Hello to the readers of "The Voice of the Taxpayer"! This is my first post with ya'll, so please be kind. Feed me comments! :) Now on to the meat of the matter: waste, fraud, and abuse of our taxpayer money by our government employees.
Whatever happened to holding public office and demonstrating trustworthiness in stewardship, honor in conduct, and integrity of character? Are those basic values out of fashion or not expected for those working in government? Waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars run rampant throughout all levels of government and the costs to the taxpayer are enormous.
“Taxpayers deserve honesty,” says Americans for Prosperity - Texas Executive Director Peggy Venable, “We continue to see fraud, waste and abuse of public dollars, to the tune of millions of dollars.”
Instances of justice are served up to taxpayers by way of small victories, however. Temple’s Mayor Pro-tem Martha Tyroch just lost her bid for state representative likely due to her outrageous spending habits using the Temple city credit card, information made public prior to the election. On May 10, voters in Palmer will have a chance to decommission Councilman Mike Greenlee should they deem his 1990s-era expenditures at strip clubs and bars using his city credit card abuse of taxpayer money. The Ellis County Press covers the front page story here.
Taxpayers should not have to go to work every day to earn a living, take care of their families and pay their taxes, knowing that millions of their tax dollars are wasted, abused, and used fraudulently. The good news is there are some elected officials who do consistently side on behalf of the taxpayer and trustworthiness in stewardship. During the 80th Texas Legislative Session in 2007, Sen. Dan Patrick introduced SB 1190 that would have established a commission on state government spending to address waste, fraud, and abuse in state agency operations. It was left pending in committee at the close of the Session.
Our lesson is this: they’re using our money so we have every right to oversee its use. Americans for Prosperity – Texas (AFP) can help you plug in to your local and state government so you may serve as a citizen watchdog for government spending. If abuse of your taxpayer dollars makes your blood boil and you want to do something about it, please call AFP at 512.476.5905.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Mojo Craddick
I’m a West Texas girl (Mojo, Mighty Panthers!) and see my hometown area as the big winner in the legislative run-off. Tryon Lewis won 3 to 1 in a race that Buddy West should have never entered. West had served West Texas, and could have returned home a statesman. It’s tough to let go of power, and perhaps harder still to let go of a grudge. West was widely reported to have disliked Texas House Speaker (and neighboring legislator) Tom Craddick. But Midland and Odessa are connected, and voters want legislators working together.
Some Odessans said West looked tired and not well. Whey my Mother’s long-time neighbor stuck the Lewis sign in her yard, Tryon Lewis had the election in the bag. Those little gray-hairs have the Mojo going and when they are jump ship, it’s indication of a revolt.
Others said they were ready for fresh leadership in a legislator who has energy and enthusiasm, and who can work with leadership.
Congratulations to Judge Lewis - soon to be Rep. Lewis -- who ran an honorable campaign.
Mojo Craddick
- Peggy V.
Some Odessans said West looked tired and not well. Whey my Mother’s long-time neighbor stuck the Lewis sign in her yard, Tryon Lewis had the election in the bag. Those little gray-hairs have the Mojo going and when they are jump ship, it’s indication of a revolt.
Others said they were ready for fresh leadership in a legislator who has energy and enthusiasm, and who can work with leadership.
Congratulations to Judge Lewis - soon to be Rep. Lewis -- who ran an honorable campaign.
Mojo Craddick
- Peggy V.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tom Craddick Appoints Members to the Business Tax Advisory Committee
Speaker of the Texas House Tom Craddick appointed Representatives Warren Chisum (R-Pampa) and Myra Crownover (R-Denton) to the Business Tax Advisory Committee today. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst will appoint two Senators. Comptroller Susan Combs will serve on the Committee as will 14 Texas citizens.
The business tax was created in 2006 during the Special Session of the 79th Legislature. The goal of the business tax was to generate revenue so the State Legislature could buy down property taxes from local school districts. In reality, the Legislature expanded the existing franchise tax which Republicans fought for 15 years to remove from law after Governor Ann Richards signed it into law.
I would have preferred to have Representatives John Smithee and Ken Paxton as members of the Business Tax Advisory Committee as both of these fine men serve on the Ways and Means Committee and have studied this issue in depth. Also, both of these men voted against the expansion of the franchise tax.
