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REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(August 31, 2010)
STATE CLOSES BOOKS ON FISCAL YEAR 2010
In Texas, the end of August means several things: high school football (second only to organized religion for devotion) kicks off with the start of public school; dove season (in all but South Texas) starts September 1 and the large conglomerate known as the State of Texas ends its fiscal year.
For our friends at TxDOT it also signals the end of many glorious careers of public servants who have provided their talents and services in the furtherance of building a outstanding highway system for their fellow citizens. Among those who are moving on are San Angelo district engineer Walter McCullough, with 39 years service and the "dean" or longest service district engineer; Houston area engineers Larry Heckathorn and Karen Baker; San Antonio area engineer David Kopp; Shirley Macik, who aided the executive staff on the second floor immeasurably; valued government and public administration leader Helen Havelka and scores of other unnamed loyalists whose seniority totaled more than 1,350 years.
On the construction side, the amount of contracts awarded during the fiscal year was $3.27 billion.
LT. GOV. DEWHURST SHUFFLES COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP POSTS
Senator Tommy Williams of the Woodlands has been named chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security. Former chairman John Carona of Dallas shifts to the leadership of the Business and Commerce Committee. The former leader of the Business and Commerce committee, Troy Fraser, assumes the gavel at the Natural Resources Committee. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst announced these changes July 14. That committee's previous chief, Senator Kip Averitt of Waco resigned from the senate March 17. He has been succeeded by Senator Brian Birdwell of Granbury who won a special election this summer, handily defeating former senator David Sibley of Waco in a June runoff. Only Senator Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso did not seek reelection. Senator Jeff Wentworth has told the press that he has been offered an executive post with the Texas A&M University System but will not leave office until after his November reelection. So, it is highly unlikely at this point that there will be any alteration in the current partisan makeup of the 31-member Texas Senate that has 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats.
On the other side of the Capitol, the GOP margin is bit thinner, at 77 R, 73 D. The Republicans and Speaker Joe Straus are hoping to increase their flock to a larger cushion and all indications, at this point, are that they will succeed. Remaining, is the question of by how much and who are the winners and losers among the 10 to 20 seats which most observers think are "in play?"
FRIENDS AND LEADERS, REST IN PEACE
Governor Dolph Briscoe, 87, a stalwart supporter of the good roads movement, died June 27 in his hometown of Uvalde. During his time as a member of the Texas House of Representatives (1949-1955) and during his successful tenure in the mansion (1973-1979), the highway program has no stronger proponent and supporter (for more details, please click here).
Former TGR president Charles D. Kirkham died April 20 in his native Cleburne. A decorated World War II hero, this proud Aggie served a couple of terms in the Texas House (with Gov. Briscoe) and had a outstanding career as a stockbroker in Dallas. He was a recipient of the Road Hand Award. He was 84.
Highway contractor Harold Dean Martin of Junction died August 18 at age 73. He was very active with AGC of Texas and a longtime member of TGR.
Retired contractor Jones G. Finke of Sealy died March 23 at age 93. He was a loyal supporter of industry groups, including TGR, for many years.
Road Hand Michael A. (Mike) Allen succumbed after a long valiant battle with cancer August 5 at age 72. For 18 years he led the McAllen Economic Development Corporation that he helped found. He was instrumental in fighting for road projects in the Rio Grande Valley and for landing new employers for the area. He was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Port Lavaca. Prior to his business career, he served many years as a Catholic priest.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(May 27, 2010)
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD RELEASES BOND MONEY
The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) is a ten-member body, led by the lieutenant governor and speaker, that has the authority to act on budgetary items between legislative sessions. In a significant action, May 21 the LBB okayed the Texas Department of Transportation plan to move forward with bond monies approved as part of Proposition 12 in November 2007. Following the 63 percent positive vote by Texans, the legislature had to enact legislation to implement the bond monies allocated to the Department and with the debt paid for by general revenues. The LBB agreed with the TxDOT proposal to award $1.85 billion in new multi-year construction contracts during the 2010-2011 biennium.
GOVERNOR SETS ELECTION DATE
Governor Rick Perry picked June 22 for the special election runoff date in the state Senate race for District 22 in north central Texas.
