Fort Bend Independent 042617

VOL 10 No. 17

email: editor@ independent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745 50 cents

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Quail Valley Garden Club Backyard Garden Tour The Quail Valley Garden

FBISD Teachers of the Year

Club is hosting its 10th Annual Backyard Garden Tour presenting five beautiful breath-taking back yards. Saturday, April 29th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Rain date is May 6th). Come see the lovely putting green, an English garden, vegetable gardens, and beautiful water views. You won’t want to miss these Quail Valley homes! Advance tickets can be purchased by calling Rose Ann Acosta at (832) 693-9107 or sold at our first home on the tour, 3810 East Creek Club. Join friends and neighbors at the Bluebonnet Grille at the City Centre to enjoy 10% off with your 2017 Garden Tour Booklet. Good only the day of tour. Proceeds from this event benefit beautification proj- Fort Bend ISD announced the names of the 2017 District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of ects and area scholarships. Visit the Year at its annual Teacher of the Year Awards dinner and program, held April 20 at Safari Texas Quailvalleygardenclub.org Ranch. Stephanie Clayton of Sugar Mill Elementary is the 2017 District Elementary Teacher of the Year; and Jessika Hearne of McAuliffe Middle School is the 2017 District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Presenting gifts to honorees Stephanie Clayton (left) and Jessika Hearne (right) is Stacy Bynes, President-elect of the Fort Bend Education Foundation.

School board candidates barely differ on issues

FBISD Trustee candidates: Jason Burdine, left, L. Angelo DeCamps, Kristin Tassin, Shirley Rose Gilliam, KP George and Lorena Duenas.

Sugar Land’s national awardwinning community theatre, Inspiration Stage, presents Seussical JR. May 5 - 7 at the historic Sugar Land Auditorium, 226 Lakeview Dr. This show is unique in that no cast member is older than 13 years old.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loy-

alty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

The youth production showcases talented youth, none older than 13, from the Sugar Land and Houston area.

Directed by Mandy SeymoreSensat, and with Music Director Sarah Patterson, Seussical JR offers two evening shows and two matinees the weekend of By SESHADRI KUMAR May 5 - 7.

The apartment issue, that was Tickets are available now at beaten to death in last year’s www.inspirationstage.com. mayoral election, has resurfaced again in the race for District 4 seat on Sugar Land City Council. dents with dyslexia.

Candidates Sean Burnett, Funding for House Bill 21 is Carol McCutcheon and Qaisar included in the House version Imam participated in a forum of the budget which was passed hosted by the Ismaili JamatkhaApril 6, 2017. na and Center and the League of “I appreciate the efforts by Women Voters in Sugar Land on Chairman Huberty, The Com- April 22. mittee on Public Education and The forum was moderated members of the House to im- by Reda Hicks, Vice President prove the public education sys- of Civic Engagement at The tem in Texas.” Miller said. “We League of Women Voters of the will continue to work to reform Houston Area, and Dr. Brandon the system for students, taxpay- Rottinghaus, Political Science ers and parents but we are in the Professor at the University of right direction with the passage Houston. of House Bill 21.”

Burnett has been a member Miller currently serves on the of the planning and zoning comHouse Appropriations Commit- mission and knows the ins and tee and the House Human Ser- outs of all development issues vices Committee. He represents as much as the current council the communities of Sugar Land members do. and part of Richmond in Texas He advocates a balanced ecoHouse District 26. nomic growth and provision of

Texas House adopts school funding bill

On Wednesday, April 19, the Texas House of Representatives voted 134-16 to approve House Bill 21 by Rep. Huberty, a bill to reform the public school finance system. Public Education reform has been one of the top priorities for the Texas House.

This bill provides $1.6 billion in additional resources for education while making major improvements to the school’s finance formulas.

Passing this bill was crucial to ensure proper funding for Texas school systems, said State Rep. Rick Miller. House Bill 21 makes many positive changes to the public education school system by putting more resources in the classroom and increasing state funding for schools.

House Bill 21 reduces the

amount that local taxpayers would pay in Recapture by $163 million in 2018 and $192 million in 2019. It will increase the Basic Allotment from $5,140 to $5,350.

Under HB 21, more than 95 percent of Texas school districts receive additional per-student funding. It creates new transportation funding at $125 per student funded through Basic Allotment, which will benefit charters and allow districts that pay Recapture to fully access state transportation funding for the first time.

This bill provides a two-year hardship grant program to help districts affected by the expiration of Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction, as well as, provides weighted funding for stu-

By SESHADRI KUMAR The three incumbent Fort Bend ISD trustees and their challengers agreed on almost every issue that was brought up during a candidates forum hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce in Sugar Land on April 19.

Challengers separated themselves from the incumbents on a couple of issues by having a slightly different perspective on issues such as inequity among schools between the east and the

west and transparency in making decisions.

Trustees Jason Burdine, Kristin Tassin and KP George are seeking re-election.

L. Angelo DeCamps is running for Burdine’s position and Lorena Duenas is running for George’s position.

Tassin faces two opponents, Shirley Rose Gilliam and Rodrigo Carreon.

Carreon did not attend the forum, hosted by the chamber’s education division and moderat-

ed by former chamber chairman Stewart Jacobson.

What motivated each candidate to run for the school board?

This question elicited somewhat varied responses.

Angelo DeCamps said, with eight of his children in the school district, he had a vested interest. His nephew is in the special education program and the district had abandoned him, he said.

Tassin said she was a mother See FBISD, Page 3

Sugar Land candidates spar over apartment units customer base for daytime retail business operation so that the sales tax generated would help reduce the property tax burden on Sugar Land residents.

As a member of the planning and zoning commission, Burnett had rejected a resolution proposed by city council, capping the number of apartments to 200 in a Planned Development, saying that an arbitrary number may not be in the best interest of a quality development.

During this forum, Burnett was asked to explain his position on high-density multi-family units. Burnett pointed out that Sugar Land has no land zoned for stand alone apartments.

