Who can best keep the Internet open: Government or the free market?

Guest Editorial by Patrick McGuinness

Some “Net Neutrality” advocates claim this debate is about whether we will have net neutrality and an open internet or not. However, both sides of the issue want what net neutrality delivers -- an open internet. The real debate is over FCC internet regulations, and it can be considered a question of trust: Do we trust markets or Government to ensure an open internet?

For proponents of Government regulation, the impending rollback by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) of regulations they passed in 2015 to control ISPs (Internet Service Providers) is a threat to net neutrality. They believe Government intervention is needed to keep ISPs in line – after all – “if given the chance, large ISPs will use monopoly power to bully suppliers and squeeze consumers for their profit and the detriment of others, right?”

Wrong.

Union leaders were kinder to the South than Mayor Adler

What would Lincoln do, Mayor Adler?

The very persons responsible for taking the Rebel states captive after the Civil War and initiating Reconstruction were perhaps kinder to the memory of the Confederacy than your average liberal is 152 years after the war.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler conscribed to the ranks of those who have less affinity for the legacy of Southern patriots than even those who pointed their rifles at them. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Adler seceded from the city’s annual Veterans Day parade, which is taking place today.

Why? Not because of the Rebel flag we all recognize. But because lesser-famed Confederate imagery was used to honor the veterans who served to defend the ground underneath our feet during the time when Texas was part of the Confederate States of America (1861-1865).

Across our own Mason-Dixon line of sorts -- the boundary between Williamson and Travis counties -- the WillCo Sheriff is fuming:

November 2017 results are in: Is it time for conservatives to panic?

"Presidents typically face strong headwinds in midterm elections ... Even President Obama – who was elected President by historic margins – lost 6 U.S. Senate seats and 63 U.S. House seats during the 2010 midterm elections."   That's what a White House communique said about last night's "blowout" when Democrats trounced Republicans in many jurisdictions around the nation, particularly in Virginia. We agree that it's the burden of the party in power to prove that it can deliver on its promises, and in politics that can often be difficult as compromise is key to getting legislation passed. That's why mid-term elections are tough on the party in power nationally. This is primarily a local blog (Travis County and Central Texas) so we'll defer to the seasoned analysts at Town Hall for more of what the Nov. 7 election means on the national scene or whether it's a portent of things to come in 2018. (Meanwhile, we're here licking our wounds on losing three school bond opposition campaigns.) There are three factors worth considering if we wish to not only Keep Texas Red but continue making gains throughout the Trump Administration -- as well as to put up any serious challenge to Austin-area Democrats.

1) The Left has its own "tea party" now. The Left has their own Tea Party-like network in the form of Antifa, Indivisible, Flippable, etc. Do not discount this: Lefty candidates are winning without the Democrats lifting a finger, such as Populist Democrat Lee Miller who won handily last night despite being abandoned by the donkey party leadership:  http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/after-pledging-an-aggressive-race-against-gop-del-jackson-miller/article_dfd7783b-de44-557e-82c7-b6bc439656f1.html 

2) Local liberal races are relying on out-of-state money to win. If the liberals can't win big in 2018 then that means the Democrats will have no choice but to pander toward the Center in future election cycles. To stave off this fear, there was some serious cash being dumped across the country to promote the possibility of winning in 2018, even in local and state lege races. Case in point: this race in which $60 was spent PER VOTE to help a transgender candidate win election. And it apparently worked: https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/transgender-woman-beats-bathroom-bill-sponsor-in-virginia-house-race 

3) The GOP base isn't as excited as it could be. The Left is charged up and unified in their hatred for President Trump, and that is translating to defeats of Republicans across the country. Exhibit A: Republican Gov. Ed Gillespie was defeated by nearly 9 percentage points. Though Gillespie was hailed as a "unifier," his conciliatory tone did not enthuse our people enough to counter spirited liberal opposition (especially Trump supporters who feel alienated by him). He did not generate more new voters, nor convince enough liberals to swing Republican. The more national GOP leadership stalls on repealing Obamacare and other publicly recognizable conservative reforms the less excited Republican voters will be to take action other than just punching a ballot (if they do so at all). Candidates who energize voters to bring in their friends, neighbors, co-workers and families are the ones who win.

Nov. 7 was not the end of the conservative movement by any means, but if we don't stand firm on Republican values and act on them (in a way that voters across the country understand), it will be increasingly difficult to rise against increased organization and special interest fundraising from the Left in 2018.

Help! I have no idea how to vote on the November 2017 ballot

While we recommend leaving an item blank when you don't know how to vote in a particular race, the Tracker comes out of its short hiatus to draw your attention on a few key ballot items.

For recommendations we suggest Empower Texans' analysis of the Constitutional Amendment propositions and the Travis County GOP's stances on the Austin ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Leander ISD bond proposals. For any questions on if you are eligible to vote, where to vote, when to vote, etc. please visit VoteTravis.com.

Turnout for these are typically extremely low, and your vote may represent thousands (if not tens of thousands) of those who stayed at home.  So get out there and represent your "district!" And if you have any questions on issues concerning the local races we advise contacting your local precinct GOP chairmen if available.

Houston, Gulf Coast drowning while protestors picket Trump

Yes, that's an 'Impeach' sign

Hurricane Harvey just set a domestic rainfall total record as of this afternoon (51.88 inches at Cedar Bayou), as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump head to Austin Bergstrom International Airport after a visit to Corpus Christi and Austin to support and address statewide emergency response coordination.

