Fort Bend Independent

Phone: 281-980-6745

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VOL 4 No 18

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

FBISD’s ‘Future problem-solvers’

Pictured (front row, from left to right) are: Puja Shah, Roma Shah, Aman Hemani, Ashwin Hareesh; and (back row) Coach Amber McFarland, Zoha Momin, Rachel Hsu, Jahnvi Jain, Ashley Song, Nic Garza, Coach David Sebek. Not pictured is Dhruva Karkada, who will serve as an alternate.

Nine students from Quail Valley Middle School’s Gifted/ Talented Academy qualified to compete at the International Finals of Future ProblemSolving, which will be held at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, on June 9-12. Competing will be: Zoha Momin (State Champion, Intermediate Individual); Nic Garza, Jahnvi Jain, Ashley Song, and Rachel Hsu (State Champion, Intermediate Team); and Ashwin Hareesh, Aman Hemani, Puja Shah, and Roma Shah (3rd place, Junior Team).

The students were part of a 53-person contingency from the QVMS G/T Academy that qualified for the Texas FPS State Bowl in February.

The G/T Academy students competed against nearly 1,000 students, in grades 4-8, at the Texas Future Problem-Solving State Bowl, held recently.

During the team and individual creative problem-solv-

ing competition, the students generated creative solutions to problems relating to the topic, “Water Quality.”

All contest participants spent two hours completing a written booklet that combined research and creative approaches to solving problems related to the State Bowl topic.

On April 10, the Top 10 problem-solving teams and top three individuals in each division received state awards.

Seventeen students from Quail Valley’s G/T Academy were recognized for their outstanding achievements in Future Problem-Solving.

They were: Alex Li, Kevin Chen, Shayan Ali, Michael Yu (Top Ten Junior Team), Dhruva Karkada, Trent Phan, Radhika Patel, Prinka Kaur (4th Place Junior Team) Ashwin Hareesh, Aman Hemani, Puja Shah, Roma Shah (3rd Place Junior Team) Nic Garza, Jahnvi Jain, Ashley Song, Rachel

Hsu (State Champion Intermediate Team) Zoha Momin (State Champion Intermediate Individual).

First-place finishers earned $500 scholarships for the further development of Future Problem-Solving at QVMS. (QVMS earned $1,000 in scholarship money from FPS this year.)

All winners received medals and plaques for their schools.

Students advancing to the International Finals will compete on the topic, “Emergency Planning.”

Qualifying teams represent the U.S., Australia, and other countries. This is the fourth year that Fort Bend ISD students have participated in the program.

Quail Valley’s G/T Academy is currently the only FBISD school participating in the program this year. Team sponsors are Amber McFarland and David Sebek.

Clements sophomore seeks state tennis title A Sugar Land high school tennis player, Isha Gandhi, is poised to become a state champion next week.

Gandhi, a Clements High School sophomore, recently won the Region III-5A tennis tournament in Deer Park.

Gandhi won the regional girls singles championship at Deer Park High School by defeating Katy Taylor’s Erika Emerey, 6-0, 6-0.

Gandhi entered the tourna-

ment as the No. 2 seed behind Clements junior Laura Cardno. Cardno was eliminated in the semifinals.

Cardno and Gandhi had hopes of qualifying for the state tournament, but one of them lost in the semifinals.

Gandhi, setting her sights on the ultimate gold, the state title, is confident of doing her best to win the crown, en route to her dream of becoming a renowned tennis player.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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Isha Gandhi The Dulles High School girls doubles team of Mariam Zein and Courtney Yeung from Fort Bend ISD will also join Gandhi at the state tournament in Austin May 9-10.

Zein and Yeung finished second.

Sugar Land Tea Party quizzes candidates in local elections The Sugar Land Tea Party hosted a candidate meet and greet for Sugar Land City Council and Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees candidates on Monday, May 2 at the First Colony Branch Library.

The meet and greet was an informal setting with a brief introduction by each of the candidates. Afterwards, members talked one-on-one with the candidates to ask the questions.

The organizers provided copies of a comprehensive questionnaire completed by the candidates available to take home as well as copies of the candidates’ campaign finance reports and bios.

The Independent obtained advance copies of the answers given by the candidates. Some excerpts are produced here.

Following is the written response given by Farah Ahmed, Harish Jajoo and Frank Yonish, candidates for Sugar Land City Council Dist. 4.

—Seshadri Kumar Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

Farah Ahmed: I served on the Mayor’s Multicultural Committee, on the 2009 Community Summit, Planning and Zoning for the City of Sugar Land, and on the board of my home owner’s association.

Harish Jajoo: I have 29 years

of experience in municipal government and managing and directing the planning and implementation of infrastructure programs. That has given me a unique perspective to develop a better understanding of municipal management, budgetary constraints, citizens concerns, infrastructure issues and other aspects of city governance.

Over the years I have demonstrated that civic engagement and community service are essential ingredients of my life. I have volunteered at the Sugar Land Exchange club for 17 years; co-chaired the Spaghetti fund raiser the last 2 years; served on the Board of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and many more. I have also served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and now on the Planning & Zoning Commission for Sugar Land.

Frank Yonish: I am qualified for this position for many reasons. First, I have been a council member before in the City of Missouri City for 6 years and demonstrated leadership and fiscal responsibility in that city. I have been active in business and the community of Fort Bend County for 28 years and helped numerous businesses grow and prosper by providing working capital as a banker to our local businesses.

I am an accountant and banker and will be able to get behind

the numbers and ask the right questions and provide a voice for fiscal responsibility. I have worked hard as a council member in Missouri City to reduce and eliminate double taxation in the city. I fought to keep Sienna Plantation out of the city limits so they did not have to pay city taxes and MUD taxes.

I also fought to try and reduce taxes on existing residents by eliminating the MUD taxes that city of Missouri City residents pay. I did not win that fight. But I brought the issue up and will continue to fight to reduce the tax burden on our residents.

Do you believe the role of government should be limited and focus on essential services only?

Ahmed: The role of government should be limited to the wishes, goals, and vision of its citizens as expressed.

Jajoo: Yes–the role of government should be to provide critical services to its citizens and the desired quality of life.

Government should provide a framework where a free market economy can thrive. I am big believer in limited government.

Yonish: Yes, I most definitely believe in limited government involvement in our lives. The city should only focus on pro See QUIZ, Page 5

FBISD candidates attend Tea Party forum Candidates for Fort Bend ISD board of trustees attended a meet and greet session hosted by the Sugar Land Tea Party at the First Colony Library on Monday. The candidates also responded to a questionnaire provided by the Tea party in advance.

Position 1 candidate Susan Hohnbaum, At-large Position 4 candidates Daniel Menendez and Bruce Albright, Position 5 candidates Jonita Reynolds and Patsy Taylor attended the forum. Position 1 candidate Wade Watessak could not be present, but he sent a representative. Position 4 candidates Kevin Daniels and Rodrigo Carreon were not present.

They did not respond to the questionnaire as well.

For want of space and brevity, some responses given by the candidates have been edited.

Do you believe the budget problem we are facing should be resolved through revenue increase or by reducing or eliminating spending?

Pos.1 candidate: Susan Hohnbaum: The budget problem should be resolved at the state level. Raising taxes won’t help. Spending has been cut by 10 percent over the past three years. We have continually eliminated positions. Until state improves the finance plan, spending cuts have to

continue.

Pos. 1 candidate Wade Watassek: Tax increase is not the answer. We have a spending problem, not a revenue problem. With increase in revenue in the last five years, we still ran deficit.

