Monthly Archives: February 2016

The case for letting everyone vote by mail

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

The Washington Monthly in an article written by a former Secretary of State for Oregon, lays it out. Presidential elections still attract a majority of America’s voters. For all other elections, however, democracy is mostly a spectator sport. In the … Continue reading →

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Steve Radack supports Medicaid expansion

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this. When Harris County commissioners were asked this week by a member of the public to lower the property tax burden, Steve Radack had a response prepared: tell Austin to let millions of … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Metro smartphone payment system debuts

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Progress marches onward. Metro riders will be able to board a bus or train without a fare card or cash within a few days, just in time for some of the transit agency’s heaviest use during the Houston Livestock Show … Continue reading →

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Former KTRU to become Christian station

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Well, that’s different. KSBJ Educational Foundation, which owns and programs noncommercial Christian music radio stations, acquired the 50,000-watt KUHA (91.7 FM). Subject to Federal Communications Commission approval, the station could switch from its current classical format to NGEN by late … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for February 28

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Depending on your outlook, tomorrow is either a bonus day in February, or an “oh my God this month isn’t over YET?” day. Further evidence to bolster the more lead = more crime hypothesis. Prince’s passport photo is better than … Continue reading →

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Final EV totals for the 2016 primaries

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

It all comes down to Tuesday now: Year Dem GOP ======================= 2008 177,088 64,431 2012 37,887 78,081 2016 85,816 131,145 For your reference, the 2016 totals are here, and the 2012 totals are here, and the 2008 totals are here. … Continue reading →

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HISD girds for budget cuts

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Welcome to the job, Ken Huewitt. Isn’t this fun? Houston’s deputy superintendent on Thursday presented the school board with the deepest round of proposed budget cuts since 2011, leaving principals to decide between slashing staff, supplies, field trips or other … Continue reading →

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The stars at night are slightly less bright

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

But we’re trying to fix that. Texas regulators are asking West Texas oil and gas producers to help preserve the region’s famously starry skies. In a notice issued Wednesday, the Texas Railroad Commission called on Permian Basin operators to curb … Continue reading →

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New frontiers in social media campaigning

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

From Slate: Huey Rey Fischer identifies as a queer, vegetarian, Latino “progressive Democrat on a bicycle.” He is 23 years old, and he’s running for state representative in Texas’ District 49, which encompasses the University of Texas at Austin. A … Continue reading →

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Saturday video break: Ice Cream Man

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Another example of Two Really Different Songs With The Same Title. First up, local artists Leah White, from one of her albums of music for kids: Clearly, that’s a Good Humor ice cream man, and as someone who grew up … Continue reading →

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RIP, One Bin For All

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

It had a good run, but at the very least the timing was all wrong. The One Bin For All program would let Houstonians throw all trash in the same bin, to be separated for recycling later. The hope was … Continue reading →

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Hey, how about another lawsuit against Obamacare?

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Sure, why not? Six states filed a new lawsuit Wednesday against the Obama administration over the Affordable Care Act. The complaint that Texas, Wisconsin, Kansas, Louisiana, Indiana and Nebraska filed in the Northern District of Texas takes issue with the … Continue reading →

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School districts vote to approve new UIL policy restricting transgender athletes

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Unfortunate. Despite strong opposition from LGBT advocates, representatives from Texas school districts have overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal aimed at barring transgender boys and girls from participating in athletics alongside their cisgender peers. District superintendents and athletic directors voted 409-25 in … Continue reading →

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Got some free time next January?

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

The Houston Super Bowl Committee wants you. As Houston prepares to host the Super Bowl next year, the Super Bowl host committee is seeking volunteers to pitch in for the big game. The committee seeks up to 10,000 volunteers and … Continue reading →

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Friday random ten – To the stars

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Because Audrey got to watch “Star Trek: Into Darkness” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” with us last December, that’s why. 1. Science Fiction/Double Feature – from “Rocky Horror Picture Show” 2. Enterprise-Sulu Medley – Hi-Fidelity 3. The Saga Begins … Continue reading →

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Day 10 EV totals for 2016 primaries

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

One more day left to vote early. Vote tomorrow, or take your chances at a precinct location on Tuesday: Year Dem GOP ======================= 2008 143,169 49,373 2012 30,538 63,817 2016 65,454 98,152 For your reference, the 2016 totals are here, … Continue reading →

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Lots more Texas primary poll results

