Lt. Gov. Dewhurst has released Senate Interim Committee Charges. These issues will be analyzed by Senate committees with recommendations reported to the legislative session in January. Speaker Craddick has previously released the House Interim Committee Charges. The Senate issues that specifically impact Texas counties follow. Future columns will discuss committee hearings … [Read more...] about Senate Interim Changes
Miscellaneous
Vote CentersLegislation Allows Countywide Polling Places
Qualified counties have until April 30 to complete an application with the Office of the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) requesting participation in the Countywide Polling Place Program during the Nov. 4, 2008, general election. Countywide election precincts allow voters the option of voting at countywide polling places on Election Day instead of their assigned precinct polling … [Read more...] about Vote CentersLegislation Allows Countywide Polling Places
National County Government Week April 6-12Protecting Our Children
Preparations are underway across the state to celebrate National County Government Week (NCGW) set for April 6-12, with counties planning advertising campaigns, school visits, mock trials, special expos and "shadow days," all geared toward educating the public on the value of grassroots government. Last year the Victoria County Sheriff's Department took students to the … [Read more...] about National County Government Week April 6-12Protecting Our Children
Webb County Judge Receives Special Honor
Webb County Judge Danny Valdez accepted his Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club in mid-December at a dinner that broke prior award ceremony attendance records in the group's 20-year history. "I am extremely overwhelmed by the honor and the tribute bestowed upon me tonight," an emotional Valdez told the crowd of elected officials and dignitaries. "You … [Read more...] about Webb County Judge Receives Special Honor
Transportation Chairman Williamson Dies
Ric Williamson, well-known chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission and seven-term state lawmaker from Weatherford, died Dec. 30, 2007, at the age of 55. "Ric Williamson was one of those rare public officials who was not only a visionary who saw things that needed to be done, but also a dedicated worker who had the ability to get them done," said Tarrant County … [Read more...] about Transportation Chairman Williamson Dies