Take a look at the following statement:

Original Source: /3/9/07 Greater SA Chamber Newsletter 

Click here: The Chamber Today

 “A moratorium [Legislation has been introduced in Austin to slow or stop construction of major Texas highway projects and to remove non-tax funding as a revenue source.] might stop the spreading of the false and misleading information currently circulating among anti-growth factions, but it puts at risk citizen safety and economic prosperity.”

-  Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Krier, who chairs the San Antonio Mobility Coalition (SAMCo) as well as Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation.

Are you a member of the “Anti-Growth Factions”?

Ernesto Ancira, one of the most successful car dealers in South Texas, is concerned about a toll road being placed right in front of one of his car dealerships in San Antonio. He never would have invested millions of dollars in this project if he had known about this toll road. 

Is Mr. Ancira a member of the “Anti-Growth Factions” because he is concerned about his business investment?

Tom Turner, one of the most successful gasoline and convenience store operators in South Texas, is concerned about a toll road begin placed right in front of one of his gas stations in San Antonio. He never would have invested millions of dollars in this project if he had known about this toll road.

Is Mr. Turner a member of the “Anti-Growth Factions” because he is concerned about his business investment?

These two men have an incredible history of investing and growing their businesses in South Texas and beyond. How are they “Anti-Growth”?

What about Senator Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, who represents Texas Senate District 3? The former Texas transportation commissioner and retired engineer wrote the following on March 16th in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The piece was entitled “Texas toll roads -- the good, bad and ugly.” Here are a few article segments:

“….supporting toll roads does not equate to supporting a plan that prohibits competition or agreeing to policies that enrich a few shareholders at the expense of the taxpayer.”

“It does not take a genius to figure out the companies will calculate the price in a way that enriches shareholders and leaves taxpayers holding the bag. Therefore, before any contract is signed, the state should negotiate an agreed-upon formula.”

“Put simply, the state is enacting a policy that forces Texans to drive on a toll road with very few alternatives.”

“I filed Senate Bill 1267 to place a two-year moratorium on private equity toll projects.” 

“Surely we can agree that signing away our ability to expand our transportation system for 50 years in the name of expediency is not a wise decision.”

Is Senator Robert Nichols a member of the “Anti-Growth Factions” because he is concerned about “our transportation system for 50 years”?

Is Cathie Adams of the Texas Eagle Forum a member?

What about conservative activist Gina Parker Ford in Waco?

What about this humble political newsletter? What about me? 

We have been publishing essays and articles by Terri Hall, Director of the San Antonio Toll Party for almost 2 years. Are we the ones “spreading of the false and misleading information” because it does not coincide with the personal opinions of Mr. Joe Krier and the lofty financial goals of Bartell Zachry and his Cintra associates in the Spanish Empire? Why hasn’t anybody contacted us on a weekly basis if we are spreading “false information?”

Are we members of the “Anti-Growth Factions” because we have expressed our personal concerns about the Texas-Trans Corridor?

Who are these factions because I have not been invited to any of their cocktail parties or underground meetings? This is true.

Do they have secret messages that they pass to one another? Is there a governing group of leaders who leads these factions?

Mr. Joe Krier is one smart lawyer in San Antonio. That is why Governor Rick Perry selected him to lead these transportation organizations and efforts. I think he is wrong to demonize Texans who do not agree with him. What gives him the right, as an appointed official of the state of Texas, to label citizens as members of “Anti-Growth Factions?”

This is the bottom line: Texans are independent. We have strong opinions when it comes to eminent domain issues. Texans are not going to play dead when it comes to 50 year contracts that give the house away. It is our birthright as Texans to be loud, opinionated and passionate about any issue that we care about. This is who we are. It is what unites us and it is what makes us really different and special.

Last year, I wrote a piece entitled A Tragedy: How Toll Roads Are "Dividing" Texas. Now, more than ever, I personally think individuals like Joe Krier want to divide and separate Texans on this issue. He brands us like cattle by calling us members of “Anti-Growth Factions” in public statements. We are wrong and somehow evil for not going along. This is a sad and desperate attempt to save the Titanic. 

