| « DMN - Frisco to consider health risk study of battery plant | Vote early - Polls now open » |
2010 Elections - Commissioners court races
In 2010 three members of the Collin County Commissioners court will face re-election. All three races will provide interesting choices.
The Commissioners Court is divided. It all too frequently passes proposals by 3 - 2 margins. The divisions in the court mirror divisions in the Collin County Republican Party. Newcomers County Judge Self and Commissioner Shaheen frequently challenge both the more moderate members of the court and what they perceive as the political establishment. They were both elected on anti-establishment platforms, and both defeated incumbent Republicans.
This year, it appears that the supposed 'establishment' is fighting back. Many in the GOP feel that Self and Shaheen have taken the county too far to the right. They see the newcomers as more libertarian than conservative. They want to offer more pragmatic leadership.
All three races have at least one candidate who is aligned with mainstream Plano Republicans. It will be a very interesting primary.
So far only one Democrat has shown serious interest in running for the commissioners court.
The Collin County Observer plans to provide more analysis of these races as they develop, but for now we will simply introduce the players:
County Judge
Judge Keith Self is running for re-election after serving his first term. In 2006, he defeated long serving incumbent Ron Harris and fellow challenger Rick Neudorff to win the GOP nomination. He was unopposed in the November general election. He is a West Point graduate and was an Army officer for 25 years.
Plano ISD Trustee John Muns has begun his unannounced bid to unseat Self. Muns is he is currently serving his fifth term on the Plano ISD board. He has been a partner with Muns Enterprises since 1990, formerly working for eight years as vice-president of real estate and construction for Wyatt Cafeterias.
Former Plano City Councilman David M. Smith, a Democrat, is rumored to be considering a run against Self or the GOP nominee. Smith is a long time Democratic political consultant and telecommunications engineer.
Commissioner, Precinct 2
Commissioner Jerry Hoagland is the senior member of the commissioners court. Some history buffs quip that he predates the Republic of Texas, but in reality he has been on the court court only since November of 1980. He was previously elected to the Plano City Council. He faces 2 challengers in the Republican primary.
(Full disclosure note - I ran as a Democrat against Hoagland in the 2006 General election. As you might have guessed, he won.)
Former Plano City Councilwoman Cheryl Williams is mounting a bid for the Precinct 2 slot. She is the owner of the Williams Consulting Group, a land use and zoning consulting firm in Dallas.
Republican activist Karl Voigtsberger has also tossed his hat in the ring for Hoagland's seat on the court. In 2006 Voigtsberger lost a primary bid to unseat Kenneth Maun as County Tax Assessor.
Commissioner, Precinct 4
Another 3 way race is in the offing for the seat held by Commissioner Kathy Ward. Ward is presently serving out the remainder of the term that Jack Hatchell won in 2006. Ward, was appointed to the court by Judge Self following Mr. Hatchell's death, and won an election against Plano Democrat Jean Power in 2008 to finish out the 4 year term. Before her election as Commissioner, she served as party chairman of the Collin County GOP.
Ward will likely face Plano ISD Trustee Duncan Webb in the Republican primary.Webb is a principal of the law firm Webb & Webb, P.C., and is currently serving his fourth term on the Plano ISD board. During his tenure as a trustee, he has held the offices of president, vice-president and secretary of the board.
Recently, the Observer has heard rumors that Plano lawyer and P & Z member Tracey Dry is also considering a run for the GOP nod. My sources tell me that her finance chair is Ms. Pat Hatchell, the wife of the late commissioner Jack Hatchell. Dry is the daughter-in-law of District Judge Robert Dry and is Chair of the Board of Directors of Collin County Child Protection Services.
If I have missed anyone who plans to run, or put someone on the spot who is no longer in a race, I'd appreciate hearing about it. I have tried to be as accurate as current rumors allow.
Bill
23 comments
Comment from: Andy [Visitor] 
It wasn't Jeran Akers that ran against Harris and Self. It was Rick Newdorf.
10/20/09 @ 05:16
Comment from: Chuck Bloom [Visitor]
It's spelled Neudorff...for the record.
Always the editor...
Always the editor...
10/20/09 @ 09:18
Comment from: Collin County Citizen [Visitor]
An interesting dynamic is that Muns and Webb are running together.
The Muns family is as old-Plano as you can get. We're talking pre-Shapiro days. Heck, they built the Shapiro dynasty. In fact, throughout the 90's and even today, it is said that one can't win elective office if an opponent is endorsed by Muns (Sr.). The fact that Jr. is running is interesting. Surely Sr. isn't interested in a race in his latter years. The county judge's race will pit Plano against McKinney. Plano lost in 2006, but they didn't count on McKinney's growth an power. Essentially, though, Allen and Frisco will swing this election.
