Community Activists of The Woodlands

Montgomery County, Texas "Honorable" Judge Alan Sadlar arrested for DWI

2009-09-13T13:55:00.007-05:00

Read the story and watch video. The video is priceless, especially towards the end.

Montgomery County Precinct Three Constable Tim Holifield issued $2000 fine by The Texas Ethics Commission.

2009-07-03T12:56:00.005-05:00

The Texas Ethics Commission met on June 9, 2009, to consider sworn complaint SC-2806249. A quorum of the commission was present. The commission determined that there is credible evidence of violations of sections 254.031(a)(6) and 254.031(a)(8) of the Election Code, laws administered and enforced by the commission. To resolve and settle this complaint without further proceedings, the commission proposed this resolution to the respondent. Holifield was issued a $2000.00 fine.

CISD FAIL

2009-05-26T09:06:00.001-05:00

BLACK HOLE called "ATTRACTION" by several Woodlands Township Special Taxing District entities.

2009-05-14T11:27:00.007-05:00

From: http://countycitizen.com/

Another financial black hole has developed in The Woodlands Township Special Taxing District. Elected officials, Convention and Visitors Bureau management have shrewdly reclassified The Woodlands Waterway Taxi's as an ATTRACTION. The Woodlands Township Special Taxing District taxpayers are underwriting losses on the Woodlands Waterway Taxi's to the tune of $240,000 per year.

THE SKY IS FALLING ! ! !

2009-05-12T17:07:00.004-05:00

Did you know that Spec's has been secretly taking your money for years and you had no clue? For fear of The Woodlands being labeled "ghetto", they have been operating under The Beverage Shoppe brand. Most every village center has a Beverage Shoppe. NOT ANYMORE! Spec's will now be gracing signs in The Woodlands. Our guess is that Spec's finally told the snobs (The Developer and Nelda Blair) that they needed to operate under a recognized brand that is working all around Houston.

A reporter told CATW that the name change is suppose to be as low key as possible.

Oh no.... What next? A Dairy Queen? OH, THE HORROR!

Democrats not expected to allow vote on the D.C. recognition of same-sex marriage.

2009-05-11T09:00:00.016-05:00

Move would make homosexual marriage bill law without members of Congress having to vote.

The District of Columbia Council has voted 12-1 to recognize homosexual "marriages" from states where homosexual marriage is now legal - Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont and Connecticut.

The bill now goes to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate for their approval. If approved by both, it will then go to the president for his signature. If Congress does not act on the bill by June 6, it automatically becomes law.

It appears that Democrats will not allow a vote on the bill. By doing this, they will keep their members from having to go on record as being for or against recognition of homosexual marriage. All Democratic members of Congress can then go back to their districts and tell their constituents that they would have voted against the bill if they had been allowed to vote.

Take Action - Time is Short

Senator John Cornyn's Email

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's Email

Congressman Kevin Brady's Email

Suggested Subject and Script.

Subject: Allow a vote on the D.C. recognition of same-sex marriage

Script : In the election last fall, President Obama said he was opposed to homosexual marriage. However, it appears that Democrats in Congress aren’t going to allow members to vote on the District of Columbia Council bill recognizing homosexual marriage. I urge you to do all you can to bring the D.C. bill before Congress for a recorded vote. Failure to allow a recorded vote will define Democrats as the party of homosexual marriage. I ask you to respond. I want to know where you stand on this issue.

Help Get Funding for the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act

2009-05-08T09:46:00.002-05:00

We are extremely concerned about how we track registered sex offenders in our country. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an estimated 100,000 sex offenders are unaccounted for and not living where they are registered. Because law enforcement agencies are too underfunded and overwhelmed to track them, these dangerous predators are free to roam undetected from state to state, targeting and re-offending more innocent children.

History of Adam's Law.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Write your Senators, Congressman, Congresswoman and State Representatives.

If you live in or around The Woodlands you can use the below links:

US Senator John Cornyn

US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

Congressman Kevin Brady 8th District of Texas

Texas Senator Tommy Williams

Texas House Representative Rob Eissler

If you live anywhere else then use these tools to find your Senators and Congressman / Congresswoman.

Senators

Congressman or Congresswoman

You will need to search for your individual state Senator and State Representative for your area.

Sample Letter:

Dear [Senator/Congressman/or Congresswoman]:
I am sure you share my belief that we must do everything in our power to help protect our children from sexual predators in our communities. That is why I am asking for your help today.
I am extremely concerned about how we track registered sex offenders in our country. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an estimated 100,000 sex offenders are unaccounted for and not living where they are registered. Because law enforcement agencies are too underfunded and overwhelmed to track them, these dangerous predators are free to roam undetected from state to state, targeting and re-offending more innocent children.
The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was signed into law in 2006 but recent news reports reveal most states will not be in compliance with the law by the upcoming July deadline. Supporters of the law acknowledge there are adjustments that should be made to the law, but they are adamant, as am I, that the basic purpose and spirit of Adam's act must be upheld. The act calls for a National Sex Offender Registry, which is critical to the safety of our children.
I implore you to reexamine this law with fellow lawmakers, reauthorize it and see that it is fully funded. I realize our country's current economic crisis will not make this charge an easy one, but what could be more urgent and of greater importance than the safety and well-being of our children?

Sincerely,
(your name here)

Montgomery County 911 - CodeRED

2009-05-06T17:41:00.006-05:00

Montgomery County Emergency Communication District [Montgomery County 911] has recently initiated a local Emergency Notification System (ENS) to provide telephone messages to citizens during emergency situations.

Go HERE to sign up.

THE PLAN

2009-05-05T10:38:00.003-05:00

A.. Back off and let those men who want to marry men, marry men.

B.. Allow those women who want to marry women, marry women.

C.. Allow those folks who want to abort their babies, abort their babies.

D.. In three generations, there will be no Democrats.

Ask Legislators to Reject all Anti State Board of Education Bills

2009-05-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

Texas Education Agency

"Dear Folks,

Please take the time to contact your State legislators (phone... emails) to ask them to resist the 1/2 dozen bills stripping the SBOE of authority over textbooks, education standards and the Permanent School Fund. It is amazing how many Republicans in the House have started holding hands with the most liberal D's on the issues..The Arlen Specter flu is apparently contagious.

Again, Please take the 15 minutes to call your State Representative and Senate member and firmly ask for a committment to reject all anti SBOE bills. If they support the SBOE please thank them!

David Bradley

State Board of Education

District 7"

Senator's

Representative's

Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Ultrasound Bill

2009-05-01T10:00:00.011-05:00

Senator Tommy Williams (tommy.williams@senate.state.tx.us)Supports SB 182.

Representative Rob Eissler (rob@eissler.com) Supports HB 36.

Please take a moment to thank Tommy & Rob for supporting the Ultrasound Bill.

AUSTIN--The Texas Senate today gave preliminary approval with a 20-9 vote to SB 182 authored by Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston), which would require doctors performing abortions to make an ultrasound image available to a woman at least two hours before proceeding with the abortion procedure. The bill does not require that the woman view the ultrasound, but aims to ensure that woman are given what is necessary for a fully informed decision in regard to their health care and medical treatment.

Letter to Don Stockton, CISD Super, Regarding Oak Ridge.

2009-04-30T17:18:00.004-05:00

Don,

There are a growing number of Oak Ridge Students, Parents and Residents unhappy with the news regarding the Junior High School.

The nuts and bolts sound like your nixing the Junior High School that was VOTED (is anything sacred?) for in the last obnoxiously high bond election. Why would you spend all the money to refurbish two schools just to refurbish again in the next two to three years? Maybe that's not really the plan?

Oak Ridge Students, Parents and Residents DESERVE and DEMAND better from their elected Board of Directors and payed employees of CISD like yourself.

Why weren't all affected residents notified of these in the dark of the night changes? If I am speaking out of terms, please correct me, but you are doing a disservice to Oak Ridge if you move forward with the drastic changes from the bond election without the constituents input.

Please advise what you will do to correct this wrong so the residents have a voice concerning this issue.

I expect my email will be forwarded to all CISD Board of Directors with me in copy.

Regards,

Joe Merrill

Community Activists of The Woodlands

Texas Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Choose Life License Plate Bill

2009-04-30T16:29:00.001-05:00

AUSTIN--The Texas Senate today gave preliminary approval on a 22-9 vote to SB 1098 to create aChoose Life license plate to promote adoption, with bipartisan support. The bill creates a specialty license plate with the positive message "Choose Life" and will raise funds to promote the loving option of adoption. The Senate voted to approve the bill on second reading. It is expected that the Senate will give final approval tomorrow.

