Houston Blogs: Houston Political Blog

Pricy parking garage springs a leak

There could be a problem just below one of Houston's favorite new downtown spots. The multi-million dollar parking garage below Discovery Green has sprung a leak.

The new park in the heart of downtown is the pride of several city leaders, but what's just below the park could be an expensive mistake. The simple answer for now is that city leaders simply don't know if they've got a serious problem on their hands, or a minor nuisance.

The water playground is one of the most popular spots at Discovery Green. While getting wet is part of the fun above ground, what's happening just underneath Discovery could be a major problem.

"I haven't heard anything about the garage," said park visitor Don White. "First time I'm down here."

Story continues belowAdvertisementTo put it simply, the brand new, $21 million parking garage right below the park leaks. The garage is a crucial component of the $120 million Discovery Green Park. This potential problem was brought to light by a city council member, who because of the sensitive nature of this issue, wouldn't speak to us on camera.

Discovery Green Park Director Guy Hagstatte says the dripping and potential rusting are being looked into. "We're absolutely investigating everything," he said.

The leaking has certainly gotten the city's attention. It's even hired an outside firm to find out what went wrong with the parking garage. Right now all anyone can tell Eyewitness News is that there definitely is a problem.

"There were concerns expressed, and this was early in the year," Hagstatte said. "The city felt the best way to address those concerns was to get someone outside the process to come in and take an objective look at it."

Hagstatte points this most garages have some water, and this particular garage was designed to be damp. So while the city investigates whether the water underground could lead to bigger problems, above ground, no one seems to notice.

"I wasn't aware of that," said park visitor Raquel Rodriguez. "I wasn't even aware that there was a garage." Meanwhile, things are business as usual at Discovery Green, but there a lot of people investigating the potential problem.

SEE THE VIDEO REPORT

Outstanding in their field...

We are still working out some kinks, thanks for your patience!

Every year, the Houston Jaycees honors "Five Outstanding Young Houstonians."  And usually, the event has a bit of a political bent.  This year was no exception.  Among the five winners, two have distinct political connections, and plenty of politicians came out to show their support.  Council member James Rodriguez, who is well below the "39" age limit, gathered six tables of family and friends to show their support.  Rodriguez is a former Astros bat boy turned elected official.  Showing support included Mayor Bill White, as well as fellow council members Toni Lawrence, Mike Sullivan, Melissa Noriega, and Peter Brown.

Another honoree is not a politician, per se, but she is married to one.  Melissa King, who wore a splashy orange dress, is married to former-mayor-future-mayoral-candidate Bill King.  They brought their buddy Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to town to up the political wattage.  A former Jaycees president now turned State Rep. Bill Murphy gave a nice speech about service, dedication, hard work, and such. County Judge Ed Emmett, Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, Carol Alvarado, HISD board member Gregg Meyers, and a few others also hung out.  There was a nice balance of Republicans and Democrats, and most of the conversation stayed away from the touchy subjects of politics.  Still, with King planning his race for Mayor, Rodriguez thinking about his future, and a whole list of elected officials around... there was plenty of gossip..... 

Catching up!

Catching up…

Dear Blog readers, we've had IT stuff working out on the blog side, so blogging has been slow! My apologies!  A few thing have happened in the last week or so, and it’s time to catch up!

Council member Adrian Garcia had a good week.  He’s still way behind sheriff Tommy Thomas in the campaign war chest department, but he’s winning the public relations battle.  All three of the deputies’ unions have decided to back Garcia.  It’s the first time all three unions have endorsed one guy, and the first time they have endorsed someone OTHER than their current boss.   It’s a fairly big coup for Garcia’s campaign.  However, the campaign’s decision to hold the news conference at the ship channel was a little odd.  I know the message they were trying to get through.. that deputies are the first line of defense in any sort of outside attacks.  However, a more instantly recognizable backdrop, like in front of the county jail, would have been more effective.