For most people, it's a no-brainer: helping fellow Texans survive and recover from historic-level flooding (with much more to come) is a cause that has no bearing on one's political beliefs or personal preferences. We can argue about FEMA trailers, floodplain zoning, and the merits of the Trump Administration later.

And others? Well, take a look at what those who don't get that are saying this afternoon ...

• Anti-Christian radicals were quick to condemn a flooded church building that did not host Sunday services for not opening its doors as a shelter any sooner: http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2017/august/some-people-hate-joel-osteen-more-than-they-love-truth-hous.html
  
• The fashion police were out in full force to tell us what the First Lady should and shouldn't wear: https://stream.org/twitter-criticizes-melanias-footwear-while-situation-in-houston-worsens.
  
• Anti-Trump protesters decided to make a good-will visit to DPS headquarters in Austin an opportunity to argue about immigration policy:

Guadalupe and Koenig this afternoon, as Trump's motorcade approaches

Thankfully, the great majority of Texans get that it's not about politics: This isn't a chance to promote your pet cause, to denigrate our nation's leaders who are doing their best to help, or to kick flood victims when they're down. It's time to pack sandbags, open our wallets, gather donations of necessary goods, and get to work on what's sure to be a long road to recovery.

Below are some resources we hope you'll be able to use, followed by a message from Gov. Greg Abbott, who called Texas' response so far "nothing short of remarkable." We'll keep this list updated -- if you know of any other compilations of flood relief efforts please leave them in the comments section below and we'll be happy to include them here.

KXAN: Stand Strong Texas
http://kxan.com/category/stand-strong-texas

Austin American-Statesman:
http://www.statesman.com/news/harvey-aid-houston-these-texas-businesses-and-nonprofits-are-helping-out-here-how-you-can-too/CLFBZ3a9wyM2mK3DNbaGNO

Texas Tribune (statewide resources for those assisting and those who need help):
https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/28/hurricane-harvey-relief-efforts-how-help

Must Read Texas (subscribe for daily round-up of Harvey news and opportunities)
http://mailchi.mp/potomacstrategygrp/mrt-immigration-court-serves-as-trump-model-ice-raid-in-houston-budget-conference-meets-redistricting-hearings-continue-wapo-on-hurd-204245


ALSO ... The Tracker recommends anyone in harm's way download the Zello app for your smartphone ASAP. Search for the channel titled "Texas Search and Rescue" and there you will be able to instantaneously communicate with search-and-rescue workers in your vicinity. More info:
http://money.cnn.com/2017/08/28/technology/volunteers-harvey-rescue-apps/index.html

Below is a message from Team Abbott with some helpful links, especially for those in immediate need ...

... As Texas continues to experience heavy rains in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I want to share some additional information and resources for those affected by the storm.

I have activated the entire Texas National Guard--about 12,000--in order to respond to Hurricane Harvey disaster recovery. The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway.
 Check the Texas Hurricane Center page on the Office of the Texas Governor website to see the most up to date list of mandatory and voluntary evacuations. However, if you are living in a flooded area, do not attempt to evacuate by driving your car--doing so will put your life and lives of rescue personnel at risk. Visit the FEMA website for safety tips or call 2-1-1 for evacuation information.

If you need assistance, visit the FEMA disaster assistance site or call 800-621-FEMA.

If you need immediate medical attention or emergency evacuation assistance, call 9-1-1. If you cannot get through on the first try, keep calling. You can also call one of five numbers for the Houston Command Center of the United States Coast Guard:
 281-464-4851
281-464-4852
281-464-4853
281-464-4854
282-464-4855

Do not attempt to drive on flooded roadways! Remember, “turn around, don’t drown!” If you need roadside assistance, call 800-525-5555 or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. Check Drivetexas.org for flooded roads and road conditions before driving anywhere. Call the Texas Department of Transportation at 800-452-9292 for statewide road closures.

If you are in Houston, visit the City of Houston Emergency Information page or call either 3-1-1 or 713-884-3131 for Houston emergency updates.

If you are a hurricane evacuee seeking shelter, visit the Red Cross website to find open shelters or call the Red Cross Hotline at 800-733-2767. I have opened Texas State Parks to free camping for hurricane evacuees. Check here for a list and a map of park availability. AirBnB is also providing free accommodations to Harvey evacuees. You can find a free place to stay or offer up your space to evacuees in San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas.

If you have been affected by Harvey in any way, know that Texas has your back during this difficult time. I ask that Texans continue to keep affected regions in their thoughts and prayers as we continue to endure this severe weather event and its tragic effects on our state.


Sincerely,

Greg Abbott

_________
Photo credits: Protest photos shared by Leland Freeman via Facebook.com. Thanks, Leland!

Tax swap: Robin Hood workaround or revenge for SB 6?

Where the other half lives in Travis County

UPDATE: Tax swap proposal on hold (at least for now). More.

In a move being billed as a way for Austin ISD to get around a high amount of "recaptured" funds under the state "Robin Hood" school funding scheme, the Austin City Council voted 6-4 this month to initiate part 1 of a "tax swap" plan with the school district.

But could the tax swap also be retaliation against the Texas Legislature's recent action to reign-in big city annexation powers? A Republican House member suggests it may be related (see below).

The first step of the tax swap plan, which the City took on Aug. 10, raises the city’s property tax rate to 46.51 cents per $100 in appraised property value. It's a move that had bipartisan opposition, with Council members Ellen Troxclair (R), Jimmy Flannigan (D), Delia Garza (D) and Ora Houston (D, with fiscal conservative sympathies at times) voting no.