Rob Eissler supports the companion bill, HB 109. Please send him a thank you email if you wish.

Rob Eissler: "I am not allowing ROW signage" PART II

2009-04-28T11:36:00.005-05:00

CATW has contacted Rob Eissler 4 times for confirmation that he is not going to allow signs in The Woodlands right of ways.

As of 11:30AM we have not heard back from him regarding this matter.

Please contact Rob and ask that he back up his word.

Email: rob@eissler.com and rob.eissler@house.state.tx.us

Suggested Script:

Subject: Signs in The Woodlands ROW's

Mr Eissler, Please follow through with your word to CATW that there will not be signs in The Woodlands right of ways. Not only are the signs extremely distracting and dangerous, but they are simply litter. I kindly request a response to this communication.

Regards,

************************************

Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands

CATW received an email from Rob Eissler on April, 22nd stating the below in reference to The Woodlands.

"I am not allowing ROW signage"

CATW has contacted Rob Eissler 4 times for confirmation that he is not going to allow signs in The Woodlands right of ways.

As of 11:30AM we have not heard back from him regarding this matter.

Please contact Rob and ask that he back up his word.

Rob Eissler: "I am not allowing ROW signage"

2009-04-24T13:00:00.006-05:00

Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands

CATW received an email from Rob Eissler on April, 22nd stating the below in reference to The Woodlands.

"I am not allowing ROW signage"

Tommy Williams. Is anything Sacred?

2009-04-23T13:12:00.022-05:00

Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, left, talks with Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Tommy: Yes Sir, Mr Dewhurst, what can I do for YOU?

David: Well Tommy, you know how I really like wine?

Tommy: Yes, of course. Smells like you just drank a bottle, Sir.

David: Yes. I just went to my favorite restaurant and snuck in a bottle of my favorite wine that the restaurant didn't carry.

Tommy: Really? You can do that?

David: No. But with your help Tommy Boy we will be able to carry around open bottles of wine any time and any where, even in cars.

Tommy: Yes Sir. Yes Sir. Yes Sir, how can I help?

David: Relax Tommy. Don't look suspicious. It's getting late, just sign this wine bill and go home.

Tommy: Sure, done! Wait a minute Mr Dewhurst, what about open container laws?

David: Shut up, Tommy.

Think we're making it up? Well, We don't know how the conversation went since the above is a parody , but the end result is a WINE BILL.

Have you seen this person?

2009-04-23T11:05:00.003-05:00

When? Where? Name?

Call Senator Williams and Representative Eissler

2009-04-21T13:24:00.007-05:00

Below you will see a letter sent to Representative Rob Eissler expressing concerns to identical bills, Senate Bill (SB ) 2515 and House Bill (HB) 4782.

Both bills are making The Woodlands Township Special Taxing District stronger and pushing incorporation over a cliff.

If you want The Woodlands to finally become The City of The Woodlands then please call Senator Williams office and Representative Rob Eisslers office and demand a resident vote on SB2515 and HB4782

Senator Williams: Phone: (512) 463-0104, (409) 896-2350 or (281) 364-9426

Representative Eissler: Phone: (512) 463-0797 or (281) 681-9655

"Rob,

Regretfully, you are enabling The Woodlands to go down a dangerous path which in my opinion is a huge sellout.

The Woodlands is technically The Woodlands Township Special Taxing District and will NEVERbecome a municipality.

Others might be telling you it will be a municipality. If so, they are lying to you.

The residents of The Woodlands wanted to become a city in 2007. But Tommy and the gang struck a last minute deal with Houston which would benefit the business interests of The Woodlands, not the residents. Why do you think during the same election they had the residents vote to change the name from Town Center Improvement District to The Township? Perception is a very powerful tool being used against the residents (and you). I agree, keep government close, but let the residents need a vote. At this point I don't think The Woodlands will ever be a city since there are multiple restrictions to undo what has already been done. For example: The Woodlands Township Special Taxing District has to be debt free!

If you allow HB 4782 to pass, you are pushing The Woodlands farther from becoming a municipality.

SB2515 & HB4782 should be for the residents to decide, not Senator Williams and Rob Eissler.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE listen to me, Rob.

I patiently try to contact you, but I can never keep you on the phone long enough to actually accomplish anything. We are on the same side.

Joe"

Signs in The Woodlands Right of Ways (ROW's)

2009-04-19T13:26:00.014-05:00

*** Added House Bill 4782 link.

Please contact Senator Williams, Congressman Brady, Representative Eissler and Nelda Blair to request that SB 2515 (Williams) & HB 4782 (Eissler) not include any changes to the current ROW laws in The Woodlands.

Signs in the ROW's are litter and especially dangerous to motorists navigating our complex streets.

Below is contact information for Tommy Williams and others that have most likely played a roll in drafting ROW language in SB 2515 & HB 4782.

Please make at least one phone call (call on the weekends or at night if you prefer leaving a message) and send one email. Simply state the following:

Signs in the ROW's are litter and especially dangerous to motorists navigating our complex streets. SB 2515 & HB 4782 should not include any changes to the current ROW laws in The Woodlands.

Senator Tommy Williams

Email: tommy.williams@senate.state.tx.us

Email through web site: Email

Phone: (512) 463-0104, (409) 896-2350 and (281) 364-9426

Fax: 512) 463-6373, (409) 896-2454 and (281) 364-9473

Representative Rob Eissler

Email: rob.eissler@house.state.tx.us

Email through web site: Email

Phone: (512) 463-0797 and (281) 681-9655

Fax: (512) 463-0898 and (281) 292-6489

Congressman Kevin Brady

Email through web site: Email

Phone: (936) 441-5700, (202)225-4901, 936-439-9532 and 409-883-4197

Fax: (936) 441-5757, (202)225-5524, 936-439-9546 and 409-883-6550

The Woodlands Township Special Taxing District Board Chair Nelda Blair

Email: Nelda.Blair@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Web site form: Form

Phone: (281) 363-2447

THE PARTY IS NOT OVER!

2009-04-17T11:56:00.011-05:00

Thank YOU Tea Partiers!

We hope the party was all you expected and then some. The party is not over.

Don't count on one day to carry you through 2010 and then onto 2012.

Every day is a tea party.

It was wonderful seeing everyone come together for a common cause, no new taxes, and then some.

Whatever your cause may be, make sure to contact your elected Piratician's so they know how you feel about taxes and any other issues concerning you and your community.

Montgomery County News quoted the following:

Brady: "I want to get the IRS completely and totally out of our lives."

Contact Congressman Kevin Brady and ask him what he has done and what he will do to accomplish such a monumental goal. Why not?

While critics argue whether or not he should have been given a platform during a tea party event, let's not get lost on that issue.

HERE is Brady's contact page and remember to ask for a written response even if you contact his office by phone.

If you are having trouble finding contact information for any of your elected Piratician's, please leave a comment and we will find that information for you.

Montgomery County Texas Piraticians

2009-04-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

Politician- A leader engaged in civil administration.

Pirate- One who plunders.

Piratician- A leader who plunders.

Tax day is a perfect time to remind Montgomery County Piraticians that we don't need any more taxes.

Send an email to remind our elected officials who they are working for during these tough times.

Elected County Officials
Name	Position
Ed Chance	Commissioner, Precinct 3
Craig Doyal	Commissioner, Precinct 2
Mike Meador	Commissioner, Precinct 1
Ed Rinehart	Commissioner, Precinct 4
Alan Sadler	County Judge
Brett Ligon	District Attorney
David Walker	County Attorney
Tommy Gage	Sheriff
Don Chumley	Constable, Precinct 1
Gene DeForest	Constable, Precinct 2
Kenneth Hayden	Constable
David Hill	Constable, Precinct 5
Tim Holifield	Constable, Precinct 3
Martha Gustavsen	Treasurer
Phyllis Martin	Auditor
J. R. Moore Jr.	Tax Assessor Collector
Mark Turnbull	County Clerk
Barbara Adamick	District Clerk

Montgomery County Texas Judge Alan B Sadler. County or Alcohol and Drugs First?

2009-04-13T08:57:00.002-05:00

C O U N T Y F I R S T ?

The Honorable Judge Alan B Sadler

On March 4th the Conroe Police department arrested Montgomery County Judge Alan B. Sadler on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Judge Sadler failed a field sobriety test.
Judge Sadler refused to blow into a breathalyzer.
Judge Sadler ultimately plead guilty to Driving While Intoxicated.

"Montgomery County Judge Alan B. Sadler, who pleaded guilty Friday morning to a Class B misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated, had alcohol and phenobarbital in his blood when he was arrested March 4, he said." -Conroe Courier 4-6-09

Merriam-Webster - "Phenobarbital ....Used as a hypnotic, Sedative..."

