Monthly Archives: April 2009

Lampson to NASA?

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Former Rep. Nick Lampson, who was a big advocate for NASA while he was in Congress, is now on the short list to become NASA’s administrator. The 64-year-old Stafford Democrat, whose Houston-area congressional district included Johnson Space Center, has joined … Continue reading →

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Poker bill passes out of House committee

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I mentioned before that there was a bill to expand legalized poker this session. That bill is HB222 by Rep. Jose Menendez (D, San Antonio). Today it moved a step closer to passage as it was approved by the the … Continue reading →

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Precinct analysis: The City Council districts

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I’d been wondering for a long time how the 2008 vote broke down by City Council districts, as well as for the city of Houston versus non-Houston Harris County. I finally did something about it awhile ago and made a … Continue reading →

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Senate passes budget

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The good news is that the budget presented by the Senate isn’t a big step backwards, which was a real concern given the bleak financial picture and the huge obligation of the property tax cuts, which we continue to be … Continue reading →

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Dallas Dems look to 2010

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Never too early to be thinking about these things. “I don’t think it’s a big stretch to say we can do 57 percent [countywide] in 2010,” said Darlene Ewing, chairwoman of the Dallas County Democratic Party. Because of that comfort … Continue reading →

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Descendants of Olivewood

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I got an email the other day about Descendants of Olivewood, a 501 (c) organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic Olivewood cemetery, and thought it was worth passing along. From the site: Nestled against a bend … Continue reading →

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House passes veto override resolution

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I’m a little surprised that this got taken up so (relatively) quickly, but not at all surprised that it passed. The House today passed a measure that would allow Texas voters to decide whether to allow the Legislature to override … Continue reading →

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Stimulus package, Council-style

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

What to make of this? Houston is set to embark on a program to provide a boost to some of the city’s biggest developments, many of which have been put on hold amid the ongoing financial crisis. The plan aims … Continue reading →

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Candidate interview: Hugo Mojica

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

We are getting close to the end of my interview series with District H candidates. Today I have a conversation with Hugo Mojica, who is a native of the Northside and who has worked for former Council members Gabe Vasquez … Continue reading →

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TPJ files complaints against Keller

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

To no one’s surprise, in the wake of the Morning News story about Judge Sharon Keller’s lack of financial disclosure as required by law, Texans for Public Justice has filed complaints against her. From their press release (PDF): TPJ’s complaints … Continue reading →

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Women’s Professional Soccer

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Has it really been over five years since the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) closed up shop? Time does fly. In any event, if you’re a fan of women’s soccer and have been waiting for another professional league to come … Continue reading →

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Cottage foods

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

As you know, I’ve touted the Handmade Toy Alliance, of which my cousin Jill is a member, on behalf of folks who run small home-based businesses making toys, crafts, clothes, and the like. Via a Facebook message from an old … Continue reading →

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