Fort Bend Independent

VOL 2 No. 35

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com ww

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Clements’ Cuties calendar contest

Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Parker

Time again for a little fall fun. The Clements’ Stars Dance Team is hosting their 5th annual Clements’ Cuties Calendar Contest at 7 p.m. on Friday Oct. 16th, in the CHS Auditorium. The 2009 participants will consist of two lucky young men from each club, or organization determined by the senior class.

These 24 contestants will show off their skills in the talent, question, and modeling portions of the program that evening. The audience members will then cast their ballots to decide who will be the 12 “Cuties” featured in the calendar. The package of one admission ticket with one calendar is $15.

Calendars alone are $12 each, and individual tickets are $5 each. You may purchase these from any CHS Stars’ Dance Team member beginning Oct. 5th, or during lunch each day Oct. 12th - 16th in the commons. All proceeds go toward the Stars Dance Team competition season expenses. For further information on this event please email Katherine Cervantes at cervan5@aol.com, or call her at 281980-9801. Pictured are: (front row left to right), Marissa Minter, and Mallory Housand. (Top row left to right) are Heather Dai, Janice Wong, Leah Sears, and Erika Cervantes.

AG defends Texas Open Meetings Act Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on Monday took legal action to defend the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) from a legal challenge to its constitutionality.

Former Alpine city council members Avinash Rangra and Anna Monclova have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of penalties that TOMA imposes on government officials who violate open meetings laws.

On Sept. 24, Solicitor General James Ho will defend the law during an oral argument before the full 17-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

In February 2005, Rangra was indicted for violating TOMA. According to local prosecutors, Rangra sent emails to a quorum of the Alpine City Council.

Because those e-mails discussed official government business, Rangra was charged with conducting an illegal, closed meeting. The charges were later dropped.

However, Rangra and Monclova subsequently challenged TOMA in federal court, claiming the law violates the First Amendment.

Their lawsuit sought an injunction preventing TOMA’s enforcement.

The federal district court rejected the lawsuit, but a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit later sent the case back to the trial court to review TOMA under a stricter standard of review.

In response, Attorney General Abbott asked the Fifth Circuit court to accept the case for rehearing before the entire court.

In a brief that was filed Monday, the Attorney General argues that TOMA furthers, rather than frustrates, fundamental First Amendment values.

See OPEN, Page 3

Le Anne Parker of Pecan Grove Elementary School was named Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year at a special awards dinner held recently.

Parker was selected as FBISD Elementary Teacher of the Year and progressed to the regional competition as a finalist.

She advanced to participate in the Texas Education Agency’s annual Texas Teacher of the Year Program, where two teachers (elementary and secondary) will be selected in October to represent the entire state.

Parker is a 27-year veteran educator and a speech pathologist.

She is inspired in her profession by the words of Charles Schulz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip, who said, “The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are simply the ones who care the most.”

She believes her greatest accomplishments in education are found in working with her students, their families and the teachers she supports.

She sincerely hopes to be remembered as one of the ones who “cared the most.”

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

FBISD adopts deficit budget, pay raise for all The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees on Aug. 25 approved a $498.28 million operating budget.

The adopted budget projects deficit spending that will be funded from the district’s reserve accounts.

The budget includes an increase in the spending per pupil, a continued low administrative cost ratio, and additional staffing for opening a new campus – Juan Seguin Elementary School.

Included in the budget is a teaching staff state raise of $940 plus a step increase, which is an average salary increase of 2.7 percent.

First-year teachers in Fort Bend ISD will start at $44,500.

The non-teaching staff pay increase approved by the board will be approximately 2 percent, and no increases for employee contributions were made for the district’s self-funded Health Insurance Plan.

Though the budget was adopted unanimously, the trustees were split on two issues.

Trustee Daniel Menendez moved an amendment to eliminate the increase in monthly insurance premiums, proposed in the budget.

Trustees David Reitz, Marilyn Glover and Laurie Caldwell, sought to retain the

increase in premiums.

Board members Bob Broxton, Daniel Menendez, Susan Hohnbaum and Sonal Bhuchar voted to hold the line on insurance premiums for employees.

While the budget proposed a 2 percent increase, it also recommended a $10 per month increase in insurance premiums; an increase in the cost of emergency room visits from $150 to $250; and increase of out of pocket expenses from $400 to $500 for individuals and $800 to $1,000 for families.

Citing the budget deficit and the state not funding the pay raise for non-teaching staff, Reitz wanted to eliminate a raise for all non-teaching staff.

That amendment lost on a 2 to 5 vote. Marilyn Glover voted with Reitz. Others supported a pay raise for the nonteaching staff.

The budget is designed to provide educational services for a projected 68,999 students.

Overall, the district spends 66.76 percent of its budget on classroom instruction.

The expenditure budget per student increased to $7,222 as compared with last year’s budget of $6,875, with a net increase of $347 per student.

Fishing for the ‘Big One’ at Missouri City

Walk with Pride at shoe store Members and friends from Exchange Club of Sugar Land along with other service clubs members were present at three Payless shoe stores recently in Sugar Land, Rosenberg, and Richmond to assist the children selected by Social Services in choosing appropriate school shoes. Donations toward the purchases were made by local businesses and organizations including Exchange Club of Sugar Land. Above, Exchange Club of Sugar Land members at the Rosenberg Payless Shoe store, left to right, Kevin Barker, Reagan Walters, Renee, Debora Galmiche, Sue McClintic, Eileen Ihlanfeldt, Gladys Brumfield, Brian Walters, Scott McClintic, Andy McClintic, Sasha Cander, Brenda Pullen, Chris Connolly, Larry Street, Rick Forlano, Clark Walter, Roy Meier, Jenn Cole, John Robson, Lydia Bourg.

—Photo by Larry Pullen.

This fisherman proudly shows off his catch at last year’s Missouri City KIDFISH event. If you’d like to enjoy a day of fishing and fun, grab a rod and reel and sign up for KIDFISH on Sat., Sept. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Community Park, 1700 Glenn Lakes.

The free event includes prizes for the largest fish caught by age group. This free event is a chance to educate a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. If you do not have a rod and reel, they will be provided by the KIDFISH Foundation. The bait will be supplied for every participant. Plan to spend the morning catching and releasing plenty of fish and having a great family outing everyone will enjoy. Representatives from the local area chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association will offer fishing tips on-site for those who require assistance. Those wishing to participate must register, preferably at the Missouri City Parks & Recreation Office, 1522 Texas Parkway. Registration will also be available on the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department requires a fishing license only for those 17 years of age and older.

Youngsters under 17 do not need a license. For information, visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.

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Page 2 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Community happenings Take a walk into Sugar Land’s past on Sept. 5

Interested in seeing the historic locations in “old” Sugar Land? The city has a fascinating history - first as one of the earliest Texas settlements, then as a company town andfinally as a thriving city.

Join former Mayor Bill Little and local historian Bruce Kelly on one of the monthly Historic Walking Tours scheduled for the first Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. (Rain dates will be the following Saturday.)

The next Walking Tour

is Sept. 5 and begins at the Lakeview Auditorium, located at the corner of Wood Street and 2nd Avenue (north of the railroad tracks). The walk is planned around areas of shade but consider bringing sun protection. Ice cold water will be available. For more information or to reserve a place, call 281-275-2216.

Read more about the tour at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ sugarland/50th/walking_tour/ index.html.

Above, One of the many tour stops includes the former Imperial char house.

As Kelly explains, the large building was a prominent part of downtown Sugar Land in 1926. The period between WW I and WW II was one of steady growth for Sugar Land. Itinerant and prison labor had been replaced by workers in the family-oriented community. It was during this period that Imperial gave land to the four major church groups in town.