Former state senator David Sibley of Waco led the May 8 race with 45 percent. He will face Brian Birdwell of Granbury, a retired military veteran.
WEATHER GODS SMILE ON TGR GOLF TOURNEY; ALL WINNERS AT COWBOYS GOLF CLUB IN GRAPEVINE
With heavy storms the evening before, the TGR spring tourney at Grapevine May 18 seemed iffy. But the storms broke and blue skies prevailed and an excellent turnout enjoyed the course and the outstanding staff at Cowboy Golf Club.
The winning team was sponsored by Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions and was comprised of David Stroud, Steve Douglas, Kevin King and Barrett Reese.
Again, we sincerely thank our two premier sponsors, Zurich Surety and Austin Bridge & Road. And a tip of the cap to our event sponsors and everyone who helped made this a great event. Please see here a complete list of our sponsors.
We could not have had this successful event without the prep work done by our excellent committee: Beth Adler, Zurich Surety, TGR president and committee chairman; Dale Stubblefield, Austin Bridge and Road; Rodney Scott, CMC; Shelley Williams of Trinity; Bob Reeves, Texas Lime Company and Art Daniel, AR Daniel Construction Services.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(April 15, 2010)
DUST OFF THOSE IRONS, IT'S TIME TO PLAY
TGR President Beth Adler of Zurich Surety and her hard-working Metroplex golf committee have secured a new and exciting venue for our spring tourney—The Cowboy’s Golf Club in Grapevine. Tuesday, May 18 is the big tee off date. An especial tip of the hat to our two premier sponsors, Austin Bridge & Road and Zurich. This course is affiliated with the Dallas Cowboys football organization and has drawn rave reviews. We are extremely pleased that our committee has landed this enviable site. In addition to President Adler, those serving on the committee are Dale Stubblefield, Austin Bridge and Road; Rodney Scott, CMC; Shelley Williams of Trinity; Bob Reeves, Texas Lime Company and Art Daniel, AR Daniel Construction Services.
We believe the playing slots may well go quickly so contact us as soon as possible. Download registration forms here. You can also find a list of sponsors already on board.
TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: ON THE ROAD AGAIN
They may not be touring quite as much as the Willie Nelson bus, but the five-member Texas Transportation Commission will continue a tradition begun in 1994 by shifting its monthly meeting to Beaumont April 29. The commission will meet at The MCM Elegante Hotel at 9 a.m. to conduct its routine business meeting after it hears from area elected and business leaders about the highway needs in Southeast Texas. TGR is hosting a 7:30 a.m. breakfast before the meeting at the same location. Please contact us if you are interested in attending.
PRIMARY RUNOFFS ESTABLISH FALL LINE UP
With only a state Supreme Court runoff as the top draw on the Republican primary ticket (the Democrats had no statewide runoffs), the turnout April 13 was dismal, as expected. Fort Worth District Judge Debra Lehrmann did best former state Representative Rick Green, 52-48, despite Green leading the voting in the first primary. Of the three state representative incumbents forced into "overtime" two lost. Those were Republican Delwin Jones of Lubbock defeated by Charles Perry and Democrat Norma Chavez of El Paso, ousted by Naomi Gonzalez. Republican Fred Brown of College Station survived his runoff race. Former state senator David Sibley of Waco is the leading candidate among four seeking the interim term of State Senator Kip Averitt of Waco who resigned March 17. The special election is May 8.
HOLT HONORED BY TEXAS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
Long time TGR member and stalwart supportor Peter M. Holt was named Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference last month in New Braunfels. Mr. Holt is CEO of HOLT CAT and also CEO and principal owner of the San Antonio Spurs. He was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. He is also a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran.
TxDOT PROMOTIONS
Congratulations to Carol Rawson and Russel Lenz. Carol succeeds Carlos Lopez as head of the Traffic Operations Division; Carlos is now the Austin district engineer. Russel follows Thomas Bohuslav to direct the Construction Division. Mr. Bohuslav retired last year. Both Carol and Russel are very capable and experienced professionals who will perform admirably.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(March 17, 2010)
PRIMARIES: SHOW OF STRENGTH FOR GOVERNOR PERRY, GOP AS HANDFUL OF LEGISLATORS TOPPLED
If you were interested in nail-biting drama, there were very few "shows" available on March 2, primary night. Challenger Kay B. Hutchison conceded to Governor Rick Perry before the 10 o'clock news. Final results gave Perry 51 percent, U.S. Senator Hutchison 30 percent and Tea party favorite Debra Medina 19 percent. GOP votes tallied 1.48 million while the D's managed to turn out 680 thousand. Just a smidgen of the state's 254 counties had more Democrats voting; even reliably Democratic Travis County (Austin) had more GOP voters.