Let me finish by being very clear.

Yes, I’m a proud Texan who has an independent point of view.

Yes, I admire individuals like Senator Robert Nichols and the endless political activists for taking a stand on an issue that people care about.

Yes, I care about the future of this state and public policy.

Yes, I also believe we must be 100% sure to utilize rational and logical decision making when it comes our transportation needs.

Finally, I believe the Governor and the citizens of South Texas would be better served by a leader who does not label concerned Texans as members of “Anti-Growth Factions.”  We deserve better than Joe Krier.

Yes, indeed!
 

These are your words:

“I filed Senate Bill 1267 to place a two-year moratorium on private equity toll projects.” 

These are the words of Joe Krier, Chair of Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation.

 “A moratorium ……..puts at risk citizen safety and economic prosperity.”

Senator Nichols: Can you please confirm that you have filed a Senate bill that you know “puts at risk citizen safety?” What evidence does Mr. Krier, an appointed state official, have to make such a claim in a Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce newsletter that is distributed to thousands of businesses in San Antonio? 

I would appreciate your input.

Why? I believe appointed state officials, like Joe Krier, should not be accusing State Senators of intentionally putting the safety of Texans at risk. 

These are scare tactics that are unnecessary and improper of any public servant.

Beyond that, I do not believe you would file any Senate bill if you believed “puts at risk citizen safety.”
 

The Republican Club of Comal County will meet on Tuesday evening on March 27th at 7:00 pm at the GVTC Auditorium. The featured speaker will be State Representative Frank Corte of San Antonio. He will share his recent experiences in Iraq, not as a lawmaker, but as Commander of the Governance Support Team of the Marine 3rd Civil Affairs Group.

The RCCC is a conservative, family oriented club, extending voting privileges to both men and women. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month and are open to all. For membership information, please contact Warren Alston at 830 438 3658.
 

Pastor Mendoza loved his family, his community, and most importantly, His savior Jesus Christ. His life’s mission was to tell others what Christ had done for him, and what He did for them at the Cross. He taught many how to live the way God intended, and he never feared what others might try in order to stop him from serving God. He stood up for traditional marriage when Proposition #2 came to the ballot, even when it came to his being arrested for demanding City Council be honest in whether it approved of homosexual marriage or not at the direction of our current mayor. He fought to see the liquor license of Graham Central Station revoked when it became apparent dugs and prostitution had begun to run rampant there. In short, Mendoza sought to protect traditional family values, and protect citizens of San Antonio from the consequences of drugs, drunkenness and prostitution.

Pastor Mendoza loved God and he loved people. He served both throughout his life and gave of himself until he could give no more.

Now, he is seated at the right hand of God, receiving the rewards of a good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21). We are saddened at our loss…but we who know Christ can rejoice that our brother Narcisso is rejoicing and praising our Lord in complete good health. The Bible says to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (II Corinthians 5:8). This world is not our home, we are just passing through. Welcome home Pastor Mendoza!
 

I, like my ancestor Ben Milam, have protected freedom and heard the call to leadership. As a Master Peace Officer in the state of Texas, having earned a Masters Degree in Business Management and with 28 years of law enforcement experience, I have the qualifications, vision and leadership training to give proper and decisive direction to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.

With your help, I can address those issues which are paramount to our law enforcement and detention needs in the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.   

I am posting an open letter to the Citizens of Bexar County with my position for the upcoming election. I invite each and every citizen in Bexar County to contact me about your concerns.

Thank you,

Chris Milam

www.milamforsheriff.com
 

In a repudiation of this Governor's transportation policies, CDA moratorium looks like it will become law with two-thirds of legislature on board! Finally the PEOPLES' VOICES are heard and HEEDED!

TxDOT sold 121 FREEway for pennies! CDA fallout continues...expect MAJOR reforms to be enacted, ASAP!
 

By John Merrifield,
Professor of Economics
Director, Entrepreneurial Conservatism Institute
March 20th, 2007

According to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (TICP), the U.S. is #20 in the world with a shockingly low score of 7.3 out of ten, down from 7.6 the previous year.  This far from perfect, sinking score is an ominous sign.  Corruption is what all poor countries have in common, and there is no amount of endowed wealth that can make up for the insidious, devastating effects of corruption. Look at the recent National Geographic article on Nigeria; dirt poor despite fabulous oil wealth. Nigeria is near the bottom on the TICP.

