Tuesday, December 21, 2010
More Conflict of Interest in Fort Worth
We aren't surprised. Though we are surprised it's being reported.
Read about it in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Fort Worth Visionary Needed
See Durango to apply.
Top qualification, be ready to spend your own money on boondoggle's...not OURS.
Top qualification, be ready to spend your own money on boondoggle's...not OURS.
Friday, December 17, 2010
WHO's looking out for YOUR water?
Read about it in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Take note of WHO isn't.
A town panel has denied a request to drill for natural gas near Lake Grapevine's north shore because of concerns about potential contamination to a source of drinking water for area cities.
Concerns include the chemicals that drilling fluids contain that energy companies have resisted publicly disclosing
Keystone officials said many of the concerns are unsubstantiated. No contamination has occurred at drilling sites near several area lakes, including the Tarrant Regional Water District reservoirs Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Bridgeport and Lake Arlington, they said.
"There have been too many incidents nationwide for us to take this lightly," Hunt told the Flower Mound panel. "The risk is too great to our water supply."
However, the Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the lake and several surrounding properties, said in a July 2 letter to Flower Mound environmental officials that drilling on the site would pose little or no risk.
Well said
Fort Worth face-off
Mitchell Schnurman's Wednesday column describes some streetcar advocates as acting like big babies -- since I didn't get my way, I'm going to move out of town. (See: "Streetcar lines now looking like fault lines")
Perhaps that is best because folks like that will not help the city grow. Many of the people I know were against streetcars right now because of finances. The city cannot afford to incur more debt without the ability to pay unless taxes are raised. Continual growth will come with a strong financial base, and that is what Fort Worth has to have.
It is most discouraging that Schnurman's column reads like an attempt to pit one part of the city against another.
-- Carol Graves, Fort Worth
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Texas Railroad Commission Railroading
Many of our fellow neighbors and friends made the trip to Austin yesterday to testify about the Railroad Commission. Many that did the reviewing were not pleased with the agency and its performance, or lack thereof.
The letter says "Our investigation will not be distracted by press releases or politics". What about campaign contributions and cash gifts? That question was raised yesterday. Do YOU want an answer? Demand it.
Remember Palo Pinto
By Don Young...
The explosion at Palo Pinto gave the City of Fort Worth and environs a suitable warning. It went unheeded. Locally elected officials, following the lead of gas & oil man, Mayor Mike Moncrief, chose to ignore the warning. Five years later, they are STILL ignoring it. We STILL have an inadequate drilling ordinance. We STILL don't have an proper environmental study. But we DO have the same elected officials
And they are STILL accountable. Remember their names.
Read all about it on FWCANDO.
Gas drilling chemicals found...in teen
Gas drilling chemicals found in the blood of a teenager in Flower Mound. Read about it (and the comments) on TXSharon.
TXSharon asks a good question...WHAT'S it going to take? ASK the media.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Got Water?
What's in the water?
Anyone attending the EPA hearings wouldn't be surprised to read that Range Resources has denied contaminating wells. (See: "Range Resources denies EPA allegation that it contaminated water wells," Thursday) We heard gas company representatives spend more than three hours denying exactly the same thing: "There's no credible evidence that gas fracturing causes groundwater contamination."
Of course there's no evidence because the gas industry refuses to identify the three tanker trucks full of chemicals along with the 3 million gallons of fresh water that are injected into every well. They contend there's no correlation between their drilling activities and well water turning brackish and flammable overnight, wildlife deaths, gas explosions or reports of increased childhood leukemia cases.
I wonder what'll happen when the gas companies have finished drilling their 14,000 leases, left our water undrinkable and our air unbreatheable. I guess they'll just pack up their money and move on to the Marcellus Shale, leaving North Texas one big "fracking" mess.
-- Sharon Austry, Fort Worth
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Whole lotta shaking...
Arkansas has had nearly 500 earthquakes in less than 2 months. Don't worry, the industry says it has nothing to do with drilling. Question is, what about those salt water disposal wells all around Guy, Arkansas?
Read about it on CNN.com.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thank YOU!
To PFC Austin Staggs for making the ultimate sacrafice for our freedom. And for those who rode and stood guard over his family and service Saturday.
Texas Lonestar salutes you all.
Austin Bound
This Wednesday, December 15th will be the Sunset Review on TXDot and the Texas Railroad Commission.
Load up. It's time to get on the road.
Be in Austin. Tell them what you think!
Gas pipeline leak in Fort Worth
Read about it in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
A "vapor cloud" called attention to the leak. We have a question, what is the "cloud" that blows from east to west every night in front of the Fort Worth skyline?
Sunday, December 12, 2010
What do Fort Worth and Seattle have in common?
No, not expensive, fancy streetcars.
Flooding issues.
Yahoo News is reporting record rainfall and mudslides.
Still, the National Weather Service says flooding was reported on more than 20 Washington rivers at times on Sunday.
WHO thinks it's a good idea to take the levees down?
Cowtown Christmas
Have Yourself a Merry....
Judy Garland first sang this classic Christmas tune in the 1944 MGM musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. The original lyrics are especially bittersweet for a holiday song, ("... we'll just have to muddle through somehow... ") But the song warms the heart, nonetheless.
It is in that spirit that I have re-imagined the lyrics to reflect the feelings many of us share. I don't think Judy had gas wells in her backyard in 1944 but if she had, the lyrics might have been something like the ones below. Happy caroling to all you denizens of the shale!
(Sing, slowly, to the tune of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I like the James Taylor version that was released right after the September 11, 2001 tragedy.)
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It could be your last
From now on your water well will be a blast.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
There's benzene in the breeze
Hold your breath or be prepared to wheeze.
Here we are in a toxic haze
Not the clear blue days of yore
Landscapes that were dear to us
Now appear to us no more.
Through the years we all can make a difference
Don't give in to fright
Our best hope is doing what we know is right
So after Christmas get your ass in gear and fight.
DY
Friday, December 10, 2010
Mayor Suspended
The Forest Hill Mayor was suspended for four months, a council member resigned, and the remaining council voted to fire the City Secretary. That vote didn't fly as now there weren't enough council members.
Think it's only in Forest Hill? Then maybe you should attend YOUR local council meeting.
Before the vote, Councilman Andrew Sanders resigned. "I cannot stand the bickering and infighting," he said.
During the meeting, he said the accusations were politically motivated. Thomas and Joubert want to run for mayor, he said.
"This is just a tragedy," he said. "This is a terrible situation for the city."
After Sanders left and the vote on Gosey, the remaining council members went into closed session to discuss a motion to fire Edwards. When they returned to public session, they voted 3-2 to fire her.
However, Masimini, the mayor pro tem, said the motion could not pass unless four members voted for it. Then he adjourned the meeting.
Good vs. Bad
In a Letter to the Editor in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram today, a writer states the following...
I'm for streetcars, but finally someone had the courage to state financial stability and responsibility. Mayor Mike Moncrief said, "Try as I might, I cannot in good conscience support a project when I am uncertain of the future cost to our taxpayers."
So, is it in bad conscience that he supports the Trinity River Vision? ASK.
I'm for streetcars, but finally someone had the courage to state financial stability and responsibility. Mayor Mike Moncrief said, "Try as I might, I cannot in good conscience support a project when I am uncertain of the future cost to our taxpayers."
So, is it in bad conscience that he supports the Trinity River Vision? ASK.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Where does YOUR water come from?
You can bet the first thing that will happen is "someone" will deny any involvement.
Read the latest on the Parker County water contamination EPA dealings in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
How much was YOUR royalty check this month?
In the next two months, the order says, Range must identify any "gas flow pathways to the Trinity Aquifer," eliminate those flows if possible and conduct remediation if the aquifer has been harmed.
Downtown Fort Worth Inc. Speaks out
Being responsible
Downtown Fort Worth Inc. was characterized in Mitch Schnurmann's Sunday column as throwing "roadblocks" in front of the streetcar initiative. (See: "City should trust its vision on streetcars.")
If the definition of "roadblock" is asking questions, bothering to actually look at the numbers behind the conclusions, pointing out shortcomings and sharing with advocates and policymakers that not everyone is ready to jump on board and roll down the tracks just yet, then that characterization was correct. DFWI representatives and members shared concerns with advocates clearly and openly. We supported moving to study phase three.
But we also were representing downtown property owners who had the streetcar plan in hand for all of two weeks and only last week received the recently minted update. The facts were still wet on the printed page.
If asking questions and speaking out are defined as raising roadblocks, then we need another definition for the word "responsible."
-- Andy Taft, president,
Downtown Fort Worth Inc.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Texas Gas Well Explosion
TXSharon has the scoop. YOU can't afford to miss it.
Write on
Who's stifling whom?
To sum up Arlington City Councilman Mel LeBlanc's Friday opinion piece, he considers the Texas Open Meetings Act vague and confusing and thus open to misinterpretation. (See: "Texas open meetings law is overly vague and confusing") LeBlanc states that the real issue behind his opposition to TOMA is its use by some to attain personal objectives. He says some elected officials have used TOMA to stifle the behavior, thoughts and speech of other elected officials and that he has personal knowledge of such bullies. In order to clarify without a doubt the real issue, what elected officials have used the Texas Open Meetings Act to stifle LeBlanc, and what behavior, thoughts and/or speech did they stifle? Who stifled whom, and why?
-- Lina McClintock, Arlington
Key to transparency
According to Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns' column last week, (See: "Streetcar discussion highlights need for improved public process") we are led to believe he wants to enhance the transparency of the often-too-private process of decision-making in Fort Worth. He should be lauded for his intent. However, I believe he left out one crucial step in the process of increasing transparency at City Hall: throwing out the council members responsible for making the place so secretive in the first place.
