FEBRUARY 3, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3
Community news Al Green spurs talks on commuter rail in Southwest Houston U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Dist.9) recently met with Houston-area elected officials, as well as representatives of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) to discuss the development of an action plan to implement the U.S. 90A Corridor. The proposed passageway would connect downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center with Missouri City and other cities located in Fort Bend County. The meeting included mayors Allen Owen of Missouri City, Leonard Scarcella of Stafford, and Joe Gurecky of Rosenberg, along with Fort Bend County Commissioners Richard Morrison and Grady Prestage. Representatives of the City of Houston and METRO were also present. Passed in 2003, the U.S. 90A Corridor plan was approved by voters as part of a METRO Solutions referendum. The proposal would establish a commuter rail line of approxi-
Ballot From Page 1 ment,” Brown said. “As Chair of the Fort Bend County Democratic Party, I will work to cultivate that energy and provide you with the leadership needed to effectively coordinate our countywide campaign efforts,” he said. Bishop asked rhetorically where had Brown been all these days. He has not attended any party meetings nor has he
mately 8 miles that would run through the counties of Harris and Fort Bend. Both Harris and Fort Bend County, which comprise the 9th Congressional District of Texas, are represented by U.S. Congressman Al Green. During his presentation, METRO’s President and CEO, Frank Wilson, explained the status of the project as “shovel ready” and specified that this new commuter rail line would transport residents of Missouri City and its surrounding areas to the Medical Center in less than 30 minutes with trains traveling at a top speed of 66 mph. METRO estimates the cost of the project at $207 million and projects that ridership would be 12,000 in the opening year ---which would be the equivalent of taking 5,000 cars off the road--- increasing to 23,000 by 2030. “This project has been discussed for many years and we hope to get traction with it because it would mean jobs at a
time of high unemployment,” Green said. Green continued, “the U.S. 90A Corridor has all the potential to be enormously beneficial for the residents of Southwest Houston and its surrounding areas because it would provide them with a reliable alternative to travel to the city and, especially, to the Texas Medical Center. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly because it would use electric trains and, to a certain extent, it would even reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” According to Dr. Richard E. Wainerdi, President, CEO and COO of the Texas Medical Center, “This project would not only help the thousands of employees of the Texas Medical Center, but also patients and their families, students, and many others.” In the coming weeks, Congressman Green plans to meet with other stakeholders and public officials to discuss the ways in which the U.S. 90A Corridor can become a reality.
presented any ideas, she said about Brown. Bishop denied that she was campaigning instead of paying attention to the party issues. As party chair she had a lot of work to do pertaining to the primary elections and she had no time even to start her campaign, Bishop said. Bishop said she had been active in the community both politically and has been helping the community. “I work. I am committed. I will continue to work for the progress of the party,” Bishop
said. “We should go beyond recruiting candidates and electing officers. We should help our constituents and neighbors on issues that affect them. I have always been partnering with people on issues. We don’t want to be underrepresented. We need to ensure that our issues are at the forefront and that we are fairly represented all across the county,” Bishop said. “Our work does not stop at the election booth. It starts there,” she said.
