Houston Political Blog

Chopper Pilots: We need new helicopters!

Update: The City Council voted in favor of giving these guys helicopters.  Council Member Pam Holm was the only person voting against the new choppers.  Holm says she's all for the choppers, but didn't like the financial structure under which they would be purchased.

The majority of HPD's helicopter corps showed up at City Hall today.  Dressed in their sharp blue uniforms, the guys patiently listened to un-related city hall stuff for hours. (They looked cheerful!) They are, of course, waiting for the crucial City Council ordinance that would give these officers six new helicopters.  Although the itme was tagged last week, it should pass today.  Maybe then HPD can retire some fo the choppers that are more than 25 years old.

Chopper Pilots: We need new helicopters!

Update: The City Council voted in favor of giving these guys helicopters.  Council Member Pam Holm was the only person voting against the new choppers.  Holm says she's all for the choppers, but didn't like the financial structure under which they would be purchased.

The majority of HPD's helicopter corps showed up at City Hall today.  Dressed in their sharp blue uniforms, the guys patiently listened to un-related city hall stuff for hours. (They looked cheerful!) They are, of course, waiting for the crucial City Council ordinance that would give these officers six new helicopters.  Although the itme was tagged last week, it should pass today.  Maybe then HPD can retire some fo the choppers that are more than 25 years old.

Chopper Pilots: We need new helicopters!

Update: The City Council voted in favor of giving these guys helicopters.  Council Member Pam Holm was the only person voting against the new choppers.  Holm says she's all for the choppers, but didn't like the financial structure under which they would be purchased.

The majority of HPD's helicopter corps showed up at City Hall today.  Dressed in their sharp blue uniforms, the guys patiently listened to un-related city hall stuff for hours. (They looked cheerful!) They are, of course, waiting for the crucial City Council ordinance that would give these officers six new helicopters.  Although the itme was tagged last week, it should pass today.  Maybe then HPD can retire some fo the choppers that are more than 25 years old.

Chopper Pilots: We need new helicopters!

Update: The City Council voted in favor of giving these guys helicopters.  Council Member Pam Holm was the only person voting against the new choppers.  Holm says she's all for the choppers, but didn't like the financial structure under which they would be purchased.

The majority of HPD's helicopter corps showed up at City Hall today.  Dressed in their sharp blue uniforms, the guys patiently listened to un-related city hall stuff for hours. (They looked cheerful!) They are, of course, waiting for the crucial City Council ordinance that would give these officers six new helicopters.  Although the itme was tagged last week, it should pass today.  Maybe then HPD can retire some fo the choppers that are more than 25 years old.

I met that guy...

I was covering City Hall and the METRO announcement yesterday when I heard about the police chase and shooting.  Having covered my share of these news events, my ears perked up when I heard about Helfman River Oaks being involved in the story.  According to reporters who covered the story, the suspect in the chase was a close friend of Alan Helfman, and would often hang out at the dealership.

That's when I realized, "I've met that guy just last week!"  Seeing a photo of the man only reinforced the realization.  We were doing a story about the Kirby construction woes last Wednesday, and went inside Helfman dealership looking for Alan.  He wasn't there, but his dad was.  Sitting inside his dad's office was this guy, in a suit, in his 50's, chatting away.  We all talked about the problems with Kirby construction for about 10 minutes, and he was very knowledgeable.  I wanted to interview him, but everyone at the dealership said to wait until Alan came back from a business trip.  So, we left.. and headed to Goode Company BBQ to look for Levi Goode.

The exact details of what happened yesterday are still being sorted out.  In the next few weeks, facts from all sides will no doubt clarify the situation.  Just like the rest of you, I'll be interested in finding out.. especially after that chance encounter.

I met that guy...

I was covering City Hall and the METRO announcement yesterday when I heard about the police chase and shooting.  Having covered my share of these news events, my ears perked up when I heard about Helfman River Oaks being involved in the story.  According to reporters who covered the story, the suspect in the chase was a close friend of Alan Helfman, and would often hang out at the dealership.

That's when I realized, "I've met that guy just last week!"  Seeing a photo of the man only reinforced the realization.  We were doing a story about the Kirby construction woes last Wednesday, and went inside Helfman dealership looking for Alan.  He wasn't there, but his dad was.  Sitting inside his dad's office was this guy, in a suit, in his 50's, chatting away.  We all talked about the problems with Kirby construction for about 10 minutes, and he was very knowledgeable.  I wanted to interview him, but everyone at the dealership said to wait until Alan came back from a business trip.  So, we left.. and headed to Goode Company BBQ to look for Levi Goode.

The exact details of what happened yesterday are still being sorted out.  In the next few weeks, facts from all sides will no doubt clarify the situation.  Just like the rest of you, I'll be interested in finding out.. especially after that chance encounter.

I met that guy...

I was covering City Hall and the METRO announcement yesterday when I heard about the police chase and shooting.  Having covered my share of these news events, my ears perked up when I heard about Helfman River Oaks being involved in the story.  According to reporters who covered the story, the suspect in the chase was a close friend of Alan Helfman, and would often hang out at the dealership.