Don't forget that there is some connection with Self and the Willis'. Of all people - Self had Greg Willis swear him into office - which is very odd for Self to select a freshmen judge who was appointed by the administration Self ran against. The comes the governor's appointment of Mrs. Willis. Something is there. Since Willis is the favorite for DA - this could influence the race as well. Plus, Mrs. Willis has to run for election too!
The Webb v. Ward race will be more of a micro-sphere of Plano politics. Webb has been relatively uncontroversial on Plano ISD's board. In fact, I can't think of anything he's done which caused any waves. He's very much in and subservient to the Muns power-group. If you caught Duncan Webb at Sunday afternoon tea - his company would be John Muns, Pat Evans, David McCall, and Robbie Robinson. That company should speak volumes.
What I don't get is why run someone against Ward? She was hand picked by Self, but doesn't seem to be following in Self's shadow like Shaheen. Why not target Hoagland (of course, that would require someone looking across 75, which is not something that's done often)? Ward has done a good job - she's conservative, but she appears and is compassionate, and did a much better job than Self or Hoagland in Austin. I think people are more mad about the surprise way in which Ward was appointed than the job she's done.
But, what Webb does is solidify and expand the "establishment of Plano" to come out. Now it has two of its guys running. It's the establishment grasping for its power back - the reins got too loose. I would suggest, though, that the run Muns and let Webb support him. Put all the money and effort behind Muns - he'll need it.
Another interesting fact - a Muns (Jr. or Sr.) or Webb have never run for party office. They aren't used to primaries. While the Muns definately affect party politics, surviving a primary is a different story, and the party loyals who vote in primaries aren't the same people at Gleneagle's for tea on Sunday.
I can't wait to see!
The Muns family is as old-Plano as you can get. We're talking pre-Shapiro days. Heck, they built the Shapiro dynasty. In fact, throughout the 90's and even today, it is said that one can't win elective office if an opponent is endorsed by Muns (Sr.). The fact that Jr. is running is interesting. Surely Sr. isn't interested in a race in his latter years. The county judge's race will pit Plano against McKinney. Plano lost in 2006, but they didn't count on McKinney's growth an power. Essentially, though, Allen and Frisco will swing this election.
Don't forget that there is some connection with Self and the Willis'. Of all people - Self had Greg Willis swear him into office - which is very odd for Self to select a freshmen judge who was appointed by the administration Self ran against. The comes the governor's appointment of Mrs. Willis. Something is there. Since Willis is the favorite for DA - this could influence the race as well. Plus, Mrs. Willis has to run for election too!
The Webb v. Ward race will be more of a micro-sphere of Plano politics. Webb has been relatively uncontroversial on Plano ISD's board. In fact, I can't think of anything he's done which caused any waves. He's very much in and subservient to the Muns power-group. If you caught Duncan Webb at Sunday afternoon tea - his company would be John Muns, Pat Evans, David McCall, and Robbie Robinson. That company should speak volumes.
What I don't get is why run someone against Ward? She was hand picked by Self, but doesn't seem to be following in Self's shadow like Shaheen. Why not target Hoagland (of course, that would require someone looking across 75, which is not something that's done often)? Ward has done a good job - she's conservative, but she appears and is compassionate, and did a much better job than Self or Hoagland in Austin. I think people are more mad about the surprise way in which Ward was appointed than the job she's done.
But, what Webb does is solidify and expand the "establishment of Plano" to come out. Now it has two of its guys running. It's the establishment grasping for its power back - the reins got too loose. I would suggest, though, that the run Muns and let Webb support him. Put all the money and effort behind Muns - he'll need it.
Another interesting fact - a Muns (Jr. or Sr.) or Webb have never run for party office. They aren't used to primaries. While the Muns definately affect party politics, surviving a primary is a different story, and the party loyals who vote in primaries aren't the same people at Gleneagle's for tea on Sunday.
I can't wait to see!
10/20/09 @ 20:08
Comment from: Chuck Bloom [Visitor]
The Plano PAC doesn't always get its way. When it ran Roach, Junior against Jerry Madden for State Rep (because everyone thought John Junior was to be annointed), Madden whipped his butt and it took the Plano GOP a couple of years to find Junior a job (he slinked back to Plano council as an appointee).
The best laid plans of mice and Republicans doesn't always work out.