DWI task force makes10 arrests The Texas Department of Public Safety initiated a Driving While Intoxicated Task Force in Fort Bend County from 6 p.m. Jan. 22 until 3 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 to improve public safety by increasing patrols during the hours when impaired driving is most likely to occur. During the operation, DPS troopers made ten driving while intoxicated arrests and the Rosenberg Police Department, who participated in their own initiative, made two more. Of those arrests, seven suspects consented to the taking of a breath specimen on the Intoxilyzer instrument and three suspects consented to having a blood specimen taken. Two suspects refused to give either a blood or breath sample and were subsequently served with search warrants for their
blood, signed by Fort Bend County District Court Judges Thomas R. Culver, III and James H. Shoemake. Oak Bend and Sugar Land Methodist hospitals provided medical assistance for the blood draws. Blood search warrants have been upheld by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals as a legal means to obtain evidence in driving while intoxicated cases. As the use of such search warrants increased around the state, Texas legislators recently made it easier for police officers to obtain warrants by expanding the list of judges who are able to sign blood search warrants involving intoxication offenses. “We are very thankful to the police officers who worked to make Fort Bend County residents safer on our streets. We are
Stafford
debt to less than $1.75 million, it has used what otherwise would have gone for interest payments to make infrastructure improvements. “Sticking to this goal, which has been in process for more than a decade, the city will be debt free in four years and have even more laudable financial structure,” Scarcella said. As for refining some of Stafford’s zoning on major corridors, Scarcella said that after two years of work to make it happen the end may be in sight – “nearing some final refined regulations.” He ended by saying that there’s no doubt that 2010 will be a most difficult year for Stafford but the city “must stick with the principles and polices that have elevated us.” Shedding the yoke of property taxes “has led to phenomenal growth beyond expectations. “To resort to try doing it like everyone else because times are tough would sabotage the unique advantages gained over the past 15 years. Now, more than ever, is the time to remain committed to what got us here,” the mayor said.
From Page 1 As for the goals for 2010, the mayor said No. 1 is “bringing back the strong economy.” He said, “With the severe national recession materially impacting our manufacturing, warehousing, wholesaling and services – the mainstays of the city’s economy – breathing vitality back into these sectors is a most daunting hurdle.” He didn’t provide any details but said that maintaining the city’s low taxes will help the business community “regain its footing and strength.” Goal No. 2 is maintain zero property tax because he said it’s the most recognized attribute of Stafford. “In line with maintaining this alluring tax advantage to attract people and companies to our city,” Scarcella suggested that business and homeowners invest their tax savings in their home or business and thereby contribute to the enhancement of the city. Goal No. 3 was eliminate debt. The mayor said that while the city has reduced its
also appreciative of the judges who assisted us in obtaining vital evidence needed to determine if someone was driving while impaired,” said Assistant District Attorney Sherry Robinson. DPS Lt. Daniel Terronez stated his hopes to make this a routine program in Fort Bend County with more agencies joining future initiatives. “I am very pleased that the Department of Public Safety developed this task force initiative,” said District Attorney John Healey. “My office has worked with DPS and other agencies on similar operations. I believe these efforts will enable police officers and prosecutors to develop a more accurate case as to whether someone was driving while intoxicated and will discourage others from drinking to excess and driving.”
Methodist among “100 Best Companies to Work for”
Dad and daughter dance
The Methodist Hospital System is ranked No. 17 among FORTUNE magazine’s 2010 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” making the list for the fifth year in a row and remaining the highest ranked health care organization in the country. Only three companies in Texas are in the top 20. Methodist ranked No. 5 in the category of large companies, No. 3 for the hiring of minorities and No.16 for the hiring of women. The Methodist Hospital System, which includes an academic medical center, three community hospitals and a research institute, was awarded the high ranking for providing an exemplary workplace for employees. Methodist was selected based primarily on a confidential survey sent to randomly selected employees, who were asked questions on the level of trust, pride and camaraderie within their workplace. Methodist also submitted documentation about its work environment, from benefits to corporate policy. “To be recognized by FORTUNE for five consecutive years is an extraordinary accomplishment. That means that every day, year after year, our employees and physicians come to work and make a difference in the lives of our patients,” said Ron Girotto, president and CEO of The Methodist Hospital System.
Dads and daughters danced the night away at last year’s event. Missouri City’s 14th annual Dad & Daughter Dance offers a special evening of fun from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13. The event includes party favors, cake and punch and a chance for dads and daughters to spend an evening dancing and having fun together. Each daughter will receive a keepsake photo and gift. Entertainment will be provided by The Magical Fun and Comedy of Mr. Phil. To top it all off, the evening ends with a big confetti explosion. The dance will be held at the Community Center next to City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway. Tickets are $25 per couple and $20 per additional daughter. Tickets are available at the Community Center, First Colony Community Association and Club Sienna or call 281-403-8500. Dads and daughters can add the special dinner option available prior to the dance at the Grille at Quail Valley Golf Course. For reservations, call 281-403-5921 by Feb. 10.
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