Friday, May 14, 2010

City Election Results

Congratulations to the following Irving City Council Officials:

Place 1: Mike Gallaway
Place 2: Roy Santoscoy
Place 7: Sam Smith v. Gerald Farris

I hope everyone got out and voted this past Saturday. I was stationed at MacArthur High School with several local Fire Fighters supporting Roy Santoscoy. It was a great experience to say that I was part of a real change that happened in Irving. I just want to reiterate the fact that everyone can get involved in local politics. Remember to stand your ground, and be true to your beliefs. It's amazing what can happen.

I will be attending the next work session to see all of the newly elected officals in action. I'll keep you posted.

Friday, May 7, 2010

City Elections are Tomorrow

Hey Irvingites, make sure to come out and vote for Place 1, 2 and 7 City Council seats tomorrow. Also, there are four city proposals to vote on.
I will be out helping Roy Santoscoy. If you are interested in getting involved in someone's campaign, please contact me personally at taelerdehaes@yahoo.com .
I'll see you at the polls.

May 8, 2010
Voting hours are from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the following locations:

Thomas Haley Elementary
3601 Cheyenne St.

A.S. Johnston Elementary
2801 Rutgers Dr.

MacArthur High School
3700 N. MacArthur Blvd.

L.B. Barton Elementary
2931 Conflans Rd.

Irving High School
900 N. O'Connor Rd.

J.R. Good Elementary
1200 E. Union Bower

Otis Brown Elementary
2501 W. 10th St.

Lee Britain Elementary
631 Edmondson Dr.

Cimmaron Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail

Mustang Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway

J.O. Davis Elementary
310 Davis Dr.

Sally B. Elliot Elementary
1900 S. Story Rd.

Fire Station No. 8
650 E. Las Colinas Blvd.

Grand Prairie Fire Station No. 8
3017 Roy Orr Blvd.
Grand Prairie

Coppell Town Center
255 Parkway Blvd.
Coppell

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Defining Ourselves

When defining ourselves, we often believe what we force our minds to see. We act as we are perceived, and to set yourself apart for the positive is nearly unheard of in our teenage years. Sometimes, we are unable to face up to our beliefs, and we live in lies; lies that keep us in denial. While living in a lie, we can do anything we want, because we are forced to act as others feel is necessary. We lose ourselves, and we lose those around us. It takes courage and strength to fight for what you believe in, and to remain faithful to your beliefs is not always simple. True character shows when nobody is watching.

As we are all growing up, we may wonder how to characterize ourselves as either a Republican, Democrat or Independent. What does it all mean? While focusing on non-partisan local politics is the basic foundation in understanding politics, lets focus on the next step in this blog.

We are given so many terms to follow: Conservative, Liberal, Right and Left. Sure, it is easy to simply agree with the person sitting next to you or your parents, but you should understand what you are in agreement with. Otherwise, ignorance is displayed, and that is what I'm trying to prevent. Take a dive into this quiz, and go beyond simply “red and blue”.

http://typology.people-press.org/typology/


Always remain faithful to yourself. Sometimes, we have to divorce our minds from what we see, and what is real.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Roy Santoscoy - Place 2 Candidate

Check out the following video to create your own thoughts on Mr. Santoscoy. His motto is "Common courtesy. Common ground. Common sense." Let me know if you have any questions or would like to get involved in his campaign.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Earling Voting in Irving

Don't forget, we've got elections in Irving coming up on May 8. Here is a quick glance at who is running.

Place 1 at Large:
Trini Gonzalez
Mike Gallaway


Place 2 at Large:
Roy Santoscoy
Tom Spink

Place 7 at Large:
Kim Limberg
Sam Smith
Gerald Farris


Tom Spink is having an earling voting party in Centennial Park with free hot dogs. Come out and celebrate, and you can get to know the candidate. I'll keep you posted if any other election events take place. Also, if you want to help any member campaign, please let me know.

taelerdehaes@yahoo.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Texas Stadium - A Bitter Sweet Farewell

This past Sunday, Irving witnessed a bitter sweet “goodbye” to Texas Stadium. This was the home of the five time Super Bowl winners, the Dallas Cowboys. Known as “America's Team”, they had played here since 1971.