That's when I realized, "I've met that guy just last week!"  Seeing a photo of the man only reinforced the realization.  We were doing a story about the Kirby construction woes last Wednesday, and went inside Helfman dealership looking for Alan.  He wasn't there, but his dad was.  Sitting inside his dad's office was this guy, in a suit, in his 50's, chatting away.  We all talked about the problems with Kirby construction for about 10 minutes, and he was very knowledgeable.  I wanted to interview him, but everyone at the dealership said to wait until Alan came back from a business trip.  So, we left.. and headed to Goode Company BBQ to look for Levi Goode.

The exact details of what happened yesterday are still being sorted out.  In the next few weeks, facts from all sides will no doubt clarify the situation.  Just like the rest of you, I'll be interested in finding out.. especially after that chance encounter.

I met that guy...

I was covering City Hall and the METRO announcement yesterday when I heard about the police chase and shooting.  Having covered my share of these news events, my ears perked up when I heard about Helfman River Oaks being involved in the story.  According to reporters who covered the story, the suspect in the chase was a close friend of Alan Helfman, and would often hang out at the dealership.

That's when I realized, "I've met that guy just last week!"  Seeing a photo of the man only reinforced the realization.  We were doing a story about the Kirby construction woes last Wednesday, and went inside Helfman dealership looking for Alan.  He wasn't there, but his dad was.  Sitting inside his dad's office was this guy, in a suit, in his 50's, chatting away.  We all talked about the problems with Kirby construction for about 10 minutes, and he was very knowledgeable.  I wanted to interview him, but everyone at the dealership said to wait until Alan came back from a business trip.  So, we left.. and headed to Goode Company BBQ to look for Levi Goode.

The exact details of what happened yesterday are still being sorted out.  In the next few weeks, facts from all sides will no doubt clarify the situation.  Just like the rest of you, I'll be interested in finding out.. especially after that chance encounter.

METRO dumps one contractor for another

I've been hearing rumblings about this for a while, and today, it happened. In a hastily called press conference this afternoon METRO dropped a major announcement:  It's parting ways with its current contractor, and going with another company.

METRO CEO Frank Wilson held the press conference.  He announced that after spending $77 million dollars with the Washington Group (WGI), METRO is switching to Parsons.  Wilson insists that everything is on schedule, and the transition will be a smooth one.  He also tried to convince a skeptical press corps that since METRO owns all of the work done by WGI up to this point, none of the money spent up until now has been lost.  So, why did METRO decide to dump WGI? Here are the three main reasons.

1.  Too expensive.  Apparently, the price WGI wanted for contract work is "hundreds of millions" higher that what was quoted in the original METRO Solutions plan.

2. Not willing to assume enough risk.  This is another disagreement on money, mainly, how much risk WGI was willing to shoulder should something go wrong during construction.

3. Not sensitive to local minority sub-contractor process.  Wilson says WGI didn't really understand and wasn't willing to be sensitive to local sub-contractors.

METRO insists the change will be better for tax payers, because nobody wants sub par work. It also insists that everything is on schedule.  However, I did find it peculiar that it was unwilling to tell us what the news conference was about until we got there.  METRO didn't even tell some of its own Vice Presidents what the topic was about.  Nobody at City Hall, including the Mayor's office, was told about the news conference either. 

METRO dumps one contractor for another

I've been hearing rumblings about this for a while, and today, it happened. In a hastily called press conference this afternoon METRO dropped a major announcement:  It's parting ways with its current contractor, and going with another company.

METRO CEO Frank Wilson held the press conference.  He announced that after spending $77 million dollars with the Washington Group (WGI), METRO is switching to Parsons.  Wilson insists that everything is on schedule, and the transition will be a smooth one.  He also tried to convince a skeptical press corps that since METRO owns all of the work done by WGI up to this point, none of the money spent up until now has been lost.  So, why did METRO decide to dump WGI? Here are the three main reasons.

1.  Too expensive.  Apparently, the price WGI wanted for contract work is "hundreds of millions" higher that what was quoted in the original METRO Solutions plan.

2. Not willing to assume enough risk.  This is another disagreement on money, mainly, how much risk WGI was willing to shoulder should something go wrong during construction.

3. Not sensitive to local minority sub-contractor process.  Wilson says WGI didn't really understand and wasn't willing to be sensitive to local sub-contractors.

METRO insists the change will be better for tax payers, because nobody wants sub par work. It also insists that everything is on schedule.  However, I did find it peculiar that it was unwilling to tell us what the news conference was about until we got there.  METRO didn't even tell some of its own Vice Presidents what the topic was about.  Nobody at City Hall, including the Mayor's office, was told about the news conference either. 

METRO dumps one contractor for another

I've been hearing rumblings about this for a while, and today, it happened. In a hastily called press conference this afternoon METRO dropped a major announcement:  It's parting ways with its current contractor, and going with another company.

