Travis County Commissioners Court
December 18, 2007
Citizens Communication
Citizens communication is next. We have been asked to pull items 37 and 38 by the county attorney. And elections -- 37 and 38. By county attorney and elections. Citizens communication gives the opportunities to address the Commissioners court to any matter not on the agenda for up to three minutes. The first person to sign in today was jimmy castro. If he would come back, jimmy followed by reverend richard carter. If reverend carter would come forward, too. And -- and joe -- tome will be third. If I could get those two to come forward, also, six chairs. Reverend tome, also. Mr. Castro?
>> thank you, judge. Good morning, judge Biscoe, Commissioners, staph. Commissioners -- staff, I知 here to speak on my own behalf. The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing. There's a critical shortage of organ, tissues, eyes available for donation. There are more than 96,000 patients in the united states awaiting organ trans plantation. More than 7,000 are texans. Every few minutes a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list. Every day 17 people die waiting for a life saving organ transplant. In 2005 Texas lawmakers called for the creation of a state registry where people can indicate their intention to make an organ donation. State representative glenda dawson, herself a kidney transplant recipient, led the effort to create the registry. In 2007 Texas lawmakers changed the registry's name to the galindo dawson donate live Texas, in memory to promote organ, tissue and eye donation in Texas. Today the glenda dawson donate live Texas registry is the official state donor tissue and eye registry. The Texas department of state health services maintains the donor registry. Once you have decide the most important step is telling your family. Most americans support or began donation, but few have told their family members their decision to donate. Talking ima organ donation is talking about the opportunity for another person to have a second chance at life. You have the power to change someone's world by being an organ and tissue donor. It's about living, it's about life. It's the greatest gift of life one human being can give to another. Having spent time on a dialysis machine over a year, now being a kidney transplant recipient from brackenridge hospital since March 10th, 1990, especially with the help from doctors and nurses from brackenridge hospital, Austin diagnostic clinic, the north Austin medical center kidney transplant program, I along with my family know the true meaning of the gift of life. Thank you, judge, Commissioners.
>> thank you, mr. Castro.
>> if we could get david johnson to come fort at this time. Reverend carter.
>> my name is richard carter, a pastor of the best church in Austin, Texas, mount olive baptist church. Leader wit interfaith. I want to read this so I won't be tempted to preach this. I知 here today to ask the court to allocate an additional $300,000 to lift men and women out of poverty through capital idea. We all are here to urge you to take this action. In my ministry I am charged to care for the wkest in our community. As a christian it's my responsibility to be a good steward of god's blessings, helping people live a fruitful life. I can say with confidence that I believe capital idea is a program that deserves our tax investment and is a good steward of our resources. We know that we need --
>> [ applause ] -- we know that we needn't convince any of you of capital idea's effectiveness or its good work. The county's past investment has been a key factor in the successes. The study by the ray marshal center that the court commissioned has laid out very clearly and strongly that the participants of capital idea not only get a job, but they get a good job. We are here today to urge the court to use our tax dollars to expand the work we do. Capital idea reaches peoe of all poverty levels, we train people from every walk of life and background. We aren't saying that we are the only job training program that does good work. If the study showed evidence that other programs want additional funding, we hope that you will fund them, too. But we are making the argument that capital idea reaches a portion of the population that the court wants to reach. And we provide a real pass outs of poverty. The court has said publicly that it intends to invest more money in workforce development. We are very happy to hear that intentn. We urge you to do it now. We can't wait another year. There are unmet needs now. These dollars do not serve people by sitting in a reserve account.
>> [ applause ] put them into a program. Put them into a program that your own report shows works. Put them into capital idea, thank you.
>> [ applause ]
>> and would justin tigset.
>> tigred, sir.
>> please come forward. Yes, sir?
>> good morning. Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you on behalf of capital idea. My name is father joe tome, and pastor of
>> [indiscern church in south Austin. We have about 2,000 families that come from around the city, but primarily from south and southwest Austin. And I知 a leader with Austin interfaith and member of the capital idea board of directors. Capital idea serves a wide cross-section of the population of Travis County. Behind me I know -- some of the graduates of capital idea please raise your hand.
