In the 2017 legislative session, Texas lawmakers considered numerous bills aimed at limiting the ability of local governments to pass ordinances regulating private property. One of these bills addressed short-term rentals (STRs). According to the Texas Tribune, proponents of SB451 (the Senate bill addressing STRs), said that the bill “would protect homeowners from strict local…
For thirteen days in early 1836, the Mexican army laid siege to the Alamo. When the battle had ended, nearly two hundred brave Texans were dead. “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying for the Texas army, and less than two months later, Texas had secured its independence. Perhaps more than any other event in Texas…
In mid-January, the Greater Houston Partnership held its annual meeting. Incoming board chair, Marc Watts called upon members to be more “civically engaged.” He said that business leaders have important values to contribute to the political process. And one of those values is the willingness to compromise. The third value is the willingness to compromise….
Cronyism is the exchange of political favors for political support. Voters and donors scratch the backs of politicians, and the politicians reciprocate by supporting legislation favorable to the voters and donors. In most instances (but not all) the political favors involve placing restrictions on how others may use their property. For example, low-income voters (and…
On Christmas Eve 2017, a property owner in Victoria had two large oak trees removed. Victorians immediately protested and sought to stop the tree removal. One Victorian, Doris Santiago, said, “These oak trees are an integral part of our history. And for them to do this the morning before Christmas, it’s morally wrong.” Such moral…
Both “progressives” and conservatives embrace the crony ideology. That they apply that ideology differently is merely a matter of detail. So, what is the crony ideology? The essence of the crony ideology is the belief that government force should be used to compel or prohibit certain actions. Every act of cronyism ultimately rests on this…
In recent years, individuals from across the political spectrum have condemned cronyism. Former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, once remarked that she felt sad “for the American people, who have had their lives affected by the culture of cronyism and corruption that exists in Washington.” Current Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, similarly denounced…
Residents in Victoria recently sought to expand the city’s preservation ordinance to include trees. They want to prevent property owners from removing trees. The Victoria Advocate reports: [Bernard] Klimist, who has run a law firm from a historic building he renovated on Santa Rosa Street since 1991, said the property owner’s rights must be tempered…