METRO CEO Frank Wilson held the press conference.  He announced that after spending $77 million dollars with the Washington Group (WGI), METRO is switching to Parsons.  Wilson insists that everything is on schedule, and the transition will be a smooth one.  He also tried to convince a skeptical press corps that since METRO owns all of the work done by WGI up to this point, none of the money spent up until now has been lost.  So, why did METRO decide to dump WGI? Here are the three main reasons.

1.  Too expensive.  Apparently, the price WGI wanted for contract work is "hundreds of millions" higher that what was quoted in the original METRO Solutions plan.

2. Not willing to assume enough risk.  This is another disagreement on money, mainly, how much risk WGI was willing to shoulder should something go wrong during construction.

3. Not sensitive to local minority sub-contractor process.  Wilson says WGI didn't really understand and wasn't willing to be sensitive to local sub-contractors.

METRO insists the change will be better for tax payers, because nobody wants sub par work. It also insists that everything is on schedule.  However, I did find it peculiar that it was unwilling to tell us what the news conference was about until we got there.  METRO didn't even tell some of its own Vice Presidents what the topic was about.  Nobody at City Hall, including the Mayor's office, was told about the news conference either. 

METRO dumps one contractor for another

I've been hearing rumblings about this for a while, and today, it happened. In a hastily called press conference this afternoon METRO dropped a major announcement:  It's parting ways with its current contractor, and going with another company.

METRO CEO Frank Wilson held the press conference.  He announced that after spending $77 million dollars with the Washington Group (WGI), METRO is switching to Parsons.  Wilson insists that everything is on schedule, and the transition will be a smooth one.  He also tried to convince a skeptical press corps that since METRO owns all of the work done by WGI up to this point, none of the money spent up until now has been lost.  So, why did METRO decide to dump WGI? Here are the three main reasons.

1.  Too expensive.  Apparently, the price WGI wanted for contract work is "hundreds of millions" higher that what was quoted in the original METRO Solutions plan.

2. Not willing to assume enough risk.  This is another disagreement on money, mainly, how much risk WGI was willing to shoulder should something go wrong during construction.

3. Not sensitive to local minority sub-contractor process.  Wilson says WGI didn't really understand and wasn't willing to be sensitive to local sub-contractors.

METRO insists the change will be better for tax payers, because nobody wants sub par work. It also insists that everything is on schedule.  However, I did find it peculiar that it was unwilling to tell us what the news conference was about until we got there.  METRO didn't even tell some of its own Vice Presidents what the topic was about.  Nobody at City Hall, including the Mayor's office, was told about the news conference either. 

How to recycle politicians..

Well.. at least their signs!  In the middle of doing a "Green Building" story, I came across a Houston family that's found an efficient way of re-using campaign signs.  The home isn't  finished yet.  So, while the family waits for the stairs to be stained, carpeted, or whatever, they have cut up old campaign signs to use as temporary flooring on the stairs! As the homeowner told me, "They are very durable, and comfortable to walk on."  Hm... maybe a future of recycling.

How to recycle politicians..

Well.. at least their signs!  In the middle of doing a "Green Building" story, I came across a Houston family that's found an efficient way of re-using campaign signs.  The home isn't  finished yet.  So, while the family waits for the stairs to be stained, carpeted, or whatever, they have cut up old campaign signs to use as temporary flooring on the stairs! As the homeowner told me, "They are very durable, and comfortable to walk on."  Hm... maybe a future of recycling.

How to recycle politicians..

Well.. at least their signs!  In the middle of doing a "Green Building" story, I came across a Houston family that's found an efficient way of re-using campaign signs.  The home isn't  finished yet.  So, while the family waits for the stairs to be stained, carpeted, or whatever, they have cut up old campaign signs to use as temporary flooring on the stairs! As the homeowner told me, "They are very durable, and comfortable to walk on."  Hm... maybe a future of recycling.

How to recycle politicians..

Well.. at least their signs!  In the middle of doing a "Green Building" story, I came across a Houston family that's found an efficient way of re-using campaign signs.  The home isn't  finished yet.  So, while the family waits for the stairs to be stained, carpeted, or whatever, they have cut up old campaign signs to use as temporary flooring on the stairs! As the homeowner told me, "They are very durable, and comfortable to walk on."  Hm... maybe a future of recycling.

Jackson-Lee shows up on This Week

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee made a cameo appearance on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.  The topic, what else, but the Presidential election.  Jackson-Lee was on the show to support Sen. Hillary Clinton.  The Congresswoman, who is a national co-chair, continued to talk about why Clinton would be the better candidate.  The one difference, those of us who have interviewed her many times found her much more reserved on This Week than normal.

Jackson-Lee shows up on This Week

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee made a cameo appearance on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.  The topic, what else, but the Presidential election.  Jackson-Lee was on the show to support Sen. Hillary Clinton.  The Congresswoman, who is a national co-chair, continued to talk about why Clinton would be the better candidate.  The one difference, those of us who have interviewed her many times found her much more reserved on This Week than normal.

Jackson-Lee shows up on This Week

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee made a cameo appearance on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.  The topic, what else, but the Presidential election.  Jackson-Lee was on the show to support Sen. Hillary Clinton.  The Congresswoman, who is a national co-chair, continued to talk about why Clinton would be the better candidate.  The one difference, those of us who have interviewed her many times found her much more reserved on This Week than normal.