Retired teachers meet

Pictured are the newly retired public education retirees who were honored at the first meeting of the year for the Fort Bend/Harris Retired Educators Association. The organization held its “Oh, Happy Day” meeting on Monday, August 24, to coincide with the first day of school.

The First United Methodist Church in Sugar Land was the site for the event.

Newly retired public education retirees were honored at the first meeting of the year for the Fort Bend/Harris Retired Educators Association. The organization held its “Oh, Happy Day” meeting on Monday, August 24, 2009, to coincide with the first day of school. The First United Methodist Church in Sugar Land was the site for the event. Returning retirees brought a dish for the luncheon to honor the newly retired educators. One hundred and thirty six former The Fort Bend Junior Sereducation retirees attended vice League encourages you Monday’s meeting. to celebrate National Mushroom Month in September. small vegetables can add big Did you know that there are flavor to your dishes. nine basic varieties of mushThe League is preparing rooms? White buttons are the for the launch of its second most popular, but other variet- cookbook, Treasures From ies include crimini, portabella, the Bend, Rich in History maitake, shiitake, enoki, oys- and Flavor, presented by St. ter, beech, and wild. These Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital.

This delightful cookbook is a Billie Wendt, left, wrote the must-have not only for those foreword for Treasures from who love to cook, but also for the Bend. the history buffs among us. In

FBJSL’S New Cookbook

At the meeting, officers were installed and the new retirees had an opportunity to hear about the organization and consider the decision to join a group that offers many member benefits.

New officers for the 20092010 year are President: Mary Ann Dolezal; Vice President: Janie Holsapple; Second VP: Dianne McDonald; Treasurer: Pam Johnson; Secretary: Millie Bergman; Parliamentarian: Peggy Norman.

Dues are $35.00 per year and that covers $10.00 for the local organization and $25.00

to the state organization. Both local and state organizations work to advocate for improved benefits for all education retirees and to promote the wellbeing of its members.

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 1p.m. from September to May. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 10.

For more information about the organization, public school education retirees may go to the Fort Bend/ Harris link from the TRTA website at www.trta.org.

addition to over 275 recipes, the cookbook also contains color photographs and interesting historical information celebrating the rich history of Fort Bend County.

The public is invited to celebrate the launch of Treasures from the Bend on October 15, 2009 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Sugar Land Town Square.

Those in attendance can enjoy

live music, food by Amici and a cash bar. Admission to the party is complimentary, and cookbooks can be purchased at the event for $27.95 each.

All proceeds from cookbook sales benefit Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

Cookbooks can also be preordered at www.fbjsl.com and will be mailed in early October.

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Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/08)

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

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WCID No. 2 breaks ground for $13 million water treatment plant Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2 recently broke ground on the construction of its surface water treatment plant on Fifth Street in Stafford.

The first phase of construction will consist of a plant capable of producing 3 million gallons of water per day.

The district’s surface water treatment plant is designed for expansion up to 9MGD. The plant will use state of the art technology membrane units to provide superior water quality at an economical price.

Bids were received in April of 2009 and the contract was awared to LEM Construction for $12.80 million.

The projected opening of the new plant will be in December 2010.

The directors, both past and present, were determined to address water quality, meet future water demands and keep rates low.

In 1985. Jones and Carter Engineers recommended conversion to surface water at 50 percent growth.

In 1988, the district along with many other entities in southeast Texas participated in a Regional Water Supply Study. The study evaluated available surface and groundwater supplies.

In 1989, the Fort Bend County Subsidence District was created by the State Legislature to pro-

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FBCWCI&D No. 2 board of directors John Ferro, left, Jimmy Williams, Chad Howard, Linda Walker and Martin Saldua and General Manager Owen Matherne during the ground breaking ceremony. vide regulation of the withdrawal of groundwater to prevent subsidence that contributes to or precipitates flooding.

In 1994, the district acquired an option contract with the Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) for 3 MGD of surface water.

In 1996 WCID No. 2 acquired 80 acres of land adjacent to the GCWA Canal, for delivery of water to the site as the district saw the need for increasing surface water usage.

In 1997 the district increased their reservation to 10.5 MGD. In 2003, the Fort Bend County

Subsidence District mandated ground water reduction plans be certified by permit renewal in 2008. It stipulated conversion to 30 percent alternative sources by 2013, and conversions to 60 percent alternative sources by 2025.

In 2008 the Subsidence District mandated a Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP) be certified by June 2008.

The GRP requirements are demand projections, plan for conversion, details for conversion measures, and use of over-conversion credits.

The new water treatment plant

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last year and an eight percent growth over two years ago.

By the last day of the first week of school, there were 3,065 students enrolled in SMSD. Because SMSD is a Chapter 41 or property rich school district more students mean it has to send fewer dollars to the state to help support property poor school districts.

More good news he shared with his audience Thursday evening at the civic center was the district will be able to keep $1.5 million more taxpayer dollars this year rather than send them to Austin for the Robin Hood payment.

The difference came after a lobbyist, who was hired and paid for by the city, fought for and helped SMSD get the mid-size adjustment to the funding formula this past legislative session.

That means SMSD will be paid more per student by the state than it received in the past. The adjustment is expected to add $700,000 to 2009-10 budget.

Chambers said, “My concern right now is to do the best we can to begin putting money back into

our fund balance” to increase it from the current $3 million to $5 million.

“If there’s something we’re focusing on, that’s it – managing our money as best we can.”

On July 30 SMSD trustees approved a 3.5 percent salary increase for its employees that totals $21.5 million and makes up 83 percent of the maintenance and operations budget.

Starting teacher salary was increased.

“I’m proud of the fact that in today’s economy, we continue to transport every student from their doorstep to the school, we’re reducing the tax rate for the second year in a row, projecting to put money into the fund balance and our academic scores are going up tremendously.

“I’m proud we’re able to offer a quality education with all the amenities the community of Stafford expects, still reduce the tax rate and be able to have additional revenue to contribute to the fund balance,” Chambers said.

As for the tax rate that will pay for the budget, Chambers said, “We haven’t recommended a tax

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SMSD adopts balanced budget, with no tax increase

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford Municipal School District trustees and Stafford City Council members unanimously approved adopting the proposed $30 million budget for the 200910 SMSD school year at their Aug. 27 joint meeting.

The budget adopted was balanced and $26 million of it will pay for maintenance and operations and almost $4 million will repay loans made via selling bonds.

SMSD Superintendent H.D. Chambers anticipates “contributing $400,000 to our fund balance based on our projected enrollment, which only a week into the school year we are exceeding.”

The district’s staff projected a flat enrollment, so the increase has been an extremely welcome surprise. The second day of school the district had 3,019 or 37 more students than it did on that same day a year ago and on the third day had 3,041 or 41 more students than it did on the third day a year ago.

On Aug. 26 total enrollment was 3,060, which Chambers noted is a 3.5 percent growth over

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rate yet but will eventually recommend a 7/10s of a penny decrease in the total rate.”

The reduced rate will save a person who owns a house valued at $250,000 about $35, Chambers said. Based on preliminary taxable values on property in SMSD, Chambers said his staff used a five percent increase, “which is down from the past several years. Historically, we’ve seen anywhere from a six to 13 percent increase in taxable values. This year we projected the overall values on everything (commercial and residential) to be five percent,” he said.

Setting the tax rate has been delayed because the county central appraisal district was to have supplied all taxing entities with their certified values by July 25 and like last year, did not.