The stadium was imploded at 7:02am on Sunday, April 11. As sad as it was, keeping this building up and running was costing the city around $200,000 dollars. The three highways around the stadium, 114, 183, and Loop 12, known as the “tear drop”, are undergoing major construction and development. This state project will cost around $500 million; therefore, the implosion was more that necessary.

Irving is not entirely sure of what will take the place of the stadium. Ideas thus far are ranging from an indoor snowboarding arena to an exquisite outlet mall to a place to put Irving car dealerships. I will keep you posted.


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Wait, what is in that Health Care bill?!

Now that Obama has hit his all time low of a 44% approval rating, lets see how much money he is spending on this “wonderful” health care bill. I've broken the bill down so that there will be no discrepancies for anyone, and I've thrown in a few major topics that are covered.

Republicans: No Republicans voted for the bill
Democrats: 34 Democrats voted against the measure
(Sorry Sir, but you cannot lead a country bi-partisan. This is a democracy. Can you please represent all of us? Thank you for your concern.)

32 Million: The estimated number of currently uninsured Americans who will receive coverage under the bill

$940 billion
: The estimated cost of health care reform over the next 10 years

$143 billion
: The estimated reduction in the deficit from the bill over the next 10 years

$53 billion: The portion of the $143 billion in deficit reduction that comes from social security payroll taxes that eventually will be paid out in the form of retirement benefits.

$70 billion
: The portion of the $143 billion in deficit reduction that comes from premiums to be collected as part of a new government-run, long-term care program for the elderly. These premiums eventually will be paid out in the form of benefits.

$88,000: New health insurance subsidies would be provided to families of four making up to $88,000 annually, or 400 percent of the federal poverty level

Pre-existing conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Age 26: Insurers would be required to provide coverage for non-dependent children up to age 26

Doughnut Hole: Under current law, Medicare stops covering drug costs after a plan and beneficiary have spent more than $2,830 on prescription drugs. It starts paying again after an individual’s out-of-pocket expenses exceed $4,550. Called the doughnut hole, it will be closed by 2020.


$695 or 2.5%: The potential amount of a fine if you fail to purchase health care insurance. Starting in 2016, Individuals would be required to purchase coverage or face a fine of up to $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater. The plan includes a hardship exemption for poorer Americans.

50 employees: Companies with more than 50 employees would be required to pay a fee of $2,000 per worker if the company does not provide coverage and any of that company’s workers receives federal health care subsidies. The first 30 workers would be subtracted from the payment calculation.

Abortion: In a deal with conservative Democrats, President Obama will sign an Executive Order “that will reaffirm its consistency with longstanding restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortion.” The order can be rescinded by President Obama or any future president at any time, for any reason.

0.9%: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) tax rate would be increased by 0.9 percent, to 2.35 percent.

$16 billion: The amount drug manufacturers would pay the US between 2011 and 2019.

$47 billion: Health insurers would pay $47 billion over the same period.

2.9% excise tax: Medical device manufacturers would pay a 2.9 percent excise tax on the sale of any of their products beginning January 1, 2013.

Tanning Tax: Health care reform establishes a tax of 10 percent on indoor tanning services. This would raise $2.7 billion between 2010 and 2019. As fare as we know, getting a tan outside is still free.

$132 billion: Government payments to Medicare Advantage would be reduced by $132 billion over 10 years.

Flexible Spending Accounts: The maximum amount you can set aside pre-tax for health care costs in a flexible spending account will be reduced from $5,000 to $2,500.

46%: The percentage of Americans in favor of health care reform, according to a Wall Street Journal-NBC News poll.

45%: The percentage of Americans against the bill according to the same poll.

36%: The percentage of Americans who think the bill is a “good idea,” according to the same poll.







The following facts were found through CNN, American Polls, New York Times and USA Today.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Have a little piece of Irving delivered to you.

