Fort Bend Independent 053117

VOL 10 No. 22

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Confusing alliances confound Sugar Land city council race

By SESHADRI KUMAR Early voting has already begun for the runoff election in the Sugar Land City Council’s District 4 race. It will continue until June 6 and election day is June 10.

Carol McCutcheon and Qaisar Imam are on he ballot after they eliminated Sean Burnett in the May 6 election.

Burnett, being on the planning and zoning commission, inherited the image of an incumbent, who sought to continue the status quo.

McCutcheon and Imam ran as “outsiders” and almost on a similar platform pertaining to the future development on Telfair Tract 5 and they both opposed high-density apartments in the area.

Now the two candidates have to distinguish themselves from each other and draw the voters to the polling booth.

Thus, the candidate who manages to turn out more number of voters to support will be the winner.

Since the candidates’ positions on issues are not starkly different, people may be compelled to look at other aspects, including race, religion, ethnicity, gender and so on, but they

McCutcheon

Q. Imam

may not play a major role in the election.

Notably, the incumbent Councilmember Harish Jajoo has endorsed Imam.

In an unusual step, Fort Bend County Republican Party has endorsed McCutcheon, though the city council race is nonpartisan.

While Imam has earned the support of some Indian American voters, some Muslim community women have endorsed McCutcheon.

Thus voters’ allegiance to the candidates does not follow a pattern and may be confusing.

McCutcheon describes her vision as follows: “Keep Sugar Land Suburban:

No high-density apartments.

Keep Sugar Land Safe: Stateof-the-art technology and training for our first responders.

Keep Sugar Land Superior: Balanced growth that provides a low tax rate, but high quality of life.”

Imam says: The Q for Sugar Land Campaign is based on the basic ingredients of public service - serve the constituents with utmost integrity, transparency, and accountability.

“I believe I have proven myself to be very invested in this community. For almost a decade, my wife and I have lived here and worked here; we shop See POLL, Page 3

Paying respect to teachers is intrinsic to Hindu tradition and Hindu students in Fort Bend area schools recently observed this noble tradition by honored their teachers during the “Teacher Appreciation Celebration.”

“Guru” is translated as teacher, but in Sanskrit the two-syllable word means much more, the one who guides the students from the darkness of ignorance into the knowledge of light.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of America (through the Hindu Education Foundation), an organization that nurtures Hindu culture and tradition among the youth, has been celebrating the teacher appreciation day for the past 12 years all over the U.S. Local Hindu students invited

their teachers to the event held at Sartartia Middle School in Sugar Land on May 13.

The program included a presentation on the Hindu view of education and teacher. Students also presented a skit narrating two major Hindu festivals as well as a few cultural song and dance items.

Arun Kankani, a Hindu community leader, in his remarks, said that the program was designed to nurture the feeling of respect for teachers among students. He added that the source of showing respect for teachers is the Hindu philosophy which believed in oneness of humanity and saw divinity in each other.

Also, the Hindu view of education is that it helps acquire objective knowledge and provides

the ability to reach the highest values, to become the highest human being.

He continued to state that the teacher appreciation idea is not to preach Hindu philosophy or to showcase its superiority, but an opportunity to continue the tradition, a sacred tradition.

In the current secular educational environment, teacher appreciation is both essential and imperative.

Several elementary, middle and high school teachers from both public and private schools participated in the celebration.

Their appreciation at being honored was clearly evident as they joined the group dance at the end of the program.

—SESHADRI KUMAR

Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration features family-friendly events

The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation’s (MCJCF) annual weeklong celebration from June 12 – 18 will once again recognize community leaders who go above and beyond to give back to the “Show Me City” and all Fort Bend communities.

During the fall of 2002, District B Councilmember Don Smith organized residents, business owners, and stakeholders within Missouri City to launch the annual Juneteenth tradition. As a result of their collaboration, a family-driven, four-day celebration of purpose and substance was launched.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

List of events, during the 2017 Juneteenth celebration: MONDAY – JUNE 12 Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament The annual MCJCF Scholarship Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 12 at the Quail Valley Golf Course, 2880

Derricks Woods, Dr. Portia Hopkins, and District B Councilmember Don Smith at the 2016 MCJCF Community Service Awards Gala.

— Photo courtesy of Missouri City La Quinta Dr. The tournament – 9:30 p.m. This event will recwill begin at 8 a.m. This is a ognize outstanding individuals time for all golfers to enjoy within the Missouri City/Fort a round of golf, win prizes Bend County area. This year’s and awards. All funds raised Keynote Speaker is Texas help provide scholarships for Southern University President deserving Fort Bend County Dr. Austin Lane. Tickets are students. The admission is $100 $100 for individual seats and for individuals and $400 for a $1,000 for a table.

FRIDAY – JUNE 16 team of four.

Family Funday in the Park THURSDAY – JUNE 15 “Funday in the Park” begins Annual Community Service at 4 p.m. and is a “FREE” event Awards Gala The Annual Community Ser- open to the general public at vice Awards Gala will be held Hunters Glen Park, 1340 Indeat the City Centre at Quail Val- pendence Blvd.

See Page 3 ley, 2880 La Quinta Dr. from 7

Hindu students honor teachers

Middle and high school students in Fort Bend area with their teachers.

Elementary school students in Fort Bend County area schools with their respective teachers at the teacher appreciation day held at Sartartia Middle School in New Territory.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017

NEWS

‘Our Community Salutes’ presents Colin Powell award

Veterans & residents salute the American Flag

On Monday, May 29, the business offices of Plantation at Quail Valley, a senior living community, will be closed. Therefore, there will be a Flag ceremony on Friday, May 26th. The ceremony will simply be the lowering and raising of the American flag that flies on our property. The ceremony will be conducted by the veterans who are residents of the Plantation community, whose wars are behind them, and it will commemorate Memorial Day. Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day, and was originally instituted to commemorate the Union dead in the Civil War. Over time, it eventually changed into a holiday commemorating the men and women who died in all our wars. Lowering and raising the flag will be done in accordance with flag protocol: The flag will be lowered slowly, and raised smartly. We should note that although Memorial Day is a yearly celebration, at hundreds of military bases, in every time zone, and in all the ships at sea, this flag is raised every single day, by men and women whose forefathers taught this world almost everything it knows about democracy.— Mike Granto, Ex-Marine

Students joining military recognized

Left to right: Naval Petty Officer Ryan Songy, Jackie Hidalgo from Hightower High School, Air Force Staff Sergeant Denise McHaney, Rebecca Mobley from George Ranch High School, Army Staff Sergeant Roxanne Valdez, Daphne Thompson-Bennett from Marshall High School, Daniella Chaves from Bush High School, Marine Staff Sergeant Jaime Garibay, and Lucy Bremond, Colin Powell Award Selection Committee chairperson. PHOTO : Mary Favre Four area school district staff members were presented the 2017 Colin Powell Award

by Our Community SalutesFort Bend at a recognition event held at Safari Texas Ranch, Sunday, May 21.

