Posted on 11/03/2007 2:52:13 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
AUSTIN — Two state lawmakers are requesting formal inquiries into whether the Texas Department of Transportation is improperly spending money on advertising.
Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, question whether an estimated $7 million to $9 million TxDOT is spending on its "Keep Texas Moving" campaign is a proper use of resources. The lawmakers have asked Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick look into the matter.
Paxton said he is concerned that the transportation department is spending the money to argue its case before the public in response to lawmakers' questions about projects such as tollways and the Trans-Texas Corridor.
"We are potentially curtailing their ability to do tollways and maybe push forward the Trans-Texas Corridor," Paxton said. "It appears that now they are trying to lobby the public to be favorable towards these particular issues, and I'm not sure that's a really good use of taxpayer money."
A TxDOT spokesman said the advertising campaign is legal and done in response to demands from lawmakers and the public for more information.
"We will not solve the transportation challenges facing Texas without public involvement and public input," spokesman Randall Dillard said.
Patrick said he is worried TxDot has overstepped its role by lobbying for public support.
"My concern is that Texas agencies, including TxDOT, have exceeded the proper role of state government and, potentially, their legal authority provided by state law," Patrick wrote in a letter to Dewhurst.
For fiscal year 2008, state agencies are expected to spend about $100 million for advertising, publications and promotional items, according to the state comptroller's office. All state agencies together spent $97.8 million in 2006 and $93.3 million in 2007.
Trans-Texas Corridor PING!
As much as I agree with the apparent misuse of tax dollars to soften up the publics view on the issue and preparing those for the inevitable landgrabbing and toll roading of our state, much less the security and soverienty issues along with it...
The “Don’t Mess with Texas” TV advertising was probably done with the same channeling of fundage from their budget...
I recall hearing years ago the Ghost Squadrons B-17 crew talking about how the check came from the state (TxDOT) for their participation in that neat ad they put out...
The effort to oppose this TTC project should be one to re-polorize the issue...
Do we want to hand over Texas highways to foriegn interests, with all the security and sovereinty issues???
Or can we find a better way to keep the money making idea away from those that don’t care about the above, just to save a few minutes on your commutes???
This is starting to look more like a lose/lose situation to me, and they are holding all the cards...
Just look at the Texas Transportation Code...Its already finished with the inclusion of all the applicable sections and guidlines for moving ahead with the TTC project, and no one could stop that boring and under the radar work in the last two-three years...
BTTT
Local musicians with cute, bluesy jingles for the 130 project.
Some little claymation surfer dude that sits on the dash of your car, imploring you to *take the toll* Expect to be tolled if you come this way in the future.
Funny, doing Austin seems to be like preaching to the choir in many ways...
I’m not so sure they’d get away with it by showing the ads in Houston just yet...
Dallas would be the next logical exposure market...
But why should I give them any more ammo...
I got plenty, and I am a happy miser! I ain’t given them any of my stuff!!!
Dangit!
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