Pos. 4 candidate Bruce Albright: From 2006 to 2010 the number of students increased by 3,139 or 4.76 percent and the revenue for the same period rose from $521.58 million to $610.19 million or 16.98 percent. We don not have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. Out of $8651 per student, only $4882 goes to the classroom.

Pos. 4 candidate Daniel Menendez: Revenue increases or spending cuts, the answer is all three, taxes, fees and bonds.

Pos. 5 candidate Jonita Reynolds: I am not a proponent of taxing and spending our way through. It is imperative that we make the necessary adjustments, and live within our means. Investing in our future will require that we make fiscally prudent decisions, while keeping our taxes down; reducing and/or eliminating nonessential expenditures, without dismantling our educator’s capacity; or neglecting to equip our youth with the competencies to succeed and excel from

the cradle to career in a global economy.

Pos.5 candidate Patsy Taylor: The budget problem has no definite answer but may include a combination of many adjustments. However, with all budget decisions, negotiations should be in place whether it concerns the state funding mechanisms or the habits of spending within each district.

Are you a fiscal conservative and what does that mean to you?

Hohnbaum: I do feel that I, personally, am a fiscal conservative because, to me, that term means that I allocate funds by priority, I fund what I can afford, I avoid funds from outside sources when and if possible to eliminate any imposed/ implied obligations, I avoid debt when possible and I avoid deficit spending.

Watassek: I would say that I am a fiscal conservative. I believe that you have to look at your overall revenues and avoid deficit spending and ensure that you have a balanced budget. In these economic times fiscal responsibility should be a top priority and managing the budget is a vital part of that.

Sometimes it is tough to make those decisions, but you have to understand your long range goals and plan accordingly.

See Page 5

EARLY VOTING Mon., May 2 – Tues., May 10, 2011 ELECTION DAY Saturday, May 14, 2011

Michael Schiff, current Sugar Land Councilman District 4 endorses Harish Jajoo for city council.

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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 4, 2011

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MAY 4, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News Sugar Land City Council Dist. 3 candidates respond to Sugar Land Tea Party Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

Amy Mitchell: I know, have studied and have worked hard for the city for many years and volunteered at many different levels, I have studied and volunteered for both the Sugar Land police Department, the Sugar Land Fire Department and the City of Sugar Land, I truly love and have tremendous pride in Sugar Land, I have the knowledge, experience, education, dedication and hard work necessary to be the next City Council person, Given my many years of volunteering for the city and my legal and analytical skills this is the righttime for me to run!

Jim Hoelker: Iwant to use my 23 years as a business owner/entrepreneur and community leader to help keep this city great.

Do you believe the role of government should be limited and focus on essential services only?

Mitchell: Yes to the degree necessary to maintain the city’s quality of life, maintain public safety, and the streets, roads and infrastructure.

Hoelker: Yes, the role of government should be limited.

As good financial stewards of revenues generated, the focus should be on how best to deliver priority services.

Are you a fiscal conservative and what does that mean to you?

Mitchell: Yes, unequivocally, Fiscally conservative means spending only that which needs to be done to successfully complete the job at hand, My life and campaign exemplifies this attitude, I have lived in the same house for 18 years. I drive a 11 year old vehicle which has 157,000 miles on it, I do not spend excessively, With regard to my campaign. I am seeking to get the maximum out every dollar spent. I am using a combination of traditional methods such as push cards, a mailer and yard signs along with emailing to get the maximum return on my money. I believe in personally knocking on doors and meeting people in the district. I cannot rationalize spending large sums of money to obtain a political position. My thought is, if you cannot be fiscally responsible when obtaining the position, what will you do when you have control over the millions of dollars that the city spends each year.

Hoelker: Balanced Budget, low to no deficit spending and low taxes.

What do you believe should be city government’s primary responsibilities?

Mitchell: Maintain the cities quality of life, maintain public safety, and the streets, roads and infrastructure.

Hoelker: Safety, Mobility, Economic Development, balancing Development & Redevelopment with Great Neighborhoods.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing Sugar Land right now? How do you propose to resolve it?

Mitchell: In my opinion, development and redevelopment are key issues that must be addressed. With regard to development, we need to do everything possible to ensure the economic viability of the city. The future development of the Prison Property and parts of Tract 3 into business parks are of the upmost importance. We must try to develop the Prison Property to draw large business such as another Minute Maid or Fluor. This will increase property values, create the need for more housing and help spur economic growth and spending within Sugar Land. With regard to District 3, redevelopment of the centers on Highway 6 must be a priority. On Highway 6, we have several potential options for redevelopment including a farmers market and/ or an adjunct seniors center.

By creating a specifically targeted entity within a shopping center, we can encourage growth within the shopping center for stores and restaurants to serve the patrons of the entity thereby encouraging economic growth.

Hoelker: City council leadership is the most pressing issue. The citizens can resolve that issue by electing people with 23 years of business experience to help run this city.

I know what it is like to meet a payroll!

Do you believe the City of Sugar Land will have budget issues for the coming years?

If so, how do you think the city should deal with it?

Mitchell: Yes. I think it is possible unless we put adequate safeguards in place.

There is a lower tax base, increased costs and necessary repairs. We will have to look closely at all expenses, costs, programs and look for different areas of revenue, if needed. We will need to reassess the city’s needs and programs to ensure Sugar Land is maximizing the services the City provides at the minimum cost

to the residents.

Hoelker: Yes, we should anticipate budget issues. I would make transparent to the public an annual Contingency Plan A, B& C...if revenues fall by XX percent, these expenses/programs/initiatives must be reduced by XX percent. This way everyone knows how they will be affected before any change to city service happens.

Assuming there is no tax or fee increases, what services do you think the city should reduce or minimize?

Mitchell: I would like to have the time to analyze all expenditures to see where there is overage or potential for reduction in costs. Items and services purchased and contracted for by the city should be properly bid for. I would certainly seek the input of our residents to determine what services would be vital to them to ensure their interests are protected, This will take time and research and should not be hastily decided, I know there has been a hiring freeze for two to three years, I am concerned that we are in danger of losing some very good people.

Hoelker: All non-essential services should be on the target first. Postpone or reduce capital improvement projects and then look at across the board cuts.

Howard Paul is another candidate in the race, but he did not respond to the questions provided by the Tea Party. He also did not attend the meet and greet forum.

As a strong Sugar Land community leader for 20 years, Howard Paul was appointed as a new Board of Director by the First Colony Community Association to fill the unexpired term vacated by Don Olson on March 24.

“I will be a good steward to save your hard earned money.

As a Ph. D. professional engineer, Howard can work for you to make the right decisions on the City’s major capital improvement projects to utilize taxpayers money more efficiently,” Paul says.

Paul says he is dedicated to community service works.

He has teamed up and worked with local residents in the City to improve quality of life, community safety, culture diversity and a strong economy.

Howard has served on many community boards and organizations.

Don Smithers, candidate for Sugar Land’s Dist. 1 Why are you running for this position?

Sugar Land is losing three Council members in May -two because of term limits and one who is moving out of town, We must maintain some stability to meet the challenges of the next two years, I am the most qualified candidate for this position because of my previous experience and involvement.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

I served on City Council 1997 - 2003 and 2009 - present, I have been involved in City activities for several years; I served as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment also served as Director of the Imperial Redevelopment District, Currently serving as Division Vice Chair for Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce - Government Relations, One of the founding members of Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation working for the restoration of Lakeview Auditorium.