-- James Russell, Fort Worth
No streetcar for Trinity River Vision
Read about last night's council meeting in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Seems there is one item that can't be shoved down ALL the taxpayers throats for the benefit of a few.
Kathleen Hicks was not at the meeting, she was in Europe on city business. WHAT city? WHO paid?
Got Water? Thanks to EPA Parker County does
Agency orders Range Natural Gas Company to stop the contamination of Methane and Other Contaminants into drinking water near multiple residences
(Dallas - TX) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered a natural gas company in Forth Worth Texas to take immediate action to protect homeowners living near one of their drilling operations who have complained about flammable and bubbling drinking water coming out of their tap. EPA testing has confirmed that extremely high levels of methane in their water pose an imminent and substantial risk of explosion or fire. EPA has also found other contaminants including benzene, which can cause cancer, in their drinking water.
EPA has determined that natural gas drilling near the homes by Range Resources in Parker County, Texas has caused or contributed to the contamination of at least two residential drinking water wells. Therefore, today, EPA has ordered the company to step in immediately to stop the contamination, provide drinking water and provide methane gas monitors to the homeowners. EPA has issued an imminent and substantial endangerment order under Section 1431 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Parker County is located west of Fort Worth, Texas.
In late August, EPA received a citizen's complaint regarding concerns with a private drinking water well. During the inspector's follow-up inquiry, EPA learned that the homeowner had previously complained to the Texas Railroad Commission as well as the company, but their concerns were not adequately addressed by the State or the company. EPA then conducted an on-site inspection of the private drinking water well with the homeowner and a neighboring residence, and returned to collect both water and gas samples. These samples were sent to an EPA certified laboratory for analysis. The data was received in late November 2010 and was carefully reviewed by EPA scientists. The EPA scientists have conducted isotopic fingerprint analysis and concluded the source of the drinking water well contamination to closely match that from Range Resources' natural gas production well.
EPA has asked the company to conduct a full scale investigation. EPA is requiring Range Resources under this order to:
· Immediately deliver potable water to the two residences;
· Immediately sample soil gas around the residences;
· Immediately sample all nearby drinking water wells to determine the extent of aquifer contamination; and
· Provide methane gas monitors to alert homeowners of dangerous conditions in their houses.
· Develop a plan to remediate areas of the aquifer that have been contaminated.
· And, to investigate the structural integrity of its nearby natural gas well to determine if it is the source of contamination.
EPA has data showing the presence of natural gas at two wells. EPA is ordering Range to investigate other nearby properties to determine if their drinking water is at risk. EPA has been in contact with a rural water system operator approximately 1 mile away, and they are taking steps to test their water for natural gas constituents. Residents of other homes are advised to contact EPA immediately if their wells seize up or if their water begins to effervesce. EPA will contact nearby private well home owners to advise them of our actions and to let them know that we've required the company to test their wells.
The uncontrolled release of natural gas can be dangerous since it is odorless and flammable and it escapes facilities. Uncontrolled release of natural gas inside a building or home can cause a fire or explosion. Drinking water contaminated with natural gas impurities such as benzene is unhealthy.
EPA believes that natural gas plays a key role in our nation's clean energy future and the process known as hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that vital resource. However, we want to make sure natural gas development is safe. As we announced earlier this year, we are in the process of conducting a comprehensive study on the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water.
In the meantime, EPA has made energy extraction sector compliance with environmental laws one of EPA's National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011 to 2013. The initiative focuses on areas of the country where energy extraction activities such as hydraulic fracturing are concentrated, and EPA's enforcement activities will vary with the type of activity and pollution problem presented.
To read a copy of order to the company, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region6
To learn more about EPA's National Enforcement Initiatives, visit: http://epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/initiatives/initiatives.html
To learn more about EPA hydraulic fracturing study, visit: http://www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Fort Worth City Council Meeting TONIGHT
YOU are invited. Be there.
Word on the street is there will be some very interesting speakers.
We can't wait! See you tonight!
Word on the street is there will be some very interesting speakers.
We can't wait! See you tonight!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Grand Prairie Gas Drilling
Residents were told the council is the reason you weren't getting royalty checks and to vote them all out. It was like a big pep rally or something...mind you, it was in the church where they are currently laying a HUGE pipeline, right next to our high school.
Remember, buyer beware.
If your property values fall, your can't breathe the air, or drink the water, is it worth it? Ask those being "drilled" in Fort Worth that receive $35 a month. They'll tell you the answer.
Read about it all on TXSharon.
Fort Worth and the Almighty Dollar
Not enough viewing spots
Attending the Parade of Lights has to be one of the most delightful traditions our family looks forward to each year. Every year, we have been taken aback by the decreasing number of spaces where a family can throw down a blanket and some lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities.
The organizer, out of its desire to make a buck, has covered the entire downtown parade watching area with fold-up chairs that can be had at a price to view the parade. It's almost come to the point that if the powers-that-be see an open spot where a family has its blanket set up, there will be a row of fold-up chairs in its place the following year.
Fort Worth parade officials, please keep the rented folding chairs to a minimum. We were able to find a spot to throw down our blankets and set up our lawn chairs, but I'm disturbed that next year, it, too, will be invaded with those white folding chairs.
-- Aaron Lopez Sr., Fort Worth
No streetcars
Although Fort Worth has a $30 million shortfall as we start our next budget year, it seems the city needs a shiny streetcar to attract tourists. Our world-class museums and cowboy culture are not sufficient.
With the three-mile starter route costing only $86 million and the entire system $700 million, what is the concern? We can always close our libraries and swimming pools. The council never saw a TIF or a tax it didn't like. The latter can easily be included in the water bill.
In this economy especially, a project of this magnitude is out of the question. Let's tell our City Council members it's time to be Scrooge.
-- Nina Speairs, Fort Worth
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tarrant County Culture of Corruption Continues
Read about the latest Melody Johnson, Fort Worth School Superintendent scandal. WHY is it in Fort Worth there is always more than one scandal with the same folks?
The story is from the FW Weekly, but we enjoyed reading Durango's introduction. They are always entertaining.
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Observant Observer
Read it, read it all. If you live in Tarrant and surrounding counties, YOU can't afford not to. Read about those you have read about on Star Telegraph before, Mary Kelleher and Steve on Carter. Kudos to you both! We need more like them!
Read it. Then share it with THE PEOPLE. And ask your "leaders" WHAT they are doing to protect YOU and YOUR family.
Fort Worth Streetcar Continued...
Reporters should exercise some intelligence instead of just reporting information.
Today's story on the streetcar meeting said that 2,000 riders per day could be expected on the route from LaGrave Field to Harris Hospital .
Did the reporter ever study math?
2000 riders x 365 days = 730,000 riders a year.
Suppose the fare is $1 a person. That comes to $730,000 a year income from fares. Does that compute as a good business deal?
The reporter should have asked...How will that amount pay for the multi-million dollar investment? If it will not, where will the extra funds come from? The obvious answer is perpetual taxpayer subsidy for the benefit of some "unknown developers" who "may" do developments along the route "IF it is built". Drive the route. There is no room for development except 8 blocks along North Main . Studies have shown that people will walk no more than 2 or 3 blocks to ride public transit (streetcar OR bus). How much development can occur in a 32 block area (both sides of North Main) that makes such a subsidy practical? Will lack of streetcars HALT development? With their greater flexibility, why can't buses serve the area much better? I know the public relations business. Have you asked who is the p.r. agent for this project?It has the signs of being a well-orchestrated PR presentation.
PS. I have a friend who is close to City Hall. He says it is a "done deal" and the rest is just "window dressing". A good investigation would "follow the money."
PPS. I would run a test. For one year run FREE buses along the proposed route. (Free, to offset the inconvenience of not having trolleys) Same schedule and stops as the proposed streetcar route. See if the free buses attract 730,000 riders. Fair test?
PPPS. Public transit depends on HIGH DENSITY POPULATION.
Fort Worth has NO high density population.
USS Fort Worth
Or should it be SOS Fort Worth?
Now WHY would gas drillers be attending the christening of the USS Fort Worth with Mayor Moncrief and Congresswoman Granger?
ASK.
And read about it on FWCANDO.
Fort Worth Streetcar Meeting Update
Over 300 people and guess what, they all have an opinion. Sounds like the majority say no way. Funny, that's what they say about most of the things that are done the Fort Worth Way.
Lots of great speakers last night! Kudos to you all!
There was information in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the pre-meeting meeting and the meeting as well as on NBCDFW.com. Too bad we weren't invited to the behind the scenes meeting, sounds like it was a good one. We'll give you some highlights below. Consider it your incentive to be informed! We noticed neither news source said the consulting company HDR is where a lot of the story information came from. Does the price tag jump from the original plan, remind anyone else of the Trinity River Vision scheme? We did notice, the majority of Fort Worth is left out of the loop...
Question to you WHO support and want to spend the Trinity River Vision TIF on the streetcar, WHERE do you think that money comes from?
Fort Worth takes pride in resolving disagreements behind the scenes and presenting a united front. So nobody is talking publicly about the clashes that played out Monday, when about 15 heavy-hitters met in two sessions, for almost six hours, to try to hash out their differences.
Skeptics, including leaders from Downtown Fort Worth Inc. and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, insisted that they were just asking questions and vetting the numbers. Streetcar supporters, including the Trinity River Vision Authority and Fort Worth South, said that they felt ambushed and that the challenges were a pretense for killing the project.
Tempers flared, and some cautioned that the attacks were getting too personal.
We're talking about three miles of track at $85 (million) to $86 million," said Paul Rudisill, a business owner opposed to the project. "When it was first proposed, it was about $53 million. So 22 percent have access to it, while 78 percent will be paying for operational costs of it. That's ridiculous."
"Expensive? Yes. It's an investment for the future. A lot of the things that we do today hopefully will pay for themselves in the future. But we've got to start."
