Another Thing I Hate About Texas Open Meetings Act

It promises more than it delivers. The Texas Open Meetings Act is one of those good intentions that doesn't work out as well in practice. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." In practice, a lot of things still happen behind the curtains.

After the jump, news about Richardson's Lookout Drive Transfer Station.

What I Hate About Texas Open Meetings Act

The Texas Open Meetings Act is one of those good intentions that doesn't work out as well in practice. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." In practice, the Texas Open Meetings Act sometimes does just the opposite.

After the jump, the transcript from the May 10 Richardson City Council meeting.

Election Leftovers

On May 8, Richardson voters approved four bond proposals totalling $66 million. The proposals all passed by comfortable margins, but smaller than any Richardson bond election in memory. There are different explanations for the smaller than usual margins, from growing resistance to tax increases in general, to the tough economy in particular, to a protest against perceived failings of city staff and city council, to doubts about some of the projects themselves. I voted for the bonds, but that doesn't mean I don't still have a few reservations myself.

After the jump, my top three issues remaining as the smoke of the election campaigning clears.

CityArts Festival At Fair Park

From 2010 05 Fair Park

It was Mother's Day. How better to spend the day than wandering Dallas' Fair Park at the CityArts Festival? The annual event showcases cultural, performing, visual and culinary arts. There are over 200 artists who exhibit (and sell) their fine art. There are cooking demonstrations and samplings. There's music at any of several stages. And there are enough food concessions to get you stuffed and keep you that way all day. It was our first time to see the "dancing water" show choreographed to music at the Esplanade Fountain. It's not the Bellagio fountain show in Las Vegas, but what is?

On the negative side, the weather wasn't the best -- overcast and cool and breezy. But if the crowds stayed away, so did the rain. A good time was had by all.

To see more photos, click here.

Richardson and RISD Election Results

Update: May 11, 2013:
To anyone landing here looking for election results from 2013:
Laura Maczka was elected mayor.
RISD will have a runoff election between Rachel Chumney and Lanet Greenhaw.

Update: June 15, 2013:
To anyone landing here looking for election results from the June 15, 2013, RISD run-off election, look here.

2010 results are after the break.

---

All 4 Richardson bond proposals pass by about 4-3 margins. Voters want streets, parks, rec center, pool & fire station.

Two incumbents re-elected in RISD school board elections. Kris Oliver wins open seat. Voters want more of same from the largest, most diverse "Recognized" district in Texas.

Complete election results can be found at the official Dallas County Elections website. The data after the jump is extracted from there.