Issues we are watching are: transportation financing, toll roads, public/private partnerships, eminent domain, environmental issues such as air, water and gas drilling ordinances, pipelines and their impact on north central Texas.
We are interested in the process of government, open meetings, elimination of conflicts of interest among decision makers, and application of all tax revenue to the public good.
Most members are concentrated in the DFW region (16 member NCTCOG region) but we are joined by others who value constitutional government, andhold the ability for elected officials to give "fair and impartial consideration to issues" as a sacred trust.Corruption thrives when citizens slumber.We dedicate our efforts as vigilant sentinels, citizensclaiming a seat at the policy table through calls, letters and e-mails to elected officials andattendance at public hearings.
By ANNA M. TINSLEY - Star-Telegram Staff Writer - Wed, Jun. 06, 2007
Tarrant County commissioners must wait to send a letter to Gov. Rick Perry asking him to veto an eminent domain bill, because the full court must approve such a move, and one member wasn't present at Tuesday's meeting.
Even so, Arlington property owner Linda Lancaster spoke to the Commissioners Court, urging them to instead send a letter supporting the bill.
"Why on earth would elected officials think citizens want less protection from eminent domain?" she asked. "We depend on you for protection and representation."
The issue: House Bill 2006 would give landowners more rights when governments take property through eminent domain, a controversial practice in which local governments appropriate land for public projects. The bill would ensure that landowners receive good-faith offers, be compensated for damage done to adjoining property, and have a chance to buy back their land -- at the same price they received -- if it isn't needed in 10 years for the development.
The cost: Officials have said the measure could cost the state an extra $1 billion a year in transportation projects.
The status: Perry has until June 17 to sign or veto bills. Commissioners say they hope to vote on sending a letter asking for a veto Tuesday.[Tuesday, June 12th at 10:30 a.m.]
Roll call: Commissioner Gary Fickes was not present Tuesday, preventing the vote.
Read
Linda Lancaster's address to the County Commissioners
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Content is being archived weekly. Many pertinent articles regarding Transportation in the DFW Region are in the archives.
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. - Thomas Jefferson