Jackson-Lee shows up on This Week

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee made a cameo appearance on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.  The topic, what else, but the Presidential election.  Jackson-Lee was on the show to support Sen. Hillary Clinton.  The Congresswoman, who is a national co-chair, continued to talk about why Clinton would be the better candidate.  The one difference, those of us who have interviewed her many times found her much more reserved on This Week than normal.

One comes back, another leaves

As Mayor Bill White gets settled back into the daily grind of City Hall after a week overseas, our other local elected executive, Judge Ed Emmett, heads to India.

Both men are following the tradition of elected folks leading trade delegations to various parts of the world.  According to their people, both are paying their own way, surely wary of the  kind of chatter that would ensue if they didn't.  White had previously been to China and Russia.  Emmett, having only recently been appointed Judge, is going on his first "official" trade delegation trip to India.

What may come as a surprise to some people is that this will be Emmett's 11th time to India.  His son has lived between the states and India for many years, and Emmett has visited often -- both for business and pleasure.  One would assume he'd work in a chance to see his son while over there.

So what do people do during these trade missions?  I've uploaded the itinerary for the Mayor's trip of this past week to give you an idea.  They went to three cities in 7 days. Delegation size is about 25 people.  As you can see from the schedule, no real time for jet lag... I'm not sure if there are any local business folks who went on the Mayor's trip and then followed with the Judge's trip.

One comes back, another leaves

As Mayor Bill White gets settled back into the daily grind of City Hall after a week overseas, our other local elected executive, Judge Ed Emmett, heads to India.

Both men are following the tradition of elected folks leading trade delegations to various parts of the world.  According to their people, both are paying their own way, surely wary of the  kind of chatter that would ensue if they didn't.  White had previously been to China and Russia.  Emmett, having only recently been appointed Judge, is going on his first "official" trade delegation trip to India.

What may come as a surprise to some people is that this will be Emmett's 11th time to India.  His son has lived between the states and India for many years, and Emmett has visited often -- both for business and pleasure.  One would assume he'd work in a chance to see his son while over there.

So what do people do during these trade missions?  I've uploaded the itinerary for the Mayor's trip of this past week to give you an idea.  They went to three cities in 7 days. Delegation size is about 25 people.  As you can see from the schedule, no real time for jet lag... I'm not sure if there are any local business folks who went on the Mayor's trip and then followed with the Judge's trip.

One comes back, another leaves

As Mayor Bill White gets settled back into the daily grind of City Hall after a week overseas, our other local elected executive, Judge Ed Emmett, heads to India.

Both men are following the tradition of elected folks leading trade delegations to various parts of the world.  According to their people, both are paying their own way, surely wary of the  kind of chatter that would ensue if they didn't.  White had previously been to China and Russia.  Emmett, having only recently been appointed Judge, is going on his first "official" trade delegation trip to India.

What may come as a surprise to some people is that this will be Emmett's 11th time to India.  His son has lived between the states and India for many years, and Emmett has visited often -- both for business and pleasure.  One would assume he'd work in a chance to see his son while over there.

So what do people do during these trade missions?  I've uploaded the itinerary for the Mayor's trip of this past week to give you an idea.  They went to three cities in 7 days. Delegation size is about 25 people.  As you can see from the schedule, no real time for jet lag... I'm not sure if there are any local business folks who went on the Mayor's trip and then followed with the Judge's trip.

One comes back, another leaves

As Mayor Bill White gets settled back into the daily grind of City Hall after a week overseas, our other local elected executive, Judge Ed Emmett, heads to India.

Both men are following the tradition of elected folks leading trade delegations to various parts of the world.  According to their people, both are paying their own way, surely wary of the  kind of chatter that would ensue if they didn't.  White had previously been to China and Russia.  Emmett, having only recently been appointed Judge, is going on his first "official" trade delegation trip to India.

What may come as a surprise to some people is that this will be Emmett's 11th time to India.  His son has lived between the states and India for many years, and Emmett has visited often -- both for business and pleasure.  One would assume he'd work in a chance to see his son while over there.

So what do people do during these trade missions?  I've uploaded the itinerary for the Mayor's trip of this past week to give you an idea.  They went to three cities in 7 days. Delegation size is about 25 people.  As you can see from the schedule, no real time for jet lag... I'm not sure if there are any local business folks who went on the Mayor's trip and then followed with the Judge's trip.

Uh ... some really late photos...

Sorry! I'm really behind on this batch of photos.  This is the International Festival's Mayor's Gala.  It was held about a week ago.  Even though it was called the "Mayor's Gala," the Mayor wasn't actually there, he was in Dubai.  Still, a lot of other politicos showed up.  I took a few photos. Enjoy

Uh ... some really late photos...

Sorry! I'm really behind on this batch of photos.  This is the International Festival's Mayor's Gala.  It was held about a week ago.  Even though it was called the "Mayor's Gala," the Mayor wasn't actually there, he was in Dubai.  Still, a lot of other politicos showed up.  I took a few photos. Enjoy

Uh ... some really late photos...