>> [ applause ] these are just me t h-- have taken advantage of capital idea. Capital idea takes in people who are high school dropouts, they can't speak english, have no job prospect or have trouble passing or just can't seem to get out of a dead end life. The only thing they must bring to the table at capital idea is their desire to have a job and a willingness to participate in their own training. In other words, they have to want it. After many years of doing this kind of work, we know that this approach works. Quite frankly, that's what the ray marshal study showed. That good results come from a program such as capital idea, because capital idea understands how to turn our tax dollars into meaningful training program, a good investment, that puts people to work. That is why I can confidently stand before you this morning and boldly ask, yes, boldly ask, request for $300,000 more
>> [ applause ] because I know -- because I know as do many others that capital idea works. Some of us met with you in the spring. You said you wanted to wait for the study before committing more funds to capital idea. Well, the study is in. And we need to make those investments now. It is only reasonable to suggest that more money be put into the program that shows the best results. We are pleased at capital idea to see the reports showing that capital idea graduates give a high return in investment of tax dollars. That's only good news for taxpayers, but it's great news for the greats as well.
>> [ applause ] graduates -- -- it means that they truly are lifted out of the cycle of poverty and could look for a bright future, not just for themselves but for the children to see what their parents have done. So it's some -- we waited, the report is out, now is the time to act. It's time to put more money into job training programs. Therefore we urge you to put $300,000 into the reserve account into capital idea. Put it into a program, my friends, where it can do the most good for the citizens of Travis County.
>> [ applause ]
>> y'all, it's about 9:40, goift to take my son to the pediatrician, I didn't want you all to think that I知 walking off the dais to not listen to the rest of it. I wanted to say I know that capital idea is a team player. Our goal to train up every able citizen in Travis County for their highest career potential. I know that you all are a team player in that. As team players I know that you are a very effective component of that goal, I know that you know that you are not the only effective component of that goal. To say that y'all are the program that shows the best results, I think is actually misleading of the results of the study. There are other fabulous programs out there as well who are also members of our team. Goodwill, skillpoint, several others. I know you all understand that. That we do want to increase our funding for workforce development. We want to do it mindfully, we don't want to do it on the basis of who is loudest. We want to do it on the basis of what's most effective and trains up the largest number of our citizens. I know that you share that goal, I知 asking you to recognize that that is our shared goal as well. So take my son to the pediatrician. I will be back.
>> we will need your seat after you finish speaking. Debbie johnson is next. She'll be followed by mr. Teget. He'll be followed by bryan harrington.
>> hennington. Okay. Gus pena will follow him. Reverend carter and tome we'll need those seats there. Our goal is to get through citizens communication as quickly as possible. Phillip a. Dick will follow mr. Pena. Ms. Johnson.
>> thank you for allowing me the chance to speak this risnu . Woul toshareit u partf hisday that I don't typically share withn here -- he n amful of people everyone gets to know my dirty little secrets. I have a felony conviction on my record. I grew up in idaho. And always wanted to be a nurse. Dropd ouofschoolnt would be the ninth grade. After my mother passed away. And I bega tak care of my two mentally retarded brothers. And at the age of 18, a thing aas rayes r that, I motous w chen. In about a year a ttge, asngrt-te jos a wa ad woith gave me a pneal. And capital idea was are criming miing me along the way that the past doesn't have toetney future. And -- and I -- I decided that I was going to be a nurse and I finallyhe chance. I was byecoe an vised not to - t healt wholedi dged of aso. The nursing board took almost six months to review my court documents and my s. Whendeded that they o w I frt of a panel, fore expln wh hadheould be trusted health registered nursend work at st. David's hospital.
>> [ apause
>> I know that there are --
>> 30 second.
>> that would nohave been possible without the support of allf you and capital k you.
>> [ applause ]
>> thank you, ms. Johnson. Mr. Tiget is next, followed by bryan hennington is here, gus pena, please come forward, last call. Phillip a. Dick, please come forward, last call. And jennifer gail. Those are the last three for citizens communication.
