April 22, 2024 Newsletter
April 22, 2024 – Volume 18 Number 17
Highlights:
* The city council set to approve the $50,000,000 give-away airport deal to Espace, Inc.
* Several other economic development deals on the table.
* Early voting starts Monday, 8:00am.
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
…...
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Monday, April 22: Early voting for municipal elections begins, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Tuesday, April 23: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Tuesday, April 30: Early voting for municipal elections ends, 7:00am - 7:00pm.
Wednesday, May 1: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Saturday, May 4: Municipal and School Board Election Day, 7:00am – 7:00pm.
Tuesday, May 7: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Tuesday, May 14: EDC Board meeting, 3rd floor of City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 4:30pm.
Wednesday, May 15: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Thursday, May 16: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The council did meet last Tuesday, April 16, for a priority setting meeting at the Texas Rangers Golf Course Clubhouse. That agenda is at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=akAaNVCjp7%2FkwH%2BmDxhtDpPT9gzPOHV20PSjjeZ9Z80GVouGvw5aUhxVEvHE1GUxC7gIAsJ33h5x35WFTpJYVcC%2BooNDL%2Fgybq%2FK0lMyJtudSBv0ojBexXPyeIB2xysUwAkERCX9Dzuwp%2BApLYUi9ab%2F8FsDgEaFiamgpUbtnQkaOqn9h1TLfUCpPSvn4GZHWYxuVA%3D%3D . The meeting cannot be found on the internet.
Decision-Making Update
Economic Forecast & Sales Tax Information (presentation)
Citizen Satisfaction Survey (document)
Financial Forecast (presentation, 1st quarter BAR & business plan, fed funding strategy)
Governance Documents
Priority Poster (propaganda)
Evidence of Success (presentation)
Council Policy Agenda (expectations)
Comprehensive Plan (presentation)
Core Service Issues
Homelessness/Housing (presentation)
Transportation Update (presentation)
Clean Arlington (presentation)
City Facilities, Fleet and Roads (presentation)
Problem Properties (presentation)
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They will meet this Tuesday, April 23, for a full slate of meetings. The first of two committee meetings is at 9:45am. The afternoon meeting begins at 11:45am and goes into executive session. The open portion of the afternoon session will start no sooner than 2:00pm. The evening meeting is at 6:30pm.
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Committee Meetings
The Municipal Policy Committee meeting is at 9:45am. They are expected to spend 45 minutes on tree preservation and mitigation (presentation).
The Economic Development Committee will meet at 10:45am, but don't rush to get there. You presence and/or input is not requested. They will be discussing the always expensive offers of incentives for business prospects.
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Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting begins at 11:30am and goes into executive session. The agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=9&event_id=2067 . The executive session portion of the agenda includes: a legal discussion related to aqueous film-forming foams products liability litigation, a temporary construction easement, and offers of incentives for business prospects. [The really good news is it does not list any conversations about purchasing property for childcare facilities.]
The open portion of the meeting will begin no sooner than 2:00pm. The open portion of the agenda includes five work session items, four informal staff reports, and another trash cart rollout update.
Five Work Session items:
1. Arlington Police Department's 2023 Annual Report (presentation).
2. Comprehensive Plans: Neighborhood Plans (presentation).
3. West side of Airport potential development plan. (no presentation available. I also submitted a public information request on the presentation given at the public hearing for the EDC (Economic Development Corporation), but there certainly seems to be no rush in letting the public know about the deal, only the hype).
4. Problem properties (attachment).
5. Council priorities and governance documents (propaganda , policy agenda , success).
Four informal staff reports:
1. Southeast Tarrant County Human Services Campus Update (staff report).
2. Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) January 2024 Semi-Annual Report (summary).
3. Monitoring of PFAS Chemicals (staff report).
4. Leveraging technology (newsletter).
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Evening Meeting
The agenda for the evening meeting can be found at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=9&event_id=2090 . The agenda includes 29 consent agenda items, one public hearing, three special ordinances, and three special resolutions.
