Daily Archives: February 1, 2007

Eckels contemplates resignation

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Today’s big local politics news is the announcement by Harris County Judge Robert Eckels that he may step down to take a higher-paying private sector job. “In the last 90 days I’ve had conversations with a New York firm and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 3 Comments

Help the Beer Can House

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

From the Orange Show mailing list: CALLING BEER VOLUNTEERS! Our Volunteer Happy Hours at the Beer Can House have been so successful and productive that we’re extending the fun for two more Thursdays (Feb 1st & 8th). So bring your … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Help the Beer Can House

Mayor proposes preservation ordinance for Old Sixth Ward

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Mayor White has taken another step towards real preservation in Houston by outlining an ordinance to help the Old Sixth Ward. He proposed creation of a special district within the neighborhood west of downtown with design guidelines for new construction … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 1 Comment

The NYT’s appropriate obit for Molly Ivins

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Last night, I mentioned that Molly Ivins hated being copy-edited by the New York Times, because they excised every bit of color she put into her writing; the best example was when “a beer gut that belonged in the Smithsonian” … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in The great state of Texas | 2 Comments

Compromise looming on 60-day rule

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Yesterday, we were led to believe that the failure to suspend the 60-day rule meant a whole lot of nothing for the House in the immediate future. (The fact that this impression is substantively wrong in many respects is beside … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Compromise looming on 60-day rule

A more pointed response regarding Richmond rail

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Christof picks up the slack in the latest Universities line debate. Combine it with his look at the options for the Universities line, and now you’ve got a more comprehensive response to the Culberson op-ed from Sunday. Check ’em out. Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 1 Comment

Sale of Comets completed

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

As noted last week, the sale of the Comets to Hilton Koch has been completed. The WNBA board of governors has approved sale of the Comets to Hilton Koch/Hilton Acquisitions, LLC, Rockets owner Leslie Alexander announced [Wednesday] at Toyota Center. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Other sports | 1 Comment

Ellis to present statewide smoking ban measure today

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Yesterday, the Chron reported about Sen. Rodney Ellis’ announcement that he was filing legislation to ban smoking in public places throughout Texas, in a similar fashion as many municipal smoking bans. (We knew this was coming.) I was waiting for … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 3 Comments

More treatment, fewer prisons

Posted on February 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve blogged before about Texas’ prison population and why it’s a problem of our own making and not one of inevitable demographics (see here and here for examples). On Tuesday, the relevant House committee heard some testimony from an expert … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on More treatment, fewer prisons