>> I want to take the opportunity for the Commissioners court allowing me to speak on this matter. My name is justin tiget, I知 30 age of age, a wife, two kid, I currently work for seton health care network as a business systems analyst. I would love to be able to just tell you that and end there and just to say that I知 continuing to do good service and support my community. Unfortunately my personal and professional life was not always as clear and stable as it is now. Through poor decisions I was responsible for a dwi collision that resulted in injuries which in turn resulted in me receiving a class c felony. Part of my punishment was to -- to be sanctioned to a del valle work release program. Capital idea accepted a 2000 knowing that this case was still pending and that the results would be during my cooperation with capital idea. They committed to support me in a.c.c.'s health care coding program, even though I would have to be in del valle and would require extra support. I recall one instance during a portion of my work release program that the correctional facility prevented me from bringing in school books and school work for fear of contraband issues. Apparently there was some -- some additional concerns that -- that the books, if they were hard backed, would cause injury or could be used as a weapon. And so some of the concerns were -- were supported. But through tireless efforts of capital idea staff, a.c.c. Faculty and the work release advisors we reached a compromise. I was able to bring in those course works and books around to continue my education using the supplied materials that capital idea helped purchase. When I was approached by capital idea to speak on their behalf, I was very humbled and honored. Capital idea helped me to motivate and mold me into the individual that I am today. I completely my course in 2002 and went on to work for seton in the coding area. I have gradually increased my responsibilities and education and am proud to say that in may I earned my bachelor's degree from Texas state.
>> [ applause ] due to the increase of costs and also for my obtaining the education, I received a 17% increase at seton. And this is enough now to support my family. To continue paying my restitution back. And to continue to be a good citizen. I can confident -- excuse me, I can confidently say that I may have never reached any of this expectation or goals if not for capital idea. They helped me realize that adversity does not define a person. It's how you overcome diversity. I thank you very much.
>> [ applause ]
>> thank you, keep up the good work.
>> yes, sir?
>> my name is bryan hennington, I知 glad to be here when I was asked to come. I had a very busy schedule. I also worked for the seton health care network and I had a very busy schedule, but ifers wanting to make it a point to be here. I felt that this was definitely a worthy cause. Part of my story is not as the others, but I am a single father, I have three kids to support. And prior to getting with capital idea, I went through a series of four layoffs. Those layoffs were pretty detrimental to my mental status in reference to how I approached life. I was pretty depressed. But when I looked at cap idea and I came across opportunity, that's what I like to say capital idea was an opportunity for me to get back to be a productive citizen. After experiencing those layoffs it kind of took my pride away. Being a part of the program, I saw capital idea had a huge network of resources when it come to child care, transportation, employment opportunities. Their network was so broad those resources allowed me to, first of all, feel confident that there was opportunities in front of me and a way to deal with my situation. Oftentimes when you have road blocks you tend to shy away. Well, capital idea helped me to move through those road blocks by removing them. I look at capital idea as a family oriented program that takes a personal approach. A hands-on approach. I知 sure that you are familiar with the situation where you have a -- a teach a man to fish, he will eat for a day. Well, I guess if you give a man a fish he will eat for a day, teach him how to fish, he will eat for a lifetime. I believe capital idea has taught me how to fish so that I can eat for a lifetime. I am currently full-time employed.
>> [ applause ] I have benefits, I have benefits now to take care of my children. Even before I finished the program I went through my fifth layoff, they were still supportive. I thank god for the program that capital idea has put together. I don't want to say that other programs are not effective because I have been a part of those programs and I never look a gift horse in the mouth. When people take time to invest in me, I知 thankful. However the program that capital idea has is more than I could mention. It is a family environment, of empowerment. I feel empowered. I feel there's nothing I can't do. I am working on my bachelor's, I haven't got it yet. But I知 working toward it. I feel encouraged based on the love and support that I receive from the capital idea. I知 proud to be a member and support the capital idea program. Thank you for your time.
>> [ applause ]
>> thank you.