Sunshine is a great disinfectant, but openness and disclosure is just a beginning. Leadership is needed in ensuring utmost respect for rule of law. The worst part of the corruption slippery slope is not the descent, but the difficulty undoing the traditions once they become entrenched. A tradition of corruption diverts creativity and innovation – perhaps society’s most precious resource – from productivity to seeking and dispensing special treatment. Bright young people that might otherwise (in a relatively corruption-free society) start businesses, or pursue degrees in science and engineering, instead compete for a relatively few bribe-taking advantaged positions.

So, what does respect for the rule of law mean. It means simple, easy-to-understand laws, with swift impersonal enforcement. That criterion assures economic freedom. Laws restricting economic activity are invariably complicated, either to defeat evasion creativity, or to create a veneer of plausible deniability as to the real intent of the law. Complicated laws create opportunity and motive to illegally pay for favorable interpretations. And this kind of obvious corruption begets a more subtle but insidious version; use of the law to advance private interest at the expense of public interest, usually where someone flexing political muscle wants to restrict competition to the detriment of the general public.

Cronyism, shadowy payments, and insider deals are no laughing matter. They tear at the economic fabric that underpins our liberty and prosperity. Because no one act seems to hurt much, such seedy behavior has to be fought on principle. Corruption, like cancer, is difficult to treat once it has had time to spread. Like cancer, it can be deadly.
 

“I am running because I want people to have a very clear choice that reflects their morality and values!” McCurdy stated. He continued, “Our government must be run on the foundation of Moral Character, Virtue, and Integrity, a foundation that reflects the values of the community in the operation of its government.”

McCurdy’s key platform issues include youth and education, community, taxes and acquisition reform for the city.

McCurdy knows that our youth are our most precious resource and will do all he can as mayor to ensure our children get the opportunities and education they deserve, so that they may grow into successful adults. He believes that government must be fiscally responsible and honest. He stated, “I will work hard to reduce our property taxes and increase services without exponentially increasing the city’s budget.”

McCurdy believes it is the role of government to protect and serve its people as well as to reflect their values in city government. There is a disturbing trend in San Antonio government where the mayor and city council are spending tax dollars contrary to community values and needs while property taxes increase.

Further, there are a lot of people in the city who would have liked to have had their voices heard in matters as simple as trash collection and as pervasive as taxes and the expenditure of their tax dollars. McCurdy wants to restore ears to City Hall and voice back to the residents of San Antonio.

McCurdy stated, “I do not want … MY GOVERNMENT operating behind the backs of the people.  I am not a politician. As your MAYOR: … I will be transparent.” In Patrick’s view there has been a lack of transparency with the incumbent mayor and city council in areas of expenditures disguised from the public in a variety of ways.  There are also expenditures that run contrary to the values of the majority of city residents. He believes elected officials should be clear in their stand on life, marriage and other critical social issues. “As many may not know, a pastor was actually jailed by our current mayor just for trying to determine the mayor’s and city council’s stand on their definition of marriage!”

Patrick McCurdy himself is pro-life, pro-family and stands for the traditional standard and definition of marriage: one man and one woman.  McCurdy emphasized, “This will be a government. …. By the people …  for the people and not behind the backs of the people or in spite of the people.”

McCurdy supports the managed growth of the city in a fiscally responsible way and in partnership and dialogue with residents.  As a small businessman, Patrick empathizes with the plight of the working people of this city to make ends meet.  He also recognizes the challenges of the senior citizens on fixed incomes, who have been overcome by an increasing tax burden and many who are forced to leave their homes and the city because of this burden. It is clear that current city leadership doesn’t understand these burdens.

Patrick McCurdy is the father of 5 beautiful children, pastor of Bethlehem Church, and owner and operator of Joseph’s Storehouse Restaurant and Bakery on North St. Mary’s Street, which was voted #1 bakery in the San Antonio Current. Patrick also holds a B.A. in Bible and a Master’s in Theology. 