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

It’s a veritable plethora, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s start with this one, which looks good for Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has a commanding 12-point lead in his home state over businessman Donald Trump … Continue reading →

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Paxton files his first indictment appeal

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

And on we go. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to fight to get out from under three felony indictments, arguing anew before a Dallas appeals court that he is innocent of accusations he repeatedly violated state securities laws. “We … Continue reading →

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Get ready for more “religious freedom” bills

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Gird your loins. The next Texas legislative session is almost a year away, but Senate Republicans are already zeroing in on proposals to bolster legal protections for religious opponents of same-sex marriage after its legalization by the U.S. Supreme Court … Continue reading →

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CCA dismisses remaining charge against Rick Perry

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

This would appear to be the end of the road. The state’s highest criminal court dismissed the remaining indictment against former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday morning, apparently ending the case that started with his threat to veto state funding … Continue reading →

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Two more primary poll results

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

First we have one from KUHF, though it’s just for the GOP race. One week before Super Tuesday, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz holds a 14-point lead in the Lone Star State, according to a poll released Wednesday by Houston Public … Continue reading →

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Chron story on Locke running for Commissioner

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

It’s officially official now. Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Gene Locke, appointed to fill the unexpired term following the sudden death of longtime Commissioner El Franco Lee last month, said Tuesday he may seek the nomination for the powerful local … Continue reading →

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Texas blog roundup for the week of February 22

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Progressive Alliance reminds you that early voting for the 2016 primaries continues through Friday as it brings you this week’s roundup.

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Day 8 EV totals for 2016 primaries

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Eight days down, three days to go: Year Dem GOP ======================= 2008 98,980 35,332 2012 22,752 46,769 2016 45,389 66,135 For your reference, the 2016 totals are here, and the 2012 totals are here. I do now finally have a … Continue reading →

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UT/Trib poll: Clinton and Cruz lead in Texas

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

I’d been wondering when we were going to get a fresh poll for the Texas primary races. Hillary Clinton’s lead over Bernie Sanders has narrowed considerably in Texas but remains in the double digits among the state’s likely Democratic primary … Continue reading →

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Cruz moves to dismiss birther lawsuit against him

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

One of them, anyway. Sen. Ted Cruz is striking back against doubters of his eligibility to be president, asking a federal judge Monday to dismiss a Texas lawsuit questioning his natural born citizenship. The suit, filed by Houston attorney Newton … Continue reading →

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It’s hard out here on a recycler, part 4

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

It was a bad year last year. Recycling continues to hurt Waste Management’s bottom line, as low oil prices and low commodity prices have made that a challenging business for at least the past year. The Houston company on Thursday … Continue reading →

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Day 7 EV totals for 2016 primaries

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Day One of Week Two is in the can: Year Dem GOP ======================= 2008 81,843 28,773 2012 20,058 41,447 2016 38,547 55,228 For your reference, the 2016 totals are here, and the 2012 totals are here. I don’t have daily … Continue reading →

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Time for the Presidential campaigns to focus on Texas

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

It’s our turn in the spotlight. After spending millions to gain attention and a relative handful of delegates in the first four primary and caucus states, presidential candidates will now train their sights on Super Tuesday and the mother lode … Continue reading →

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Chron overview of the Sheriff races

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

The candidate who isn’t there nonetheless plays a central role. Appointed incumbent Ron Hickman faces two repeat challengers in the GOP primary, while four others, including former Houston City Councilman Ed Gonzalez battle for the Democratic nomination. The candidates square … Continue reading →

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Hotze gets official hater status

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Congratulations, I guess. After more than 30 years of anti-gay activism, Steven Hotze picked up the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) on Wednesday. The Alabama civil rights group labeled Hotze’s Conservative Republicans … Continue reading →

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Day 6 EV totals for 2016 primaries

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

We are one (short) week in, with what should be the bigger week for turnout coming up: Year Dem GOP ======================= 2008 66,756 23,851 2012 15,980 36,612 2016 32,233 44,844 For your reference, the 2016 totals are here, and the … Continue reading →

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Gene Locke is reportedly seeking the Commissioners Court nomination

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Please see update at the end of this post. There is new information at the bottom. Remember this? Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on Friday named Gene Locke, a former city attorney and mayoral candidate, to complete El Franco Lee’s … Continue reading →

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The draft bike plan is out

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Here it is, in all its glory. I encourage you to look at the draft plan and play with the interactive map. Then, when you start to feel overwhelmed and wish someone would explain it all to you, go read … Continue reading →

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