It should be noted the bill (HB 3, 79S3) that expanded the franchise tax was passed 80-68, by a Legislature controlled by Republicans. The Republicans that voted against the business tax were:
Dwayne Bohac (Houston)
Carter Casteel (New Braunfels)
Linda Harper-Brown (Irving)
Will Hartnett (Dallas)
Harvey Hilderbran (Kerrville)
Charlie Howard (Sugar Land)
Bryan Hughes (Mineola)
Delwin Jones (Lubbock)
Bill Keffer (Dallas)
Jodie Laubenberg (Rockwall)
Ken Paxton (Frisco)
Debbie Riddle (Houston)
John Smithee (Amarillo)
Robert Talton (Pasadena)
Of these Republicans, Carter Casteel and Delwin Jones are RINO's and were voting against Craddick, not against raising taxes.
The business tax was created in 2006 during the Special Session of the 79th Legislature. The goal of the business tax was to generate revenue so the State Legislature could buy down property taxes from local school districts. In reality, the Legislature expanded the existing franchise tax which Republicans fought for 15 years to remove from law after Governor Ann Richards signed it into law.
I would have preferred to have Representatives John Smithee and Ken Paxton as members of the Business Tax Advisory Committee as both of these fine men serve on the Ways and Means Committee and have studied this issue in depth. Also, both of these men voted against the expansion of the franchise tax.
It should be noted the bill (HB 3, 79S3) that expanded the franchise tax was passed 80-68, by a Legislature controlled by Republicans. The Republicans that voted against the business tax were:
Dwayne Bohac (Houston)
Carter Casteel (New Braunfels)
Linda Harper-Brown (Irving)
Will Hartnett (Dallas)
Harvey Hilderbran (Kerrville)
Charlie Howard (Sugar Land)
Bryan Hughes (Mineola)
Delwin Jones (Lubbock)
Bill Keffer (Dallas)
Jodie Laubenberg (Rockwall)
Ken Paxton (Frisco)
Debbie Riddle (Houston)
John Smithee (Amarillo)
Robert Talton (Pasadena)
Of these Republicans, Carter Casteel and Delwin Jones are RINO's and were voting against Craddick, not against raising taxes.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Contacting the Texas Education Agency
If you have an issue in your school district that you believe needs attention "from above," you can contact the Texas Education Agency. I do believe this should be a "last resort" and only done if you have collected thorough information on your complaint.
To email, go here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/tea/contact.html
NOTE THIS: "Agency procedures require a written and signed complaint from the complainant before any action can be initiated. " Email is NOT sufficient.
To initiate the complaint process, please go here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/tea/compact.html
To email, go here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/tea/contact.html
NOTE THIS: "Agency procedures require a written and signed complaint from the complainant before any action can be initiated. " Email is NOT sufficient.
To initiate the complaint process, please go here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/tea/compact.html
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Last minute money dump could impact down-ballot races
A couple of weeks is a long time in political terms. There was plenty of time, for example, between this Feb. 21 post and this one for there to be much more to report on.
Kronberg made some noise last week complaining about the money game that appears to surround a few previously pro-Craddick legislators. Of course, what he didn't get into was that at least a couple of the groups collecting and spending cash were doing so along ideological lines, and not speaker-loyalty ones. I'll be far more fair than he was and state unequivocally that I believe the Texas Parent PAC is collecting and spending money along ideological lines, too - an ideology that favors school administrators over taxpayers, sure, but an ideology nonetheless.
The Parent PAC, previously focusing only on Joe Tison in HD 61, found itself flush with new cash recently, and dumped money into the coffers of Doug Miller (challenging Rep. Nathan Macias in New Braunfels), Rep. Charlie Geren, and Rep. Pat Haggerty. One has to wonder, what do Tison, Miller, Geren, and Haggerty really have in common? Haggerty is definitely furniture, and in Geren's and Miller's cases, it's just the same old song from the last primary (last time, instead of Miller, it was then-incumbent Carter Casteel - it's largely believed that Miller and Casteel are cut from the same pro-big-spending cloth).
Again, though, I wonder about HD 61. Rep. Phil King is taking hits from the gambling lobby and the educrat community. Is it just that any chance to gain an educrat in the House is a worthy cause for the Parent PAC?
