Future of local government depends on 'thinking outside the box'
Thompson describes changes, challenges facing cities, counties in Texas
 | Polk County Judge John Thompson (right) discusses local government issues with SPI Consultant AJ Bingham (left) and SPI Vice President for Public Affairs Gay Erwin.. |
For more than three decades, John Thompson has been on the front lines of local government - the good, the bad and the ever-changing. Thompson's public service career in local government began in 1983, when his first entry into local government politics resulted in an eight-year stint on the Livingston City Council, five of those years as mayor pro tem. In 1991, the longtime public servant was elected Polk County Judge. In a little less than a month, Thompson will hang up the Polk County Judge hat that he has worn for the last 24 years and end a political career he admits has been "a great, great ride."
Over that career, Thompson has seen first-hand the workings of both politics and government. And through his involvement in state, regional and national associations and organizations - such as two terms as president of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and president of the National Association of Regional Councils - he has kept his finger on the pulse of many of the problems and challenges other elected local government officials have experienced along the way.
Thompson recently reflected on how local government has changed over the years and what the future holds. "The biggest change I see is the attitude of the public," he said. "There is a lack of trust in government in general. The vast majority of folks who run for office are well-intentioned. They want to make a difference and they work hard to achieve that." Thompson said much of that distrust of government began at the federal level because many federal officials "are not accessible to the vast majority of people." On the other hand, says the longtime county judge, local officials are much more accessible - and approachable. And, that includes anywhere from church to the grocery store, on the street or at the post office. [more] |
Porter Wilson announced as executive director designee for ERS
 Porter Wilson (pictured) will soon be packing up in Lubbock for a return trip to Austin. The current Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations for the Texas Tech University System has been named executive director designee of the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Wilson will take over the reins of the agency that provides retirement and other benefit programs for State of Texas employees, retirees and their dependents, when current Executive Director Ann Bishop steps down. Bishop has served as director of the agency since 2004. She said in an email to ERS employees that Wilson will be joining ERS "on a date yet to be determined" and will work closely with her over the coming months during a transition period. Before joining the Texas Tech System, Wilson served as the longtime chief of staff for then-Sen. Robert Duncan, who now serves as chancellor of the Texas Tech System. Wilson was also a legislative aide to Duncan when Duncan was a member of the Texas House of Representatives. During that time, said Bishop, Wilson worked closely with ERS regarding legislation related to state employee benefits.
Wilson holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. As executive director designate, he will work with Bishop during the 84th legislative session that begins in January 2015 and learn ERS' operations and legislative processes before assumling the role of executive director.
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Ed Serna chosen as deputy executive director at TWC
 Longtime state employee Ed Serna (pictured) , who has been serving as director of Business Operations at the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) since April, was recently named by TWC Executive Director Larry Temple as the agency's new deputy executive director.
Serna's appointment was effective Dec. 1. As deputy executive director, he will assist Temple with management of the day-to-day operations of the agency. Temple said the goal is to "ensure TWC is an employer-focused and outcome-driven organization." Serna will also continue to direct the Business Operations Division and will have oversight of the Finance, Human Resources Management, Business Transformation and Information Technology divisions.
Before joining TWC, Serna was executive director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. He also has held executive-level posts with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Information Resources and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Serna holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars  David Mitchell, city manager, city of Harker Heights Career highlights and education: My career track started out in, of all things, forestry - after graduating from Auburn University with a B.S. in Forest Resources. I worked for nine years in the private sector as a forester. My time there has given me many life lessons and unique perspectives that I still use today. Through my career in forestry, I worked for and met many interesting people, including a former President and even a member of the Rolling Stones. My family and I located to Texas in 2004 as I was offered an opportunity to be the City Planner for Harker Heights. My original thoughts were to seek a Master of Business Administration and seek employment back in the private sector. I found I enjoyed the work so much that I pursued a Master of Public Administration, which I obtained in 2006. I have been blessed to have worked in a number of positions for the cities of Harker Heights and Hutto, both located in beautiful Central Texas.
What I like best about my job is: Serving others. Most of us have come to simply expect substandard service. It is a joy to exceed the expectations of those I serve.Service is something we pride ourselves in at Harker Heights.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Remain true to yourself. You can only project an image successfully for so long. It is important that your leadership style reflects who you really are.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: I personally share my passion for service with every new hire of the City of Harker Heights. Citizens have a choice in where to live and they chose Harker Heights. We should honor that decision by giving them extraordinary service.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: on a ball field with one of my three boys. Coaching two teams and having boys who play travel baseball keeps me hopping.
People would be surprised to know that I: once consulted for former President Jimmy Carter on forest management issues. President Carter owns a number of acres in rural Georgia and I got to spend some time with him on his various farms. I will always fondly remember an evening of dove hunting with him and his family.
One thing I wish more people knew about my city: We have such a great staff serving a supportive citizenry and business community in what I consider one of the most beautiful areas of Texas. They say in real estate it's about "location, location, location" and Harker Heights has that in abundance. From our cost of living, nice homes, parks, amenities and shopping opportunities to our picturesque scenery, Harker Heights is the place to be!