Apartments will be allowed only in Planned Developments and the developer of Telfair Tract 5 has said there will no apartments on the land, Burnett said. The apartments, if allowed, will be based on the criteria of impact on schools, traffic and structured parking, he said.

Both McCutcheon and Imam

were against high-rise apartments and they support a cap on the apartments that can be built on PDs. McCutcheon said when Newland proposed 900 apartments in Telfair Tract 5, citizens protested and she spearheaded a petition drive with 1,700 signatures opposing the apartments in the area.

Simultaneously, Sugar Land Votes also launched a petition drive with 3,200 signatures, calling for a cap on apartment units and rolling back the development code, eliminating the suburban category, including a minimum of 4-story building.

The Houston area is overstocked with apartments and Sugar Land has many proposed apartments in Riverstone and Imperial Development, McCutcheon said.

Imam said the apartment units should be capped and how much to grow that has to be carefully See APARTMENTS, Page 4

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 26, 2017

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Re-elect Jason Burdine for FBISD Trustee

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As a Trustee, I will continue to work collaboratively with community stakeholders to ensure that we place the educational needs of our children before every decision. I will continue to actively engage and listen to students, parents, teachers, and administrators to gain a better understanding of their perceptions of our district. I will continue to regularly solicit feedback to seek solutions that build our community to consensus. It is my belief that the future progress and stability of our wonderful and diverse community hinges on our ability as a district to provide for and produce productive citizens that will have the necessary tools to pave their own path to success.

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INDEPENDENT • APRIL 26, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS first and wanted to ensure that special education needs of all children were met, including her own.

“What we do impacts the children. It is not merely buying pencils and toilet paper for schools. I want to continue the good work being done,” Tassin said.

Gilliam said she wanted to run because the decisions made by the board affected children.

Also, she wanted to support the campuses with all resources needed and do what is in the best interest of all children.

George said, three years ago, when he first ran for office, it was about his three children. But, now his perception changed and he is concerned about 71,000 children of the district.

Duenas said her own children and her own teacher were the motivating factors in her decision to run for the school board.

Burdine said he was a servant at heart and education was his passion as well. When there was an open seat, he wanted to step up and run for office.

Next, on the question of school funding, all candidates wanted more funding from the state and agreed that current funding was inadequate.

All the candidates supported the idea of full day schooling for pre-K students.

Among the top issues facing the district, Duenas said stretching the meager resources is a problem. Also, the studentteacher ratio needs to be reduced, she said.

Burdine said the A to F grading of the school district and the schools was unfair and that should be changed.

Angelo DeCamps said the administration should be held accountable for what they offer. The district communicates decisions after the fact and that should be done prior to making the decisions, he said.

Recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers is a challenge facing the district, Tassin said. “We have been creative in this area,” she said.

Tassin also described the A to F grading system as an attack on public education.

Gilliam said teachers needed much more support. What the district is doing for non-performing schools also concerned her. If teachers had concerns they should be able to come to the board and express it publicly, Gilliam said.

George also deplored the assault on public education and said college readiness needs to be addressed.

Is “Common Core” appropriate for FBISD, the moderator asked. The assumption was that all the candidates knew what it meant.

The first one to answer the question was Gilliam. “It is appropriate here. We need to have it,” she said.

Jason Burdine appointed to the state school safety board Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jason Burdine, FBISD Board Vice President, to the Texas School Safety Center Board for a two-year term.

The ten-member board reports to the Governor, the legislature, the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency regarding school safety and security, and advises the center on its function, budget and strategic planning initiatives.

“I am so honored to be appointed to this board and continuing its mission of ensuring safe and secure schools in our state,” said Burdine.

“I look forward to working with my fellow board members, the Governor’s office, and other state leaders on these important issues – and then bringing that insight back to FBISD to benefit our students and community.”

As an official university-level research center at Texas State University, the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is tasked in Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and the Governor’s Homeland Security Strategic Plan with key school safety initiatives and mandates.

The TxSSC mission is to serve schools and communities to create safe, secure and healthy environments for K-12 schools and junior colleges throughout the state of Texas.

In addition, the TxSSC also builds partnerships among youth, adults, schools, law enforcement officers, and community stakeholders to reduce the impact of tobacco through prevention, training and enforcement initiatives.

Burdine is an independent financial advisor and has served on the FBISD Board of Trustees since 2014. He is a current member of the Texas Association of School Boards, and has previously mentored at-risk youth and served as a member of the Ridgemont Elementary Campus Based Leadership Team.

He has served on the District Strategic Plan Steering Committee, working collaboratively on the Facilities Master Plan for Fort Bend ISD, and is enrolled in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum. Burdine received a Bachelor of Science in education from Texas A&M University.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

The Friends of the University Branch Library will hold their spring book sale Saturday, May 13, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at the library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land.

Books, CDs, DVDs and LPs for adults and children will be available. Most items are $0.50 to $1.00. Proceeds support reading and other educational library programs. Good condition books, CDs and DVDs may be donated to the library during the sale, or at any time. A receipt for income tax purposes can be provided. The library is located on the University of Houston campus at Hwy. 59 and University Blvd. Parking is free.

George described it as “ideas and resources.” It is a political discussion and the district is not allowed to use Common Core, George said.

Duenas said Common Core is vague. It is about lesson creation and it is best left to our teachers and hence, she does not support Common Core.

“We don’t need more federal regulations. The feds don’t know how to educate. It should be a state subject and not the federal government’s,” Burdine said.

Common Core is a federally approved curriculum. Texas has opted out of that program, Tassin said.

“I am against Common Core.

Feds should not be in Texas classrooms,” she said.

Burdine summarized his priorities: Recruit and retain highly qualified teachers; demonstrate fiscal and resource responsibility and promote safe and secure schools.

Angelo DeCamps’ priorities are: Hold administration accountable for the programs; support teachers and try to minimize red tape; and help parents, students and teachers get involved in decision making.