The best laid plans of mice and Republicans doesn't always work out.
10/21/09 @ 11:05
Comment from: Steve Navarre [Visitor]
Chuck, Chuck, Chuck....with so many ideas, when will we see you run for office?
10/22/09 @ 11:04
Comment from: Chuck Bloom [Visitor]
Mr. Navarre,
In my lifetime experiences, I have already been there and done that. I have served in public elected office in a different community and got paroled...
Besides, my health is not adequate for any kind of sustained campaign...and since I am a Democrat, I would never ever get enough support to make a serious challenge in this county.
And what say you? What have YOU done in your lifetime?
In my lifetime experiences, I have already been there and done that. I have served in public elected office in a different community and got paroled...
Besides, my health is not adequate for any kind of sustained campaign...and since I am a Democrat, I would never ever get enough support to make a serious challenge in this county.
And what say you? What have YOU done in your lifetime?
10/22/09 @ 11:45
Comment from: bill [Member]
Steve & Chuck,
You've both got your jabs in. Can we cool it now?
I'd like to avoid the ad hominem comments. They just don't add any insight to the discussion.
Bill
You've both got your jabs in. Can we cool it now?
I'd like to avoid the ad hominem comments. They just don't add any insight to the discussion.
Bill
10/22/09 @ 11:54
Comment from: politicalobserver [Visitor]
In some ways, both Webb and Muns are dependent on the plano area as their base. There are controversial topics in front of the PISD board now esp the one that will impact their money and votes is the issue of realignment of central cluster where people are up in arms about. That area which has good GOP support in terms of cash and votes is quite upset about the proposed PISD alignment plans. Let us see how all of these shake out. It will be interesting 2010!.
10/22/09 @ 12:53
Comment from: Ed and Karen Cage [Visitor]
Re: Your 10-20-09 Commissioner’s Court article that, “all too frequently passes proposals by 3 - 2 margins” you will find that the majority of votes are unanimous. Split votes do not necessarily translate into a negative.
.
The article’s claims, “They (the supposed 'establishment') see the newcomers (Keith Self and Matt Shaheen) as more libertarian than conservative” and “They want to offer more pragmatic leadership” are misleading. Neither Self nor Shaheen is a “libertarian” unless “They” are referring to less spending and being fully accountable for budgets. Further the word, “pragmatic” means based on facts rather than an unwavering ideology. What pragmatic issues do “They” think Self and Shaheen have overlooked?
.
Finally your use of, “mainstream” Republicans also misses the mark. Both were elected by the prevailing choice of the majority of voters; the “mainstream” Republican opinion if you will.
..............
Aside from the above article I find your explanation of same, “Both Self and Shaheen were elected by a minisule minority of Republican primary run-off voters” to be somewhere between astonishingly unsubstantiated and downright bewildering.
.
Ed and Karen Cage
Plano
.
The article’s claims, “They (the supposed 'establishment') see the newcomers (Keith Self and Matt Shaheen) as more libertarian than conservative” and “They want to offer more pragmatic leadership” are misleading. Neither Self nor Shaheen is a “libertarian” unless “They” are referring to less spending and being fully accountable for budgets. Further the word, “pragmatic” means based on facts rather than an unwavering ideology. What pragmatic issues do “They” think Self and Shaheen have overlooked?
.
Finally your use of, “mainstream” Republicans also misses the mark. Both were elected by the prevailing choice of the majority of voters; the “mainstream” Republican opinion if you will.
..............
Aside from the above article I find your explanation of same, “Both Self and Shaheen were elected by a minisule minority of Republican primary run-off voters” to be somewhere between astonishingly unsubstantiated and downright bewildering.
.
Ed and Karen Cage
Plano
11/27/09 @ 11:22
Comment from: anonymous [Visitor]
Self and Shaheen have exhibited Libertarian beliefs and values in their campaigns and actions. Self's legacy will fall into the future of Collin County much like the legacy of the 70s Dallas City Council feel into non-action on Central Expressway and other roads leading to decades of gridlock and helping the growth of Collin County. Self's leadership includes "spreading money like peanut butter" fighting the last bond election for roads and 4 years of non-action and leadership in the fastest growing county in the United States. During his tenure, he has done NOTHING about planning for the next expansion of the roads and after the money is spent from the bond election he fought, it will take at least 2-4 years to plan and fund any more construction. Long after Self saved every household $30 a year in taxes and leaves office will the citizens of Collin County be stuck in grid lock and traffic frustration. Maybe we can coin a new term, instead of gridlock, we will call it "Self-lock" when we are stuck in a traffic jam in 2014.
