Coterie Games

From 2010 05 Coterie Games

"Coterie" is an organization of Richardson-area friends who get together three times a year for dinner and entertainment. The theme and activity for each occasion varies. The May 2010 Coterie party's theme was "Coterie Games." For a slide show of festivities, click here.

28 Square

There's a new blog in town, "28 Square," covering all things Richardson by multiple bloggers. From it's "About" page:

"28 Square is your one stop blog for everything Richardson. Sure, we’re all a little bit biased here but the good news is with 8 different viewpoints you’re bound to learn something new about the city you call home. So bookmark us, read us, argue with us and finally agree with us (because just ask our loved ones, we’re always right) and be ready to discover something new within these 28 square miles of Richardson.

Check it out: 28 Square.

Another Loophole In Texas Open Meetings Act

Recently, I've had reasons to be disappointed with the Texas Open Meetings Act. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." The Attorney General doesn't say that, in practice, there are enough loopholes to keep the working of government just as opaque as the office holders want it to be. The law is one of those reforms that promises more than it delivers. A more cynical person might think that's not entirely accidental. (I know what you're asking yourself. Who is more cynical than me? Hey, I can be a hopemonger, too.)

My earlier disappointments are spelled out here and here. After the jump, today's lesson.

A Sour Note In Richardson

The City of Richardson supports the arts. Kinda. Sometimes. Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival opens Friday night in Richardson's Galatyn Park. There will be thousands of music fans attending concerts by the likes of the B-52s and American Idol finalist Casey Jones. This is a big effin' deal, to coin a phrase.

After the jump, the one sour note...

Another Thing I Hate About Texas Open Meetings Act

It promises more than it delivers. The Texas Open Meetings Act is one of those good intentions that doesn't work out as well in practice. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." In practice, a lot of things still happen behind the curtains.

After the jump, news about Richardson's Lookout Drive Transfer Station.

What I Hate About Texas Open Meetings Act

The Texas Open Meetings Act is one of those good intentions that doesn't work out as well in practice. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." In practice, the Texas Open Meetings Act sometimes does just the opposite.

After the jump, the transcript from the May 10 Richardson City Council meeting.

Election Leftovers

On May 8, Richardson voters approved four bond proposals totalling $66 million. The proposals all passed by comfortable margins, but smaller than any Richardson bond election in memory. There are different explanations for the smaller than usual margins, from growing resistance to tax increases in general, to the tough economy in particular, to a protest against perceived failings of city staff and city council, to doubts about some of the projects themselves. I voted for the bonds, but that doesn't mean I don't still have a few reservations myself.

After the jump, my top three issues remaining as the smoke of the election campaigning clears.

CityArts Festival At Fair Park

From 2010 05 Fair Park

It was Mother's Day. How better to spend the day than wandering Dallas' Fair Park at the CityArts Festival? The annual event showcases cultural, performing, visual and culinary arts. There are over 200 artists who exhibit (and sell) their fine art. There are cooking demonstrations and samplings. There's music at any of several stages. And there are enough food concessions to get you stuffed and keep you that way all day. It was our first time to see the "dancing water" show choreographed to music at the Esplanade Fountain. It's not the Bellagio fountain show in Las Vegas, but what is?

On the negative side, the weather wasn't the best -- overcast and cool and breezy. But if the crowds stayed away, so did the rain. A good time was had by all.

To see more photos, click here.

Richardson and RISD Election Results

Update: May 11, 2013:
To anyone landing here looking for election results from 2013:
Laura Maczka was elected mayor.
RISD will have a runoff election between Rachel Chumney and Lanet Greenhaw.

Update: June 15, 2013:
To anyone landing here looking for election results from the June 15, 2013, RISD run-off election, look here.

2010 results are after the break.

---

All 4 Richardson bond proposals pass by about 4-3 margins. Voters want streets, parks, rec center, pool & fire station.

Two incumbents re-elected in RISD school board elections. Kris Oliver wins open seat. Voters want more of same from the largest, most diverse "Recognized" district in Texas.

Complete election results can be found at the official Dallas County Elections website. The data after the jump is extracted from there.

Play In May. On To Area

From 2010 04 HS Baseball

All three Richardson ISD high schools advanced this week in the Texas UIL high school baseball playoffs, each winning game 3 of their 3-game bi-district series against Garland ISD schools. Richardson beat South Garland 5-2, Berkner beat Lakeview Centennial 5-0, and Lake Highlands beat Rowlett 4-0. The area round of the playoffs will be played next weekend. Congratulations to all for continuing to ... Play in May!

For more photos, click here.