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.

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.





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





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.

Who Wants to be a Fire Fighter?

Last week, I interviewed the Fire chief, Mr. Mario Molina. My mentor requested that I interview him because he plays a very important key role in local government. He is the head chair for all of the fire stations in Irving, TX. This man is a prime example of showing excellence in our community. He claims, “I've wanted to be a firefighter since I was six years old.” Growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, he described watching the firefighters from afar in admiration.
After growing up in Chicago, he moved back to Mexico for an Engineering Degree. Not satisfied, he came to Dallas to “give back to [his] community” and become a firefighter.



Now, my purpose of this interview was not only to boast about Irving's exceptional fire department. I am here to help my community get involved. I would like to give a special shout out to Daniel at MacArthur High School. I hope you will use these resources to your advantage.


Involvements
Toys for Tots: Every year, Irving ISD looks through the financial records of their students to see who is financially needy. All of the fire stations in Irving are acting as toy drives. Just bring toys by at any time, and these will be dispersed among the families that are in need of a wonderful Christmas.

“Fill the Boot”: You may have seen firefighters alongside highways and major streets holding a boot. Well, I assure you that these men are legit. All of the proceeds will be donated to charities sponsoring muscular dystrophy. This begins in the Spring. If you would like, you can pick up a boot, and bring it to your school or office to help them cover more ground.

KIDS WANTING TO BECOME FIREFIGHTERS: Contact Irving ISD at the Ad Building or Irving High School. They are currently hosting an EMT program where kids partner with the Irving Fire Department. This counts as a college credit class and prepares you for working directly after high school.

Contact your local fire station for more details on all of these activities.

Did Obama Deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?

Well Liberals, looks like we've learned a lesson: Never elect a “celebrity” as President. Obama is not even a year into his Presidency and his approval rate has rapidly declined to %49. An October 1-5 Associated Press poll showed that %56 of Americans approved of Obama's job performance. A September 17-20 NBC/Wall Street Journal poll found that only half of all Americans backed his handling of foreign policy. But wait, Britain, Germany, France, and Spain love it. They approve over %57. To all of you Bush bashers, he was at an %81 approval thus far into his Presidency, leading former President Clinton at %76 percent, according to Fox News. These two former presidents had the love of their representing country.

This past Thursday, December 10, Obama was presented the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. The Nobel Peace Prize winner is chosen by a five-member committee of lawmakers elected by the Norwegian parliament. Specially appointed advisers weigh in. More than a year before the prize is awarded, the Nobel committee seeks nominations from members of governments and international courts, heads of universities, academics and previous Nobel laureates. Self-nominations are not allowed. The nomination deadline is in February. The committee makes its final vote in October. The winner is determined by a simple majority vote.

While this may sound legit, Obama was not even nominated until less than two weeks before elections. He had not yet made it into Presidency. So, Nobel Peace Prize committee, you selected a nominee based off of his public speaking abilities and promises rather than accomplishments. “We felt that he finally gave hope to America,” stated a committee member. Well, personally I have never felt more hopeless. This prize is only feeding his global personality which does not help him politically. Can we focus on the approval of America before the rest of the world, please? Congratulations, Mr. Obama. Must be nice to just have things handed to you. Oh America, it's okay. He is giving his 1.4 million dollar prize money to charity. Of course this justifies everything.

While Mr. Obama seemed to promise us so much, lets take a look at what he has really accomplished.

He banned extreme interrogation techniques for terrorists. Well, I do believe that if we have prove a man to be a terrorist, why not interrogate? He also promised to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a task with difficulties that have Obama headed to miss his own January 2010 deadline. He said he would end the Iraq war. All he did was lessen the amount of forces sent to Iraq. He has pushed for new efforts to make peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. I haven't seen this goal taken off at all yet. His administration is talking to U.S. foes, such as Iran, North Korea and Cuba. Once again, when was this supposed to happen?He pledged to take the lead against climate change. Although, the U.S. seems likely to head into December's crucial international negotiations in Copenhagen with Obama-backed legislation.

Thanks for reading. I'll keep you all posted on the United Nations Copenhagen meeting. I'd like to give the facts on Global Warming. Plus, I've got a few internship opportunities for those of you around the metroplex. Just keep checking in.

