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TxDOT official: Plans for massive TTC will likely change
In what may have been the first hint of victory for opponents of the Trans Texas Corridor, a high-ranking Texas Department of Transportation official said Thursday he regretted his agency’s communication failures and said one proposed version of the corridor, a 10-lane super highway with rail and utility pathways, will “probably not” be built in East Texas, based on the overwhelming resistance to the idea expressed at public hearings on the project this month.
Comments
By stopthettc
February 22, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
The key words are “me as one person at TxDot.” Phillip Russell is an appointed official by Rick Perry and can be easily replaced at any time. He has NO obligation to fulfill the wishes of taxpayers and voters. His job is to make us feel more secure about funding the NAFTA Supertollway that benefits only Mexico and China. Phillip Russell could promise Texans the world, while TxDot and Rick Perry plow ahead in condenming 600,000 acres of farmland. Do not allow his fluff statements to deflate the growing opposition in East Texas. Continue to write TxDot, Rick Perry, and your elected official until this issue is dead.
By Joey
February 22, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
For those near the 59 exspansion who will lose their homes, TXDOT should dig deep into their pockets, very deep, because they definitely will make their money back and then some. Thank you for staying on top of this very critical issue. The public deserves to have very important non-biased informaton from our media sources to keep our Democratic process strong. No info. is biased info. Thanks, Joey
By bentfork
February 22, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Dear CITIZEN Readers, Let’s see..Primary Voting has begun and there is a grassroots’ effort to hold accountable those who are incumbents and their challengers to DECLARE their complete OPPOSITION to the HB 3588 mandated Trans Texas Corridor footprint. Is this “public, personal reflection” being “allowed” from TxDOT’s PHIL RUSSELL to help diffuse some anxiety as VOTERS go into their precincts to choose who might be “on the team” that brought us the VETO of the Private Property Rights bill HB 2006 and squelched other crucial legislation which did NOT get past the GATEKEEPERS in the Texas House and Senate? Mmm.. I wonder, but I do NOT STOP my pressure on officeholders to follow the MANDATES of the people as I wonder. ACTION not APATHY!
By Trey Duhon
February 22, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
I agree with Martha. Woe is us if we allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of victory. We must maintain our pressure (and increase it) until the TTC-69 is officially DEAD. No mercy. TXDOT is under attack on multiple fronts (and rightfully so). Now is the time to push forward on all fronts.
I will not stop until I hear the neck bone of the TTC-69 crack under the weight of my foot.
By Kenneth D. Franks
February 23, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
“probably not” by one person is not going to be satisfactory for the thousands of us that are opposed to this project. I am on the record as being an opponent of toll roads period. Check my editorial in the online newspaper Shelby County Today. I would advocate taking Resolutions to your precinct convention. There are model resolutions at DFW Concerned Citizens on the internet. These include Eminent Domain, Tolling Existing Roads, Repeal Market-Based Tolling, and Privately-controlled toll roads. Another resolution on a different topic is Social Security Fairness for Public Employees. I found this one through my teacher organization. Also vote for me in November, even if you vote in the Republican Primary March 4. Sincerely yours, Kenneth D. Franks Democratic Candidate for State Representative District 9, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Sabins San Augustine and Jasper Counties
By Morrow Sims
February 23, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Morrow Sims
By Joey Michelle
February 27, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
I want to personally thank our Nacogdoches County Commissioners and County Judge and all other County officials regarding the resolution against the TTC/I69. It’s very humbling and comforting to know that we have very intelligent and qualified local politicians/officials who are deeply committed to the well-being of the people of Nacogdoches County. You’ve sent a strong message to our Gov. and his special interest groups that we are not dumb-a* push-overs. It puts the “WE” back into “WE THE PEOPLE” You have my vote gentlemem! Keep up the good work!