Our Community SalutesFort Bend (OCSFB) is a local, non-profit organization created to recognize and honor graduating high school students (and their parents) who plan to enlist in the armed services after graduation.

Originally organized in 2013, the group has obtained official non-profit status and, after five years, has increased awareness and support of enlisting graduating seniors.

The Colin Powell Award, named after General Colin Powell, U.S. Army (Ret.), is a public service award that is presented to an outstanding high school guidance counselor, principal, teacher, or

other staff member in recognition of providing guidance, counseling and mentoring to students as they assess their accomplishments, talents, and interests, and move forward in their lives.

Candidates for the Colin Powell Award are nominated by area military recruiters. The nominations are reviewed, and the winner is selected by a committee of volunteers.

This year four winners were selected. Three winners are from Fort Bend ISD: Daphne Thompson-Bennett, College and Career Advisor at Thurgood Marshall High School (nominated by Army Staff Sergeant Roxanne Valdez); Jackie Hidalgo, College and Career Advisor at Hightower High School (nominated by Navy Petty Officer Ryan Songy), and Daniella Chaves, Spanish teacher and assistant girls’ soccer coach, from George

Bush High School (nominated by Marine Staff Sergeant Jaime Garibay). The fourth winner, from Lamar Consolidate ISD, is Rebecca Mobley, College and Career Counselor at George Ranch High School (nominated by Air Force Staff Sergeant Denise McHaney).

“Our Military Recruiters could not do their jobs without help and support from the schools,” said Lucy Bremond, Chairperson of the Colin Powell Award Selection Committee.

“We had a difficult job this year as all the nominees were outstanding as counselors and mentors whose service, compassion, and commitment sets an example for all of us.

We honor these winners because they are educators who understand that it is not about getting a diploma, and it’s not about getting a job. It is about having opportunities for life.”

Emcee Khambrel Marshall, left, Congressman Pete Olson, LTC Myles Caggins, Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, and Colonel Robert Sholly, USA (retd.) PHOTO by Mary Favre.

“Our Community Salutes, Fort Bend”, originally founded as a Girl Scout Gold Award project, is now in its fifth year of celebrating the Fort Bend high school seniors – and their parents - who have made the brave decision to join the military after graduation.

The program continues on now through the efforts of volunteers headed by Donna Worstell. The event was held Sunday, May 21 at Safari Texas Ranch.

Worstell says, “There is a stigma associated with joining the military, but there shouldn’t be. The fact is that these young adults are focused, and strong, and they have goals that will be furthered by their enlistment. The parents of these enlisting graduates know that their child has made a choice that will benefit everyone in this nation, and

they are very proud of them.

As a community, we should be proud of them also; we need to honor their commitment to our country.”

With dignitaries, civic leaders, military recruiter, and families on hand to pay homage to the new Fort Bend recruits, the event began with a welcome by Honorary Chairpersons, Congressman Pete and Nancy Olson.

The event was emceed by Khambrel Marshall, a Fort Bend resident, and member of the KPRC Severe Weather Team.

The National Anthem was delivered by singing artist Quinton Sampson as the Stafford Army JROTC Color Guard posted the colors.

Speaking to the new recruits were several current and former military including, Fort Bend County Judge,

Bob Hebert, Colonel Robert Sholly, Army (ret.), and LTC Myles B. Caggins III. Each speaker provided the new recruits with words of encouragement.

The future militaries were advised to take advantage of opportunities provided in the service, stay in touch with family and friends back home, and to remember that the friends they make in the service will be their friends for life.

Each recruit was recognized before the attendees and received a challenge coin from Our Community Salutes to acknowledge the milestone of enlisting.

For more information, to volunteer/sponsor next year’s event visit http://www.ourcommunitysalutesfortbend. org .

Early Voting May 30 -June 6.

Election Day June 10.

Tog et he r we are H o u sto n’s Com m un ity Co llege

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INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS Poll From Page 1

Sugar Land promotes May, Steubing to Assistant City Managers Executive Director of Business and Governmental Affairs Jennifer May and City Engineer Chris Steubing, P.E., C.F.M, were recently promoted to assistant city managers.

The promotions were part of a city reorganization to address the loss of Assistant City Manager Mike Goodrum, who accepted the position of city manager in Coral Springs, Fla. May’s management responsibilities now include Parks and Recreation, Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, Economic Development (including tourism and cultural arts), Human Resources, Finance and Communications, while Steubing will oversee Engineering, Information Technology, Environmental and Neighborhood Services, Permits and Inspections and Public Works.

First Assistant City Manager Steve Griffith will continue to manage fire, police, municipal court, public safety dispatch and aviation, and Assistant City Manager Jim Callaway is tasked with the extensive citywide planning process to prepare for annexation of Greatwood and New Territory on Dec. 12.

May has been with Sugar Land for 11 years.

As executive director of business and governmental affairs, she was responsible for the oversight of economic development (including tourism and cultural arts), planning, communications and intergovernmental relations.

She previously served as director of economic development, providing leadership for the completion of agreements to secure the expansion of Sugar Land companies such as Nalco Champion, Applied Optoelectronics and Schlumberger, as well as the recruitment of companies such as First Data and the im-

Juneteenth From Page 1 The event will include activities for all including carnival-themed games, bounce houses, face painting, crafts tables and more; the event will also include specialized food vendors.

At dusk, Houston Community College will present a family-friendly movie on a giant screen. The film will be announced at a later date.

Face painting at the 2016 Family Funday in the Park.

SUPER SATURDAY – JUNE 17 “One Mile of Smiles” Parade The MCJCF presents the “One Mile of Smiles” Parade once again along Texas Parkway (FM 2234) at Court Road beginning at 7 p.m. The parkway will be closed for the parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. until the parade is over.

This is another “FREE” event and is open to the general public.

There will be local marching bands, civic groups, corporations, floats, dignitaries and much more celebrating Juneteenth. If you would like to participate in the parade, see the parade route map, or see the parade staging site map, visit www.mcjcf.com.

Battle of the Bands – High School Battle of the Bands will begin right after the “One Mile of Smiles” Parade. The competition will be held at Hunters Glen Park, 1340 Independence Blvd. This is a friendly competition giving each winner bragging rights.

Be sure to make plans to attend this “FREE” event. It is open to the general public.

Community Art Exhibit “It Takes a Village”

opments and construction of civil infrastructure improvements. He has also managed the development and implementation of the city’s capital improvement program, including planning, design and construction of all construction projects, and provided leadership for floodplain management and administration, thoroughfare planning and land acquisition.

He provided leadership and oversight for the design and construction of the Smart FiMay

Steubing plementation of the lease and development agreements for the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land.