>> judge, that has been very impressive comments made here today. And it really was -- I really would like to see the same enthusiasm go before the Austin city council. You are partners with us as far as funding some of the things that capital idea has been doing for many, many years. I like to see that enthusiasm. Don't let the grinch steal christmas.
>> [laughter] and but really things are in a festive, celebrative, giving attitude, I really feel that -- that this same demonstration of support should really go before the Austin city council, if you have not already done that.
>> we have done that.
>> we did it.
>> good, good.
>> so just want -- okay.
>> [laughter]
>> mr. Pena.
>> thank you.
>> [laughter]
>> mr. Pena.
>> good morning, judge, guess pena. I知 not here to speak for anybody or anybody's behalf like jimmy castro. One of the things we have been working on with the city, county, legislature is more funding for mhmr. Good article in the paper, mentally ill with nowhere to go but emergency room. We brought this before y'all before. A lot of people are going out on the streets without any kind of treatment for mhmr issues. One of the things that has resulted out of this, I知 glad bill whitmire is here tonight, I really applaud his organization and agency because it does a lot of help out there to the people in need, free counseling for veterans, samaritan counseling center, offers free counseling to afghanistan and iraq war veterans and their loved ones. Phone number 451-7336 hotline, 472-4357, very important because a lot of war veterans unlike education and training we the military veterans suffered a lot, also, we were wounded, came back frawmtized by the wars. Vietnam war veteran did not have anywhere to go but counseling. So anyway that is a good entity. Call bill whitmire, he's a good friend of mine, a good reference to go to if his agent can't help, anybody else can, they will. They will have a good track record. Crime is on the increase. Henry sector, where we live, your part Commissioner Gomez spoke to you about it, spoke to the chief, d.a., spoke to everybody, the judges, we have win of the highest crime rates in our area. And what we have done, I知 a former i.r.s. Investigator, what we have done is I致e pulled in former federal investigators and officers, former i.r.s. Investigators, also, retired, and we're on the streets with cameras taking license plate numbers and taking photos of the hoodlums and criminals. If I die, I die doing what I like to do, helping people working on safety and crime issues. This has to stop. I told the police chief and mayor and councilmembers last Thursday, you need to get more officers on the streets. This is not acceptable. Capital idea before the bell rings, please people christmas time, not just christmas time, visit the senior citizens at nursing homes. You go over there, it's going to break your heart whenever you see them, they are thankful for you visiting, saying a kind word, pray, take them presents. This is a real special time. Remember what christmas is all about. Not commercialism, presents, whatever, but the birth of our lord jesus christ. I知 not in politics, I will say that I praise god for being here today. I shouldn't have been here. Ronnie earle, good friend of mine retiring from the d.a.'s office. I helped him when he ran for state representative, a beard, in municipal court. I helped him when he ran for district attorney. A lot of good candidates running out there, we need to have a good d.a. That's going to be everybody and fight crime 100% and not let people that are innocent be incarcerated. There's a lot of prisoners in jail and state prison, wherever with mental health issues. We need to address this epidemic. 10 seconds more, judge, I don't take that much time. We need to help and get more funding for mhmr because it is very essential. This is epidemic. Kids, city of Austin I told them, keep the rec centers hope, keep them involved. Don't get them in gangs. Keep them involved in rec centers. Judge, Commissioners, merry christmas and happy new year. I agree with Commissioner eckhardt 100% what she said. Thank you
>> [ applause ]
>> good morning to the panel and to everyone. I am here, as you know, for my son, mr. Roosevelt hump hutchins, jr. With everybody's prayers and with judge whitmire's office, they signed my son's name up, too. They are praying for him. Mr. Coleman has taken my son's information and putting liven dangerment on my son. I知 hoping and rage that he -- d praying that he does be released to come home for christmas. I would love to have him home for christmas, that's my christmas wish. I went and met with some of the announce the here out to the parents of concerned inmates, my group. For the public who would like to attend to come and have mr. Barack obama to come and listen to my concerns about inmates. I did have a meeting with them. I addressed my son's concerns and everything with them. They wrote note, took notes and everything, they would like to meet with some of my group members to find out what is happening in Texas prison inmates about their loved ones. I will be typing up a date and information as to when we will be able to talk and let mr. Barack obama's representatives listen to our voices that even though little people and groups like ours voices be heard about our inmate loved ones, how they are being treated. No, ma'am just mine, but others as -- not only just mine, but others as well. Like he asked me, ms. Dick, are there any other I object mates that you -- other inmates that you know of going through the same thing that your son is going through. I told him yes, sir I have letters and I do. I have letters from other inmates stating death threats against their lives from wardens and guards and they talks about the criminal justice department. I feel that what is it the disciplinary court it should be abolished, too, just as the death penalty has be abolished. I feel that holds the inmate prisoners inside longer than actually they do their time. And I feel that that's a hindrance to that. This is what ms.