On the City Council front, the news that Terence Fontaine, one of the Mayor’s Deputy Chiefs of Staff, is running for City Council is interesting.  Mainly, Fontaine has floated the idea that he wanted to run for Mayor.  But, running for Mayor is expensive, and you need a really good network of funding sources.  Fontaine, who’s done a lot of work the last couple of years under Mayor White, is going to run for At Large 4, Council Member Ronald Green’s seat.  He should have a decent shot, and the money requirements for a council race is much more manageable.

Sticking with City Council, James Rodriguez will be recognized as one of the Five Outstanding Young Houstonians this week.  The honor is bestowed by the Jaycees every year, and fellow winner this year also includes Melissa King, wife of future mayoral candidate Bill King.

Finally, a shout out to Susan Christian, the Deputy Director of Special Events.  She was honored over the weekend by the International Society of Special Events (ISES) for all the work she’s done relating to civic events throughout the city.  Christian is the woman who runs every parade, every public gathering, and of course, that spectacular Fourth of July celebration every year.  Congrats Susan.

What did Bush say at Olson Fundraiser?

The President's folks didn't let the press in, but we got some exclusive video of POTUS talking up a storm at Pete Olson's fundraiser on July 18th.  Click and take a look.  transcript below the link.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

Wall Street got drunk, it got drunk, (it’s one of the reasons I asked you to turn off your tv cameras.) It got drunk and now it’s got a hangover.  The question is how long will it sober up, and not try to do all these fancy financial instruments. 

And now we got a housing issue, not in Houston, and evidently, not in Dallas, because Laura was over there trying to buy a house today. (laugher.. Crawford!)

I like Crawford, unfortunately after eight years of asking her  to sacrifice, I’m now no longer the decision maker.  She’ll be deciding, thanks for the suggestion!    I suggest you don’t yell it out when she’s here.  Later, telling her “Hey honey, we’ve been on government pay now for 14 years... so go slow!" 

It’s uh.. caused me to lose my train of thought. Anyway.

The entire video runs about 2 minutes, the portion with the President runs just around a minute.

What did Bush say at Olson Fundraiser?

Check back on the blog in a bit!  We'll have the scoop on what President Bush said during the Pete Olson Fundraiser on Friday. 

Chris Bell Runs for Senate

Last night, in front of a group of friends, Former Council Member, Congressman, candidate for Mayor, candidate for Governor, kicked off his latest campaign.  He's running for former State Sen. Kyle Janek's seat.  Bell will be up against several Republicans, including Blakemore's candidate Austen Furse.  Here's Bell's re-intro-duction-introduction.

Chris Bell Runs for Senate

Last night, in front of a group of friends, Former Council Member, Congressman, candidate for Mayor, candidate for Governor, kicked off his latest campaign.  He's running for former State Sen. Kyle Janek's seat.  Bell will be up against several Republicans, including Blakemore's candidate Austen Furse.  Here's Bell's re-intro-duction-introduction.

Scenes from the Informal Criminal Hearing.

With members of Congress Sheila Jackson-Lee and John Conyers present, it was a packed room at City Hall on Friday.  At issue:  the problems at the Harris County Sheriff's Department, the County Jail, and the District Attorney's office.  Will anything happen?  Who knows. But here are a few images.

Scenes from the Informal Criminal Hearing.

With members of Congress Sheila Jackson-Lee and John Conyers present, it was a packed room at City Hall on Friday.  At issue:  the problems at the Harris County Sheriff's Department, the County Jail, and the District Attorney's office.  Will anything happen?  Who knows. But here are a few images.

Jackson Lee, Conyers take over City Hall

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers will spearhead a special meeting at City Hall today. It'll focus on the Harris County judicial system, including offensive e-mails circulated among the Harris County sheriff's office.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee told Eyewitness News earlier this month, why she wants these hearings.
"I am demanding direct answers to the many questions surround the Horn incident, derogatory emails being circulated in the Harris County sheriff's office, years of Harris County mishandling of DNA evidence and the deteriorating conditions at the Harris County jail," she said

Jackson Lee has been a leading critic of the Harris County Sheriff's Dept. and the jail it runs.  She's already held several news conferences on the issue. Oh, and she's very familiar with City Hall, having been a city council member previously.  Now, some are wondering, does Jackson Lee like City Hall enough to come back permanently?  Maybe a shot at that seat in the middle? Hmm...