Step two: What's known as an interlocal agreement between the city of Austin and the Austin ISD to do the swap would have to be approved by both entities. This seems like a done deal -- Austin ISD will gladly lower its tax rates to keep Robin Hood away and the City would provide some services to the school (which hearkens back to the days before Independent School Districts became the norm in Texas public education -- more on that little irony in a future article).

Here's step three: That tax hike happens to be 2 cents higher than what's known as the "rollback rate" of 44.51 cents. It amounts to an increase of around 14 percent over the current budget year, by the way. That means the taxpayers, if they successfully circulate a petition with enough signatures (38,000, we understand), will defer final approval of the tax rate to the voters in a yet-to-be-scheduled rollback election (rumor has it on the March primary ballot).

Confused yet? Here's what it all boils down to: According to KXAN-TV, it's a move that may save Austinites money, but every other resident in the non-Austin ISD portions of the city (see chart above) will be stuck with the full 14 percent tax hike (though Mayor Steve Adler is promising perks for neighboring hamlets like funds for a youth center for Del Valle).

Austin-based Yeti ices Breitbart ad after one person tweets 'hate'

We can all agree lately that overreaction to allegations of hate on either side of the political spectrum is getting out of hand. Sometimes you just want to pack your Yeti cooler and head out to the lake for a few days to get away from all the bickeri ...

Oh wait ...

GOP priorities hit and miss during special lege session

Click to enlarge

As you can see from the chart above (courtesy of the Texas GOP's Strategic Texas Activist Team) it was hit and miss for Republican priority bills -- but mostly miss. The Governor is placing blame square on the Texas House, while it appears there's enough criticism to go around.

Below is a press release from the Texas GOP, followed by a screenshot by the Greg Abbott campaign.

AUSTIN – With the close of this special session of the Texas Legislature, Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey has outlined the bills passed relating to the Republican Party platform: 

“We are constantly working to advance the official Platform of the Republican Party of Texas, which is rooted in conservative principle. Following the special session, there is still much work to be done, but I’m encouraged that the Legislature acted on these important items that will help keep Texas free and prosperous.”

Petition surfaces to impeach Travis County Democrat Judge

Sulak

An online petition calling for the impeachment of Judge Tim Sulak, 353rd Civil District Court, has surfaced.

Below is the description from Change.org [bracketed edits ours]:

"Judge Tim Sulak has a lengthy history of conducting himself in a dishonest and discriminatory manner. Additionally, he has engaged in a pattern of discrimination against vulnerable parents in a manner that puts domestic violence survivors and their children at risk for abuse. Judge Sulak has repeatedly ignored signs of abuse in cases before him and has demonstrated a willingness to engage in ex parte communication and receive ex parte evidence to justify his actions. [...]

Texas Privacy Act seeks to remedy an 'uncivil right'

Haver

Guest Opinion by Kaeley Triller Haver

Earlier this year, both the NBA and the NFL made headline news with separate but equally hypocritical statements condemning Texas’ recently proposed privacy bills. The Texas Privacy Act (SB3 and HB 46), would ensure that government policies for bathroom and shower use in government buildings and public schools is based on the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate. It also prevents opposite sex participation in scholastic athletic competition, with some accommodation and exceptions.

Now even an NHL franchise, the Dallas Stars, is joining this “nondiscrimination” chorus.

In the midst of a national voyeurism epidemic, the Texas Privacy Act (SB 3 and HB 46) is a common-sense solution to a problem that shouldn’t even exist. But its opponents argue that it unfairly discriminates against transgender individuals. And apparently the NBA and NFL agree, having threatened to relocate their all-star games and big ticket events should the bill be enacted.

This issue is being framed as the new frontier of civil rights, abusing words like “discrimination” and “equality” to shame common sense privacy supporters (even some who were personally participated in the historic Civil Rights Movement) into silence.

Bad news doubles down on Dawnna Dukes (and it's only Monday)

We interrupt this brief hiatus for the Travis Tracker with not one but two pieces of bad news for embattled Rep. Dawnna Dukes, adding to the tragedy that is her continual defense of her indefensible behavior that earned her the social media hashtag #MasTriste.

Her bad day began this morning with a deal Rep. Dukes perhaps should not refuse, tactically speaking. The District Attorney offered to drop charges for Dukes if she resigns from office!

Matt Mackowiak, Travis GOP Chairman said this would still not be enough restitution for her HD 46 constituents:

"The allegations of corruption and misuse of office against Dawnna Dukes are very serious. Whatever the legal resolution is, it does not address her breaking her promise to the voters that she would resign if reelected, or her flagrant absences from official duty in the Capitol. Travis County residents in District 46 deserve better."

Gabriel Nila, former (and prospective) candidate, HD 46, said it's time to get it over with already and urged Mrs. Dukes to accept the deal:

"The report of a new plea deal is further proof that House Representative Dawnna Dukes has committed several violations and is given the opportunity to do the right thing and protect her reputation as a representative and as a parent. We call on Dukes to be on the right side of history and accept the plea deal so the district can move forward in having proper representation."

Mercy. But then Monday got worse for her.

Translation from legal-ese: two of her lawyers no longer wish to defend her against her 13 felony charges. This document asks the presiding judge if they may be dismissed from future trial proceedings.

Mas triste, indeed -- roughly translated from a Spanish idiom for "even sadder than before."

"Expect a continuance," Nila warned.