Do you believe the role of government should be limited and focus on essential services only?

Yes, government should provide essential services and stay out of the citizen’s business.

Are you a fiscal conservative and what does that mean to you?

I am a fiscal conservative and I believe that this means you don’t spend money that you don’t have - no deficit spending. Also, as a fiscal conservative you do not expect the government to run your affairs and constantly provide handouts.

What do you believe should be city government’s primary responsibilities?

The role of City Government should be to provide for the security and welfare of the citizens - police and fire protection, water and sewer services and garbage collection.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing Sugar Land right now?

How do you propose to resolve it?

Sugar Land has some challenging times ahead; we are losing 3 experienced Council members. The Imperial Redevelopment including the new baseball stadium, the mandate to convert to surface water - 30 percent by 2013 and the fact that so much of the infrastructure is going to need replacement - Old Sugar Land has neighborhoods dating back to the early 1900s, some of the other neighborhoods on the north side are 40 years old and First Colony is 30 years old.

We have ongoing programs to replace sidewalks, streets and water and sewer lines each year to bring them up to standard.

We must continue to attract businesses which generate sales tax revenue to help pay for these projects.

All of these challenges must be met without increasing the tax burden on our residents.

Don Smithers Sugar Land City Councilman District 1

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Distinguished Engineer

Wong At its first annual induction ceremony recently, University of Houston Civil & Environmental Engineering Department elected Daniel O. Wong, Ph.D., P.E. as an inductee into the Academy of Distinguished Civil & Environmental Engineers of the University.

The Academy is established to recognize elite UH alumni who have risen to the top of their field after receiving their degrees at the University of Houston, and who have proven themselves through their work as engineers, service to the community, and influence upon the industry.

Election to the membership in the Academy is one of the highest honors accorded to outstanding alumni who have brought honor to the University of Houston and have sustained distinguished contributions to the profession, field, the University and society at large.

Wong is a graduate of University of Houston with B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering.

He is President and CEO of Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. Wong currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers for the State of Texas. He is active in Fort Bend County and is a board member of Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and a trustee of Fort Bend Economic Development Council. He had served as an At-Large Councilmember for Sugar Land from 2002 to 2008.

Diana Miller, candidate for Dist. 1 did not respond to questions posed by the Tea Party nor did she attend the candidates forum. Miller says, “Sugar Land is an award winning community because of its commitment to family friendly neighborhoods and home ownership. The redevelopment of the Imperial Sugar Mill site is a crucial project to this district and the surrounding neighborhoods. As construction opportunities for developers diminish, they are increasingly seeking higher density projects, as now proposed for this site. I will work for the community to ensure this development remains true to its original presentation to the city in 2007, one that was developed in partnership with District 1 citizens.” Visit http:// stopimperialsugarmillapartments.com/

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 4, 2011

Opinion

The View from Sugar Land OBL is gone

By RUSSELL C. JONES As this column is being written Sunday evening, news is arriving of a ground strike on a compound in Pakistan resulting in the death of Osama bin Ladin. A sense of relief is pervading the nation. Finally the mastermind of 9/11 has been brought down.

Since Bush first announced the War on Terror, the question has been how we would know when the war is over. No doubt that the death of OBL is not the end of the war, but maybe it is the beginning of the end.

Congratulations to the CIA and the Navy Seals who conducted the raid!

Invitation to the Wedding Most Americans do not care much about the royal wedding, but it cannot be ignored. Every television and radio station devoted more time to it than any British event since Diana’s wedding thirty years ago.

Noticeably absent were the Obamas. The official British explanation is that the event was not a state occasion, and foreign heads of state were not necessarily invited. Perhaps, but the Reagans were invited to Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981 and to Andrew’s wedding to Sarah Ferguson in 1986.

Perhaps there was some other issue. Could it be that Obama returned a bust of Churchill to the Brits shortly after he took office? Could it be that he refused to hold a joint press conference with Prime Minister Brown, and presented him with a gift of DVDs on his first visit in Washington?

How about the time Brown was in New York at the UN and was refused four requests to meet with Obama? Could it be that Obama gave Queen Elizabeth an iPod during his first visit to London? What

By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. For several decades now, many women’s coaches and sports medicine physicians have known that certain women’s sports skills should Water efforts progress This column has previously be trained in different ways to reported on a bill now pending accommodate physiological in the state legislature which characteristics in women. We would give Fort Bend and Bra- also have been well aware of zoria counties representation how eating disorders and late on the board of the Gulf Coast onset of menstrual periods in elite female athletes can Water Authority.

The issue is critical because contribute to low bone denof a mandate to shift mu- sity, which in turn can lead to nicipal water supplies from stress fractures.

Stress fractures are most groundwater to surface water, commonly located in the a commodity which is highly bones of the lower extremity, regulated and increasingly especially around the pelvis, scarce. leg, and foot.

For both men The good news is that the and women athletes, this type house Natural Resources Comof injury results from highmittee passed the legislation level repetitive trauma or on a 10-0 vote. overuse, but even minimal The unanimity was surprising, after nine representatives stresses can cause fractures in of Galveston County, includ- weakened bone.

A recent article in Archives ing the county judge, appeared of Pediatric Adolescent Medibefore the committee to voice cine cautions us that repetitive strong opposition. drill can be a potential problem The bad news is that GCWA when it comes to high impact now contends that it has no sports in teen-age girls. The obligation to provide the waauthors reported on a study ter which it has already conof almost 7000 adolescent tracted. Instead, it insists that Fort Bend and Brazoria mu- girls between 1996 and 2003. nicipalities are only entitled to Stress fractures occurred in a refund of monetary deposits 3.9% of these girls during the previously made, rather than 7-year period.

This study, from Harvard a right to actually receive the Medical School and Boston water.

Children¹s Hospital, demonThis comes as a surprise strated a statistically higher to Sugar Land, Pearland, risk of stress fractures in adoWCID#2, Missouri City and lescents who participated in other municipal water suppli3 distinct sports: running, ers who are counting on the contracted water for their resi- basketball, and cheerleading/ dents for years into the future. gymnastics at a high-impact This story, it seems, has level. The risk of stress fractures increased by 8% for evbarely begun.

Jones is a member of the ery hour per week spent parSugar Land City Council, hav- ticipating in these activities. ing been first elected in 2003. These results were indepenHe owns a law firm and a title dent of diet, family history, insurance company in Sugar Land.

Almost 80% of all increases in the growth of household income since 2007 has resulted from government payments.

Jones about Obama’s statement earlier this year claiming that America has no “stronger friend than France.”

Obama has treated America’s best ally with something less than cordiality since his inauguration. Could that be why Obama was not invited?

Great Depression Redux For the first time since the depression of the 1930’s, households are receiving more money from the government in the form of transfer payments than they are paying in taxes. More than $2.3 trillion in income support flowed from the government to individuals in 2010, while household tax payments decreased by $312 billion. Households paid just $2.2 trillion in income, payroll, and other taxes.

According to one study, social benefits made up 35% of wages and salaries in 2010, up from 21% in 2000 and 10% in 1960.

Government income includes unemployment benefits, Social Security, disability insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, education assistance and a variety of other cash transfers of government funds to individuals.

Scanlan Barbara quipped, “It scared me to death. I thought it might be a snake or a rat . . . but it was three baby bunnies.” This new burrow of baby bunnies right in the mulched area near a tree. In the midst of the Coleus, Salvia and Lantana, grow bunnies. Yes, Watership Down fans, a warren of rabbits.