A good number of people Thursday at the Fort Worth Convention Center were skeptical of the $88 million estimate presented for the total cost of the project and the notion of adding expenses during a slow economic period.
One speaker pointed out that the estimates of the Trinity River Vision, which started out at $320 million in 2003, have soared to near $1 billion today. Many others said the project would benefit too few people.
Cleveland Harris said he believed that to be true but objected to the proposal because his neighborhood is not part of the plans.
"If it leaves us out of the loop, we're against it," said Harris, the director of government affairs for the Morningside Neighborhood Association. "They need to promote the whole city, not just a portion of the city."
Lots of great speakers last night! Kudos to you all!
There was information in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the pre-meeting meeting and the meeting as well as on NBCDFW.com. Too bad we weren't invited to the behind the scenes meeting, sounds like it was a good one. We'll give you some highlights below. Consider it your incentive to be informed! We noticed neither news source said the consulting company HDR is where a lot of the story information came from. Does the price tag jump from the original plan, remind anyone else of the Trinity River Vision scheme? We did notice, the majority of Fort Worth is left out of the loop...
Question to you WHO support and want to spend the Trinity River Vision TIF on the streetcar, WHERE do you think that money comes from?
Fort Worth takes pride in resolving disagreements behind the scenes and presenting a united front. So nobody is talking publicly about the clashes that played out Monday, when about 15 heavy-hitters met in two sessions, for almost six hours, to try to hash out their differences.
Skeptics, including leaders from Downtown Fort Worth Inc. and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, insisted that they were just asking questions and vetting the numbers. Streetcar supporters, including the Trinity River Vision Authority and Fort Worth South, said that they felt ambushed and that the challenges were a pretense for killing the project.
Tempers flared, and some cautioned that the attacks were getting too personal.
We're talking about three miles of track at $85 (million) to $86 million," said Paul Rudisill, a business owner opposed to the project. "When it was first proposed, it was about $53 million. So 22 percent have access to it, while 78 percent will be paying for operational costs of it. That's ridiculous."
"Expensive? Yes. It's an investment for the future. A lot of the things that we do today hopefully will pay for themselves in the future. But we've got to start."
A good number of people Thursday at the Fort Worth Convention Center were skeptical of the $88 million estimate presented for the total cost of the project and the notion of adding expenses during a slow economic period.
One speaker pointed out that the estimates of the Trinity River Vision, which started out at $320 million in 2003, have soared to near $1 billion today. Many others said the project would benefit too few people.
Cleveland Harris said he believed that to be true but objected to the proposal because his neighborhood is not part of the plans.
"If it leaves us out of the loop, we're against it," said Harris, the director of government affairs for the Morningside Neighborhood Association. "They need to promote the whole city, not just a portion of the city."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Be there tonight
Got something to say about the streetcar? Seems everyone does.
Read the Letter to the Editor in today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Then come tonight and be heard.
Remember as you're reading the letter that not all letters get published in the paper. Ask WHY?
Ignoring the little guy
Mitch McConnell says the main Republican goal for the next two years is to make sure President Barack Obama isn't re-elected. Isn't that what they've been doing for the last two years?
Now they want to allow tax cuts for the top 2 percent of wage earners while voting against extending unemployment benefits. What is being done about unemployment, Wall Street reform etc.? It is clear the ordinary citizen is a low priority for Republicans and pacifying the rich is a high one. Of course, rich people are the ones who get them elected.
Meanwhile, the Fort Worth City Council is considering spending $88 million on a 3-mile streetcar system. Why isn't that money being spent on roads, infrastructure, paying off debt etc.? Once again, it appears the benefits go to the rich and the ordinary citizens are left in the cold.
-- Maria A. Gibson, Fort Worth
Read the Letter to the Editor in today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Then come tonight and be heard.
Remember as you're reading the letter that not all letters get published in the paper. Ask WHY?
Ignoring the little guy
Mitch McConnell says the main Republican goal for the next two years is to make sure President Barack Obama isn't re-elected. Isn't that what they've been doing for the last two years?
Now they want to allow tax cuts for the top 2 percent of wage earners while voting against extending unemployment benefits. What is being done about unemployment, Wall Street reform etc.? It is clear the ordinary citizen is a low priority for Republicans and pacifying the rich is a high one. Of course, rich people are the ones who get them elected.
Meanwhile, the Fort Worth City Council is considering spending $88 million on a 3-mile streetcar system. Why isn't that money being spent on roads, infrastructure, paying off debt etc.? Once again, it appears the benefits go to the rich and the ordinary citizens are left in the cold.
-- Maria A. Gibson, Fort Worth
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The difference between Fort Worth and New York
New York is protecting their residents and THEIR water. Fort Worth "leaders", on the other hand, stick their heads in the sand. If you stick your head in the sand, what does that leave exposed for all the world to see? You guessed it.
We were sent this email from one of our concerned citizen contributors. Kudos to NY!
The New York State Assembly voted 93-43 to pass a temporary moratorium on gas drilling using high volume hydraulic fracturing until May 15, 2011. This bill (A11443B/S08129B) was previously approved by the Senate last summer. It is expected to be signed into law by Governor Paterson. Last week the Governor said in a radio interview in reference to fracking that "even with the tremendous revenues it would bring in, we're not going to risk public safety or water quality".
We were sent this email from one of our concerned citizen contributors. Kudos to NY!
The New York State Assembly voted 93-43 to pass a temporary moratorium on gas drilling using high volume hydraulic fracturing until May 15, 2011. This bill (A11443B/S08129B) was previously approved by the Senate last summer. It is expected to be signed into law by Governor Paterson. Last week the Governor said in a radio interview in reference to fracking that "even with the tremendous revenues it would bring in, we're not going to risk public safety or water quality".
New Mayor in Fort Worth
Rumors have been swirling for months now about the candidates lining up for the Mayor's race in Fort Worth.
The FW Weekly Static on this is excellent. Read it all! Be sure and read to the bottom about Fort Worth's animal control, Oprah and the Fort Worth Cheerleader.
We love when the citizens (even if it's "one woman") exposes the Fort Worth Way for what it really is.
You good ol' boys better pay attention, the women are on their way. You ever pissed off a Texas woman? Not recommended. Our advice? Run, Forrest, Run.
Thinking about Hirt’s candidacy reminds Static of a time in 2003 when Hirt and Mike Moncrief battled each other for the mayor’s job. Moncrief quit the Texas Senate and came home to Fort Worth seeking a job. Coincidentally, every gas driller in Texas was also honing in on Cowtown, angling to exploit lax regulation to suck the most money possible from the Barnett Shale.
“Government must be a partnership between the people and their elected,” he told Fort Worth Weekly seven years ago (he stopped talking to the Weekly once he got elected).
He’s become the least inclusive mayor in living memory.
When people disagree with him, he tries to remove them from the conversation.
The FW Weekly Static on this is excellent. Read it all! Be sure and read to the bottom about Fort Worth's animal control, Oprah and the Fort Worth Cheerleader.
We love when the citizens (even if it's "one woman") exposes the Fort Worth Way for what it really is.
You good ol' boys better pay attention, the women are on their way. You ever pissed off a Texas woman? Not recommended. Our advice? Run, Forrest, Run.
Thinking about Hirt’s candidacy reminds Static of a time in 2003 when Hirt and Mike Moncrief battled each other for the mayor’s job. Moncrief quit the Texas Senate and came home to Fort Worth seeking a job. Coincidentally, every gas driller in Texas was also honing in on Cowtown, angling to exploit lax regulation to suck the most money possible from the Barnett Shale.
“Government must be a partnership between the people and their elected,” he told Fort Worth Weekly seven years ago (he stopped talking to the Weekly once he got elected).
He’s become the least inclusive mayor in living memory.
When people disagree with him, he tries to remove them from the conversation.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
2 Billion and counting
WHO pays?
YOU.
Read the Letters to the Editor in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The cost of streetcars
"Streetcars crucial to Trinity River Vision" (Nov. 15) -- but for what reason?
Some would insist they are needed for economic development rather than transportation. So why don't the developers pay for them?
The streetcar issue will be discussed in a public hearing at the Convention Center on Thursday. On Dec. 7, the City Council may vote on a starter route costing $93 million.
The piercing question is: How much will this TRV add-on ultimately cost the public?
TRV's proposed cost was $360 million in 2004 and has ballooned to near $1 billion. The purpose of the TRV project is economic development, not flood control.
When the proposed additional streetcar routes are added, that cost will also approach $1 billion. The funding on both projects is a gamble.
Dec. 7 may be "a day that will live in infamy" for the attack on the public treasury as well as the attack on Pearl Harbor.
-- Clyde Picht, Fort Worth
YOU.
Read the Letters to the Editor in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The cost of streetcars
"Streetcars crucial to Trinity River Vision" (Nov. 15) -- but for what reason?
Some would insist they are needed for economic development rather than transportation. So why don't the developers pay for them?
The streetcar issue will be discussed in a public hearing at the Convention Center on Thursday. On Dec. 7, the City Council may vote on a starter route costing $93 million.
The piercing question is: How much will this TRV add-on ultimately cost the public?
TRV's proposed cost was $360 million in 2004 and has ballooned to near $1 billion. The purpose of the TRV project is economic development, not flood control.
When the proposed additional streetcar routes are added, that cost will also approach $1 billion. The funding on both projects is a gamble.
Dec. 7 may be "a day that will live in infamy" for the attack on the public treasury as well as the attack on Pearl Harbor.
-- Clyde Picht, Fort Worth
Important Modern Streetcar Town Hall Meeting Thursday
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW POSTER
YOU ARE INVITED. BE THERE. BE HEARD.
YOU ARE INVITED. BE THERE. BE HEARD.