May’s Sugar Land career began in 2006 as a management assistant, a role in which she managed strategic planning and intergovernmental relations programs and served as the City’s liaison for a public-private partnership to transform a Central State Farm Prison building into the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land.

May holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas with a focus on urban/city management. She is a member of the Texas City Management Association and International City/County Management Association, as well as a past-president of the Urban Management Professionals of South East Texas.

Steubing is a professional engineer with 20 years of city, county and private-sector experience in the field of engineering and construction project management. He has served as Sugar Land’s city engineer since 2006, providing oversight of plat and plan reviews for new devel-

nancial Centre at Sugar Land, the largest capital improvement project in the City’s history, and has provided leadership on projects to develop plans and programs to establish and strengthen relationships and protocols with the city’s drainage and transportation partners.

Prior to Sugar Land, Steubing spent the first 10 years of his career in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in leadership positions with Denton County, the cities of Decatur and Colleyville and Racetrac Petroleum.

He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 1996, earned a Texas engineering license in 2002 and completed the LBJ School of Public Affairs Public Executive Institute in April 2016.

He is a member of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, the Texas Floodplain Management Association, the American Public Works Association and the Construction Managers Association of America. He and his wife, Darla, have been married for more than 20 years and have three children.

The Community Art Exhibit “It Takes a Village” event will be curated by fabric artist Carolyn Crump at the Missouri City Community Center in the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The art exhibit is open to the general public and admission is “FREE”.

Festival Under the Stars MCJCF is bringing it back with Legendary R&B Funk Band “Lakeside” in concert along with soul-jazz flutist Althea Rene. The festival will be held at Hunters Glen Park, 1340 Independence Blvd. from 4 – 11 p.m.

Bring the family, neighbors, and friends to enjoy an evening under the stars. This is a “FREE” event and is open to the general public.

SUNDAY – JUNE 18 Father’s Day Cookout For the first time, the MCJCF will host a Father’s Day cookout with a full day of events and activities for the family at Hunter’s Glen Park, 1340 Independence Blvd. beginning at 1 p.m.; a carnival will later begin at 4 p.m. This new event is open to the general public and is a “FREE” event.

For more information about this year ’s events, visit www.mcjcf.com or call 281.816.6441.

Residents interested in volunteering for this year’s Juneteenth events can contact Missouri City Media Relations Specialist Cory Stottlemyer at 281.403.8532 or at cstottlemyer@missouricitytx.gov.

here and our children have attended schools in Fort Bend ISD. I have been very involved in the community at large, with both non-profits and government. I have attended city council meetings, city budget meetings and workshops and worked with neighborhoods in which I do not live. My ties to this community run deep. It is my nature to want to give back. Sugar Land deserves leadership with integrity and total independence. I am qualified and committed to our city.”

How do the candidates distinguish themselves from each other?

McCutcheon: I have lived in Sugar Land for 24 years, while Sardar Q. Imam has lived here for 9. I have served my community as a First Colony Neighborhood Representative for 24 years. I have served on the City Charter Review Commission and am currently serving on the City’s Land Use Advisory Committee. My opponent has no city service. I am a graduate of the Sugar Land Citizen’s Police, Fire and Airport Academies, while my opponent is not. I have extensive leadership training and experience. I have led diverse, multi-disciplinary teams professionally. I have a proven track record of representing citizen concerns and working effectively with our City leaders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Imam: “My opponent and I, for the most part, agree that we love this city and want the best for its’ future. I have a vision for future growth and ideas on how to grow our economy and our tax base.

I have said repeatedly that I do not believe that District 4 needs more apartments, however, that is not the only issue our city faces. I am focused on redeveloping areas of our city

that have been around for a long time and need attention.

I have given a great deal of thought as to how that redevelopment can be in the best interest of our taxpayers and I look forward to sharing my ideas with Council and staff.

I am anxious to explore and implement accessible, clean water. I recognize that transportation challenges present our residents with a great deal of frustration. And let’s restore faith in the transparency of local government.”

On Telfair Tract 5, do you agree with the current provisions in the current development code or do you think it should be changed? What type of development do you envisage for Tract 5?

McCutcheon: “I think the Development Code or Land Use Plan should include a cap on the number of multifamily units in a planned development district.

“Tract 5, where the Smart Financial Centre is located, is envisioned to be an entertainment and cultural arts district, as well as a business and tourist destination. Newland owns part of the tract, and its latest planned development proposal (PD) contained a mixture of office, medical facility, hotel, restaurant, and retail uses, as well as age-restricted senior independent living. The City owns the land where the temporary parking is for the Smart Financial Centre. On that part of the tract, the City’s plan is to build a hotel, conference center, and structured parking. The City and Newland plan to propose a joint PD to bring this development forward. Council will consider public input, the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation, and the City’s comprehensive plan to reach a final decision.

“My goal is to ensure that, when Tract 5 is developed, the traffic impact on University and Lexington Boulevards

and the impact on the neighborhoods are adequately taken into consideration. We need to balance development with maintaining the quality of life for the residents. “ Imam: “I favor a cap on multi-family development.

“I favor a hotel-conference center anchored mixed use development in Tract 5. Any development needs to account for efficient traffic patterns and residents safety while boasting the local economy and city’s character.”

A section of the people think that the city is not listening to them. Do you agree with that perception?

McCutcheon: “There are some city leaders that listen to the people better than others. For example, Mayor Zimmerman was responsive to the people this past year. I know some of our city staff are sensitive to the concerns of the people. It’s inaccurate to say that everyone in the city does not listen to the people. But the people of District 4 simply want to make sure that their next Council representative is listening to them as well. This is what gives me a strong advantage in this race because I’ve been listening to and serving the concerns of the people for 24 years. They know me and trust me.”

Imam: “I acknowledge that a good number of people in our city feel that way. They should not be discounted and I pledge to always be available, accessible and transparent.

“My personal experience with the city has been positive. I believe that often it’s a matter of not knowing who in the city is the correct person to handle various matters. My goal is to be able to connect people with staff members who are responsible for the area of concern. I will follow up to ensure that resident concerns are addressed and, when appropriate, brought before council.”

First Unitarian Church of Houston to open Richmond campus The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston has purchased a 5-acre property in Richmond where it will open a campus later this year. The wooded property is located west of Pecan Grove on Clayhead Road off McCrary.

The church plans to relocate the Thoreau Campus, which is currently in rented space in Stafford, to the new location.

“We are so excited about this setting,” said senior minister Reverend Dr. Daniel O’Connell.

“The property, with all its beautiful huge pecan trees, is perfect for a campus named after the naturalist, Henry David Thoreau. We’ve been wanting to relocate further west for some time, and we are looking forward to this move.

We feel that there is a strong need for liberal religious services

in this fast-growing part of the county and we are pleased to be able to provide families with this church option.”