You can literally see these babies grow daily. In my first photos you can barely tell what’s mulch and what’s bunny. However, alpha bunny is already getting pretty restless and raising his head a lot.

Mama Rabbit did put a fresh layer of grass and mulch on the bunnies, but I trust alpha bunny to keep wiggling around—he’s growing fast.

Talk about maternal instinct, Barbara says, “I just want to protect these little ones. They are so precious

Not just oil, Pennzoil

Parr and other variables.

Just as importantly, this report is the first to show a correlation between high impact activities and stress fractures in girls younger than 18.

It should be noted that the researchers found low to moderate level participation in running, basketball, and cheerleading/gymnastics did not carry this same increased risk of stress fractures despite the number of hours spent participating in the activity.

Other running and jumping sports, such as volleyball and softball, also did not have the same injury concern.

The study did show that each one-year delay in the onset of menses was associated with a 30% increase in the risk for stress fractures, and a family history of low bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis) doubled the girls’ risk for stress fracture.

This type of fracture in an athlete almost never occurs at a “convenient” time, and can take the athlete out of training and competition for weeks or months at a time. It is not uncommon for injured high performance athletes to miss tryouts for more advanced competitive programs or to miss being seen by college re-

cruiters.

In addition, although these are often called “hairline” fractures, they can become complete fractures and lead to a lifetime of disability if left untreated.

In large communities such as ours, instead of playing a different sport each season, our children tend to concentrate on a single sport year round, and continue to train at a high level for that sport.

This often means there is not an adequate amount of time available to let developing, potentially serious injuries heal between competitive seasons.

We know that more than half of the total amount of bone calcium they will have in later life is formed during the teen-age years in girls. We also know that weight-bearing exercises and regular physical activity is necessary for girls to build bone and help to protect against osteoporosis in adulthood. We feel strongly that high level participation in women’s sports should not be discouraged.

What adolescent girls do need, however, is for their coaches and parents to moderate their level of high impact training, reducing the total time spent at this level by substituting other conditioning activities that do not place them at greater risk for fracture. Such workout creativity makes training more fun, while helping to avoid the unwanted consequence of poor bone health.

Dr. Thomas Parr, an orthopedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-4917111.Visit www.tomparrmd. net for more information.

Water board director resigns

Musings: Reverence

By JANICE SCANLAN In light of the recent important events, it was just a bunch of suburbanites enjoying a Saturday. Yet at one garden there was a reverence like church because we were witnessing a miracle—a miracle of nature in Barbara and Pete Thompson’s beautiful garden.

It seems a mother rabbit loves the garden as well . . . what’s not to love for a rabbit (or human) . . . there’s shade, a wide expanse of lush grass, and it’s protected from predators like hawks.

The reverence was joyful, but it was deferential because of how mama rabbit makes a burrowed nest for her young and then most of the time attends to her business.

It demonstrates the miracle of birth, nature and survival.

She only feeds the bunnies for five minutes twice a day.

She does lay on top of the burrow if the lawn sprinkler comes on to keep her babies dry and warm, but otherwise, she’s away taking care of rabbit business.

And it was almost like she knew all the people meant no harm.

On Thursday Barbara noticed what looked like hair or a mound of a spider’s web below one of her trees and flower beds. She went over to “clean it up,” but it moved.

Stress fractures in women’s high impact sports

and helpless. Pete is discouraging me from making them pets because they would eat us out of house and home, but he likes them too.”

And I can attest to that . . . when, at daylight, John and I were putting out signs for the tour, Pete was giving us the “morning bunny report.”

Word spread through the tour like wildfire. Several people even returned to see the bunnies again. With families and kids riding bikes from location to location, the tour is starting to become a celebration of community for the entire family. However, we never expected a miracle.

Ironically, our Villa location had a wonderful collection of dressed and painted bunnies, but it was almost like the saying about kids stealing a movie . . . well, Mama Rabbit can come “steal our scene” anytime!

You can expect other surprises at the Saturday, May 7, Sugar Land Garden Club Tour in the older and historic portions of Sugar Land. Visit www.SugarLandGardenClub. org for locations.

And the reverence holds.

While we don’t have a bunny cam, we are taking daily macro pictures—so go visit at http://traction.typepad.com/ QVTour And see more pics of the event.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(John 3:16) www. freebibleliterature. com

To the Editor: I feel that I owe an explanation to those in the Stafford community and Fort Bend County that I have come to know so well and consider to be part of my extended family.

I am writing to explain my initial decision to remain on the Board of Directors of Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2, and to inform the public of my current decision to resign from the Board effective May 2, 2011.

I initially chose to stay on the Board to fulfill the 4-year term that I was elected to in 2008.

However, I care too much for this community and this up-

coming bond election to let my position negatively impact Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2 and my family and friends.

In 2008, the voters re-elected me for a third 4-year term, and I was happy and honored to continue to serve. Since that election, I’ve had some big changes in my personal life that resulted in my move out of the District, with one year remaining on my term I felt somewhat obligated to finish my term. Although I do not reside in the District, my construction business and many of my projects are still located in the District, not to mention family members and friends, so my concern and commit-

ment to this community have not changed.

If some members of the public feel my resignation is in the best interest of the District and its residents then I will step down without hesitation.

Unlike some other governmental entities, a water district cannot call an election to fulfill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. Instead, the remaining directors will have to appoint someone to fulfill my term. I hope and pray that the remaining Board Members will appoint someone with as much care and concern for the residents and the future of the District as I still have.

Chad Howard

Elected officials: Whom do they represent?

To the Editor: With elections coming, a crucial question for Fort Bend County voters to ask is, “Who do our local government officials actually represent?”

Clearly, our elected officials should represent us, the voters of this area. But their actions and votes very often reflect that they are more concerned with representing their campaign contributors, their own specific neighborhoods, or doing the will of government officials and bureaucracies. Elected officials should champion and lead out in causes for the voters that put them in office.

I personally would like to see a candidate actually keep his/ her promise to improve government after being elected.

Most often I’ve noticed that our elected officials seem inclined to follow the direction and wishes of government managers, who usually have their own agenda.

What results usually has very little connection with voters and their causes and objectives.

Admittedly, the job of an elected official is extremely

tough. Very often, difficult choices need to be made between various competing constituencies.

Once in office, many of our elected officials voice the axiom that they will be independent and find out the opinions of their constituencies before voting.

But, are they truly independent and more importantly, have they put forth any real effort to find out what their constituencies think?

I haven’t seen it yet. Research the number of unanimous votes on Councils and Boards in Fort Bend County and then tell me that the members are really independent and have tried to find out what residents think.

We do have some elected officials in Fort Bend County who represent us well.

But, very often our Fort Bend County electeds have their own agenda or they feel only authorized to make a few minor changes to local government policy and nothing else.

Truly, we’re not being represented well under any of these scenarios and equally important, our representatives are

missing the objective of a true democratic government by a wide margin.

I very often wonder when candidates and elected officials will understand that we elected them to specifically represent us, the voters.

Do voters think this is a big issue? This past year we saw several street protests in the area for the first time.

The other thing that bothers me about our candidates is their non-committal attitude.

Not wanting to lose votes, they come across as evasive and ambiguous about everything.

Many have come this far as a candidate by taking a middle of the road stance and not alienating anyone.

So, they believe that the key to success for a politician is not being overly (or overtly) dedicated to anything. What we very much need in Fort Bend County is new office holders who stand for something, have a passion for getting things done, and are really focused on representing their constituencies.

