As I said Saturday, WOW! What a great turn out! I want to personally thank everyone that took time out of their busy schedule to come out and show their support for the Crockett State School. By all estimates, there were close to 1,000 in attendance, by far the most attendees of any community that has hosted a TYC community meeting.
As you know, the State of Texas is requiring closure of three of their ten State School facilities by September 1, 2011. This was the fourth informational community meeting held by the Texas Youth Commission staff, which means there are six more to go. At this time, no one really knows which facilities will remain open and which will close. But safe to say, the citizens of Crockett and Houston County made a huge showing and that most certainly will count for something. I truly don't know what else we could have done to make the day any more special.
I want to thank Executive Director Cherie Townsend and Board Chair Scott Fisher for taking the time to consider each and every community. I could tell from my conversation with them that they don't take their task lightly. Let's continue to keep all those involved in the decision making process in our prayers as we look forward to the day when the announcement is made-"Crockett State School To Remain Open!"
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Mask for Mayor!
The campaign season is on us once again in the City of Crockett. We only have one contested race this election cycle-you guessed it, the Mayor's race. I have an opponent in this election, John Jenkins. You may remember Mr. Jenkins. He signed up to run for County Judge against Lonnie Hunt, but I believe failed to get the necessary signatures on his petition to put his name on the ballot.
The Charter of the City of Crockett in Section 3.02 outlines specific qualifications that a City Council member must meet. One of the requirements in the Charter is the residency requirement. Our City charter states that a Councilmember "shall have resided in the City for at least three years preceding his election." After some research, I discovered that Mr. Jenkins actually voted in the November 2008 general election, while a resident of Porter Springs. Therefore he has not lived in the City for the three year requirement. Unfortunately, the resident requirement outlined in our City Charter was made void by State Law, which states that the resident requirement for any city, including Home Rule cities like Crockett, can only be 12 months.
Mr. Jenkins claims his residency is at 809 South 4th Street in Crockett, the former location of Husky Trailer, now the location of Husky Trading Post, his business. After some research, I discovered there is no City water hooked up to that location nor is there City trash pick up at this location.
The only other item I wish to mention about my opponent is that on no less than three occasions over the last nearly twelve years, I have had to kick him out of a City Council meeting for disruptive behavior.
I tell you all of this because I am passionate about Crockett, and to seeing our citizens successful and our community prosperous. An election costs our City approximately $5000.00. That may not seem like much money, but in this economy, we have to watch every penny. It doesn't bother me to have an election, with worthy candidates that have the best interest of our City at heart. The part that concerns me is that my opponent may, by law and otherwise, not actually be a viable candidate, and to have an election under these circumstances is both unnecessary and expensive.
I have been the Mayor of Crockett for six, two-year terms. Some may say that is too long, but in all honestly, it takes time to see change. We are on the verge of many exciting opportunities in Crockett. Some of these ventures and projects have been years in the planning and they are finally coming to fruitiion. That's not by accident. Good government is about having the right people with the right heart in the right places. I have worked tirelessly for this City, where I have lived continuously at 405 North 7th Street and worked continuously at Mask Chiropractic Clinic at 305 South 5th Street, for 22 years. Crockett is my home.
I truly love Crockett, Texas. I hope and pray you will consider this when it comes to time for you to vote on May 14.
The Charter of the City of Crockett in Section 3.02 outlines specific qualifications that a City Council member must meet. One of the requirements in the Charter is the residency requirement. Our City charter states that a Councilmember "shall have resided in the City for at least three years preceding his election." After some research, I discovered that Mr. Jenkins actually voted in the November 2008 general election, while a resident of Porter Springs. Therefore he has not lived in the City for the three year requirement. Unfortunately, the resident requirement outlined in our City Charter was made void by State Law, which states that the resident requirement for any city, including Home Rule cities like Crockett, can only be 12 months.
Mr. Jenkins claims his residency is at 809 South 4th Street in Crockett, the former location of Husky Trailer, now the location of Husky Trading Post, his business. After some research, I discovered there is no City water hooked up to that location nor is there City trash pick up at this location.
The only other item I wish to mention about my opponent is that on no less than three occasions over the last nearly twelve years, I have had to kick him out of a City Council meeting for disruptive behavior.
I tell you all of this because I am passionate about Crockett, and to seeing our citizens successful and our community prosperous. An election costs our City approximately $5000.00. That may not seem like much money, but in this economy, we have to watch every penny. It doesn't bother me to have an election, with worthy candidates that have the best interest of our City at heart. The part that concerns me is that my opponent may, by law and otherwise, not actually be a viable candidate, and to have an election under these circumstances is both unnecessary and expensive.