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Keel to leave TFC for assistant commissioner role at TDA
 Texas Facilities Commission Executive Director Terry Keel (pictured) will be leaving the agency to serve as Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) when Commissioner-elect Sid Miller takes office in January 2015. Keel has a long record of serving in a variety of positions in government.
The soon-to-be TDA official is a former member of the Texas House, former Travis County sheriff, former House parliamentarian and a former Travis County assistant district attorney. In his position as Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement, Consumer Protection and Border Security, Keel will oversee TDA's inspection division, with a goal of protecting consumers from fraud and abuse by those the department regulates.
Keel holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston.
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Archer named permanent director of Texas Legislative Council
 After having served as interim acting director of the Texas Legislative Council (TLC) since last August, Jeff Archer (pictured) this week was named the permanent executive director.
Archer is a good fit for the position, with nearly three decades of experience in drafting legislation and advising members of the Texas Legislature regarding issues such as taxes, state finance, higher education, criminal law, gaming, constitutional law, legislative procedure, ethics and redistricting. He has been the primary drafter for a number of legislative offerings to update the Texas Constitution. Before being named interim director, Archer was chief legislative counsel for the TLC. Each year, he hosted a continuing legal education seminar regarding legal and legislative ethics for attorneys in the state's legislative branch.
The new TCL executive director holds a bachelor's degree with highest honors from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law.
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Agriculture commissioner-elect names transition team
Sid Miller, Commissioner-elect of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), recently named members of his transition team. The team will work with Miller to make sure TDA is focusing on the most critical issues facing the state, he said. These issues are long-term water needs, strengthening and promoting the state's equine industry and protecting consumer safety, Miller said.
Transition team members are Rep. Allen Ritter of Nederland, who chaired the House Natural Resources Committee, but is not returning to the legislature; Lillie Gilligan, a health and human services expert from Austin; Rep. Bill Callegari of Katy, a civil engineer and water expert who also is leaving the legislature; Jim Reaves of Austin, who represents the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association; Johnny Trotter of Hereford; president of the American Quarter Horse Association and owner of Bar G Feedyard; and Kenneth Banks of Schulenburg, who is a member of the American Quarter Horse Foundation.
Additional team members are Pierre De Wet of Tyler, president of Kiepersol Enterprises; Bob Reeves of Center, a rancher and timber producer; Diane Chilton-Harper of Pilot Point, a quarter horse breeder and chair of the Texas Bred Horse Association; and Sylvia Hernandez Maddox, a rancher and former president of the Republican Hispanic National Assembly.
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TxDMV announces selection of two new division directors
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) recently announced the selection of two new division directors for the agency. Caroline Love has been chosen as director of the Government and Strategic  Communications Division and Bryan Wilson is the new director of the Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA).
Love, who worked at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for 10 years, most recently served that agency as advisor to the Texas Transportation Commission, a post she held since 2011. In that capacity, she managed projects and advised the Commission on TxDOT policy considerations, major projects and department operating strategies. She initially joined TxDOT as a state legislative liaison. Before joining TxDOT, Love worked at a private-sector public and government affairs consulting firm. She also is a former adviser to a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
Wilson joined TxDMV in his new position in October. The ABTPA is responsible for educating Texas citizens about how to protect themselves from being victims of motor vehicle theft and hands out grant funding to mitigate auto theft and burglary. Wilson's charge is to improve communications between the auto burglary and theft prevention taskforces, auto-related stakeholders and the public. He is a former grants administrator for the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. He also has served the courts and the State of Texas since 1988 in positions that include probation officer, program administrator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Treatment Alternative to Incarceration Program and the TDCJ Office of General Counsel. He also was grant administrator for the Supreme Court Permanent Judicial Commission on Children Youth and Families.
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Blinn College selects search firm to help find new president
Blinn College officials recently selected the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to help find a new president to replace Dr. Harold Nolte, who is retiring in January 2015.
ACCT representatives will assist in assessing the qualities needed for a new president, help with recruiting and outreach and work closely with the Presidential Search Advisory Committee as candidates for president are evaluated.
A nonprofit educational organization, ACCT is comprised of more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who oversee more than 1,200 community colleges and technical colleges in the United States and other countries.
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Jones selected as dean of ASU's College of Business
 University of South Carolina Aiken's Clifton T. Jones (pictured), dean of the School of Business Administration, has been selected as the new dean of the Angelo State University College of Business and will also serve as professor of economics. His appointment is effective April 1, 2015.
Jones has held his position with USC-Aiken since 2012. Prior to that affiliation, he was chair of the Department of Economics and Finance in the Rusche College of Business at Stephen F. Austin State University. He also previously spent four years as a faculty member at Murray State University in Kentucky and six years on the faculty at the University of Richmond in Virginia.
The new dean, who holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from Texas A&M University, will replace Dr. Corbett Gaulden, who served as dean of ASU's College of Business since July of 2007 and is moving to a full-time faculty position as a professor of marketing. Dr. Sharynn Tomlin, professor of management and executive director of ASU's Center for International studies, will serve as interim dean, effective Jan. 1, 2015, until Jones' arrival in April.