UPDATE: (5:37 p.m. 8/1/17) DA's office reporting Dukes offer has expired as of 5 p.m. Trial will commence.

State Republican execs: We're not done, yet!

Short of calling for a special Texas legislative session, the State Republican Executive Committee voted to send this letter to Gov. Greg Abbott at its meeting on Saturday.

The Tracker found this letter to be an excellent summation of the 2016 Legislative Priorities (a list approved by state GOP delegates in convention) and how much of it was approved by the 85th Legislature. The second portion of the letter requests Gov. Abbott place the the Legislative Priorities that were not passed on the "call" for any special session.

Congratulations to James (or the difference 1 year can make)

Though Travis County Republican Party Chairman James Dickey's election as state chairman was by a razor-thin margin (32-31 this morning at the State Republican Executive Committee meeting) he is receiving a ton of congratulatory remarks. We would like to join that chorus by providing a brief perspective on what this victory means.

ONE YEAR AGO ...

James Dickey was getting ready to preside over his final Executive Committee meeting on June 7, 2016. The new chairman term began on June 13, 2016. Party stalwarts were preparing to transfer assets and financial resources to a group "Friends of the Travis County Republican Party" and a steering committee to be headed by David Duncan was in formation to lead all operations of the party that were not given by law to the elected chairman. No one knew how this would play out, or that by the end of the summer Robert Morrow would be declared ineligible and removed. The mainstream media falsely predicted the "implosion" of the county party. Though undaunted, TCRP morale was at a low point.

Let's get a few things straight about the health of the Travis GOP

The proverbial bus.

Let's set a few things straight about the health of Travis GOP under recent leadership.

It has been inferred in the race for Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas that County Chairman James Dickey, one of two candidates vying for the position, led the Travis GOP into chaos.

All's fair in a race for state chairman, but let's not throw the hard work and dedication of some of the most passionate Republicans in the most liberal city in Texas under the proverbial bus. These hard-working conservatives who give of their time and treasure to fight against high odds in "the blueberry in the tomato soup" of Texas deserve better.

The Travis Tracker will not fire back at these individuals by naming names or quoting these persons verbatim. We have opted to focus on the accusations themselves.

1. Dickey lost seat to Robert Morrow (the "court jester") because Dickey did not campaign adequately or inspire enough volunteers to defend his incumbent status.

Bottom-line: Mr. Morrow had so awful a reputation among local conservatives that no one ever dreamed he would win the election. Out of an abundance of caution, Chairman Dickey commissioned a poll which showed Robert ahead by a comfortable margin -- a complete shock to anyone privy to this information. This gave Mr. Dickey a few weeks to campaign (sound familiar?). His campaign consisted of everything you would expect in a chairman's race, including lawn signs, plenty of TV and radio appearances, and lots of visits to clubs and various official meetings. Morrow, on the other hand, barely lifted a finger other than writing his personal email list.

State Chairman James Dickey? It's now very possible (UPDATE: He's in)

Dickey, Ramsey, Figueroa

UPDATE (5/23/17): James Dickey has thrown his hat into the ring. Mark Ramsey issued a letter he will not seek election. Rick Figueroa sets up campaign page.

Republican Party of Texas (RPT) Chairman Tom Mechler has announced his decision to step down from his office.

Travis GOP Chairman James Dickey, SREC member Mark Ramsey, and former candidate for RNC National Committeeman Rick Figueroa are names presumed to be in the running. Below is some background, followed by the text of Mechler's resignation letter.

The buzz surrounding Mechler's future started Thursday with a livestream of Raging Elephants Radio, citing anonymous sources who claimed Mechler was stepping down. Raging Elephants is not exactly warm and fuzzy with Mechler ever since being denied a media pass at the 2016 RPT convention (amid other criticisms), and basked in the news.

Pedernales Co-op election could jolt entire electric market

Ohm sweet home.

What happens on the PEC board of directors doesn't just stay in your billing envelope. It has a ripple effect that extends well past the Pedernales River basin.

The Pedernales Electric Co-op (PEC) is the largest member-owned utility co-op in the nation. Even if your electric service provider is not PEC, it stands to reason that your company is paying close attention to them. With several consecutive rate decreases in a row and some innovative approaches to helping consumers watch their electric consumption, we're liking what we see from PEC's customer member-centered approach.

The candidates are as follows. Voting takes place from May 18 to June 17, 2017 (PEC co-op members only -- ballots to be delivered by mail and members may also vote in an upcoming annual meeting as well as online).

What's on your ballot? Travis GOP explains what's at stake May 6

The Travis GOP reminded its supporters this morning that today is the last day for early voting in the May Local Elections, with election day on Saturday, May 6. Below is their communique, explaining why this election is important, and including a handy chart outlying which jurisdictions are voting.

According to a recent analysis, Central Texas voters spread across several jurisdictions will be voting on around a billion dollars' worth of local bond debt proposals.

While this figure includes a few jurisdictions outside Travis County, and not everyone in Travis County can vote even in the contests within the county lines, it's apparent that we're going to have to pay VERY CLOSE ATTENTION to this election. If we fail to do so, the usual people who vote in these elections will make the decision -- union organizers and education bureaucrats, as two examples.

We have a chance to shift the balance. Read carefully ...

The following jurisdictions have elections: Bee Cave, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Pflugerville ISD, Round Rock, Round Rock ISD, West Lake Hills, Travis County Emergency Services Districts 9 and 14, and the yet-to-be-created MUDs 23, 24, and ESD 15. If you live in any of these jurisdictions, please cast your vote today or on Saturday.