Sorry! I'm really behind on this batch of photos.  This is the International Festival's Mayor's Gala.  It was held about a week ago.  Even though it was called the "Mayor's Gala," the Mayor wasn't actually there, he was in Dubai.  Still, a lot of other politicos showed up.  I took a few photos. Enjoy

Uh ... some really late photos...

Sorry! I'm really behind on this batch of photos.  This is the International Festival's Mayor's Gala.  It was held about a week ago.  Even though it was called the "Mayor's Gala," the Mayor wasn't actually there, he was in Dubai.  Still, a lot of other politicos showed up.  I took a few photos. Enjoy

Fishing for controversy

In the true sense that you never know where politics will take you, I was on a boat for several hours yesterday... doing a story on one of the bigger controversies you may or may not be aware of.  The federal government and the state of Texas are at odds over Red Snapper fishing season... caught in between, the tens of thousands of recreational fishermen along the coast.  The problems of when to fish and when not to fish, whether commercial fishermen get an unfair advantage, and just how bad the over fishing problem may or may not be are only growing.  There are so many upset fishermen that Rep. Nick Lampson brought the head of the National Marine Fisheries to town tonight for a big town hall.  I mean, we're talking a couple of hundred very, very angry anglers!  I talked to some of them yesterday, and we'll have a story on it tonight at 5pm.  In the meantime, if snapper's got you all upset, here the info for the meeting:

Red Snapper Town Hall with Special Guest Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Region

Date: Friday, April 25, 2008

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location: University of Houston Clear Lake, Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

Fishing for controversy

In the true sense that you never know where politics will take you, I was on a boat for several hours yesterday... doing a story on one of the bigger controversies you may or may not be aware of.  The federal government and the state of Texas are at odds over Red Snapper fishing season... caught in between, the tens of thousands of recreational fishermen along the coast.  The problems of when to fish and when not to fish, whether commercial fishermen get an unfair advantage, and just how bad the over fishing problem may or may not be are only growing.  There are so many upset fishermen that Rep. Nick Lampson brought the head of the National Marine Fisheries to town tonight for a big town hall.  I mean, we're talking a couple of hundred very, very angry anglers!  I talked to some of them yesterday, and we'll have a story on it tonight at 5pm.  In the meantime, if snapper's got you all upset, here the info for the meeting:

Red Snapper Town Hall with Special Guest Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Region

Date: Friday, April 25, 2008

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location: University of Houston Clear Lake, Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

Fishing for controversy

In the true sense that you never know where politics will take you, I was on a boat for several hours yesterday... doing a story on one of the bigger controversies you may or may not be aware of.  The federal government and the state of Texas are at odds over Red Snapper fishing season... caught in between, the tens of thousands of recreational fishermen along the coast.  The problems of when to fish and when not to fish, whether commercial fishermen get an unfair advantage, and just how bad the over fishing problem may or may not be are only growing.  There are so many upset fishermen that Rep. Nick Lampson brought the head of the National Marine Fisheries to town tonight for a big town hall.  I mean, we're talking a couple of hundred very, very angry anglers!  I talked to some of them yesterday, and we'll have a story on it tonight at 5pm.  In the meantime, if snapper's got you all upset, here the info for the meeting:

Red Snapper Town Hall with Special Guest Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Region

Date: Friday, April 25, 2008

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location: University of Houston Clear Lake, Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

Fishing for controversy

In the true sense that you never know where politics will take you, I was on a boat for several hours yesterday... doing a story on one of the bigger controversies you may or may not be aware of.  The federal government and the state of Texas are at odds over Red Snapper fishing season... caught in between, the tens of thousands of recreational fishermen along the coast.  The problems of when to fish and when not to fish, whether commercial fishermen get an unfair advantage, and just how bad the over fishing problem may or may not be are only growing.  There are so many upset fishermen that Rep. Nick Lampson brought the head of the National Marine Fisheries to town tonight for a big town hall.  I mean, we're talking a couple of hundred very, very angry anglers!  I talked to some of them yesterday, and we'll have a story on it tonight at 5pm.  In the meantime, if snapper's got you all upset, here the info for the meeting:

Red Snapper Town Hall with Special Guest Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Region

Date: Friday, April 25, 2008

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location: University of Houston Clear Lake, Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

First, write book.. then, run for office

Hey, it's what Barack Obama did.. so why not?  At least that's the approach Houston Mayoral potential Bill King is thinking.  Before launching his not-so-secret bid for the City's top job, King unleashed a book:  Saving Face... An Alternative and Personal Account of the Savings and Loan Crisis.  Okay, it's not exactly beach reading, but you can buy it on Amazon for 30 bucks. 

King launched his book tour at Tony's on Thursday night, and a reliable cadre of 200 or so folks showed up.  A number of them put up the dough and waited in line for King to sign it.  I'm sure King's hoping they'll vote for him in a year or so as well.  For those not certain which side of the political fence King sits on, he was introduced by McCain fundraiser and all around Republican insider Fred Zeidman.  Reliable Republican attorney Andy Taylor is repping Bill, and Herb Butrum was in the mix, as well. 