Assistant District Attorney, Phil Grant, speaks out about Judge Sadlers use of alcohol and drugs. Click HERE to read article and watch video.

Community Activists of The Woodlands feels that Montgomery County deserves better. While the country is riding the Hope and Change wave, we feel the same goes for local politicians. Judge Sadler is the leading political figure in Montgomery County and he is out driving drunk and taking drugs? Statistics would most likely prove this was not the first time Judge Sadler has been drinking and taking drugs while driving, but the first time he got caught. Who knows, there could have been other times he was let go with a warning because he is the County Judge. We deserve better.

How can you help?
Please fill out the attached letter and send to sadlerdwi@gmail.com . Any format is acceptable. All personal information will be destroyed once the letters have been hand delivered to Judge Sadlers office.

Please send this to everyone on your email list. Grass Roots efforts require every one's participation.

Respectfully,

Joe Merrill

Community Activists of The Woodlands

Brett Ligon - McLigon, Montgomery County Texas District Attorney.

2009-04-09T11:19:00.006-05:00

Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon - Hopeless?

2009-04-08T22:55:00.015-05:00

Community Activists of The Woodlands recently sent a complaint To the new Montgomery County District Attorney, Brett Ligon. To get elected He ran on a platform to change the way things have been done in Montgomery County. I learned very fast how things change.

My complaint to Ligon was detailed and had the laws attached as reference. Not only did Ligon deny my complaint, but he admitted that since the County Attorney ruled on the case in the past, he was not going to rule even if the law was being broken.

Here is a portion of what was written in his reply:

"...prohibits our office from prosecuting what may or may not be a violation of this particular law."

I hope this disturbs you as much as it disturbs CATW.

Please send an email to DA Ligon to reconsider his stance on when to follow the laws of the land.

bligon@co.montgomery.tx.us

You can make a difference.

Community Activists of The Woodlands & Texas Ethics PAC

Trust… But Verify.

Alleged Speed Traps on Lake Woodlands Drive and Woodlands Parkway. Grass Roots Effort to change speed limits.

2009-04-04T19:30:00.003-05:00

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) takes advantage of incorrect speed limits on Lake Woodlands Drive and Woodlands Parkway every month and issues hundreds of speeding tickets to motorists.

The MCSO takes advantage of certain sections of roadway that are covered by a state funded program (STEP) where the MCSO will get operating costs refunded. It is very frustrating to see SO's sitting in medians taking advantage of incorrect speed limits to get money from the state rather than patrolling or monitoring all the other known traffic hazards in The Woodlands Special District.

Lake Woodlands Drive and Woodlands Parkway have evolved through the years from small sections of roadway to major thoroughfares in The Woodlands Special District.

Recently Mr Ed Chance, Commissioner Precinct 4, has changed the speed limit on Gosling Road from 35 MPH to 45 MPH. The MCSO no longer kills grass in the median waiting for speeders since Gosling Road is now at the proper speed limit. Mr Chance has the authority to perform traffic studies on both Lake Woodlands Drive and Woodlands Parkway to either determine the speed limit stays the same, goes up or goes down.

What can you do to help?

Please forward this email to Commissioner Chance and Sheriff Gage.

echance@co.montgomery.tx.us

tommy.gage@mctx.org

Commissioner Chance: Please perform a traffic study on Lake Woodlands Drive between Grogan's Mill Road and Gosling Road with the ultimate goal of raising the speed limit to 45 MPH. Please also perform a traffic study on Woodlands Parkway between I45 and Kuykendahl with the ultimate goal of raising the speed limit to 55 MPH.

Sheriff Gage: Please discontinue patrolling & ticketing motorists on Lake Woodlands Drive and Woodlands Parkway under the STEP program until Mr Chance has performed a traffic study.

I would like an email response acknowledging the receipt of this email.

Thank You,

Concerned Resident of The Woodlands Special District and or Montgomery County.

Will Houston Get The Last Laugh?

2008-11-12T09:10:00.004-06:00

Residents of The Woodlands were lead to believe that voting for propositions 1, 2 & 3 last year would free us from annexation. Again, not only was that misleading, but by voting for the propositions we were annexed by The Town Center Improvement District which is now known as The Woodlands Township Special District.
By now you all know that The Woodlands Township Special District is having trouble "paying off" Houston and Conroe. Ultimately The Woodlands Township Special District Board of Directors finagled a deal with Woodforest Bank to cover their butts. Senator Tommy "Tubbs" Williams is President of Woodforest Financial Services. Tubbs was the "Hero" who saved us from annexation and is now benefiting more than ever.
Now, why might Houston get the last laugh?
General Growth Properties which owns 50% of The Woodlands and The Woodlands Mall has crashed and is currently burning.
Click here to see General Growth Properties Stock.
That's right. General Growth Properties stock went from $51.24 to $.28 at the time of this post.
Remember this as you're paying higher sales taxes this holiday season. Remember this when Nelda Blair and Bruce "Tubby" Tough add mysterious ad valorem and property taxes to your already stretched budget.

Montgomery County Monitor Explains Rob Eissler's Texas Ethics Commission Fine.

2008-11-11T09:00:00.005-06:00

Montgomery County Monitor explains Rob Eissler's Texas Ethics Commission fine. Included in the video is footage of Bruce Tough, who is Rob Eissler's Treasurer, trying to squirm his way out of simple interview questions.

View Montgomery County Monitor Article / Video here.

Click HERE to view The Texas Ethics Commission's Assurance of Voluntary Compliance that was signed by Bruce Tough.

The Woodlands Precinct 3 Commissioner Ed Chance Investigated by The Texas Ethics Commission.

2008-11-09T17:17:00.006-06:00

The Woodlands Precinct 3 Commissioner Ed Chance quite emotional when confronted with facts.
Conroe Courier Article.

Texas State Representative Rob Eissler Fined by The Texas Ethics Commission.

2008-11-09T17:09:00.003-06:00

The Texas Ethics Commission has become very close with Rep Rob Eissler through the years.

Mr Eissler: Please donate $10,000.00 to Community Activists of The Woodlands while you're writing checks. Thanks

Conroe Courier Article

Yes Man Don Norrell - President of The Woodlands Township Special District

2008-11-07T11:01:00.005-06:00

Want a high paying job where all you really have to do is agree with the likes of Nelda Blair and Bruce Tough?
I have too much integrity to lower myself to those standards.
Mr Don Norrell is the perfect yes man for the job as the President of The Woodlands Township Special District. While working for the Woodlands Community Service Corporation (aka Community Association of The Woodlands) Mr Norrell crossed the line several times of not doing what was right for his own personal gain. We can expect more of the same while he is employed with The Woodlands Township Special District. While reviewing the sweet pay package below, keep in mind that we are paying extra sales tax and will soon be paying ad valorem taxes along with higher association fees. Services WILL also suffer.

$198,000.00 salary per year.
$16,800.00 auto expenses per year.
24% ($47,520.00) of base salary for health insurance, etc.
Bonus any time as long as board approves. ($20,000)
FULL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP IN THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB. $32,300.00 first year.
6 weeks vacation / sick leave.

Sooooooooo......
Our old, self serving, in the developer's pocket and semi retarded board of directors approved hiring Mr Don Norrell to serve as our Special District President for $151.26 per hour.
WAY TO GO!

Ed Chance Texas Ethics Commission Notice of Complaint

2008-10-28T11:20:00.002-05:00

The Woodlands Township Employee Compensation

2008-10-09T17:43:00.002-05:00

Texas Ethics PAC

2008-10-06T18:54:00.001-05:00

What shall we do with this PAC?

"Citizens to Keep the NHMCCD Trustees" Treasurer, Mary Tollett, Fined $500 by TEC

2008-10-06T18:48:00.002-05:00

"Citizens to Keep the NHMCCD Trustees" Treasurer, Ms Mary Tollett, fined a $500 civil penalty by the Texas Ethics Commission for violations on campaign finance reports.
NHMCCD is now known as Lone Star College. Lone Star College has two campuses in The Woodlands, Lone Star College - University Center & Lone Star College - Montgomery, both On SH 242.

View The Texas Ethics Commission Notice of Final Resolution HERE.

Ike

2008-10-06T18:48:00.001-05:00

Hurricane Ike Video

ONE SPEED TRAP DOWN, MANY MORE TO GO. . .

2008-10-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

Those traveling Gosling Road no longer have to worry about the confusion whether it's posted 35 MPH or 45 MPH. As of last week, ALL of Gosling Road is posted at 45 MPH. Warning to speeders: The speed trap is still there, just won't be so expensive if you continue to speed. CATW is proud to add this to their list of community service accomplishments, but it's up to YOU to drive safely and drive the speed limit to eliminate the word speed trap in The Woodlands.
If you know of an area in The Woodlands that you believe is posted incorrectly, please contact the Commissioners office.