Fort Worth Way Flooding
Another interesting "fact" in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram "news" article this morning...
The bypass channel will shift floodwater away from downtown, allowing the levees to come down and for development of the near north side.
Remember when the Trinity River Vision was for flood control? Yeah, us either. If the levees don't come down, you don't need a bypass channel. A bypass channel on property you don't own...to be built with money that isn't yours.
The bypass channel will shift floodwater away from downtown, allowing the levees to come down and for development of the near north side.
Remember when the Trinity River Vision was for flood control? Yeah, us either. If the levees don't come down, you don't need a bypass channel. A bypass channel on property you don't own...to be built with money that isn't yours.
What Water Shortage - Part 2
As if to prove our point, the Star-Telegram has an article about water this morning. Is it about the concerns for our water supply? Nope, it's a another propaganda piece from none other than Bill Hanna, telling you it's safe to swim in the river.
Even though there have been many reports that the Trinity River in Tarrant County is the most polluted portion of the river, and the article itself points out that a certain percentage of the water testing has been over its limit of pollutants, it's still safe. It would be funny, if it weren't so serious.
Someone ask Bill Hanna how much of a kick back he gets from the Tarrant Regional Water District and the Trinity River Vision Authority. Inquiring minds want to know.
Andrew Sansom, the guy who said it's safe also says, "The biggest issues today in water quality are what we call nonpoint sources -- those are parking lots, highways runoff and agricultural sources -- things that are not coming from a pipe," Sansom said. "When it storms, everything just washes into the river or streams and we don't have an adequate means of protecting it." He also said it should be tested weekly.
On the Clear Fork, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's 2010 Integrated Report showed an average of 116 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters -- just below the state standard of 126 colonies per 100 milliliters. That was based on 67 samples.
In defending water recreation in the Trinity, city leaders and the water district have said most high bacteria events are triggered by floods or heavy storm-water runoff.
Under the old federal standards, if 25 percent of the samples exceeded the 126 level, that could also trigger regulatory action, Sullivan said. A study for the TCEQ estimated eight in 1,000 swimmers would get sick at the 126 level.
Over a nine-year-period, the City of Fort Worth's monthly sampling at Beach Street found 27 samples out of 120 that exceeded the 126 standard. At its Fourth Street sampling station, 23 out of 120 exceeded it. In the water district's quarterly samples at Beach Street, four of the 34 samples exceeded the state standard, and at Fourth Street, three out of 34 samples were above the 126 threshold.
Even though there have been many reports that the Trinity River in Tarrant County is the most polluted portion of the river, and the article itself points out that a certain percentage of the water testing has been over its limit of pollutants, it's still safe. It would be funny, if it weren't so serious.
Someone ask Bill Hanna how much of a kick back he gets from the Tarrant Regional Water District and the Trinity River Vision Authority. Inquiring minds want to know.
Andrew Sansom, the guy who said it's safe also says, "The biggest issues today in water quality are what we call nonpoint sources -- those are parking lots, highways runoff and agricultural sources -- things that are not coming from a pipe," Sansom said. "When it storms, everything just washes into the river or streams and we don't have an adequate means of protecting it." He also said it should be tested weekly.
On the Clear Fork, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's 2010 Integrated Report showed an average of 116 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters -- just below the state standard of 126 colonies per 100 milliliters. That was based on 67 samples.
In defending water recreation in the Trinity, city leaders and the water district have said most high bacteria events are triggered by floods or heavy storm-water runoff.
Under the old federal standards, if 25 percent of the samples exceeded the 126 level, that could also trigger regulatory action, Sullivan said. A study for the TCEQ estimated eight in 1,000 swimmers would get sick at the 126 level.
Over a nine-year-period, the City of Fort Worth's monthly sampling at Beach Street found 27 samples out of 120 that exceeded the 126 standard. At its Fourth Street sampling station, 23 out of 120 exceeded it. In the water district's quarterly samples at Beach Street, four of the 34 samples exceeded the state standard, and at Fourth Street, three out of 34 samples were above the 126 threshold.
Monday, November 29, 2010
What Water Shortage?
So the FW Weekly is the only news source in town acknowledging our water woes. We're glad they are back at it.
Funny...seems there is someone offering yet another alternative solution. Someone who knows the "pond" and the island, known as Trinity River Vision, are a waste of YOUR money and not what we should be focused on. WHY aren't YOUR "leaders" listening? Because their profit margin would take a hit?
WHO raised these politicians, by the way? Their momma never told them, that you shouldn't spend money you don't have, on things you don't need, especially when you have other things to take care of ?
Check out the letter in the FW Weekly. Then ask YOUR representative, WHY they are spending YOUR money on Trinity Uptown and streetcars, instead of YOUR future. And WHY didn't YOU get a vote? Ben gets our vote.
Wind-Inc. has created a system whereby we can produce fresh water from saltwater aquifers. Using pumps, wind turbines, and backup solar panels, the system can desalinate water at a cost of about 95 cents per 1,000 gallons, or about a fourth of what Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth are pricing water at today. Our focus should be on modern systems that use renewable energy — note that there is an ocean of salt water available in Texas from 300 to 6,000 feet below the surface. It can provide the water we need for 300-plus years, if we don’t let the oil and gas companies corrupt it with pollution and poisons from their dirty hydraulic-fracturing drilling processes.
In the past decades, town after town has simply lost population, industry, and business because of declining water sources. Fort Worth would do well to allocate energy and money to a new water supply instead of doing recreational and “pond development” to decorate downtown Fort Worth.
Ben Boothe
Fort Worth
Funny...seems there is someone offering yet another alternative solution. Someone who knows the "pond" and the island, known as Trinity River Vision, are a waste of YOUR money and not what we should be focused on. WHY aren't YOUR "leaders" listening? Because their profit margin would take a hit?
WHO raised these politicians, by the way? Their momma never told them, that you shouldn't spend money you don't have, on things you don't need, especially when you have other things to take care of ?
Check out the letter in the FW Weekly. Then ask YOUR representative, WHY they are spending YOUR money on Trinity Uptown and streetcars, instead of YOUR future. And WHY didn't YOU get a vote? Ben gets our vote.
Wind-Inc. has created a system whereby we can produce fresh water from saltwater aquifers. Using pumps, wind turbines, and backup solar panels, the system can desalinate water at a cost of about 95 cents per 1,000 gallons, or about a fourth of what Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth are pricing water at today. Our focus should be on modern systems that use renewable energy — note that there is an ocean of salt water available in Texas from 300 to 6,000 feet below the surface. It can provide the water we need for 300-plus years, if we don’t let the oil and gas companies corrupt it with pollution and poisons from their dirty hydraulic-fracturing drilling processes.
In the past decades, town after town has simply lost population, industry, and business because of declining water sources. Fort Worth would do well to allocate energy and money to a new water supply instead of doing recreational and “pond development” to decorate downtown Fort Worth.
Ben Boothe
Fort Worth
Movie Star on Terror Watch List...
Due to arranging screenings of the Gasland documentary.
WHAT?? So, if you try to educate people, you are a threat? To WHO? What does that make those that lie and poison them? A politician?
Well, they say any publicity is good publicity, right? Onward and upward Josh Fox!
Read WHO it is and WHAT they had to say about it here.
WHAT?? So, if you try to educate people, you are a threat? To WHO? What does that make those that lie and poison them? A politician?
Well, they say any publicity is good publicity, right? Onward and upward Josh Fox!
Read WHO it is and WHAT they had to say about it here.
WHO's on first?
More Barnett Shale Hell in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Welcome to the Eminent Domain capital
Another local business is having another run in with a gas drilling company. George's Speciality Foods.
WHO's got the scoop? Durango, who else.
WHO's got the scoop? Durango, who else.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll
We applaud you all.
And for all you turkeys out there, well, you know what happens to turkeys.
Happy Turkey Day -
Texas Lone Star
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Politician Found Guilty in Texas
Imagine that.
Read about Tom DeLay, aka "The Hammer", being convicted on Yahoo. com.
The article calls him "one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress".
WHY should anyone in congress be feared?
"This case is a message from the citizens of the state of Texas that the public officials they elect to represent them must do so honestly and ethically, and if not, they'll be held accountable," Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg said after the verdict.
Amen.
Read about Tom DeLay, aka "The Hammer", being convicted on Yahoo. com.
The article calls him "one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress".
WHY should anyone in congress be feared?
"This case is a message from the citizens of the state of Texas that the public officials they elect to represent them must do so honestly and ethically, and if not, they'll be held accountable," Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg said after the verdict.
Amen.
Fort Worth named a most positive city?
As in positively insane? Who makes these "studies" up, and WHY? How much did it cost?
Read about it on Durango. As usual, he tells it like it is. That is a positive....
"If this is not some sort of apocalyptic warning that the World is in trouble, I don't know what is."
"Fort Worth is the Big Doozy on this list. Fort Worth is one of the world's most positive towns? Fort Worth has a corrupt mayor, on the take to the total tune of millions of dollars to the Barnett Shale gas drillers poking holes in his town. Fort Worth's mayor fired the city's ethics board when they finally had the backbone to stand up against the city's ethics problems."
"Fort Worth positive? This is a town where the city allies with gas drillers against the people to conspire to try and put non-odorized natural gas pipelines under people's homes, using Fascist Gestapo-like raids to intimidate those who fight for their right to speak out against having a dangerous pipeline run under their home."
"Fort Worth positive? This is a town that regularly uproots citizens from their property, using eminent domain in conspiracy with big business, like what was done to get Radio Shack its now defunct corporate headquarters. And is currently being done courtesy of Fort Worth's myopic Trinity River Vision Boondoggle."
Read about it on Durango. As usual, he tells it like it is. That is a positive....