Consent agenda item 8.24 is a funding agreement between the city and TIRZ#5 for the dredging of portions of Johnson Creek (staff report). The TIRZ will contribute $800,000 to the total cost of the project.
Consent agenda items 8.25 and 8.26 are the two airport lease items pulled from the consent agenda at the last meeting (staff report1, staff report2).
Consent agenda item 8.28 is to approve the EDC 380-agreement for $3,407,000 regarding improvements at Eden Road and Cooper Street (staff report).
Consent agenda item 8.29 is for the city to pay for stadium improvements and to add parking near the future National Medal of Honor Museum (staff report). The city will pay $4,279,636.
The public hearing is for a Specific Use Permit SUP24-1 (3400 South Watson Road). They wish to operate a private club (staff report).
The three special ordinances have to do with Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Management Plan 2024 Update (staff report), Water Conservation Plan 2024 Update (staff report), and Amending the FY2024 Operating Budget (staff report).
The first special resolution is a 380-agreement with GAC Media (staff report). For $100,000 they will move from Fort Worth and establish their headquarters here by December 31, and remain here until at least December 31, 2027, with a minimum of 20 job positions [it does NOT say any of those positions are full-time].
The second special resolution is another 380-agreement, this one with Acciona (staff report). The city will be rebating to the company 65% of the city 1% sales tax for ten years. Acciona Facilities Services needs to set up their corporate office in Arlington by June 1 (six weeks from now).
The third special resolution is the Espace deal. I guess because the city is part of this deal, it is not like other EDC deals, just tucked away in the consent agenda (staff report).
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The Arlington Spectator's City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
Attached to each council's candidate name is a link to a page with all their responses to the questions [not on the Facebook version].
Your ballot will start with three new citizen positions on the TAD board.
TAD Board Place 1 – Sayeda Bilqees Syed, Trae Fowler, Eric Morris.
TAD Board Place 2 – Callie Rigney, Eric B. Crile.
TAD Board Place 3 – Chuck Kelley, Lee Henderson, Matt Bryant.
That will be followed by your ISD votes. Then your city votes. Only residents generally considered to reside in north Arlington will see District 1. Only residents generally considered to reside in southwest Arlington will see District 2. All Arlington residents will see Districts 6 and 7.
District 1
Tim Goss -
District 2
District 6
District 7
The Shorthorn story on contested city council races: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/meet-the-candidates-running-for-arlington-city-council/article_29fa4eb0-f1f5-11ee-9f6d-d365da222bbc.html .
The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on District 1: https://rumble.com/v4mggkn-arlington-city-council-race-district-1.html .
The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on District 7: https://rumble.com/v4mh1vo-arlington-city-council-race-district-7.html .
The Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum: https://youtu.be/QELeQf8ylEA?si=mVp-CJbz5Idy8FPY .
City Issues.
There are too many apartments and multi-family housing units greatly overcrowding infrastructure/roadways and lowering the quality of life in Arlington. We have one of the highest densities in North Texas. Housing more people is NOT our responsibility. Advantage: Gonzalez.
Citizen participation at the end of the meetings was shortened to two minutes and requires pre-registration. Advantage: half Franklin, Gonzalez, Dobson.
The city makes very lopsided deals when it comes to economic development. Advantage: Galante, Gonzalez, Hogg.
Summary/RECOMMENDATIONS.
District 1
Only people in what is generally considered north Arlington will vote in this race. There are three candidates in this race. A majority is required, so if one candidate does not obtain greater than 50% there will be a runoff election in June.
Jacob Franklin – half Citizen participation.
Tim Goss -
Mauricio Galante – economic development.
Recommendation: Very undecided, maybe Galante.
District 2
Only people in what is generally considered southwest Arlington will vote in this race.
Raul Gonzalez – apartments, citizen participation, economic development
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND RAUL GONZALEZ.
District 6
Long Pham – not worthy of your vote.
District 7
Bowie Hogg – economic development.
Chris “Dobi” Dobson – citizen participation. Mr. Dobson is as liberal as they come on national issues, but strongly believes in citizen participation when it comes to local decisions/issues.