Now, Butrum (Repub fundraiser who's working with the current Mayor White) did confuse me with another Asian reporter in town, but I won't hold it against him....

We did not see fellow potential mayors Peter Brown nor Annise Parker, but council member Pam Holm and a number of lobbyists and city hall insiders did make the scene.  Whether the book will blunt any future critical mailings during his campaign remains to be seen. But King's more potent political sidekick could be his wife Melissa... the well connected, head-turning better half.  Let's just say Giovani Garibay was very eager to pose for a photo with her!

First, write book.. then, run for office

Hey, it's what Barack Obama did.. so why not?  At least that's the approach Houston Mayoral potential Bill King is thinking.  Before launching his not-so-secret bid for the City's top job, King unleashed a book:  Saving Face... An Alternative and Personal Account of the Savings and Loan Crisis.  Okay, it's not exactly beach reading, but you can buy it on Amazon for 30 bucks. 

King launched his book tour at Tony's on Thursday night, and a reliable cadre of 200 or so folks showed up.  A number of them put up the dough and waited in line for King to sign it.  I'm sure King's hoping they'll vote for him in a year or so as well.  For those not certain which side of the political fence King sits on, he was introduced by McCain fundraiser and all around Republican insider Fred Zeidman.  Reliable Republican attorney Andy Taylor is repping Bill, and Herb Butrum was in the mix, as well. 

Now, Butrum (Repub fundraiser who's working with the current Mayor White) did confuse me with another Asian reporter in town, but I won't hold it against him....

We did not see fellow potential mayors Peter Brown nor Annise Parker, but council member Pam Holm and a number of lobbyists and city hall insiders did make the scene.  Whether the book will blunt any future critical mailings during his campaign remains to be seen. But King's more potent political sidekick could be his wife Melissa... the well connected, head-turning better half.  Let's just say Giovani Garibay was very eager to pose for a photo with her!

First, write book.. then, run for office

Hey, it's what Barack Obama did.. so why not?  At least that's the approach Houston Mayoral potential Bill King is thinking.  Before launching his not-so-secret bid for the City's top job, King unleashed a book:  Saving Face... An Alternative and Personal Account of the Savings and Loan Crisis.  Okay, it's not exactly beach reading, but you can buy it on Amazon for 30 bucks. 

King launched his book tour at Tony's on Thursday night, and a reliable cadre of 200 or so folks showed up.  A number of them put up the dough and waited in line for King to sign it.  I'm sure King's hoping they'll vote for him in a year or so as well.  For those not certain which side of the political fence King sits on, he was introduced by McCain fundraiser and all around Republican insider Fred Zeidman.  Reliable Republican attorney Andy Taylor is repping Bill, and Herb Butrum was in the mix, as well. 

Now, Butrum (Repub fundraiser who's working with the current Mayor White) did confuse me with another Asian reporter in town, but I won't hold it against him....

We did not see fellow potential mayors Peter Brown nor Annise Parker, but council member Pam Holm and a number of lobbyists and city hall insiders did make the scene.  Whether the book will blunt any future critical mailings during his campaign remains to be seen. But King's more potent political sidekick could be his wife Melissa... the well connected, head-turning better half.  Let's just say Giovani Garibay was very eager to pose for a photo with her!

First, write book.. then, run for office

Hey, it's what Barack Obama did.. so why not?  At least that's the approach Houston Mayoral potential Bill King is thinking.  Before launching his not-so-secret bid for the City's top job, King unleashed a book:  Saving Face... An Alternative and Personal Account of the Savings and Loan Crisis.  Okay, it's not exactly beach reading, but you can buy it on Amazon for 30 bucks. 

King launched his book tour at Tony's on Thursday night, and a reliable cadre of 200 or so folks showed up.  A number of them put up the dough and waited in line for King to sign it.  I'm sure King's hoping they'll vote for him in a year or so as well.  For those not certain which side of the political fence King sits on, he was introduced by McCain fundraiser and all around Republican insider Fred Zeidman.  Reliable Republican attorney Andy Taylor is repping Bill, and Herb Butrum was in the mix, as well. 

Now, Butrum (Repub fundraiser who's working with the current Mayor White) did confuse me with another Asian reporter in town, but I won't hold it against him....

We did not see fellow potential mayors Peter Brown nor Annise Parker, but council member Pam Holm and a number of lobbyists and city hall insiders did make the scene.  Whether the book will blunt any future critical mailings during his campaign remains to be seen. But King's more potent political sidekick could be his wife Melissa... the well connected, head-turning better half.  Let's just say Giovani Garibay was very eager to pose for a photo with her!

Whoops! Kirby Construction to drag on

Drivers and business owners along Kirby have possibly two more miserable years worth of construction headaches because of a design error. We're talking about the stretch of Kirby between Bissonnet and Highway 59.

The Kirby re-construction is a four-phase process. Phases one through three are basically going according to schedule. But phase four is a problem. Though work on the final phase isn't scheduled for a while, we've learned the process is getting delayed even more.
Construction on Kirby near the Rice Village may be inconvenient, but at least it's underway. A few blocks north near Bissonnet and Kirby, the construction timeline is about to get pushed back.

