Read his statement in the Star-Telegram.
I found Ric Williamson’s quote very interesting if not hypocritical. He says he doesn’t want any scandals and told highway firms not to invite he or his staff to dinner. Well, they have one such event coming up Feb 22! A public-private partnership already running amock is the San Antonio Mobility Coalition (or SAMCO See who’s “drinking” at the public trough here.). It’s partially tax-funded yet represents the private interests of 70 companies, who, you guessed it, build or finance highways! I received the email below from one of our County Commissioners that confirms SAMCO is having a dinner reception to “thank” the Transportation Commission, essentially, for bringing toll road revenues to San Antonio companies. If Williamson is truly concerned about appearances of impropriety or the granting of special favors for the companies that make-up SAMCO, perhaps he should be urged to cancel this “thank you” reception.
And what about the “scandal” of the Transportation Commission suing our own Attorney General to keep the TTC I-35 contract secret from the public? Williamson takes us for fools if he thinks the public doesn’t see this as a scandal and government getting too cozy with private special interests (at the expense of the public good).
CDA’s are nothing more than NO BID, secret, corporate welfare contracts:
AG SAYS CDA MUST BE MADE PUBLIC AFTER HOUSTON CHRON REQUEST
CINTRA SUES AG LAWSUIT TO KEEP CDA A SECRET
“CDA’s will reduce the cost that you all – will have to bear” –statement by Phillip Russell, Director of TxDOT’s Turnpike division as he addressed the Jan 17th audience full of private corporations including Halliburton and the City of Weatherford (Williamson’s hometown).
______________________
—–Original Message—–
From: Victor Boyer [mailto:vboyer@samobilitycoalition.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 11:58 AM
Subject: SAVE THE DATE! 2/23/06 San Antonio/Bexar County Delegation Presentation
SAMCo Members and Interested Individuals:
Please join us in Austin February 22-23, 2006 as we:
Honor and thank members of the Texas Transportation Commission for their important contributions to resolving mobility issues in our state.
Provide our annual update on San Antonio/Bexar County transportation projects and needs to the Texas Transportation Commission
The events begin with a reception in honor of the Commissioners on February 22, 6:00 pm at Serranos Cafe & Cantina. The Delegation presentation is scheduled for 9:00 am on February 23.
Registration deadline is January 20, 2006 and seating is limited! Please fax back the attached registration form to Jessica Casarez at (210) 229-1600.
Please contact me at (210) 229-2125 if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Vic Boyer