To everyone on the blog and most importantly those individuals that have requested their names removed,
I am very sorry for any inconvenience that you have suffered from my emails. We are trying diligently to accomodate your requests. Please be assured that we will not be sending any more emails until we have this problem resolved.
Again, I ask that you accept my apology.
Sincerely,
Tammy Brindley
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Something to aspire to...
Mayor leaves legacy of openness
HITCHCOCK — Six years and more than 90 city commission meetings since taking office as mayor, Lee Sander bid adieu Monday. And, as has become the norm at city hall, Sander’s last full commission meeting did not include a closed-door session.
Of the accomplishments the mayor listed in his farewell address, the fact that the city commission never held an executive session during his tenure was near the top.
“I don’t understand, unless it is disciplinary action of an employee, why you would ever discuss something in private,” Sander said. “The (public) should know everything that’s going on.
“It’s not my money; it’s not the city commissioners’ money. It’s the taxpayers’ money.”
Sander said his goal of eliminating executive sessions from city meetings was forged by attending Hitchcock school board meetings.
“I may be the only person attending those meetings, and the school board would go off into executive session,” Sander said. “They (trustees) would come out, and one of them said to me, ‘Lee, you know if you didn’t come to these meetings we wouldn’t have to go into closed session.’
“And I asked, ‘Why would you want to do that?’”
Sander said that conducting executive sessions opens the door to the possibility that business that should be deliberated in public is discussed in private.
“I don’t have any proof that is what really happened,” he said.
“But you know it, I know it, (elected officials) know it, too. They are talking about stuff they shouldn’t.
“Now, I have had commissioners who wanted to discuss things in closed sessions, and I refused.”
The last executive session in Hitchcock was April 28, 2003 — before Sander’s time. The topic was the city secretary’s duties.
“Now what the heck could you discuss about the duties of the city secretary that you couldn’t discuss in public?” Sander asked. “She (Rose Marie Theiler) didn’t even go into that session, so what were they really discussing? The duties of the city secretary should be something you talk about in public.”
Sander said his time in office had run its course, and it was time for others to take the reins.
City Commissioner Anthony Matranga is running against Griff Temple to replace Sander in the May 9 election.
Outside of his stance on open government, Sander said the other accomplishment he is most proud of is an improved financial picture.
“We were broke when I came on,” he said. “You can’t do anything without money, so I had to accumulate money first before we could do anything.”
That meant restricting the police officers’ take-home car policy, delaying road projects and cutting other city expenditures.
The steps paid off, Sander said.
“We bought a lot of equipment and paid cash for every bit of it.”
Sander admits his management style — the mayor in Hitchcock also is the city administrator — at times earned him the nickname “Dictator,” but he said he didn’t mind.
“There were times I had to micromanage, but I have never worried because I am not a politician,” he said. “I am just a good old boy who was trying to do the best for this city.”
Great Article in Galveston Daily News: Heber Taylor
FYI: Here is a great piece from the Galveston Daily News Blog, by Heber Taylor:
By Heber Taylor | Permalink | Add Comments
Is government on Tiki Island open to everyone? People answer that question differently, which is probably the No. 1 reason there’s a contested election in the village on May 9.
Some people who are not opposed to the proposed emergency services district object to the way it got on the ballot. Emergency services districts are created by the county, and Tiki Island officials have pointed out the county conducted hearings on the proposed taxing district, although the district will cover only Tiki Island.
Critics point out that Tiki Island officials could have done all kinds of things to inform village residents about these plans. They could have let people know, in other words, what they were asking county officials to do.
Some questions are still floating around about who would be appointed to the board of this emergency services district if voters approve it. Village officials point out that the county commissioners will make those appointments. That’s true, but it’s also a way of avoiding the question of whether village officials will have some strong recommendations for county commissioners.
This question of openness is the strongest undercurrent I’ve heard in hearing folks talk about the election. Is anyone else hearing it differently?
Some people who are not opposed to the proposed emergency services district object to the way it got on the ballot. Emergency services districts are created by the county, and Tiki Island officials have pointed out the county conducted hearings on the proposed taxing district, although the district will cover only Tiki Island.
Critics point out that Tiki Island officials could have done all kinds of things to inform village residents about these plans. They could have let people know, in other words, what they were asking county officials to do.
Some questions are still floating around about who would be appointed to the board of this emergency services district if voters approve it. Village officials point out that the county commissioners will make those appointments. That’s true, but it’s also a way of avoiding the question of whether village officials will have some strong recommendations for county commissioners.
This question of openness is the strongest undercurrent I’ve heard in hearing folks talk about the election. Is anyone else hearing it differently?
Great News! Marina Updates:
Fellow residents, I am pleased to report on the rumors about the purchase of our marina on Tiki Island.