Jackson Lee, Conyers take over City Hall

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers will spearhead a special meeting at City Hall today. It'll focus on the Harris County judicial system, including offensive e-mails circulated among the Harris County sheriff's office.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee told Eyewitness News earlier this month, why she wants these hearings.
"I am demanding direct answers to the many questions surround the Horn incident, derogatory emails being circulated in the Harris County sheriff's office, years of Harris County mishandling of DNA evidence and the deteriorating conditions at the Harris County jail," she said

Jackson Lee has been a leading critic of the Harris County Sheriff's Dept. and the jail it runs.  She's already held several news conferences on the issue. Oh, and she's very familiar with City Hall, having been a city council member previously.  Now, some are wondering, does Jackson Lee like City Hall enough to come back permanently?  Maybe a shot at that seat in the middle? Hmm...

A cop and former cop get indicted!

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Harris County grand jury today indicted a Houston Police Officer and a former Houston Police Officer on theft-related charges involving more than $100,000 in losses by the Houston Police Officers Union (HPOU).
Ronny Martin, a former police officer, was indicted on two charges. They are the first-degree felony of Aggregate Theft by a Public Servant of $100,000 to $200,000, and the second-degree felony of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property of $100,000 to $200,000.
Officer Jeffrey Larson was indicted for the second-degree felony of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property of $100,000 to $200,000.
The defendants are accused of engaging in a criminal scheme that misappropriated cash, checks, credit cards, and vehicles totaling more than $100,000 from the HPOU organization and board of directors. The thefts allegedly occurred from December 2004 to January 2008.
Larson acted as treasurer for HPOU. In that capacity, he is accused of failing to document and account for transactions, transferring titles of vehicles without payment, and negotiating HPOU checks for cash payments.
Martin is accused of orchestrating the scheme and receiving benefits from the transactions. Martin served as the HPOU secretary and was a member of the union's board of directors.
The Public Integrity Division of the Harris County District Attorney's Office will be prosecuting the cases.

A cop and former cop get indicted!

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Harris County grand jury today indicted a Houston Police Officer and a former Houston Police Officer on theft-related charges involving more than $100,000 in losses by the Houston Police Officers Union (HPOU).
Ronny Martin, a former police officer, was indicted on two charges. They are the first-degree felony of Aggregate Theft by a Public Servant of $100,000 to $200,000, and the second-degree felony of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property of $100,000 to $200,000.
Officer Jeffrey Larson was indicted for the second-degree felony of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property of $100,000 to $200,000.
The defendants are accused of engaging in a criminal scheme that misappropriated cash, checks, credit cards, and vehicles totaling more than $100,000 from the HPOU organization and board of directors. The thefts allegedly occurred from December 2004 to January 2008.
Larson acted as treasurer for HPOU. In that capacity, he is accused of failing to document and account for transactions, transferring titles of vehicles without payment, and negotiating HPOU checks for cash payments.
Martin is accused of orchestrating the scheme and receiving benefits from the transactions. Martin served as the HPOU secretary and was a member of the union's board of directors.
The Public Integrity Division of the Harris County District Attorney's Office will be prosecuting the cases.

Skelly's big ad buy

So the Democratic underdog in House District 7 is trying to level the playing field with a major ad buy.  On Tuesday, Skelly's first ad (a warm and fuzzy one starring his kids) went up on broadcast and cable.  His people won't say exactly how much he spent, only that it's "significant."  Seeing that he has more than a million bucks cash on hand, I guess he can afford it.... more after the video

Republican incumbent John Culberson reported having more than half a million dollars cash on hand, and he says he's doing just fine, thanks you!  In a written statement his folks sent from Washington, D.C. yesterday, Culberson said in part, "My opponent is another millionaire Democrat trying to buy a seat in Congress, and while his money may generate headlines, it won't influence voters."