Howard Moline Missouri City

MAY 4, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

News Methodist Sugar Land Hospital expands Methodist Sugar Land Hospital began building out the sixth floor of its Main Pavilion, adding 56 beds and improving the hospital’s ability to meet the volume and needs of patients from Fort Bend and surrounding areas.

The floor will be dedicated to orthopedic and neurosurgery patients and will include a gym and rehabilitation equipment to accommodate patients who require physical therapy following a procedure. Construction is expected to be complete in the fall.

“The build-out of our sixth floor allows us to expand and provide a dedicated area for patients in two of our fastest growing service lines,” says Chris Siebenaler, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CEO. “Investments like this further our commitment to the community—to provide much-needed services close to home.”

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is also adding eight intensive care unit (ICU) beds in its Sweetwater Pavilion. This redesigned space will include the flexibility to “swing” from ICU to regular medical-surgical beds as needed.

“As we’ve added a wide

Quiz from Page 1 living services.

Are you a fiscal conservative and what does that mean to you?

Ahmed: I am a fiscal conservative where I believe that city should have a balance budget and have a strict oversight on expenses and be conservative about calculating future revenue for annual budgets. In addition, I feel that keeping taxes low and quality of service high is paramount.

Jajoo: Yes I am and implementation of my vision for Sugar Land would be possible only if we are fiscally conservative. To me, this means living well within our means and providing for the future. It means minimum taxation, eliminating wasteful spending, and working efficiently and intelligently to stretch our tax dollars to the fullest extent possible.

Yonish: I am a fiscal conservative. I have lived by that all of my life. I will work to reduce taxes (including fees). Cut expenses. I believe the city of Sugar Land has some ability to cut expenses further and I will work to get that done. Fiscal Conservative is reviewing every project and department determining if it is necessary and if so what is the cost associated with implementing it. In some cases the departments are necessary, but we may not be able to afford them. It is very simply doing a cost benefit analysis on every project and department in the city.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing Sugar Land right now? How do you propose to resolve it?

Ahmed: To me the most pressing issue is development, I feel that it should be of high quality, and not negatively impact our neighborhoods, traffic, or crime issues. I want our city to be unique and distinctive in its development projects.

Jajoo: As a fast growing city that will soon be a destination city, mobility will become our most pressing issue. This will have a direct impact on one of the best things we have in our favor - quality of life. We need to keep this our strength and prevent it from becoming an issue.

Preserving and enhancing our quality of life is a central focus of my vision for our city. I have the perfect background in terms of understanding, experience and relationships with local, state and federal agencies. I will use this to leverage the best of technology,

John Park, M.D.; Bhagwat Patel, M.D.; Irfan Lalani, M.D.; Jeffrey Wood, M.D.; Mark Maffet, M.D. and Rajesh Bindal, M.D. range of services that were previously available only in the Texas Medical Center, we’ve continued to maintain our focus on patient care and safety at the bedside,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer. “The nurse to patient ratio is an important component in providing that level of outstanding care and service.”

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has a nurse to patient ratio that ranks among the top in the nation, which includes a 1-to-4 nurse to patient ratio in the medical-surgical unit and 1-to-2 ratio in ICU. A true testament that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

is Leading Medicine is the number of significant medical firsts we have contributed to the Fort Bend community, which at one time, were only available in the medical center, including: •First abdominal aortic aneurysm repair •First angioplasty with stents •First brain surgery & awake brain surgery •First carotid artery stenting •First gastric lap band surgery & laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy •First minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

•First open heart surgery •First MRI guided biopsy •First robotic surgical system & related surgeries •First rotational atherectomy •First single puncture laparoscopic gallbladder surgery •First thermoregulatory device used for hyperthermia technique •First urinary bladder reconstruction •First urinary artificial sphincter surgery •First video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy surgery To learn more, visit www.

MethodistSugarLand.com

stretch our capital dollars and promote regional cooperation in enhancing mobility.

Do you believe the City of Sugar Land will have budget issues for the coming years? If so, how do you think the city should deal with it?

Ahmed: The City may have another year of reduced sales tax revenue. We need to deal with reduced revenue by reducing expenditures and carefully managing projects.

Jajoo: If we continue to plan for a rainy day and live within our means (which is possible), we should have no budget issues.

With my track record of finding ways to do more with less, I can help with this from Day 1 on council. Should we face a budget issue though, the best way to deal with it is to closely examine what we can and cannot live without in terms of City budget and expenditures. Consolidating for gained efficiencies, temporarily suspending non-essential services and similar measures should be on the table first. I would be opposed to a tax increase as the way out of a budget crisis - keeping in mind that the cause of budget crisis is primarily not living within our means.

Yonish: If the city continues to grow as fast as it is, and if the economy takes another blow, we will have to deal with budget issues. The answer is this: lure retail and commercial business into the city. They use less services and generate sales taxes from a broad range of the Metro Houston area, not just Sugar Land. Also, I believe we have some expenses that can be cut today in administration and city departments that will reduce our budget in anticipation of harder times ahead. Let’s be proactive today - not reactive tomorrow as it relates to our city budget. I, as businessman, had to cut staff and budget at my bank over the past couple of years to adjust to the current economic environment.

The bank subsequently did well and we are not taking government bailout money as a result.

Assuming there is no tax or fee increases, what services do you think the city should reduce or minimize?

Ahmed: We need to look at all departments to reduce expenses and maybe reduction of personnel in the city except for fire and safety.

Jajoo: There are no glaring areas within the City that need reduction or minimizing that I am aware of. Having said that eliminating wasteful expenditures and expenditures on non-core city

services I productive services should always be a priority as we look for constant improvement. A “Sunset” type review of non-core city service type initiatives would serve the City and its citizen’s well.

Yonish: I think the city should reduce its administrative staff.

The city has numerous assistant city managers’ and assistant department heads. I don’t think we need that many. I also would look at each city department staff and compare the staff and salary ratios to other cities of like size. If we are out of line with our peers, we would need to cut staff. In short, do a cost benefit analysis on each of our city departments.

What is your opinion about the city crime rate?

Ahmed: Sugar Land has the lowest crime rate for a city its size, but in district 4 there have been a number of home and vehicle break-ins. We must be vigilant and take precautionary measures with increase patrolling and start

discussions on whether cameras in or around neighborhoods would be feasible and cost effective.

Jajoo: With the tough economic climate, we are blessed to have a relatively safe city. However, even a single crime is one crime too many. As we become a destination city, there needs to be bigger focus and priority placed on crime prevention. A higher profile Police presence combined with regional cooperation would be a good deterrent.

Yonish: I believe the crime rate is understated. The statistics quoted are questionable in my opinion.

I would work with the police to increase patrols in retail areas and city neighborhoods. The increased visibility of patrols would deter crime substantially. I believe in more patrol officers, less administration, and greater presence in our neighborhoods, will go a long way in preventing crime. I don’t want the patrols only on our freeway.

FBISD From Page 1

keeping our taxes down; reducing and/or eliminating non-essential expenditures, without dismantling our educator’s capacity; or neglecting to equip our youth with the competencies to succeed and excel from the cradle to career in a global economy.

Taylor: I am not sure of the questions’ parameters in regard to sponsorships, political parties etc. Therefore, I will decline to answer this question based on my lack of understanding as to the specifics directions of this question. However, fiscal spending by school administrations and the decisions of the school board members must work together towards accountable help with the bottom line results. Fiscal spending must be efficiently and effectively accounted for to meet the needs of the district.

Do you believe it is the school’s responsibilities for dealing with such societal problems as poverty, hunger, emotional problems, illness and drug abuse?