Renovations have begun to transform the existing house into a church sanctuary, fellowship hall and classrooms. Church services and Religious Education for children are expected to begin later this year.

Unitarian Universalist is a liberal religion that encourages each individual’s search for truth and meaning. It is an open faith that strives to be welcoming to all, with no regard to race, religion, family status or sexual orientation. Church services incorporate teachings from all the world’s religions, philosophers, leaders, and a wide variety of writings.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017

OPINION

North Carolina strikes out a ďŹ fth time at the Supreme Court over Redistricting

By Hans von Spakovsky

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the latest redistricting plan from North Carolina on Monday, holding that the state Legislature had impermissibly used race in the redistricting process for two congressional districts.

The decision in Cooper v.

Harris was confusing and did not clarify what states can and can’t do to comply with the Voting Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

As Justice Samuel Alito pointed out in his partial dissent that was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy, one of the two districts, District 12, is making its ďŹ fth appearance before the court since 1993.

Litigation over redistricting in North Carolina has been before the Supreme Court so often that it is a surprise when there isn’t a North Carolina case there.

The rule established by the Supreme Court in 1993 in another North Carolina case, Shaw v. Reno, was that race cannot normally be the predominant factor in redistricting because that would violate the Equal Protection Clause.

However, it can be a factor to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects the ability of minority voters to elect their candidates of choice. That is why jurisdictions like North Carolina draw majority/minority districts, where minority voters constitute a majority of the voters in the districts.

If race was the predominant factor, then the courts must apply “strict scrutiny� review.

Such redistricting can only be justiďŹ ed if the redistricting plan served a “compelling interestâ€? and was “narrowly tailored.â€? As Justice Elena Kagan points out in the majority opinion in Cooper, compliance with the Voting Rights Act is considered to be a compelling interest.

Based on 2010 Census data, District 1 was changed from having a black voting age population of 48.6 percent to 52.7 percent, while District 12 was adjusted from a 43.8 percent black voting age population to 50.7 percent. These changes were challenged as impermissible racial gerrymanders.

North Carolina admitted it had used race to draw District 1, but thought it was required to do so to comply with the Voting Rights Act. However, it was unable to convince a majority of the Supreme Court that its actions were justiďŹ ed under the law. North Carolina denied using race to draw District 12, saying the redistricting was done for partisan reasons to give Republicans an advantage. These ďŹ ndings

were made despite the fact that District 1 was altered by a mere 4.1 percentage points and District 12 was changed by only 6.9 percentage points.

The dierences in the way all of these judges looked at the evidence in the case shows how diďŹƒcult it is to determine how much or how little race actually plays in the typical redistricting case, particular given the monolithic voting patterns of black Americans.

As Alito says, “[i]f around 90 percent of African-American voters cast their ballots for the Democratic candidate, as they have in recent elections, a plan that packs Democratic voters will look very much like a plans [sic] that packs African-American voters.� There lies the dilemma and the confused state of the law—packing Democrats in a partisan gerrymander is perfectly legal while packing African-Americans for racial reasons is not.

Alito disagreed with the majority’s opinion that District 12 “was drawn predominantly because of race,� he said. “The record shows that it was not.�

The argument demonstrates the confused state of redistricting law these days over whether a district with a minority population of 48.6 percent is nondiscriminatory, yet the same district with a minority population of 52.7 percent is suddenly discriminatory. The dierence is marginal and yet of vital importance to its legality.

While a majority of the U.S. Supreme Court found these districts violated the law, the North Carolina Supreme Court came to the exact opposite conclusion, as did three justices of the Supreme Court at least as to District 12.

This case illustrates that states are in a Catch-22 when it comes to redistricting.

The Supreme Court has established what I call the “Goldilocks Redistricting Rule�—states are in trouble if they don’t consider race enough because they will face a Section 2 Voting Rights Act lawsuit; but they will also be in trouble if they consider race too much because that will be deemed a violation of equal protection. The amount of race they use has to be “just right.�

And dierent judges looking at the very same evidence all seem to have dierent opinions about what is “just right.â€?

Democratic challengers used to push for majority/minority districts that had an actual majority of black voters to ensure that black voters would always be able to elect their candidate of choice. Thus, they pushed for districts that had a black voting age population upwards of 55 percent or more, especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus who liked these ultra-safe

districts.

But now, these same groups are suing over districts that are barely a majority at 52.7 percent and 50.7 percent. That is because putting a higher percentage of black voters into districts hurts white Democratic candidates. By reducing the black voting age population of districts down to the bare minimum needed to elect black Democrats, those extra voters can be spread into surrounding districts to help white Democratic candidates.

Thus, what is behind all of this litigation is really partisan politics. It has nothing to do with the purpose of the Voting Rights Act to stop racial discrimination in voting. In fact, that is why Justice Clarence Thomas voted with the liberal justices, because he does not believe that race should be allowed at all in redistricting.

One ďŹ nal oddity of this case. As the dissent noted, the Supreme Court established a rule in Easley v. Cromartie that those challenging a political gerrymander as racially motivated must present an alternative plan that would achieve the legislature’s political objectives but bring “about signiďŹ cantly greater racial balance.â€?

Yet the challengers in this case won despite having presented no alternate plan as required by the Cromartie decision. This led to the harshest criticism of the majority by the dissent: A precedent of this court should not be treated like a disposable household item—say, a paper plate or napkin–to be used once and then tossed in the trash. But that is what the court does today in its decision ‌ The court junks a rule adopted in a prior, remarkably similar challenge to this very same congressional district.

This case also illustrates the truth of another warning given

by Alito—the problem of federal courts being “transformed into weapons of political warfare� that are used by the political losers in redistricting to achieve in the courts what they couldn’t “achieve in the political arena.� That seems to be what happened in this case.

(Hans von Spakovsky is an authority on a wide range of issues—including civil rights, civil justice, the First Amendment, immigration, the rule of law and government reform—as a senior legal fellow in The Heritage Foundation’s Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies and manager of the think tank’s Election Law Reform Initiative.) —The Daily Signal

Myriad roles played by Missouri City public works department

By PATTI HENDRIX How does your everyday (at times mundane) routine inuence your life?

What do you walk past every day and not give it a second thought?

How many times do you notice that the light bulb in the street lamp on your street is burned out yet all you do is complain to those around you, “it sure is dark on this street.�

How many times are you going to drive through that intersection because the STOP sign was knocked down from the last wind storm, it’s not visible, but you have stopped at this intersection every day for the past twenty years.

We are under a hurricane warning and have been asked to evacuate the City and you think, “I wonder if the traďŹƒc signals on Highway 6 are going to be synchronized so we can drive through quickly?â€?

Or one morning you are drinking your coee, turn to your spouse and say “honey, did you hear that when elderly Mrs. Jones was going to her mailbox, she was bitten by that stray dog that is always roaming around and that same dog last week knocked down the Smith’s little two-year old grandson?â€?