Time for a Refresher

Over the course of my Independent Studies' Career, I have lived, learned, and retained. I have interviewed local political officials in several states, talked to multiple government bound graduates, and attended many work sessions and City Council meetings. With all of this said, I have taken some time away from my blog to dissect what is poor and implement the necessities. Keep in mind that this blog is not only for your amusal, but it is my product that I want to see grow. I need this to reflect my passion and persistence for delivering what is important to those reading this and to my intended audience: my generation.

Brainstorming for several weeks, I have concluded that local government is affecting our every day lives, habits, and activities more so than the President ever could. Thus, my focus will be towards the ignorance of my generation. I want my peers to know that change is easily accessible if they reach out just a bit further. I have decided to shorten that reach by giving kids ways to get involved with local politics. This can entail hosting events, putting up signs, supporting a local campaign, or joining a district party. Yes, I will still cover stories of importance on national levels, but I do not want my blog to be intimidating. I'm delivering the message of, "If I can do it, so can you." I feel as though it is up to me to induce this change, and I have taken on this challenge.

Taeler De Haes

Explain to me the value of a college degree.

Hey guys! I'm over ten followers, and it has only been about a week and a half. Thanks so much for your support. Keep spreading the word. If there's a story that you want me to cover, or someone you'd like for me to interview, let me know.

I have a few things to cover today. Make sure you read them all. I've saved the best for last.

Talking with the "conservative voice" of District 105, Linda Harper Brown, I was bemused as to her involvement throughout the years. Analyzing her background, she grew up in Dallas, attended Kimball High School, and considers herself a "four generation Texan". In high school, she had the intent of being a linguist; therefore, she chose to take Latin.
After establishing a family, she moved to Duncanville in which she became involved in her children's lives through PTA, being the Red Cross Coordinator, and electing officials to the school board. With all of her involvement, she was selected to be a member of the City Council. Still committed to her involvements, she started a campaign for DART. While I may not be a big supporter of public transportation, she fights for what she believes in. Nearly every time she attends official meetings in Austin, Rick Perry fights against her work ethics against TX DOT (Texas Department of Transportation). "I'm not a fan of his attitude," Brown stated, "He's very disappointing."
I'm not sure if this is just me, but I have found one thing in sync among Republicans and Liberals. None of us seem to like Rick Perry. Having been elected during George W. Bush's first term, he needs to get out.
Now, this is my main concern regarding all of my research thus far: Why are all of our elected officials lacking a college degree? My mentor, Herbert Gears, has no degree. A representative of the Texas House, Linda Harper Brown, has no college degree. This is baffling. I personally do not want my city to be ran by someone who has the equivalence or less than that of myself. I know that my classes are rigorous. I know that growing up thirty-five years ago did not ensure advanced classes. Thus, I have a higher education than the people representing our community, our state, and our nation. This is absurd. So, all of the preaching that goes on in school about the importance of a college degree is apparently insipid and bogus. They aren't needed. Does this change my mind set? No. I hope that my generation will lead by example and not simply follow in the footsteps of our elders. The process in leadership and official representation needs to be a difficult process. A "weeding-out" type process needs to occur to ensure dedication once one is elected. These officials are not setting an example for my peers.

If you could all leave me a comment telling me your profession and degree, this would help my study tremendously.
Thanks.

Updates

Just so you guys don't think I've forgotten about you, I will be interviewing Linda Harper Brown next Monday. Of course I will post how all of that goes. Hopefully I'll get some inside information on what is to come for Texas and how her election process for governor will go down. If there is anything that you would like for me to find out, let me know.

Also, I will be touching base on the hypocrisy of Senator Olympia Snowe following Max Baucus on his health-care reform statement. I feel that this is a great story to go along with my Kirk England post. By the way, let me explain why I shunned Mr. England for following in his father's footsteps. I know some of you took offense to that. Mr. England assumed that all of my opinions came from my parents. He told me that I should believe what I believe and not the thoughts of my parentals. With that statement, he told me that he followed his father as a mentor, teacher, and a role model. That's a bit hypocritical, don't you think?

Thanks guys,
Taeler