Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Dewhurst Proposes Raising Auto Registration Fees To Pay For New Roads And Repairs


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With Texas' budget problems likely to far exceed the modest estimates put forward by the administration of Republican Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant governor David Dewhurst, of course a Republican as well, has made a proposal to address some infrastructure needs.
It is obvious to anyone driving on Texas roads and highways that there is a huge need for repairs and expansion to help alleviate traffic. Dewhurst wants to supplement the $8 billion dollar annual budget of the Texas Department of Transportation, not by raisng taxes, anathema to Republicans, but by an increase in vehicle registration fees.
Dewhurst claims this is not the same as raising taxes. Of course it is a regressive tax which will hit low income Texans much harder than those with higer incomes.
Dewhurst is considered to be the most wealthy member of the state government with an estate of more than $200 million. He is also widely expectesd to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2012.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Bob Hall Pier Construction Project Collapses!


Photo: Caller/Times
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Add yet another disaster to the list of uncompleted and delayed local construction-destruction projects supported by local government entities.
A concrete pad under construction on Bob Hall Pier collapsed this morning when crews began pouring concrete. According to news reports the pour was near half way when the structure collapsed. No injuries were reported to any of the work crew.
The pad is part of an expansion project for the pier and is expected to cost about $850,000. The project was expected to be completed by early spring. Wanna bet?
Nueces County Coastal Parks Director Scott Cross said the construction will be delayed about two weeks. We'll see about that.
This collapse raises many questions. Was the project properly designed and was the engineering approved? Were corners cut? Is it really necessary in the first place?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Rick Perry Coronation

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City Keeps Cash Pipeline Open To American Bank Center

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Monday, January 17, 2011

Nuces County Airport Losing Money

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