After attending "The Meeting of the Village" with a packed house and cake in honor of Charlie Everts' retirement, it was confirmed that IBC Bank and Yacht Clubs of America are in negotiations to purchase and redevelop the yacht basin. Improvements include a proposed Yacht Club, Community Center, Restaurant, Boat Storage, Upgraded Marina, Dredging, Regrading, and much more. The beautification of the entire Marina area is set to commence as soon as they have permits in place.
Unfortunately, the permits could not be voted on at last nights meeting. However, we hope that our Alderman will vote to approve this matter very soon.
Sincerely,
Tammy Brindley
Your 'Write-In' voice for Mayor of Tiki Island.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tammy Brindley endorses 21st century technology as the current means of communication.
I have noticed the number of emails going out today concerning the ESD in the Galveston Daily News.
It pleases me to know that people are using technology as a means of sharing and communicating with others those issues most important to them. I hope we keep up the strong communication. It is vital that we always have current information on all subjects available to the public.
As a candidate for mayor I do not believe that the ESD should be a political issue. As mayor, I do believe, that all issues related to your tax dollars should be communicated openly and often.
Tammy Brindley
Your ‘write- in’ candidate for mayor of Tiki Island.
It pleases me to know that people are using technology as a means of sharing and communicating with others those issues most important to them. I hope we keep up the strong communication. It is vital that we always have current information on all subjects available to the public.
As a candidate for mayor I do not believe that the ESD should be a political issue. As mayor, I do believe, that all issues related to your tax dollars should be communicated openly and often.
Tammy Brindley
Your ‘write- in’ candidate for mayor of Tiki Island.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dear Friends & Neighbors
Dear Friends & Neighbors –
As you know by now, I am running as The Write-in Candidate for Mayor. My reasons for running against Phil Hopkins are that this island is ready for a change in administration. Since being encouraged to run by several of my friends, I have made a point to ask everyone I meet what changes they would like to see on Tiki. Almost without exception they are:
More transparency in government –Tammy wants more inclusion in island politics by monthly summation of meetings and budget updates. This could easily be done through the Tiki Islander and on the Tiki website.
Island beautification – Tammy understands this is a hard topic to address at this time when folks are trying hard to rebuild, repair and replant our devastated gardens. Many have for various reasons decided to sell and leave. Other folks have had their homes on the market for a long time without results. Some of this can be blamed on the nation’s overall economy. However, marketing Tiki and improving its ambiance would make a huge difference; cleaning up unimproved lots, removal of unlicensed vehicles, enforcing deed restrictions, beautifying such places as the entrance to Tiki and the sewerage area.
Roads are a big topic for discussion. Tammy believes more should be done to address this issue. Many folks have been left with standing water in their front yards and driveways. This has been caused by the way the roads have been repaired – either by spot resurfacing or just covering the entire road with a new surface, We can do better.
Promoting Tiki as a safe, friendly, beautiful place to live is essential to the quality of our lives and the types of residents we hope to attract. As Mayor I would encourage regular Town Hall Meetings to discuss issues and concerns. For a long time, many of us have felt “locked out” of the decision making on this island and this must change.
The recent town Hall meeting about the ESD was an eye-opener. Folks came out, voiced their questions, concerns and suggestions and it was all good. More of this is needed.
Please be sure to read the questions and answers from the candidate in the Galveston Daily News coming out later in the week.
If anyone would like a sign for their yard or a t-shirt, please contact us at TammyBrindley@gmail.com or call Dee Savoy at 713-203-9683. If you are receiving this email in error, you may unsubscribe from the Tiki Island Group by emailing jennifer@branditbandits.com.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Happy Easter friends and neighbors. I am pleased to report on the meeting last night concerning the Emergency Safety District (ESD) to be voted on May 9th. During my conversation with Charlie Everts several weeks ago, I expressed my disappointment with how information regarding this and other very important issues was being presented (or not ) to the residents of Tiki Island. I thought we deserved more than just the minimal notices required by law. It was this conversation that prompted Charlie to send a letter to everyone about the ESD and forthcoming open meeting. I am pleased to report that this meeting was well attended and very informative. Residents are interested in how their taxes are spent and in the community at large. I believe we need much more of this community discussion and input in the future especially as many more of the residents are becoming full time. As your mayor, I promise that the issues concerning us will be communicated openly and often. I will ensure that we use 21st century technology to keep our residents informed and up to date. Please stay tuned ……………………..read my blog on Monday!
Tammy Brindley
Your ‘WRITE IN’ choice for Mayor of Tiki Island
TammyBrindley@gmail.com
Tammy4mayor@blogspot.com
Tammy Brindley
Your ‘WRITE IN’ choice for Mayor of Tiki Island
TammyBrindley@gmail.com
Tammy4mayor@blogspot.com
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