How many times do you say to yourself “I’m sure someone else has already called to report this, I don’t want to get involved, it may inconvenience me, it won’t happen to me.�

Shouldn’t your attitude be “I better call as this is a possible safety issue for me, my family, my friends, my neigh-

bors and others.�

Who are you going to callcall?

The Missouri City Public Works Department, that’s who.

Stop signs, traďŹƒc lights, street lamps, sidewalks, potholes, drinking water and roaming animals - All items mentioned (and more) fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department.

All problems mentioned are solved by the Public Works Department.

This team of 37 employees is headed up by City Engineer and Director of Public Works, Shashi Kumar.

Shashi and his team are responsible for 635 miles of streets (so if I walk Missouri City in its entirety every day, how many calories would I burn?); 9,000 street signs, 60(+) traďŹƒc signals (in 1998 Missouri City only had ďŹ ve) the upkeep and maintenance of 477 vehicles with only three mechanics, including police cars, ďŹ re trucks, street sweepers, and bucket trucks (we only have three vehicles and need to have stickers in the car windows as a reminder to get the oil changed!)

This department is responsible for ďŹ ltering and cleaning the 4.6 billion gallons of water that runs through and utilized by our City’s citizens and businesses every year.

A team of four employees is responsible for 18 City buildings which total 290,000 square feet, from changing out the HVAC ďŹ lters to stocking the medical supply cabinets at the Fire Department (and

sometimes I forget to keep on hand a box of band-aids).

With a small operations budget of $6.5 million, these 37 employees do an outstanding job of keeping our City running.

Just like the Fire and Police Departments, they too are exposed to dangerous situations, they too can work long hours with time spent away from their families.

They work hard at keeping Missouri City a great City.

However, don’t ever think they don’t need our help.

The Public Works Department needs you to call them when you see a stray or roaming animal so this animal can be taken to the City’s animal shelter in hopes of being reunited with its owner.

Currently only 25% of the animals are reclaimed by their owners.

If your animal goes missing, call them to see if they have it at the shelter. If you are thinking about adopting a pet, call them, they will be happy to help you add that new member to your family.

Don’t wait to call when a street sign or street lamp is broken; don’t assume that someone else has already called. Be proactive and call immediately, you may help save someone from a dangerous situation – and that someone could be you.

Missouri City is 60 years old!

What does that tell you – we have necessities in our City that are the same age, and the City keeps growing.

This is our community and it is our duty to help preserve and maintain its integrity.

It costs money and lots of it to maintain a City (it doesn’t grow on trees).

Everyone that lives in Missouri City should have a sense of pride of their neighborhoods, their safety, their homes, their parks and playgrounds; yes, even the STOP sign on their street.

A special thanks to everyone who has been volunteering and giving of their personal time!

Around The Neighborhoods II A collection of columns written

by Caroline Bowden and published in Fort Bend Independent 2015-2016. $15 Hard Cover. Order your copy today.

Write your check to Carolyn Bowden Mail to: 2815 Cypress Point Drive, Apt # 4204, Missouri City, TX 77459.

Include your phone # and Email address.

Call 832-770-9087 carolynvbowden@aol.com

Pianist Mark Valenti

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The Friends of the Arts committee, First United Methodist Church, Missouri City welcomes for the ďŹ rst time, pianist, Mark Valenti .

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Valenti has performed in many recitals, and currently teaches at his studio in the Lakeview area of Chicago.

He is a former professor of music at the University

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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.

of the Arts in Philadelphia, Xavier University of Chicago, and the Loire Valley Music Institute in France.

The location of First United Methodist Church, is 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, cross street Murphy road.

The concert will be held Sunday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m in the church Chapel of the Resurrection. It is free to the public.....love donations graciously accepted.

More information, call 281-499-3502 or email:FriendsoftheArts@ comcast.net.

INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017 • Page 5

SCHOOLS

University of Houston Digital Media HCC launches Apple mobile app development program graduates finish with honors

Nearly half of the students who graduated from the University of Houston Digital Media program did so with honors at the College of Technology’s spring convocation ceremonies.

Of the 46 graduates, two earned the distinction of summa cum laude, ten received magna cum laude distinctions, and eight graduated cum laud.

“These students deserve it.

They’ve worked hard,” said Jerry Waite, professor and program coordinator. “This graduating class may be the most accomplished graduating class we’ve ever had.”

The Digital Media Program is one of the inaugural programs at the UH Sugar Land Campus.

New graduate Taunie Reddington, who specialized in motion media, earned numer-

ous awards at the annual Red VidFest presentations (Red VidFest is an annual showcase of student films, public service announcements, animation and documentaries) . Additionally, she earned a first-place trophy for her business plan pitch for EnterTRAINment.

Reddington will work full time for HCSS Software in Sugar Land, Texas as a University Program Marketing Specialist where she’ll be responsible for placing the firm’s software in construction management courses.

“Taunie is one of the most remarkable students I’ve ever had the privilege to mentor,” Waite said. “After an education spanning the United States and a stint working in Hollywood, she’s poised to take the world by fire.”

Stafford MSD names Valedictorian and Salutatorian

New graduate Kevin Le pursued the e-media concentration and is now working at Accenture, an international management consulting firm that deals with management, strategy and digital technology. His goal is to become an information security engineer.

His work in one class earned him accolades from Professor Monika Alters who noted, “Teams had to create a branding campaign, which included buyer personas, logo and style guides, website, several videos, printed pieces and interactive guides.”

The clients chose Kevin’s team as the winner. Kevin’s team work can be found at http://bit.ly/2pQDfjM and http://bit.ly/2qo40il.

Be sure to check out his digital magazine at http://bit. ly/2qK4gtq.

Ever since they entered the seventh grade at Stafford Middle School, Jerry Amomoy and Genesis Perez were regarded among the top students in the Class of 2017.

They traded places between No. 1 and No. 2 several times, but a mutual respect between the two academic high achievers remained through the years.

After all of the grades were tallied, Amomoy was named Valedictorian, and Perez, the Salutatorian.

Amomoy will attend the University of St. Thomas in Houston on a full scholarship with plans of studying Biology/PreMedicine. He will be the second consecutive Stafford High graduate to attend UST and plans to become a surgeon.

Perez will study Computer Science at the University of Texas, where she received a partial academic scholarship. Her long-term goal is working as a Computer Programmer.

The graduation ceremony, in which both will address their fellow graduates, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 2 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

Amomoy was born in the Philippines and moved to Stafford at age 4. He first learned English in Stafford MSD and is very proud to have attended the District from start to graduation.

“When I was younger, I had to go to the hospital,” Amomoy said. “I remember how nice and friendly everyone was. I want to be able to do the same as those doctors did for me.”