Hackers Gone Wild on 8-14-2008

2008-10-06T18:46:00.002-05:00

CATW does not know if the following hacking attempts are related, but both need to be reported.
1) CATW's website was attacked and thanks to state of the art technology, the Hacker didn't have a chance. Suggestion to Hacker: Get your own site if you don't like CATW's message.
2) Most Important. It appears the water system in The Woodlands was almost compromised by a very tiny farmer. CATW is still waiting to hear from the officials, but our hearts go out to the tiny farmer family.
CATW can only assume the tiny farmer and the Hacker were working together.

Hey Bulletin: Here's an Example of Plagiarism: "Dude, You Stole My Article"

2008-10-06T18:46:00.001-05:00

WWW.SLATE.COM ran this article regarding the left wing rag, the Bulletin.
Jody Rosen from Slate says: "I recalled writing the Buffett piece, laboring on deadline into the wee hours, hunched over a laptop at the kitchen table in my Brooklyn home. How could I have known that I was previewing a concert to take place some 15 months later at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Spring, Texas?"
A Harris County Activist had this to say about Montgomery County: "What is it with Montgomery County?... DA, Constables, County Commissioner, Dist. Judges, Fire Departments, College Trustees, School Trustees, Superintendents ........ seems if there a place for a lapse in integrity, ethics, corruption, this place is a smorgasbord of all of it!"
Add plagiarism to the list! The Bulletin is no longer with us online and we hope this cancer of a newspaper stays out of commission.
How will Rosemary Roe get her message out now? This was on the cover of a Bulletin after 911 -Very Classy.

Golf Anyone?

2008-10-06T18:45:00.000-05:00

Senior Citizens gone wild in The Woodlands???? One could only assume that an elderly couple got drunk and then got lost on their way to the golf course before ditching their ride, right? Okay, Maybe The Woodlands youth strike again!
PICTURES HERE

Hospital Director Sends Hateful Emails

2008-10-06T18:44:00.002-05:00

Montgomery County Hospital District Board of Director John Hennigan sends what some consider threatening emails to CATW. CATW will not post the emails since they have been sent to the FBI for public record purposes.

Is MC a Sanctuary County for Illegals?

2008-10-06T18:44:00.001-05:00

Is Montgomery County a Sanctuary County for Illegals? Seems to always be about $ when it's a hard task.
CATW asked Sheriff Tommy Gage the following:
Mr. Gage:Please provide the number of illegal immigrants that were arrested between 1-1-2008 to 7-1-2008. Do your departments currently participate in ICE 287(g)? If not, why?
Mr Gage's office refused to advise how many illegals have been arrested, but after some pushing I received an answer to ICE 287(g).
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office does not participate in the ICE 287(g) program. The current requirements to participate in the program include not only training but the cost to connect the local database to the federal database.
Currently we do not have the time to or adequate staffing to permit our personnel to attend such training nor do we have extra funding to cover the costs of software/hardware.
Our personnel are extremely busy with their regular patrol functions and I believe it necessary to address our response times and availability for calls for service at this time. The same is true in terms of finding "additional" dollars to spend towards a computer connection. Finally, I believe the agency budget is insufficient to justify any additional dollars towards this effort.
On a final note, I can report that in reviewing the literature on a number of success stories, it is important to know "most" of the cases involving a 287(g) incident have occurred at the time of commitment to a jail facility. We are very fortunate here in Montgomery County to have an ICE agent assigned to our jail. He is able to review ALL arrests and, if needed, conduct further investigation and the handling of additional charges or commence formal deportation should the situation warrant.
If the future ever provides for sufficient staffing and funding, MCSO will certainly evaluate the potential of having 287(g) certified deputies.
Sheriff Tommy Gage

Is Cook a Crook?

2008-10-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

TALK OF THE WOODLANDS
http://www.talkofthewoodlands.com/vbulletin_forums/showthread.php?t=7003
Cook I take to heart all that you are saying and then I sigh with relief that I moved out. Yes, the people who are running things are not ONLY crooks as MDonn keeps reporting but they are STUPID crooks who have made very poor decisions on behalf of the residents.You ask "are you going to continue to put up with this?" and the residents reading your post should be giving a resounding "NO"...but please, you appear to have always checked things out and know the facts, can you also be a leader here and tell them what they can do to really get something done and be heard? Is it simply a matter of storming the meetings with hundreds of residents? Is it a matter of banding together and suing them? Or getting legal on your side and proving they are stupid crooks?Tell this band of residents/listeners the next course of action. I'm sure many are sitting back and saying "but what can I do - I'm only 1 person, 1 vote".Past Conflict
JUST FOR FUN!

Woodlands Chamber IS a Gov Body

2008-10-06T18:42:00.000-05:00

South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) IS a Governmental Body
A Woodlands resident noticed that the Chamber was receiving public funds from surrounding governmental bodies. View the letter to the Texas Attorney Generals office HERE.
The Texas Attorney Generals Office determined that the Chamber IS a governmental body. View letter HERE.
Trust.... But Verify.

CA Walker Ignores Facts Against DA McDougal

2008-10-06T18:41:00.000-05:00

To:Judge Alan Sadler
Commissioner Mike Meador
Commissioner Craig Doyal
Commissioner Ed Chance
Commissioner Ed Rinehart
Gentleman:What has this county come to if you accept David Walker's claim that: "I also take note of the resources available in my office to pursue a lawsuit which may or may not result in any recovery" in regards to THIS letter? I was brought up that the law was the law no matter what or who was involved. Mr McDougal has possibly broken the law and Mr Walker has a duty to uphold the law and investigate and prosecute if necessary no matter if he gets a return on his investment or not. THIS letter clearly outlines the reasons why Mr Walker needs to do his job.If each one of you do not encourage Mr Walker to do his job then the integrity of YOUR office has been compromised.Community Activists of The Woodlands

Flag Banner Season is Quickly Approaching.

2008-10-06T18:40:00.002-05:00

Soon every light standard in The Woodlands will have a flag banner attached to it. You probably won't notice the flags since there will be so many of them gracing The Woodlands. CATW has reached out to the other CATW once again to reduce the number of flags this year. Time will tell what happens. I hope the other CATW presents the flag banner issue to the VFW in a bipartisan way. It's not like the other CATW to let concerned residents be part of the process.
Bellow is the email correspondence regarding the banners.
Mr Norrell:Flag banner season is quickly approaching. Please consider one flag per intersection and sporadic flags along the roads. It's my belief that The Woodlands is doing a disservice to the U.S. flag by putting so many at intersections and along the roads. Please pass this info to the people who hire the WCSC to install the flags. I would also appreciate if you would bring this up at all the board meetings for discussion.Have a blessed day,Joe Merrill
Mr Merrill,Thank you for your email. I appreciate you expressing your concerns and your concerns will be taken into consideration before we place the 4th of July
Banners. I have asked staff to follow up with the local VFW Post to get their feedback on this issue / we plan to share the feedback we receive with the decision makers on this matter.
Don Norrell
LAST YEARS BANNER BLOG

Prosecution of Mike McDougal

2008-10-06T18:40:00.001-05:00

McDougal - Officer Entrusted With Public Funds.
Just because DA Mike McDougal lost his job in the last election doesn't mean he can break the law and get away with it.
PLEASE VIEW THIS DOCUMENT.
Contact County Attorney, David Walker, at telephone number 281-364-4200 or email address gstanley@co.montgomery.tx.us and request the following: THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS TO INITIATE THE NECESSARY PROCEEDINGS AND/OR INVESTIGATION IN REGARDS TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIKE MCDOUGAL IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE PUBLIC TRUST AND TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 41.009 OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE.

DA, McDougal, issued a $500 civil fine.

2008-10-06T18:39:00.000-05:00

The Courier catches up with all the TEC complaints in and around Montgomery County. David Walker says this regarding the TEC: "darn complicated"....
A complaint was sent to the Texas Ethics Commision (TEC) prior to allegations that McDougal used forfeiture funds for alcohal or however he wanted. Here is the TEC ruling originally posted on The Montgomery Monitor site.
CATW has asked McDougal for comments regarding the ruling and we have not heard back from him or his office.
McDougal has answered the below questions:
1. What are your thoughts of the Texas Ethics Commission? The Texas Ethics Commission is a necessary organization.
2. Do you believe they are "Promoting Public Confidence in Government"? Yes.
3. Do you believe the original allegations were fair? Yes.
4. You were ultimately imposed a civil fine of $500.00. Comments? I think the Commission saw that the allegations were not done intentionally or with any desire to circumvent the law, but did deserve a "punishment to fit the crime."