Recommendation: Another very undecided, maybe Hogg.
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Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The EDC Board met this past Tuesday, April 16. Their agenda includes two extremely expensive deals. The agenda/packet can be viewed at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=W0e%2f8zpyjnAqo7CFIbHE6weWMyPS7MjHtjQ35WeMJXadyT%2bNfjyQv96Cd4KExhIjC4obTbuNlMcXJ8VDHGJ6oQd3JwRrtdGRtmvBjOUSvr7Ukwa2qNjdR1Y28ZWdDRWXECeOkRHAJsByZO4VwnM1uGfGnbZslUtXfwNyzZxI90kE9AlI8Yb%2fDhNUweGEUAy97NLd3A%3d%3d .
They called the meeting to order at 4:32pm with five board members present. They then kicked us out, going into executive session. A sixth board member entered about 5-10 minutes later.
At 5:05 they reconvened in open session. They held the public hearing on the second public hearing item (.pdf page 31 of the 51-page packet), Espace. Though we could be paying out $50,000,000, specific details are shaky or not known. What was approved was a master plan, with other future plans coming with more details. Espace started in 2022 (is two years old). They want you to believe they will POTENTIALLY have 2,000 jobs here, but …
Their industry is IoT (Internet of Things) and their function is high-altitude satellites. Staff tried to portray this as the start of electricity.
At the start (the requirements to get paid some) they will build a 250,000 sq. ft. facility and office space, the airport access road, a hangar, and airport apron space. They hope to increase to 750,000 sq. ft. within ten years. They also get “bonus” money for hiring Arlington residents. Some measure of business growth achievement will be required. It was approved, 6-0.
They then held the public hearing on the first public hearing item (.pdf page 15 of the 51-page packet). Though we could be paying out $3,407,000, the developer will complete Eden Road out to Cooper Street and make drainage improvements. He will develop a 227,000 sq. ft. facility consisting of hybrid flex zoning, of which 140,000 sq. ft. is Phase I. It was also approved, 6-0.
They then went back into executive session to discuss more wasting of taxpayers' dollars.
Arlington’s EDC is easily the largest sales tax supported EDC in the state. This gives spending addicted politicians greater than $20 million annually with which to fund their buddies.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing for PD24-4 on the 1.840 acres at 2331 Ascension Boulevard where they wish to change zoning from a Neighborhood Commercial PD to a Cottage Community with a PD. If this passes it will go to the city council on June 11.
On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP22-3R1, on the 1.63 acres at 2118 E. Abram Street. They wish to amend the current used car sales restrictions on the specific use permit. If this passes it will go to the city council on May 28.
On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP24-5, on the 0.872 acres at 1808 Southeast Parkway where they wish for a specific use permit for an automotive service center. If this passes it will go to the city council on May 28.
On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP08-28R2, on the 7.399 acres at 1011 W. Harris Road where they wish for a specific use permit for a gas drill zone. If this passes it will go to the city council on May 28.
On Tuesday, May 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-8 (6907 Joplin Road) wishing to change RS-7.2 to a planned development for RM-12.
On Tuesday, May 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-6, on the 0.611 acres at 4901 S. Cooper Street where they wish to change CC commercial to PD for CC commercial for a restaurant with a drive-thru.
On Wednesday, May 15, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-1, on the 10.73 acres at 498 Debbie Lane where they wish to allow for planned development of MF-22 (multi-family) for assisted living units.
P&Z Commission
P&Z met this past Wednesday, April 17. There were two zoning cases on the agenda. The regular session agenda and packet can be found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=KkQdsMZ%2b8AK9SSh5XimPozAjOsrQvFcpjbZH9pL64ppKbncEiliTXKGkUJwkzUCDYVdynB6iUSwzGt3Cawcyx1cL7dP%2bF%2fldqcr9i9sQ%2bfee6d4%2f05yVPpv%2bQjVWYUGsmkNbufEOeqksYRPNrbFZGOOJSpTCA4kXwnOEuNCF5%2b%2fWvKEzp5unZFzxyx7R7U6WkJhkBQ90exE59DE0RIpLs1WNRx41IUmt9PCVO57OUHeQiDZIBh3B17cx%2fYogVik069UXaz78GrI1lgjcjd%2b6mBF4osQ%3d .