"If this is not some sort of apocalyptic warning that the World is in trouble, I don't know what is."
"Fort Worth is the Big Doozy on this list. Fort Worth is one of the world's most positive towns? Fort Worth has a corrupt mayor, on the take to the total tune of millions of dollars to the Barnett Shale gas drillers poking holes in his town. Fort Worth's mayor fired the city's ethics board when they finally had the backbone to stand up against the city's ethics problems."
"Fort Worth positive? This is a town where the city allies with gas drillers against the people to conspire to try and put non-odorized natural gas pipelines under people's homes, using Fascist Gestapo-like raids to intimidate those who fight for their right to speak out against having a dangerous pipeline run under their home."
"Fort Worth positive? This is a town that regularly uproots citizens from their property, using eminent domain in conspiracy with big business, like what was done to get Radio Shack its now defunct corporate headquarters. And is currently being done courtesy of Fort Worth's myopic Trinity River Vision Boondoggle."
Fort Worth's "Public" Energy Hearing
What did Clyde Picht have to say about it?
Read it in the FW Weekly.
The headline on Fort Worth Weekly’s Static column on Nov. 17 advised “Go Get ‘em, Watchdogs,” referring to the public’s chance to weigh in on gas issues in a hearing before the Texas House Committee on Energy Resources. Yes sir, J. Q. public could go down there and have a thing or two to tell the legislature. Except that they didn’t because they couldn’t.
We can no longer offer up our citizens’ unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness on the altar of industry profits, jobs, tax revenues, climate change, or any other supposed benefit.
Read it in the FW Weekly.
The headline on Fort Worth Weekly’s Static column on Nov. 17 advised “Go Get ‘em, Watchdogs,” referring to the public’s chance to weigh in on gas issues in a hearing before the Texas House Committee on Energy Resources. Yes sir, J. Q. public could go down there and have a thing or two to tell the legislature. Except that they didn’t because they couldn’t.
We can no longer offer up our citizens’ unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness on the altar of industry profits, jobs, tax revenues, climate change, or any other supposed benefit.
The Fort Worth Way
Tarrant County style...in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Your tax dollars at work
photo by Jeff Wood
We were sent this email by concerned citizens.....
Getting Drunk on a Streetcar Named Despair....is it just us or does the Trinity River Vision Authority and friends have a lot of Happy Hours?
Come to a special Fort Worth South, Inc. Happy Hour and enjoy a tour of the Modern Streetcar. Tuesday, November 23rd, 5:00pm -7:00pm. Thank you to the Trinity River Vision Authority for the use of their lobby, 307 W. 7th Street Suite 100.
Getting Drunk on a Streetcar Named Despair....is it just us or does the Trinity River Vision Authority and friends have a lot of Happy Hours?
Come to a special Fort Worth South, Inc. Happy Hour and enjoy a tour of the Modern Streetcar. Tuesday, November 23rd, 5:00pm -7:00pm. Thank you to the Trinity River Vision Authority for the use of their lobby, 307 W. 7th Street Suite 100.
Food provided by:
Cat City Grill
Chadra Mezza & Grill
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Lili's Bistro
Nonna Tata
Scampi's Catering & Bar Service
Spiral Dinner
Beverages by:
Rahr & Son's Brewery
Fort Worth South, Inc.
Mimi makes the paper
You can read about it in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, finally.
Monday, November 22, 2010
13,000 gallons frac fluid spill in tributary
Not to worry dear reader, the industry says, on a daily basis, fracing doesn't contaminate any water.
And if there is like here...no one pays attention to tributaries anyway, until it's too late.
Fort Worth's "Public" Energy Committee Hearing
More incoming from the "public" about the supposed "public" meeting...
I was lucky to be selected to represent one of the general members of the "public" to speak at the TX House of Representatives Energy Committee public hearing in Ft Worth today. This meeting was suppose to be targeting urban cities in the Barnett Shale so cities like Flower Mound doesn't hurt overall state efforts to "drill baby drill". It was clear from earlier dialogue of their concerns with neighboring states on board with drilling because they do not want Texas to lose any business to out of state competition. However, plenty of rural mayors showed up and was able to speak first, and much time was spent with their concerns such as that "although rural today, mudfarms and abandoned sites could be the future homes for new subdivisions".
I spoke about the SUP notification phase on this Truman/Cowboy Stadium site and how the sign was put on a road not visible to the general public (Truman Street by city ordinance is limited to commercial traffic). I presented over 275 petitions in opposition to this site from the area residents and businesses; they made copies of the petitions and are taking those back to Austin.
I told them that I have made it my full time job for the last six months putting in 8 to 10 hour days to learn about the industry since it has moved into our town. I said that it was a shame that a citizen has to do what an elected or paid public official should have been doing to do the necessary research to see how to better protect the public. I told them that the more I learned the more horrified I became.
I voiced my concerns of a one size fits all state Railroad Road Commission Ordinance because I don't trust the state to protect the public because the speaker before me representing the RRC just made a statement to Senator Davis that "produced water was just salt water". The RRC speaker was responding to a concern that Senator Davis had on the lack of oversight for pipelines that carry produced water for injection well disposal.
I said the whole industry is based on the lie that natural gas is the cleaner burning fuel. I cited a Cornell University study by Professor Howarth that accounts for the extraction, transportation, and methane leakage. This taken altogether makes natural gas as dirty as coal and that the industry & other stakeholders do not want the public to know this.
I said that there is so much room for improvement in the industry that can control emissions with vapor recovery systems. I told them that with compressor stations, they can use electric compressors, and if they have natural gas compressors in rural areas, that they can have catalysts to reduce emissions. I told them that formaldehyde was found near Lake Arlington's compressor station last May and I was able to have TCEQ retest last week, but that my friend who lived near there was buried last week. I didn't have to say cancer-everyone on the room knew or I could feel they did...I went on to say "we are getting there" because in following up on the four natural gas powered compressors on that site, I learned that they recently added three electric compressors. I cited this as a failed effort to have a TIMELY strong, local, protective ordinance that maybe could have made a difference years ago.
I ended by reminding folks that I knew that I was out of time but that I had so much to say, but what I did learn from all my research is that I will WANT to move away from all this drilling if that well goes in my neighborhood, but that I didn't know WHERE to move because drilling seems to be happening every where.
I felt some of the presentations by the industry were allowed more time than the "other-side" and Arlington Councilman Le Blanc read way past his allowed time. Some industry folks came in with a slide show showing how much money the industry has as if the energy committee was not aware.
We had representation from North Central Communities Alliance who was professional and calm as the polar opposite of my exit from the meeting as the TCEQ representative was allowed the closing speaking time (the majority of folks who came to speak were not allowed due to time constraints). The TCEQ person used the UTArlington site touting it as a training ground and a model for urban drilling.
Joe you would not have been proud of me...at that time, I then stood up and told the TCEQ speaker how that UTA site, with it's 22 wells, poisoned a lady living within 600ft of that site, that she tested positive for BTEX chemicals. I reminded them that TCEQ has fined Carrizo for that (at least that is what I recall a rep from senator Harris's office telling me). Of course I was exiting as I was setting the record straight on that "model" drilling site. I said my family has been living downwind of that site for 3 years now.
Yea today I was lucky, luck to speak, lucky to speak uninvited....and not be arrested.
Sincerely,
Kim Feil
I was lucky to be selected to represent one of the general members of the "public" to speak at the TX House of Representatives Energy Committee public hearing in Ft Worth today. This meeting was suppose to be targeting urban cities in the Barnett Shale so cities like Flower Mound doesn't hurt overall state efforts to "drill baby drill". It was clear from earlier dialogue of their concerns with neighboring states on board with drilling because they do not want Texas to lose any business to out of state competition. However, plenty of rural mayors showed up and was able to speak first, and much time was spent with their concerns such as that "although rural today, mudfarms and abandoned sites could be the future homes for new subdivisions".
I spoke about the SUP notification phase on this Truman/Cowboy Stadium site and how the sign was put on a road not visible to the general public (Truman Street by city ordinance is limited to commercial traffic). I presented over 275 petitions in opposition to this site from the area residents and businesses; they made copies of the petitions and are taking those back to Austin.
I told them that I have made it my full time job for the last six months putting in 8 to 10 hour days to learn about the industry since it has moved into our town. I said that it was a shame that a citizen has to do what an elected or paid public official should have been doing to do the necessary research to see how to better protect the public. I told them that the more I learned the more horrified I became.
I voiced my concerns of a one size fits all state Railroad Road Commission Ordinance because I don't trust the state to protect the public because the speaker before me representing the RRC just made a statement to Senator Davis that "produced water was just salt water". The RRC speaker was responding to a concern that Senator Davis had on the lack of oversight for pipelines that carry produced water for injection well disposal.
I said the whole industry is based on the lie that natural gas is the cleaner burning fuel. I cited a Cornell University study by Professor Howarth that accounts for the extraction, transportation, and methane leakage. This taken altogether makes natural gas as dirty as coal and that the industry & other stakeholders do not want the public to know this.
I said that there is so much room for improvement in the industry that can control emissions with vapor recovery systems. I told them that with compressor stations, they can use electric compressors, and if they have natural gas compressors in rural areas, that they can have catalysts to reduce emissions. I told them that formaldehyde was found near Lake Arlington's compressor station last May and I was able to have TCEQ retest last week, but that my friend who lived near there was buried last week. I didn't have to say cancer-everyone on the room knew or I could feel they did...I went on to say "we are getting there" because in following up on the four natural gas powered compressors on that site, I learned that they recently added three electric compressors. I cited this as a failed effort to have a TIMELY strong, local, protective ordinance that maybe could have made a difference years ago.
I ended by reminding folks that I knew that I was out of time but that I had so much to say, but what I did learn from all my research is that I will WANT to move away from all this drilling if that well goes in my neighborhood, but that I didn't know WHERE to move because drilling seems to be happening every where.