Perez arrived at Stafford Intermediate as a sixth grader, transferring to the District from a charter school.

“Achieving Salutatorian is something to be proud of,” Perez said. “There are a lot of smart people at our school, so we all had to work hard.”

Perez remembers setting the goal of attending UT when she was in Elementary School.

Both students are entering college well prepared for it. Due to their enrollment in Advanced Placement courses, Amomoy will enter college with enough credits to be a sophomore, and Perez will have nearly a semester’s worth of college credit when she arrives in Austin.

“The course-load at Stafford High prepared me for college – Ms. Merck puts a lot of work in for her students,” Amomoy said of Camille Merck, SHS Biology Teacher and the 2016-17 Stafford High Teacher of the Year.

Perez credited the Stafford College & Career Center’s Programming Class with helping her on her Computer Science journey.

learning for small business entrepreneurs at the HCC West Houston Institute at the Alief-Hayes Campus.

“The key factor to Swift is that it is much more intuitive, making it easier for people to learn,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo, President, HCC Southwest College.

“That’s why I am taking the classes myself. If I can learn the foundations of iOS coding with SWIFT, anyone can.”

HCC students and faculty will be using Apple’s Everyone Can Code curriculum, which includes a range of resources that take students all the way from no coding experience to building their first app.

Dr. Maldonado said one of the pillars of HCC’s strategic plan is innovation, and Apple, quite simply, is innovation at its finest.

“This partnership is one that will benefit our community by teaching students a valuable skill and it will benefit Apple by providing future developers,” said Dr. Maldonado.

“I can’t think of an industry that is not dependent on coding. Computer coding teaches critical thinking and problem solving skills.”

Apple’s Lisa Jackson said the company was excited to be joining forces with HCC in this forward-thinking partnership.

“Kudos to HCC for its leadership and recognizing the economic opportunities that will now exist.”

The HCC iOS Coding and Design School will offer classes at HCC’s Alief-Hayes, Central and West Loop campuses, beginning with a grantfunded Summer Camp in Cy-

bersecurity and Coding for 50 high school students. There will also be a series of iOS Professional Development courses this summer through Continuing Education, and credit classes this fall.

In addition, a class for small business entrepreneurs will be offered this summer through Continuing Education at the West Houston Institute.

Jamey Rootes, president of the Houston Texans, an HCC strategic partner, is another enthusiastic supporter of this technological educational advancement.

“In today’s fast-paced business environment, it is essential for prospective employees to understand current technologies and have the ability to quickly adapt to technological innovation,” added Rootes.

“Here at the Houston Texans, technology is integrated into just about everything we do, both on the field and off.”

Mayor Turner called Houston a Knowledge Capital because of the incredible concentration of ideas and innovation in the city.

“Thanks to Apple and HCC, we look forward to creating the city of tomorrow and we are starting today,” Turner said.

The GHP’s Robert Harvey said that Houston is an international city, our economy is strong and our population is wonderfully diverse. Harvey praised the new partnership.

“I want to commend Apple and HCC for the great opportunity they are giving this city.”

Call 713-718-CODE to find out how you can get more information. Sign up for an information session at www. hccs.edu/coders

School, Mathematics •Dhruva Karkada, Clements High School, Science/Research •Rahul Kilambi, Dulles High School, Mechanical Engineering •Meredith Streeter, Ridge Point High School, Engineering •Kevin Rao, Clements High School, Academia •Alexander W. Zhao, Austin High School, Computer Programming These six scholars are among Texas Finalists judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments,

skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

This is the second announcement of winners in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

In April, FBISD announced the names of nine students who were named 2017 Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners.

On June 7 and July 17, some 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners will be announced. By the conclusion of this year’s competition, approximately 7,500 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million.

Six Fort Bend ISD seniors named 2017 National Merit Scholarship Winners

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has announced this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, and six Fort Bend ISD graduating seniors are among the honorees.

They represent the 2,500 Merit Scholar designees chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Amomoy, left, and Perez.

Houston Community College (HCC) is launching the iOS Coding and Design School (iCDS) to give students cutting-edge skills and training on developing iOS apps and coding in the iOS platform.

The goal of the School is to bridge the gap in computer science training for minorities and women throughout the country, provide the latest OS X training for professional developers, and provide entrepreneurs skills to develop new innovative apps.

The announcement that HCC will be one of the first colleges in the nation to use Apple’s newly released Swift Curriculum in the iCDS was made Wednesday, May 24, during a news conference in downtown Houston.

Speakers at the event included HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado; Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives; Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner; and Bob Harvey, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP).

Starting with Everyone Can Code content, HCC will introduce the Swift curriculum and provide students access to Apple computers and iPads.

The new Apple Swift programming language is open source and easy to use so anyone with an idea can create something incredible to build apps for iOS, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

The Swift curriculum will help faculty prepare future developers to work in the thriving iOS developer community.

The iCDS will also provide real-world, project-based

FBISD’s 2017 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners (and their chosen career fields) include: •Shreyas Balaji, Dulles High

Scarcella begins 25th term as Stafford mayor

By BARBARA FULENWIDER At Stafford’s May 17 meeting council three of the four returning members of council -- A.J. Honore, Virginia Rosas and Mayor Leonard Scarcella -- took their oaths of office and each spoke after Mayor Leonard Scarcella.

Councilman Wen Guerra could not be present and he took the oath of office sitting on a wheel chair at a hospital.

The mayor began by giving his “deepest appreciation to the people of Stafford. This is an honor I’ve had. This is the 25th term,” and will be 50 years that Scarcella has been Stafford’s mayor.

“Few people in their lives ever get to do something as long as I have. And it’s certainly something I cherish.

We’ve done some incredible things in this city.

“We’ve created the Stafford Municipal School District” put in zoning, “enacted the Freeport Tax Exemption, which has meant so much to our manufacturing community,” brought a Houston Community College campus to Stafford, built the Stafford

Centre and abolished property taxes, which, he said, has done so much for the city.

Within the past couple of weeks, Scarcella noted that the Texas Senate and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recognized Stafford for abolishing property taxes and the “tremendous approach we have to fiscal responsibility.”

The mayor went on to tell council and citizens, “We must maintain a zero property tax and we must maintain responsible spending, live within our means and avoid a bloated bureaucracy.

“We have in this city one of the most promising potentials or aspects of any city.” Some on council, Scarcella said, “think we need to put money in developers pockets.”

To replace the amount they are seeking from the city would be impossible, he said.

“I want to emphasize the developers want us to not only give them a huge amount of money, they want us to expand our police and fire departments and every other service we provide so they can do better. It puts the city, in

my opinion, in a very difficult situation.

“All the growth we’ve had in this city over the years, we’ve never paid one penny to anybody (any developer),” the mayor continued. It’s suppose dto be a public/private partnership, he said, but StreetLevel isn’t treating it as such.