“This year,” Chambers said, “CAD said they’d have them to us by Aug. 27 and we still don’t have them. They blame it on the fact there are so many appeals and they aren’t able to process all of them. I’m frustrated with how long it’s taken CAD to get us the certified rolls.”

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Dulles Classic golf tournament on Oct. 19 The 2009 Dulles Classic Golf Tournament will be held Monday, October 19 at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land.

Sponsored by Classic Chevrolet of Sugar Land, the tournament will benefit the Dulles High School Athletic Booster Club.

A single player contribution of $125.00 includes 18 holes of golf with cart, golf shirt, goodie bag, lunch and dinner. Other individual and corporate contribution levels of sponsorship are also available.

Immediately following the scramble golf tournament, dinner will be served with a silent auction and numerous raffle items. In addition to awards presented to the winning teams, there will be a Longest Drive, Closest-to-the-Pin and Hole-in-One contests.

Co-chairing the event this year are Ingred & Rick Lathrop. “This is a great opportunity for businesses and individuals in our community to help celebrate Dulles High School’s 50th anniversary and raise money for the DHS Athletic Booster Club,” said Ingred. “Last year, this event raised over $20,000 for athletic equipment and scholarships, and that was in spite of a 9 hole rainout. This year, with a little help from the weather and members of our community, we hope to increase that amount,” said Rick. To register online, visit: www.dullesathletics.com. For more information about this year’s event and sponsorship opportunities, contact DullesClassic@gmail.com

WJ Interests named Top Advisor WJ Interests, LLC, has again been ranked among the top financial planning firms in the U.S. by both Financial Advisor and Wealth Management magazines.

WJ Interests is a financial planning and investment management firm located in Sugar Land.

“We are very pleased to be ranked again,” said Jared Jameson, chief investment officer and vice president of

the firm. “We appreciate the confidence our clients have shown in us during this difficult financial downturn.”

Both lists are arranged according to each firm’s assets under management, or AUM. Wealth Manager ranks firms according to its average AUM per client at the end of previous calendar year. For 2008, WJ Interests ranked #295, up from #305 in 2007. Financial Advi-

sor uses each firm’s gross AUM at the end of the previous calendar year – WJ Interests was ranked #286, up from #294 in 2007.

WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm dedicated to helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their personal financial goals. Visit www.wjinterests.com for more information.

Open

communication. Such laws do not limit public discourse— they broaden it. … Open government is precisely what the First Amendment envisions, not condemns.”

The Attorney General’s brief also argues: “Like virtually every open meeting law across the country, . . . the Texas Open Meetings Act is based on a simple premise: Because the decisions of governmental bodies are made not on behalf of the members themselves, but on behalf of the people they serve, the people have a right to view the

decision-making process.”

In addition to defending TOMA’s constitutionality, the brief argues that the court should dismiss the case because it is moot. The brief argues that Rangra and Monclova lack standing in the case because they are no longer city council members and, as a result, are no longer subject to the act’s penalties.

To learn more about the Office of the Attorney General’s efforts to ensure openness in government, visit the agency’s Web site at www. texasattorneygeneral.gov.

From Page 1 “Elected officials work for the people. They do not have a First Amendment right against the very people they serve. They suffer no actionable First Amendment injury from being required to conduct public business in public, rather than in secret, to the exclusion of the voters who elected them to office in the first place,” the brief states.

“In short, open meeting laws expand, not suppress,

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Page 4 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Opinion Texas Straight Talk The Fed’s interesting week

By RON PAUL It has been an interesting week indeed for the Federal Reserve.

Early this week, it was announced that President Obama intends to reappoint Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to a second term in January, signaling a vote of confidence in him.

Bernanke seems to be popular with the administration and with Wall Street, and with good reason.

His lending policies have left big banks flush with newly created cash that covers up old mistakes and allows for new ones.

By buying up mountains of Treasury debt he has also enabled spending to soar to ridiculous levels that should startle any responsible economist, and scare any American concerned about the value of the dollar.

However, these highly sensitive decisions about our money are not made by economists, they are made by politicians.

Bernanke, like most of his predecessors, is the politician’s best friend.

However, there is no reason to believe any other central planner would behave any differently, considering the immense political pressure on the Fed. Fed policies have been as bad for the economy as they are good for politicians and bankers, as the recently released numbers on the debt and deficit demonstrate.

For the first time since World War II the annual budget deficit is projected to be over 11 percent of the na-

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul tion’s gross domestic product. It is also projected that by 2019 the national debt will be 68f GDP. Our path, if unchanged, is completely untenable.

The administration claims that it inherited a dire situation from the last administration, which is absolutely true.

However, that hasn’t stopped them from accepting all the policies and premises that got us here, and accelerating those policies to rapidly make a bad situation much worse.

The bailouts started with the last administration. They have gotten bigger with this one.

The last administration gave us expanded government involvement in healthcare with a new prescription drug benefit.

This administration gave us a renewal and expansion of SCHIP, and now the current healthcare takeover attempts.

In reality, we can afford none of this, but shady monetary policy allows Washington to continue along its merry way,

aggravating all our economic problems.

Not everyone in government finds it acceptable that the Fed wields so much power and privilege in secrecy.

Last week, a federal judge ruled against Fed secrecy, compelling them to release under the Freedom of Information Act information regarding which banks received emergency loans, and under what terms.

The Fed will, of course do everything in its power to fight this ruling and it is certainly not the last word on the issue.

Still, it is encouraging to see that the interests of the taxpayers were defended victoriously in court, while the Fed only sees the plight of its big banker friends.

Meanwhile HR 1207 and S604, legislation to open up the Fed’s books to a complete audit, continue to gain momentum in Congress as the people continue to insist on real transparency of the Federal Reserve.

One way or another, the days of Fed autonomy are coming to an end, as well they should.

No one should have the power to debauch the currency and gut the economy as they do.

It is time they answered for their actions, so the people can understand that we truly are better off with freedom instead of Fed tyranny.

(Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)

They make a difference... Liz Lyles

By JANICE SCANLAN As I was talking with Liz Lyles, I was struck with the “high emotional cost” leadership can exact from people with empathy for others— respecting individuals while keeping standards.

Liz has been an advocate for her community and keeping Quail Green with a high quality of life that preserves property values.

So she’s dealing with finding the balance for paying for amenities, keeping the neighborhood nice and dealing with homeowners who have legitimate problems like loss of employment, fire victims or elderly living on a fixed income.

Her first experience with advocacy was a neighborhood business that caught fire and decayed with no roof and dangerous interior.

With seven bright grandkids, Liz knows how curiosity leads kids to explore.

Liz and her husband Nate vowed to get the building torn down. The residents jumped in and got the structure demolished. That started her involvement.

In working as a HOA Trustee, she saw the need to start a more neighbor-friendly process for deed enforcement.

Doing it right makes it easier to resolve to everyone’s ben-

Lyles efit.

She credits Carolyn Bowden of Quail Valley Proud with good ideas and sharing contacts.

She’s thrilled with Missouri City Police Department’s neighborhood program and its responsiveness to community needs.

She didn’t always feel good toward the police or understand law and order. Growing up poor, her family was often in need.

When she was seven years old, a man who lived across the street came to her home during Christmas with boxes full of food and toys.

The cupboard had never been full of food—much less toys! The joy didn’t last long.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487

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The next day the neighbor was arrested. It seems his kindness came from a hot check.

When the police saw taking the food left the pantry bare, they offered to leave the food, but Liz’s mother said the items were stolen and she did not want them in her home.

That’s a little hard for a seven year old to understand.

