Of all the things Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo could have picked on in Austin this year, she chose to get hysterical over a bill that would return the control of Harris County elections to … ta da … two elected African-American Democrats!
Hidalgo is complaining bitterly about SB 1750, a bill passed by both the House and the Senate – now on its way to the Governor’s desk and likening it to a “murder plot.”
In addition to SB 1750, Hidalgo also complains about:
SB 1933, a bill that would give the state the right to investigate election administration problems.
SB 1039, a bill designed to guarantee explanations for election irregularities – without concerned citizens having to challenge the entire election.
SB 1993, a bill allowing new elections if enough polling places run out of ballots long enough. (However, it has no chance of passing in this session.)
I won’t try to discuss every statement made in Hidalgo’s rambling rants. You can watch the videos and form your own opinions. I will, however, point out some of Hidalgo’s more exaggerated claims.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo accusing Legislature and Governor of plot to murder 5 million people
Hidalgo Likens System that Elected Her to Murder
SB 1750 would take the next election out of the hands of an administrator appointed by Judge Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Commissioner Adrian Garcia. It would restore the previous system run by the County Clerk and Tax Assessor-Collector. By the way, that’s the same system that elected Hidalgo over the previous County Judge, Ed Emmett.
Yet Hidalgo says she “can’t think of something more anti-democratic” than putting elections in the hands of elected officials rather than someone appointed by her.
She also claims Austin is “declaring war on Harris County.” And that legislators and the governor are engaged in a “murder plot” against every resident of Harris County. Yep, all 5 million of them.
As if that’s not enough…
Hidalgo calls the attempted murder of 5 million people “not normal.”
Then the master of understatement accuses the Legislature and Governor of “Orwellian double-speak” and “attacking democratic ideals.”
She blasts election audits, claims they are an abuse of the system, subvert her authority, and disenfranchise millions of voters “whose voices will be silenced.” After they destroy Harris County’s economy.
“They’re coming after us,” she says. She doesn’t specify whether “they” includes people with gavels or straight jackets.
Excuse me, Judge. But how is returning local elections to locally elected Democrats attacking democratic ideals? Who’s guilty of the Orwellian double speak?
Oh wait! You didn’t personally appoint the elected Democrats! The People did. Is that why it’s “anti-democratic?”
Hidalgo’s Selective Perception
Hidalgo still hasn’t complied with lawful Texas Public Information Act requests relating to the last election by turning over the emails concerning voting problems and voting machine maintenance records.
But Hidalgo did double down on the “murder plot” accusation. She went on to say the Legislature’s common sense measures were tantamount to “a murder-suicide pact” that would take down Texas and every other state.
Of course, maybe we should cut her some slack. After all, Hidalgo is under pressure. She also informed us that she expects the County’s District Attorney, Kim Ogg (another Democrat), to hand down a criminal indictment against her soon in the $11 million Elevate Strategies scandal. An entire grand jury deliberated that issue for five and a half months. But that might have been a Democrat plot by a Republican Governor, too.
Hidalgo’s Other Gripes
Hidalgo claims SB 1750, SB 1933 and SB 1093 amount to “election suppression,” a “takeover” by the state, and “a power grab.” She also says that she’s appealing to the Federal government for help.
Judging by Hidalgo’s hysteria, she seems to equate these bills with genocide and the end of Western civilization. She also seems to believe that her power should remain absolute and beyond question.
That might explain why her administration has a problem retaining people. If Cliff Tatum, the election administrator, leaves as a result of SB 1750, that will mean 24 departments in Harris County have had at least 48 heads under Judge Hidalgo in a little more than four years. And many of the current heads have “interim” in their titles.
I have to compliment Judge Hidalgo on one thing, though. She has more imagination than Shakespeare, Orwell, and Machiavelli put together. I’m sure she would have inspired them to new heights.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/24/2023
2094 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230524-Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-5.32.55-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C797&ssl=17971200adminadmin2023-05-24 19:52:072023-05-25 08:12:12Hidalgo Accuses Legislature, Governor of “Murder Plot” against 5 Million Harris County Residents
There’s been a lot of water under the I-69 bridge since Harris County acquired the old privately owned Edgewater Park on the San Jacinto West Fork almost five years ago.
