Monday, April 28, 2008

FBN: Q&A For MC Mayoral Election Candidates (Greyling Poats & Allen Owen)--

FBN: Q&A For MC Mayoral Election Candidates

Early voting for the May 10 election began today, and in Missouri City current mayor Allen Owen is running for a second time against challenger Greyling Poats. FortBendNow.com submitted questions to each candidate, and their answers are as follows.

What do you think are the top three priorities for Missouri City in the next five years?

Owen:

My top 3 prior ties over the next 3 years is to make sure our citizens have a safe place to call home, protect our environment and natural resources, and continue to attract new sales tax revenue so we can begin to replace property taxes with the only other source we have left-sales taxes. We are doing that with all of the new projects mentioned above that are already on the drawing boards and are working as we go to press.

Poats:

1. Business on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 should be the primary concern. The improvement of those areas and the subdivisions attaching these thoroughfares should be a major focal point of the City Manager, Economic Development Coordinator and Council. Federal, State and Local monies along with private developers should come into play not only for curb appeal but for the enhancement of the quality of life for all of Missouri City. The challenge of government is not only to maintain the quality of life for all of its citizens but to improve that quality of life.

2. A well planned economic development plan is also a major concern for the City of Missouri City. While the current administration marvels over Ben E. Keith, Trammel Crowe and Global technical, they haven’t detailed the entire story. Based off a survey completed by a development company, one can deduce that Missouri City has a highly educated, employed and diverse population. The residents are not looking for jobs, but rather an enhancement of current career opportunities. The social economics of the city in general are poor. The lack of interaction and opportunities generally provided by business is virtually non-existent for young people in most areas of the city. Children, not adults in Missouri City, need jobs to learn employment skills and establish discipline which can lead them to careers which will allow them to become productive members of society. The current administration fails in working with citizens and current businesses; and, they have not given any projection on tax revenues for new businesses after the tax exemptions which have been given to new corporate citizens. A focused economic development plan would assist in attracting the types of businesses which would benefit the citizens of Missouri City.

3. Serving all neighborhoods within the corporate city limits is a key issue that council currently does not respond to. Council is oblivious to crime in the certain areas of the City. Council has failed to address the need to provide sidewalks for children walking to school and stoplights for critical intersections where residents have concerns. Council fails the children who walk along bridges which provide no protection. The council neglects the safety of our children on areas where there is a high concentration of pedophiles. Council fails in addressing the vacant commercial property and dilapidated structures on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and Fm 1092. Missouri City also does not have a hospital or doctor’s clinic. I firmly believe that the current mayor and council’s lack of leadership and direction is the reason for the decline of Missouri City. Many of these concerns could be addressed by being attentive to the residents of the city. A primary focus on those areas within the City limits would allow the city to address many of these issues. Additionally, there is a need to focus on attracting certain kinds of businesses to Missouri City while at the same time working with those businesses currently located within the city limits to assure that they remain. We continue to loose critical businesses while building structures which are not inhabited. This is not a reflection of a well planned city. It is imperative that we make this a practice so that we can maintain an excellent quality of life for our citizens.

What steps would you like to see the city take regarding those three priorities?

Owen:

I think we have proven in the past 3-4 years that we are working diligently to do all of the above incentives.

Poats:

1. After determining where our City funds are, an action plan can be put into place. The current administration is looking at a tax increase of more than thirty dollars per household for the acquisition and improvement of the Quail Valley Country Club. If there is to be a tax increase, those funds would better serve Texas Parkway, Cartwright road and FM 1091. The City in readjusting its budget could do the same thing without a tax increase. This is often necessary when cities have to maintain an aging infrastructure.

2. I would direct the City Planning Department to develop a plan for the enhancement of our entire city in general but being very specific for the timely improvements along Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. This plan could give tax abatements to those businesses needed in critical areas. It would provide fast track privileges for development needed in critical areas. For those businesses coming to Missouri City, we would provide assistance similar to or greater than our very large neighbor to assure that those businesses find Missouri City an attractive place.

3. Our collaboration with County, State and Federal government entities would push mobility issues regarding Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. We would change the rural character of certain roads by seeking to add sewers and removing ditches. We would propose that we work with subdivisions regarding the Lexington corridor while making that venture a reality. Having our police department reach out to provide greater service as well as protection to all citizens while eliminating the intimidation that is apparent to law abiding-tax paying citizens would greatly enhance the safety in our community. I would advocate for providing true diversity to City government through our deeds and actions. And finally, focusing on and attaining what the city needs: Hospitals, doctor’s clinics, book stores, arts venues, movie theatres, etc. while providing for the enhancement of a superior quality of life for all Missouri City residents. . .

Source:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&article-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates%20=&id=60711-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&

Thursday, April 24, 2008

FBN Reports: Special Interest Monies FLowing In To Missouri City Incumbents Campaigns!