The bad experience of seeing the kind man arrested changed when Liz was in her mid teens and a young thug taunted her as she walked to the post office.

Caught in the act by a policeman, who apologized to Liz, she learned the other side of protect and serve.

Those moments are experiences that have molded Liz’s approach to keeping Missouri City a better place.

She especially appreciates how Lalo Flores in Missouri City Code Enforcement has worked with her community to keep it desirable for neighbors.

And that’s what she loves about Missouri City—she loves the friendly people and feels safe.

But if you want to really light Liz up, talk about the Juneteenth picnic and what the young people learn.

And that’s what it’s about for Liz: building the future with neighbors.

Whether advocating for sidewalks and protected crosswalks on Texas Parkway so kids can get to school safely and everyone can have healthier transportation alternatives or improving the desirability and sense of community in neighborhoods through neighborhood pride and standards, Liz is making a difference.

Reach Janice with your volunteer making a difference at open.space@earthlink.net

Open records request is a farce

By SESHADRI KUMAR The public information request or the open records request with Fort Bend ISD has become a farce as far as my experience goes. What could be provided routinely to a requestor are first kept confidential and then released by the district for a nominal charge.

One would think that the feasibility committee report on the Global Science and Technology Center is a public document and the district would like it to be read by as many people as possible to win their support.

On the contrary, the report was given to the media only when asked and it was released after the statutory 10-day waiting period. It cost me $14.

Then when I wanted a copy of the comments posted on the FBISD website, I thought I could have them e-mailed to me. No, a print out was provided and the cost was $6.

Then, I posed to a query to the communications department asking what documents did the district provide to Ms. Nancy Hentschel who had filed an open records request. I had asked if the district had provided response to one of the specific queries made by her, namely “any communication via mail, phone, e-mail, text, or other routes between members of the committee, the PBK company representatives, [Dr.] Jenney, and the developer...”

I asked for the clarification because of conflicting claims made by Hentschel that she got nothing from the district and the district saying they gave all that could be given.

Instead of receiving a brief response from the communications department, my request was treated as an open records request.

Again, I had to shell out $28.50. I don’t mind it, but unfortunately, barring about five or six pages, all the other pages were a reproduction of the same feasibility committee report and comments on the website.

Making an ORR, especially with any public entity, is tricky.

The requestor should be clever or the request letter may require the assistance of an attorney.

Thus, Hentschel had sought some information that did not exist or some questions required a subjective response instead of a written record.

Her request for the feasibility report and the comments on the web site were provided, but there was nothing secret about them in the first place.

However, the school district’s outside counsel sought a redundant opinion from the attorney general regarding the e-mail address and other personal information of the feasibility committee members. Hentschel did not ask for them and the district on its own could have blacked them out. They wasted time and

money to get that opinion from the attorney general.

The district has released a few innocuous e-mails which are like cover letters for the accompanying report or talks about meeting schedules.

It is mind boggling to believe that there is no other communication between the district officials, the committee chairman and committee members.

There was a meeting between the officials of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and FBISD Superintendent Timothy Jenney and committee chair David Wallace. There is no reference to that meeting in the records released so far.

Maybe, the district’s counsel would argue that such a meeting was outside the purview of the committee meeting as the committee report was already finalized or that the open records request did not apply to that meeting.

Also, there is no reference to the architectural firm which produced the artistic rendering of the Global Science and Technology Center. Who communicated with the architect, what was their brief and if they provided the work free of charge remain unclear.

It is futile to go back to the attorney general and complain unless one really knows that records exist or existed but have not been disclosed.

Genuine health care reform requires a single payer system

By P.G. PARAMESWARAN, M.D. I am one of the over 16000 American physicians who support single payer national health insurance. Practicing as a surgeon in Houston for close to thirty years, I have seen the failure of the present private insurance system in ensuring the health of this country’s citizens. In contrast, I have appreciated how Medicare, though not perfect, has helped the seniors seek timely help without the fear of getting bankrupt.

Instead of a “health care system” what we now have, can be aptly called a “sick care system.”

It is because most, even with health insurance hesitate to see a physician early, because of the co-pays and large deductibles. As a surgeon, I have treated patients presenting with severe complications of a disease, which I know could have been prevented had they sought help earlier.

The common excuse I have heard from patients with badly infected or gangrenous legs needing amputation is that they did not have the money to see a doctor earlier or buy the medicines needed to control their Diabetes. The same excuses hold true for several other conditions as well, including heart disease and high blood pressure. These patients could have been treated effectively with outpatient care. Patients have endured severe abdominal pain for days before they present with ruptured acute appendicitis which ends up needing several days of intravenous medications and hospitalization instead of a day or two, if they had presented earlier.

Inpatient care makes up the largest proportion of health care spending in America (In 2005, 30.8 percent of all health care spending).

According to a new report from the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, in 2006 almost $31 billion was spent by U.S. hospitals on 4.4 million hospital admissions that potentially could have been avoided.

One dollar of every $10 that hospitals spent that year on inpatient care might have been saved through preven-

tive measures and proper early ambulatory care. If patients know they can see any doctor or go to any hospital early in their illness without having to pay a fortune, they will report early for needed care.

Private insurance premiums are rising at a rate of about 13 to as much as 25 percent in some states per year. Employers are capping their contributions to health insurance and workers are unable to pay their rapidly growing share.

With rising unemployment, more people are losing their coverage every day.

Private insurers spend 10 to 25 per cent of the premiums for administrative costs, marketing and profits. The remainder is passed on to the numerous satellite businesses that feed the health care industry, including brokers to cut deals, disease management and utilization review companies, drug management companies, legal services, marketing consultants, billing agencies, information management firms and so on. The administrative overhead of private insurers is five to nine times higher than not-for-profit Medicare (average for commercial carriers 19.9 percent, investor owned Blues 26.5 per cent, Medicare 3 per cent).

Their function is to limit services in one way or another as their concern is to keep the balance sheet looking good in the eyes of their investors.

The inefficiency and bureaucracy of over 1300 private insurers are not sustainable.

(Chicago has 17000 different health plans.)

The public option with mandates that has been proposed has failed in every state.

The retention of private insurance will not eliminate the huge administrative waste they currently generate in their drive to fight claims, issue denials and screen out the sick.

A public option will be of the same type currently offered by private carriers.

It will lead to segregation of patients, with profitable ones in private plans and unprofitable ones in the public plan as has happened in the present public/private competition in the Medicare program.

In a single payer system, health care funds would be distributed by a single public entity so that health care could be coordinated to eliminate gaps and overlaps. It would be equivalent to extending Medicare to the entire population. Medicare is after all a government- financed single payer system.

What are the other benefits of a single payer system? A single payer system would be far more efficient since it would eliminate excess administrative costs, profits, cost shifting and unnecessary duplication. It would permit the establishment of an overall budget and a fair and rational distribution of resources.

Several cost control mechanisms are inherent in single payer, such as global budgeting, bulk purchasing, negotiate fees and planned capital expenditures.

We are now paying for health care in multiple ways – through our paychecks, the prices of goods and services, taxes at all levels of government and out of pocket. It would make sense to pay just once.

The occasional waits for elective procedures that we hear in countries with national health care systems such as the U.K. and Canada is because they spend far less on health care than we do. (The U.K. spends about a third of what we do per person). If they put the same amount of money as we do in their systems, there would be no waits and immediate access to care would be guaranteed. For them, the problem is not the system; it’s the money. For us, it’s not the money; it’s the system.

A national health insurance program is the most politically feasible and fiscally responsible path to health care, because it pays for itself requiring no new sources of revenue, in contrast to the $1 trillion price tag of the tri-committee proposal in the house committee on Ways and Means.