The county intended to start construction of a new bigger, better, public park with more amenities in 2019. The idea: turn floodway and floodplain land into an asset that would improve the community without exacerbating flooding.
Reportedly, however, pushback from Forest Cove residents over rerouting parts of Hamblen Road delayed the project. Then the City of Houston pushed back, too, on permitting for some buildings. Then came redistricting wars, budget battles, and a public-input session to determine what the community wants in Edgewater Park. Let’s first look at some pictures of the park and then review the new features.
Pictures Taken 5/23/23
I took the pictures below today. Edgewater Park will cover most of the land you see in the picture below between the river and that concrete patch in the upper middle (Laurel Springs RV Resort).
Looking NNE across San Jacinto West Fork toward Precinct 3 Edgewater Park.Looking NW. Hamblen Road cuts diagonally left to right through center of frame. Laurel Springs Lane cuts north (on right).Looking East downstream. West Fork Greenway will cut under bridge in the upper right.Looking east from approximately Hamblen and Laurel Springs Lane. West Fork Greenway will snake through this area on its way to 59 bridge.Looking SE. West Fork Greenway will ramp up to old truss bridge to take hikers and bikers across river.Note how far south the river has shifted. Those double trusses used to be centered over the river.Looking West. West Fork Greenway will connect with Spring Creek Greenway that snakes through the Forest on the West Side of US59. The Spring Creek Greenway will take people most of the way to the Woodlands with a couple small breaks.Winter photo showing oneof the beautiful cypress ponds north of Hamblen Road.Original (now outdated) plans for Edgewater Park at Hamblen Road and Loop 494
Elements of Plan B
Construction still hasn’t started and the County is rethinking its plans for the park. In the May 16 Commissioner Court meeting, commissioners approved Item 42 – funding to study Edgewater Park.
Eric Heppen, Precinct 3 Engineer says, “the study phase is just getting underway so there aren’t any bid specs at this time. But right now, we are looking at park components and materials that are more resilient and doing park improvements south of Hamblen Road only.”
Heppen adds, “In addition to a boat launch and parking lots there will be a small and large dog park, a playground, as well as both paved and unpaved trails. We are trying to build a park that will assist in serving the greater Kingwood area.”
“In addition we have been coordinating with he Houston Parks Board and connecting the Spring Creek Greenway into their trail network to enhance the overall trail system.”
“Our designer Quiddity has a landscape architect on its team. The architect has been tasked with adding plants that are native and will grow naturally to assist with natural mitigation efforts,” concluded Heppen.
Dog Park Fencing
The City of Houston requires dog parks to have fencing and Edgewater Park is in the City. Those who remember how logs collected in the railroad bridge supports next to the park during Harvey may remember how they contributed to catastrophic flooding.
Fencing can also collect debris swept downstream during floods. To prevent the fences from forming debris walls that make flooding worse, the City recommends a breakaway design. They attach the bottom of the chain-link fencing to steel poles with a steel ring. But they attach the top of the fencing to poles with plastic zip ties that break when pressure increases enough. That lets the fence flop down on the ground without being carried downstream.
You can see this ingenious system at the County’s Pundt Park along Spring Creek or in Buffalo Bayou Park downtown.
Types of Boats for Launch
Because dredging by the Army Corps stopped downstream of Edgewater Park, it will be difficult to launch larger boats with prop engines at Edgewater.
However, according to Heppen canoes and kayaks remain a possibility.
San Jacinto Greenway Link to Spring Creek Greenway
The Houston Parks Board is working with Harris County Precinct 3 to develop the West Fork Greenway and connect it to the Spring Creek Greenway. The map below shows the trail it will take from Woodland Hills Drive to the freeway.
Current extent. Trail will eventually continue west and cross over I-69/US59 via route shown in photos and first map above.
More on Edgewater as plans firm up. To see the master plan for Harris County Precinct 3 Parks, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/23/2023
2093 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230523-DJI_0893.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-05-23 15:55:282023-05-24 09:54:48Harris County Precinct 3 Rethinking Edgewater Park
The Texas General Land Office has posted Amendment 12 to the Hurricane Harvey State Action Plan for public comment. Among the highlights: If approved, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) could get $322 million in reallocated funding from underperforming and completed programs for infrastructure projects that protect residences and businesses. The proposed amendment also includes additional changes.