"IT IS WHAT IT IS" or is it? Speed Traps

2008-10-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

Most everyone has heard about Shenandoah's "speed trap" on Research Forest Drive near I45 and for those who got tickets, well the speed limit "is what it is".... Or is it? Maybe the same thing happening in Shenandoah is also happening in The Woodlands on Gosling Road and Lake Woodlands?
Drive safe and always "Trust, But Verify"
Those who travel Gosling Road, oddly posted at 35MPH, may have noticed that there is often a Sheriff Officer killing the grass in the median between Lake Woodlands Drive and Shadowbend Place. Actually, I know at least 310 people noticed the car between 9-1-2007 and 6-1-2008. 310 is the number of speeding tickets issued on Gosling Road through the Texas Traffic Safety Program Grant Agreement (Program). The Program is an agreement between the State of Texas and County Judge Alan B. Sadler's Office. The purpose of the Program is to help fund safety in Montgomery County by refunding expenditures to write tickets for Speeding, Click It or Ticket, and DWI's. Is the Program working as designed? I bet the 1093 people who got speeding tickets on Lake Woodlands Drive (also 35MPH) don't think it's working. Most complaints of the Lake Woodlands "speed trap" state they got tickets around the Northshore Park area. The Sheriffs Office could very easily catch speeders on Research Forest in The Woodlands, but Research Forest is not part of the Program. In fact, it's so easy to catch speeders in the Program's boundaries on Lake Woodlands Drive and Gosling Road that the Sheriff's office only issued 119 tickets for the same time period on the entire stretch of Woodlands Parkway.
Why is this a problem? Simple. At times the Sheriff's office is looking for revenue rather than working greater areas of concern. We've all heard a million times how dangerous our intersections are so why aren't there Sheriff Officers sitting at The Woodlands intersections catching red light runners? They won't do that since Commissioner Ed Chance wouldn't be able to make the easy money with his red light cameras. The Program will reimburse up to a certain amount of money that it cost to patrol the 18 speed traps in Montgomery county. The enforcement time period for the 18 speed traps is 5AM to Midnight.... wink wink. Listen to the scanners on The Montgomery County Monitor site and you will hear talk of sending cars to Speed zones 1-18. CATW guesses they are never under the allowed budget.
So not only does Montgomery County get a free ride with some expenses (which is good if the Program wasn't a speed trap), but they got revenue from 5399 speeding tickets in the 18 speed zones from 9-1-2007 to 6-1-2008.
The stats for DWI and Click It or Ticket seem very low. We are hoping that is because people are not drinking and driving and people are also wearing their seat belts.

TW Township's Deep Pockets Strike Again!

2008-10-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

How often do you review your personal contracts? When AT&T TV & Internet rolled into town did you think about getting rid of Comcast?
Don't most of us review our contracts with service providers on a regular basis? I imagine most of you answered yes. Well, it appears The Woodlands Township has been rolling with no legal contract from it's inception (Town Center Improvement District) in 1993. THIS is the only contract provided to CATW through an open records request.
Schwartz, Page & Harding has been paid very well with little to no billing accountability. You will notice that you get more detail in your phone bill. When the bottom line of any bill is $171,886.00 there should be line item details and not just a "story". All this with no contract?
B.T, Yeates = $200/HR
H.M. Cohen = $335/HR
J. Kime = $170/HR
M.G. Page = $395/HR
Schwartz, Page & Harding also represent the MUD's, WJPA, SJRA and who knows the others.

TEC & Constable Tim Holifield

2008-10-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

Community Activists of The Woodlands (CATW) sent a sworn complaint to the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) regarding Precinct 3 Constable, Tim Holifield.
View sworn complaint HERE. View TEC response HERE.

Golly, The Woodlands Sure is Neat. Let's Go Shoot Some Looters!

2008-09-24T20:55:00.005-05:00

Way to go Villager. Fine job getting a 3rd grade quote from a lawyer.

Tractor Crash in The Woodlands Kills One Very Small Farmer.

2008-08-15T08:45:00.007-05:00

Not only did the crash kill the tiny farmer, but now an entire colony of ants are homeless since their box was destroyed. It's this kind of reckless driving that nobody wins in the end!

Golf Anyone?

2008-08-12T07:20:00.008-05:00

Texas Ethics Commission Notice of Complaint to Precinct 3 Constable, Tim Holifield.

2008-06-30T10:06:00.004-05:00

Soon to be Ex District Attorney, McDougal, pays The Texas Ethics Commission $500.

2008-05-02T14:29:00.011-05:00

Some one should check to make sure the fine didn't get paid from the forfeiture fund.

Cotton

2008-04-22T21:43:00.002-05:00

I see a TEC complaint in Joel Deretchin's future.

2008-04-22T19:23:00.002-05:00

This is about a close as Napolejoel has gotten to public office other than appointments. That says a lot after 30 some years.

Pd. Pol.. Adv. Paid for by Friends of Bruce Tough, 51 Rolling Stone Place, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 Joel Deretchin, Treasurer.

This is old, but good!

2008-04-20T08:35:00.002-05:00

Constable Tim Holifield Endorsed Mike McDougal.

2008-04-20T08:33:00.003-05:00

McNoodle's TEC Ruling...... waiting

2008-04-20T08:28:00.005-05:00

Puff The Magic Director

2008-04-18T15:54:00.003-05:00

Tisk - Tisk

2008-04-17T19:18:00.002-05:00

Hmmmm?

2008-02-06T13:11:00.001-06:00

Besides being blurry, I wonder what's going on???

Community Activists of The Woodlands Endorses HOA Candidates.

2008-01-14T08:42:00.000-06:00

Please click on picture to view endorsements.

Montgomery County DA Mike McDougal helps TEC Promote Public Confidence in Government.

2007-12-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

View TEC letter HERE.

WCSC possibly collected $32,015.00 or more!

2007-12-29T19:32:00.000-06:00

Montgomery County Attorney, David Walker, In trouble with TEC

2007-12-29T17:59:00.000-06:00

Montgomery County Attorney, David Walker, In trouble with Texas Ethics Commission

VOICE PAC Treasurer Receives TEC Complaint

2007-12-19T14:26:00.000-06:00

The Woodlands Monitor REPORTS that the Voice PAC Treasurer, Rebecca Tatum, receives a TEC complaint notice.

Woodlands Community Service Corporations answer to the 2008 mosquito season.

2007-12-17T14:04:00.000-06:00

County Attorney David Walker Working for the residents of Montgomery County?

2007-12-15T13:39:00.000-06:00

David Walker may be on The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Town Center Improvement District/Woodlands Township's payroll.
Walker does not return emails or phone calls, but he has time to visit the Woodlands Community Service Corporation behind closed doors to strike a deal.
He has since snubbed a public request for information to hopefully pacify residents who are complaining about advertisements in The Woodlands Right of Ways on Entergy poles.

Texas Ethics Commission & DA Mike McNoodle

2007-12-10T16:25:00.001-06:00

COMPLAINT sent to Texas Ethics Commission Regarding Montgomery County District Attorney Mike McDougal.

The Woodlands Fire Department Life And Fire Safety (LAFS) Program

2007-11-05T18:31:00.000-06:00

In a land far far away, A.K.A. Perry, Ohio (30 miles east of Cleveland) I remember sitting with my 3rd grade classmates in the cafeteria wondering why we were there. Not long after all the kids settled down, walked in 3 fully dressed firefighters (FFs) and all the kids gasped with excitement. The FFs showed us some simple equipment they use to fight fighters, explained Stop Drop and Roll along with other fire safety tips. Prior to leaving they handed out tooth brushes and told us all to brush our teeth. Not only did I learn valuable fire safety information, but I also made sure I brushed my teeth because the FFs told me that it was important. I am almost 38 and I still remember that day like it was yesterday.

There has been a lot said, some negative, about The Woodlands Fire Department's (WFD) Clown and Puppet program so I wanted to take a look at the program myself. The clowns are FFs with The WFD. I contacted Chief Alan Benson to schedule a time to visit a school and watch the program in action. The WFD has a limited amount of time during fire safety month in October to get their message to the kids. Since fire safety month was over I was invited to Central Station to watch a video that was filmed at one of the schools this year. The video was poor quality, but proved the following:

The Clown's were able to keep a room full of children focused and quiet for nearly 30 minutes to learn about fire safety.
The children interacted with the FF's which reinforced the safety message.
The Clowns enjoy what they are doing and believe that their message is getting across to the children and I agree after seeing the video.