I felt some of the presentations by the industry were allowed more time than the "other-side" and Arlington Councilman Le Blanc read way past his allowed time. Some industry folks came in with a slide show showing how much money the industry has as if the energy committee was not aware.
We had representation from North Central Communities Alliance who was professional and calm as the polar opposite of my exit from the meeting as the TCEQ representative was allowed the closing speaking time (the majority of folks who came to speak were not allowed due to time constraints). The TCEQ person used the UTArlington site touting it as a training ground and a model for urban drilling.
Joe you would not have been proud of me...at that time, I then stood up and told the TCEQ speaker how that UTA site, with it's 22 wells, poisoned a lady living within 600ft of that site, that she tested positive for BTEX chemicals. I reminded them that TCEQ has fined Carrizo for that (at least that is what I recall a rep from senator Harris's office telling me). Of course I was exiting as I was setting the record straight on that "model" drilling site. I said my family has been living downwind of that site for 3 years now.
Yea today I was lucky, luck to speak, lucky to speak uninvited....and not be arrested.
Sincerely,
Kim Feil
Keller looking for a new council
The Fort Worth Way spreads like wildfire...
Read the letters in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Election frustration
Holding the Keller City Charter proposition election the same day as a statewide general election was a terribly bad idea. The council got what it wanted. All 39 propositions passed. The chaos created at the polls was exhausting and frustrating for poll workers and voters.
With turnout high because of state and national issues, the polls were more crowded because of the time required to complete a 10-page ballot. We had four different ballots to distribute, as some voters were in the city limits and some were not because some precincts are split.
A Keller Citizen article reported that the council spent an estimated $60,000 rather than the $15,000 it would have cost to hold the city election on another day. That is our tax dollars being flushed down the toilet as well as manipulation of the vote.
Next spring, each incumbent who voted for this election date should not be re-elected.
-- Michelle Wood, Keller
At least six of the propositions amounted to a power grab by our elected officials and their enablers. In a statewide election that was a total and complete repudiation of big government in all its manifestations, the residents of Keller voted to pass all 39 propositions, with the outcome an enlarged city government and its attendant enlargement of city expenditures.
The lack of fair and balanced reporting, and the ramifications of their passage on the over-burdened taxpayers in our community I lay at the door of City Hall. They provided a misleading flyer that implied the changes were made to bring us into compliance with the state of Texas. A lot of them were, but some were not. Let's take a few minutes in our next City Council election and vote them out!
-- Sara Legvold, Keller
Read the letters in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Election frustration
Holding the Keller City Charter proposition election the same day as a statewide general election was a terribly bad idea. The council got what it wanted. All 39 propositions passed. The chaos created at the polls was exhausting and frustrating for poll workers and voters.
With turnout high because of state and national issues, the polls were more crowded because of the time required to complete a 10-page ballot. We had four different ballots to distribute, as some voters were in the city limits and some were not because some precincts are split.
A Keller Citizen article reported that the council spent an estimated $60,000 rather than the $15,000 it would have cost to hold the city election on another day. That is our tax dollars being flushed down the toilet as well as manipulation of the vote.
Next spring, each incumbent who voted for this election date should not be re-elected.
-- Michelle Wood, Keller
At least six of the propositions amounted to a power grab by our elected officials and their enablers. In a statewide election that was a total and complete repudiation of big government in all its manifestations, the residents of Keller voted to pass all 39 propositions, with the outcome an enlarged city government and its attendant enlargement of city expenditures.
The lack of fair and balanced reporting, and the ramifications of their passage on the over-burdened taxpayers in our community I lay at the door of City Hall. They provided a misleading flyer that implied the changes were made to bring us into compliance with the state of Texas. A lot of them were, but some were not. Let's take a few minutes in our next City Council election and vote them out!
-- Sara Legvold, Keller
THE PEOPLE are talking...
Read the letters in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Expensive ride
Five years ago, Mayor Moncrief and City Hall threw a party when Radio Shack destroyed the Tandy Subway that moved hundreds of people daily. Now they want streetcars because they are trendy. However, based on $88 million for three miles of tracks and electric lines, these trendy cars will cost $5,555.55 per foot or $462.96 per inch.
At a time when the city is shedding services like so much dandruff, can we afford this? The free buses and trolley downtown cruise around mainly empty while the heaviest public ridership lies on the east side, where the city has no plans at any time for a streetcar. The streetcar would only benefit a limited number of realtors and developers.
-- Catherine Clyde, Fort Worth
Streetcar costs
Seldom do I find myself in agreement with the Star-Telegram Editorial Board, but we seem to agree on streetcars. In fact, I would go one step further. I think the question should be, would having public transportation along the Main Street corridor be worth the cost?
I think the answer is no, but if the answer is yes, you ask the next question: how to best provide that service?
At this point, you evaluate streetcars versus buses. I have seen the figure of $80 million to $90 million for streetcars compared to $5 million for buses. You also have to evaluate how long it would take to get the service started -- years versus months. There also is a big rip-out expense to consider if something goes wrong on streetcars.
The part of this argument that really fries me is people who consider the $25 million of federal grant "free money." There is no tree in D.C. that grows money. That tree is in China, and it will have to be paid back by our grandkids, plus a lot of interest.
I can understand why Fort Worth has a big budget problem if it has spent $800,000 to look at this issue.
-- Dick Deatrick, Fort Worth
Expensive ride
Five years ago, Mayor Moncrief and City Hall threw a party when Radio Shack destroyed the Tandy Subway that moved hundreds of people daily. Now they want streetcars because they are trendy. However, based on $88 million for three miles of tracks and electric lines, these trendy cars will cost $5,555.55 per foot or $462.96 per inch.
At a time when the city is shedding services like so much dandruff, can we afford this? The free buses and trolley downtown cruise around mainly empty while the heaviest public ridership lies on the east side, where the city has no plans at any time for a streetcar. The streetcar would only benefit a limited number of realtors and developers.
-- Catherine Clyde, Fort Worth
Streetcar costs
Seldom do I find myself in agreement with the Star-Telegram Editorial Board, but we seem to agree on streetcars. In fact, I would go one step further. I think the question should be, would having public transportation along the Main Street corridor be worth the cost?
I think the answer is no, but if the answer is yes, you ask the next question: how to best provide that service?
At this point, you evaluate streetcars versus buses. I have seen the figure of $80 million to $90 million for streetcars compared to $5 million for buses. You also have to evaluate how long it would take to get the service started -- years versus months. There also is a big rip-out expense to consider if something goes wrong on streetcars.
The part of this argument that really fries me is people who consider the $25 million of federal grant "free money." There is no tree in D.C. that grows money. That tree is in China, and it will have to be paid back by our grandkids, plus a lot of interest.
I can understand why Fort Worth has a big budget problem if it has spent $800,000 to look at this issue.
-- Dick Deatrick, Fort Worth
A picture is worth a MILLION words
Check it out on TXSharon.
Friday, November 19, 2010
What do YOU say?
Good Letters to the Editor in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram concerning the Streetcar Silliness. Read them all here.
If Mayor Mike Moncrief and the City Council force the taxpayers to pay for a dream they have -- a streetcar that we taxpayers will not use -- we (the conservatives) will stand up and ensure they will never hold any office again.
Stop spending our money. It is not yours to spend. We put you in office to do our business; to do what we want. If you think this is such a good idea, put it up for a vote by the people.
-- Paul L. Rudisill, Keller
If Mayor Mike Moncrief and the City Council force the taxpayers to pay for a dream they have -- a streetcar that we taxpayers will not use -- we (the conservatives) will stand up and ensure they will never hold any office again.
Stop spending our money. It is not yours to spend. We put you in office to do our business; to do what we want. If you think this is such a good idea, put it up for a vote by the people.
-- Paul L. Rudisill, Keller
BS Update
What is Steve on Carter Ave up to? Well, Channel 11 caught up with him last night. Don't miss this story. Good information from Lon Burnam and more BS statements from Mayor Moncrief. Something about regulators not doing their jobs so Fort Worth will do it. WHAT? The profiting Mayor and council are mostly to blame for getting us in to this mess and putting our citizens at risk.
Congratulations to Josh Fox!! Word on the street is Gasland is shortlisted for Academy Awards!! Go, Josh, Go!
Grand Prairie has announced a gas drilling moratorium on all new permits. THE PEOPLE are listening!
Not only are property values plummeting around gas drilling locations (that would be most all of Tarrant County) now some banks won't finance properties in those areas either. Uh oh...better save your huge royalty checks, then you can pay cash. Read about it here. You can also read the letter from the Bartonville Mayor to Senator Nelson on their site as well.
If you missed the 60 Minutes gas drilling story, here is a recap.
What do THE PEOPLE say about the gas drilling meeting in Fort Worth last night? "It was another waste of time, another industry dog and pony show. WHO did the majority of the talking? The industry, of course".
It's your turn! Make some noise!
Name of the game - Eminent Domain
What ever happened on the lawsuit by those citizens involved in the Trans Texas Corridor eminent domain land grab?
And where is Billy Mitchell when you need him?
What happens when you cover a county in concrete? Stay tuned.
Read the story on NBC5.com.
Fort Worth Streetcar causing a Scene
Check out NBC 5's story here.
Another good article on the Fort Worth Streetcar issue "What Fort Worth’s Political Class Means by ‘Financially Viable’ on Whoplanswhom.com brings up some interesting players in the game, such as HDR Engineering and are you ready for it, the COG. (North Central Texas Council of Governments). Imagine that.
Granted, part of the problem with this claim is the source of the funding for the study in the first place. The consulting firm, HDR Engineering Inc., is widely known for government transit planning and has a reputation to maintain among government bodies. If HDR began releasing findings that predicted the overall unfavorable consequences of government meddling, then HDR might begin to receive fewer government contracts.