Finance Reports Show Incumbents In The Lead On Campaign Contributions In Missouri City
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow

Early voting for Missouri City council begins Monday, and the latest campaign finance reports show the incumbents have a strong lead in campaign contributions.

The May 10 election will have incumbent Mayor Allen Owen running against Greyling Poats, incumbent At-Large Position 1 Councilman Jerry Wyatt running against Noel Pinnock and incumbent At-Large Position 2 Councilman Buddy Jimerson running against Kevin Tunstall and Willie Harvey.

As of the April 10 filing, Owen has raised $18,550, Wyatt has raised $5,375 and Jimerson has raised $4,200. Poats leads the challengers with $1,835, followed by Tunstall at $788, Pinnock at $750 and Harvey at $350.

The single largest contribution for Owen was $2,000 from developer Clinton F. Wong; for Poats the largest contributions were from Christopher Calvin and Amy Calvin, Richmond residents who both contributed $250; for Wyatt the largest contributors were Larry Johnson, developer, and Joe B. Allen, a Houston Attorney, who each contributed $1,000; for Pinnock the largest contribution was from Missouri City resident Misty Dunn; for Jimerson the largest contributions came from developer Larry Johnson and Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP out of Houston, who contributed $1,000 each; for Tunstall the largest contribution came from his campaign treasurer Tobin Englet, a Missouri City resident and for Harvey the largest contributor was Houston resident Maverick Thigpen. . . (get the full story and all campaign finance reports at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Finance-Reports-Show-Incumbents-In-The-Lead-On-Campaign-Contributions-In-Missouri-City%20=&hash=comments_59826&page_label=home&id=59826&widget=push&open=&#comments_59826)

All 30 day finance reports available at:

http://www.instantnewsnetwork.com/fortbendnow/content/30DayReports.pdf

Potential City TPIA & TOMA Violations Reported To Attorney Generals Office!

Did Missouri City officials hide anything from the public?

Chris Calvin, a critic of the Missouri City municipal government, has filed a complaint with Attorney General Greg Abbott's office requesting an investigation into possible violation of Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act by city officials.

A former Sienna Plantation resident locked in a lawsuit with the developer, Calvin later moved to Pecan Grove. He has accused city officials, including Mayor Allen Owen and most on the city council, of allowing "special-interest groups" such as developers to influence city decisions. City officials have denied such allegations.

The complaint Calvin filed with the AG stemmed from a city press release, which was dated March 4 but handed out at the March 3 City Council meeting. The pre-written release announced the council's approval of the purchase of the Quail Valley Country Club -- before such action was taken at the March 3 meeting.

While the city's media relations specialist Elsa Maxey later retracted the release describing it as an innocent error, Calvin said he smelled something "fishy." Here is what he wrote in his letter to the AG:

We found this odd considering the meeting hadn't taken place yet. Following this session, where they voted after the announcement, several of those in attendance decided we needed to dig a little further to attempt to ascertain if a meeting in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) had taken place prior to the council session and official vote.
Calvin said supporters for the investigation also include Kevin Tunstall, candidate for the At-large Position 2 council seat.

Two weeks later, Calvin filed a request with City Secretary Patrice Fogarty for all documents pertaining city-funded studies since 2005, including information on vendors involved in the bidding, companies awarded contracts and the award amount as well as any action taken by the city administration on those matters.

Calvin also asked for text messages sent and received by city council members on their Blackberries that Calvin said are paid for by taxpayers. . .(get the full story at: http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/2008/04/did_mo_city_off.html#comments)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

FBW: At election time, judge politicians by actions, not words

At election time, judge politicians by actions, not words

Introduction

Right before election time so many “tune-in” to the local paper, blogs, forums, radio and television to get last minute sound bites to decide whom they will vote for in the coming elections. This may not be the best route for making a choice though.


This year we’ve had numerous opportunities to hear and see candidates at forums and to talk with their supporters as they block-walk to convince us that their contender is the right one for the job.

After spending a few years watching one particular council in Missouri City, as well as having several friends keep an eye on our commissioners court, I’m convinced listening to their words, only, is a colossal mistake.

Thanks to new local media sources, at least 6 now, we have more options on which to draw our opinion from and finally our actions of voting.

For me, party affiliation seems to be less of an issue as finding those willing to serve that aren’t chasing the money (campaign contributions).

Often neighbors will ask me who to vote for, which I reply that they need to get the voting record of incumbents and their campaign financial disclosure reports, take nothing for granted in this never ending shell game.

If these records don’t match what they are saying in community forums, or in the public media, then I strongly advise them to look for candidates who will say what they mean and act on those choices.