Patrick, who holds a Golden Gloves boxing championship stated, “I am fighter, and I don’t give up. I will fight for San Antonio!”

(210) 638-8453 www.mccurdyformayor.org/
 

With heaps of Pomp and Ceremony, Mayor Phil Launched his "Tax Ship Lolly Pop" to mortgage the City for more than half-a-billion bucks in added Bonds.

He didn't bother to tell you that this is really a $1 Billion Plus proposal, NOT HIS UNDERSTATED $550 MILLION!

Taxpayers had better wake up. 

For the dollars of borrowed money, plus the interest cost over a 20 year period at 6.75% is $468,233,640, the overall cost will be  $1,018,233,640.

The yearly pay out for this monstrous debt is about $50,911,682. This annually costs about 25% of ALL property tax dollars collected.

And, top financial experts in the US are warning that the "Real Estate Bubble" Is about to burst!  (See related story.) If and when that happens how is Hardberger expecting YOU to pay back this monstrous debt? There is only one way. Property Taxes will skyrocket! 

So, the Mayor should fess up. He lied to us. 

In preparing this column, I have had to make three assumptions: $550,000,000 in bonds at 6.75% interest, for 20 years = over $1 billion.

Incidentally, the City's proposal can actually be stretched to 40 years, and much of the money borrowed could be diverted for discretionary projects.  

Incidentally, wanting to be sure of my calculation, I consulted a top tax executive who came up with the exact same figures I did!

I have been trying, under the Open Records Act since February 12, 2007, to get the Mayor and City Manager to reveal The true bottom line of the cost of this gigantic bond Issue. No success at this late hour, but I will not stop trying until the truth is finally made known.

If the Mayor will lie to us saying they are not raising taxes, when appraisals rise over 7% per year, and he advertises a Bond Issue as costing $550 Million, when it will actually come in over $1 Billion, then why should we take his word about anything.

So Much For Honesty.
 

This May 12th, we will vote on the largest bond issues in San Antonio history. Bond proponents claim they can borrow billions without increasing property taxes. If taxes do not increase, who will pay for the bonds?

Their no tax claims defy common sense. So proponents have apparently found it necessary to raise at least $500,000 from special interests to convince unsuspecting voters.

Media elites have adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on tax increases. Their failure to challenge city and school officials on bond taxes is very telling about the relationship between the media and big government.

For example, the San Antonio Express-News reports: “Supporters of the school and city bonds will push one detail hard. Schools can be built and streets repaired without raising taxes. A no-new-taxes mantra will help.”

Austin-based Americans for Prosperity found “growth in the amount of local government debt increased by 576% from 1980 to 2004, more than three times the rate of income.” The Independent Budget Office found San Antonio the fourth highest taxed city in the entire nation.

An examination of what bond funds will be used for is also troubling. The Northside and Northeast school districts need to build new schools to accommodate growth. However, they also will spend millions on non-growth related pet projects.

The Homeowner-Taxpayer Association will fight to get the truth out. The bonds plus annual reappraisals may result in the largest property tax hike ever. Oppressed taxpayers, especially those barely making ends meet, will certainly suffer. In addition, there is much waste in planned expenditures of bond funds.

The only thing big government and their media enablers fear is the informed voter. So we are asking for your strong support to get the truth out. Please consider making a contribution to HTA PAC. Also check our website (htasa.org) for date, place, and time of our spring membership meeting and future news conferences.

We already pay the highest taxes in Texas and now they want more.

 IT’S TIME TO FIGHT BACK!
 

Source: Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Newsletter  

For more than a year, The Chamber urged city leaders to take a citywide approach with regard to the 2007 bond issue. Last Friday, Chamber Chairman Brenda Vickrey Johnson and President and CEO Joe Krier helped kick off the 2007 City Bond campaign at a rally at Los Barrios Restaurant, situated in the heart of one of the largest street projects scheduled for funding by the bond. Mayor Phil Hardberger called the five-year package historic precisely because a citywide approach was used to develop the components. “For the first time, we’ve taken a ‘bottom-up’ approach, where ideas came directly from the citizens of San Antonio, rather than elected officials at the top. Every side of the city gets something, and with no increase in taxes,” Hardberger said. Previous bond packages were divided equally 10 ways among the 10 council districts. This time, four 32-member citizen panels spent two months, selecting projects to present to the voters in five categories. Early voting begins April 30 and Election Day is May 12. The Chamber will publish early voting locations as soon as they are announced.

