Texas Tea Tollers: Plot afoot to strip power from opponent of toll roads

[texastoast]

July 26, 12:24 AM
Terri Hall - San Antonio Transportation Policy Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17954-San-Antonio-Transportation-Policy-Examiner~y2009m7d26-Smackdown-at-policy-board-plot-afoot-to-strip-power-from-opponent-of-toll-roads

In yet another power grab by toll proponents, there's a move to have the people's choice and toll opponent Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson's Chairmanship of the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) officially neutered by stripping the Chair of the power to set the MPO agenda (which has been the Chair's role since the MPO's inception).

Instead, the Nominating Committee, selected by outgoing Chair and rabid pro-toll steamroller Sheila McNeil, is attempting to have the newly formed Executive Committee approve all MPO agendas, not the Chair. The controversial proposal is on the agenda for Monday's MPO meeting at the Via Metro Center at 1021 San Pedro at 1:30 PM.

Who's leading the stealth coup? Commissioner Kevin Wolff (son of pro-toll County Judge Nelson Wolff).

Read the agenda item below. (Note: the disclosure of the actual controversial change to the MPO bylaws was buried in the 159-page packet given to Board members, not on the posted agenda for the public).

July 26, 12:24 AM
Terri Hall

San Antonio Transportation Policy Examiner

[sonias]

1. They hate democracy don't they

It's all just a sham to them. Once people take back the power that should be theirs, the developer controlled interests change the rules.

:grr:

Sonia

[Aragorn]

2. Texas...

I have lived here all my life. My house is paid for and my profession is well-established. I want to leave.

[sonias]

3. You can't do that

No quitting on our side. We're going to turn blue one day and we need mainstream values represented at all levels in Texas. Hey we can all get depressed once in a while and vacations are absolutely necessary, but please don't quit Texas.

We need you.

:hi:

Sonia

[Aragorn]

4. thanks

Didn't say I AM leaving. But won't say I won't. For me it is getting too close to an abusive relationship. That's time to leave.

[johncoby2]

5. ME TOO!!

I am paying out my butt for electricity, insurance, and college tuition and yet my neighbors and friends no nothing except bend over. I am tired of fighting for them or anyone else for that matter.

If you want to drown in your own stupidity, do it without me.

[sonias]

6. Well can't you move somewhere else in the state?

We own our own utility in Austin ya know. Plus an investment in solar power will help lower your bills.

On the insurance side - yes we are all screwed. :(

Can't help you on the college tuition side either. :(


Sonia

[onestepforward]

7. I'm in the same boat and know all too well what you mean.

I've been planning on moving to New Mexico for a few years now. At least my vote would make a difference, not to mention lower electric, lower insurance, cleaner air, lots of farmer's markets and out of the reach of hurricanes which will only increase with global warming. House prices are double though and that is what is slowing me down.

Austin is also an option and I've found some 5-star rated "green" town homes that are somewhat more affordable with monthly utilities around $100/month.

It is very frustrating on many levels and I totally understand.

[texastoast]

8. I'm looking for an investor

in a Cayman Island property that will make a big bunch of money. :7 I want to leave too, but I will have to take my Tex Mex recipes with me. Can't live--can NOT live--without Mexican food. But I'll go, and I will miss the Texas that was.

Meanwhile, I'm going to give Rick Perry and his ilk pure hell.