Throughout the course of this blog, I have shown ways to get involved in all aspects of Irving's local government. Now, I've found a way to have this information delivered to your e-mail as well.

Sign up for the "All About Irving" newsletter. All you have to do is type in your e-mail address, and select the information in the city that you are most intrigued about. The topics cover City Council meeting dates, library events, job opportunities and any other event going on in the city. This information is free to obtain and accurate. Make sure to check it out.





Go to www.cityofirving.org for more information.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Hang out with your friends at the Lively Pointe Youth Center.

If you haven't yet made it out to the Lively Pointe Youth Center, you are missing out on a great opportunity to have fun, make new friends that share common interests and learn what is happening right here in Irving. This 23,000 square foot facility is designed for kids ranging from 12 to 18. The center is fully equipped with a gymnasium, classrooms, fitness center, cantina and lounge area, theater and gaming area. Oh, and who doesn't love free Pizza? You can also grab a bite to eat while hanging out.

The youth center hosts events such as t-shirt designing, basketball tournaments, scrap booking, playing guitar hero and poetry reading. As this center is next to the skate park, there is excellent supervision and special events held there.



The Lively Pointe Youth Center is located at 909 N O'Connor Rd, and directly across from Irving High School.




All events are sponsored by the Irving Youth Action Council.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Care to know what is going on in your city?

"March 30 | Town Hall Meeting: Voice of the Customer"

Join the City of Irving for a Town Hall Meeting to learn about ongoing and future city projects and initiatives. The meeting is scheduled for March 30 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. Project displays will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Attending such events will keep you updated on what Irving is doing to make our community better. You will also learn ways to help out.


The presentation will provide an update on key initiatives such as:

Public Safety
Code enforcement
Neighborhood improvements
Beautification efforts
Economic development

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation. For more information, call (972) 721-7600.

Health Care Reform

While I do focus primarily on local politics, this Health Care Reform bill is a major issue. This has a huge possibility of becoming a law and effecting all of our lives. Until I post my opinion on this, please check out the link below to answer any questions you have reguarding this bill.

http://www.healthreform.gov/


Let me know if you have any other questions.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Community Service at the Library

I would like to inform all of you that the Central Public Library in Irving is hosting an Anime Movie Night at 7pm. If you attend or help with this event, you will receive community service hours.

If you have any questions, contact Allison Jenkins at ajenkins@cityofirving.org.





801 W. Irving Blvd.
Irving, TX
75060

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Will car dealerships along Hwy 183 go out of business?

This past week, I had the pleasure to attend a meeting at the La Cima Club in Las Colinas over the Highway 183 Acquisition. Members were made up of the Irving Mayor, State Representative Linda Harper Brown, City Council Members and business owners. This highway is under a major expansion project through the state of Texas which is concerning to multiple businesses along the highway. 183 will be expanded to eighteen lanes; thus, businesses will be forced to move.

Business owners are claiming that the trees are getting in the way of their advertisement signs. They want them cut down for more promotion. With Irving broadcasting the "Go Green" phenomena,this would be hypocritical. Thus, Irving is enforcing 30 feet prior to the businesses for landscaping. The landscaping is key to most people. Irving is trying to clean up 183 to compete with President George Bush Turnpike and Highway 30 through Arlington. We are trying to attract people to Irving.

The mayor is suggesting we move all of the dealerships to a central location where Texas Stadium will be imploded. This idea is currently being analyzed and discussed among the City Council.



I will keep you posted on the results and progress of this construction.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Yes, the Library is part of local government.

Hey guys. While I was off of school yesterday due to the TAKS test, I was still being productive. I sat in on a Young Adult's Action Council (YAAC) meeting at the Central Public Library. Here, I was able to find out some great ways to get involved through the local library while getting some last minute bundles of community service hours.