Almost six years after Hurricane Harvey, the Texas General Land Office hopes to reallocate funding from programs with below-expected participation to programs showing greater-than-expected need.
The goal is to use all the money before unused funds must be returned to HUD in 2026.
Brittany Eck, GLO spokesperson
Looking north along Kingwood Diversion Ditch where hundreds of homes flooded during Harvey. The Kingwood Area Drainage Analysis rated widening this ditch as one of the two most important projects in the Kingwood area.
Where Extra HCFCD Money Comes From
Funds redirected to HCFCD include:
$30 million EACH (total $60 million) from the City of Houston and Harris County administered disaster recovery programs that failed to meet program contract benchmarks
$83.9 million from the GLO administered City of Houston Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP)
$178.13 million from the GLO administered Harris County HAP.
How Money Can Be Used
The GLO’s Homeowner Assistance Programs are projected to serve all eligible applicants in Harris County and City of Houston and the remaining funds are available to be redirected toward other needs.
The HCFCD program will provide disaster relief, long-term recovery, and flood and drainage improvement for local communities within Harris County impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
It will also protect assets that have since been repaired from Hurricane Harvey.
Each project must demonstrate how it will contribute to the long-term recovery and restoration of housing.
Other Reallocations
Amendment 12 ensures the $2.46 billion in CDBG-DR funds originally allocated to Harris County and City of Houston will continue to address unmet recovery needs within those jurisdictions.
Harris County Administered Disaster Recovery Program total decreased to $887,334,984.
Homeowner Assistance Program increased to $49,524,866.
Homeowner Reimbursement Program decreased to $46,845,332.
Affordable Rental Program increased to $252,888,178.
Single Family New Construction Program decreased to $59,560,401.
Commercial Buyout Program increased to $18,294,906.
Method of Distribution (Local) increased to $129,934,907.
Competitive Request for Proposal Program decreased to $74,289,859.
City of Houston Administered Disaster Recovery Program total decreased to $664,157,590.
Multifamily Rental Program decreased to $370,855,752.
Small Rental Program increased to $13,424,373.
Homebuyer Assistance Program decreased to $18,016,785.
Public Service reduced to $17,851,394.
Economic Revitalization Program increased to $21,803,775.
Planning reduced to $22,217,000.
State Administered Disaster Recovery Program increased to $4,124,897,426.
Harris County Flood Control District Program created with $322,033,863.
Infrastructure Project Delivery increased to $29,585,390.
Harris County Homeowner Assistance Program decreased $108,214,125.
City of Houston Homeowner Assistance Program decreased to $481,698,301.
Homeowner Reimbursement Program (GLO program completed in January 2021, administered in the 48 eligible counties outside of Harris County and Houston) decreased to $102,951,722.
PREPS decreased to $22,587,890.70.
A spokesperson said that the GLO left enough money in the original programs to cover completion of work already started or approved.
How to Register Your Opinion
In my opinion, HCFCD sure could use the $322 million. Project overruns and inflation have eaten into the 2018 Flood Bond funds jeopardizing many projects at the bottom of the equity priority list.
To be considered, submit your comments to cdr@recovery.texas.gov by 5:00 p.m. on June 21, 2023.
Per federal requirements, the GLO must respond to public comments before the amendment can be sent to HUD for its 45-day final approval.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/22/2023 based on a press release by GLO
2092 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230401-DJI_0363.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-05-22 11:49:522023-05-22 13:38:45HCFCD Could Get $322 Million in Redeployed Funds from GLO
Hidalgo Accuses Legislature, Governor of “Murder Plot” against 5 Million Harris County Residents
Of all the things Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo could have picked on in Austin this year, she chose to get hysterical over a bill that would return the control of Harris County elections to … ta da … two elected African-American Democrats!
Hidalgo is complaining bitterly about SB 1750, a bill passed by both the House and the Senate – now on its way to the Governor’s desk and likening it to a “murder plot.”
She made her comments in this 7 minute and 40 second YouTube Video. And she embellishes them in this second video lasting more than 17 minutes.
Investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino produced his own video based on Hidalgo’s comments.
In addition to SB 1750, Hidalgo also complains about:
I won’t try to discuss every statement made in Hidalgo’s rambling rants. You can watch the videos and form your own opinions. I will, however, point out some of Hidalgo’s more exaggerated claims.
Hidalgo Likens System that Elected Her to Murder
SB 1750 would take the next election out of the hands of an administrator appointed by Judge Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Commissioner Adrian Garcia. It would restore the previous system run by the County Clerk and Tax Assessor-Collector. By the way, that’s the same system that elected Hidalgo over the previous County Judge, Ed Emmett.
Yet Hidalgo says she “can’t think of something more anti-democratic” than putting elections in the hands of elected officials rather than someone appointed by her.
She also claims Austin is “declaring war on Harris County.” And that legislators and the governor are engaged in a “murder plot” against every resident of Harris County. Yep, all 5 million of them.
As if that’s not enough…
Then the master of understatement accuses the Legislature and Governor of “Orwellian double-speak” and “attacking democratic ideals.”
She blasts election audits, claims they are an abuse of the system, subvert her authority, and disenfranchise millions of voters “whose voices will be silenced.” After they destroy Harris County’s economy.
“They’re coming after us,” she says. She doesn’t specify whether “they” includes people with gavels or straight jackets.
Excuse me, Judge. But how is returning local elections to locally elected Democrats attacking democratic ideals? Who’s guilty of the Orwellian double speak?
Oh wait! You didn’t personally appoint the elected Democrats! The People did. Is that why it’s “anti-democratic?”
Hidalgo’s Selective Perception
Hidalgo still hasn’t complied with lawful Texas Public Information Act requests relating to the last election by turning over the emails concerning voting problems and voting machine maintenance records.
Nor in her rants did she remind people how her previous election administrator lost 10,000 votes.
But Hidalgo did double down on the “murder plot” accusation. She went on to say the Legislature’s common sense measures were tantamount to “a murder-suicide pact” that would take down Texas and every other state.
Of course, maybe we should cut her some slack. After all, Hidalgo is under pressure. She also informed us that she expects the County’s District Attorney, Kim Ogg (another Democrat), to hand down a criminal indictment against her soon in the $11 million Elevate Strategies scandal. An entire grand jury deliberated that issue for five and a half months. But that might have been a Democrat plot by a Republican Governor, too.
Hidalgo’s Other Gripes
Hidalgo claims SB 1750, SB 1933 and SB 1093 amount to “election suppression,” a “takeover” by the state, and “a power grab.” She also says that she’s appealing to the Federal government for help.
Judging by Hidalgo’s hysteria, she seems to equate these bills with genocide and the end of Western civilization. She also seems to believe that her power should remain absolute and beyond question.
That might explain why her administration has a problem retaining people. If Cliff Tatum, the election administrator, leaves as a result of SB 1750, that will mean 24 departments in Harris County have had at least 48 heads under Judge Hidalgo in a little more than four years. And many of the current heads have “interim” in their titles.
I have to compliment Judge Hidalgo on one thing, though. She has more imagination than Shakespeare, Orwell, and Machiavelli put together. I’m sure she would have inspired them to new heights.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/24/2023
2094 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Harris County Precinct 3 Rethinking Edgewater Park
There’s been a lot of water under the I-69 bridge since Harris County acquired the old privately owned Edgewater Park on the San Jacinto West Fork almost five years ago.
The county intended to start construction of a new bigger, better, public park with more amenities in 2019. The idea: turn floodway and floodplain land into an asset that would improve the community without exacerbating flooding.
Reportedly, however, pushback from Forest Cove residents over rerouting parts of Hamblen Road delayed the project. Then the City of Houston pushed back, too, on permitting for some buildings. Then came redistricting wars, budget battles, and a public-input session to determine what the community wants in Edgewater Park. Let’s first look at some pictures of the park and then review the new features.
Pictures Taken 5/23/23
I took the pictures below today. Edgewater Park will cover most of the land you see in the picture below between the river and that concrete patch in the upper middle (Laurel Springs RV Resort).