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Dallas named by Rockefeller Foundation one of 100 resilient cities
Rockefeller Foundation officials recently invited Dallas to participate in its 100 Resilient Cities network. Dallas joins with Boston, Chicago, New York City, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Tulsa as the cities in the United States selected to form a network of cities best prepared to respond to challenges of the 21st century.
Each of the chosen cities, including Mexico City; Byblos, Lebanon; Dakar, Senegal; Bangkok, Thailand; and Surat, India; won selection by showing it is possible to build urban resilience to current challenges such a chronic shortages of food and water, crime, pollution and insufficient public transportation, noted Dr. Judith Rodin, president of the foundation. Each of the cities selected is eligible to receive funding to hire a chief resilience officer to oversee analysis, planning and implementation of the resilience strategy, she said.
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Gray retiring as chief diversity officer at West Texas A&M
 Dr. Rosemary Gray (pictured), who has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, recently said she is retiring as the chief diversity and inclusion officer at West Texas A&M University.
Gray also was a public school teacher and served as a faculty member, department chair or instructor at community colleges and universities in Tennessee, Virginia and the District of Columbia. She earned an associates degree from Morristown College, a bachelor's degree from Emory & Henry College, a master's degree from Catholic University and an Ed.D. from East Tennessee State University.
West Texas A&M officials plan to appoint an interim chief diversity and inclusion officer while they conduct a national search to fill that position.
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Massive SAWS pipeline construction officially begins Work officially got under way this week on the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) efforts to pipe water from Burleson County into Bexar County. SAWS officials, along with representatives of the city of San Antonio and Vista Ridge Consortium, which has been contracted for the work, signed some of the steel pipe to be used in the project to officially mark the start of the project.
The pipeline will be constructed from Burleson County to San Antonio and will carry up to 16.3 billion gallons per year for 30 years from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. The consortium will own the pipeline for the duration of that time. Expected to be operational by sometime in 2029, the nearly 150-mile-long pipeline will expand the local water supply by up to 20 percent and give officials yet another water source for their local water supply. |
O'Donnell will head up LBJ School's Washington Center
 Thomas O'Donnell An inaugural director has been named for the new Washington Center of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Thomas P. O'Donnell (pictured), who has served in positions in the White House and the U.S. Senate, will head up the program that will offer an 18-month federal policy master's degree curriculum that will begin in Austin and culminate in a six-month mix of graduate school coursework at the Washington Center and a federal policy apprenticeship in Washington, D.C.
O'Donnell served as Special Assistant to the President and chief of staff of the White House National Economic Council and chief of staff and general counsel of the President's Council of Economic Advisers. He is a graduate of Yale University and The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
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Smith County agrees to create transportation reinvestment zone
Smith County commissioners recently approved a resolution creating a Transportation Reinvestment Zone (TRZ).
The new TRZ would collect increases in property valuation from development within a two-mile corridor along Toll Road 49, which is operated and maintained by the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Commissioners have not yet decided on how revenues from the TRZ will be divided between the county and the regional mobility authority.
Current estimates are that the TRZ will create from $31 million to $41 million in revenue during its 25-year lifespan based on the current tax rate of the county. Revenue going to the regional mobility authority could help the agency borrow additional funding to build more segments to Toll 49. Commissioners said they plan to spend a portion of the new revenue from the TRZ on county road projects.
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Gage appointed CFO, VP at MD Anderson Cancer Center
 Weldon Gage (pictured) recently won selection as vice president and chief financial officer for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The appointment is effective on Jan. 12, 2015.
Joining the cancer center in 1999 as a financial analyst, Gage also served as director of strategic finance before he resigned in 2005 to serve as an administrator at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. In 2012, Gage returned to MD Anderson as the chief financial officer.
Gage has a bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a master's degree in business administration from Texas A&M University.
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Abilene bond panel urges $87 million bond election in 2015
A bond advisory panel in Abilene recently recommended 40 projects totaling $87.4 million for possible inclusion in a bond election in May 2015.
Road and reconstruction projects make up the majority, $45.5 million, included in the recommendation, which also urged approving $7 million to replace three fire stations. Committee members also urged council to include $17 million for a new aquatic facility, four new splash pads and a new centralized recreation center at Rose Park; $4.2 million to upgrade Abilene Regional Airport; $3.5 million to improve municipal facilities; and $1 million to upgrade the Abilene Zoo.
The Abilene Bond Advisory Committee began meeting in August and reviewed 136 proposed projects totaling $156.9 million to arrive at the recommendation. More information on the committee's recommendation is available here.
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 Kleinschmidt leaving House to serve at TDA
State Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt (pictured) of Lexington is giving up his seat in the Texas House of Representatives to serve as general counsel for the Texas Department of Agriculture when TDA Commissioner-elect Sid Miller takes office in January.
Kleinschmidt won a fourth term in the House during the November general election, but is giving up that post to head to TDA on Jan. 14, 2015.
