This Week in Texas: February 24, 2010

Posted February 25, 2010 in The Mignon Memo

The 2010 primary election day is less than a week away. Early voting ends this Friday, February 26th so get out there and vote. Keep in mind that several races will likely result in a runoff to be decided on April 13th.

Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) announced the formation of the House Select Committee on Transportation Funding to highlight the need for increased transparency and accountability in Texas transportation and to analyze current and future transportation funding requirements. Speaker Straus has appointed Rep. Larry Phillips (R-Sherman) and Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) to serve as chair and vice chair respectively of the full committee. The House Select Committee on Transportation Funding will operate as a full committee and will also conduct business in two subcommittees. Members of the full committee who will serve on the Subcommittee on Funding are Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo), chair of the subcommittee, Representatives Patricia Harless (R-Spring), Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio), Joe Pickett (D-El Paso), Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) and Vicki Truitt (R-Keller). Members of the full committee who will serve on the Subcommittee on Planning & Accountability are Rep. Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City), chair of the subcommittee, Representatives Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas), Bill Callegari (R-Katy), Edmund Kuempel (R-Seguin), Armando “Mando” Martinez (D-Weslaco), Wayne Smith (R-Baytown) and Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston).

Long time executive director of the Texas Municipal League Frank Sturzl sent a note to his board announcing his retirement effective October 31, 2010. Sturzl has served as executive director for 22 years.