I requested a copy of the video at the meeting and later in writing and to date have not received a copy. I was given THIS VIDEO anonymously to better help my readers understand the program.

I asked to see the puppet show and was promised an invite for a show shortly after the meeting and did not receive an invite nor have I received any invites for a future show.

This year Approximately 8000 kids viewed the program in a 6 week period. Depending on the age group the kids learned the following in 2007:

Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll.

EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home).

Seat belt safety.

Call 911 for emergency.

Fire ABC's (always Be Calm).

Get low under the smoke and crawl to safety.

Kitchen safety and cool the burn with cool clear water.

FFs also visit senior centers to review the following:

Locate and how to exit safely

Location of fire extinguishers and how to operate.

hurricane evacuation procedures.

In the past there has been a lot of negative press regarding the Clown and Puppet program. After visiting with Fire Chief Alan Benson, Deputy Chief - Training Rick Windham, Deputy Chief Support Services Jerry Bittner (Deputy Chief - Operations Wayne Walker was not present) and FF TJ Moore and watching the video I believe the program is a good idea and should continue. A stack of thank you notes from the children who were in attendance of the program also validates it's effectiveness.

As the meeting ended I asked to see the controversial trailer used to haul the Clown and Puppet props and was told it was in storage. I've since learned that the trailer was behind the Central Station. I've inquired with Chief Alan Benson why I was not shown the trailer and have yet to receive a response. I hope the Chief will clarify where the breakdown in communication was regarding my request to see the trailer. Since sending the email to Chief Benson I was able to talk to a Deputy Chief and learned that the Clown and Puppet trailer has not been outfitted yet to carry the Clown and Puppet props. I am very confused with why the money was spent on this trailer and it doesn't appear that it's being used. I was also told that the trailer was used for multiple purposes and have not received a definitive answer to what other purposes the trailer is being used for.

Clown and Puppet Trailer

Another controversial issue is that the FFs were sent to a town 60 miles from Las Vegas for LAFS (Life And Fire Safety) training. Personally I don't believe this is an issue since it was a one time training session with may other Fire Departments (FDs) and maybe if the word Las Vegas was not in the mix, the critics would not be as upset. I hope that future training is done in house by the currently trained FFs so there is no need to spend anymore of the tax payers money. Other alternatives are online or DVD training to cut costs or working with local FDs to hone skills and come up with new creative ideas.

CLICK HERE FOR LAFS WEBSITE

Summary: The FFs are doing a good job with the Clown and Puppet program. I am not going to complain about past issues (ie: trailer cost & travel) since we don't know, and may never know, how many lives have been affected or saved from the program. I just ask that cost be considered in the future while keeping the program at it's current level of excellence. If the trailer truly isn't being used then it's my opinion that it should be sold and the profits be donated to charity. The FF's can continue to use the Fire Safety House to transport their props.

Fact: There has only been 4 structural fire deaths in The Woodlands since the WFD was established.

To TWFFs: THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU for all your hard work.

PS: Have any of the FFs noticed that most, if not all, hydrants are now free of vegetation? You're welcome. :-)

Precinct 3 Commissioner, Ed Chance, Approves CATW for SBP

2007-11-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Precinct 3 Commissioner, Ed Chance, Approves CATW for Sign Bandit Program (SBP). Program has not been decided yet. The program has not been finalized with the County Attorney's office. To the best of our knowledge any sign under $25 in value in The Woodlands Right of Ways (ROW) will be confiscated and destroyed. Also, to the best of our knowledge the owner of any sign over $25 in value in The Woodlands Right of Ways (ROW) will be fined $500.

Two Groups have been appointed by Mr Chance:
Community Activists of The Woodlands &
Community Associations of The Woodlands

Vote NO NO NO

2007-10-27T13:32:00.001-05:00

Montgomery County Northstar - advanced transportation system

2007-10-27T06:03:00.000-05:00

I met with Mr Fred Koehler, Traffic Manager Precinct 3 Montgomery County, to discuss traffic cameras, red light cameras and Road/signal light construction in The Woodlands.

I'd first like to let everyone know that the atmosphere in this office is awesome, much better than most government offices. I've worked with Mr Koehler on several issues so he knew I had an interest in what they were doing; why and how. The easiest way to explain my experience and to espress the information I learned would be FAQ style. Mr Koehler would like to remind all that the doors are always open for people to see their systems and where tax dollars are being spent. It's important to note that Mr Koehler takes the 'long' way to work and back to hit 65 intersections each way to ensure all is in order. It's my belief that he does not get paid extra for this. On behalf of Community activist of The Woodlands and residents of The Woodlands, thank you!

You have this very elaborate (see above photo) traffic system with 250 cameras between 23 & 46 optical zoom. Whose watching? The Traffic division has someone watching the cameras 24x7 with 4 employees. The system can be accessed from employees homes as if they were in the office. The Sheriffs Office, Houston Tanstar and Montgomery County traffic assist has remote wireless access.

What are the cameras all about? The entire camera system, which is handled remotely, includes 150 miles of fiber which has been purchased / leased wisely to ensure there will always be connectivity. Nothings perfect, but in my opinion they have done their best. As mentioned before there are 250 cameras with zoom capacity between 23 & 46. Mr Koehler showed me the distance a 23 camera could zoom and rotate and I was very impressed with the clarity and the ability for the camera to see the exact spot required. In the same photo above you can see there are two large screens with smaller screens, there are also additional monitors on traffic managers desks, in the middle. The middle screens are monitoring all cameras 24x7 and will alert trouble spots that can be enlarged on the bigger screens. None of the cameras are recorded, they are simply used for real time monitoring. Recording all 250 cameras, even with a 10-20 minute re-record would require a huge amount of storage space and the county does not believe it would be beneficial, mostly due to cost. The only exception for recording are the red light cameras, which are recorded and every hour or two the information is dumped to the red light management company in Arizona.

Why do we have the cameras? Safety is the first logical reason. If you are having car trouble on I45 the traffic managers may notice that and send support. The assistance program or Sheriffs office often call in and ask if cars are stranded at certain locations and to get vital information about accidents to save valuable travel time and get the proper response team to the location. The cameras are incredibly beneficial at intersections during morning and evening rush hours. Signal timing can be manipulated from miles away to ensure traffic flows out of and into The Woodlands as best as possible.

Why does it take so long to drive down Woodlands Parkway? First we all need to understand that Woodlands Parkway is not a traditional parkway. It may have been a parkway back in the day when the first and only exit was Grogan's Mill. Woodlands Parkway is actually a limited access road. Limited access basically means there are no driveways on the road, just intersections. "Woodlands Limited Access Road" just doesn't have much flare so we'll have to deal with Woodlands Parkway at this time. So back to why? If it was a perfect world and everyone started at the exact same location, stayed in their own lanes and ALL did the exact same speed then the system would be amazing. The real world; the person entering Woodlands Parkway from the flyover during rush hour may be in perfect position to make it all the way past Gosling and not hit one red light. Well, as soon as this person hits the parkway; 6 cars have already run red lights at the smaller cross streets, 25 cars have switched lanes in front of this persons car and people are driving anywhere between 40 and 65. This all happens before the person hits Grogan's Mill Road. Then BAM, two lanes after Grogan's Mill. The traffic manager do their best adjusting the timing after Grogan's Mill, but by that time so many people have switched lanes, run red lights and varied their speed that they can only do so much. Cars make 65K trips through the light on Woodlands Parkway at the East Panther Creek intersection daily. Traffic lightens after the Panther Creeks and Gosling intersections, but with the grouth in The Woodlands, you can guarantee it will only get worse. The Woodlands Developer is responsible for all new road construction in The Woodlands. The Roads are later conveyed to the Montgomery County. The County has little to no say on adding more access roads into The Woodlands from I45.

How does the system know a car, motorcycle or person is at an intersection waiting? You will see from the photo that some areas where there are cars have green boxes around them and some areas that have no cars have a empty black box where a car could possibly approach. Once a car enters the black box it turns green and the system knows there is a car there and makes sure that the car is put into the lighting rotation. If there are no cars at one side of an intersection the system will simply ignore that part of the intersection and worry about getting the traffic through the areas that have cars. Montgomery County has taken care of motorcycles too. Gone are the days of having to make sure your bike is on the embedded metal strip in the road to trigger the light. Similar to the cars, once a motorcycle hits the black bog, it will turn green and now be in the signal rotation. Pedestrians, who hit the crosswalk button, will be put into the rotation and even though it may not seem like it, the pedestrians waiting time is shortened by hitting the button. It wouldn't make sense to stop traffic immediately for a person to walk across the street.