"You always wish things were planned better," said Ron Pickett, who owns Charisma Car Wash.  Pickett and owners of several neighboring businesses just learned that the contractor who did the street survey for the city made a major measuring mistake. To complete the Kirby reconstruction, the city will now need to take 15 feet of his property along the curb line.

"It makes me feel very nervous because it will be highly detrimental to my business," he said.

The city will now split up phase four of the project into two parts. The portion south of Bissonnet will go on as scheduled with no delays. However, the area north of Bissionnet needs to be redesigned, and that could take a while.

"We'll continue to maintain it and patch it, but we'll redesign it to take into account the additional right of way," said Houston city councilmember Anne Clutterbuck.

Clutterbuck says besides the car wash, the city might need strips of land from Helfman River Oaks and Goode Company Barbecue, businesses that are hoping the delay would result in a compromise that won't take so much of their land.

"Parking's already at a premium and our type of business, we depend on every parking space we have to make ends meet for us and make it work," said Levi Goode with Goode Company BBQ.

On Wednesday afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Brown and Gay engineers, the company contracted to do the design work for Kirby. A project manager there told me that historical city records showed the city owned enough land for the Kirby project and no one knew it was a problem until earlier this year.

Whoops! Kirby Construction to drag on

Drivers and business owners along Kirby have possibly two more miserable years worth of construction headaches because of a design error. We're talking about the stretch of Kirby between Bissonnet and Highway 59.

The Kirby re-construction is a four-phase process. Phases one through three are basically going according to schedule. But phase four is a problem. Though work on the final phase isn't scheduled for a while, we've learned the process is getting delayed even more.
Construction on Kirby near the Rice Village may be inconvenient, but at least it's underway. A few blocks north near Bissonnet and Kirby, the construction timeline is about to get pushed back.

"You always wish things were planned better," said Ron Pickett, who owns Charisma Car Wash.  Pickett and owners of several neighboring businesses just learned that the contractor who did the street survey for the city made a major measuring mistake. To complete the Kirby reconstruction, the city will now need to take 15 feet of his property along the curb line.

"It makes me feel very nervous because it will be highly detrimental to my business," he said.

The city will now split up phase four of the project into two parts. The portion south of Bissonnet will go on as scheduled with no delays. However, the area north of Bissionnet needs to be redesigned, and that could take a while.

"We'll continue to maintain it and patch it, but we'll redesign it to take into account the additional right of way," said Houston city councilmember Anne Clutterbuck.

Clutterbuck says besides the car wash, the city might need strips of land from Helfman River Oaks and Goode Company Barbecue, businesses that are hoping the delay would result in a compromise that won't take so much of their land.

"Parking's already at a premium and our type of business, we depend on every parking space we have to make ends meet for us and make it work," said Levi Goode with Goode Company BBQ.

On Wednesday afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Brown and Gay engineers, the company contracted to do the design work for Kirby. A project manager there told me that historical city records showed the city owned enough land for the Kirby project and no one knew it was a problem until earlier this year.

Whoops! Kirby Construction to drag on

Drivers and business owners along Kirby have possibly two more miserable years worth of construction headaches because of a design error. We're talking about the stretch of Kirby between Bissonnet and Highway 59.

The Kirby re-construction is a four-phase process. Phases one through three are basically going according to schedule. But phase four is a problem. Though work on the final phase isn't scheduled for a while, we've learned the process is getting delayed even more.
Construction on Kirby near the Rice Village may be inconvenient, but at least it's underway. A few blocks north near Bissonnet and Kirby, the construction timeline is about to get pushed back.

"You always wish things were planned better," said Ron Pickett, who owns Charisma Car Wash.  Pickett and owners of several neighboring businesses just learned that the contractor who did the street survey for the city made a major measuring mistake. To complete the Kirby reconstruction, the city will now need to take 15 feet of his property along the curb line.

"It makes me feel very nervous because it will be highly detrimental to my business," he said.

The city will now split up phase four of the project into two parts. The portion south of Bissonnet will go on as scheduled with no delays. However, the area north of Bissionnet needs to be redesigned, and that could take a while.

"We'll continue to maintain it and patch it, but we'll redesign it to take into account the additional right of way," said Houston city councilmember Anne Clutterbuck.

Clutterbuck says besides the car wash, the city might need strips of land from Helfman River Oaks and Goode Company Barbecue, businesses that are hoping the delay would result in a compromise that won't take so much of their land.

"Parking's already at a premium and our type of business, we depend on every parking space we have to make ends meet for us and make it work," said Levi Goode with Goode Company BBQ.

On Wednesday afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Brown and Gay engineers, the company contracted to do the design work for Kirby. A project manager there told me that historical city records showed the city owned enough land for the Kirby project and no one knew it was a problem until earlier this year.

Whoops! Kirby Construction to drag on

Drivers and business owners along Kirby have possibly two more miserable years worth of construction headaches because of a design error. We're talking about the stretch of Kirby between Bissonnet and Highway 59.