Tassin’s priorities are: Empowering students, equipping teachers and partnering with parents and the community.

Gilliam, a former FBISD school principal and now principal in a HISD school, says a vote for her is a vote for kids.

She believes her role as a parent, teacher and principal is an asset to her serving on the board.

George listed his accomplishments which included managing tremendous growth of the district without a tax rate increase, improved academic achievement, improved school safety and promoting vocational schools.

Duenas said she had the heart of an educator and her primary goal would be to hire highly qualified teachers and support staff for schools.

Matt Breazeale Jones|Carter, left, Mayoral candidate Tres Davis, Regina Morales, president, Central Fort Bend Chamber, Mayor Evalyn Moore City of Richmond, and Jim Russ EHRA Engineering.

Candidates vying for the mayor position for City of Richmond answered questions and spoke with voters at the Candidate Forum hosted by the Central Fort Bend Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee.

The forum was held Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the George Memorial Library and attracted a full house of interested voters.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman, Matt Breazeale, acted as the moderator for the evening’s event.

Candidates Tres Davis, and Mayor Evalyn Moore were

asked questions regarding preparations for the expected growth of Fort Bend County infrastructure, and bringing tourism to the City of Richmond.

“I will work for all of Richmond….and we have begun the engineering plans for silencing the train horns,” said Moore.

“I have no problem standing in the gap and making hard decisions when they are needed,” said Davis. The candidates also shared what they believed was best for Richmond and its citizens giving their reasoning as to why they should be elected.

Early voting is in progrss and the general election for

City of Richmond is May 6, 2017.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber is a 106 year old non-profit membership organization dedicated to creating a strong local economy where businesses can prosper.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber advocates for over 1,000 local businesses led by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated to sustaining Fort Bend County’s quality of life, and keeping our community and economy vibrant.

For more information on the Chamber or its programs, call 281-342-5464 or visit www.CFBCA.org.

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Qaisar + Imam INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

for Sugar Land City Council, District 4

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“I would be honored to have your vote”

ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ /ŶǀŽůǀĞŵĞŶƚ͗ ͻ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ ůƵď ŽĨ &Žƌƚ ĞŶĚ ͻ &Žƌƚ ĞŶĚ ZĂŝŶďŽǁ ZŽŽŵ ͻ sŝĐĞ ŚĂŝƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽŵŵŝƩĞĞ ĨŽƌ ŝǀŝůŝĂŶ ŶŐĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ hŶŝƚĞĚ ^ƚĂƚĞƐ ƌŵLJ ͻ dŽLJƐ ĨŽƌ dŽƚƐͬ^ĂŶƚĂ͛Ɛ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ ͻ &Žƌƚ ĞŶĚ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ŽŵŵĞƌĐĞ͕ ^ŽƵƚŚ ƐŝĂŶ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ŽŵŵĞƌĐĞ ĂŶĚ W h^ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ŽŵŵĞƌĐĞ KW EͲ ŶƚƌĞƉƌĞŶĞƵƌƐ EĞƚǁŽƌŬ ͻ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ ĂŶĐĞƌ ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ ,ŽƉĞ ĨŽƌ dŚƌĞĞ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ ͻ /ŶǀŽůǀĞĚ & /^ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ͗ KŶ ĂŵƉƵƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ & /^ ŽŶĚ KǀĞƌƐŝŐŚƚ ĂŶĚ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ŽĨ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟŽŶ ŽŵŵŝƩĞĞƐ

WĞƌƐŽŶĂů /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͗ ͻ WŚŝ ĞƚĂ <ĂƉƉĂ 'ƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ŽĨ dŚĞ ŽůůĞŐĞ ŽĨ tŽŽƐƚĞƌ ͻ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞƌͲ/ D 'ůŽďĂů ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ͻ ϵ LJĞĂƌ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ŽĨ ^ƵŐĂƌ >ĂŶĚ ͻ DĂƌƌŝĞĚ ƚŽ ƌ͘ ƵƐŚƌĂ ŚĞĞŵĂ͕ ĨĂƚŚĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚƌĞĞ

Free social media classes Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present classes in May on using different types of Social Media websites. The University Branch Library is located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

“Introduction to LinkedIn” will take place on Thursday, May 4, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Computer Lab. “Introduction to Pinterest” will take place on Thursday, May 18, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Computer Lab. Learn all about Pinterest, the virtual pinboard that enables people to organize and share items of interest to them that they have found on the Internet. Pinboards can be used to collect ideas for anything from planning weddings or decorating homes to organizing favorite recipes, and much more. Those attending this class should have a working email and password. The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. Registration will open two weeks before each class.

To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), click on “Events,” select “University Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-633-5100, or by visiting the library.

Central Fort Bend Chamber hosts Richmond Mayoral Candidate Forum

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INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

Political Ad Paid for by the Q Imam Campaign, Evelyn Traylor, Treasurer

FBISD From Page 1

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 26, 2017

Sugar Land City Council candidates were asked for their opinion on Senate Bill 2. S.B. 2 requires an automatic tax ratification election if the taxing entity adopts a tax rate that exceeds the rollback rate. It removes the petition requirement in current statute and standardizes tax ratification elections across the state by requiring them to be held on general elec-

tion dates.

Currently, the taxing enttities are supposed to conduct a rollback election if the tax rate exceeds 8 percent. The election will follow if a petition is initiated. The new law will make the election automatic when the tax rate exceeds 5 percent.

The counties and city councils across the state are opposing this move by Texas Legisla-

Apartments

set backs in her backyard.

Not to be cowed down, McCutcheon categorically said that the letter by Newland proposing 900-units was submitted to the city and the then Mayor Jimmy Thompson showed the letter to the group of concerned residents; it was posted on the city website and the mayor’s letter to the developer asking to withdraw the proposal was also posted on the city website . The group took a picture with mayor as he assured the delegation that there would be no apartments on Tract 5. Subsequently, the developer also sent a letter withdrawing the 900-unit proposal, McCutcheon pointed out.