I have been the Mayor of Crockett for six, two-year terms. Some may say that is too long, but in all honestly, it takes time to see change. We are on the verge of many exciting opportunities in Crockett. Some of these ventures and projects have been years in the planning and they are finally coming to fruitiion. That's not by accident. Good government is about having the right people with the right heart in the right places. I have worked tirelessly for this City, where I have lived continuously at 405 North 7th Street and worked continuously at Mask Chiropractic Clinic at 305 South 5th Street, for 22 years. Crockett is my home.
I truly love Crockett, Texas. I hope and pray you will consider this when it comes to time for you to vote on May 14.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Davy Crockett Needs Your Help
Davy Crockett Memorial Park that is. The City of Crockett recently applied for a matching fund grant with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to make some major park improvements. Unfortunately, we didn't receive the grant (insert frowny face here). Folks, our beloved Park needs our help. Much of the recreational activities we have (swimming pool, playground equipment, tennis courts) desperately need some work. Although we have made some great improvements, such as the new pond and picnic areas, we have a long ways to go.
My question to you is what are the things that you would like to see in the Davy Crockett Memorial Park? What activities do you and your family enjoy that we might could accommodate in the park? What could we provide in the way of recreational activities that interest you and your family? Before we begin the process of repair and refurbishing of existing equipment, we need your feedback. We hate to keep spending City resources on things that really don't get much use.
Let me give you an example. Each year we spend City money to repair and get the swimming pool ready for the summer, only to find that very few citizens benefit from the pool. The swimming pool is great but are there other things- splash pads, skateboard parks, basketball courts, etc. that may be better suited in the park? What have you seen in other cities that you say to yourself, we need that in Crockett?
We are in the process of creating a survey that we can use to get feedback regarding Davy Crockett Memorial Park. Informally, I see many people using the walking trail, as well as the picnic tables and pavilions but some of you use the park more than I do. Help us by letting us know what you think. Let's start working on improving the Davy Crockett Memorial Park and turn it back in to the showpiece it really is.
My question to you is what are the things that you would like to see in the Davy Crockett Memorial Park? What activities do you and your family enjoy that we might could accommodate in the park? What could we provide in the way of recreational activities that interest you and your family? Before we begin the process of repair and refurbishing of existing equipment, we need your feedback. We hate to keep spending City resources on things that really don't get much use.
Let me give you an example. Each year we spend City money to repair and get the swimming pool ready for the summer, only to find that very few citizens benefit from the pool. The swimming pool is great but are there other things- splash pads, skateboard parks, basketball courts, etc. that may be better suited in the park? What have you seen in other cities that you say to yourself, we need that in Crockett?
We are in the process of creating a survey that we can use to get feedback regarding Davy Crockett Memorial Park. Informally, I see many people using the walking trail, as well as the picnic tables and pavilions but some of you use the park more than I do. Help us by letting us know what you think. Let's start working on improving the Davy Crockett Memorial Park and turn it back in to the showpiece it really is.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What In The World is DETCOG?
Well, I'm glad you asked! DETCOG stands for the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, an organization made up of representatives of the twelve counties in deep East Texas, of which Houston County is one of them. DETCOG meets once a month, in each of the respective counties in the COG. Walter Diggles is the Executive Director of DETCOG. Walter does an excellent job, overseeing an incredible number of projects ranging from issues involving aging, at risk youth, youth projects, housing, disaster recovery, the list goes on and on. Every county in Texas is part of a Council of Governments, but in my opinion, there is none better than the DETCOG.
The COG is responsible for facilitating federal money such as disaster recovery funds. It's a conduit for money that assist cities like Crockett with water and sewer projects, as well as other important items. Representatives from each community and county in the DETCOG make up the membership. We are fortunate to have our County Judge Lonnie Hunt as the First Vice President of the DETCOG Board.
Over the years, Houston County and more specifically Crockett, has benefited from it's involvement in the COG. In the very near future, the City of Crockett will break ground on a Civic Center addition project that will create over 3000 square feet for us to use primarily as a storm shelter. Until the time comes when we need it for that, we will have additional floor space to use as break out rooms or meeting rooms. This project is funded through federal disaster assistance money, facilitated by the DETCOG.
I appreciate all those that have unselfishly served as members of the DETCOG over the years. I myself have served as the Crockett representative to the DETCOG for almost a year and from what I can tell, we are certainly much better because of the efforts of those associated with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments. The picture is from a recent DETCOG meeting in Nacogdoches. With Houston County Judge Lonnie Hunt, Houston County Commissioner Willie Kitchen and myself, is former Congressman Jim Turner.