Self and Libertarians miss the point that the majority are willing to pay reasonable taxes for expected government provided necessities likes roads and schools. A true conservative avoids waste in government spending but "gets it" on what they should spend money for the benefit of the public. Self doesn't get it as he spews National rhetoric at one of the best run counties in America.
Self and Libertarians miss the point that the majority are willing to pay reasonable taxes for expected government provided necessities likes roads and schools. A true conservative avoids waste in government spending but "gets it" on what they should spend money for the benefit of the public. Self doesn't get it as he spews National rhetoric at one of the best run counties in America.
12/04/09 @ 09:17
Comment from: Ed Cage [Visitor]
Re: Your 10-20-09 Commissioner’s Court article that, “all too frequently passes proposals by 3 - 2 margins” you will find that the majority of votes are unanimous. Split votes do not necessarily translate into a negative.
.
To Bill Baumbach aka Anonymous: I still find I find your statement, “Both Self and Shaheen were elected by a minisule [sic] minority of Republican primary run-off voters” to be somewhere between astonishingly unsubstantiated and downright bewildering. Bill it says here thou art giving sore losers a bad name. Self and Shaheen were both elected on platforms of fiscal conservatism. If you look with disfavor on fiscal conservatives like Self and Shaheen I suspect you’ll be in for a long night during the congressional midterm elections.
.
As for your "Self-lock 2014 traffic jams”:
Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads . . .
.
Where will this “Self-lock” occur Bill?
.
To Bill Baumbach aka Anonymous: I still find I find your statement, “Both Self and Shaheen were elected by a minisule [sic] minority of Republican primary run-off voters” to be somewhere between astonishingly unsubstantiated and downright bewildering. Bill it says here thou art giving sore losers a bad name. Self and Shaheen were both elected on platforms of fiscal conservatism. If you look with disfavor on fiscal conservatives like Self and Shaheen I suspect you’ll be in for a long night during the congressional midterm elections.
.
As for your "Self-lock 2014 traffic jams”:
Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads . . .
.
Where will this “Self-lock” occur Bill?
12/07/09 @ 03:05
Comment from: bill [Member]
Ed,
I do not post anonymously - not here nor for that matter anywhere. Do you somehow think that after running for office, and after writing hundreds of opinion articles I'm so afraid to speak my mind that I have to assume different personae on my own blog?
You need to get real, dude.
And as to your arguments, I agree that both Shaheen and Self were elected on "platforms of fiscal conservatism". However, since taking office, both have done the county more harm than good in their libertarian quest to shrink government past its ability to be effective.
I happen to like fiscal conservatives - after all I'm a taxpayer too. I don't like dogmatic politicians whose preoccupation with far right wing philosophies hamper their ability to plan for future growth. I don't like demogogs who are so busy demonizing government that they are unable to envision effective government.
Bill
P.S. I sure hope Self doesn't try to take credit for the SH 121 toll road. That would be a hoot!
I do not post anonymously - not here nor for that matter anywhere. Do you somehow think that after running for office, and after writing hundreds of opinion articles I'm so afraid to speak my mind that I have to assume different personae on my own blog?
You need to get real, dude.
And as to your arguments, I agree that both Shaheen and Self were elected on "platforms of fiscal conservatism". However, since taking office, both have done the county more harm than good in their libertarian quest to shrink government past its ability to be effective.
I happen to like fiscal conservatives - after all I'm a taxpayer too. I don't like dogmatic politicians whose preoccupation with far right wing philosophies hamper their ability to plan for future growth. I don't like demogogs who are so busy demonizing government that they are unable to envision effective government.
Bill
P.S. I sure hope Self doesn't try to take credit for the SH 121 toll road. That would be a hoot!
12/08/09 @ 00:47
Comment from: Ed Cage [Visitor]
Bill you *ducked* the question. Let's try again:
As for your "Self-lock 2014 traffic jams”:
Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads . . .
.
Where will this “Self-lock” occur Bill?
Respectfully,
Ed Cage
As for your "Self-lock 2014 traffic jams”:
Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads . . .
.
Where will this “Self-lock” occur Bill?
Respectfully,
Ed Cage
12/08/09 @ 17:43
Comment from: bill [Member]
Ed,
You are getting tiresome. I never wrote "self-lock". An anonymous commenter did. Can you tell the difference?
I did however write not too long ago that Keith Self was "Nuttier than a Corsicana Fruitcake". I stand by that portrayal.