So, does Skelly have a chance?  Our political consultant, Dr. Richard Murray, says he has a chance, though it's still going to be tough.  Calling the district "one of the most conservative in the state"  Murray says it will be challenging for any Democrat to break through.  He puts the bet at around "25 percent, which is extremely high when you consider the district."  But, money can change things.  Murray says if Skelly's willing to spend 2-3 million, as he's indicated, numbers could move.  Will it be enough? We shall see.

Skelly's big ad buy

So the Democratic underdog in House District 7 is trying to level the playing field with a major ad buy.  On Tuesday, Skelly's first ad (a warm and fuzzy one starring his kids) went up on broadcast and cable.  His people won't say exactly how much he spent, only that it's "significant."  Seeing that he has more than a million bucks cash on hand, I guess he can afford it.... more after the video

Republican incumbent John Culberson reported having more than half a million dollars cash on hand, and he says he's doing just fine, thanks you!  In a written statement his folks sent from Washington, D.C. yesterday, Culberson said in part, "My opponent is another millionaire Democrat trying to buy a seat in Congress, and while his money may generate headlines, it won't influence voters."

So, does Skelly have a chance?  Our political consultant, Dr. Richard Murray, says he has a chance, though it's still going to be tough.  Calling the district "one of the most conservative in the state"  Murray says it will be challenging for any Democrat to break through.  He puts the bet at around "25 percent, which is extremely high when you consider the district."  But, money can change things.  Murray says if Skelly's willing to spend 2-3 million, as he's indicated, numbers could move.  Will it be enough? We shall see.

The Debakey sons remember an icon...

Update:  To see a video of the complete interview, click here.

"He was the best father anyone can ask for,"  that's how Michael M. Debakey, the oldest son of Dr. Michael Debakey, remembered his dad.  I had the chance to sit down with Denis and Michael Debakey this afternoon.  We spent about 20 minutes talking about what their father accomplished.  Denis and Michael are the two surviving sons of Dr. Debakey and his first wife, Diana.  The two other brothers passed away in recent years.

Both men remember their father as stern, but loving.  "We didn't get a lot of time with him, but the time we had were quality," said Denis.

They talked about how, because of their father's busy surgical schedule, they would have to catch him at four in the morning, while he's shaving, for a chat.  Denis and Michael also remembered the partnership their parents forged during their 36 years of marriage.  Diana died in 1972.  They said their mother, a nurse, appreciated his dedication to medicine, and his always legible handwriting. As for their father's greatest legacy, the men say it's the hundreds of physicians their father trained over the years who continue to save lives around the world.

The Debakey sons remember an icon...

Update:  To see a video of the complete interview, click here.

"He was the best father anyone can ask for,"  that's how Michael M. Debakey, the oldest son of Dr. Michael Debakey, remembered his dad.  I had the chance to sit down with Denis and Michael Debakey this afternoon.  We spent about 20 minutes talking about what their father accomplished.  Denis and Michael are the two surviving sons of Dr. Debakey and his first wife, Diana.  The two other brothers passed away in recent years.

Both men remember their father as stern, but loving.  "We didn't get a lot of time with him, but the time we had were quality," said Denis.

They talked about how, because of their father's busy surgical schedule, they would have to catch him at four in the morning, while he's shaving, for a chat.  Denis and Michael also remembered the partnership their parents forged during their 36 years of marriage.  Diana died in 1972.  They said their mother, a nurse, appreciated his dedication to medicine, and his always legible handwriting. As for their father's greatest legacy, the men say it's the hundreds of physicians their father trained over the years who continue to save lives around the world.

Plans for City Hall...

Over the weekend, we all learned the sad news that pioneering heart surgeon Dr. Michael Debakey passed away, at the age of 99.  The tremendous contributions the world of medicine and the community at large are hard to quantify.  You can read more about it here.  Tomorrow, Dr. Debakey will lie in repose at Houston City Hall from 10a.m. to 7p.m.  This is City Council break week, so there were no major activities planned at City Hall, no meetings, no briefings.