Two thirds of the American people support it, over 59 percent of physicians are in favor of it as are the U.S. conference of Mayors, 39 state labor federations and hundreds of local unions across the country.

FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 • Page 5

Community news TxDOT launches toll violation recovery program The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) toll violation recovery program, approved in July by the Texas Transportation Commission began on Aug. 31.

The program aims to recoup unpaid toll revenue from delinquent toll customers and to facilitate timely payment of tolls in the future. The toll violation recovery period will expire November 30.

Under the program, delinquent accountholders can receive a 90 percent reduction in violation fees in return for

paying all tolls in full, paying the remaining violation fees, opening a TxTag account and keeping that account in good standing for a minimum of 12 months.

Upon conclusion of the toll violation recovery period, the department will begin filing in court to collect the remaining tolls and fees owed to the state, which will result in an escalation of violation and court fees. “We strive to provide good customer service to toll road users, but we cant ignore the

financial commitments we’ve made to bondholders to collect these tolls,� said Mark Tomlinson, TxDOT Turnpike Authority director. “Taking a toll road is a choice. But, once you’re on one, paying the toll is a matter of state law - and TxDOT is determined to collect.�

On Loop 1, SH 130 and SH 45N in Central Texas and Loop 49 in Tyler, nearly $3.2 million are owed in unpaid tolls and $58.4 million are owed in unpaid violation fees.

The department is optimistic

Thomas Abraham elected Texas Municipal League’s Region 14 president Sugar Land City Council Member Thomas Abraham has been elected president of Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 14 – San Jacinto Region-Houston Area.

As president of the San Jacinto – Houston area region, Abraham will serve as presiding officer and chief executive.

The Texas Municipal League, formed in 1913, serves the needs and advocates the interests of more than 1,100 cities and towns comprising the membership.

The TML has 15 regions, with each region expected to promote interest in municipal government, facilitate information exchange among the cities in the region, and assist the TML Board of Directors in formulating policy that represents the diverse interests of

Abraham the state. “I am pleased and honored to be elected to this key role within the Texas Municipal League and

will focus my energies and attention on the range of needs and future direction for the San Jacinto-Houston area region,� said Abraham.

Abraham was elected to office on June 19, 2004.

He is vice president of the Sugar Land Development Corporation, chairman of Sugar Land Reinvestment Zone No. 3 and serves as a board member on the Houston-Galveston Area Council. He is a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Rotary Club and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Bryan and Lauren, and have lived in Sugar Land since 1989.

that many of the approximately 140,000 accountholders in violation will take advantage of this one-time offer.

This offer does not apply to violations on toll roads operated by other entities, including the North Texas Tollway Authority, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority or the Harris County Toll Road Authority.

Rental car companies are also excluded from participation in this program.

Toll road users may inquire about the status of their account by contacting the TxTag Customer Service Center at 1-888-468-9824, which is open for extended hours throughout the toll violation recovery period.

Customer service represen-

tatives are available by telephone Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Customers may also visit the TxTag Customer Service Center at 12719 Burnet Road in Austin, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join my Team!

We’re Still Hiring!

As a mutual life insurer, the nation’s largest, we have only one purpose: to serve the needs of the families who put their trust in us. For the past 163 years, we’ve had a history of solid financial strength.* We protected families and met all of our obligations during the panic of 1857, the crash of 1929 and throughout the Great Depression.

If you ‌‌ are looking for a career opportunity in a Fortune 100 company, want the potential of an unlimited income stream and excellent benefit package: Join my team to make a difference in people’s lives by helping with their personal insurance and financial goals for their retirement, education, long term care and estate conservation needs.

I am currently looking for Financial Services/Sales Professionals & Management candidates, for the Houston Office with offices in Galleria and Sugar Land, to join my team of financial professionals.

Call or Send your resume to: Ramesh Cherivirala, Ph.D., LUTCF, CLTC Partner, Houston General Office Š New York Life Insurance Company 13135 Dairy Ashford # 550, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Bus: 281-295-2726 • Cell: 713-875-4336 rcherivirala@ft.newyorklife.com

*Standard & Poor’s (AAA), A. M. Best (A++), Moody’s (Aaa) and Fitch (AAA) for financial strength. Source: Individual Third Party Ratings Reports (as of 9/4/08).

EOE/M/F/V/D

00386972 WC, 02/03/11

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital wins quality award

The Texas Medical Foundation honored Methodist Sugar Land Hospital last month with their annual Quality Improvement Achievement Award.

The Texas Medical Foundation recognized Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for its demonstration of improved performance on a wide range of national quality measures during the 2008 calendar year. “Our nursing staff and physicians work continuously to improve the quality of patient care here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, so it’s an honor to be recognized for those efforts,� said Diane McGraw, Director of Quality Management.

Out of 227 participating Texas hospitals, only 66 were presented with Quality Improvement Achievement Awards, including three from The Methodist Hospital System. The Methodist Hospital and Methodist Willowbrook Hospital joined Methodist Sugar Land Hospital as award-winners for improving care related to acute myocardial infarction or AMI (heart attack), heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. “Our success illustrates Methodist’s unyielding commitment to patient safety and our pledge to deliver quality health care to our community,� said Chris Siebenaler, Methodist Sugar Land CEO. “This award signifies our pledge to bringing the medical center home to Fort Bend County.�

Fort Bend Lawyers Care names Krasny volunteer of the year

Krasny Fort Bend Lawyers CARE (FBLC) has decided to honor Fred Krasny as our 2009 volunteer of the year.

Fred Krasny has assisted

numerous low income Fort Bend County residents in need of legal services; volunteering over 50 hours totaling approximately $8750 in legal fees as a pro bono attorney through Fort Bend Lawyers Care.

FBLC also wishes to thank its 132 active volunteer lawyers, who selflessly give of their time and expertise and are heroes to their clients.

Without these volunteer lawyers our neighbors in need in Fort Bend County would not receive assistance with their legal issues.

Contact Fort Bend Lawyers CARE if you require legal assistance, or if you want to become one of our supporters or volunteers: 281-239-0015.

It Just Got Easier to

start smart

Wharton County Junior College is now located at 14004 University Blvd. at U.S. Highway 59 at the University of Houston System in Sugar Land.

FALL 2009 REGISTRATION

Web and Walk-In Registration Now Through August 28th Aordable learning is more accessible than ever. Conveniently located together with the University of Houston System at Sugar Land, our new campus makes it easy to take the ďŹ rst two years of courses at WCJC and pocket substantial savings, before transferring the credits to a four-year college.*

WCJC/University of Houston System Partnership Makes Transfer to University Easy: t +PJOU "ENJTTJPOT "HSFFNFOU between these institutions facilitates the admission of WCJC students to the University of Houston System (UH, UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown, UH-Victoria) so they may continue their studies in four-year programs, including those at the University of Houston System at Sugar Land.

t 0WFS EJĂŹFSFOU DPVSTFT JODMVEJOH English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Government, History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Education, and Speech

t " 1SPHSBN 'PS &WFSZPOF Associate of Arts Degree, Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree, Associate of Applied Science Degree, CertiďŹ cate/CertiďŹ cation Programs, Distance Learning Courses, Dual and Concurrent Enrollment

t $PMMFHF JT "ĂŹPSEBCMF Our ďŹ nancial aid sta will show you how college is within your reach! *Since WCJC is fully approved and accredited to offer lower-division courses (freshman and sophomore), all its semester hour credits (except in developmental, preparatory and vocational courses) transfer to other state-supported colleges.