Add ethics complaint to RRISD bond opposition

We already know that the Round Rock ISD tops the list of over a billion dollars' worth of bond proposals in Central Texas. But financial extravagance isn't the only reason opponents are shouting "Vote No!"

See below for a grassroots-written press release concerning a press conference scheduled for noon on the last day of early voting (emphasis ours).

Press Release - Opposition to Round Rock ISD Bonds
1-May-2017 -- Austin, TX: 

Grassroots individuals and groups will hold a rally/press conference against the Unaffordable, Wasteful and Dishonest Round Rock ISD $572 million Bonds on the last day of early voting. There may be a new Ethics Complaint unveiled against an illegal campaign mail piece from the professional, corporately funded pro-Bond S-PAC, and there are new revelations about WHO IS FUNDING the slick pro-Bond campaign. 

What: Press Conference and Rally against Round Rock ISD Bond, Introduced by Pat McGuinness, Round Rock Parents/Taxpayers
When: Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017) at 12:00 PM (noon)
Where: 1111 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock, TX 78664 ( Round Rock Leader News Offices)
Why: New grassroots opposition to Bond, new Ethics complaint against illegal pro-Bond activity funded by out of town corporations hoping to profit off wasteful Bonds.

Pelosi 'has a lot of nerve' promoting Obamacare on hospital campus

Friends in low places.

Nancy Pelosi walks into a bar. An Austin bar, it happens. Last night, with Austin Mayor Steve Adler and other liberal leaders.

That's not a joke as Austin has become quite the ATM for lefty politicians with its high concentration of "limousine liberals." [Update: She's here as part of a Georgetown University alumni event.]

But what is surprising is her choice of venue the following morning. According to the Travis County GOP, U.S. Rep. Pelosi (D-Calif.) is scheduled to speak at the Dell Seton Medical Center's Clinical Education Center on the Brackenridge hospital campus as we write this (10 a.m.). Travis GOP's press release says it all:

... "First do no harm" is the primary rule of medicine.  

This is why the Travis County Republican Party finds it odd that Congressional minority leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) would want to be anywhere near the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas considering all the harm that was done by Obamacare. 

$75 city rebate for a chicken coop? We suspect fowl play

Why the City of Austin is offering $75 per person in taxpayer money to help prospective urban farmers buy chicken coops seems strange when chickens are already in heavy demand. We at the Tracker can't resist a good mystery, and decided to scratch around for an answer.

There is no shortage of demand for backyard chickens in Austin. Chickens are hot. Everyone's peckish for farm-fresh eggs. There's even a popular documentary on Netflix featuring those who keep chickens as pets.

So incentivizing chicken ownership can't be the goal of this rebate. What else is there?

Natives getting restless about $1 billion in proposed local bond debt

Hat's off to our friends at Texas Insider for pointing out this development from the Comptroller:

The [Comptroller's] updated page includes information for about 70 local bond elections, ranging from a $1.8 million bond election for the Chico school district to a $737.5 million bond package for the Lewisville school district. Local elections will be held on May 6. [...] 

The Comptroller’s office also released the Debt-at-a-Glance tool with updated debt totals and trends for Texas cities, counties, school districts and community college districts.

With that, word has been spreading lately of some gargantuan local debt proposals brought forth by the Hays and the Round Rock ISDs. We thought we'd use the Comptroller's new debt-finding tool and the perennial listing of bond proposals and see what Austin-area taxpayers may be on the hook for should these items pass. See below -- it appears Central Texas voters will have nearly a billion-dollars' worth of proposals to sift through.

As always, if we missed anything or you have a differing opinion than what is being presented, please make use of our comments section.

Bobcats beware: Faculty brownshirts lurking about on social media

Mwrawr ...

It's not easy being a college student these days. At least when intolerant leftist radicals are in faculty positions -- in which case the job you have to work to pay for ever-increasing tuition and fees is in jeopardy if you dare step out of line in regard to liberal orthodoxy.

The following article from Leadership Institute's Campus Reform site relays a situation at Texas State University where a Texas Public Policy Foundation employee and Bobcat was tattled on at work by a college instructor for a simple Facebook argument. But it didn't end there: a student who merely "liked" said posts was targeted for "hate speech," as well.

[Texas State Instructor Elizabeth] Bishop contended in [a telephone] call that [Alexander] Morrissette had made a disparaging Facebook post about her, but refused to provide details on what the post said. The employee who answered the call said she would talk to Morrissette about his Facebook habits, and Bishop hung up the phone shortly thereafter. 

Seemingly unsatisfied with [Texas Public Policy] Foundation’s response, as Morrissette said they “laughed the ordeal off,” Bishop set her sights on an anonymous Texas State student who had “liked” several of Morrissette’s comments. 

Bishop allegedly called the university department where the student works and requested they investigate her and her “associates” for “hate speech,” and further demanded that the student be removed from her leadership positions on campus.

Read more: http://www.campusreform.org/?ID=9002

We've been told that Ms. Bishop is the same instructor who has called for boycotts of campus police for offering self-defense classes (a culture of violence, perhaps?), and frequently advocates for the divestiture of funds from companies that do business with Israel. Her Texas State faculty profile indicates a fascination with the same type of "anti-colonialism" that marked the Barack Obama Administration's regrettable foreign policy.

And, yes, your tax dollars are paying this.

Ever had a situation like this happen to you in class? Share it in the comments below.