There is still no limit on the number of apartments that can be built on a PD and the code requires a minimum of 4-story for any structure in the PD, McCutcheon said. That should be changed, she added.

The current city council does not support apartments, but to safeguard the interest in future, the code has to be amended with a cap on apartment units, she said.

From Page 1 planned. Economic impact, impact on schools, traffic, and community character should be studied and the project should help maintain the quality of life.

Asked to name one issue that the candidate would champion, McCutcheon mentioned the development of Telfair Tract 5 and said there were possibilities of 10-story buildings or 6-story buildings, with no setbacks and free, open parking and traffic concerns.

During the concluding remarks Burnett rebutted McCutcheon’s statement on Tract 5 and apartments, and said there was never a written proposal from the developer to the city and no document was presented to the planning and zoning commission proposing 900 apartments.

Suggesting that the 900-apartment issue was a myth created by the anti-apartment groups, Burnett questioned how McCutcheon could be a council member, if she imagined 10-story buildings with no

Many meanings of “local control” ture, saying that the state is over reaching and usurping the taxing authority from local elected bodies.

The official slogan against the proposed bill is “local control.” All the three Sugar Land candidates said they want local control and opposed the revenue cap.

So far, nobody has a clear understanding of how the cities and counties will lose “local control” to levy the required tax.

First, the proposed revenue cap is the same as the existing revenue cap, except that the percentage threshold is being reduced from 8 percent to 5 percent. That means, even now there is no local control.

Local control may also mean

We went to church today, as usual, my wife, my daughter, and my son-in-law. There was a family sitting in the pew in front of us; a father, a mother, and a boy about four.

The parents had brought a few things to keep him occupied (that means quiet) during the service, such as coloring books, and puzzles. The boy smilingly occupied himself during the service, something I thought was a notable accomplishment. At some time during the service, the father left with the boy, and returned without him.

During the next hymn, I glanced down at the seat the boy had been occupying.

There, on the seat, was a cloth bag with the church logo on it.

My wife had made some dozens of those bags at home, and brought them to the church, specifically so they could be used for the children, and here was one fine example.

I thought that all of those bags, the product of my wife’s skill, and knowledge, and effort, and time, were scattered throughout the city, being used by different families, for different children, for different purposes. Maybe some held marbles, some held crayons, or some held Legos, but they were all there because of my wife, like little starry pieces of her shining in the galaxy of the city.

And I thought of the other things she has done that have affected people’s lives so positively and pleasantly.

She was the one who suggested that our group play our domino game on Saturday as well as Thursday. She was also the one who suggested we get a round table to play on, instead of dragging square ones together. More little star-

Granto ry pieces of her.

I thought of the thirty dice she bought for the Bunco group being started at the place we live. She couldn’t bear the thought of one of the employees pirating dice from other games for Bunco. More starry pieces of herself.

I thought of the looks, and gestures, and smiles she sprinkles throughout the day on all those she meets, and the way everyone appreciates them.

More little starry pieces of her.

I thought of the way so many people seem to gravitate toward her, sharing stories, experiences, and smiles. More little starry pieces of her.

I remembered that this Sunday was the day after her birthday, which was celebrated with a party at her daughter’s house.

I remembered that one year ago, she was in a hospital emergency room.

I remembered the past year of her spirit conquering whatever challenge she faced.

I remembered how lucky this galaxy is to be able to shine with her light.

(Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter.)

STATE OF TEXAS

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

counties have always managed their budgets within the 5 percent range and the new legislation may not affect the local area elected bodies. But, other smaller cities and counties elsewhere in the city may be forced to go to the people for a tax hike.

Elected officials do not like to go to the people and ask for an increase in tax rate. That is the real reason behind the opposition to the bill.

We are told time and again by local mayors and county commissioners, that local elected officials are more trustworthy than the state legislators.

It looks like a Hobson’s choice.

—SESHADRI KUMAR

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on March 24, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in May, 2017, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

1

04-DCV134011 11/12/15

005000000007090 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. ENOCH LATHAM SURVEY, ABST LORINE ALFORD, ET AL 50, UNDIVIDED 80% INT IN & TO 1 4.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, MARCH 16, 2017 MOST NORTHERLY PORTION OF NORTH 25 ACRES OF 50 ACRES, VOL 65, PG 87 & VOL 182, PG 560*

$123,510.00

$68,200.00

2

08-DCV161869 10/08/08

590400026590090 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. LOT 59, BLK 26, QUAIL VALLEY 7 ANDREW ROSS, ET AL LA QUINTA SECTION, CLERK'S FILE NO 9370637* MARCH 16, 2017

$183,180.00

$110,000.00

3

09-DCV176079 11/25/15

005000000003590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA 1 HAMMOND, ET AL MARCH 16, 2017

4.176 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, MOST SOUTHERLY PORTION OF NORTH 25 ACRES OF 50 ACRES TRACT, ENOCH LATHAM SRVY, ABST 50, VOL 65, PG. 87*

$136,650.00

$53,600.00

4

09-DCV176079 11/25/15

005000000001590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA 1 HAMMOND, ET AL MARCH 16, 2017

3.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, MOST SOUTHERLY PORTION OF NORTH 20 ACRES OF A 50 ACRES TRACT, ENOCH LATHAM SURV, ABST 50, VOL 65, PG 87*

$98,170.00

$35,100.00

5

16-DCV229314 01/06/17

002900000025090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 CHARLES RAY RANDLE, ET AL MARCH 16, 2017

C. FULSHEAR SURV, ABST 29, VOL 202, PG 430*

$29,830.00

$6,500.00

6

16-DCV229315 12/09/16

LOT 10, BLK 10, CITY OF FULSHEAR, VOL U, PAGE 180*

$162,810.00

$6,200.00

7

16-DCV229371 01/06/17

338000010010090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 DANNY DAVIS, AKA DANNY MARCH 16, 2017 RAY DAVIS, AS INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CORINE OLIVER, DECEASED 571902004007090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. PAMELA S BAUM, AKA 7 MARCH 16, 2017 PAMELA SUE BAUM, ET AL

LOT 7, BLK 4, REPLAT OF PALMER PLANTATION AT LAKE OLYMPIA, REC'D IN SLIDE NO 891/B*

$183,100.00

$22,200.00

8

16-DCV231029 01/11/17

734000002019091 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. LOTS 19 & 20, BLK 2, RICE ALFREIDA FORD, AKA 4 SUB'D, VOL 321, PG 256* MARCH 16, 2017 ALFREIDA HARRIS FORD

$17,640.00

$4,400.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, March 24, 2017 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

FORT BEND

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Since the elected officials already are acting as responsible stewards of taxpayer money, where is the need for another public referendum, they ask.