8)"350/ t 46("3 -"/% t 3*$).0/% t #": $*5: &- $".10 t 1"-"$*04

XDKD FEV 8$+$ WCJC is an E.O.E. institution.

Page 6 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT

Community Calendar Sign up for library card in September

FORT BEND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS FREE CONCERT. Disney tunes, show pieces and rousing patriotic songs will fill Sugar Land Town Square as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra presents “When You Wish Upon A Star” on Saturday, Sept. 12 beginning at 7:30 p.m. This free, outdoor concert is the Orchestra’s gift to the community making it a perfect outing for the entire family. Concert-goers are urged to bring lawn chairs. In addition to Disney tunes from The Lion King, Aladdin and both Fantasia movies, the evening includes a salute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 18th season includes four concerts – October through May – at the Stafford Centre.

The Orchestra is continuing its Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer for season subscriptions through Sept. 16. Individual ticket prices for adults range from $10 to $25 per concert. Senior and student prices start at just $5. Children 12 and under are free, but must have a reserved ticket. To learn more, visit http://www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642.

Legislative Review The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Division presents, “Legislative Review” luncheon Thursday, Sept. 3, at 11 a.m. at Sweetwater Country Club, 4400 Palm Royale Blvd. in Sugar Land. Ticket prices are individual - $30 and Corporate Table for eight - $300 with program recognition and priority seating.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce has invited Sen. Glenn Hegar and Sen. Joan Huffman to speak about the recent Legislative Session and the challenges ahead.

You may register on-line at www.fortbendchamber.com or contact David Crowl at 281-491-2497 or david@ fortbendcc.org.

Bargain Book Sale Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold their monthly bargain book sale Sat. Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

GOOD CONDITION ONLY books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines or encyclopedias) may be donated during regular library hours and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed. Call 281- 416-0936.

Concert in the Plaza Friday, Sept. 4, 7 – 8 p.m.

Join a special performance by children’s musical group, Tom’s Fun Band, as they blend high-energy entertainment with educational principles. Their fun and unique style will keep parents happy and children entertained the entire time.

Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 – 9 p.m. Spend Labor Day weekend in Sugar Land Town Square and enjoy the 11-piece brass band, Texas Brass Band, as they bring rich tones and a high-spirited performance.

Rainbow Room Luncheon The Fort Bend Rainbow Room will hold its 10th annual Flo Berkman awards luncheon on Thursday, Sept.

10, 11:30 a.m. at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to help abused and neglected children and adults. Minute Maid President Mike Saint John will be the keynote speaker. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fbrr.org. Sponsorships are also available. For more information call 832-5953029.

Drop Out Recovery Walk Fort Bend ISD is seeking volunteers to join in the Drop Out Recovery Walk 20092010, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon. The walk is a countywide effort between school districts in Fort Bend County and will benefit Willowridge High School students who have dropped out of school or who are likely to drop out due to varying circumstances.

The volunteers will make home visits to select students and provide them with information on re-enrolling in school and completing high school graduation. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and will be required to complete a one-hour training session.

For more information about the Drop Out Recovery Walk, call Amanda Hartley at 281634-1355.

FREE Seminar on Lap-Band Come and meet Dr. Ponce de Leon on the third Wednesday of every month, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, located in Conference Rooms A, B, C and D off the main atrium. He will present the latest information on LapBand surgery and address any questions you may have. Seating is limited; call 281-2747500 to reserve your seat.

Garden art and plant sale The 11th annual Garden Art & Plant Sale of Sugar Land Garden Club will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sugar Lakes Clubhouse, 930 Sugar Lakes Dr. The Sale will feature perennials and Texas native plants from Treesearch Farms, SEEDS from members’ gardens, decorative metal Trellises, and various unique garden art. Heidi Sheeesley of Treesearch Farms will present the plants of the Sale on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way. The public is invited to attend both the presentation and the sale.

For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub. org or call 281-434-7977 or 281-565-9813.

The Fort Settlement Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will hold the first meeting of the 2009-2010 year on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. at the IBC Bank, FM 2218/FM 1640 in Richmond. For more information, contact Molly Smith at 281-578-7126 or smithmaze@ aol.com.

The best investment any parent can make is a library card.

It’s free. It opens doors to benefits that kids can’t break, wear out, or outgrow.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Fort Bend County Libraries wants to make sure that your child is among the two-thirds of Americans that carry the smartest card of all – a library card.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home -- and who use the library -- perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together; 44 percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason.

A library card provides free access to videos, DVDs, CDs, software, and books. Libraries also offer a wide range of other items to lend to children and their families, including toys, games, and puzzles. Most importantly -- librarians are on hand to help recommend materials suitable for various ages and interests.

A library card becomes even more valuable when someone wants to access many of the library’s online databases from home. The cost of subscribing to these databases as an individual would make them unaffordable to many people, but a library card levels the playing field by making them available to everyone free -- as long as you have a library card. Since a library card is free, how can parents afford not to give their children such a valuable tool?

For more information on how you can sign up for your library card, visit any of the branches in the Fort Bend County library system, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-3412677, or see the library’s website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

Sugar Creek Garden Club

United Daughters The United Daughters of the Confederacy will hold the first meeting of the 2009-2010 year on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. in the George Memorial Library.

Members and prospective members are cordially invited to attend. For more information, contact Barbara Ray at 281-4387483 or barbray5@comcast.net.

Sugar Creek Garden Club, a place to grow new friends while learning about gardening, floral design and the environment, is open to all Sugar Creek residents. Membership Coffee will be held on Sept. 17, 9:30 a.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club. Carol Young will show how to “Have Your Centerpiece and Eat It Too!” A new cookbook, “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something ‘Cordon Blue” will makes its debut. Call Aileen Flack at 281-242-8488 for more details. Standing from left to right; Diane Reeves; Aileen Flack, Chairman; Dodie Irwin, Co-Chairman; and Dana Knox, President.

Auditions for High School Musical at Fort Bend Theatre Don’t miss award-winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production of Disney’s High School Musical 2 to be performed at 2815 N. Main St. Sept. 25 – Oct. 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. & Sundays at 3 p.m. The gang’s all here for an action-packed summer extravaganza as Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the Wildcats finish junior year and blast onto the summer scene. At the Lava Springs Country Club, Sharpay reigns supreme while the Wildcats get to work - literally! Tickets go on sale August 25th and are $13 for adults, $12 for students/seniors and $10 for children. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit at www.fortbendtheatre.com or call us at 281-208-3333.

Acting classes Award-winning Fort Bend Theatre launches their Fall Acting classes for ages eight through eighteen. Classes will be held on Saturday mornings beginning September 19, 2009 and ending November 14, 2009. Each session teaches stage acting techniques, including pantomime, improvisation, vocalizations, and characterization and culminates with a performance for family and friends. The cost is $200, payable by a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold your child’s place, with the remaining balance due by September 13. For more information visit www.fortbendtheatre.com, or call 281-208-3333 today to register. Fort Bend Theatre is located at 2815 N. Main, Stafford.

Caregiver support group The Health & Wholeness Ministry at First United Methodist Church Missouri City coordinates a support group for those caring for others affected by Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Are you caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related condition? Over 70 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where 75 percent of their care is provided by family and friends. Caregiving can often cause stress, which can lead to health problems for the caregiver, disrupted social relationships, depression and decreased quality of care provided to the love one. If you are a caregiver, friend or family of a caregiver, please join us for a twice monthly meeting that will provide a forum for learning, socializing, discussing, and supporting one another. The Caregiver Support Group is facilitated by trained volunteers. It meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. in the church Parlor. For more information contact Carol Farley at 281-835-6302.