This group ranges from Freshmen to Seniors throughout the Irving ISD campuses. To join, show up at the next meeting on Wednesday, April 7, at 4:30pm. New members are always welcome. Their focus is to bring students to the library while having a great time. They host movie nights, gaming marathons and even have an anime club. Attending any of these events can earn you hours, as well as reading any book of your choice. For example, if it takes you ten hours to read a book, you will recieve ten hours of service. It's a great deal, and you're learning all at the same time.

I will be updating you on events that partake at the library. Check back for more details.


If you have any immediate questions, please email me at taelerdehaes@yahoo.com or one the sponsors, Mrs. Jenkins at ajenkins@cityofirving.org.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Make Sure to Vote in the Texas Primaries Today!

Today are the Texas Primaries. This is a chance to narrow the selection to one Republican and Democratic candidate for the official governor's election in November. Here are the following candidates:

Republicans:
Rick Perry
Kay Bailey Hutchison
Debra Medina

Democrats:
Bill White
Farouk Shami


She's got my support.

What are voting requirements?
1. You must be 18 by election date
2. not convicted of a felony
3. not declared mentally incompetent by a court of law

How can I register?
1. Register with the Department of Public safety when you renew you license
2 register in person at the country Voter Registrar's office
3. register by mail at www.sos.state.tx.us
4. you must be at least 17 years and 10 months of age
5. the applicant must be received in the Voter Registrar's office or postmarked 30 days
before an election for you to be eligible to vote in that election

Commonly asked questions that every voter should know:
Q: Where do I vote?
A: Polling are usually listed in your local newspapers in the weeks before the election. Call your
County Clerk, Country Elections Administrator, or political subdivision conducting the
election in order to find your polling location.
Q: What is “early voting”?
A: “Early voting” is a way to cast your ballot before Election Day either in person or by mail.


Click on this link and register. Keep in mind that every vote counts, and this is a free process.
http://www.dalcoelections.org/

Monday, February 8, 2010

Is anyone interested in being the future voice of your community?

The Management Operations team at the Irving City Council Office is searching for students interested in an Internship position. These students need to be atleast a Senior in one of the Irving high schools. I've been the first Intern that Irving has ever had, and I love it. You will be able to work as a part of all of the teams that local government is apart of. These teams range from Zoning and Construction to "Going Green". I promise that there will be no filing or boring paper work. You will be apart of all major functions, such as the State of the City Address and Team Meetings. A private office will be given to ensure a pleasant work environment.
If you see a future in government or want a better perspective on what Irving is all about, this job is perfect. This job has created bonds with officials and representatives that I know can help me out for college and the rest of my life. The whole team is supportive and works well with my schedule. You can chose if you want community service hours or a pay check. Either way, this is a great opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow.

Contact Sheila Hupp at shupp@cityofirving.org or Teresa Adrian at tadrian@cityofirving.org
If you have any questions for me, you may contact me at intern@cityofirving.org


Taeler

P.S. - To "Bright Design", I'm thankful for supporters like yourself. You keep me going.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Even I Am "Going Green" in Irving

Hey kiddos. I've found some great opportunities for you to get involved at any age. All of the following events are supported through Irving's City Council and community members.



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1. Be a "Blue Bag Buddy".
This is for the recycler in you. Anybody that is wanting to promote curb side recycling can sign up for this program. You will receive a "Blue Bag" promotion kit featuring pins, buttons, a tee shirt, flyers and other goodies to show off your passion. Sign up with a friend or an organization to make your experience more of an impact.
http://www.ci.irving.tx.us/solid-waste-services/blue-bag-buddy.html



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2. Irving Master Composter Training Program
This program is for all ages. Sign up online. You will learn the basics of composts, how to make it, and the fundamentals of your backyard's dirt. You will even be digging though the landfill in Irving. This program is absolutly hands on for those of you that really want to make a difference. It costs $20 for training, but this will be refunded for those that make it through training. This team meets on Saturdays. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
http://www.ci.irving.tx.us/solid-waste-services/master-composter.html




I hope you all will take full advantage of these materials. All it takes is a few clicks with your mouse to create real change. Keep in mind, change can be hoped for. Untill change is seen, there will continue to be a lack of motivation. Make the difference.