It also helps to find candidates not accepting a majority of their contributions from out of area special interest companies, as is often the case in our county.

Right now in the council races in Missouri City I’m witnessing incumbents who have been “in service” for decades. They are attending special meetings and making promises, but to the more astute watchers of these boards, councils and commissions, especially this one, the key is listening to what they are actually saying.

For example, at one community forum the mayor and two at large councilmembers denied that they are diverting bond money to special interest projects, thus passing costs for new roads for private corporate developers to the citizens (contrary to state law, but rarely enforced).

This is easily confirmed in the city minutes for the 2007 November session.

It’s further complicated with a campaign disclosure statement from two of these incumbents that lists “potential conflicts of interest” by either doing business with some of those companies involved on the receiving end of these taxpayer gifts or direct contributions, which too can be easily confirmed via the public record (disclosure statements on file with the city for free).

Much of this, after years of promising the residents to “turn the corner on taxes”, which they actually raised three times last year. I’ve even heard them try to convince people that this isn’t happening or next, that it is in the “best interest” of all.

They even worked to start a pseudo-grass roots group in December to convince others and have one of the neighborhood HOAs directing traffic to the site, which may be a violation of it’s non-profit status.

Bond Problems
What’s actually going on with council, according to one media source, is known as “slipping” the bonds.

This means that they are changing the use of them for particular projects that the public had no opportunity to speak up on or support.

At another community forum, where only the incumbents were invited, the mayor presented an “unfunded” promise to the Lake Olympia community.

These “unfunded” projects are always interesting campaign promises to watch and quite often are the most frequently broken.

Yes, during election time we will see much deceit, misdirection and finger pointing. We’ve had our share of it this year with so many races at all levels.

Fighting voter fatigue is especially important with the local races still facing us. Finding the right people is even harder.

Do your homework folks and then vote!

------------
Sources:

http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=347&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=979&Itemid=1

Friday, April 18, 2008

FB Independent: Poats, Owen Lock Horns In FC Debate!

Owen, Poats debate growth versus neglect
SESHADRI KUMAR

In a highly charged political race for Missouri City mayor, the incumbent touts his accomplishments and points to the bright future with plans now underway.

His challenger places all the blame for the real or perceived perils of the city at the mayor’s feet, charges the mayor with promoting a subdivision outside the city, while neglecting the rest of the city and calls for a change.

Mayor Allen Owen is seeking his eighth term as mayor, and businessman Greyling Poats, who wants to unseat him, participated in a debate hosted by the Associations of First Colony last week. . .

Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=360&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

Friday, April 11, 2008

Friday, April 4, 2008

Fort Bend Independent News Covers Missouri City Elections, Term Limits & Other Important City Issues!--click here for more--

Term limits for city council members
Howard Moline

I think one of the more interesting aspects of life in Fort Bend County is the excitement and enthusiasm generated by politics.

Every two years we see new candidates asking for our vote and helping us to refocus on how we can improve our cities and county.

To me, the democratic process is invigorating and refreshing. New candidates bring fresh approaches to problems, different personalities, and zeal to the election process and their newly won offices.

Having said this, there is one city in Fort Bend County that has a difficulty with this constant renewal aspect of politics, and that is Missouri City.

Politics is not quite as much fun, exciting or productive in Missouri City because we have City Council Members who have held their offices for extended periods and the City has never adopted term limits.

Term limits is a City ordinance that restricts the number of terms a City Council Member can serve. Points in favor of terms limits are that new Council Members bring many positives including new ideas, unique approaches to problems, a fresh outlook, and enthusiasm.

I think most people would agree that serving in City Council positions is a privilege and not a right.

It’s not only a privilege but a great opportunity for residents to show their patriotism, creativity, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm for their neighborhoods and the City.

Many Missouri City residents would appreciate and be delighted at the opportunity to run for City Council office and serve there.

America has a long history of being democratic and giving opportunities to everyone. What does it say about Missouri City when we deny our residents those opportunities because we have near-permanent members on the current City Council?

The Missouri City Council has five (of seven) Council Members who have been in public office for periods ranging from eight to twenty-seven years! I think it is inevitable that Council Members with these records of longevity in office suffer “burn out” and that they become less responsive to their constituents’ needs.

More importantly, the present situation makes it extremely difficult for other City residents to run for office and win. The incumbents hold huge advantages including large campaign fund accumulations, a substantial network of friends and political favors, and name recognition.

Term limit ordinances provide that each Council office will see a new office holder every eight years.

Thus, at least every few years, challengers with no record of public office are on a level playing field.

The race is then won or lost on the candidates’ qualifications or lack of them.

Missouri City has rarely seen this type of Council race and we will see them with decreasing frequency if trends continue as they have. . .(follow the links below for the full story).

http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=306&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=
&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn
=fbindependent&he=.com