Other races the Parent PAC has gotten involved in include HD 144, Robert Talton's former seat. They gave money to Republican candidate Fred Roberts. His website reveals....well, it reveals nothing about the candidate himself (check it out here). They've also given some money to former Richardson city council member James Shepherd, who is running in a four-way race to succeed local government's best friend and the taxpayer's worst enemy, Fred Hill. The Parent PAC also gave money to Republican Paula Stansell, challenging Rep. Charlie Howard down in Fort Bend County.
Never fear, Democrats! The Parent PAC is also looking out for your guys...kind of. They gave money to both Rep. Paul Moreno and Rep. Juan Escobar. But don't worry - the PAC's still got your interests in mind, just look at the so-called "Republicans" they're backing above!
Today is primary election day in Texas, and it's time to see if all the money being pushed around has a major effect or not. If you haven't gone to the polls, you better leave soon - lines are already forming.
Kronberg made some noise last week complaining about the money game that appears to surround a few previously pro-Craddick legislators. Of course, what he didn't get into was that at least a couple of the groups collecting and spending cash were doing so along ideological lines, and not speaker-loyalty ones. I'll be far more fair than he was and state unequivocally that I believe the Texas Parent PAC is collecting and spending money along ideological lines, too - an ideology that favors school administrators over taxpayers, sure, but an ideology nonetheless.
The Parent PAC, previously focusing only on Joe Tison in HD 61, found itself flush with new cash recently, and dumped money into the coffers of Doug Miller (challenging Rep. Nathan Macias in New Braunfels), Rep. Charlie Geren, and Rep. Pat Haggerty. One has to wonder, what do Tison, Miller, Geren, and Haggerty really have in common? Haggerty is definitely furniture, and in Geren's and Miller's cases, it's just the same old song from the last primary (last time, instead of Miller, it was then-incumbent Carter Casteel - it's largely believed that Miller and Casteel are cut from the same pro-big-spending cloth).
Again, though, I wonder about HD 61. Rep. Phil King is taking hits from the gambling lobby and the educrat community. Is it just that any chance to gain an educrat in the House is a worthy cause for the Parent PAC?
Other races the Parent PAC has gotten involved in include HD 144, Robert Talton's former seat. They gave money to Republican candidate Fred Roberts. His website reveals....well, it reveals nothing about the candidate himself (check it out here). They've also given some money to former Richardson city council member James Shepherd, who is running in a four-way race to succeed local government's best friend and the taxpayer's worst enemy, Fred Hill. The Parent PAC also gave money to Republican Paula Stansell, challenging Rep. Charlie Howard down in Fort Bend County.
Never fear, Democrats! The Parent PAC is also looking out for your guys...kind of. They gave money to both Rep. Paul Moreno and Rep. Juan Escobar. But don't worry - the PAC's still got your interests in mind, just look at the so-called "Republicans" they're backing above!
Today is primary election day in Texas, and it's time to see if all the money being pushed around has a major effect or not. If you haven't gone to the polls, you better leave soon - lines are already forming.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Alvord ISD Letter - if you're curious
I finally found a way to get the actual Alvord ISD letter available online.
Click here for the .pdf. Please ignore the domain, it is not related to this. Also, the .pdf is about 2MB, so it may take awhile to open. Smartest thing would be to right-click and save.
Click here for the .pdf. Please ignore the domain, it is not related to this. Also, the .pdf is about 2MB, so it may take awhile to open. Smartest thing would be to right-click and save.
Alvord ISD electioneering story getting blogger attention
First, a blog from Wise County posted a blurb about the Alvord ISD/John Trice/Larry Wilson electioneering story and it's getting comments here: http://skattershooting.blogspot.com/2008/03/alvord-isd.html
Another North Texas area blogger picked up the story over a week ago: http://ntconservative.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/alvord-school-officials-have-lost-their-minds/
Also, Paul Burka posted something about the King/Tison race, and the comments mention the Alvord ISD scandal: http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/burkablog/2008/03/campaign-central-32-p-king-tison.php
Regardless of what happens tomorrow in the King/Tison race, I think it's extremely important that the residents of Alvord ISD start digging into this electioneering scandal. A lot of accusations have been flying through the comments on our last post on the subject - it's vital that local citizens begin keeping a closer eye on the district and the school board.