>> [indiscernible] and them representative kept about me. My son's life being endangerment. I understand from mr. Pena that mr. John whitmire himself has been trying to get in contact with me. Well, I知 having some money difficult tees and my phone service has been off. Mr. Whitmire I will come by your office today so I can find out what you were trying to get in contact with me for. I知 hoping and praying that it's the -- to bring my son home. I want to thank everybody for your prayers, sister, all at the saint mary's cathedral, everybody who has been praying for me and my family. I want to thank you all. You all have a wonderful new year and a happy christmas.
>> you, too, thank you.
>> oh, this is ms.
>> [indiscernible] our praying lady, they wanted to meet her, too.
>> thank you.
>> that is very wonderful news. Hello, Commissioners.
>> good morning.
>> Commissioner Gomez, Commissioner Daugherty, judge Sam Biscoe, sarah eckhardt, our prayers are with your son and I hope he gets better, and my own Commissioner Ron Davis, we're all basking in our county attorneys, of course, I need your help, no. I知 -- as we bask in the glow of kwanzaa -- I知 sorry chanukah, having recently been finished as we get ready to enjoy the principles of kwanzaa, I want to wish you all a merry christmas. Feliz navid __
>> [ _ singing __ ] a-ha! I知 here to talk about our -- our need for a brand new sheriff. There's -- as far as I know, neither the democrats nor republicans or libertarians have entered a candidate in the race for sheriff. I致e come before this court on occasions to talk about how filthy and dirty it is. You can see writing all over the walls, urine everywhere. We have got to have a brand new sheriff. All you need to do, any one of the members here in the Commissioners court can do this, is run for sheriff because you only need to be 18 years of age. Anyone in the Travis County area can run for sheriff. And I知 asking that we replace our sheriff December desperately. Horrible, horrible things happen every day and every hour in our jails and from our sheriffs, in the library here. The law library. There was a sheriff that came in, the man was clearly mentally ill and needed a state or county local help for his illness, he totally hit the door. Did not treat him at all very well. People going into our system face nurses that are abhorrent to the needs, medical needs, they involved in people having their medications taken away. You can sit right in front of the jail and learn these things. They are tore risk and all of the -- they are horrific, all of the inmates you can ask them what happened when you were in there. I知 asking that someone in the -- in the Travis County area that's 18 or older run for sheriff of Travis County. We need that kind of -- we need professionalism. I知 begging anyone out there to run for sheriff, we've got to have someone that what kindness and love and aware of the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty. We don't treat people like they are innocent until proven guilty. I would also like to address Austin interfaith. At no time had they invited me to any one of their candidate meetings as I致e been running all of these years, not once. I知 asking
>> [beeping] that -- that this be looked into by our city, county attorney, david escamilla to investigate possible 501 c infractions. But as I wish you a merry christmas, happy new year. I would like to ask you? Do you know what time of year it is? __ it's the most wonderful time of the year __ _ with the children jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer, it's the most wonderful time of the year __
>> merry christmas to you.
The Closed Caption log for this Commissioners Court agenda item is provided by Travis County Internet Services. Since this file is derived from the Closed Captions created during live cablecasts, there are occasional spelling and grammatical errors. This Closed Caption log is not an official record the Commissioners Court Meeting and cannot be relied on for official purposes. For official records please contact the County Clerk at (512) 854-4722.
Last Modified:
Wednesday, December 19, 2007, 18:30 AM