain why since the case was still ongoing.

...Off camera, he says, according to his count, he overpaid the amount of child support required by $5,000. He also says he stopped making full payments in 2006 since two of his boys had already turned 18 and one was living with him at the time.

But attorneys for the other side says the question remains. Was Harold, who serves as the chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues for the entire state, abiding by the order before his children became of age.

"He makes the laws that govern the child support courts," said Phyllis. "However, he doesn't abide by the laws he's making."

We received a call from Dutton Friday night. He tells us the judge ordered him to pay his ex-wife $16,000, though he will not be held in contempt of court. Over the last eight years, he has paid about $150,000 in child support.

Now, the documents.  This is just a few pages of the multi-page lawsuit filed by Dutton's ex-wife.  You'll have have to head to the courthouse for the full report.  Click and read.

Dutton Docs

First, if you haven't seen the Harold Dutton story on ABC13, go here.  I am posting some of the court documents, related to this story that aired:

...There's a nasty battle between a state representative and his ex-wife. And now, Harold Dutton says he just didn't understand the rules.

This has been a long, two day battle in family court that wrapped up Friday night. The couple was married for 9 years and had 4 boys. The ex-wife says the state representative is behind on his child support payments. But he says since the divorce in 1996, two children have turned 18 and he was confused on how much he should pay on his court-ordered child support.

According to court documents dated August of 1999, Dutton was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Phyllis, $1,500 per month until their four children turn 18. In addition to that, he was to pay $1,000 at the beginning of each school year for clothes and supplies and another $1,000 in December for Christmas gifts, something Phyllis says he hasn't done since the court order was drafted eight years ago.

...Attorneys for Phyllis say Harold is behind $48,000 in his child support payments, an amount he disputes, though he wouldn't go on camera to explain why since the case was still ongoing.

...Off camera, he says, according to his count, he overpaid the amount of child support required by $5,000. He also says he stopped making full payments in 2006 since two of his boys had already turned 18 and one was living with him at the time.

But attorneys for the other side says the question remains. Was Harold, who serves as the chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues for the entire state, abiding by the order before his children became of age.

"He makes the laws that govern the child support courts," said Phyllis. "However, he doesn't abide by the laws he's making."

We received a call from Dutton Friday night. He tells us the judge ordered him to pay his ex-wife $16,000, though he will not be held in contempt of court. Over the last eight years, he has paid about $150,000 in child support.

Now, the documents.  This is just a few pages of the multi-page lawsuit filed by Dutton's ex-wife.  You'll have have to head to the courthouse for the full report.  Click and read.

Dutton Docs

First, if you haven't seen the Harold Dutton story on ABC13, go here.  I am posting some of the court documents, related to this story that aired:

...There's a nasty battle between a state representative and his ex-wife. And now, Harold Dutton says he just didn't understand the rules.

This has been a long, two day battle in family court that wrapped up Friday night. The couple was married for 9 years and had 4 boys. The ex-wife says the state representative is behind on his child support payments. But he says since the divorce in 1996, two children have turned 18 and he was confused on how much he should pay on his court-ordered child support.

According to court documents dated August of 1999, Dutton was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Phyllis, $1,500 per month until their four children turn 18. In addition to that, he was to pay $1,000 at the beginning of each school year for clothes and supplies and another $1,000 in December for Christmas gifts, something Phyllis says he hasn't done since the court order was drafted eight years ago.

...Attorneys for Phyllis say Harold is behind $48,000 in his child support payments, an amount he disputes, though he wouldn't go on camera to explain why since the case was still ongoing.

...Off camera, he says, according to his count, he overpaid the amount of child support required by $5,000. He also says he stopped making full payments in 2006 since two of his boys had already turned 18 and one was living with him at the time.

But attorneys for the other side says the question remains. Was Harold, who serves as the chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues for the entire state, abiding by the order before his children became of age.

"He makes the laws that govern the child support courts," said Phyllis. "However, he doesn't abide by the laws he's making."

We received a call from Dutton Friday night. He tells us the judge ordered him to pay his ex-wife $16,000, though he will not be held in contempt of court. Over the last eight years, he has paid about $150,000 in child support.

Now, the documents.  This is just a few pages of the multi-page lawsuit filed by Dutton's ex-wife.  You'll have have to head to the courthouse for the full report.  Click and read.

Dutton Docs

First, if you haven't seen the Harold Dutton story on ABC13, go here.  I am posting some of the court documents, related to this story that aired:

...There's a nasty battle between a state representative and his ex-wife. And now, Harold Dutton says he just didn't understand the rules.

This has been a long, two day battle in family court that wrapped up Friday night. The couple was married for 9 years and had 4 boys. The ex-wife says the state representative is behind on his child support payments. But he says since the divorce in 1996, two children have turned 18 and he was confused on how much he should pay on his court-ordered child support.

According to court documents dated August of 1999, Dutton was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Phyllis, $1,500 per month until their four children turn 18. In addition to that, he was to pay $1,000 at the beginning of each school year for clothes and supplies and another $1,000 in December for Christmas gifts, something Phyllis says he hasn't done since the court order was drafted eight years ago.

...Attorneys for Phyllis say Harold is behind $48,000 in his child support payments, an amount he disputes, though he wouldn't go on camera to explain why since the case was still ongoing.

...Off camera, he says, according to his count, he overpaid the amount of child support required by $5,000. He also says he stopped making full payments in 2006 since two of his boys had already turned 18 and one was living with him at the time.

But attorneys for the other side says the question remains. Was Harold, who serves as the chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues for the entire state, abiding by the order before his children became of age.

"He makes the laws that govern the child support courts," said Phyllis. "However, he doesn't abide by the

Dutton Docs

First, if you haven't seen the Harold Dutton story on ABC13, go here.  I am posting some of the court documents, related to this story that aired:

...There's a nasty battle between a state representative and his ex-wife. And now, Harold Dutton says he just didn't understand the rules.

This has been a long, two day battle in family court that wrapped up Friday night. The couple was married for 9 years and had 4 boys. The ex-wife says the state representative is behind on his child support payments. But he says since the divorce in 1996, two children have turned 18 and he was confused on how much he should pay on his court-ordered child support.

According to court documents dated August of 1999, Dutton was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Phyllis, $1,500 per month until their four children turn 18. In addition to that, he was to pay $1,000 at the beginning of each school year for clothes and supplies and another $1,000 in December for Christmas gifts, something Phyllis says he hasn't done since the court order was drafted eight years ago.

...Attorneys for Phyllis say Harold is behind $48,000 in his child support payments, an amount he disputes, though he wouldn't go on camera to explain why since the case was still ongoing.

...Off camera, he says, according to his count, he overpaid the amount of child support required by $5,000. He also says he stopped making full payments in 2006 since two of his boys had already turned 18 and one was living with him at the time.

But attorneys for the other side says the question remains. Was Harold, who serves as the chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues for the entire state, abiding by the order before his children became of age.

"He makes the laws that govern the child support courts," said Phyllis. "However, he doesn't abide by the

How much does Dutton owe?

As reported by my colleague Katisha Cosley on our 6pm newscast, State Rep. Harold Dutton was locked in a bitter child support battle with his ex-wife.  Basically, she says he owes $40K back child support for their four kids, while Dutton says he overpaid by a few grand.  The case has been playing out the past week at the Harris County Civil Courthouse.  The fight is interesting because State Rep. Dutton is also the Chair of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.  Among the matters the committee has jurisprudence over: "civil law as it relates to familial relationships, including rights, duties, remedies, and procedures thereunder.&qu