If local elected officials represent the local taxpayers and thus represent the will of the people, are the state legislators not representing the same people? Apparently, if you listen to the elected officials, the state reps and state senators are not working in the real interest of the people.

Elected officials, including Republicans, impugn the intentions of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who are spearheading this bill.

It is true that area cities and

NOTICE OF SALE

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

Starry pieces

al.

that the local elected city council members and county commissioners represent the local people and by their election, people have given them the mandate to levy appropriate taxes.

But, a very crucial part of this legislation is left unexplained to the public. The bill transfers the right to decide on the tax rate from elected officials to the local tax payer.

How is that the power to decide on the tax rate given to the taxpayer will be called a loss of “local control.” This process is the ultimate in local control.

The major concern of elected officials is that when the city or county needs money to provide services, they have to go to the people and ask for their approv-

Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 26, 2017 • Page 5

Sugar Land attorney elected State Bar of Texas board chair

Rehan Alimohammad of Sugar Land was elected chair of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors during the board’s April 21 meeting in Austin.

Alimohammad will take office during the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting to be held June 22-23 in Dallas. He will serve as chair until June 2018.

Alimohammad will be-

come the first attorney of Asian descent and the first immigration attorney to hold the position. He is a partner in the Texas office of Wong Fleming in charge of immigration and tax law. He was listed as one of the Top Attorneys in Houston by Houstonia Magazine in 2013 and 2014 and has a 10.0 Superb rating on AVVO. The Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce named him one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans in 2011 for outstanding legal pro bono service.

Alimohammad is heavily involved in the community and State Bar organizations and is currently a minority director of the State Bar of Texas; member of the Executive Committee for the State Bar of Texas; State Bar advisor to the State Bar of Texas Immigration and Nationality

Stafford mayor recognized for eliminating property tax

By BARBARA FULENWIDER While this hasn’t been the best or easiest year for Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella, his 47 years of leading Stafford have resulted in numerous and huge benefits to its citizens.

This month the mayor with the know how and tenacity to get things accomplished, was honored by the Texas Senate and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

It was for establishing a 100 percent local property tax abatement and for his “vision to end Stafford’s reliance on municipal property taxes.”

The certificate Patrick presented to Scarcella and signed

by Patrick on April 18 said, “You are a shining star for Texans everywhere.”

The Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, not only honored Scarcella, but city council members and Stafford residents on establishing the local property tax abatement.

It also says, “For the last 22 years, the city has managed all public spending through the municipal sales tax fund and has met the needs of the community without incurring additional debt; the city’s innovative approach to fiscal management has led to a nota-

NEWS Law Section and the Committee on Laws Relating to Immigration and Nationality; appointed legal counsel, board member, and team lead for the Diversity Action Team for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce; first vice president for the Katy Bar Association; on the Leadership Task Force for the Katy Economic Development Council; a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association; a member of the Fort Bend County Bar Association; and a member of the Houston Bar Association serving on the Professionalism, the Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession, and the Speakers Bureau committees.

Alimohammad regularly appeared on Houston radio from 2003 to 2013 answering immigration questions and providing updates on U.S. immigration law. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in accounting and received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2001.

3 Lamar CISD elementary schools get Honor Roll title Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE) selected Campbell, Dickinson and Frost elementary schools in Lamar CISD as three of only 727 public schools in Texas to receive the title of 2016 Honor Roll school.

The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight successful practices that improve outcomes for students. Schools receiving this distinction from leaders in the academic and business communities have demonstrated consistent high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time and reduction in achievement gaps among student populations.

“We are very proud to be recognized by both education and business leaders,” said Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle. “Our entire staff works tirelessly to keep the focus on high expectations and student academic achievement, while also continuously improving our practices. This hard work and dedication is paying off for all of our students, no matter their background.”

“These Honor Roll schools are clearly improving outcomes for their students, as the academic data show,” said Charles Miller, chairman of IPE. “The next step is to understand how their educational productivity then translates to economic productivity. To do this, we must link academic and financial data to measure educational funding vs. student outcomes. Our economy will thrive when we are boosting student achievement without spending more – that is to say, when we are getting the biggest bang for our education buck.”

“Many schools across the country are doing well, even those with high numbers of historically disadvantaged students,” said Jim Lanich, ERP President and CEO. “The Honor Roll proves that all schools, no matter what zip code they are in, can achieve this kind of success.

School and school district leaders have a great opportunity to find out what’s working at these Honor Roll schools and replicate it.”

The Texas Honor Roll program is made possible by generous support from numerous businesses and organizations including the Texas Business Leadership Council, American Automobile Association (AAA) Texas, Macy’s, Wells Fargo, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, and several private foundations. Chevron Corporation provides support for the STEM Honor Roll.

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on March 22, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in May, 2017, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Spring Brunch to support Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

The 14th Annual Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières - Fort Bend Spring Brunch, chaired by Fort Bend County residents Susie Goff and Susan Novasad will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8, at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – A Very Special Project of the Children’s Museum of Houston. Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières benefits the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and outreach efforts for children in Fort Bend County.

Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières has become known for its extravagant and ornate hats, for which chairs Goff and Novasad recently challenged attendees to wear the wackiest ones to the event. “I am issuing a challenge to my BFFs. Whose hat will be the best?,” said Goff.

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, which was recently ranked among the “Top 10 Best Things to Do in Sugar Land” by TripAdvisor, will celebrate its First Birthday Bash presented by Baird at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, featuring special birthday themed activities for families to enjoy.

The Children’s Museum of Houston has delivered outreach programming to low income families living in Fort Bend since the mid-1990s. It has worked with more than 60-partners in the community to ensure underserved populations get free access to the Museum and to raise awareness about the Museum’s family learning programming.

Additionally, parents in Fort Bend have benefited from the Museum’s school-based initiatives such as Parent Stars and Para Los Niños, which provide bilingual resources and support so they can increase the learning and literacy skills of their children, as well as from A’STEAM, (Afterschool Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) a program designed to give children opportunities to build levels of scientific and mathematical literacy through hands-on investigations and challenges.

Group tickets to the 14th Annual Fort Bend Spring Brunch are available in sponsorship levels of $3,000, $1,500 and $750.

Individual tickets are available for $75.

To purchase tickets, contact Candace Rogers at (713) 5357210 or crogers@cmhouston.org.

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

2

14-DCV218625 01/06/17

345003001010090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. PETE RIZZUTO, AKA PETERE 7 MARCH 16, 2017 RIZZUTO, ET AL

LOT 1, BLK 1, GATEWAY ACRES, SEC 3,VOL 5, PG 1*

$20,450.00

$5,100.00

3

14-DCV218625 01/06/17

345003001030090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. PETE RIZZUTO, AKA PETERE 7 MARCH 16, 2017 RIZZUTO, ET AL

LOT 3, BLK 1, GATEWAY ACRES, SEC 3, VOL 5, PG 1*

$15,310.00

$4,200.00

4

14-DCV218625 01/06/17

345003001040090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. PETE RIZZUTO, AKA PETERE 7 MARCH 16, 2017 RIZZUTO, ET AL

LOT 4, BLK 1, GATEWAY ACRES, SEC 3, VOL 5, PG 1*

$52,930.00

$7,700.00

5

15-DCV225910 02/08/17

003900000046090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 CHARLES MILLER, ET AL MARCH 16, 2017

UNDIVIDED 53% INT, MORE OR LESS, IN & TO, 46.083 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, HENERY JONES SURV, ABST 39, VOL 642, PG 79*

$35,840.00

$5,700.00

7

15-DCV227944 01/06/17

315000025200090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHNNIE L. GOODSON, ET AL 7 MARCH 16, 2017

LTS 20, 21 & 22, BLK 25, FRESNO, VOL 2, PG 5*

$23,670.00

$16,400.00

8

16-DCV231794 02/07/17

005701220004090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 10.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, ARNOLD J TOSCANO, AKA 8 OUT OF LT 25, KENDALL SUBD, MARCH 16, 2017 ARNOLD J TOSCANO, JR., ET AL VOL 11, PG 423 & CLERK'S FILE NO 2004145688*

$110,650.00

$8,400.00

9

16-DCV233363 12/21/16

460000612600090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. DORIS 243.075 FT BY 66.00 FT, OUT OF HENDERSON, AKA DORIS B 7 LOT 612, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG P & CLERK'S FILE NO MARCH 16, 2017 HENDERSON AKA DORIS HENDERSON LEWIS 83036058*

$54,080.00

$5,300.00

Scarcella ble increase in cash resources and has saved residents and businesses thousands of dollars in taxes each year.”

It went on to say “the tax abatement led to an era of development in Stafford, and the city continues to attract new businesses and homeowners that contribute to its flourishing economy; local administrators and residents can indeed take pride in their long-term success.”

Senate Resolution No. 613 ended by saying “a copy of this resolution is prepared for the city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.”

It was signed by Dan Putuch, president of the Senate, and Sen. Joan Huffman.

Cause # Judgment Date

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, March 22, 2017 Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

INDEPENDENT •APRIL 26, 2017 • Page 6

Opinion Vote for Educational Equity

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Avalon

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Already a benchmark for style, comfort and available hybrid fuel economy in the premium midsize sedan category, the 2017 Toyota Avalon ups the ante for standard safety with Toyota’s Safety Sense-P. The system equips the Avalon with automatic high beam, dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and lane departure alert with steering assist.

The Avalon was a unique midsize offering when it debuted more than 20 years ago, bringing class-above roominess and comfort to the segment. The 2017 Avalon remains unique in its segment with the choice of a V6 enCONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on FEB 27, 2017 in cause numbered 16-DCV-226551 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. GERMAN WOLFF. AND MARIA INES COOKLIN AKA MARIA COOKLIN WOLFF, in which a judgment was rendered on OCT 18, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred FortyThree Dollars and Forty Two Cents ($16,543.42); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on MAR 16, 2017 and will on MAY 2, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of GERMAN WOLFF AND MARIA INES COOKLIN AKA MARIA COOKLIN WOLFF to and in the following described Real Property LOT THIRTEEN(13), BLOCK ONE (1) OF SWEETWATER,SECTION FOUR(4) AN ADDITION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO 1417/A AND 1417/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS FOR FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4711 MENLO PARK DR,SUGAR LAND ,TX 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

gine or hybrid powertrains.

The Avalon’s 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 with dual variable valve timing with intelligence produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. Teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the V6 gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The V6 gives the Avalon a bit of sporty feel with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and the choice of Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes. Selecting Sport mode yields quicker throttle response and enhanced electric power steering feel, and raises transmission shift points. On downshifts, it blips the throttle, as the driver of a stick-shift sports car would.