The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/4807?view_id=10&redirect=true .
(0:57) The first public hearing was for zoning case PD24-1, on the 10.73 acres at 498 Debbie Lane where they wish to allow for planned development of MF-22 (multi-family) for assisted living units (staff report). Deviations include off-street parking and building materials. They will continue the public hearing on May 15.
(1:00:43) The second public hearing was for zoning case PD24-6, on the 0.611 acres at 4901 Coopers Street where they wish to allow for planned development of cc (community commercial) with a drive-thru (staff report). There are six deviations. It was approved with stipulations, 8-0.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 1.
AISD School Board
The school board met Thursday, April 18. The meeting can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGglTlmDGD8 . All board members were present.
(2:20) Open forum on agenda items. There were four speakers in support of naming the junior high after Joey Rodriguez.
(12:22) Discussion/Action item A. They named the new junior high school after Joey Rodriguez, 7-0.
(38:19) The appointment was approved, 7-0.
Donita James - Berry Elementary principal.
(40:54) Action item, interim legislative agenda. This was promptly rubber-stamped, 7-0. We, the public, have NO idea what was officially approved. The language was modified from the last meeting and NOT in the packet made available to the public. [Yes, this board definitely has a communications problem!!!]
(42:02) Discussion item A, progress report of trustees continuing education. It was announced all board members exceeded requirements.
(42:35) Discussion item B, HB1605 update. This is a new process of selecting instructional materials. One item is for parental review. Rubrics include both prohibited content as well as required content. 52:54 is key takeaways, which includes TEA (Texas Educational Agency) owning open educational resources, making it free in perpetuity to Texans. At some point in the future [still awaiting state approval of process/other] will be a review process by school district OR parents.
(1:42:28) Discussion item C, current year financial update and next year preliminary budget update. The current general fund projection for the end of this year is a positive $1.3 million. For the FY24-25 budget they stated some assumptions:
enrollment 53,551 (last year's projection was 55,593),
10% increase in taxable values,
= projecting a 3.8c decrease in the M&O rate, and a drop in positions (all funds) to 8,580 (from 8,655)
(2:19:09) Consent agenda. No items were pulled or discussed. Approved, 7-0.
(2:19:46) Open forum on non-agenda items. There were no speakers.
(2:20:00) End of meeting reports.
The next board meeting is May 2.
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The AISD will have three seats available up for election, Place 1, Place 2, and Place 3. All school board places are district wide.
The Arlington Spectator's AISD Board Grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Attached to each AISD's candidate name is a link to a page with all their responses to the questions [not on the Facebook version].
Your ballot will start with three new citizen positions on the TAD board.
TAD Board Place 1 – Sayeda Bilqees Syed, Trae Fowler, Eric Morris.
TAD Board Place 2 – Callie Rigney, Eric B. Crile.
TAD Board Place 3 – Chuck Kelley, Lee Henderson, Matt Bryant.
Place 1
Place 2
The Arlington Report reported on this race. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/12/qa-arlington-isd-board-presidents-competitor-is-business-administrator-district-mother .
The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on Place 1 and Place 2: https://rumble.com/v4meawt-aisd-school-board-places-1-and-2.html .
Place 3
The Arlington Report did a report on this race. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/19/qa-3-candidates-are-vying-for-arlington-isd-school-board-spot-incumbent-chose-not-to-run/ .
The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on Place 3: https://rumble.com/v4me3m9-aisd-school-board-place-3.html .
April 2 AISD Candidate Forum
The Arlington Council of PTAs held a candidate forum at First United Methodist Church in Arlington on Tuesday, April 2. The Arlington Report has a report on this. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/03/arlington-isd-school-board-candidates-discuss-budget-vouchers-engagement-at-community-forum/ .
AISD Issues.