Delicious irony: 'Mayor of all the brisket' once voted to destroy Austin's BBQ scene

Austin nearly trimmed off the very soul of its foodie identity two years ago.

The City Council veered searingly close to banning restaurants that produce smoke in residential areas. Of course, that means barbecue and all its smoky, hazy goodness.

Councilman member human Pio Renteria, at the request of NIMBY complainers, attempted to ban charcoal or wood burning grills from 100 feet of property zoned residential. In other words, bye-bye Franklin's and most of Austin's 'cue establishments (or raise gobs of money to pay for smoke-scrubbing technology). This strict requirement was never enacted -- despite an affirmative vote from Mayor Steve Adler and other free market meddlers.

Our friend Adam Cahn pointed out an irony: When Franklin's was recently ranked lower than (*gasp!) the Salt Lick in a magazine's ranking, Mayor Adler rushed in to equivocate, crowning himself "mayor of all the brisket ..." and crowing about barbecue being "widely available in such huge quantities in this magical city."

Adam has more on the smoke-and-mirrors here: http://acahnman.blogspot.com/2017/03/adler-tries-to-promote-thing-he-tried.html

Travis Republicans create blue ribbon task force to avenge Brad's Wife

Location of Sunday's meeting

It's the shock-scandal that's sweeping the Internet. And Travis County Republicans are more determined than their Democrat opponents to get to the bottom of mystery that's tougher to crack than those triangular table-top peg puzzles no one seems to be able to actually solve.

The Travis County Board of Executive Steering Republican Chairmen voted unanimously this morning to create the #JusticeforBradsWife Committee.

For those not familiar, here's the backstory and why conservatives ought to be very concerned:

As Travis County becomes posterboy for 'Sanctuary Cities' conservatives lead resistance

When Travis County -- not just the city of Austin -- makes Fox News it's usually for one of two things: local Republicans are gaining ground, or the liberal establishment is doing something really bad. Unfortunately, this time, the latter is true, as Fox News' Bill O'Reilly reported yesterday evening about Travis County becoming a "sanctuary county:"

Click image to watch

That Democratic Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez is turning the entire county into a "sanctuary city" of a county is no secret, despite former assurances that she would not. Republican candidate Joe Martinez and his team warned us about "Sanctuary Sally." The warnings have become nothing short of prophesy as federal agencies have (arguably) stepped up operations in Austin to make up for the lack of enforcement of our immigration laws at the county level.

Gorsuch receiving plenty of Travis County support

Although U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch did not hear a peep from Democrats when he was confirmed as a federal judge, the Supreme Court's another ball game.

Confirmation hearings continue on Capitol Hill today for Justice Gorsuch, and Travis County conservatives are cheering him on from the Lone Star State. Below is a running list of supportive media appearances:

* James Dickey, Travis GOP Chairman, on Fox 7: http://www.fox7austin.com/news/242839757-video

We'll have more as they come.

Also, if you don't understand the reference in the meme above, open your Bible to Esther 4:14.

'Kindness signs': If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference in neighborhood activism.

After a squabble with his southwest Austin HOA over whether a recent spate of "Kindness is Everything" signs is a violation of community regulations, local Tea Party activist Kent Lattig decided to instead fight a liberal-humanist message with something a little more constitutional and God-centered -- via a "counter-sign" he first posted on Texas Independence Day.

A liberal "Kindness" sign.

Kent's "counter-sign"

Kent writes:

...  Posting a "counter-sign" is not like fighting at the Alamo, but it will make you feel the spirit of Freedom of the Texas Independence! And...you will also get to know who your real neighbors are!!! Stand tall!

Way to go, Kent! We hope your sign gets plenty of attention and causes your average Austin liberal to reconsider a few things.

Travis GOP ups the ante with, not one new executive, but two

It's no secret to Travis County Republican Party has had its ups and downs over the last year. As a matter of fact, their struggles made international news.

Just last March, the party faithful were wondering what to do with the election of a rogue chairman and the possibility of scores of precinct chairmen leaving their positions alienated by his extreme rhetoric, not to mention the specter of donors possibly taking their money elsewhere.

But organizationally speaking, the Travis GOP didn't skip a beat. Between the primary and the general elections, the party faithful proved themselves to be "Bigger Than That." In a span of six months, they managed to not only expand the leadership base and draw in new volunteers, but also returned James Dickey to his chairmanship and ended the saga with some impressive cash reserves.

Now the party is betting on it being able to continue its successes by hiring an executive director and a deputy executive director -- Gary Teal and Tracey Carroll (see the Travis GOP's press release). This bold move gained the attention of the Austin-American Statesman:

It took amending the Constitution to change a 'C' to an 'A' for this Austin Republican

Changing a grade ended up being more difficult than an act of Congress. Rather, it took lobbying 38 states to amend the Constitution of the United States and a three-and-a-half decade wait.

Greg Watson, a longtime legislative aide and Travis County Republican precinct chairman, wrote a sophomore government class term paper at the University of Texas at Austin. The subject: a 1789 amendment that was never ratified and the process it would take to get it into the Constitution today.

He received "C" for the paper. He felt he deserved better, so he went out to prove his point -- eventually gathering enough support for it to become the 27th Amendment (the latest one in the Constitution, as it happens).

“No law varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of representatives shall have intervened.” --Amendment 27 (ratified May 7, 1992).