Another North Texas area blogger picked up the story over a week ago: http://ntconservative.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/alvord-school-officials-have-lost-their-minds/
Also, Paul Burka posted something about the King/Tison race, and the comments mention the Alvord ISD scandal: http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/burkablog/2008/03/campaign-central-32-p-king-tison.php
Regardless of what happens tomorrow in the King/Tison race, I think it's extremely important that the residents of Alvord ISD start digging into this electioneering scandal. A lot of accusations have been flying through the comments on our last post on the subject - it's vital that local citizens begin keeping a closer eye on the district and the school board.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
RIP - William F. Buckley 1925-2008
Young Americans for Freedom and National Review founder William F. Buckley died at his home in Connecticutt late last night.
Like so many others, the National Review was my first introduction to conservative thinking, and without it, I might not have ended up as a conservative activist. I owe a somewhat unique debt to Buckley - he founded Young Americans for Freedom in the 1960s, the organization that spawned Young Conservatives of Texas.
Ed Frank with Americans for Prosperity wrote a great piece about Buckley, and how much he'll be missed, at the AFP National Blog here.
EDIT:
PENCE STATEMENT ON PASSING OF WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY, JR.
"In the Battle Over Ideas, the Conservative Movement has Lost its Commander in Chief"
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement regarding the passing of William F. Buckley Jr.:
"In the battle over ideas, the conservative movement has lost its commander in chief.
"The passing of William F. Buckley Jr. is not just a loss to the conservative movement; it is a loss to the nation.
“William F. Buckley Jr. was an American leader whose immense intellectual force will influence the life of this nation for generations.
Like so many others, the National Review was my first introduction to conservative thinking, and without it, I might not have ended up as a conservative activist. I owe a somewhat unique debt to Buckley - he founded Young Americans for Freedom in the 1960s, the organization that spawned Young Conservatives of Texas.
Ed Frank with Americans for Prosperity wrote a great piece about Buckley, and how much he'll be missed, at the AFP National Blog here.
EDIT:
PENCE STATEMENT ON PASSING OF WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY, JR.
"In the Battle Over Ideas, the Conservative Movement has Lost its Commander in Chief"
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement regarding the passing of William F. Buckley Jr.:
"In the battle over ideas, the conservative movement has lost its commander in chief.
"The passing of William F. Buckley Jr. is not just a loss to the conservative movement; it is a loss to the nation.
“William F. Buckley Jr. was an American leader whose immense intellectual force will influence the life of this nation for generations.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Bad judgement or abuse of taxpayer dollars?
Is it poor judgement or abuse of power when a school superintendent uses the school district law firm to prepare her divorce papers, at the same time she has recommended the school board increase the contract with the law firm.
The Galveston Daily News has come up with a shocking example of the good old boy system in their school district. It involves bad legal advise and poor judgment. That’s a dangerous combination for a law firm serving Galveston ISD – or more likely, serving the Superintendent. This is the same law firm which advised the District to sue an AFP member for comments posted on her blog about the District.
The attorney for the school district said, “We do these things for clients. We do things for people all the time through the different school communities. We’ve gotten board members out of dog-bite cases and represented people’s children who get in trouble and need assistance.”
WOW! So the District’s law firm is actually a go-to-firm for folks who hire them and determine the size of their contract. Is this what those expensive contracts with school district law firms are for?
Read the story here: http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f6468b8626ecb067
Is this what can be overheard outside the Superintendent's office when she is talking to the school distrcti law firm?: "Let's sue this parent, and BTW, how's my divorce proceeding?" "I'll ask the board to increase your contract. You're doing such great work for me."
The Galveston Daily News has come up with a shocking example of the good old boy system in their school district. It involves bad legal advise and poor judgment. That’s a dangerous combination for a law firm serving Galveston ISD – or more likely, serving the Superintendent. This is the same law firm which advised the District to sue an AFP member for comments posted on her blog about the District.
The attorney for the school district said, “We do these things for clients. We do things for people all the time through the different school communities. We’ve gotten board members out of dog-bite cases and represented people’s children who get in trouble and need assistance.”
WOW! So the District’s law firm is actually a go-to-firm for folks who hire them and determine the size of their contract. Is this what those expensive contracts with school district law firms are for?