I have also stated many times that I believe Collin County can not continue to grow without mass transit. At the same time I have expressed reservations about DART's ability to manage money and grow in time to meet our needs. I have consistently challenged Collin County to propose an alternative to DART. (Denton County and its new transit agency provides a great case study in what can be done when government officials get get their mouths out of the partisan megaphones and get on with the job.)
As to your Self-Lock. I drive on Central Expressway twice a day. I need no lectures on how bad traffic is.
Want a slice of fruitcake? 'Tis the season.
Bill
You are getting tiresome. I never wrote "self-lock". An anonymous commenter did. Can you tell the difference?
I did however write not too long ago that Keith Self was "Nuttier than a Corsicana Fruitcake". I stand by that portrayal.
I have also stated many times that I believe Collin County can not continue to grow without mass transit. At the same time I have expressed reservations about DART's ability to manage money and grow in time to meet our needs. I have consistently challenged Collin County to propose an alternative to DART. (Denton County and its new transit agency provides a great case study in what can be done when government officials get get their mouths out of the partisan megaphones and get on with the job.)
As to your Self-Lock. I drive on Central Expressway twice a day. I need no lectures on how bad traffic is.
Want a slice of fruitcake? 'Tis the season.
Bill
12/08/09 @ 19:33
Comment from: Ed Cage [Visitor]
Bill only you know why you elected to post anonymously on your own blog. You got caught; live with it.
Here are my post questions which you have *ducked* repeatedly:
- - - - - - - ON - - - - - -
1) AGAIN what pragmatic issues do “They” think Self and Shaheen have overlooked?
.
2) Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads
Where will this “Self-lock” occur Bill?
Place your answer
HERE==>______________________
Here are my post questions which you have *ducked* repeatedly:
- - - - - - - ON - - - - - -
1) AGAIN what pragmatic issues do “They” think Self and Shaheen have overlooked?
.
2) Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads
Where will this “Self-lock” occur Bill?
Place your answer
HERE==>______________________
12/09/09 @ 03:13
Comment from: anonymous [Visitor]
Ed,
Bill B. did not post Self-lock anonymously, I did. First, look at the CC transportation plan done BEFORE Self took office. http://collincountybonds.org/roads/webmap/webmapcollincounty.htm
The County has limited role and authority in U.S. and State Highways like US75, SH121, US380, etc. That said, SH121 tollway is a product of years of work by former Judge Harris and the commissioners court at that time. It was a done deal BEFORE Self so as he tries to take credit for that early completion and improvement in roads, STOP.
The County is responsible for many COUNTY ROADS and the partnership with cities in planning those major COUNTY ROADS thru and between cities for good traffic flow. As the county growth explosion continues, there are many more Custer Roads that will be choked as Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Anna, Melissa, Farmersville and the like including remote areas of McKinney continue to provide the growth in the county (Plano is all built out if you haven't noticed) . Check Hwy5 one day, a two lane blacktop road that is the ONLY alternate route to US75 when there are wrecks. Yes, it is a SH but it is a major county artery. There are many more. And worse, there is no traffic study plan in progress (ignore it, save money, maybe it will go away theory).
Collin County's population will grow 30% in the next 5 years. What is Self doing to provide that leadership on the feeder roads? Nothing because his preoccupation with Plano residents paying for roads in the Celina area misses the County point that the Celina people are trying desperately to go to work and pay taxes in Plano.
Ed, go check out the rest of the county one day, maybe during rush hour. We will call it you own little traffic study. Then try to think that 30% overall growth means 100% growth in those areas away from old Plano, Allen and old McKinney. See if you can get it, Self doesn't. Self thinks we need toll roads inside residential neighborhoods so that the people that use them pay for them. Really.
Leadership includes vision for growth and management of that growth and not silly self promoting claims of how he cut 1/2 cent per $100 valuation in tax (by the way, that was made possible BEFORE he got in office but it is nice he claims credit for it).
Meanwhile, I have to run over to Celina. Down an overcrowded US380, then up a clogged Preston Road north of 380, just the beginning of things to come.
Bill B. did not post Self-lock anonymously, I did. First, look at the CC transportation plan done BEFORE Self took office. http://collincountybonds.org/roads/webmap/webmapcollincounty.htm
The County has limited role and authority in U.S. and State Highways like US75, SH121, US380, etc. That said, SH121 tollway is a product of years of work by former Judge Harris and the commissioners court at that time. It was a done deal BEFORE Self so as he tries to take credit for that early completion and improvement in roads, STOP.