For free listing of community events, send email to editor@fbindependent.com

INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. (CST).

All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

BID 10-026 – CHRYSLER REPAIR PARTS Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for River Run at the Brazos, Section 2, Pct. 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Rivers Mist, Section 1, Pct. 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Unknown, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The Original Petition For Divorce of Gloria ObiAnyadike, was filed in the 328th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, on May 14, 2009 against Unknown, being numbered 09DCV-171803 and entitled In the Matter of Marriage of Gloria Obi-Anyadike and Lary Anyadike and in the Interest of Obinna Lary Anyadike, A Child. The suit requests Divorce.

The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you. The Court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding upon you, including the termination of the parent-child relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 21st day of August, 2009.

Petitioner’s Attorney: Catherine H. Del Valle 2630 Fountainview Drive Suite 122 Houston TX 77057 713-821-3004 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, Fort Bend County, Deputy District Clerk Rosalinda Salinas Telephone: 281-633-7649

Red Cross needs volunteers “Are you interested in making a difference in your community by volunteering as an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team member?” As a member of an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team you will be on-call and ready to respond to local disasters providing immediate relief and support to individuals and families in their time of need.

To start DAT training, please attend the class, Fulfilling Our Mission, on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. or on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Southwestern Branch Office of the American Red Cross. We are located at 2610 BF Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471. If you are interested in this training or becoming a DAT member, contact Caroline Egan at 281-342-9480 or via email at cegan@ghac.org.

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

RFP 09-099 – INMATE MEDICAL SERVICES Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: $48,305.00 US CURRENCY ADDRESS UNKNOWN NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being September 14, 2009 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office.

Our street address is 401 Jackson Street, Suite105. We are located on the first floor of the courthouse building.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on July 29, 2009. It bears cause number 09-DCV-173619 and is styled: THE STATE OF TEXAS VS $48,305.00 U.S. CURRENCY The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: CELENA VINSON ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILLIAM B TRAVIS ANNEX 309 S 4TH STREET RICHMOND TX 77469 281-341-4496 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE FOR $48,305.00 U.S. CURRENCY IS CONTRABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE FOR DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 31st day of July, 2009.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Patty Graeber Telephone: 281-344-3959

CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN FATHER and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s), You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The petition of CAROL PRUSINSKI AND JAN PRUSINSKI, Petitioner, was filed in the 328TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the August 26, 2009 against UNKNOWN FATHER, Respondent(s), numbered 09-DCV-174435, and entitled In the Interest of Addyson Prusinki A Child. The suit request GRANDPARENT POSSESSION OR ACCESS AND APPLICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS AND TEMPORARY ORDERS as is more fully shown by Petition on file in this suit.

The date of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: August17,2008 The Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding on you, including the termination of the parentchild relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 26th day of August, 2009.

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT: GARY J. ZIMMERMAN ATTORNEY AT LAW 3040 POST OAK BLVD SUITE 1300 HOUSTON TX 77056 713-552-1234 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, Fort Bend County, Deputy District Clerk Rosalinda Salinas Telephone: 281-633-7649

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: District 9

Automobile: Nissan 370Z

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Z has been iconic since the 1970s and it still is.

Nissan now builds this gorgeous two-seater sports car that for 2009 got its first full redesign since being re-introduced as a 2003 model. It has so much finesse, performance, style plus great value for the money.

What it got for 2009 is engineers rethought or redesigned almost every piece and component, which resulted in a shorter wheelbase, greater use of aluminum rather than steel, new engine with more horsepower and improved fuel economy, new seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and what Nissan says is the “world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the manual transmission.

What’s to love most about this new Z is a difficult question to answer so I’ll start with the obvious: style because it’s what you see first. The Z is drop dead gorgeous. The 2009 370Z incorporates all of the signature Z elements – the long nose, canopy cockpit, muscular fenders, vertical door handles. The new styling offers two benefits – a more aggressive appearance and a lighter, tighter structure for improved performance. Hallmarks of the

Z are precision and agility and there’s even more in the 2009 version.

Performance body pieces, including a front chin spoiler and rear spoiler, are part of the optional sport package.

For 2009 the Z’s wheelbase is shorter along with the overall length while the width got 1.3 inches added. Rear body torsion rigidity was improved up to 22 percent and rear body vertical bending rigidity was improved up to 30 percent to enhance overall solidity and handling while the total weight of the vehicle was reduced.

Inside the Z, the twoseat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger seats.

The gauges are attached to the steering column so the driver doesn’t have to choose between the perfect

steering wheel position and seeing the gauges. The upper steering wheel opening in front of the gauges is larger to provide a better view of the readouts.

The steering wheel is an allnew oval three-spoke design with baseball style stitching.

The driver’s seat differs from the passenger’s seat. It has lower seat cushion cut-outs on the sides and has an improved frame to better hold the driver in place while cornering. It also offers a lower hip point than the previous Z driver’s seat.

The accelerator pedal is now floor-mounted for more contact with the foot and less effort to operate and easier pedal to pedal foot/heel movement. The brake pedal is a new variable ratio design with more rigidity. The 370Z Touring model adds standard four-way power adjustable heated synthetic suede

Surprisingly, I found this movie extremely interesting and boring. The storyline is fascinating: an alien spaceship hovers over Johannesburg, South Africa, and the aliens become “refugees” held in a slum called District 9. At first the area was “fenced in, then it was militarized, then it became a slum.”

The film reminded me of a slice of M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs” (2002) and Vincent Price’s “The Fly” (1958) with just a pinch of “Pirates of the Caribbean” (2003) and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951). How on earth did you arrive at such a combo of movies, Larry H.? Glad you asked.

The aliens looked like an ugly rendition of the undead guys with the long tentacles in “Pirates” with a body similar to the slim, bouncy chaps from “Signs.” The other two movies speak for themselves so we will understand muta-

tions and alien treatment/ prejudice.

In this latest version of unwanted aliens on earth, the politicians of the world do what they are best at doing: hire an independent contractor called Multi-National United (MNU) to solve the dilemma without dirtying the hands of world leaders.

And if the MNU doesn’t treat these vulnerable creations fairly or with compassion, then that’s just too bad. They are not humans and do not deserve to be treated...well, like humans.

And if the true goal of MNU is to learn how to use the alien’s weapons to gain power and a profit, well, that’s ok, too, because that’s what humans do. I could almost hear Charlton Heston saying “dirty stinking animals.”

The movie is important in that it goes way out on a limb and takes chances uncommon to Hollywood by not sugar coating the loath-

some manner of hatred and mistreatment of nonhumans from another planet. District 9 is not even a decent slum; it’s more like a concentration camp including medical experiments, torture, and senseless executions.

I give Director Neill Blomkamp high marks for moviemaking bravery, but he went too far out on that limb for me. So, consequently; I did not enjoy this movie and did not like any of the characters and barely was able to choose sides. I felt bad for everyone and could not relate to anyone. Bummer!

Special effects were well done. I was glad it was over so I could get on with the rest of my Saturday afternoon.

and leather appointed sport seats with adjustable lumbar support, six CD Bose audio system with eight speakers including dual subwoofers, and MP3/WMA playback, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Hands-free phone system and HomeLink Universal Transceiver.

On the power side of the new Z, the 3.7-liter V6 engine makes 332 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque for 26 more horsepower than the previous 3.5-liter V6 that makes 306 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway.

Two new transmissions are available with the engines.