The Kirby re-construction is a four-phase process. Phases one through three are basically going according to schedule. But phase four is a problem. Though work on the final phase isn't scheduled for a while, we've learned the process is getting delayed even more.
Construction on Kirby near the Rice Village may be inconvenient, but at least it's underway. A few blocks north near Bissonnet and Kirby, the construction timeline is about to get pushed back.

"You always wish things were planned better," said Ron Pickett, who owns Charisma Car Wash.  Pickett and owners of several neighboring businesses just learned that the contractor who did the street survey for the city made a major measuring mistake. To complete the Kirby reconstruction, the city will now need to take 15 feet of his property along the curb line.

"It makes me feel very nervous because it will be highly detrimental to my business," he said.

The city will now split up phase four of the project into two parts. The portion south of Bissonnet will go on as scheduled with no delays. However, the area north of Bissionnet needs to be redesigned, and that could take a while.

"We'll continue to maintain it and patch it, but we'll redesign it to take into account the additional right of way," said Houston city councilmember Anne Clutterbuck.

Clutterbuck says besides the car wash, the city might need strips of land from Helfman River Oaks and Goode Company Barbecue, businesses that are hoping the delay would result in a compromise that won't take so much of their land.

"Parking's already at a premium and our type of business, we depend on every parking space we have to make ends meet for us and make it work," said Levi Goode with Goode Company BBQ.

On Wednesday afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Brown and Gay engineers, the company contracted to do the design work for Kirby. A project manager there told me that historical city records showed the city owned enough land for the Kirby project and no one knew it was a problem until earlier this year.

Adrian's running the show

That would be Mr. Chairman, to you!  Council member Adrian Garcia will be running the show as Mayor Pro Tem today.  This is the first time any Mayor Pro Tem have actually run a council meeting during Mayor Bill White's term.  The Mayor is finishing a trade mission to Dubai.  He'll be back on Friday.. in the mean time, It's Adrian Garcia for you.

Adrian's running the show

That would be Mr. Chairman, to you!  Council member Adrian Garcia will be running the show as Mayor Pro Tem today.  This is the first time any Mayor Pro Tem have actually run a council meeting during Mayor Bill White's term.  The Mayor is finishing a trade mission to Dubai.  He'll be back on Friday.. in the mean time, It's Adrian Garcia for you.

Adrian's running the show

That would be Mr. Chairman, to you!  Council member Adrian Garcia will be running the show as Mayor Pro Tem today.  This is the first time any Mayor Pro Tem have actually run a council meeting during Mayor Bill White's term.  The Mayor is finishing a trade mission to Dubai.  He'll be back on Friday.. in the mean time, It's Adrian Garcia for you.

Adrian's running the show

That would be Mr. Chairman, to you!  Council member Adrian Garcia will be running the show as Mayor Pro Tem today.  This is the first time any Mayor Pro Tem have actually run a council meeting during Mayor Bill White's term.  The Mayor is finishing a trade mission to Dubai.  He'll be back on Friday.. in the mean time, It's Adrian Garcia for you.

The Hittner's Seder

I'm doing things a little backwards here this week, so please be patient.  On Sunday, I attended the annual Seder thrown by lawyer and former (maybe future) political candidate George Hittner.  George, his father Federal Judge David Hittner, and his mother have hosted the event for a number of years.  It's usually a menagerie of friends and colleagues that amount to about 200 people.  About half are Jewish, the others are invited as friends, some flew in from as far away as Kansas City to attend.  There was a sprinkling of elected officials, including County Commissioner Steve Radack, State Sen. John Whitmire, and Council member Jolanda Jones.  The younger Hittner's foray into politics also brings in some City Hall insiders, including Darrin Hall, and Carl Davis.  Unlike their day jobs, this is one event where the Democrats and Republicans actually share a table!

On the political gossip front, the younger Hittner says he was lobbied heavily to run for the seat being vacated by State Sen. Kyle Janek.  However, he's going to finish his Labor Dept. job in D.C. before deciding what to run for next.  I'm thinking an at-large council seat is something that would spark his interest.

The Hittner's Seder

I'm doing things a little backwards here this week, so please be patient.  On Sunday, I attended the annual Seder thrown by lawyer and former (maybe future) political candidate George Hittner.  George, his father Federal Judge David Hittner, and his mother have hosted the event for a number of years.  It's usually a menagerie of friends and colleagues that amount to about 200 people.  About half are Jewish, the others are invited as friends, some flew in from as far away as Kansas City to attend.  There was a sprinkling of elected officials, including County Commissioner Steve Radack, State Sen. John Whitmire, and Council member Jolanda Jones.  The younger Hittner's foray into politics also brings in some City Hall insiders, including Darrin Hall, and Carl Davis.  Unlike their day jobs, this is one event where the Democrats and Republicans actually share a table!

On the political gossip front, the younger Hittner says he was lobbied heavily to run for the seat being vacated by State Sen. Kyle Janek.  However, he's going to finish his Labor Dept. job in D.C. before deciding what to run for next.  I'm thinking an at-large council seat is something that would spark his interest.

The Hittner's Seder