The County is responsible for many COUNTY ROADS and the partnership with cities in planning those major COUNTY ROADS thru and between cities for good traffic flow. As the county growth explosion continues, there are many more Custer Roads that will be choked as Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Anna, Melissa, Farmersville and the like including remote areas of McKinney continue to provide the growth in the county (Plano is all built out if you haven't noticed) . Check Hwy5 one day, a two lane blacktop road that is the ONLY alternate route to US75 when there are wrecks. Yes, it is a SH but it is a major county artery. There are many more. And worse, there is no traffic study plan in progress (ignore it, save money, maybe it will go away theory).
Collin County's population will grow 30% in the next 5 years. What is Self doing to provide that leadership on the feeder roads? Nothing because his preoccupation with Plano residents paying for roads in the Celina area misses the County point that the Celina people are trying desperately to go to work and pay taxes in Plano.
Ed, go check out the rest of the county one day, maybe during rush hour. We will call it you own little traffic study. Then try to think that 30% overall growth means 100% growth in those areas away from old Plano, Allen and old McKinney. See if you can get it, Self doesn't. Self thinks we need toll roads inside residential neighborhoods so that the people that use them pay for them. Really.
Leadership includes vision for growth and management of that growth and not silly self promoting claims of how he cut 1/2 cent per $100 valuation in tax (by the way, that was made possible BEFORE he got in office but it is nice he claims credit for it).
Meanwhile, I have to run over to Celina. Down an overcrowded US380, then up a clogged Preston Road north of 380, just the beginning of things to come.
12/09/09 @ 09:02
Comment from: Ed Cage [Visitor]
Bill I asked:
- - - - - - -
1) AGAIN what pragmatic issues do “They” think Self and Shaheen have overlooked?
(No answer yet)
To Mr Anonymous (Everyone is fooled) aka Bill Baumbach:
I asked:
2) Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads."
- - - - - - - -
My question was where will the problem be?
If your answer is "an overcrowded US380, then up a clogged Preston Road north of 380" I listed those as problems currently being addressed with construction, expansion, extension and taxpayer dollars. Cased closed as far as I’m concerned but if you wish to contact me Bill do so at the email I listed below. Like many of your “discussions” our dialog is beginning to make us both look childish, repetitive.
.
BILL YOU SAY YOU FAVOR MASS TRANSPORTATION
Bill more than any person in Collin County I fought to expose how Plano & CC were being financially exploited by DART. People like TV commentator Dennis McQuistion and my late great very close friend Dick Bode (Plano Mayor Pro Tem) were on my side. I went to regional transportation by-invitation-meetings and was also very proud of then Plano Mayor Florence Shapiro who almost got up on the table and emphatically told them (paraphrasing) that DART was trying to take advantage of Plano and she did not see how Plano would ever recover the money it was pouring into Dallas while we patiently waited and waited after missed “deadlines.” . (Har-har) Incidentally about 6 other cities on the ballot in circa 1983 opted not to be a part of DART; too much money going to Dallas as they waited yrs to get any sort of service. DART claimed starter service would begin in 1987 to get 1983 votes but alas! It was more than a decade after the ’83 vote that the starter service began.. [Deceptive Bait & Switch at its best.]
I had multiple public debates with the DART hierarchy. I was a driving force behind successfully keeping Flower Mound and Coppell from throwing more taxpayer funds down DART’s self serving “All roads lead to Dallas” plan and defeating DART’s “long term debt” plan. (Circa est. 1988, 1989 respectively) In the mid 90’s I was hired by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to deliver an in depth analysis of tax ramification legalities as well as the cost of Irving withdrawing from DART. My figures and legal interpretations at a half dozen levels were printed in several local newspapers. Although DART had a huge accounting department and a small army of attorneys on staff, nobody anywhere found an error on my report!
.
Mr. Baumbach among my many public mass transportation debates were several with my good friend former DART Chairman David McCall who I admire greatly. Ironically in circa 1983 David voted AGAINST DART and I voted FOR DART!** …Although I logged thousands of miles on the old DTS system going to school and my wife and I have both used DART. The $63M Plano will pay into DART this year is money (Not all but most) out of the Plano and CC economic systems is just not worth it. Plano ridership is absolutely dreadful. Additionally the much ballyhooed “tangent area development” was grossly exaggerated albeit unintentionally.. In the mid 90’s the Plano Star Courier did a five (5) month study on the false ridership figures by DART that I had exposed. It was a terrific extensive 2 part article and included front page full color pictures. Again my explosive figures (ridership this time) held up with the PSC and there was nary a peep out of DART even after an extensive expose of their fraudulent ridership figures. Nada. Zip. 0.