Hohnbaum: I believe that parents are responsible for the well being of their children-food, clothing, shelter and education.

Unfortunately, there are parents that do not, for a variety of reasons, assume those responsibilities. These children should not be penalized for a situation in which they have no control. So who takes care of the children?

Obviously, the school system has been assigned this task. So, as a district, that is what we will continue to do.

Albright: Yes, in simplest terms it means you can’t run a school district paying out more than you take in! If you don’t have the money you can’t buy it, nothing new about that concept. We have to work harder to eliminate wasted and unnecessary spending.

Right now this is not being done in any shape, form, or matter in FBISD. Menendez: I am fiscally conservative. For me, this means that budgetary spending is balanced between the revenues received (from our local ISD tax and the funding provided from the State) and the expenses for educational programs. Further, the spending of the District must be directed in such a manner as to maximize the positive impact to the education of our children, and minimize potential inefficiency. Additionally, advanced planning for future considerations (bonds / natural disaster, etc.) must be accounted for such that the financial ratings of our District are sound and stable.

Reynolds: Yes, I am a fiscal conservative who believes in local control and limited government.

As a life-long educator, and experienced practitioner in the private sector, I have a growing concern for the increased number of unfunded federal mandates passed down to the cities, states, counties, and schools. Investing in our future will require that we make fiscally prudent decisions, while

AUTOMOBILE: Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible

By BARBARA FULENWIDER If this Camaro convertible doesn’t turn heads in its direction then nothing will. It looks, sounds, drives like and has the power of its first cousin, the Corvette.

The 2011 Camaro convertible has a reinforced structure to support a sports coupe driving experience, more torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-series convertible and an easy to drop tailored fabric top that glides into the trunk with one latch released and the push of a button. It also has an acoustical headliner for quietness.

The Chevrolet Camaro two-door convertible arrived in pull me over metallic “inferno orange” with an interior of black with orange accents on the front and rear seats and doors. There’s also accent stitching on the steering wheel, and yes this knockout trim package is an option that will run you an extra $500.

The interior is a sharp looking design that goes perfectly with the convertible’s exterior design.

The SS convertible I had came with the 6.2-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic with tapshift or a six-speed manual. I had the manual, which added to the fun of driving this vehicle.

The engine makes 400 horsepower and 420 torque on unleaded regular. It gets 16 miles to the gallon in city driving and 24 on the highway.

The Chevrolet Camaro SS is a major muscle car that goes up against the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Nissan 370Z and the Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Key standard equipment on the $39,650 Camero SS convertible includes four piston Brembo brakes, front grille with rear diffusers, lower extension, front air scoop and brake cooling slots, rear spoiler, 20x8-inch front wheels and 20x9-inch rear flangeless painted aluminum wheels with sterling silver finish.

Also, instrumentation with SS detail, stability control system with traction control, dual outlet stainless steel chrome exhaust tips, XM radio, OnStar with directions and connections package, heated power outside rearview mirrors with driver auto dimming, daytime running lamps, head-up display, fog lamps, tire pressure monitoring system, antilock brake system, theft deterrent system, Boston Acoustics 245-watt premium ninespeaker system, Bluetooth, USB port, heated driver and front passenger seats, leather front seats and door trim ambient lighting.

A example of the Camaro convertible’s strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning. The lack of changes between the convertible and coupe models are zero. Chevrolet says its engineers didn’t change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe. Instead they bolstered the structure rather than soften the suspension.

They put a tower to tower brace under the hood, a transmission support reinforcement brace, underbody tunnel brace and front and rear underbody V braces. Even though it’s a powerhouse with the 6.2-liter V8, the Camaro convertible does not vibrate or shake and provides nearly the same acceleration, road holding and performance of the Camaro coupe.

The top on the Camaro convertible is another plus. The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds and unlatches with a single, convenient handle at the center of the windshield header. The top can be lowered with the engine still on but the car must be stopped. The top includes a glass rear window with a defogger. A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on the SS model. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers.

The Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6liter direct injection V6 that makes 312 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the V8 and V6 in the Camaro are derived from the LS3 engine that debuted in the 2008 Corvette.

If you love convertibles this one might be for you. It’s great looking, has major power, rides nicely and is a fun drive.

Watassek: It would not be prudent to ignore social events that these kids will be exposed to throughout their lives. I believe it is the parents’ responsibility to be the first line of defense for children on these issues; however it is part of life and needs to be dealt with. We are adults; we have a responsibility to help the youth of our community. We as a school district have the responsibility to teach these kids and get them ready for life; this might include acting as role models for students on difficult issues.

Albright: I think the district primary responsibility to the taxpayers is to educate our children and prepare them for a career in society today. Teaching our children “reading, writing and arithmetic” would be a great start.

Menendez: I believe that the school system has a legal and moral responsibility for educating every child that walks through our doors.

Reynolds: In an ideal world, there should not be a need for public school’s to assist children who are challenged by the vicis-

situdes of life. Unfortunately, we have no control over the full complement of the nation’s social, economic, and environmental ills that may appear at our schools in one form or another. While poverty, illness, societal ills can be barriers, the reality is that as long as there are high-quality teachers with compassionate hearts, every child in our public schools have an opportunity to fulfill their innate purpose and achieve greatness.

Taylor: The school is not solely responsible but should act in partnerships with organizations that can assist with environmental problems adversely affecting the learning outcomes of students.

Relationships are important dimensions of any organization that is effective and run efficiently. The efforts of partnerships are superior to the efforts of any single individual trying to resolve problems because relationships are critical. The partnerships and relationships within the organization will determine how well an organization produce specifics outcomes and goals.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 4, 2011

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City, Texas is now issuing a Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals for the following: RFP #199-11

Construction of Community Center & Golf Pro Shop

The City of Missouri City is soliciting proposals for the construction of a new Community Center and Golf Pro Shop. The City intends to contract with one (1) contractor to perform the turnkey construction of this project. The project will be located at 2880 La Quinta and shall include the following elements: •

25,000 SF two-story building to serve as a Community Center and Golf Pro Shop 10,000 SF one-story building to be utilized for cart storage Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression Audio/Visual Telecommunications One full service kitchen and one catering kitchen Related site work including civil improvements: paving, water, sanitary, and storm sewer Irrigation Demolition of the existing facility

• • • • • • • •

Construction must be performed to the standards set by the specifications or payment requests will be rejected. All costs anticipated by the contractor for which he shall seek reimbursement MUST be included in the proposal submitted.

This includes any fees, freight, fuel surcharge or other miscellaneous charges.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at 10 AM, May 13, 2011 in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489.

Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time June 6, 2011 and then opened.

Beginning May 4th, the RFP packages may be picked up from the City Purchasing Office at 1522 Texas Parkway. Telephone is (281) 403-8612. There is no charge for the package.

Proposal responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFP name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Charles Oberrender, CPPB Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City, Texas

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2011, for: STADIUM SCOREBOARD SYSTEM

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

RFP 11-065 – CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES A pre-RFP conference with site visits will be conducted on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:30 AM (CST). The conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Mustang Community Center Pavilion at 4525 FM 521 in Fresno, Texas. All contractors are encouraged to attend; no additional site visits will be conducted.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public.

Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

RFP 11-062 – JUSTICE CENTER MOVE PROJECT A mandatory pre-RFP conference with site visit will be conducted on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 10:00 AM (CST). The conference will be held on the second floor of the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, Classroom 4, located at 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX. Interested firms are required to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 for replat of Del Webb-Richmond, Section 1, Replat No. 1, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Scott Maham with Lippke Cartwright & Roberts at 713-800-5300 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

BID 11-066 – 0.286 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT BELKNAP AND WEST BELLFORT Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

RFP 11-063 – PROPERTY, CASUALTY, LIABILITY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION PROGRAMS Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 2011-15: STADIUM SCOREBOARD SYSTEM BIDDER NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2011, City of Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP. Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted on this site.

For questions regarding this request for proposal, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, Telephone (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS PARADISE POINT LEFT TURN LANE The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

Paradise Point Left Turn Lane ST1002 Paradise Point at US-90A

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following location with payment of $75.00: CivilCorp, 2825 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 460, Houston, Texas 77042, (832) 252-8100.

Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, Brazos Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST FOR VARIANCE 60 AMBLESIDE CRESCENT DRIVE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUEST FOR VARIANCE TO THE MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE REQUIREMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 60 AMBLESIDE CRESCENT DRIVE, IN THE ZERO LOT LINE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1Z) DISTRICT, BEING LOT 5, BLOCK 1, IN THE CRESCENTS ON THE GREEN SUBDIVISION PURPOSE: ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED VARIANCE REQUEST SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD. WHERE:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH

WHEN:

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING 5:00 P.M., MAY 18, 2011

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ZONING VARIANCE MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLANNING OFFICE, TELEPHONE (281) 275-2218 OR EMAIL PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GO OVER ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON. Vicinity Map:

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, for: STADIUM SOUND SYSTEM Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 2011-14 STADIUM SOUND SYSTEM BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, City of Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened.

Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP. Proposal documents may be secured from the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted on this site.

For questions regarding this request for proposal, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, Telephone (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

WCJC among top 10 percent in the country In its first step to identify the nation’s best community colleges and award $1 million in prize money, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today ranked Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) as one of the nation’s 120 best community colleges, challenging it to compete for the Prize funds (to be announced in December 2011) by insisting on high standards for learning, college completion without delay, and serving as a training ground for jobs that pay competitive wages.

The full list of eligible institutions can be found at www.AspenCCPrize.org.

Citing the urgent need to focus on the value and potential of community colleges, Aspen Institute College Excellence Program Executive Director Josh Wyner said, “We must set the bar much higher than we have in the past. To achieve excellent student outcomes, we need to highlight our country’s success stories and learn from them so that we can keep reaching higher. Recognizing community colleges like Wharton County Junior College sends a message to others that aspire to excellence, while encouraging WCJC to apply for the nation’s top community college prize. As a country, now more than ever, we need all community colleges to graduate more students with the knowledge and degrees they need to be successful in the workforce.”

Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, attended the Aspen Institute’s announcement event on April 25th. The Aspen Prize was announced at the White House Community College Summit hosted by President Obama and Dr. Biden in October. At that time, the President noted how critical community colleges are to the millions of youth and adult learners – who enroll in America’s nearly 1,200 community colleges every year.

Dr. Biden, a lifelong educator who continues to teach English at Northern Virginia Community College, noted that “The country is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of community colleges in educating our way to a stronger America. I am inspired by all of today’s community college students—the workers who have returned to school to improve their job prospects, the mothers who juggle jobs and childcare while preparing for new careers, and those who work diligently while at community college, preparing to transfer to a fouryear institution.”

WCJC and 119 other community colleges will be winnowed to eight-to-ten finalists in September based on how much students learn, how many complete their programs on time, and how well students do in the job market after graduating.

WCJC is now eligible to submit an application containing detailed data on these criteria. WCJC must demonstrate that it delivers exceptional student results, uses data to drive decisions, and uses that information to continually improve over time.

Speaking for the jury that will select winners and finalists, former Governor of Michigan John Engler – president of the Business Roundtable and former president of the National Association of Manufacturers – emphasized the tremendous importance of community colleges in preparing the high-tech workforce American companies need.

Aspen will conduct site visits to each of the ten finalists in the fall. And, based on the evidence, the Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner and two to three runners-up, to be announced in December.

Fort Bend Habitat Volunteer Orientation Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity will be having a volunteer orientation for all those interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity, the current local projects underway and planned for the fall and the volunteer opportunities available with Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity. The Volunteer Orientation will be on May 21, 2011 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Missouri City, Texas, located at 3900 Lexington, Fellowship Hall, Missouri City, TX. 77459 The program will give information about Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity, committee operations and needs, and volunteer opportunities available. Come and join us and make a difference in our community.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

BID 11-067 – EQUIPMENT FILTERS Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

BID 11-064 – TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION PROJECTS: BEECHNUT STREET AT WINKLEMAN ROAD/GAINES ROAD AND WEST BELFORT AT BELKNAP ROAD A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 9:00 AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Rosenberg Annex at 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas 77471. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

THE STATE OF TEXAS TO: FRANCISCO OVIEDO, DEFENDEANT, GREETING: You (and each of you) are hereby commanded to appear before the Honorable County Court-at-Law 2 of Fort Bend County, Texas, at the Courthouse being located at the William B. Travis Building, in the City of Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, by filing a written answer at or before 10 o’clock A,M, of the Monday next after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of the citation, same being the 6th day of June 2011 to Plaintiff ’s Petition field in said Court, on the 2nd day of March, 2010, in this cause numbered 10-CCV-041483 on the docket of said Court and styled: Austin Noreiga vs Francisco Oviedo allegations as shown in said petition now on file in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office.

The officer executing this Writ shall promptly serve the same, according to requirements of law and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND SEAL of said Court at office, this the 21st day of April, 2011.

You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the next Monday following the expiration of 20 days after you are served this citation and petition, a default judgement may be taken against you.

The name and address of the Plaintiff ’s attorney is: Jackson R. Reed Reed & Terry LLP 56 D Sugar Creek Center Blvd.

Suite 300 Sugar land, TX 77479 281-491-5000 DIANNE WILSON, COUNTY CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 301 JACKSON STREET, SUITE 101 RICHMOND, TX 77469-3108

By Chelsea McDonald, Deputy

MAY 4, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

RE-ELECT

Don Smithers Sugar Land City Council —District 1 Don has been endorsed by:

Houston Association of Realtors Former Mayors—Bill Little, Dean Hrbacek and David Wallace Former Councilmembers—Buddy Blair, Mike Siwierka, Mary Von Tungeln, Cyril Hosley, Karyn Dean and Dennis Parmer Current Councilmembers—Thomas Abraham, Jacquie Chaumette, Don Olson, Russell Jones and Michael Schiff Mayor of Missouri City—Allen Owen Mayor of Rosenberg—Joe Gurecky District 1 Residents—Rita Drabek, Julius Baumann, Betty Ann Williams, Mike Gibson, Betty Lubojasky, Tom Gargiulo, Verna Adams, Mary Willis, Steve & Nancy Porter, Joyce Ledger, Floyd Thigpen Don Smithers Experience in City Government

Years 8Mayor Pro Tem; City Council Member;

Proven Leadership Track Record Community Service

Successful in Business

Diana Miller

Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land Zoning Board of Adjustment; Fort Bend County Appraisal Review Board Be Helped make Sugar Land Town Square, Eldridge Park and the University of Houston Sugar Land a reality.