Though numerous Republican members of Congress were challenged by Tea Party and other anti-incumbent foes, none were really pressed. Dean of the Texas Delegation, Ralph Hall of Rockwall, was the lowest percentage winner at 57 percent, and he had five opponents. The Tea Party further demonstrated it was mostly decaf in its efforts to beat Republican State Senator Bob Deuell of Greenville and Steve Ogden of Bryan both of whom were around the 70 percent mark. State Senator Kip Averitt of Waco won 60-40 over Darren Yancy, even after Averitt announced he intended to resign, which he did March 17. Governor Perry will call a special election to fill out the remainder of Averitt's current term. The party chiefs in the ten counties that comprise Senate District 22 will choose candidates who will vie for a full term. Press reports state that former Waco State Senator David Sibley is seeking the nod from the GOP party leaders.
Whether it was the Tea Party influence or something in the local waters, three Democratic incumbents and two Republicans were ousted in the primary. Republicans falling were Tommy Merritt of Longview, an early GOP foe of former Speaker Craddick and Betty Brown of Terrell. Democrats who lost were veteran Dora Olivo of Rosenberg and rookie Tara Rios Ybarra of South Padre Island. Houstonian Al Edwards, third in seniority in the Texas House (first elected in 1978), lost by ten votes to former Representative Borris Miles. Edwards has paid the fee for a recount.
Three more House incumbents will have to go through the runoff process, culminating with a vote April 13. These include Delwin Jones of Lubbock, fourth in seniority in the House. Jones, part of the inner-circle of 10 GOP members who supported the successful insurgent candidacy of successful Speaker Joe Straus over Speaker Craddick, led a field of three with 39 percent. Norma Chavez of El Paso, a Democrat, trailed a challenger by a slight margin. Republican Fred Brown of College Station captured 45 percent in a crowded field and will face with a former local office holder who won 26 percent.
Only one statewide race will be featured in GOP runoff and that will be for an open seat on the state supreme court. Former State Representative Rick Green of Dripping Springs will face Deborah Lehrmann, a veteran jurist of Fort Worth. FORT WORTH—Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief welcomed an enthusiastic crowd to the Texas Good Roads sponsored breakfast October 29th as the Transportation Commission held its monthly meeting in this booming metropolis. Commission members briefly addressed the crowd that included numerous local officials, in addition to TGR leaders.
There were a pair of interesting races in Tarrant County where an anti-highway group, Empower Texas, spent considerable amounts trying to defeat two state representatives it attacked for promoting increased highway funding: Todd Smith of Euless and Vicki Truitt of Southlake. Despite the shrill and misleading information used by group, Mr. Smith beat his opponent with 59 percent of the vote, and Representative Truitt had 52 percent winning outright over three foes.
SAENZ NAMES NEW LEADERS
Russel Lenz, recently district engineer in Corpus Christi, will be the new head of the Construction Division of TxDOT, replacing Thomas Bohuslav who retired last year. Julie Brown of San Antonio will be the interim district engineer in Corpus Christi.
U.S. SENATE TO VOTE ON HIGHWAY EXTENSION
This week the United States Senate is expected to consider legislation that recently passed the U.S. House that will extend authority for federal highway spending through the end of this calendar year. About $20 billion will be added to the highway trust fund to help implement federal-aid for the next eight months or so. These provisions are a part of the jobs billed that will extend tax credits to small business to encourage and retain employment. It passed 217-201 with six Republicans in favor.
AS SPRING IS UPON US, CLEAN OFF THOSE GOLF SHOES AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING TGR GOLF TOURNEY
Our Good Roads golf tournament is set for Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, TX. Registration forms will be sent in the upcoming weeks. Check with our website for the most up to date information on the tournament.