.
** The reason then Plano resident Davis McCall voted against DART in 1983 was as he told me, “I wanted to drive my air conditioned truck down the highway with less cars while others paid for it.” This was the same idea/plan I had in mind for Plano. I figured Plano residents could drive to the Richardson Park & Ride and let the other DART member cities pay for it. We would have saved enough to finance a month of the Obamacare Public Option boondoggle. By the way this is precisely the advantage Allen, Frisco, Fairfield, McKinney et al currently enjoy at Plano’s expense. Although tangent cities Allen and Frisco could have opted into mass transportation via DART they very shrewdly opted not to do so. (I’ll explain why if you wish but this ends lesson #1 on DART in Collin County.)
.
Ed Cage
ecagetx@gmail.com
- - - - - - -
1) AGAIN what pragmatic issues do “They” think Self and Shaheen have overlooked?
(No answer yet)
To Mr Anonymous (Everyone is fooled) aka Bill Baumbach:
I asked:
2) Keep in mind Collin County (Plano) currently pays about $63M a year to DART, a budget busting expenditure that has not fulfilled expectations while cities like Plano and Frisco are facing troubling deficits as well as cost cutting measures. (I warned Plano 2 decades ago that DART was financially exploiting Collin County.) Certainly we have room for DART ridership to improve.
Additionally Sam Rayburn is 3 months ahead of schedule. Also consider the Dallas North Tollway 10 Lane Extension to US 380, and then the access road north of 380, the Construction on Hwy 75, the widening of Preston Road to 6 lanes to US 380, upcoming work on 380, planning for the Outer Loop, plus a multitude of projects on smaller roads."
- - - - - - - -
My question was where will the problem be?
If your answer is "an overcrowded US380, then up a clogged Preston Road north of 380" I listed those as problems currently being addressed with construction, expansion, extension and taxpayer dollars. Cased closed as far as I’m concerned but if you wish to contact me Bill do so at the email I listed below. Like many of your “discussions” our dialog is beginning to make us both look childish, repetitive.
.
BILL YOU SAY YOU FAVOR MASS TRANSPORTATION
Bill more than any person in Collin County I fought to expose how Plano & CC were being financially exploited by DART. People like TV commentator Dennis McQuistion and my late great very close friend Dick Bode (Plano Mayor Pro Tem) were on my side. I went to regional transportation by-invitation-meetings and was also very proud of then Plano Mayor Florence Shapiro who almost got up on the table and emphatically told them (paraphrasing) that DART was trying to take advantage of Plano and she did not see how Plano would ever recover the money it was pouring into Dallas while we patiently waited and waited after missed “deadlines.” . (Har-har) Incidentally about 6 other cities on the ballot in circa 1983 opted not to be a part of DART; too much money going to Dallas as they waited yrs to get any sort of service. DART claimed starter service would begin in 1987 to get 1983 votes but alas! It was more than a decade after the ’83 vote that the starter service began.. [Deceptive Bait & Switch at its best.]
I had multiple public debates with the DART hierarchy. I was a driving force behind successfully keeping Flower Mound and Coppell from throwing more taxpayer funds down DART’s self serving “All roads lead to Dallas” plan and defeating DART’s “long term debt” plan. (Circa est. 1988, 1989 respectively) In the mid 90’s I was hired by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to deliver an in depth analysis of tax ramification legalities as well as the cost of Irving withdrawing from DART. My figures and legal interpretations at a half dozen levels were printed in several local newspapers. Although DART had a huge accounting department and a small army of attorneys on staff, nobody anywhere found an error on my report!
.
Mr. Baumbach among my many public mass transportation debates were several with my good friend former DART Chairman David McCall who I admire greatly. Ironically in circa 1983 David voted AGAINST DART and I voted FOR DART!** …Although I logged thousands of miles on the old DTS system going to school and my wife and I have both used DART. The $63M Plano will pay into DART this year is money (Not all but most) out of the Plano and CC economic systems is just not worth it. Plano ridership is absolutely dreadful. Additionally the much ballyhooed “tangent area development” was grossly exaggerated albeit unintentionally.. In the mid 90’s the Plano Star Courier did a five (5) month study on the false ridership figures by DART that I had exposed. It was a terrific extensive 2 part article and included front page full color pictures. Again my explosive figures (ridership this time) held up with the PSC and there was nary a peep out of DART even after an extensive expose of their fraudulent ridership figures. Nada. Zip. 0.
