News from the South - Texas News Feed

Will Houston’s Ethics Committee investigate ‘pay to play’ accusations made against City Controller?

Published

4 weeks ago

October 18, 2024

www.youtube.com – KPRC 2 Click2Houston – 2024-10-18 18:20:42

SUMMARY: The Houston City Council’s Ethics Committee is considering an investigation into pay-to-play allegations against City Controller Chris Holland, made by Mayor John Whitmire. The mayor claims Holland may have a conflict of interest after seeking funds for a nonprofit. Councilmember and Ethics Committee Chair, Rocken Martinez, expressed concern over the situation, stating that elected officials must uphold high ethical standards. He also indicated that any substantiated misconduct should be investigated. The committee’s vice chair, Twilight Carter, noted that more information is needed. Holland plans to proceed with scheduled events, despite the controversy surrounding him.

In the aftermath of Houston Mayor John Whitmire calling out the City Controller Chris Hollins over alleged “pay to play” conflicts for an upcoming conference, KPRC 2 is looking into whether the city’s Ethics Committee will investigate the accusations.

Source

Up Next

2016 capital murder case ends in life sentence for one defendant, dismissal for another defendant

Don't Miss

Robert Roberson, Texas death row inmate, granted stay of execution | FOX 7 Austin

News from the South - Texas News Feed

Two Democrats, two Republicans running for Texas House speaker | Texas

Published

4 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Staff Editor

www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-13 13:20:00

SUMMARY: Three candidates—two Democrats and one Republican—are contesting the Texas House speaker position, currently held by Rep. Dade Phelan. Following recent elections, Republicans have a majority with 88 seats, needing 76 votes to elect a speaker. Key issues include school choice and the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton. Rep. David Cook aims to reform the House and has criticized Phelan’s reliance on Democratic support. Phelan asserts he has sufficient backing to secure reelection. Additionally, Democrats Ana-Maria Ramos and John Bryant have announced their candidacies, focusing on issues like public education, abortion rights, and gun safety reforms.

Read the full article

The post Two Democrats, two Republicans running for Texas House speaker | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - Texas News Feed

Texas Democratic Party chair to resign after Republican sweep in Texas | Texas

Published

6 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Staff Editor

www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-13 09:32:00

SUMMARY: After Republicans dominated statewide races, especially in South Texas, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced plans to resign after 12 years. In the Nov. 5 elections, Hispanic voters in border counties largely supported Republican candidates, including President-elect Trump and Senator Ted Cruz. Hinojosa attributed Trump’s success with Hispanics to frustrations over border security and criticized the Democratic transgender agenda. Some Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, blamed the party’s cultural policies for the shift to the right. Hinojosa apologized for his remarks and called for party unity, but announced his resignation due to the party’s electoral losses.

Read the full article

The post Texas Democratic Party chair to resign after Republican sweep in Texas | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - Texas News Feed

Texas Senate: School choice bill is top priority | Texas

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2024

Staff Editor

www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-12 17:17:00

SUMMARY: Following a Republican sweep in state legislative seats, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have made school choice and property tax reform top priorities for the upcoming legislative session. School choice, which faced opposition in previous sessions, is expected to pass with the support of newly elected candidates endorsed by Abbott. The proposed legislation includes the creation of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for 60,000 students and funding increases for teacher salaries. Polls show broad support for school choice across political groups. Patrick is hopeful the governor will declare it an emergency item to fast-track its passage.

Read the full article

The post Texas Senate: School choice bill is top priority | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com