Elements of Plan B
Construction still hasn’t started and the County is rethinking its plans for the park. In the May 16 Commissioner Court meeting, commissioners approved Item 42 – funding to study Edgewater Park.
Eric Heppen, Precinct 3 Engineer says, “the study phase is just getting underway so there aren’t any bid specs at this time. But right now, we are looking at park components and materials that are more resilient and doing park improvements south of Hamblen Road only.”
Heppen adds, “In addition to a boat launch and parking lots there will be a small and large dog park, a playground, as well as both paved and unpaved trails. We are trying to build a park that will assist in serving the greater Kingwood area.”
“In addition we have been coordinating with he Houston Parks Board and connecting the Spring Creek Greenway into their trail network to enhance the overall trail system.”
“Our designer Quiddity has a landscape architect on its team. The architect has been tasked with adding plants that are native and will grow naturally to assist with natural mitigation efforts,” concluded Heppen.
Dog Park Fencing
The City of Houston requires dog parks to have fencing and Edgewater Park is in the City. Those who remember how logs collected in the railroad bridge supports next to the park during Harvey may remember how they contributed to catastrophic flooding.
Fencing can also collect debris swept downstream during floods. To prevent the fences from forming debris walls that make flooding worse, the City recommends a breakaway design. They attach the bottom of the chain-link fencing to steel poles with a steel ring. But they attach the top of the fencing to poles with plastic zip ties that break when pressure increases enough. That lets the fence flop down on the ground without being carried downstream.
You can see this ingenious system at the County’s Pundt Park along Spring Creek or in Buffalo Bayou Park downtown.
Types of Boats for Launch
Because dredging by the Army Corps stopped downstream of Edgewater Park, it will be difficult to launch larger boats with prop engines at Edgewater.
However, according to Heppen canoes and kayaks remain a possibility.
San Jacinto Greenway Link to Spring Creek Greenway
The Houston Parks Board is working with Harris County Precinct 3 to develop the West Fork Greenway and connect it to the Spring Creek Greenway. The map below shows the trail it will take from Woodland Hills Drive to the freeway.
Current extent. Trail will eventually continue west and cross over I-69/US59 via route shown in photos and first map above.
More on Edgewater as plans firm up. To see the master plan for Harris County Precinct 3 Parks, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/23/2023
2093 Days since Hurricane Harvey
HCFCD Could Get $322 Million in Redeployed Funds from GLO
The Texas General Land Office has posted Amendment 12 to the Hurricane Harvey State Action Plan for public comment. Among the highlights: If approved, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) could get $322 million in reallocated funding from underperforming and completed programs for infrastructure projects that protect residences and businesses. The proposed amendment also includes additional changes.
Almost six years after Hurricane Harvey, the Texas General Land Office hopes to reallocate funding from programs with below-expected participation to programs showing greater-than-expected need.
Where Extra HCFCD Money Comes From
Funds redirected to HCFCD include:
How Money Can Be Used
The GLO’s Homeowner Assistance Programs are projected to serve all eligible applicants in Harris County and City of Houston and the remaining funds are available to be redirected toward other needs.
The HCFCD program will provide disaster relief, long-term recovery, and flood and drainage improvement for local communities within Harris County impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
It will also protect assets that have since been repaired from Hurricane Harvey.
Each project must demonstrate how it will contribute to the long-term recovery and restoration of housing.
Other Reallocations
Amendment 12 ensures the $2.46 billion in CDBG-DR funds originally allocated to Harris County and City of Houston will continue to address unmet recovery needs within those jurisdictions.
Review the full text of Amendment 12 at https://recovery.texas.gov/public-notices/index.html.
Highlights include the following changes:
A spokesperson said that the GLO left enough money in the original programs to cover completion of work already started or approved.
How to Register Your Opinion
In my opinion, HCFCD sure could use the $322 million. Project overruns and inflation have eaten into the 2018 Flood Bond funds jeopardizing many projects at the bottom of the equity priority list.
To be considered, submit your comments to cdr@recovery.texas.gov by 5:00 p.m. on June 21, 2023.
Per federal requirements, the GLO must respond to public comments before the amendment can be sent to HUD for its 45-day final approval.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/22/2023 based on a press release by GLO
2092 Days since Hurricane Harvey