Making this even more suspect, the original source of funding for the Fort Worth study came from the Regional Transportation Council, an arm of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), totaling approximately $1.6 million. Nearly one million dollars went to HDR. For those who do not already know, the NCTCOG has been on a tear in recent years to push for tolled lanes on existing free highways and for an extension of existing government-managed mass transportation.
So is it any surprise that the city council of Fort Worth and the NCTCOG got exactly what they paid for?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Granger No-brainer
The Fort Worth Transportation Authority and two other agencies spent a combined $25,000 to ship a streetcar from Portland, Ore., to downtown Fort Worth, where the car will be displayed while city officials debate whether to commit millions of future tax dollars to electrified rail.
Officials said using public funds to bring the streetcar here is not an attempt to buy support for the proposed three-mile, $88 million streetcar system. Instead, they said, it's an effort to educate residents about what a modern streetcar looks like and how it might serve their neighborhoods.
Of course that is what THEY say. THAT would be illegal and unethical. And things like that never happen in Fort Worth, right? WHO's money is it again? Oh yes, THE PUBLIC's.
The T contributed $8,000 to the display, Ruddell said. The Trinity River Vision Authority paid the largest share, $12,000, and Fort Worth South paid $5,000, Trinity River Vision Authority Executive Director J.D. Granger said.
"It's a no-brainer," he said. "We're being asked to invest $30 million" just for the Trinity River Vision portion.
Someone ask J.D. Granger WHO WE is?
Fort Worth Streetcar Questions
Read about it in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Letters to the Editor. Good letter on streetcar consulting as well.
Seems THE PEOPLE are listening. WHY aren't their "leaders" and the "news"? Could it be because the "leaders" buy the "news"??
Streetcar questions
In architecture school, I was taught that no feasibility study ever finds the project to be infeasible. The client will be disappointed if the project is not feasible, and the consultant does not want to disappoint the client. Therefore, the purpose of a feasibility study is to determine the conditions necessary for the project to be feasible.
The report may say, "In order for this project to succeed, the earth will have to start spinning backward, and pigs will have to fly. Not some pigs; all pigs."
But it will not say the project is infeasible. It is up to the client to come to that conclusion. That way, he's disappointed with external circumstances, not with the consultant -- to whom he will say, "You did the best you could; the conditions just weren't right."
Keep this in mind when evaluating the streetcar study.
A consultant will never report that the project is a bad idea. He'll report the conditions necessary to make it a good idea -- and leave us to decide if the conditions are achievable. Number of riders, increased value of real estate along the route, levels of voluntary self-taxation of businesses involved -- evaluate them carefully.
-- George Michael Sherry, Fort Worth
On what planet is J.D. Granger living? Granger said that three unnamed developers will start sooner and one will build nine stories instead of three stories because of "streetcars" instead of rubber-wheeled transportation. (See: "Streetcars crucial to Trinity River Vision, advocates say," Monday)
Granger could have said 10 developers; it would sound better. He also said they expect 15,000 to 25,000 residents. Why not say 250,000? That's a number pulled out of the air, too.
Another Monday article said 40 units were sold in the past year within blocks of the Trinity Project. (See: "Rising to the challenge," Monday) How do you get from 75 people to 15,000? Oops; it's "streetcars."
Maybe it's "if they build it, they will come." Ask the developers of the Villa De Leon and the Le Bijou how well that worked. All the growth in Fort Worth has been outside the Loop 820 corridor but because of "streetcars" 25,000 people will suddenly appear in the downtown area?
I think it's a fair question to ask the unnamed developers why they think putting steel in the ground instead of rubber on the streets will attract 25,000 people. We deserve the answer before we spend $90 million instead of $5 million.
-- Marvin Chosky, Bedford
Seems THE PEOPLE are listening. WHY aren't their "leaders" and the "news"? Could it be because the "leaders" buy the "news"??
Streetcar questions
In architecture school, I was taught that no feasibility study ever finds the project to be infeasible. The client will be disappointed if the project is not feasible, and the consultant does not want to disappoint the client. Therefore, the purpose of a feasibility study is to determine the conditions necessary for the project to be feasible.
The report may say, "In order for this project to succeed, the earth will have to start spinning backward, and pigs will have to fly. Not some pigs; all pigs."
But it will not say the project is infeasible. It is up to the client to come to that conclusion. That way, he's disappointed with external circumstances, not with the consultant -- to whom he will say, "You did the best you could; the conditions just weren't right."
Keep this in mind when evaluating the streetcar study.
A consultant will never report that the project is a bad idea. He'll report the conditions necessary to make it a good idea -- and leave us to decide if the conditions are achievable. Number of riders, increased value of real estate along the route, levels of voluntary self-taxation of businesses involved -- evaluate them carefully.
-- George Michael Sherry, Fort Worth
On what planet is J.D. Granger living? Granger said that three unnamed developers will start sooner and one will build nine stories instead of three stories because of "streetcars" instead of rubber-wheeled transportation. (See: "Streetcars crucial to Trinity River Vision, advocates say," Monday)
Granger could have said 10 developers; it would sound better. He also said they expect 15,000 to 25,000 residents. Why not say 250,000? That's a number pulled out of the air, too.
Another Monday article said 40 units were sold in the past year within blocks of the Trinity Project. (See: "Rising to the challenge," Monday) How do you get from 75 people to 15,000? Oops; it's "streetcars."
Maybe it's "if they build it, they will come." Ask the developers of the Villa De Leon and the Le Bijou how well that worked. All the growth in Fort Worth has been outside the Loop 820 corridor but because of "streetcars" 25,000 people will suddenly appear in the downtown area?
I think it's a fair question to ask the unnamed developers why they think putting steel in the ground instead of rubber on the streets will attract 25,000 people. We deserve the answer before we spend $90 million instead of $5 million.
-- Marvin Chosky, Bedford
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
What do THE PEOPLE say?
Check out the Letters in the FW Weekly. Good ones on YOUR water supply and bullying in Fort Worth.
Our favorite? Check it out.
The Rest of the (Ethics) Pie
To the editor: Clyde Picht’s letter in response to “Has Fort Worth Lost Its Moral Compass?” (Sept 22, 2010) was so comprehensive in detail that it reminds us of Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.” Clyde is articulate and knows his politics, especially when it concerns the Moncrief Mafia.
Thank you, Clyde, for giving us the “rest of the pie” (not just a slice), and thanks to Fort Worth Weekly for publishing his letter.
Sharon R. Stroud
Fort Worth
Our favorite? Check it out.
The Rest of the (Ethics) Pie
To the editor: Clyde Picht’s letter in response to “Has Fort Worth Lost Its Moral Compass?” (Sept 22, 2010) was so comprehensive in detail that it reminds us of Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.” Clyde is articulate and knows his politics, especially when it concerns the Moncrief Mafia.
Thank you, Clyde, for giving us the “rest of the pie” (not just a slice), and thanks to Fort Worth Weekly for publishing his letter.
Sharon R. Stroud
Fort Worth
This just in...
Adrian Murray has got the hang of how to read the local "news". Read it below. Welcome aboard!
WHAT THEY SAID AND WHAT THEY MEANT
The headline:
Fort Worth Streetcar Supporters Make Final Push
What it meant
City Elite Preparing to Cram Streetcar Down Taxpayers Throats
The opening paragraph:
Supporters of bringing streetcars back to Fort Worth are ready to take their case to the public.
What it means:
Let the lying begin.
What's in the works:
Beginning Wednesday, a streetcar on loan from a system in Oregon will be displayed through Thanksgiving at the corner of Seventh and Throckmorton streets in downtown Fort Worth.
What it means:
Someone is fixing to make so much money on this swindle that they shipped a freaking streetcar all the way to Fort Worth from Oregon.
What he said:
"We want people to touch it and feel it and ask questions," Mayor Mike Moncrief said Tuesday during a break at a council meeting."
What he meant:
"The people are so incredibly stupid we're fairly certain if we let them touch and feel a freaking electric bus they'll never notice their tax dollars being wasted on the idiotic streetcar."
What's coming next:
The mayor and several council members also directed city staff to organize a town hall-style meeting some time in the next week or two, and invite residents from all parts of the city to learn about the potential costs and benefits of a streetcar system.
What it means:
Time to ratchet up the BS.
Why the dog and pony show?
"I think it’s time for us to listen to people on this issue, whether they live on the outskirts or the inner core of the city," Moncrief told council members.
What he really means:
"When the poor suckers realize our elite friends in the Fort Worth power circle pocketed tens of millions in this deal and all they got in return was a stupid electric bus going up and down Main Street, we need to be on record as having given them the opportunity to speak beforehand. It's not our fault they couldn't put two and two together."
What's the problem?
At issue is whether the city should accept a $25 million federal grant, and add another $58 million to $63 million in local property tax funds, to build an electrified streetcar rail system from downtown to the Trinity River Vision project on the North Side, and to the medical district on the Near South Side.
What's the answer?
Absolutely not.
Why is that?
Several council members say the city can’t afford to spend public dollars on a project that is aimed more at sparking urban development than relieving traffic, especially when the city is slashing services and laying off workers to make ends meet.
What that really means:
There is no practical economic excuse for spending $100 million or so on a stupid electric bus, tear up city streets for years while it's being constructed and generally disrupt people's lives and bust the city budget.
What he said:
"To be brutally frank about it, nobody in my area is going to benefit from it," said Councilman Carter Burdette, whose district includes west and northwest Fort Worth.
What he meant:
Don't blame my ass.