.
** The reason then Plano resident Davis McCall voted against DART in 1983 was as he told me, “I wanted to drive my air conditioned truck down the highway with less cars while others paid for it.” This was the same idea/plan I had in mind for Plano. I figured Plano residents could drive to the Richardson Park & Ride and let the other DART member cities pay for it. We would have saved enough to finance a month of the Obamacare Public Option boondoggle. By the way this is precisely the advantage Allen, Frisco, Fairfield, McKinney et al currently enjoy at Plano’s expense. Although tangent cities Allen and Frisco could have opted into mass transportation via DART they very shrewdly opted not to do so. (I’ll explain why if you wish but this ends lesson #1 on DART in Collin County.)
.
Ed Cage
ecagetx@gmail.com
12/09/09 @ 12:58
Comment from: bill [Member]
Mr. Cage,
You bring an interesting perspective that would be worth discussion if it weren't prefaced with your paranoid accusations.
I've made my identity clear. At this point, you are calling me a liar.
Discussion ended.
Bill
You bring an interesting perspective that would be worth discussion if it weren't prefaced with your paranoid accusations.
I've made my identity clear. At this point, you are calling me a liar.
Discussion ended.
Bill
12/09/09 @ 13:37
Comment from: anonymous [Visitor]
Ed,
I ask you to look at the link I provided above and click on all of the 4 or 5 sections of the map for detail of projects. As you will see, many of the projects were funded just for engineering studies yet identified in a 10 year plan for need. When the study is done, if it was ordered by this leadership, and the need established, why won't Judge Self lead the initiative to fund the construction now? It will take 2 years minimum to get a bond election and at least another half year to get it done. When done, then it will take at least 6 to 9 months to get bids and get construction underway. With that, the earliest we will expand county roads in Collin County is 2013-2014. By then, our county will have grown from 700,000 to over 1,000,000, mostly in the areas where the roads are needed. IT IS LOUSY LEADERSHIP TO PUT THIS OFF NOW AND THEN HANDCUFF THE COUNTY in in those 2014-2020 years so we can establish our name as a "fighter for low taxes" and then run for some high paying D.C. job. WE WILL HOLD INACTION ACCOUNTABLE!
I burn up more than the $20 a year ($400K house) that Self claims he saved me in gas on clogged roads.
Don't get me started on DART. It is a legacy of idiots like Self that delayed it and idiots that planned it and ongoing idiots that run it. As soon as they explain how they expected trains carrying 350 people per load running every 10 minutes to get 8000 people to the Texas OU game in 60 minutes I will listen to them as competent. In the meantime, they are just like CC has turned into.
I ask you to look at the link I provided above and click on all of the 4 or 5 sections of the map for detail of projects. As you will see, many of the projects were funded just for engineering studies yet identified in a 10 year plan for need. When the study is done, if it was ordered by this leadership, and the need established, why won't Judge Self lead the initiative to fund the construction now? It will take 2 years minimum to get a bond election and at least another half year to get it done. When done, then it will take at least 6 to 9 months to get bids and get construction underway. With that, the earliest we will expand county roads in Collin County is 2013-2014. By then, our county will have grown from 700,000 to over 1,000,000, mostly in the areas where the roads are needed. IT IS LOUSY LEADERSHIP TO PUT THIS OFF NOW AND THEN HANDCUFF THE COUNTY in in those 2014-2020 years so we can establish our name as a "fighter for low taxes" and then run for some high paying D.C. job. WE WILL HOLD INACTION ACCOUNTABLE!
I burn up more than the $20 a year ($400K house) that Self claims he saved me in gas on clogged roads.
Don't get me started on DART. It is a legacy of idiots like Self that delayed it and idiots that planned it and ongoing idiots that run it. As soon as they explain how they expected trains carrying 350 people per load running every 10 minutes to get 8000 people to the Texas OU game in 60 minutes I will listen to them as competent. In the meantime, they are just like CC has turned into.
12/09/09 @ 14:22
Comment from: Noslen [Visitor]
[comment deleted by Bill. Please do not use this forum for personal attacks against other commentaters]
01/07/10 @ 13:24
Comment from: John Mauldin [Visitor]
Bill Baumbach, my head is swirling, thinking of your involvement in this highly informative publication after so many years of working together in the print industry. Kudos to you! Looking forward to buying your lunch some time soon! John M.
04/21/12 @ 09:52
Comment feed for this postComments are closed for this post.