Monday, October 27, 2008

Local Election In-Civility

I thought character assassination was bad enough in Friendswood during School Board elections, but the recent vandalism is too much.

School Board candidate Nancy Kessling's car was doused with white paint and vomit sometime Saturday evening
(See http://galvnews.com/contact.lasso?ewcd=0d7b5bd008497171a80206e4e8c09acd8a570c787301de7e2c826107fc48e676

)

In usual Friendswood style, four people were "chosen" for the four seats (one returning, 3 new people). Nancy decided to challenge the incumbent.

Her race has not been particularly divisive, she just felt someone needed to run to keep four unopposed candidates from "walking on" to the Board. However, a couple of individuals took it upon themselves to cause actual damage requiring a trip to the repair shop (paint in vents, washers, etc.).

I don't think her opponent, who has campaigned honorably was behind this, but there are some in Friendswood, in general, and in her subdivision, in particular, who would like nothing better than to clearly put out the message, "if you're not asked to run, don't run for the FISD Board". Why do you suppose it is SO important to keep an "outsider" off the Board? Seems to me that a volunteer, willing to put in the time and effort, read all the paperwork and attend all the related functions could really be an asset to the Board and might even lend a new perspective. I guess we'll never know, because for some reason, the "powers that be" will never let it happen.

There is a reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of at least one of the guilty parties. I hope that some civic-minded person with information on this crime, will come forward.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Losing Lowe

Friendswood was fortunate to have Robin Lowe as Principal of Friendswood Junior High for the past 4 years. Due to the flap over the alleged "hate crime" and the lack of support by the FISD Board and Administration, she has requested a transfer out of that position and into "Administration". I'm sure that someone as intelligent, proactive, resourceful, and caring won't stay in "Administration" long. Friendswood's loss will be another District's substantial gain. Remember, Lowe brought FJH up to Exemplary last year; the first time in a long time. But successful Administrators from the "outside" rarely last long in this city. As well-respected as Mrs. Lowe is, there is sure to be a bigger an better challenge for her on the horizon. I'm happy for her and wish her success. She truly cared about the students and taxpayers in FISD. Truly it is our loss.

And the worst part is, the "misinformation" has not been corrected, the bully perpetrator has not been brought to justice, and FJH has no Principal (and school starts in less than 10 weeks, with many activities starting before that)!

Friday, February 22, 2008

This week on The Political Party

Be sure to listen in this week to The Political Party. Our guest this week will be all of the candidates for Galveston County Sheriff. Eric Nevelow, J. L. (Bubba) Campbell, Freddie Poor & Henry Porretto. Questions will be submitted by each candidate and and phone in guest. The show starts around 7:30 pm on Wednesday night, February 27, 2008.

Friday, November 16, 2007

City Manager Refuses to Provide Police Protection

Friendswood City Manager Refuses to Provide Police Protection to Staff Workers at the Friendswood Tax Office.
City Councilman John LeCour and a Citizen of Friendswood will provide Security during Friday’s Bank Deposit.
Dateline: November 16, 2007...Friendswood, TX.
Contact Name: John R. LeCour Contact
Phone: 281-910-4297 Email: lecour@comcast.net
November 16, 2007, Friendswood, TX - The Galveston County Tax Assessor and Collector Cheryl Johnson will open a satellite office at Friendswood City Hall. The first day of operations for business will start today, Friday November 16, 2007. Mrs. Johnson and Friendswood City Councilman LeCour have requested Friendswood City to provide a police escort of county staff during bank deposit. City Councilman John LeCour said “I received an email from the Friendswood City Manager Bo McDaniel stating that he could not approve a police escort “especially in a political environment”.” LeCour further stated “I cannot believe that the City Manager would risk the property of our citizens and the life of a human being for political reasons. I will place this on the agenda for consideration at the first regular city council meeting in December. But for now I must personally take action to protect the county employee from harm and insure that the money of our citizens is safely transferred to Moody Bank in Friendswood. I will personally escort the county employee to Moody Bank Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5:00PM. I will make a statement to the public and the press before departing from Friendswood City Hall. I have also asked a citizen of Friendswood who has a concealed handgun permit from the State of Texas to accompany me. The Galveston County Tax Collector and Assessor Cheryl Johnson and Friendswood City Councilman Jim Hill have agreed to join me at the Friendswood City Hall.”
Location of Press Conference:
Friendswood City Hall - 910 S. Friendswood Dr - Friendswood, TX 77546
Date: November 16, 2007 - Time: 5:00PM