The new close-ratio six-speed manual includes the downshift rev matching system, which Nissan says “allows drivers of any skill to experience professional-like gear shift performance.” The test drive Z had the automatic transmission in it, which is a seven speed also with the rev matching control for manual-like shifting with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts. Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever.

The Z rides on 18-inch tires and its new four-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter. The braking system has been upgraded for improved feel and better fade resistance. The standard four-

wheel vented disc brake system includes anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. The 370Z Touring retails for $35,760 and comes standard with push button start, power windows, door locks, mirrors, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with

timer, the 3.7-liter V6, automatic transmission, heated seats, cargo cover, aluminum pedals and more.

The Z is fast fun and for a two-seater is a good ride.

Handling is excellent. I love the finesse of this sports car.

It’s a powerful beauty that requires no manhandling.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 71. Larry H. Email to sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

ARE YOU READY FOR THE FALL SPORTS SEASON? Make your appointment now.

The better physical shape you are before the preseason begins, the less apt you are to get seriously hurt. I can help you develop a training plan. Athlete physicals can be done at the same time. Just bring your form from your school. www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281) 491-7111

Not just oil, Pennzoil

Gao, Blanchfield and the Riddle team, top producers of of RE/MAX Fine Properties Shawn Gao, Ed Blanchfield and The Riddle Team, veteran top producers and Sales Associates with RE/MAX Fine Properties, were honored as three of the Top 20 Individual and Team Producers in the Houston Council for RE/MAX® offices for the second quarter of 2009. “This is a great honor for them, and we’re extremely pleased for their ongoing success this year,” said Minesh Patel, co-owner at RE/MAX Fine Properties. “They have built a great business from repeat and referral clients, and they

are dedicated to the long-term development of our community to help people achieve their home buying and selling goals.”

RE/MAX Fine Properties would like to congratulate these agents for their outstanding work and dedication. For more information on RE/MAX Fine Properties or to join their family of agents, visit www.remaxfine.com.

Shawn Gao, left, Ed Blanchfield and Todd & Linda Riddle

4500 Highway 6 , Sugar Land, TX 77478

Office: (281) 265-5533 ** Call or email for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS **

Fine Properties

Email: info@FortBendHomesOnLine.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

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Page 8 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

The leadership team of Merry Ministries, an interdenominational bible study group, met recently to finalize plans for their fall semester. The Bible study will be offered on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 8 & 9th at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road.

This class is open to all women and is free of charge. For more information, visit www. merryministries.com or call 281-491-1860. Front row: Mary Willis (leader), Barbara Conklin (coordinator), Elise Moss, Kathy Gilmore, Kay Zost, Scotty Bass, and Linda McLellan; Back row: Lee Evans, Lou Ann Davis, Mary Louise Ivey, Debbie Roberts, Jane McAllister, Terry Harris, and Martha Lusk.

Friends and Neighbors

Merry Ministries

Blankets of belief at Sartartia Middle School Debbie Fancher and Sean Hardin FORT BEND FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS presents “The Curtain Rises on Another Year,� theatrical and musical show and luncheon, Thursday, Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Vargo’s Restaurant, 2401 Fondren, Houston.

The star studded event will be emceed by Sugar Land Councilwoman, Jacquie Chaumette.

Delighting you with songs from the Broadway play “Oliver� will be singer and performer, Sean Hardin, along with inspirational music artist, Debbie Fancher, with a song from “Titanic.�

For the Grand Finale, renowned author, director, actress and Golden Globe Nominee Jeannette Clift George will perform “Several Women With One Voice.�

Jeannette Clift George of the A.D. Players Get your tickets today!

Members $30, guests $35.

Contact Evelyn Traylor at 281-794-0687 or vpluncheons@fbfn.org.

Even before Linus was glued to his blanket in the Peanuts comic strip, blankets have given a feeling of warmth and security to young and old all over the world.

A group of cheerleaders from the Sartartia Middle School hope to offer the same to U.S. soldiers serving overseas.

Mrs. Isma Lundstrom, cheerleader advisor, said “Did you know that the standard Army issue sleeping bags are only long enough to comfortably accommodate soldiers up to 6’2� tall? Can you imagine not being able to stretch out your legs while you slept?�

The Sartartia Middle School Cheerleaders are proud to be a part of the 2009 Blankets of Belief drive through the Soldiers’Angels Organization.

The girls created “no-sew� fleece blankets to wrap our deployed men and women in the warmth of our thanks and appreciation.

This was an amazing opportunity for the students.

They created unique, handmade blankets to send hope, support and gratitude to America’s troops.

Most importantly, it shows the soldier that someone cares about him and is thinking

and praying for him at that very moment. This is very powerful for a soldier... the knowledge that someone cares. For more information or to help join the effort, visit www.soldiersangels.org.

Pictured: Front row: Shelby Stadtfeld, Kelsey Cannon,

McKenzie Fountain, Kelly Gilbert, Sydney Lundstrom, and Coach Isma Lundstrom.

Back row: Kirsten Pierce, Alona Word, Maddie Fischer, Aubrie Luckenbill, Cassidy Gregorek, Suzanne Carbone, Kailey Winn, Abby Zahra and Vail West.

Loving Friends meet Sept. 15 Left, the Tropical Rhythms group performed at the August Luau of Loving friends.

Loving friends is a social group for widows and widowers in the area. They meet the third Tuesday at 6p.m. at the Terrace in Sugar Land.

The next meeting of Loving Friends will be on Sept. 15 at the Terrace. It will be a birthday party for all members who are asked to bring a wrapped $10 gift for an exchange. For more information contact Rena at 281499-9289 by Sept. 10.

For ALL Your Vehicle Needs! s Hand wash s Clean windows

9 14 $ 95 $ 95 79 24 $ 95 $ 95 39 39 $ 95 10% $ off95 39 149 $ 95

Vehicle Wash & Vacuum

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plus tax

10!

$

s Dress tires s Vacuum vehicle

Oil & Filter Change PLUS Tire Rotation s )NSTALL GENUINE !# $ELCO engine oil filter s 5P TO QTS OF '- 'OODWRENCH motor oil s 3OME MODELS SLIGHTLY higher priced s 3YNTHETIC OIL ADDITIONAL

level

plus tax

50 % OFF!

M3

M2

plus tax

$

s )NSPECT RADIATOR FOR LEAKS s #HECK HOSES CLAMPS and belts s )NCLUDES UP TO GALLON of coolant

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plus tax

20!

$

M4

Tire Rotation & Balance

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plus tax

45!

$

Front Wheel Alignment

M5

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40!

$

s Rotate and balance four (4) tires s %XCLUDES (EAVY $UTY TRUCKS

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20!

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M6

Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

plus tax

Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

EST, THE NNEDWLIEST FRIE ROLET CHEVERSHIP DEAL TON! IN HOUS

5!

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Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

s )MPROVES FUEL ECONOMY s )NCREASES TIRE LIFE s )MPROVES VEHICLE HANDLING s 3AFER DRIVING s 2ECOMMENDED EVERY 12 months / 12,000 miles s -OST VEHICLES

Replace 2 front wiper blades (most vehicles)

Cooling System Service

Air Conditioning System Check s A/C performance test

95

Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

s Test A/C operation s Check refrigerant

s

M1

Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

$

Wiper Blade Replacement

Front or Rear Brake Replacement

plus tax s 2EPLACE FRONT OR REAR brake pads/shoes s 3OME MODELS MAY BE SLIGHTLY HIGHER PRICED s 2ESURFACING OF ROTORS or drums is additional fee Valid only at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Offer valid with coupon. Hazardous Waste Fees may apply. Expires 9/30/09.

on any collisionSave repair over $1,500.*

60!

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M7

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M8

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