The COG is responsible for facilitating federal money such as disaster recovery funds. It's a conduit for money that assist cities like Crockett with water and sewer projects, as well as other important items. Representatives from each community and county in the DETCOG make up the membership. We are fortunate to have our County Judge Lonnie Hunt as the First Vice President of the DETCOG Board.
Over the years, Houston County and more specifically Crockett, has benefited from it's involvement in the COG. In the very near future, the City of Crockett will break ground on a Civic Center addition project that will create over 3000 square feet for us to use primarily as a storm shelter. Until the time comes when we need it for that, we will have additional floor space to use as break out rooms or meeting rooms. This project is funded through federal disaster assistance money, facilitated by the DETCOG.
I appreciate all those that have unselfishly served as members of the DETCOG over the years. I myself have served as the Crockett representative to the DETCOG for almost a year and from what I can tell, we are certainly much better because of the efforts of those associated with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments. The picture is from a recent DETCOG meeting in Nacogdoches. With Houston County Judge Lonnie Hunt, Houston County Commissioner Willie Kitchen and myself, is former Congressman Jim Turner.
Friday, October 1, 2010
From One Extreme To The Other
You have to love East Texas weather. Here is an example of just how much the temperature can change. The one pic was inside my truck on one of the hottest days I can ever remember, 117 degrees! That's hot! Of course, inside a pickup truck sitting in the glaring midday sun is like an oven.
But take a look at the other picture. I know it's sort of hard to see but can you make it out? Yep, you're right, it's a temperature reading of 9 degrees! That was last winter in January, when a friend and I were going duck hunting (and no, I'm not crazy) in the Trinity River bottom eight miles from Crockett. I snapped that picture in my truck about five o'clock in the morning, January 8, 2010.
So, what's that, a temperature change of nearly 100 degrees? Pretty amazing, but those of us that live in Texas have become used to the weather ('used to' is a relative term- thank God for air conditioning). Everyone has heard the saying that if you don't like the Texas weather, just wait a little while and it will change.
The last few days here in Crockett, the weather has simply been gorgeous. So, what do you do in East Texas when the summer heat dissipates and we finally start to see autumn on the horizon? Use your imagination, take a walk in the woods, go squirrel hunting, go to a high school football game, anything, just enjoy the out of doors.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
For All The Cooks Out There
Have you checked out the Houston County Heritage And Historical Cookbook? It is a great collection of recipes and interesting tidbits of historical information about our great county. The cookbook is full of wonderful historic photos as well.
The cookbook was edited by Crockett's own Dorothy Harrison, who years ago used to own a neat little restaurant in Downtown Crockett called the Tulip Tree. Dorothy served all kinds of delicious food, but her desserts were off the charts. One of her specialties was bread pudding (yeah, some of you know what I'm talking about, don't you?). I fancy myself as a bit of a bread pudding connoisseur (I'm not that smart, I had to google it to spell it) and Dorothy's version is one of the best. Some time back, Dorothy surprised us at home with a batch of her bread pudding. I rationed it like it was gold, and made it last as long as I possibly could.
You can get your own Houston County Heritage And Historical Cookbook by contacting the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce at (936) 544-2359. I don't know for sure but I bet they would even ship them to you. The cookbooks would make a great Christmas present for anyone that enjoys cooking or, just get one for yourself and you'll be the envy of your church potluck or dinner party!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Good Pizza, Good Folks
In case you haven't heard, NickelTown Pizza is back up and running! Jon and Jenni Wichers are at the helm of this popular Crockett pizza joint, and doing a great job. Stop in for lunch or call in an order and they will deliver hot, fresh, delicious pizza right to your door.They have updated the menu with new pizza varieties, and have some of the old classics as well. One of our favorites is The Southwest Ranch. Many years ago, when we first moved to Crockett, we frequented the old NickelTown Pizza, at that time owned by John Kistner. Every time we ordered pizza, we would get a side order of Ranch dressing. One day Amanda or I (I think it was really me) told John that he needed to invent a pizza that had Ranch dressing for the sauce instead of the traditional pizza sauce. A few days later, he called and said he had something he wanted us to try. And the rest is history!
Stop by for some great food and fun. They have a lunch special, which includes a mini pizza, salad bar and drink. And for all you Facebook fans, check them out and look for their Facebook specials. Pizza, salad, grilled Panini sandwiches, you can't go wrong with NickelTown Pizza, 2000 Loop 304 in Crockett, 544-ATAC.
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