As a lawyer for 50 years, Scarcella said, “Every partnership I’ve seen they (partners) get to look at the books very carefully and be involved in the financial disclosure in all aspects of the partnership throughout the entire process.”

The mayor said, “StreetLevel got the legislature to approve an authority for them to generate money.”

The water district (WCID No. 2) placed a 51-cent tax on 192 acres that is over and above the current rate charged for the rest of its customers.

“The new 51-cent tax rate will go to them and what will they be doing with it? Why are we not entitled to see everything they are getting and what they are going to spend?

Stafford, Scarcella said, “has grown only about 2 per-

cent in population since 2010 and yet in many areas we’ve grown, 4, 6 and 10 to 12 percent. It’s impossible to shovel millions into StreetLevel and keep a zero property tax.

“Also, in that regard we have this opportunity but what are they going to do. For three years they’ve (StreetLevel) been telling us what they are going to do and nothing has come about. They’ve built 20 acres of warehouses on 1092 and leaves the areas remaining for apartments. Nothing is being returned to the city.”

The amount they want from Stafford now is at $13 million and “they still have not told us what we will be receiving” in return.

The next agenda item was to name a mayor pro tem and A.J. Honore won that position.

Last came the succession in which council members have the power to perform the duties of the mayor and mayor pro tem in the event they cannot. The succession is based on time in office so starts with Cecil Willis followed by Wen Guerra, Ken Mathew, Virginia Rosas and Don Jones.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017

FILM REVIEW

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

It is accepted as truth that “Dead Men Tell No Tales” unless they are the Un-Dead, and in yet another movie with Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp).

This fifth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise also stars Javier Bardem as a competing ghost Captain of the Ship – that would be Captain Salazar who has a see-through body and heavy gross stuff on his face.

That “gross-stuff” makeup is part of the fun and shtick of these crazy Pirates that fight with swords, but never seem to die.

Jack Sparrow is still his charming self who also needs some rehab; the boy has a serious drinking problem, but he sloshes his way through death and defiance without a scratch. It’s that clean living

of a Johnny Depp character.

The ”Pirates of the Caribbean” film series began in 2003 when Captain Jack and the crew sailed into our lives in “The Curse of the Black Pearl.”

Before we/I start ripping this movie, let’s remember that the first four movies that were innocently based on the theme-park ride at Walt Disney, have sold tickets worth $3.73 billion and Depp was nominated for Best Actor for “The Curse of the Black Pearl.”

In 2003, the world was fascinated with Captain Jack and while Depp was nominated for an Oscar; he didn’t win, but to get nominated for a part where he plays a schmuck pirate with gold teeth and a silly grin is noteworthy.

His portrayal of the ador-

Legal Notices Notice of Public Hearing of the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court Junkyard and Automotive Wrecking and Salvage Yard Ordinance Please note that the Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas will hold a public hearing on a proposed Junkyard and Automotive Wrecking and Salvage Yard Ordinance on the 27th day of June, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom, on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse located at 401 Jackson St., Richmond, Texas. All interested persons are invited to attend and provide public comments on the proposed Ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available at Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Suite 114, Richmond, Texas. Alternately, the proposed Ordinance is available on the Fort Bend County website http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/firemarshal.

Following the public hearing the Commissioners Court is scheduled to deliberate and act upon the adoption of the proposed Ordinance.

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 for Horseshoe Estates Amending Plat, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 for Fulbrook Section 3-D Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 A.J. Schulle with Kelly Kaluzas at ajschulle@kellykaluza.com for information prior to the hearing.

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 John Legere with Clay Leyendecker & Assoc, at clsurveydrafting@gmail.com for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Writ Of Execution issued by the clerk of the 329TH District Court of WHARTON County, Texas on APRIL 3, 2017 in cause numbered CV-48770 styled BROTHERS VACUUM AND TRUCKING SERVICE, LLC.. vs. FIRST SOLID ENERGY GROUP, LP., in which a judgment was rendered on FEB 15, 2017 in favor of BROTHERS VACUUM AND TRUCKING SERVICE,LLC. for the sum of Thirteen Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty Seven Dollars and Sixty Cents ($13927.60); 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 MAY 09, 2017 and will on June 6, 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 FIRST SOLID ENERGY GROUP,L.P. to and in the following described Real Property All the interest conveyed in that certain Assignment, Conveyance and Bill of Sale by and between Thomas K. Erwin,LLC,et al as Assignor and First Solid Energy Group, LP as Assignee,dated September 30, 2014,and effective October 1,2014 and more specifically described as 72.08 acres of land more or less ,out of the Hicks Shropshire Survey,Abstract No 313, Isbell Lease and consisting of seven(7)tracts of land: Tract 1:11.086 acres of land, more or less; tract 2:30.829 acres of land, more or less;Tract3:17.407 acres of land, more or less(Tracts 1-3 being that same land described in that Special Warranty Deed dated June 5, 2007 from Seaton Hill College to LAH Houston I,LLC,recorded as Instrument No.2007074671 in the Official Public Records of Fort Bend County, Texas);Tract 4:1.176 acres of land, more or less; Tract 5:6.500 acres of land, more or less; Tract 6:3.321 acres of land, more or less; Tract 7:2.489 acres of land more or less(Tracts 4-7 being that same land as described in that Deed to the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority, recorded as Instrument No. 2003083944 in the Official Public Records of Fort Bend County, Texas),which interest specifically includes: i) that certain wellbore known as the Isbell Well#1RRC Permit #787052-99,API#157-33116,and ii) Isbell Well #2, RCC Permit #796493-99 API#157-00679 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of BROTHERS VACUUM AND TRUCKING SERVICE,LLC.. 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: JUNE 6, 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

able Jack Sparrow in “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” is not worthy of a high school award much less an award for a captain on the high seas. Oh, how times have changes. But, the money is still good.

Will this fifth movie top $4 billion in total franchise sales – domestic? Not counting worldwide, pirate product, and video games.

Even though this movie suffers from the Rocky Syndrome, it will be a mild success and top four billion, but barely.

Bigger question: will there be a Pirates Six? Of course!

With this kind of money flowing, who cares about the product.

Hey, that’s not fair. This movie leaves it all on the screen and Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg spent many millions on sets and special effects, but there’s only so many ways that Captain Jack and the boys can become entangled with a beautiful femme fatale and a mysterious cure for curses or a map to riches.

I was glad to see 65 yearold Geoffrey Rush reprise his role as Captain Hector Barbossa who looked more like the Cowardly Lion than a treacherous pirate. After you see this movie, let me know if you also had visions of the Wizard of Oz when you see Barbossa’s costume.