Selecting Eco Mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by balancCONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on FEB 27, 2017 in cause numbered 14-DCV-219758 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. VIRGINIA WONG, in which a judgment was rendered on APRIL 14, 2015 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Six Thousand Four Hundred Fifteen Dollars and Fifty Five Cents ($6415.55); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on MAR 16, 2017 and will on MAY 2, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of VIRGINIA WONG to and in the following described Real Property LOT 5 IN BLOCK 2 OF REPLAT OF LEXINGTON COLONY SECTION FOUR,AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE 1013/B AND 1014/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS(PREMISES)THE STREET ADDRESS IS 1318 MUSSELBURGH COURT, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

City of Missouri City

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS DEPOSITORY BANK SERVICES RFA: # 17-165 The City of Missouri City, Texas is soliciting sealed applications from eligible and qualified banking institutions, with a physical location within the City’s municipal boundaries, to provide primary Depository Bank Services. Sealed applications will be accepted until 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 in the Financial Services Department, City of Missouri City, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489, with applications to be opened at 2:00 P.M. on this date at this location.

The RFA will be available for download using the following link http://esbd.cpa.state. tx.us/. All prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a non-mandatory preapplication conference at the address shown above in Council Chambers on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. Questions concerning this RFA or requests for a copy of the RFA documents should be directed to Alan Phillips, Purchasing and Risk Manager, via e-mail at alan.phillips@missouricitytx.gov. The award of the Depository Bank Services contract is scheduled for consideration by the City Council of Missouri City, TX at its regularly scheduled meeting at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489, on Monday, July 17, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on November 28, 2016 in the County Court at Law 4 of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 16-CCV-057875 in favor of the plaintiff- QUAIL GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION., Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 3,147.02++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 14th, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 2 day of MAY, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)JOE CLINTON DICKERSON, SR. had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FIVE (5), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF QUAIL GLEN, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 21, PAGE 16 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 8619 QUAIL BURG LANE, MISSOURI CITY TEXAS TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/ or Order of Sale issued on JUNE 20, 2016 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 14-DCV-217292 in favor of the plaintiff- CAMBRIDGE FALLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $6,613.69++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/ or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 1st, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 2ND day of May, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant ( s) - ARVEITTA EDGE had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TWENTYTHREE (23), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF CAMBRIDGE FALLS, SECTION 2, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20070047 OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2019 LANSING COVE DRIVE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.

TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

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Standard for the XLE and XLE Plus is the 8-speaker Entune Audio Plus system with 7-inch touch-screen display and Scout GPS Link App for navigation is equipped with AM/FM CD player, SiriusXM Radio with 3-month complimentary trial, HD Radio and HD Radio traffic and weather in major metro areas.

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It retails for $36,739 including fees, and is a pleasure to drive and ride.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on FEB 27, 2017 in cause numbered 15-DCV225432 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. MATTHEW J. WELLS., in which a judgment was rendered on MAY 27, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Seven Thousand Three Hundred Eight Dollars and thirty one Cent ($7,308.31); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on MAR 16, 2016 and will on MAY 2, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of MATTHEW J. WELLS to and in the following described Real Property.

LOT TWENTY FIFTY EIGHT (58), IN BLOCK TWO (2) OF LEXINGTON COLONY, SECTION THREE-C (3-C) A SUBDIVISION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE 2007/A AND B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain WRIT OF EXECUTION issued by the clerk of the County Court at Law 1 of Fort Bend County, Texas on March 6, 2017 in cause numbered 08-CCV-035961 styled UNIFUND CCR PARTNERS vs. LINDA W. SCOTT, in which a judgment was rendered on NOV 7, 2008 in favor of UNIFUND CCR PARTNERS for the sum of Twenty Four Thousand One Five Hundred Fifty One Dollars and Twenty Two Cents ($24151.22); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on April 4, 2017 and will on May 2, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Linda W. Scott to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY-FIVE(25),IN BLOCK 1, OF CREEKSHIRE,SECTION ONE(1) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN in volume 34, page 4 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, commonly known as 3538 MEADOW CREST LN,SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of UNIFUND CCR PARTNERS Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH

TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Often times I find myself truly amazed by the timing of the onset of amnesia that occurs in our community.

We quickly forget our past struggles in public education during a period of peace which conveniently presents in time for the Fort Bend ISD school board elections.

In the aftermath of a previous school year plagued with criminalization of children who more often than not have melanin rich skin, I am asking the voters to not forget our past because your vote at the polls will truly shape our future.

From innocent children being arrested and charged for allegedly exchanging counterfeit money for food in their school’s cafeteria, to mass trafficking of low socio economic students to truancy court, and the disproportionate and harsher school disciplinary practices of district administrators toward black and brown children, our community has endured much hardship and I am simply asking that you don’t forget when casting your vote at the polls.

Ask the candidates running for Fort Bend ISD school board, where did they sit on these issues at the time and where do they sit now?

Ask them where they sit on establishing single member districts in Fort Bend County whose voting power pulls currently predominantly from my city on the west side of the county in school board races although underperforming schools are mostly represented on the east.

Ask them where they sit on competitive educational opportunities for students with disabilities who are the only students with the federal guarantee of a free and appropriate education but gets the short end of the stick in our public education system although the school district receives increased pay to serve them.

Ask them where they sit on the issue of school choice for our community’s most economically disadvantaged students locked into a public education system that systematically pushes them out because of zero tolerance disciplinary policy that seems to apply to them but not all.

We have come a long way over the past year but let’s not forget that inequity in

our public schools continues to deny the American dream for our communities’ most vulnerable students.

Ask the candidates, why are Fort Bend ISD Title I schools continuously low performing when they get millions of additional federal funds to address their unique needs?

Fort Bend ISD continues to design and use community planning, assessment, and survey strategies that ignore the needs of families and communities zoned to Title I schools.

If they were asking the right questions, I am confident the start and end times of the bells of Title I schools would not match the ring time or tone at all the other schools.

Accommodations to complete homework would be built in the school day, week, early morning or late afternoon more for these schools than others.

The student-teacher ratio would be much lower at all Title I school.