Years 30+ Founding member of Sugar Land

Cultural Arts to restore Lakeview Auditorium; Director of the Fort Bend Boy’s Choir of Texas; President of the Rosenberg Rotary; Air Force veteran; Retired from Te Texas Air National Guard 30+ Years Working in Fort Bend

0 Years

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Member of the SL Garden Club

LEADERSHIP • INTEGRITY • COMMITMENT “ I am proud to have served on the Sugar Land City Council for the past eight years. I believe that Jim Hoelker has the leadership, integrity and commitment to successfully take my place and to lead Sugar Land into the future.â€?

10Years

Smithers is the best Don choice for District 1 Political Advertisement paid by Don Smithers Campaign, %RE 3LFNHOO 7UHDVXUHU +LWKHUÂżHOG 6XJDU /DQG 7;

– Russell C. Jones, Sugar Land City Council, District 3, retiring “ I have had the opportunity to get to know Jim Hoelker during my time on City Council.

I endorse Jim Hoelker because I believe he has the proven skills, integrity and commitment to represent District 3 and build on our successes to move Sugar Land forward.�

– Don Olson, Sugar Land City Council, District 2 “ Jim has the character and common sense business background we need back on city council. As a successful entrepreneur he will find solutions to solve our city’s challenges with public safety his first priority.�

-LP +RHONHU FRP – Troy E. Nehls, Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable

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VOTE

Keep Missouri City Moving Forward

Have you given thought to the meaning of the word and its impact on how we are governed? I believe the word VOTE is an acronym for the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;Voice Of The Electorateâ&#x20AC;?. Only if we VOTE will our voices be heard and our wishes, desires and goals for our neighborhood and our City have a voice.

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We have heard the statement that one vote counts. It should not be ignored. The vote to admit Texas into the Union in 1845 was ratified when one senator changed his vote from â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? to â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;?. In 1948, one vote in the Texas Convention elected Lyndon B Johnson US Senator over ex Gov. Coke Stevens. Locally a few posts for the City Council were won or lost by less than a few votes. When Mark Twain commented on the importance of one vote he replied â&#x20AC;&#x153;A nation is an individual multipliedâ&#x20AC;?. This applies to our City.

Your opportunity to cast one vote is critical. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one that many have sacrificed to give us that right. As you prepare to exercise this privilege, please arm yourself with factual information and guard against conditions that might interfere with your participation in the upcoming election for Missouri City Council District D. First, examine the candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resumes. Consider the printed material provided by the candidates as their â&#x20AC;&#x153;sales materialâ&#x20AC;?. o Inform yourself on the candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities prior to the election. Were they regularly attending HOA meetings, City Council meetings or other Missouri City related activities or did their involvement begin at the start of the campaign? o What was their position on city issues and city officials prior to the election? News articles such as those in commentary sections of this and other papers are telling; they give insight into real views and positions. Use the search function of this paper to determine if their â&#x20AC;&#x153;sales materialâ&#x20AC;? is consistent with their earlier views and positions. o Were they active and giving of their time and talents in Missouri City community service programs? o Have they changed their stated fiscal philosophy to now become more acceptable? o Examine their endorsements. Are they your friends and neighbors, are they our City Officials and local organizations and are they people whose judgment you trust?

These factors should be considered when making your decision on the candidate who will be the next City Council member representing you and your district.

Second, arm yourself against complacency and apathy. Allow me to provide my definition. o Complacency: The collective thought â&#x20AC;&#x153;my vote will not be important in deciding this election as the trend is favorable for my candidateâ&#x20AC;?. This election is a contest. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve asked my supporters to approach it in the same manner Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m taking. That is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the last vote I secure is the vote that decides whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll represent the residents of Missouri City District Dâ&#x20AC;?. Only Votes win elections, not trends or assumptions. o Apathy: Again the collective thought â&#x20AC;&#x153;the election of a City Council member has little impact on my day to day life, therefore there is no value gained or lost by votingâ&#x20AC;?. If one examines the impact on our daily lives based on the decisions made by this group covering taxes, ordinances, zoning and other issues, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d argue they have an impact equaling decisions made at the state and federal level.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now approaching an election to determine who will represent you. Now is the time to reverse the trend of low voter turnout. That can only be accomplished collectively by us.

As Patriotic Poet Roger W Hancock said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A vote not cast is a vote against your preferenceâ&#x20AC;?. If we fail to exercise this right we have only ourselves to blame when conditions and events do not align with our preferences.

With your Vote for Floyd Emery, Missouri City Council District D we will be successful in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving Missouri City Forward... Togetherâ&#x20AC;? www.FloydEmery.com or Cell (713) 562-0331

Early Voting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2nd through May 10th Election Day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 14th Political Ad Paid for by Floyd Emery Campaign, Fred Grates, Treasurer

Vote for An Experienced Councilman ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHEST LEVEL OF CITY SERVICES BETTER MOBILITY FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY PUBLIC SAFETY

RE-ELECT Bobby Marshall

Endorsed and supported by these community leaders: State Rep. Ron Reynolds Congressman Al Green Councilmember Jerry Wyatt Mayor Allen Owen Councilmember Don Smith Councilmember Danny Nguyen Councilmember Robin Elackatt Councilmember Brett Kolaja Former Councilmember Eunice Reiter Former Councilmember Buddy Jimerson Former Councilmember Carl Bowles Former Councilmember Allen Robinson Harris Co. Constable Phil Camus Fort Bend Co. Constable Ruben Davis P & Z Chair Ron Lee Parks Board Chair Llarence Turner Missouri City Police Officers Association Missouri City Firefighters Association Missouri City Police/Fire Auxiliary Yvonne Green, Quail Green West HOA JoAnn Miller, Fonmeadow HOA Janet Alvarez, Glen Park HOA Gene Rasbury, Hunters Glen Crime Watch Jeff Gaspar, Colony Crossing HOA Arnold Richards, Hunters Glen HOA Monica Rasmus, Hunters Point Estates HOA Jennifer Williams, Pct 2081 Chair

VOTE on May 14th

Early Voting May 2nd - May 10th

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Page 8 â&#x20AC;˘ INDEPENDENT â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 4, 2011

DENNIS PARMER GIVES IMPERIAL â&#x20AC;&#x153;THUMBS UPâ&#x20AC;?

OUR MISSION: 1. PRESERVE THE PAST. CREATE THE FUTURE. 2. DEVELOP A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY AND LIVABLE COMMUNITY

3. &5($7( $ 0,;('ÄĽ86( ,17(*5$7(' LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENT WITH SUPERIOR AESTHETIC AND ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY

4. CREATE AN ECONOMICALLY SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT TO BE THE DESTINATION

FORT BEND RESIDENTS

POINT FOR ALL

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FOR

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE NOT ONLY LIVED IN SUGAR LANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DISTRICT 1 FOR 30 YEARS ,

... I had the privilege of representing it on City Council for 6 years. I know that the redevelopment of Imperial will transform an unused industrial site LQWR D YLEUDQW PL[HGÄĽXVH FRPPXQLW\ IXOO RI RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU DOO RXU FLWL]HQV ([FLWLQJ SURJUHVV WKDW ZH DUH DOUHDG\ VHHLQJ LQFOXGH D ÂżUVWÄĽFODVV PLQRU OHDJXH baseball stadium, a boutique luxury hotel and conference center and an executive EXVLQHVV SDUNħDOO WKDW ZLOO XWLOL]H WKLV KLVWRULF DUHD WR LWV IXOOHVW SRWHQWLDO While focusing on the new, Imperial is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Sugar Land. The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the City of Sugar Land couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask for a better partner than Johnson Development to help us create our future and preserve our past.

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MORE INFORMATION AND TO BE ON OUR CONTACT LIST VISIT

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