“This is the most significant investment in infrastructure the city has ever made,” said Chairman Johnson. “The Chamber supports and endorses the package and its projects. We have a longstanding history of support for bond issues based on sound analysis, and we commend the Mayor and City Council on the citywide approach and inclusion of citizen input and recommendations to identify the City's prioritized needs. We also urge the Mayor and City Council to maintain accountability through citizen oversight. We believe passage is critical to the future of San Antonio and look forward to partnering and helping secure voter approval.”

The campaign co-chairs are former Chamber Chairman and retired USAA Real Estate exec Ed Kelley, former City Councilwoman Bonnie Conner, CPS Energy Board chair Aurora Ortega-Geis, director of Fannie Mae’s San Antonio Partnership Office, and Ramiro Cavazos, director of research and economic development for the UT Health Science Center.
 

The following picture and caption were featured.

This Hummer is owned by mid-level management employee at NISD. It seems this district is considerably more prosperous than most taxpayers realize.

“This Hummer is owned by mid-level management employee at NISD. It seems this district is considerably more prosperous than most taxpayers realize.”

Last week, I received a phone call from the lady who owns this Hummer.

This was her basic message which I think needs to be published.

• She is a devoted public servant in the school system.
• A year ago, she was in a serious accident. She decided to use resources from the accident settlement to obtain a vehicle that would offer maximum safety and durability.
• This lady is a conservative Republican who lives a very frugal life.
• She by no means lives an extravagant life. It was her belief that the image and the caption were an unfair characterization of her situation in life and her employment with the Northside Independent School District.
• This owner of the vehicle also stated that the NISD headquarters building was in need of repairs and updates. In other words, it was not a luxury palace.

We will always do our level best to provide all sides of an issue.

The foundation of our publishing is rooted in trust.

Thank you for your readership.
 

When:  11:00 A.M., Friday, March 23, 2007

Where:  The Club at Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd.

Contact:  Toni O'Mara (210) 479-7111 for reservations.  Men welcome.

Luncheon:  $18.00

Respectfully submitted,

Anita C. Rentfro, Publicity Chairman

arentfro@sbcglobal.net

Bexar County Republican Women

210-804-2225
 

Once again it is time to invite you to the world of La Prima! This week has been rather uninspiring with only a few hints of gossip moving around Bexar County. I suppose it will go dormant after the city-wide races are complete in several weeks, with a smattering of little flurries as the national races gear up to see who can be at the top of the Democratic ticket in 2008. I can only hope things will become livelier as time progresses, or we will all fall asleep with the boredom of familiarity.

The district races are now set with all the opponents in place. I feel like an advice columnist today, so here is unsolicited advice and views for our city wide races:

For the Mayor of San Antonio: The unexpected candidates for Mayor have no fear in taking on a well-liked and respected, not to mention competent, incumbent. One would think these folks would realize the futility of their hopes of unseating Phil Hardburger. He was a tremendous Judge, and is doing a superb job in his current post. The expected perennials are present, and a few new greenhorns have jumped in. Again one must try to give the innocent a nod for their naivety and senseless courage for attempting this challenge. However, it is more of Don Quixote than bravery, one would suspect, for tilting windmills might be more productive than spending hard earned money for this challenge. Mister Mayor will not lose any sleep over this race, as he definitely has much more to offer San Antonio in the coming two years.

In District 1, the fair-haired lady, Mrs. Cisneros will put all rumors to rest about her abilities to lead and be her own person when she handily will win this contest. Henry might want to reconsider his position with her and fly right, as she will prove to be quite the woman in her decisions.  Her opponents must take her more seriously than they do now, and get ready to pay homage to her superior talents over that field.