Why does it take so long to install and activate traffic lights? Currently signal lights are being installed down a major section of Lake Woodlands that have traditionally been stop signs to ease the congestion of motorist using Lake Woodlands to get in and out of The Woodlands. I specifically asked about Lake Woodlands and New Trails. Mr Koehler assured me that they have that intersection first on their list. The issue with a large project like this is that the infrastructure, all down Lake Woodlands, needs to all be in place prior to putting up the lights. The plan is to start at New Trails and move into The Woodlands. I also learned that every intersection is designed from scratch. So that basically means that there's not a pile of poles and lights just waiting. I found that interesting and can only imagine the cost. Again the Woodlands Developer runs the show on new construction and then conveys to the County.

Some lights trigger as soon as I drive up to the intersection, why? A perfect example of this scenario is the light at Gosling and Shadowbend. Since the congestion is not high at this intersection and it's not on the major grid, it's an independent light. The system still sees the cars in the green boxes and changes the signaling rotation immediately. This type of independent signaling would be impossible on Woodlands Parkway since the traffic would constantly stop due to traffic coming off the multiple intersections.

George Mitchell Nature Preserve Grand Opening

2007-10-26T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Woodlands is now part of the Spring Creek Greenway Project. Visit THIS site for more information about the portion of the project in The Woodlands.

Mr Robert Collins, Montgomery County Pct 3 Special Counsel, is very excited about this project. Their website states: The Spring Creek Greenway will connect and protect up to 12,000 acres of forest on both sides of the creek, preserving a sociological gem and creating a mecca for ecotourism, education and outdoor recreation just north of Houston.

The Trail in The Woodlands is a 1/2 mile out and back (1 mile total) nature trail with signage to ensure you don't get lost in the woods. Plans are to extend the trail as land is purchased and donated through the years. While visiting the site I noticed that the forest was only slightly impacted by the trails and they even used fallen treas to border the trail at certain locations.

Attorney Nets Marijuana Rap. NOT CONFIRMED - POSSIBLE PARODY

2007-10-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

Out of respect for someone, who will remain anonymous, I have removed this post.
Though I didn't appreciate the language (but can certainly handle it), I did appreciate the fact the someone took the time to call.
Apparently residents can find this information on microfilm. Go check it out and let me know!

Hidden Proposition 4 - Village Stickers (parody)

2007-10-25T12:22:00.000-05:00

Town Center Improvement District (TCID) asks Cochran's Crossing resident, Joe Merrill, to pilot new Woodlands Township "Village Sticker" program.
After 11-6, if you voted yes for all 3 props and all 3 props pass, then hidden prop 4 will also pass.
TCID has 'stolen' this program idea from the village of Panther Creek, but have put a spin on it so only Woodlands Township gets credit.
Woodlands Township will create stickers of different shapes, fonts, colors, sizes & paper quality (possibly leather for CW) for each village.
Naturally GM will have the cheapest/smallest quality sticker while CW will have the the more expensive/larger stickers.
If Hidden prop 4 passes ALL residents of Woodlands Township will be required to physically pick up their stickers no later than 11-7-07 at any Woodforest Bank. Stickers will range from $30/set-GM to $180/set-CW and need to be renewed annually. You will need to purchase a set of stickers for each Car or Motorcycle your family owns.
As the below photo (Photo A) shows the sticker in the back window needs to be right in the middle of the window so people behind you can clearly know your status. Woodlands Township will be outlawing rearview mirrors and require that all cars be equipped with side mirrors (Photo B) similar to these which can also be purchased at any Woodforest bank for $300/pair with an $80 instillation charge. The purpose of the back window siticker is to let villages of a higher status pass you at any rate of speed. The front Stickers (Photo C) will need to be placed smack dab in front of your face. As you can see from the photo, the sticker is typed in a way that cars in front of you can easily see your status from their side mirrors. Having the sticker smack dab in front of you is against the law, but Woodlands Township believes knowing where you fit in the community is more important.
Motorcycles will be required to have a full front sticker on each helmet (Photo D) which will also be easy for people to know your village status from their side mirrors. Not shown is that from the inside of the helmet your village status is also visible so that you never forget where you stand in Woodlands Township. The back of the helmet (Photo not shown) will simply need your village sticker so people from a higher status village will know if they can pass you at any rate of speed. As before, Woodlands Township does not care that you will not be able to see out the front of your helmet, status is more important.

Voluntary Bandit Sign Program

2007-10-25T11:53:00.000-05:00

Ed Chance, Commissioner Precinct 3, has confrmed that Joe Merrill with Community Activist of The Woodlands will be part of the Voluntary Bandit Sign Program. To date, Community Associations of The Woodlands is the only other organization that has offered to volunteer.
The voluntary Bandit Sign Program is designed to give trained organizations or individuals the authority to confiscate and destroy any signs in The Right of Ways of The Woodlands.

Joe Merrill of Community Activists of The Woodlands speaks at WCA Board of Directors Meeting

2007-10-24T21:35:00.000-05:00

Topics include:
Woodlands Community Service Corporation handling signs in the right of ways incorrectly since 1973.

Joe Merrill apologizing to the Family of Bruce Tough, WCSC & WFD Staff and the Board of Directors in The Woodlands.

Click on image to read speech.

MC DA Mike McDougal's Letter to WCSC GM Don Norrell Regarding Illegal Signs in The ROW's

2007-10-24T17:04:00.001-05:00

Montgomery County District Attorney, Mike McDougal, sends letter to The Woodlands Community Service Corporations General Manager, Don Norrell, regarding Illegal Signs in The Woodlands Right of Ways.

McDougal says:
"...to the extent possible, please advise your associations to discontinue placing any kind of signs in the public road rights-of-way and discontinue charging "removal fees" for the removal of signs in the public road rights-of-way."
Click picture to view letter.

The Woodlands Development Company Cleans Sculpture in Cochrans Crossing

2007-10-23T15:13:00.001-05:00

The Woodlands Development Company Cleans Sculpture in Cochrans Crossing.

We're not sure if they took advantage of the Sculpture Cleaning Kit 1.0 or not, but it certainly looks better.

Thank YOU!

Sculpture BEFORE and Sculpture AFTER.

State Bar of Texas Grievence -- Mr. Bruce Tough

2007-10-22T20:56:00.000-05:00

Click image to view complaint.

Community Activists of The Woodlands Volunteers for Bandit Sign Program

2007-10-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

Letter from Don Norrell to Board of Directors, including reference to MORE legal Counsel, and Press Release.

2007-10-20T11:47:00.000-05:00

To: Association Board Members

As all of you are aware, a complaint has been was lodged again the Community Associations of the Woodlands regarding the placement of signs in the boulevard. This complaint was filed with the District Attorney and the County Attorney and alleges that the practices in regard to the placement of signs in street right of ways, as adopted under The Woodlands Residential Development Standards, may be in violation of state law.

In order to try and resolve this issue in an expedient manner, I believe that it is essential that we suspend the processing of accepting applications from residents or organizations interested in securing conditional approval for placement of signs in the right of way. I am not suggesting that we change the rules at this time / a change in the rules will require action of the DSC and DRC. What I am recommending is that we suspend all applications for the placement of signs in the road right of way until we can discuss and resolve this matter with the County Attorney and County representatives. If changes in our process are necessary, I plan to propose appropriate process changes once we have concluded discussion with the County regarding this matter.

The County has been our partner in the maintenance of The Woodlands community and we need to do everything possible to continue this very positive relationship. We also need to assure that all of our actions are in compliance with state law.

I will communicate to the County Attorney and the District Attorney that we are voluntarily suspending our current application policies and procedures. Over the next few weeks, we will work with our legal counsel (Randy Bays) to discuss these issues with County officials and hopefully develop an acceptable plan to allow us to move forward with an acceptable defined process.

In regard to the removal of signs from the boulevard, Montgomery County has named the WCSC as a volunteer entity that is allowed to remove bandit signs from the boulevard. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be working with the County to get this approval in writing and to also train our employees and volunteers. This training is required by the County. Until we complete the required training which will take up to a couple of weeks, I am instructing our staff not to pick up bandit signs that may be placed in the road right of way. We want to assure that we comply with all county standards prior to initiation of this enforcement process.

Please call me if you have any questions.

Don

Release for 10/17/07

The Community Associations of the Woodlands have voluntarily suspended processing of applications from residents and organizations interested in placing signs in the road right of way. Previously, committees of the Community Associations reviewed sign applications filed by residents and organizations requesting that they be allowed to place conforming signs in the public right of way. If these signs were allowed by covenant standards, the applicant received conditional approval for the sign subject to their ability to secure approval from the appropriate governmental agency before placement of the signs.

