Monthly Archives: May 2014

Chron overview of Senate primary runoff

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

We’ve heard this story before. Texas Democrats trying to gain traction in statewide elections face an awkward predicament in the May 27 primary runoff election for the U.S. Senate. If the winner is Kesha Rogers, a follower of Lyndon LaRouche, … Continue reading →

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It’s not so cheap to live in Houston any more

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

It’s the downside of a hot job market and an improving national reputation for being a cool place to live. Business and city leaders often tout the Houston region as one of the most affordable markets in the country. But … Continue reading →

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We really should comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the law. During a House County Affairs Committee hearing Monday, local sheriffs said the most problematic provision of the 2003 law is a requirement that minors be housed separately from adult prison … Continue reading →

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The small number of competitive legislative races in November

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

The Trib discusses the lack of legislative action in November. In the House, nine Republican and two Democratic races are still undecided. An early list of competitive November races — this is in a House with 150 seats — comes … Continue reading →

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Why isn’t Ken Paxton releasing his tax returns?

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

This DMN story is actually about how Sen. Ken Paxton, currently in a runoff for the GOP nomination for Attorney General after leading the field in March, has done pretty well for himself as a lawyer since his initial election … Continue reading →

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A deeper dive into the Pratt files

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron takes a closer look at some of the people affected by the tenure of now-former Judge Denise Pratt. Kevin Bates’ sojourn through Pratt’s court began in 2012, via a visitation dispute with his ex-wife over their 16-year-old daughter. … Continue reading →

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Brazoria looks at desalinization

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Booming population growth plus greater upstream demands on their main water source equals thoughts of alternate water supplies. By the time the Brazos bisects Brazoria County on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s all but tapped out, unable … Continue reading →

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Melanie Scruggs: Ways Houston can increase its recycling rate

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Note: From time to time, I solicit guest posts from various individuals on different topics. While I like to think I know a little something about a lot of things, I’m fortunate to be acquainted with a number of people … Continue reading →

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A step forward for the historic Astrodome

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

From CultureMap: Efforts to make the Astrodome a State Antiquities Landmark took a key step forward Tuesday as the state Antiquities Advisory Board voted unanimously to forward the application to the Texas Historical Commission. Such a designation would prevent the … Continue reading →

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HISD does have a role to play in the Bush Foundation literacy effort

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

I learned this from a Terry Grier op-ed in the Chron. That’s why last week’s release of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s “Houston’s Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action,” was such a welcome event. The foundation’s plan to … Continue reading →

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It’s not Tesla that’s asking for special treatment

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

A couple of auto dealers take to the op-ed pages to argue that up is in fact down. The motor vehicle franchise laws in place do not in any way hinder innovation; instead they foster the competition that benefits consumers. … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for May 4

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

On Clyde Bruckman, one of the early pioneers of movie comedy. Animals Sitting On Capybaras. As Fred said, you didn’t know you wanted to see this until someone made it, and now you will realize the world needed it. “An … Continue reading →

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Paxton gets a slap on the wrist

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

That’s it??? State Sen. Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for Texas attorney general, violated the Texas Securities Act by soliciting investment clients without being registered as required by law, according to a disciplinary order made public Friday. Under the order … Continue reading →

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Endorsement watch: All for Alameel

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

In the March primary, most of the newspaper endorsements for the Democratic Senate race went to David Alameel. The one exception among major papers was the San Antonio Express-News, which went for Maxey Scherr. As Scherr did not make it … Continue reading →

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The other three foot rule

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

This is a little bold for my taste. A Houston bicyclist is testing a year-old safety ordinance intended to ensure motorists don’t get closer than three feet from riders. While riding in the designated bike lanes of the Memorial area … Continue reading →

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Legalize moonshining

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

You can brew your own beer at home, and you can ferment your own wine at home, but if you try to distill your own spirits at home, you’re asking for trouble from the rev’nooers. The movement to legalize marijuana … Continue reading →

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Saturday video break: Barefootin’

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve sung the praises of Pete Townshend’s Deep End Live concert before, and here’s another awesome cut from it, “Barefootin’”: Back in the day when mixtapes were a thing, I’d make party music mixes, and this would be my go-to … Continue reading →

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734K ACA enrollments in Texas

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Pretty damn impressive, all things considered. New numbers out show that 734,000 Texans bought health insurance through the federal marketplace from last October to April 19, 2014, a report released by Health and Human Services shows. Prior to March 1, … Continue reading →

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Judge will allow Ashby to rise

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

We have a decision. Developers can move forward with the proposed Ashby high-rise after a much-anticipated ruling Thursday by a judge who agreed the tower is a nuisance for its immediate neighbors but concluded there was no way he could … Continue reading →

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Sriracha for San Antonio?

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

State Rep. Jason Villalba will finally make his pilgrimage to California to visit Huy Fong Foods and try to convince them to pick up stakes and move to Texas. State and city officials are hoping to woo the CEO of … Continue reading →

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Enabling bike parking at restaurants

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Good to see this effort is making progress. It has taken some time, but a community effort to add bike racks in the Heights is seeing results. Heights resident Mitch Cohen has placed two racks along 19th Street this year … Continue reading →

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Friday random ten – Baby, You Can Drive My Car Part 3

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Part 1 was specific cars, part 2 was cars in general, and this is other things you can drive. 1. Another One Rides The Bus – Weird Al Yankovic 2. Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street? – Bruce Springsteen … Continue reading →

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Council hears NDO testimony

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

It went about as you’d expect. Houston is the last of America’s largest cities not to have local anti-discrimination protections, a fact some lauded and others condemned Wednesday during the first opportunity for public comment on Mayor Annise Parker’s proposed … Continue reading →

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Lawsuit filed over teacher evaluation system

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

A new front is opened in the war on standardized testing. Seven HISD teachers and their union are suing the school district to try to end job evaluations tied to students’ test scores, arguing the method is arbitrary, unfair and … Continue reading →

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Planning to plan

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Not really sure what to make of this. “We’ve had a lot of planning in this city and most of us continue to do a great deal of it,” said Central Houston president Bob Eury. “What we haven’t had is … Continue reading →

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The feral hogs of Montgomery County

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Because three blog posts about feral hogs are better than two. Feral hogs – which some find more pesky than mosquitoes and more invasive than fire ants – are alive and well in Montgomery County. Officials in The Woodlands say … Continue reading →

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GHP endorses proposed NDO

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Good for them. The Greater Houston Partnership came out in support of Mayor Annise Parker’s proposed equal rights ordinance, giving the measure a boost as it heads to a City Council committee hearing on Wednesday. Parker plans to put the … Continue reading →

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Davis vs the DGA

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Show some respect, y’all. The chairman of the Democratic Governors Association gave a less-than-rosy assessment of Sen. Wendy Davis’ chances Tuesday and got a slam in return from her campaign. Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, association chairman, failed to cite the … Continue reading →

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Two wins against voter ID

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Good news from Wisconsin. Trying to crack down on in-person voter fraud isn’t a strong enough justification for Wisconsin’s voter ID law, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, because voter impersonation virtually never occurs now and is unlikely to become a … Continue reading →

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Texas blog roundup for the week of April 28

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Progressive Alliance strongly favors net neutrality as it brings you this week’s roundup.

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Costello comes out for Uber and Lyft

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

An email sent out by CM Stephen Costello: Over the past few months, City Council has been discussing proposed changes to Chapter 46, the city ordinance dealing with vehicles for hire. I’ve listened during committee meetings and public sessions. I’ve … Continue reading →

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