Read the story here: http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f6468b8626ecb067
Is this what can be overheard outside the Superintendent's office when she is talking to the school distrcti law firm?: "Let's sue this parent, and BTW, how's my divorce proceeding?" "I'll ask the board to increase your contract. You're doing such great work for me."
Sunday, February 24, 2008
More education for our money please
More education for our dollars, not more dollars for education
According to the Houston Chronicle, in 2006, the HISD superintendent was making over $300,000 base salary. The article is worth a read and cited information provided by education associations:
http://blogs.chron.com/schoolzone/2006/12/can_you_guess_the_average_sala.html
$180,000 salary; $1,000 a month car allowance; $20,000 signing bonus
Perks for a CEO?
Try some Central Texas School Superintendents”
This is the promo for an investigative news report airing on CBS KEYE-TV. Award-winning investigative reporter Nanci Wilson contacted me and asked for my on-camera reaction to the research she had compiled on how Austin area school districts spend tax dollars.
The CBS News investigative report is slated to aire Monday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, Feb. 27. The link for KEYE-TV’s investigative reports: http://www.keyetv.com/content/news/investigates/default.aspx
The promo quotes me several times, expressing my outrage that taxpayer dollars are being misspent and some expenditures hidden from taxpayers. The promo also provides a glimpse of an interview with a very defiant Austin Superintendent.
Background: AFP launched a campaign “More education for our dollars” to get more education dollars directed to the classroom, when three years ago we traveled the state with a ruler with “How Does Your School District Measure Up?” and a link to the Comptroller’s web site and the School District Watch List. The data reveals that most districts have one non-teaching staff for each teacher, only 50% of the education dollars are spent in the classroom and most school districts are rated as “acceptable” – this is not acceptable to most taxpayers.
Update: Comptroller Susan Combs changed the listing to be called “School District Listing” and has now taken the listing off her new website, though the information is still available. AFP has worked with the Texas Education Agency to get the information posted there – http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/snapshot/2006/district.srch.html and the information is still at: http://www3.cpa.state.tx.us/districts.nsf, though not visible on the Comptroller’s website. Comptroller Combs said that she no longer has the responsibility to do the school district audits. True, but the funding to do that project didn’t get withdrawn.
Stay tuned -- I'll keep you posted as the sparks fly when the powerful CBS-TV Affiliate reveals just how our education tax dollars are being spent. -- Peggy Venable
According to the Houston Chronicle, in 2006, the HISD superintendent was making over $300,000 base salary. The article is worth a read and cited information provided by education associations:
http://blogs.chron.com/schoolzone/2006/12/can_you_guess_the_average_sala.html
$180,000 salary; $1,000 a month car allowance; $20,000 signing bonus
Perks for a CEO?
Try some Central Texas School Superintendents”
This is the promo for an investigative news report airing on CBS KEYE-TV. Award-winning investigative reporter Nanci Wilson contacted me and asked for my on-camera reaction to the research she had compiled on how Austin area school districts spend tax dollars.
The CBS News investigative report is slated to aire Monday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, Feb. 27. The link for KEYE-TV’s investigative reports: http://www.keyetv.com/content/news/investigates/default.aspx
The promo quotes me several times, expressing my outrage that taxpayer dollars are being misspent and some expenditures hidden from taxpayers. The promo also provides a glimpse of an interview with a very defiant Austin Superintendent.
Background: AFP launched a campaign “More education for our dollars” to get more education dollars directed to the classroom, when three years ago we traveled the state with a ruler with “How Does Your School District Measure Up?” and a link to the Comptroller’s web site and the School District Watch List. The data reveals that most districts have one non-teaching staff for each teacher, only 50% of the education dollars are spent in the classroom and most school districts are rated as “acceptable” – this is not acceptable to most taxpayers.
Update: Comptroller Susan Combs changed the listing to be called “School District Listing” and has now taken the listing off her new website, though the information is still available. AFP has worked with the Texas Education Agency to get the information posted there – http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/snapshot/2006/district.srch.html and the information is still at: http://www3.cpa.state.tx.us/districts.nsf, though not visible on the Comptroller’s website. Comptroller Combs said that she no longer has the responsibility to do the school district audits. True, but the funding to do that project didn’t get withdrawn.
Stay tuned -- I'll keep you posted as the sparks fly when the powerful CBS-TV Affiliate reveals just how our education tax dollars are being spent. -- Peggy Venable
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