According to a previous Tracker article, his quest was recognized by Gov. Greg Abbott in March of last year, giving Watson some much-deserved but rare praise for his labor of love. This came on the heels of Abbott's support for a Convention of the States to balance the federal budget, among other goals.

According to his former professor, Sharon Waite, and via a recent KUT story on Watson's surprise grade redaction:

"In light of the student's heroic efforts to prove the professor and T.A. wrong in their assessment of his term paper, Mr. Watson deserves A+."

It still has to be stamped by some people at UT, but when it is, 35 years after Gregory wrote his paper, he’ll finally get that C changed to an A.

It's about time. Hook 'em!

Read more at:
http://kut.org/post/he-got-bad-grade-so-he-got-constitution-amended-now-hes-getting-credit-he-deserves

Austin conservatives: 'Ask before you annex'

Thanks for the efforts of (former) City Councilman Don Zimmerman, Austin experienced what could be the first defeat of an annexation plan in the town's history in 2015.

To stop a portion of Old Lampasas Trail from being assimilated into Austin's municipal empire was hard work and nothing short of a miracle. However, local conservatives are hoping the Texas Legislature will make it harder for cities to swallow up unincorporated land -- and easier for residents resisting annexation to be heard -- with some long-awaited reforms.

Legislative solutions will be discussed at a Forced Annexation hearing scheduled for Tuesday. The Texas Public Policy Foundation/Americans for Prosperity forum is set for 2 p.m. March 7 in the Sam Houston Building, room 210, in the Texas Capitol complex.

Secondly, the Travis GOP passed a resolution calling on the Lege and Gov. Greg Abbott to take action. The text of the resolution is as follows:

Whereas, Travis County Republican Party believes that residents of the proposed annexed area should vote and that the results of the vote must pass by at least a majority before a municipality can annex the area; 

Therefore, Be It Resolved That The Travis County Republican Party calls upon the 85th Legislature of Texas to pass, and the Governor to sign, a bill providing that the registered voters who reside in the area proposed for annexation must vote in favor of annexation before a municipality can annex that area, and providing that if the registered voters in the area vote against annexation, the municipality that proposed to annex that area may not annex any part of that area for five years.

Local Repubs start off SXSW with call to save Uber and Lyft

A recently approved resolution could not have come at a better time.

Pre-SXSW festivities are beginning to fill Austin Bergstrom International Airport with demand for transportation options from travelers expecting on arrival to find a tech hub and entrepreneur paradise but only to discover there is no Uber or Lyft service. Worse, the city is competing with the free market by sponsoring and even subsidizing risky ridesharing ventures to fill the gap left by the unfortunate decision to run Lyft and Uber out of town.

Fortunately, Austin has a Capitol with a Legislature in session. From the Travis County GOP blog:

AUSTIN --The Travis County GOP is calling for the Texas Legislature to step in and put the brakes on a dangerous trajectory set by Austin city leaders. 

Those attending the annual SXSW festival this year may find themselves shocked and seriously disadvantaged to find that the tech-hub and Live Music Capital that is our fair city does not have in operation the two major ridesharing companies in America. 

Austin voters were hoodwinked into [effectively] voting for a set of stringent regulations on companies such as Uber and Lyft last year, causing the two Transportation Networking Company (TNC) giants to leave town. This is why the Travis County GOP requested the Texas Legislature approve Senate Bills 176 and 113 to standardize TNC regulations all across Texas so companies that operate in various locations will know what to expect and how to efficiently operate their enterprises without navigating different sets of regulations from city to city. 

The text of the resolution, passed overwhelmingly on Feb. 21 by the Travis GOP Executive Committee, is as follows: 

WHEREAS, the Republican Platform is about Preserving American Freedoms, limiting the Expanse of government power, promoting individual freedom and strengthening the economy. 

WHEREAS, The State Legislature should step in to eliminate attempts by local governments to control our individual freedoms and economic liberties. 

Be it resolved, that the Travis County Republican Party is in support of SB 176, regulating Transportation Network Companies at the State level and SB113, removing local city regulation from certain for-hire passenger transportation. 

The Travis County GOP works to elect more Republicans and is the official presence of the Republican Party for the greater Austin metropolitan area in Travis County. 

For more information contact communications@travisgop.com or (512)302-1776.

--30--

Amen.


______________
Update: (3/9/17) minor edits.

From fake news to fake town halls (UPDATE: Pete Sessions town hall becomes case study)

It's not like town hall meetings and other forums at public gatherings hosted by members of Congress are unheard of. But lately you'd think by listening to voices on the liberal left that Congress is hunkering down in nuclear fallout shelters instead of gauging constituent input. Particularly the Republican ones. It's a new tactic being employed to put our elected Republican representatives in a Catch-22. If the GOP Congressman agrees to requests to host a town hall, liberal activists will pounce on the meeting and use footage and friendly news coverage to amplify their platform. If the Congressman sees it for the honey trap that it is and goes along with business as usual, liberal activists will make it seem as if the Congressman in question is "dodging" the will of the People. And then they erect an effigy of the Congressman in a "People's Town Hall" to, again, amplify their platform.

Want proof?

5 unique ways to celebrate Texas Independence Day

You could go skiing in Texas
with our original panhandle

Texas Independence Day is a holiday that is growing in popularity. It's formally the celebration of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836 -- the day 59 settlers in Mexican Texas officially declared independence from the Empire of Mexico and created the Republic of Texas.