Miller said he picked Kleinschmidt as general counsel because the lawmaker is an accomplished property rights attorney and a lifetime rancher. With the resignation of Kleinschmidt, a special election will be called in House District 17, which serves a portion of Central Texas.
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El Paso city manager restructures leadership staff
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez of El Paso recently unveiled his new leadership team designed to save $500,000 a year while taking advantage of existing talent on city staff.
Gonzalez eliminated 10 vacant positions and moved staff to different duties to be more streamlined and efficient, he said. His new team is Nancy Bartlett, who is the first performance officer for the city; Mark Sutter, the chief financial officer; David Almonte, deputy city manager for health and safety; and Juliet Lozano, public information and marketing corporate manager. Others named to the leadership team are Cary Westin, the managing director of economic development; Bryan Crowe, managing director of quality of life; and two assistants to the city manager, Kurt Fenstermacher and Laura Cruz-Acosta. The city's chief reliance officer, Nicole Ferrini, also will report directly to the city manager. A two-year grant from the Rockefeller Foundation is funding the chief reliance officer for two years.
Staff positions eliminated were deputy city manager for transportation and public works, the deputy city manager for quality of life, general services director, the chief of staff to the city manager, assistant comptroller, an information technology senior management position, an office of management and budget senior management position and three administration positions in the city manager's office.
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Sunset Commission decisions on agencies to be heard Dec. 10 Commission decisions on numerous state agencies will be discussed at the Wednesday, Dec. 10, meeting of the Sunset Advisory Commission. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. in Room E1.036 of the State Capitol Extension, the Senate Finance Committee Room. Commission decisions will be heard relative to the following agencies: Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities, Texas Health Services Authority, Health and Human Services Commission and System Issues (includes Office of Inspector General and Interagency Task Force for Children With Special Needs), Department of Family and Protective Services (additional issues from November Commission meeting), Texas Education Agency (includes State Board for Educator Certification) and Entry Criteria for Self-Directed Semi-Independent Agencies. Also at the meeting, staff presentations and public testimony will be heard on the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Workforce Investment Council, State Office of Administrative Hearings (includes Tax Division) and Texas Facilities Commission. |
Pflugerville to hire company to develop transportation plan
Pflugerville city officials recently agreed to hire a consulting company to develop a transportation plan for the city. The plan will include a city bus hub and identify service options. The transportation study also will seek to enhance regional connectivity, identify funding for projects, locate sites for transit-oriented development and evaluate using a public-private partnership to improve transportation, noted Assistant City Manager Trey Fletcher.
The city is not part of the service area for Capital Metro, but could be a partner in the process of building transportation infrastructure, Fletcher said. City officials expect the new transportation plan to be completed by fall 2015.
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Topliff selected as provost, VP for Angelo State University
 Dr. Donald R. Topliff (pictured) recently was selected as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Angelo State University (ASU). The appointment is effective on Jan. 1, 2015.
Topliff will replace Brian May, who served a dual role as graduate dean and provost before being named as president of ASU. Dr. Nancy Allen, who has served as interim provost since 2012, will return as vice provost.
Currently the dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering at West Texas A&M, Topliff also has served as an associate dean and a department head there. He has an associate's degree from Colby Community College, a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University and a master's degree and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.
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Denison raises rates to pay for upgrades to water, sewer systems
Denison City Council members recently approved an increase in water and sewer rates to pay for $28 million in projects to upgrade the city's water and sewer system during the next five years. The design, construction and implementation of an $8 million water intake structure on Lake Texoma is a major items in the plan, but city officials also plan to install 11 new water lines, upgrade elevated and ground storage tanks and install a $3.9 million automated meter-reading system.
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National Fish and Wildlife group awards $13.2M in grants to Texas
 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) officials recently announced $13.2 million in grants for eight projects in Texas to add land to coastal wildlife refuges, restore marshland and control erosion of vital habitat. The grants are from criminal settlement funds negotiated by the U.S. Department of Justice with BP and Transocean to resolve some criminal charges linked to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Texas will use the grants to conserve critical coastal habitats, said Carter Smith (pictured), executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The projects include $4.36 million to acquire coastal marshland in Anahuac, $2.6 million for the Coastal Heritage Preserve Initiative for Bayside acquisition and easement; $2 million for the Virginia Point Shoreline Protection and Estuarine Restoration; and $1.2 million for Oyster Lake Shoreline Protection and Restoration. Other approved projects are $1.5 million to restore Egery Flats Marsh; $1.1 million to restore Nueces Bay rookery islands; $125,000 for engineering and design of the Greens Lake protection and marsh restoration project; and $130,000 for the Dollar Bay-Moses Lake shoreline enhancement and restoration.
Developed along with input from TPWD, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the General Land Office and federal agencies, the grants are designed to remedy harm or reduce risk of future harm to natural resources affected by oil spills. Project partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Artist Boat, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, the Galveston Bay Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and SCENIC GALVESTON, Inc.