Now, Houstonians from all corners can come and pay their respects to Dr. Debakey.  Family members will be present starting at 3p.m.

Plans for City Hall...

Over the weekend, we all learned the sad news that pioneering heart surgeon Dr. Michael Debakey passed away, at the age of 99.  The tremendous contributions the world of medicine and the community at large are hard to quantify.  You can read more about it here.  Tomorrow, Dr. Debakey will lie in repose at Houston City Hall from 10a.m. to 7p.m.  This is City Council break week, so there were no major activities planned at City Hall, no meetings, no briefings.

Now, Houstonians from all corners can come and pay their respects to Dr. Debakey.  Family members will be present starting at 3p.m.

METRO might change a route, again!

Following the protest-loudly-and-often motto of the Afton Oaks people, the homeowners along Wheeler Ave. are on the verge of getting what they want:  No light rail... at least not for a few blocks.

After a closed door, no media allowed meeting Thursday night, homeowners, council members, and METRO hammered out a possible compromise for the line.  Right now, if you go East bound along Richmond, the proposed line would take you from Richmond to Wheeler until it hits TSU.  The alternative (told to me by people who were at the meeting) would go from Richmond to Wheeler, jog north along Cleburne/Hutchins/Dowling, until it his W. Alabama, which will then continue on to TSU.

For many of the long time residents of Wheeler, the potential compromise is good news.  I talked to several today, who say-- unlike the Afton Oaks folks -- they actually use mass transit.  However, they just thought Wheeler is too narrow. It's four lanes with no median.  W. Alabama and Richmond, are three lanes with a median.  Nothing is certain yet, the whole change-a-roo still needs a METRO board vote.. but it looks very possible that the folks on the Southeast side might get what they want... now if they'd just let us in those meetings!

METRO might change a route, again!

Following the protest-loudly-and-often motto of the Afton Oaks people, the homeowners along Wheeler Ave. are on the verge of getting what they want:  No light rail... at least not for a few blocks.

After a closed door, no media allowed meeting Thursday night, homeowners, council members, and METRO hammered out a possible compromise for the line.  Right now, if you go East bound along Richmond, the proposed line would take you from Richmond to Wheeler until it hits TSU.  The alternative (told to me by people who were at the meeting) would go from Richmond to Wheeler, jog north along Cleburne/Hutchins/Dowling, until it his W. Alabama, which will then continue on to TSU.

For many of the long time residents of Wheeler, the potential compromise is good news.  I talked to several today, who say-- unlike the Afton Oaks folks -- they actually use mass transit.  However, they just thought Wheeler is too narrow. It's four lanes with no median.  W. Alabama and Richmond, are three lanes with a median.  Nothing is certain yet, the whole change-a-roo still needs a METRO board vote.. but it looks very possible that the folks on the Southeast side might get what they want... now if they'd just let us in those meetings!

"Controll"ing the candidates

Council Member Pam Holm has been busy "doing lunch" these days.  Just yesterday, she was at Artista, the restaurant in the Hobby Center next to City Hall, having a tete-a-tete with current Controller Annise Parker.  While they no doubt talked about Parker's expected Mayoral run, there's a good chance Holm was picking Parker's brain for thoughts about her own political future.

Holm is seriously considering throwing her hat in the ever  expanding ring for Controller.  Why? Well, she hasn't divulged that to me, though she did admit she's definitely considering it when I ran into her at lunch on Monday.  That now means the current roster of "potential candidates" for Controller stands at four.  On the left leaning side, we've got Council Member Ronald Green, and former council member (and erstwhile Democrat) Carroll Robinson.  On the right leaning side we have Council Member MJ Khan, and now perhaps Holm.  I  know these city elections are officially non-political, but one would suspect that with two Dems and one Repub. in the race, Holm sees an opening.

Of the four, who do you think is most qualified?  Who do you trust with your money.... who's actually managed, counted, and dealt with large budgets?