Communications. Unfortunately, if you ask the board a question, the odds of getting a response are not very good. Of the six candidates for three places, three (the two incumbents, and Mr. Mike) refused to answer any of the questions. If they are not going to answer your questions when they are running for office and asking for your vote, do you really expect the situation to improve when they get in office? Advantage: Orr, Arocha, and Williams Moore.
There needs to be an established policy for LGBTQ issues that should include parent notification if the student is under 18. Unfortunately, the district does not want one, leaving teachers and staff on their own [and unprotected?]. Advantage: Orr.
Budget. The AISD, like many school districts, faces budget shortfalls with federal ESSER funds ending. The AISD used those funds for many supportive positions. The AISD with its very high salary schedule (some might argue the highest paid) has little chance of paying its high salaries in addition to finding funds to pay supportive positions. The AISD will be cutting 275 positions. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/20/arlington-isd-cuts-275-positions-as-covid-dollars-expire-employees-raise-questions . Advantage: Arocha.
Student Achievement. Expectations are far too low. Modifications are needed. The Arlington Report recently reported how expectations to meet or exceed grade level are below 50%. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/09/arlington-isd-expects-4-in-10-students-to-perform-math-on-grade-level-trustees-have-questions . Advantage: Arocha, Williams Moore.
Summary/RECOMMENDATIONS.
Place 1
Sarah McMurrough – not worthy of your vote.
Place 2
Kendall Orr – OUR RECOMMENDATION. Advantages: Communications, LGBTQ policies.
Melody Fowler – not worthy of your vote.
Place 3
Larry Mike – not worthy of your vote.
Kathi Arocha – OUR RECOMMENDATION. Advantages: Communications, Budget, Student Achievement.
April Williams Moore – Advantages: Communications, Student Achievement.
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.824900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.790400
3. Mansfield ISD $0.789200
3. Birdville ISD $0.789200
3. Everman ISD $0.789200
Of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs - Lowest Tax Rates
1. HEB ISD $0.921100
2. Burleson ISD $0.924700
3. Carroll ISD $1.002500
4. Azle ISD $1.025000
5. Fort Worth ISD $1.062400
6. Keller ISD $1.087500
7. Northwest ISD $1.090200
8. Everman ISD $1.094146
9. Arlington ISD $1.115600
10. Lewisville ISD $1.130100
On Low Student Expectations
I know I have complained to and been ignored by the board about the low student expectations. I am glad someone besides me is pointing out these numbers, as this should NOT be acceptable. The Arlington Report story as reported by The Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/09/arlington-isd-expects-4-in-10-students-to-perform-math-on-grade-level-trustees-have-questions .
Press Box
Federal Appeals Court Overrules
A federal Appeals Court overruled a lower court's decision, boys can play girls sports [at least in West Virginia]. The DailySignal.com story: https://www.dailysignal.com/2024/04/18/striking-down-womens-sports-law-federal-appeals-court-rules-men-can-be-women/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CapitolBell&mkt_tok=ODI0LU1IVC0zMDQAAAGSlvlRkbSEm9VkUxdwCg6AkDpxW41Y130nLs-5Y1JhmU_GeugiNITzXGKukMkMAeoryb_Snn9TlNUuSYEr2T25ov1xDVkhr_zo8mhQCMxWrE5Ph7M .
MISD Candidate is on the Ballot
The Mansfield Independent School District has ruled that candidate Angel Hidalgo is ineligible. However, he will still appear on the ballot. The Arlington Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/18/mansfield-isd-to-keep-ineligible-school-board-candidate-on-the-ballot-for-the-may-4-election/ .
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = helen.moise
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = andrew.piel
district 5 (central/east) = rebecca.boxall
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = barbara.odom-wesley
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Reich......................... - areich.aisd@tx.rr.com
Wilbanks .......... - david@wilbanksforaisd.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
Opinion Arlington
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county , & city
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HBliPv5JKafA5bOnksLUi1_pCYUJ_mtL?usp=sharing
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
To be added to/deleted from our mailing list please e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com