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Bush looking to increase energy-related revenue generation
Plans to consolidate three of the Texas Land Commission's divisions into a new entity charged with generating energy-related revenue is one of the plans Commissioner-elect George P. Bush has in mind when he takes over at the agency in January 2015. The new division will be named the Permanent School Fund Income Division. It is the result of combining the Energy Resources Division with the Asset Management and Asset Inspection divisions.
While there could be some loss of positions in the reorganization, Bush's transition team indicates most will be from attrition and not layoffs. The Permanent School Fund in the past has helped fund Texas public education from revenues from oil and gas interests on state-owned lands.
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Two state employees graduate from 2014 Leadership Texas
  Two state employees, Brenda Grays (left) and Tanya Skaarup (right) were recently graduated from 2014 Leadership Texas.
Leadership Texas is a year-long program for women leaders throughout the state who represent diverse backgrounds. The program provides opportunities for both leadership education and hands-on experience. The program allows participants to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of diverse issues, dynamics and cultures that impact the state.
Grays is an employee of Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) -Knowledge Engineering, and Skaarup is an employee of the Texas Department of Information Resources. Both of the recent graduates benefited from Professional Development Scholarships from the Executive Women in Texas Government organization that allowed them to participate in the Leadership Texas program. They graduated from the program in November.
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Royse City continues planning for $10 million bond election
City council members in Royse City recently authorized City Manager Carl Alsabrook to proceed with planning a bond election in May 2015 to ask voters to approve $10 million in bonds for a street rehabilitation program.
If the bonds are approved, city officials plan to rebuild three streets with concrete surfaces and rehabilitate water and sewer lines along those three streets. City officials also plan to rehabilitate streets located in "old town" in addition to Old Greenville Road and Joe Bailey Road if voters approve the bonds.
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Plano parks department named as finalist for national award
 The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) recently selected the Plano Parks and Recreation Department as a finalist for a Gold Medal Award.
The city's 83 neighborhood and community parks, along with 70 miles of paved walking trails, are a vital part of the city's quality of life and should receive national recognition, noted Mayor Harry LaRosiliere (pictured).
The Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies also recognized the department with national reaccreditation, the mayor said. The parks and recreation department met all 144 standards, which include financial management, community involvement and land use management to win the reaccreditation, he added.
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COAERS picks Hanson as system's new executive director Christopher D. Hanson, executive director of the Texas State Pension Review Board since 2009, has been chosen as executive director for the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System (COAERS), effective Jan. 12, 2015. He succeeds Stephen C. Edmonds, who is planning to retire in February of next year. Edmonds has served the system for 11 years. His retirement will end a 40-year career in public administration. Hanson, who is a graduate of Dartmouth College, was the unanimous choice of the COAERS board. Board Chair Sam Jones called Hanson a "high-caliber individual" who is "well-versed in the issues and challenges facing retirement systems and brings with him a stellar reputation within the public pension community." |
Need a job? Got a job opening?  Check out our Public-Sector Job Board! Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Texas Legislative Council - Infrastructure Specialist III; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Account Representative I; Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs - Audit Project Manager, Compliance Monitor; Alamo Area Council of Goverments - Research Specialist, Care Specialist I&E, Human Resources Administrative Assistant; State Comptroller - HUB Coordinator; three jobs at Texas Military Department and more. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public-sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com. |
LaPoynor ISD reviews public input to decide on May bond election
Trustees for LaPoynor Independent School District recently began reviewing public comments regarding a proposed bond election in May 2015 to expand the number of classrooms and build a new gymnasium.
A majority of residents at a public hearing voiced support for including the new classrooms and gymnasium in one proposition rather than separating the two projects in two proposals which resulted in voters in a previous bond proposal rejecting the proposition for the gymnasium. |
 Murphy approves $3 million for new sewer line
Murphy City Council members recently approved the issue of $3 million in certificates of obligation to pay for construction of a parallel sewer line project.
Council members also authorized the city engineer to seek proposals for construction of the sewer line, noted Finance Director Linda Truitt (pictured).
Because the latest estimate of $2.5 million for the sewer line project is from two years ago, the cost of the sewer line project may be more or less than that estimate, Truitt said.
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Grant will help build science wing on Diboll ISD campus
The Diboll Independent School District's new high school campus will be getting a new science wing addition.
School officials recently announced that the T.L.L. Temple Foundation is making a $1.4 million grant to the school district toward the new science area.
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Corpus Christi seeking proposals to buy vacant retail store
Corpus Christi city officials recently issued a request for proposals to buy a 24,000-square-foot retail store on Chaparral Street and develop the property into apartment units or a mixed-use development. The downtown store has been vacant for more than 20 years.
The proposal also includes a requirement for a parking plan to accommodate an agreement with a neighboring apartment development.
Deadline for developers to submit proposals is Jan. 12, 2015.
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AISD interim superintendent to be considered for superintendent
Austin Independent School District trustees recently agreed to include Interim Superintendent Paul Cruz as a finalist for superintendent. Board members two weeks ago narrowed the list of 98 candidates, which did not include Cruz, and agreed to interview 12 finalists for superintendent.
As a result of community support for Cruz and because of his job performance, trustees agreed to allow Cruz to discuss with board members any interest he has in serving as superintendent.