Next is the District 2 race. Incumbent Shelia McNeal has to swat an annoying fly sent to her from the sour grapes crowd led by T.C. Calvert. This is due to the conflict of who can run the best Martin Luther King event, and hurt feelings of being sent to the trenches. Keith Toney, whose only claim to fame is being on the school board for Ft Sam Houston, has won T. C.’s support. This lamb will be slaughtered on Election Day. Joining him is Tim Wright, whom no one knows.

Districts 3 and 9 drew no opposition.  Either no one cares, or there is nothing worth fighting over.

In District 4, Phil Cortez is the heir apparent. Phil’s opponent is Manuel Navarro, a Harlandale graduate. This is only an attempt to make Phil spend some money to get where he wants to be. Otherwise, it’s business as usual from the Southside.

In the deep Westside, District 5 has drawn a cartoon, oops; I mean contest-- Snow White and the 5 Dwarfs, otherwise known as Lourdes Galvan and some wannabes. Lourdes has learned from the best—Patty Raddle, as she was on Patty’s staff during her time for District 5. It is sad to see Patty stopped by term limits as she has represented not only her constituents, but made a real difference for the homeless in San Antonio. We will miss her, but Lourdes should be able to carry on where Patty left off. The only two opponents worth a mention, and I am being generous, is perennial candidate Gilbert Gallego, and another baby candidate, 21 year old David Medina. The others are not known beyond their families.    

District 6 incumbent Delicia Herrera has drawn Pete Galavez to oppose her. Pete seems to think that putting money down and getting his name on a ballot (any ballot) is a rite of spring. Four times he tried and it appears four times he spends money on name recognition. We know who you are, Pete. Save your money next year.

For District 7, Incumbent Elaina Guajardo and Justin Rodriguez square off. Ms. Guajardo will have to fight hard to pull this one out. She has learned some rather difficult lessons as to whom to listen to, and then make tough decisions to do the honorable and right thing.  On the whole, she has done a decent job for her district, and can possibly get some real work done if she can get beyond the past and the voters displeasure over some issues.  Justin will be back in the near future if he does not pull this upset off, and we hope he will not get discouraged, but stay on the scene. He is really a talented young man with many things to offer San Antonio.

 The race for district 8 is a beauty pageant. Diana Cibrian is leading this, and is hers to lose. Her opponents have made little impact, and other than some signs, it doesn’t appear anyone else is trying to win.  Mario Obledo had a fund raiser this week that drew only a handful of supporters. This could be productive if each one brought a four or five figure check along with guaranteed voters from entire clans of family on Election Day. Gloria Sanchez must have had too many blond moments or too much bleach has seeped in, because she was overheard saying how computer illiterate she is. In this day and age, one must be able to do more than turn on a computer and stare at its monitor. Last and least of all are the two doctors—Morris Stribling and Bert Cicconi. Dr. Stribling thinks the city will run with input on only Thursdays when city counsel meets and no other time is needed to do a good job. And Dr. Cicconi must have nothing better to do than run for office, as this is his fourth effort to have a hobby.

John Clamp and Ray Delosantos battle in the District 10 campaign. This is John’s race to lose, and he will not let that happen. He has been around, and now is his time to lead this district. Only if he slacks off, or commits a terrible faux pas will this race get exciting.

In other news, my sources have uncovered more information concerning the media blown scandal of several weeks back, concerning one legislator and his unhappy wife. It appears his old habits have gotten the best of him, and his straying will leave evidence breathing life in several months. Perhaps parents should lock up their attractive teenage daughters when he is out “helping his constituents” while in town.

I must share this last tidbit with you, my dear readers. I have stepped on someone’s toes too hard apparently, as one of the Bexar County Democratic Yahoo groups has banned my little scribbling from their site. I read a reprimand to someone who was sending out my column to help enlighten the voters, and even had several acquaintances call my attention to this attack. Was it the comments I made about matching Berkies that brought out the ire, or just too close to home and revealing the dirty little secrets they buried in the cat litter box?

Have a good week ahead—come back and we will visit next week with La Prima!

That is the moderate viewpoint, I AM also the Republicrat PLUS!