Alas, it's still a day that gets lost in the shuffle of springtime activities, much like its older, more official sister San Jacinto Day. If you have children in a Texas public elementary school, they're more likely to be eating green ham and wearing footie pajamas and striped hats today. If you shout "Happy Texas Independence Day" to a neighbor, you might be told that "it's as hot as the Fourth of July, alright." Still others might laugh in support of your good cheer, thinking you're referring to a clever beer advertising campaign. It's enough to make ya wanna spit in the creek, I tell you what.

That's why it is critically important for us to do something to mark the occasion -- to tell the world that we Texans are daringly different, and ain't afraid to celebrate it.

But what to do? Yes, you can do the kinds of things that Texans do every weekend -- barbecue, eat Mexican food, go out two-stepping, shoot guns, etc. But we thought we would provide five unique ways you can help celebrate Texas freedom. If you have a tradition or event of your own, please feel to share it in the comments below.

Legislator: Don't use the Chilean flag emoji to mean Texas!

Quiz: Which one is Texas?

We ran across this gem today while reading bills filed in the 85th Legislative session. See below, and take note, social media savvy Texceptionalists!

Don't know what an emoji is? Don't worry: It's about as new a word as is the resolution's author, Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Houston).

Dickey: Sanctuary City policies 'need to stop immediately'

Dickey with Sheriff candidate Joe Martinez, who told you so.

Travis County GOP Chairman James Dickey said via Travis GOP social media that it's time to light up the phone lines in opposition to Sheriff "Sanctuary Sally" Hernandez' new policies.

He quotes an article from Fox 7:

"... [I]n the first two days of the Hernandez policy nearly 50 undocumented offenders were allowed back on the streets. The charges include; drunk driving, assault, sex crimes, strangulation, as well as endangering and injury to a child. To get out, most of the inmates only had to sign a document promising to come back for court hearings." 

This needs to stop immediately. The Travis county sheriff must put the legal residents of the county first. Contact her office at (512) 854-9770 and let your voice be heard. 

For some background on this horrendous turn of events see here and here.

The Travis Tracker recommends Sheriff Hernandez host a series of town halls and study groups to craft a more sensible illegal immigrant detention policy, and consider reverting back to the policy of her predecessor Greg Hamilton.

Dawnna Dukes watchers take to Twitter

Those wondering if Rep. Dawnna Dukes' (D-Austin) notorious reputation for playing hooky in the Legislature would hold up after her indictment now have a way of checking on that.

The Twitter account @WDawnna tracks her whereabouts on the House floor and in key committee meetings.

(Wait, what was that? Yes, surprisingly Rep. Dukes kept her seat in the powerful House Appropriations Committee.)

According to the Twitter handle's description, it is not an official account of Dukes (obviously) but "an attempt to hold Dawnna Dukes accountable."

"To be clear, this account was created only to address DD's presence during the legislative session," the anonymous tweeter(s) commented. "It is not politics to want your representative to show up for work."

Celia Israel, Kirk Watson: You don't get to vote on rail projects (UPDATED)

Voters more than a decade ago opted to build the Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority's MetroRail "red line" -- 32 miles of track from downtown Austin to Leander utilizing much of an abandoned Katy rail line.

But if an Austin Democrat in the Texas Legislature gets her way, future rail plans under 31 miles of track-length will not require a vote at all.

Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) filed House Bill 1762 on Friday which seeks to amend the Texas Transportation Code's section related to the Cap Metro. Under existing law, Cap Metro must seek voter approval if the proposed expansion involves the addition of 12 miles of track or more to the system. Under Israel's bill, that threshold jumps to more than 30 miles. To put that in perspective, CapMetro could build a railway the distance from Sunset Valley to Cedar Park, or Lakeway to Pflugerville, without putting a single word on the ballot.

If you take a look at the map attached to this article, you'll see that any of the proposed stops are well-within the distance of the red line. So no voter approval would be necessary to fulfill the wishes of local transit czars.

Austin City Council exempts themselves from ethics rules?

There may be more to it than what Spectrum News picked up on here:

The draft ordinance gave the City Auditor the ability to investigate the City Council and their staff members for allegations of a violation related to interfering with personnel matters. It was intended to prevent elected officials from pressuring city staff to go against their best professional judgment.
"The city auditor shall hire an external party to investigate the allegation if the city auditor finds that an allegation merits an investigation," the draft ordinance read. 

[...] That means a City Council member, their direct staff and the City Manager are not subject to due process.

Does this amount to a power-grab by city staff or a play for immunity by the City Council (or both)? It's all a tangled mess, but we'll keep an eye on this.

Read more: http://www.twcnews.com/tx/austin/news/2017/02/10/austin-council-exempts-itself--staff-from-ethics-review.html

(Hat-tip: Matt Mackowiak for posting this to Facebook.)

Trump supporter beaten in Austin: Not fake news, in our own backyard

Disbelief filled the minds of many conservative Austinites who read blog posts this week of a 20-something being beaten and knocked unconscious because of a lighthearted Donald Trump cigarette lighter.

We wish this was another example of fake news and "alternative facts." The Tracker verified the details in the report that was originally published in Gateway Pundit.

According to Austin Police Department incident records obtained by the Tracker, the beating took place around 2 a.m. Monday at 1515 Wickersham Lane, steps away from the Riverside Golf Course and near several apartments.

The Tracker contacted the victim, Scott Sauter, a law clerk and newcomer to Austin. Sauter confirmed Gateway Pundit's report. On his walk home from the New Movement Theater comedy club downtown a man noticed the whimsical Trump decoration on his lighter as he lit up a cigarette.