Trustees then agreed to change the previous schedule for selecting a new superintendent and canceled a public forum on Dec. 9 at which the 12 finalists were to be introduced to the public. Trustees are still planning to interview the finalists selected in November, the board president said.
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Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD approves $10 million bond election
 Trustees for Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters to approve $10 million in bonds to pay for upgrades to safety and security at district campuses.
Board members also are asking voters to approve funding to pay for improvements to curriculum, noted Superintendent Jerry Gibson (pictured). The bond proposal will seek funding to pay for safety upgrades, including new fire alarm systems at an elementary and intermediate school, and to build a new security vestibule at the intermediate school.
At the high school, the proposed bond would pay for a new addition, renovate a science lab, add a new weight room and add new sidewalks to meet federal requirements for people with disabilities. Trustees also plan to build a new locker room, install bleachers at the gymnasium and build a new canopy to protect students at the junior high school, Gibson said.
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Ysleta ISD panel surveying campuses to study facility needs
To prepare for declining enrollment and upgrade aging campuses, a Facilities Assessment Committee is visiting each of the 62 schools in the Ysleta Independent School District to help decide whether the district should ask voters to approve a bond election next year.
A recent study has determined the district would need to spend about $72.3 million for repairs to many buildings that are more than 25 years old and some that are underused because of declining enrollment. The study also urged trustees to consider combining some campuses, redraw boundaries and close some older schools.
Committee members are expected to report their findings on the current state of district facilities to board members in early 2015. Trustees also will use the results of the study commissioned earlier this year to decide whether to schedule a bond sale next year.
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14th Bexar County Contracting Conference set for Dec. 10 The Bexar County Contracting Conference, linking small, minority, women and veteran-owned business owners to federal, state and local government contracting opportunities, will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Freeman Expo Hall in San Antonio. Representatives of state, local and federal agencies will be on hand to discuss billions of dollars' worth of contracting opportunities. This free, one-day conference features free parking and will provide public- and private-sector organizations an opportunity to connect with vendors while also featuring workshops, vendor education and access to the Microsoft Procurement Technology Center. Now in its 14th year, this event has grown to be the largest event of its kind in South Texas. Last year, there were more than 3,500 attendees and 140 exhibitors. Among the workshop topics are "Doing Business with the Healthcare Industry," "Strategic Planning for Business Success," "Starting or Growing a Veteran-Owned Business," and "Hire the Best - Hire a Vet." Among the speakers will be U.S Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, John McKinney of San Antonio Goodwill Industries and Cathy Maras, Bexar County Chief Information Officer. Seating is limited so register now at www.Bexar.org/smwbe or by calling 210.335.2478 |
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| | | | New option for government: paying for performance  By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. At a time when budgets are stretched thin, funding for social programs is available to local governmental entities through a new and innovative program. The new funding comes from a Social Innovation Fund and monetary awards are based on successful accomplishment of pre-determined social outcomes. According to a report from the Social Innovation Research Center, government jurisdictions at all levels nationwide are beginning to compete for this type of funding. The Austin City Council recently passed a resolution authorizing the city manager to gather information about pay-for-success financing. Council members asked to be advised about the feasibility of using such a program. They also asked for suggestions about possible partners and projects that might be eligible. If they move quickly, Austin could become the first city in Texas with a social impact-funded program. Social impact funding generally requires some amount of investment from the private sector and eligible projects must address social needs such as homelessness, medical needs, prisoner rehabilitation, childhood programs or mental health services. The projects that result are essentially public-private partnerships (P3s) because they meet most of the criteria for P3 designation. Social impact, or pay-for-success, programs focus totally on outcomes. Private partners are asked to invest in the financial aspect of a project and if outcome goals are met, investor funds will be repaid by the governmental entity that receives money from the federal program. [more] |
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Hutto approves funding to build new wastewater treatment plant
Hutto City Council members recently approved funding to begin construction of a new treatment plant to treat about 2 million gallons per day of wastewater.
To be located near Brushy Creek, the new plant should be completed in 2016. City officials obtained a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board to help pay for the new wastewater treatment plant.
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City of Argyle taps Frederiksen as its new city manager
 Argyle city officials recently tapped Paul Frederiksen (pictured) as city manager, effective on Dec. 22. He replaces Interim City Manager Trent Petty, who replaced former City Manager Charles West after West resigned in September.
Frederiksen previously served as a vice president for the South Montgomery County/Woodlands Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Keller Planning and Zoning Commission. He has two master's degrees from The University of Texas at Arlington.
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Texans await action on sales tax exemption for federal tax returns
Texans could keep their federal income tax deduction for state and local sales taxes if the U.S. Senate approves a tax breakmeasure that passed the U.S. House this week. House members voted to extend a provision that affects Texas and other states that do not collect a state income tax.
Texas is one of seven states that do not impose a state income tax and instead have been able to deduct state and local sales taxes from their federal income tax returns. A reported 2.3 million Texans used the sales tax deduction on their 2012 income tax filings. Passage in the Senate is not a shoe-in as this tax break extension is part of a much larger comprehensive tax bill.