What he said:
Councilman Joel Burns, whose district includes the city’s south and downtown areas, noted that the local funds for the project can be paid for with special property tax districts. There’s a misperception, he said, that streetcars are competing for funding against a proposed commuter rail line from southwest Fort Worth to Grapevine and Dallas/Fort Worth that is being planned by 2015
What he meant:
I sincerely believe Fort Worth citizens are the stupidest lifeforms on earth, maybe even lower than Brad Watson. Seriously, I just said that some people think an electric bus going up and down Main Street would compete against the commuter rail line between Fort Worth and Dallas. True, they both are in contention as the greatest waste of taxpayer dollars since some genius thought up the Trinity River Vision, but we're quite capable of wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on two projects simultaneously. Come on, get real. We're politicians. That's what we're paid to do.
What he said:
"I hope we make a strong effort to inform folks about what differentiates streetcars and commuter rail," Burns said.
What he meant:
Maybe if we draw them pictures they'll be able to figure it out.
What they suggest:
A consultant, HDR Engineering, has recommended that the city form a local government corporation to run the streetcar program. The corporation would include representatives from the city, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, the tax increment financing districts and area property owners.
What they mean:
There's plenty of money to be made here, folks. No need for shoving. Let's let the idiot voters smell the new leather seats in the stupid electric bus while we agree on how to divide the loot.
What they're saying:
A few members of the transportation authority, also known as the T, have spoken out against the project. The T board is scheduled to get a briefing from the consultant Wednesday during a meeting in southeast Fort Worth.
What that means:
Where's our vig?
Why she objects:
T board member Reby Cary has criticized the plan for diverting federal transportation funds away from the city’s southeast side, where there are many predominately African-American neighborhoods. Bus ridership is high in those areas, Cary said, and transit improvements are sorely needed.
What she means:
I have Al Sharpton's cell phone number.
What happens next?
The debate during the next three weeks likely will pit residents of Fort Worth’s central neighborhoods, where support for streetcars is perceived to be higher, against residents of outlying areas where residents presumably desire more room for cars.
What that means:
We'll pretend we're listening to the little folks but we'll put the damn electric bus wherever we damn well please.
Why he's for it:
Councilman Sal Espino, who represents the North Side, said the public needs to understand that Fort Worth has a long-term plan to create urban, walkable villages within the city’s older neighborhoods. The streetcar plan would tap into property taxes only in these areas.
"You have the Baby Boomers. Their nest egg is empty. They’re looking for places to live," Espino said. "Then you have Generation Y, they were born between 1977 and 1994, and they’re looking to get close to the city."
What he's saying:
Don't I sound smart? I know the dates of Generation Y. I'm a freaking statistician. Of course, never mind the fact that half those people born in 1977 will have died of old age before the first condo goes up for sale in Trinity Uptown. And please don't ask me why there are so many vacancies in downtown loft apartments now. I'm really fairly stupid.
How it works:
On the North Side, a tax district created for the Trinity River Vision – a proposal to reroute the Trinity River and create an island of mixed-use development just north of downtown – has already pledged support for the streetcar plan. A tax district for the South Side also has expressed support for dedicating its future property taxes to the project.
What that means:
The whole city is a freaking TIF. We've already pledged all future property tax revenues until the year 2525. We're broke. Did someone say $25 million in FEDERAL dollars?
What's at stake:
The $25 million federal grant, meanwhile, could be used to connect those two neighborhoods to downtown.
What that means:
Whatever, whatever, just give us the $25 million. Gideon Toal and Freese & Nichols have been all over my ass for a year now demanding their share of the tribute and just last night Brian Eppstein threatened to cut off the end of my nose if I didn't close this deal so stop asking me questions and SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!
For the original article, go here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/11/16/2637507/fort-worth-streetcar-backers-seeking.html
WHAT THEY SAID AND WHAT THEY MEANT
The headline:
Fort Worth Streetcar Supporters Make Final Push
What it meant
City Elite Preparing to Cram Streetcar Down Taxpayers Throats
The opening paragraph:
Supporters of bringing streetcars back to Fort Worth are ready to take their case to the public.
What it means:
Let the lying begin.
What's in the works:
Beginning Wednesday, a streetcar on loan from a system in Oregon will be displayed through Thanksgiving at the corner of Seventh and Throckmorton streets in downtown Fort Worth.
What it means:
Someone is fixing to make so much money on this swindle that they shipped a freaking streetcar all the way to Fort Worth from Oregon.
What he said:
"We want people to touch it and feel it and ask questions," Mayor Mike Moncrief said Tuesday during a break at a council meeting."
What he meant:
"The people are so incredibly stupid we're fairly certain if we let them touch and feel a freaking electric bus they'll never notice their tax dollars being wasted on the idiotic streetcar."
What's coming next:
The mayor and several council members also directed city staff to organize a town hall-style meeting some time in the next week or two, and invite residents from all parts of the city to learn about the potential costs and benefits of a streetcar system.
What it means:
Time to ratchet up the BS.
Why the dog and pony show?
"I think it’s time for us to listen to people on this issue, whether they live on the outskirts or the inner core of the city," Moncrief told council members.
What he really means:
"When the poor suckers realize our elite friends in the Fort Worth power circle pocketed tens of millions in this deal and all they got in return was a stupid electric bus going up and down Main Street, we need to be on record as having given them the opportunity to speak beforehand. It's not our fault they couldn't put two and two together."
What's the problem?
At issue is whether the city should accept a $25 million federal grant, and add another $58 million to $63 million in local property tax funds, to build an electrified streetcar rail system from downtown to the Trinity River Vision project on the North Side, and to the medical district on the Near South Side.
What's the answer?
Absolutely not.
Why is that?
Several council members say the city can’t afford to spend public dollars on a project that is aimed more at sparking urban development than relieving traffic, especially when the city is slashing services and laying off workers to make ends meet.
What that really means:
There is no practical economic excuse for spending $100 million or so on a stupid electric bus, tear up city streets for years while it's being constructed and generally disrupt people's lives and bust the city budget.
What he said:
"To be brutally frank about it, nobody in my area is going to benefit from it," said Councilman Carter Burdette, whose district includes west and northwest Fort Worth.
What he meant:
Don't blame my ass.
What he said:
Councilman Joel Burns, whose district includes the city’s south and downtown areas, noted that the local funds for the project can be paid for with special property tax districts. There’s a misperception, he said, that streetcars are competing for funding against a proposed commuter rail line from southwest Fort Worth to Grapevine and Dallas/Fort Worth that is being planned by 2015
What he meant:
I sincerely believe Fort Worth citizens are the stupidest lifeforms on earth, maybe even lower than Brad Watson. Seriously, I just said that some people think an electric bus going up and down Main Street would compete against the commuter rail line between Fort Worth and Dallas. True, they both are in contention as the greatest waste of taxpayer dollars since some genius thought up the Trinity River Vision, but we're quite capable of wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on two projects simultaneously. Come on, get real. We're politicians. That's what we're paid to do.
What he said:
"I hope we make a strong effort to inform folks about what differentiates streetcars and commuter rail," Burns said.
What he meant:
Maybe if we draw them pictures they'll be able to figure it out.
What they suggest:
A consultant, HDR Engineering, has recommended that the city form a local government corporation to run the streetcar program. The corporation would include representatives from the city, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, the tax increment financing districts and area property owners.
What they mean:
There's plenty of money to be made here, folks. No need for shoving. Let's let the idiot voters smell the new leather seats in the stupid electric bus while we agree on how to divide the loot.
What they're saying:
A few members of the transportation authority, also known as the T, have spoken out against the project. The T board is scheduled to get a briefing from the consultant Wednesday during a meeting in southeast Fort Worth.
What that means:
Where's our vig?
Why she objects:
T board member Reby Cary has criticized the plan for diverting federal transportation funds away from the city’s southeast side, where there are many predominately African-American neighborhoods. Bus ridership is high in those areas, Cary said, and transit improvements are sorely needed.
What she means:
I have Al Sharpton's cell phone number.
What happens next?
The debate during the next three weeks likely will pit residents of Fort Worth’s central neighborhoods, where support for streetcars is perceived to be higher, against residents of outlying areas where residents presumably desire more room for cars.
What that means:
We'll pretend we're listening to the little folks but we'll put the damn electric bus wherever we damn well please.
Why he's for it:
Councilman Sal Espino, who represents the North Side, said the public needs to understand that Fort Worth has a long-term plan to create urban, walkable villages within the city’s older neighborhoods. The streetcar plan would tap into property taxes only in these areas.
"You have the Baby Boomers. Their nest egg is empty. They’re looking for places to live," Espino said. "Then you have Generation Y, they were born between 1977 and 1994, and they’re looking to get close to the city."
What he's saying:
Don't I sound smart? I know the dates of Generation Y. I'm a freaking statistician. Of course, never mind the fact that half those people born in 1977 will have died of old age before the first condo goes up for sale in Trinity Uptown. And please don't ask me why there are so many vacancies in downtown loft apartments now. I'm really fairly stupid.
How it works:
On the North Side, a tax district created for the Trinity River Vision – a proposal to reroute the Trinity River and create an island of mixed-use development just north of downtown – has already pledged support for the streetcar plan. A tax district for the South Side also has expressed support for dedicating its future property taxes to the project.
What that means:
The whole city is a freaking TIF. We've already pledged all future property tax revenues until the year 2525. We're broke. Did someone say $25 million in FEDERAL dollars?
What's at stake:
The $25 million federal grant, meanwhile, could be used to connect those two neighborhoods to downtown.
What that means:
Whatever, whatever, just give us the $25 million. Gideon Toal and Freese & Nichols have been all over my ass for a year now demanding their share of the tribute and just last night Brian Eppstein threatened to cut off the end of my nose if I didn't close this deal so stop asking me questions and SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!
For the original article, go here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/11/16/2637507/fort-worth-streetcar-backers-seeking.html
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