Historically, two committees representing the Community Associations have administered the covenant standards for the placement of signs on property in The Woodlands. These committees have reviewed all applications to assure that signs placed on private property and in road right of ways conform to the requirements of The Woodlands Residential Development Standards. These committees have always recognized that their authority is limited to the approval of the size and type of sign allowed by covenant standards and have directed applicants to seek the authority of the appropriate governmental agency prior to placing signs in the road right of way.

Recently, a resident filed a complaint with the District Attorney and the County Attorney regarding this matter alleging that the Community Associations have violated the law with the covenant sign approval process. In order to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, the Community Associations are voluntarily suspending the processing of applications relating to the conditional approval of signs in the road right of way (conditioned on County approval) and will work with County officials to resolve this matter. The Community Associations of The Woodlands are committed to a process that meets the requirements of state law.

CATW Helps The Woodlands Decide

2007-10-19T22:59:00.001-05:00

CC Sculpture

2007-10-18T16:58:00.001-05:00

After multiple unanswered emails, I asked for permission to clean this sculpture myself.
I have received word from The Woodlands Development Company that it has finally been cleaned.

Montgomery County District Attorney to Send The Woodlands a Letter regarding bandit ROW sign Issue

2007-10-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Community Activists of The Woodlands has received confirmation from The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office that signs in The Woodlands Rights-of-Way are illegal.

McDougal States: "I am sending a letter to Mr. Powers advising him of my opinion and asking him, to the extent he has any authority, to discontinue placing any signs in the rights-of-way of the roadways in The Woodlands, Texas; further, that the "Woodlands Residential Development Standards" are ineffective as to the placement of signs in the rights-of-way in The Woodlands, Texas; and that the "fines" provided for in the residential standards are not collectible."

Please contact Don Norrell at 281.210.3800 to request your refund.

Woodlands Groups Continue to Break the Law.

2007-10-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

Signs Signs Signs.

If you have been paying attention you will know that Community Activists of The Woodlands (CATW) is doing everything possible to keep The Woodlands beautiful.

The Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC) General Manager, Don Norrell, said on March 22nd, 2007 "The Woodlands is a beautiful community that should be kept that way through reasonable rules and common sense enforcement"

Unfortunately Mr Norrell's definition of Common Sense enforcement differs from the law.
CATW submitted THIS document to The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constables Office today.

State Senator, Robert L Nichols, agrees with CATW that signs in the right of ways are illegal in THIS document.

Montgomery County Attorney, David Walker, stated the following regarding signs in the right of ways: "They are illegal. Placement of signs in public right-of-way is illegal."

When CATW asked Montgomery County District Attorney, Mike McDougal, his opinion on the signs in the right of ways and if we should contact the constables he had this advice: "That would be my advice, although I don't know if the constable can take the signs. He can issue tickets to them for Class C misdemeanors."

So now it's up to Mr Norrell to do what's right within the law.
-or-
for Chief Deputy Jeff McLaughlin to enforce the law.

Bruce Tough Pays Texas Ethics Commission Fine

2007-10-03T16:44:00.000-05:00

Bruce Tough agrees to pay $100 fine for Texas Ethics Commission violations. TEC a $100.00 fine.

Introducing Community Activists of The Wodlands LABS

2007-09-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

In the past few weeks Community Activists of The Woodlands (CATW) has made The Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC) aware of THIS SCULPTURE in Cochran's Crossing and its state of decay. The WCSC quickly bounced CATW to the Woodlands Development Company (Developer) for assistance. The Developer told CATW that they would need to contact their "Sculpture Consultant" for advice. Emails sent to the Developer for an update have gone unanswered.
CATW has since expanded into research and development with our new division called CATW LABS.
Since the developer is in the middle of trying to ensure that The Town Center Improvement District annexes The Woodlands, CATW wanted to help.
Introducing SCULPTURE KIT 1.0!
An email will be sent to the developer with our LABS results and hopefully the sculpture will be cleaned by first quarter 2009.

Community Activists of The Woodlands and Texas State Senator Robert L Nichols Agree on State Law With Signs in ROW's

2007-09-20T19:40:00.000-05:00

Community Activists of The Woodlands has been working the better part of 2007 fighting to get illegally collected fines returned to residents of The Woodlands. A PERSON MAY NOT PLACE A SIGN ON THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF PUBLIC ROAD UNLESS THE PLACEMENT IS AUTHORIZED BY STATE LAW.
The Woodlands Community Service Corporation(WCSC), the "private" company hired by the three Home Owners Associations of the woodlands does not agree with Senator Nichols.
The below document clearly states that the WCSC has no right to approve the placement of signs in the right-of-way or fine anyone who does place a sign in the right-of-way.
Call Mr Don Norrell, WCSC General Manager, to ask for a refund if you have been sent a threatening letter and paid a fine.
Mr Norrell can be reached at 281.210.3800

Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) Investigating Robert Eissler

2007-09-18T20:34:00.000-05:00

Montgomery County and surrounding areas continue to keep The TEC busy. Robert Eissler, Texas State Representative, is the latest politician to be investigated with a category two violation. CLICK HERE TO VIEW TEC COMPLAINT AND RESPONSE.
You can read more about the TEC HERE.

Mr Tom Campbell & Resident Funded Trips

2007-08-26T11:22:00.001-05:00

Mr Tom Campbell has been on many resident funded trips and CATW wonders what he is doing? What are any Directors doing on these trips that they couldn't do here in The Woodlands. Did our water rates increase from what our directors learned on the trips/retreats? Have the residents of The Woodlands gotten their $3831.03 out of Tom Campbell as a MUD Director? We hope that Mr Campbell is working hard for the residents of The Woodlands.

Where is the Plaza?

2007-08-19T15:28:00.000-05:00

CATW sent this letter to The Woodlands Development Company for assistance with an eye sore in Indian Springs. We would ask for the Indian Springs elected Director, Mr Lloyd Matthews, for assistance, but all he could say was "I'm very Sad..." when asked about the project.

Cochran's Crossing Quickly Becoming an Old Village

2007-08-19T15:03:00.000-05:00

Sculpture on Lake Woodlands at Shadowbend Park

It wasn't long ago that Cochran's Crossing was way out there and it wasn't uncommon for people to not want to move here since it took so long to get to I45. Wow, times sure have changed. It's our responsibility to make sure our Directors ensure our association dollars are being spent in your village or at least in your association, be it the Woodlands Community Association (WCA) or The Woodlands Association (TWA). The WCA is quickly being pushed to the back burner since the TWA's developer controlled board is running the show. CATW learned that The Woodlands Developer is responsible for all the sculptures in The Woodlands, including maintenance. This sculpture is in desperate need of attention. The Developer has been made aware of the situation and we hope they will do the right thing and revitalize the sculpture.

There was a sculpture "stolen" from Cochran's Crossing recently. Recognize the Mirage II? It used to be on Research Forest in front of the Cochran's Crossing shopping center.

Mirage II on Lake Woodlands

$731.76 for Something that could have been done in The Woodlands?

2007-08-18T11:25:00.000-05:00

Mr Jeff long, President of the Woodlands Community Association (WCA), spends at least $731.76 of residents money in Austin.
What is the WCA? The WCA is a Homeowners Association (HOA), nothing more - nothing less. The definition of a HOA is: An organization of homeowners residing within a particular development whose major purpose is to maintain and provide community facilities and services for the common enjoyment of the residents.

So why is Jeff Long spending our money meeting with Tommy Williams in Austin? Both Tommy Williams and Jeff Long live in The Woodlands so why meet in Austin regarding a HOA?

$18,300.00 to WJPA Directors in 1Q 2007 while residents water bills rise.

2007-08-12T12:38:00.000-05:00

If people listened to the Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) then we would all be running away from The Woodlands looking for water.
With Salary's like THIS, it's no wonder they need more of our hard earned money.

While we are all being tiered, let's not forget that there is NOT a water shortage, but possibly poor planning.

Our water does not disappear

Bruce Tough, Woodlands Fire Department Pesident, Comments on Chief Benson

2007-08-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

TheWoodlandsMonitor.com uncovered inappropriate use of residents money.

Bruce Tough said:
"Chief Benson, in anyone's opinion, is an exemplary fire chief"

Are Residents of The Woodlands Paying Double for Services?

2007-08-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Community Activists of The Woodlands (CATW) recently uncovered another instance where residents are paying double for services. On June 24th we first uncovered THIS issue. Recently we found that The Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC) is also removing graffiti for the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA). It's important to note that the WCSC removed the graffiti without first asking the SJRA. CATW believes that there should be some type of a financial agreement between any entity that needs graffiti removed and the WCSC.
What do you think?