Lawmakers recently scrapped their initial $450 billion tax package after threats of a Presidential veto. That bill would have made the sales tax exemption permanent for Texas and six other states.
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Port of Houston Authority approves $275M in improvements
Commissioners for the Port of Houston Authority recently approved a $275 million capital improvement budget for fiscal year 2015. Port officials projected a 1.6 percent in total revenues in 2015 because of increases in both import and export container volumes.
Among the capital improvements projects receiving approval are channel improvements and recapitalization projects.
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Dallas County selects Darryl Thomas as its new auditor  Dallas County officials recently selected Darryl Thomas (pictured) as the new county auditor, effective Jan. 1, 2015. He won selection over four other finalists who were interviewed following a national search.
He will replace County Auditor Virginia Porter, who is retiring after overseeing finances and county records for 18 years. Thomas currently is the liaison from the Sheriff's Department to commissioners in addition to overseeing the $146 million budget for the sheriff's office.
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Gregg County hires managers to oversee energy, maintenance Gregg County commissioners recently selected two new managers to oversee technology and maintenance at the courthouse. David Burns, who previously oversaw technology infrastructure for UT Health Northeast, is in charge of a new $3.2 million energy savings system expected to produce about $200,000 a year in energy savings for the county. Harry McMahan, who previously worked for Simon Properties, is the new director of maintenance, replacing former Maintenance Supervisor Billy Stuckey, who retired. The new technology system to manage energy use at the courthouse is expected to pay for itself in 15 years and produce savings for another 15 years, the county judge said. |
Gilcrease selected lone finalist for superintendent by Alvin ISD
 Dr. James "Buck" Gilcrease (pictured) recently won selection as the lone finalist for superintendent for Alvin Independent School District.
Currently superintendent at Hillsboro ISD, Gilcrease also served as superintendent for Haskell Consolidated ISD as well as serving as a principal, teacher and coach at several other school districts.
Gilcrease has a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas, a master's degree from Tarleton State University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M-Commerce.
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Stephenville names Allen as director of community services
Stephenville City Council members recently named Jeremy Allen, operations manager of the Cleburne Convention and Visitors Bureau, as the director of community services.
He will replace the former director, Drew Wells, who resigned to accept a similar job in Buda. Allen will oversee parks and recreation, the senior citizens center, the airport, the Bosque River Trail and Splashville for Stephenville.
Allen has a bachelor's degree from Fresno State University and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix. He also is a licensed pilot. He begins his new duties in Stephenville on Dec. 8.
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Brownsville hires new assistant city manager, two new directors
 Brownsville city officials recently selected Stephanie Reyes (pictured) as a new assistant city manager. Previously serving as director of grant management and community development, Reyes is a five-year city employee.
The city manager also promoted Marina Zolezzi to succeed Reyes as the director of grant management and community development. A six-year city employee, Zolezzi was the municipal court administrator.
Odee Leal, currently the emergency management administrator, won promotion as director of the office of emergency management and homeland security. Leal is a 20-year city employee.
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On our Web site...
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San Antonio ISD to pick search firm to find new superintendent
Trustees for San Antonio ISD recently began reviewing applications from search firms responding to a request for proposals to help district officials find a new superintendent. The deadline for receiving the proposals was today, Friday.
The new superintendent will replace Dr. Sylvester Perez, who is serving his second stint as superintendent after coming out of retirement in 2012 to serve as interim superintendent and then as superintendent since June 2013. Perez told trustees he planned to resign in April 2015, but since has indicated he may stay on the job until the end of the school year if trustees have not selected a new superintendent by April.
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Wyatt named as director of communications in San Marcos
 Kristi Wyatt (pictured) recently won selection as director of communications and intergovernmental relations for the city of San Marcos. Her duties include managing the communications team, the city's Web site, social media, municipal cable channel, media relations and community outreach along with overseeing legislative affairs and federal relations.
Wyatt, who has 10 years experience in journalism and government communications, also served four years as director of communications in League City.
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Laredo names Olivares as interim city manager
Laredo city officials recently named Assistant City Manager Jesus Olivares as the interim city manager. Previously a parks and recreation director in Laredo and in Austin, Olivares also served as a city manager in Eagle Pass. Olivares agreed to serve as interim city manager until council members hire a new city manager.
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McKinney ISD names McDaniel as new superintendent
 McKinney Independent School District trustees recently named Assistant Superintendent Rick McDaniel (pictured) as the new superintendent. He will replace Superintendent J.D. Kennedy, who is retiring in December.
Previously a high school principal for the McKinney school district, McDaniel also was a teacher and administrator at Tyler ISD.
McDaniel has a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Tyler. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Texas.
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Ballinger ISD names Butts as lone superintendent finalist
Ballinger Independent School District trustees recently named Jeffrey Butts as the lone finalist for superintendent. Butts currently is principal at Argyle High School and previously served as a teacher, coach and athletic director during his 10 years with that school district.