Co-teach models would be more of the norm than the exception. Extended class periods or intervention periods specifically for Reading and Math at these schools would be common place.

More students would have access to online, home based, or GED educational opportunities.

Food and nutrition programs would be mutually shared by the school and the parents in the evenings and summers for students receiving free or reduced lunch.

These are just some of the differences that would come from millions of dollars of increased federal aid and believe me there are more services, programs and supports to be explored.

If truly educational equity was the focus of Fort Bend ISD then attending a Title I schools would be considered nothing less than a privilege and a preference in the district for all families.

As we approach Election Day, all that I am asking of voters is to not forget what we have overcome together and make your vote a vote for educational equity in our public school system.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MAR 2, 2017 in cause numbered 16-DCV-230721 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. JULIO CARLOS MARRON AND MARIA ROCIO MARRON, in which a judgment was rendered on AUGUST 12, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Eleven Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars and Five Cents ($11837.05); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on Mar16, 2017 and will on May 2, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of JULIO CARLOS MARRON AND MARIA ROCIO MARRON to and in the following described Real Property LOT 19, IN BLOCK 1 OF COLONY OAKS SECTION ONE, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO(S). 1009/A AND 1009/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3314 CREEKSTONE DR. SUGAR LAND, TX 77479(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MARCH 2, 2017 in cause numbered 16-DCV231219 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. MARY JANE E. OROZCO, in which a judgment was rendered on OCT 06, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Seven Thousand One Hundred Forty Two Dollars and Sixty Two Cents ($7142.62); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on APRIL 4, 2017 and will on MAY 2, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of MARY JANE E. OROZCO to and in the following described Real Property LOT NINE(9) IN BLOCK FIVE(5) OF LEXINGTON COLONY SECTION THREE-A(3A), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE 1856/A AND B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1229 AUTUMN VILLAGE DR, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459.

The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Vanesia R. Johnson, Chairperson Citizens Advocating for Social Equity (C.A.S.E.)

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 26, 2017 • Page 7

NEWS

SSLW and Partners award five scholarships Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and their Phenomenal Partners recently held their 28th annual Service and Academic Excellence Luncheon honoring five 2017 scholarship recipients.

The scholarship recipients were: Trinity Hawkins, Stafford MSD – Stafford High School, plans to attend Texas Southern University and major in business administration.

Taylor Howard, Fort Bend ISD – Hightower High School, college undecided and major in chemical engineering.

Mia Johnson, Fort Bend ISD – Ridge Point High School, plans to attend Texas Southern University and major pre pharmacy.Soromtochi Onyeahialam, Fort Bend ISD – Ridge Point High School, plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in biology.

Madison Owens ,Lamar CISD – George Ranch High School plans to attend University of North Texas in Dallas and major in biology.

Five annual, and competitive scholarships are awarded in March based on community service, academic excellence, and leadership.

Annual service with SSLW is a scholarship’s requirement. There were 18 applicants from Fort Bend, Katy, Lamar Consolidated, and Stafford School Districts.

Veritas Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Sugar Land was the generous partial underwriter.

John Taylor, Event Coordinator, coordinated the service.

The program was lively and fun! Mose Austin, was the “ keep it moving” master of ceremony.

He also designed and printed the programs; Marvelyn Harris, Scholarships’ Chair welcomed and introduced recipients, their families, and partners.

Addie L. Johnson, Esquire, guest speaker, and 1996 scholarship recipient shared practical and sometimes funny strategies on succeeding in college and life.

Mable Scott Austin shared the history, purpose, mission, history, programs / projects. Elise Leaks Harmon reviewed the scholarships’ process and updates and distributed hard copies of the required Bursar’s form.

Mable Scott Austin shared two specific partnerships’ opportunities: 1. distribution of Partner Commitment Form. This form is also online – www.sslw.org/ Join Us/Partners’s Commitment; and 2. Distribution of a SSLW, informative and empowering three – minutes CD video created and updated annually by Joel C. Harmon, member ad Diamond partner.

June Peggs donated five, beautiful, 8 inches by 10 inches, framed,

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scholarship’s certificates.

Marvelyn Harris closing remark was to ask FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre to make closing remarks. He humbly prayed as scholarship recipients, their families, partners, and committee members held hands. Everyone smiled in awe and appreciation of this solemn closing by Dr. Dupre.

Parents and families in attendance: Trinity Hawkins’ mother, Towana Bryant, and her grandmother, Linda White; Taylor Howard’s mother, LaTanya Howard; Mia Johnson’s father, Gregory Johnson and her mother, Shanteria Johnson Soromtochi Onyeahialam’s mother, Dorothy Onyeahialam. Madison Owens’ mother, Erica Johnson; and her father, Darrell Owens.

Phenomenal Partners in attendance: Margaret J. Allen, D.D.S. and Belinda Allen – Clark, Office Manager, Amazing Smiles; Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent, Fort Bend Independent School District and Seeju, wife; Evelyn Dean, President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc – Suburban Houston – Fort Bend Alumna Chapter; and new partner: Towana Bryant of Trinity Freight Service, LLC Dual Members & Partners in attendance: Elise Leaks Harmon; Marvelyn Harris; Mose Austin; and Mable Scott Austin.

Scholarships’ Committee: Marvelyn Harris, Chair; Elise Leaks Harmon & June Peggs, Co Chairs; and Mose & Mable Austin, Founder & President. 100% of officers and programs’ chairs are partners. Continuing scholarships to former recipients are available June 01 – July 15 via www.sslw. org.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS. Madison Owens; Mia Johnson; Soromtochi Onyeahialam; Trinity Hawkins; and Taylor Howard.

Phenomenal Partners, Rear, Mose Austin; Margaret J. Allen, DDS,; Belinda Allen - Clark; Seeju Dupre; and Dr. Charles Dupre. Front: Elise Leaks Harmon; Mable Scott Austin; and Marvelyn Harris.

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 26, 2017

Thank you to our sponsor

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