"Controll"ing the candidates

Council Member Pam Holm has been busy "doing lunch" these days.  Just yesterday, she was at Artista, the restaurant in the Hobby Center next to City Hall, having a tete-a-tete with current Controller Annise Parker.  While they no doubt talked about Parker's expected Mayoral run, there's a good chance Holm was picking Parker's brain for thoughts about her own political future.

Holm is seriously considering throwing her hat in the ever  expanding ring for Controller.  Why? Well, she hasn't divulged that to me, though she did admit she's definitely considering it when I ran into her at lunch on Monday.  That now means the current roster of "potential candidates" for Controller stands at four.  On the left leaning side, we've got Council Member Ronald Green, and former council member (and erstwhile Democrat) Carroll Robinson.  On the right leaning side we have Council Member MJ Khan, and now perhaps Holm.  I  know these city elections are officially non-political, but one would suspect that with two Dems and one Repub. in the race, Holm sees an opening.

Of the four, who do you think is most qualified?  Who do you trust with your money.... who's actually managed, counted, and dealt with large budgets?

Fun at lunch...

I worked Saturday night, so I had a day off yesterday.. and went to lunch with some friends... and promptly ran into a gaggle of politicos.  At one table was Austen Furse, one of the Republicans who want to replace Kyle Janek as State Senator.  No, he wasn't eating with potential Democratic challenger Chris Bell (who really should update his website), that would have been really interesting.  Instead, he was chewing things over with new Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson.  It was the first time I'd met either man, and both seemed pleasant.

Furse, the annointed replacement-of-choice by Republican consultant Allen Blakemore and Former State Sen. Janek, was surprised when I mentioned I read about his wedding in the New York Times.  It's the first thing that pops up if you Google his name! He also told me that Blakemore was his consultant, even though Blakemore's been sending out news releases for weeks. He does, however, have great hair.

At another table was Houston Council Member Pam Holm, and Continental Gov't Affairs guru Nene Foxhall.  I'll have more to write about that a little later.  Also ran into Sen. KBH's local go-to guy Jason Fuller, who is still doing the "sure, she might be VP, but really we all know she's running for Governor" dance.  In fact, he danced across three tables over lunch. Impressive!   

Fun at lunch...

I worked Saturday night, so I had a day off yesterday.. and went to lunch with some friends... and promptly ran into a gaggle of politicos.  At one table was Austen Furse, one of the Republicans who want to replace Kyle Janek as State Senator.  No, he wasn't eating with potential Democratic challenger Chris Bell (who really should update his website), that would have been really interesting.  Instead, he was chewing things over with new Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson.  It was the first time I'd met either man, and both seemed pleasant.

Furse, the annointed replacement-of-choice by Republican consultant Allen Blakemore and Former State Sen. Janek, was surprised when I mentioned I read about his wedding in the New York Times.  It's the first thing that pops up if you Google his name! He also told me that Blakemore was his consultant, even though Blakemore's been sending out news releases for weeks. He does, however, have great hair.

At another table was Houston Council Member Pam Holm, and Continental Gov't Affairs guru Nene Foxhall.  I'll have more to write about that a little later.  Also ran into Sen. KBH's local go-to guy Jason Fuller, who is still doing the "sure, she might be VP, but really we all know she's running for Governor" dance.  In fact, he danced across three tables over lunch. Impressive!   

Images of a Happy Fourth

I was on work duty this Fourth of July, and I was assigned to cover the big fireworks show.  In between live shots, I snapped a few photos ... so enjoy!

Images of a Happy Fourth

I was on work duty this Fourth of July, and I was assigned to cover the big fireworks show.  In between live shots, I snapped a few photos ... so enjoy!

My view of the California Forest Fires

Just got back from a few days away from the news grind.. but I somehow can never quite get away from the news cycle...  This is what I found on my drive down Highway 1 the other day.. as usual, I was driving one way (South) while those being evacuated were driving another.

My view of the California Forest Fires

Just got back from a few days away from the news grind.. but I somehow can never quite get away from the news cycle...  This is what I found on my drive down Highway 1 the other day.. as usual, I was driving one way (South) while those being evacuated were driving another.