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Snell takes over position as Spring Hill ISD superintendent
Steven Snell recently took over the reins as superintendent for Spring Hill Independent School District. Previously an assistant superintendent for administrative services and strategic planning for Hutto ISD, Snell replaced former Superintendent Wes Jones, who left the district earlier this year. Snell also served as an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and as a high school and junior high school principal. |
Pearland ISD selects Moody as director of human resources
 Trustees for Pearland Independent School District recently promoted David Moody (pictured), principal at Dawson High School, to the post of executive director for human resources services for the district.
Board members also selected Kelly Holt, an associate principal at Pearland High School, to serve as interim principal at Dawson until a new principal is chosen to replace Moody.
Joining the district in 2007 to serve as the first principal of the newly opened campus, Moody begins his new duties as human resources director on Jan. 5, 2015.
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Tyler names five candidates in search for city manager
After reviewing 50 applicants from 17 states, Tyler City Council members recently named five candidates being considered for city manager.
The five candidates to be interviewed on Dec. 9 are Edward Broussard, city manager in Missouri City; Kevin Hugman, assistant city manager in Wichita Falls; Steve Norwood, former city manager in Round Rock; Gary Swindle, chief of police in Tyler; and Ben Thatcher, assistant city manager in Southlake.
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Boyd retiring from position as superintendent for Kermit ISD
 Superintendent Bill Boyd (pictured) of Kermit Independent School District recently announced he is retiring this summer. He has served as superintendent at the Kermit school district since 2010.
In his more than 20 years as an educator, Boyd has worked as a teacher and administrator at Abilene ISD, Cross Plains ISD, Crane ISD, Eula ISD, Fruitvale ISD and Midland ISD. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master's degree from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Trustees also agreed to begin a search for a new superintendent to replace Boyd who can begin work on July 1, 2015.
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Chico ISD hires new part-time school technology technician
Chico Independent School District trustees recently hired Kevin Day to fill a newly authorized part-time position as a technology technician. The new position is necessary because of the increased use of technology by students and teachers, Superintendent Mike Jones said. Day will assist Technology Director Debi Peyton, Jones said.
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Hysinger tapped as lone finalist for superintendent at Dumas ISD
 Monty Hysinger (pictured) recently won selection as the lone finalist for superintendent at Dumas Independent School District.
Currently superintendent at Clarendon ISD, Hysinger has served as a teacher and coach for Canyon ISD and a principal for Floydada ISD. He plans to begin his new duties in early January 2015, following the required 21-day waiting period.
Hysinger has a bachelor's degree and master's degree from West Texas State University. He earned his certification as superintendent at Texas Tech University.
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El Paso County names candidates for county administrator position
El Paso County has named four candidates who have been selected to fill the newly created county chief administrator position. The chief administrator slot, approved in July, will be similar to a city manager job. The county chief administrator will assist county commissioners in running the county and will also have oversight of numerous county departments.
The candidates vying for he position include: Jane Bais-DiSessa, city manager in Berkley, Michigan; Joseph R. Huffman, former Laurinburg, North Carolina, city manager; Michael Longoria, former manager of the Moody Air Force Base in Georgia; and Steven Norwood, former Round Rock city manager. Following interviews and meet-and-greet public sessions, county officials say they hope to make their choice for the position at their Dec. 15 meeting.
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Greer selected as manager at Aransas County airport
Aransas County commissioners recently selected Michael Greer as the new manager of the Aransas County Airport. He will replace Gene Johnson, who is retiring. Greer currently is a general manager of a private company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and previously worked for the U.S. Air Force. An air traffic control specialist, Greer also has worked in the transportation service industry.
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Kemah launching search for new city secretary Kemah city officials recently began looking for a new city secretary to replace Marisela Garcia, who resigned to accept a similar job in Nassau Bay. Garcia had worked as city secretary in Kemah for two years. |
Gonzalez retiring as head of Rio Grande City CISD
 Superintendent Roel Gonzalez (pictured) recently announced he is retiring from the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District later this month.
Previously serving as superintendent for Roma ISD and Edinburg CISD, Gonzalez has worked 30 years in public education. While Gonzalez said he plans to work with the personnel committee to help select an interim superintendent, he is not planning to be involved in selecting the new superintendent.
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Governor's appointments Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments: - Nelson Balido of San Antonio, Historical Records Advisory Board;
- Roxanne Schroeder of Colleyville, Statewide Health Coordinating Council;
- D. Bailey Wynne of Duncanville, Statewide Health Coordinating Council;
- Cole Camp of Amarillo, Red River Authority of Texas Board of Directors;
- Penny Carpenter of Silverton, Red River Authority of Texas Board of Directors;
- Stephen Thornhill of Denison, Red River Authority of Texas Board of Directors;
- Annette Raggette of Austin, Texas Medical Board District Four Review Committee;
- Keith Pardue of Austin, State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners;
- Sally Harris of Houston,Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
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Daingerfield decides against hiring interim city manager Daingerfield City Council members recently voted against hiring an interim city manager after receiving nine applications in their search for a new city manager. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Carl Teel, who resigned in September. |
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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government. Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
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