This is a “pay your money and takes your changes” experience. You know if you think big music and fantasy stories are appealing. I would have preferred to wait for the DVD. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 72. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Beechnut Street at Westmoor Drive for changes to the multiway stop control operational conditions, Precincts 2 and 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Grand Mission Estates, Section 17, and Bellaire Boulevard at Mason Road Street Dedication, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan to add “No Parking” signs on Coastal Meadow and Starflower in Seven Meadows, Section 4, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

AUTOMOBILE: Honda Pilot

By BARBARA FULENWIDER For the 2017 model year Honda continued to strengthen its position in the threerow SUV segment with some updates to the award-winning Honda Pilot. The 2017 Pilot is available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a new fingerprint resistant touchscreen and a black interior.

Honda was among the first automakers to incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, starting with the 2016 Accord and Civic. For 2017, Pilot EX and above trims will now feature both, which are integrated into an improved 8-inch display audio touchscreen. These models also got applications of a new coating to reduce the appearance of fingerprints on the screen while retaining high glare resistance.

Since its introduction in the summer of 2015, the Honda Pilot has earned awards and accolades that include “Best Cars for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report; “Best SUV of 2016” by Hispanic Motor Press, and “Best Family Cars of 2016” by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com.

The Pilot has seating for up to eight passengers and a cargo area that can hold an 82-quart cooler without compromising third-row seating capability.

Third-row entry and exit is easy thanks to the one-touch second-row seat on EX-L and above models and large thirdrow entryway.

A most unusual feature that I greatly appreciate is the Pilot’s sizeable center console.

It is one of few that can accommodate a full-size iPad or purse.

And with its seamless cover in the closed position, the con-

sole provides a convenient, non-slip surface for items that the driver or front passenger may need and are easy to reach.

The 2017 Pilot delivers power and fuel-efficient courtesy of its 3.5-liter, direct-injected V-6 engine with variable cylinder management. It produces peak output of 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is matched to one of two advanced transmissions – a 6-speed automatic transmission or, on upper trims, a 9-speed automatic transmission.

These powertrains combine with a light yet rigid unit-body structure and aerodynamically efficient body and chassis designs that result in fuel economy ratings of 20/27/23 mpg (city/highway/combined) for two-wheel drive and 19/26/22 mpg for all-wheel-drive models.

The Pilot’s available Intelligent VTM4 distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels. All Pilots have a button-operated terrain management system that offers either Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand for AWD and Normal and Snow for front wheel drive.

The system allows the driver to select the operating mode that best suits the driving conditions by pushing a button on the vehicle’s center console.

Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the driveby-wire map, transmission shift map, vehicle stability assist and torque distribution for AWD-equipped models for a variety of road or surface conditions.

The Pilot is available with

Honda Sensing, a safety and driver convenience designed to expand the driver’s situational awareness while sensing and responding to potential road hazards. The hazards include other vehicles, road obstacles and even pedestrians to the point of mitigating a severe collision.

Other safety features that come optional on the Pilot include a blind spot information system, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation system and rear cross traffic monitor.

Standard safety and driverassistive features include a multi-angle rearview camera, four-channel anti-lock brakes with brake assist; vehicle stability assist with traction control; dual-stage, multiplefront airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, and a tire pressure monitoring system that displays individual tire pressures in real time.

The Honda LX two-wheel drive retails for $30,595 and gets 19 city/27 highway miles to the gallon.

The AWD LX comes with a price tag of $32,395 and gets 18/26 mph. Honda offers a lineup of models that from bottom to top in dollars go from the EX to EX-L, Touring and Elite.

The Elite was the test drive model and was loaded. It retails for $47,070 with all standard equipment and was a pleasure to ride in and drive.

I like the interior space, the amenities, the looks.

Make your voice heard for the future of Regional Transit The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) will host a series of public meetings throughout the region for the update of the Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan (RCTP).

The RCTP provides efficient public transportation services for priority populations that includes seniors (65 and older), persons with disabilities, persons with low incomes, veterans, youth, and others. The plan is updated every five years.

Local citizens, community leaders, and elected officials are invited to attend and provide comments at the scheduled meetings. Seven public meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times: •Houston - June 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Houston METRO, 1900 Main St., 2nd Floor Board Room, Houston, TX 77208 •The Woodlands - June 6

from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. – The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77381 •Richmond - June 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Fort Bend County Transit William B. Travis Building, 301 Jackson St., Richmond, TX 77469 •Brookshire - June 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Colorado Valley Transit, Brookshire United Way, 531 FM 359 Rd. S., Brookshire, TX 77423 •Baytown - June 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. – Harris County Transit, Baytown City Hall, 2407 Market Street, Baytown, TX 77520 •Pearland – June 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – City of Pearland City Hall, 3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland, TX 77581 •League City - June 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Connect Transit, 400 W. Walker Street, League City, TX 77573 For more information about

H-GAC’s Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan Update, visit ridethegulfcoast. com and click the suggestion box to submit comments.

Comments from the public may also be submitted via telephone by calling toll free at 1.855.363.2516 or mailed to Transportation Public Outreach, Houston-Galveston Area Council, P.O. Box 22777, Houston, TX 77227-2777.

H-GAC will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending H-GAC functions. Requests from persons needing special accommodations should be received

by H-GAC staff 24 hours prior to a function.

The public meeting will be conducted in English and requests for language interpreters or other special communication needs should be made at least two working days prior to a function. Please call 713.993.2471 for assistance.

Fort Bend Narcotics Task Force targets street-level dealers

The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force recently conducted an investigation targeting illegal street level sales of prescription opioids in the Katy area.

On May 24, 2017, Task Force Agents executed a search warrant at an apartment located in the 22000 block of Grand Corner Dr. Katy, Texas.

During the search they located a substantial amount of Synthetic Anabolic Steroids, Pow-

der Methamphetamine, Ecstasy (MDMA), THC infused edibles, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), and large amount of controlled prescription pills. Drug paraphernalia indicative of manufacturing, packaging and distributing these illicit substances was also located inside the residence.

John Brandon Bryant, 34, of Katy was subsequently charged with several counts of manufacturing/delivering controlled substances as well as Posses-

sion of Firearm by Felon. He currently remains in the Fort Bend County Jail on bonds totaling $270,000.

All offenses occurred directly across the street from Harmony Science Academy, a designated Drug Free Zone.

“These drugs were likely intended for young adults in our area. We’ll continue to aggressively go after those that seek to harm our youth,” Sheriff Troy Nehls said.

INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017 • Page 7

COMMUNITY

Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club announces raffle winners

The Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club announced their Annual Raffle winners April 8th during the Family Weekend at the Texas A&M University College Station Campus.

The Annual Raffle raises funds to provide scholarships to deserving Fort Bend students attending Texas A&M University, College Station or Galveston campuses and Texas A&M-Blinn TEAM students.

This year’s grand prize winner of a 2017 Toyota Corolla LE, valued at $15,778, was Patrick Autry from Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas.

The winning ticket was purchased during Parents Weekend in College Station.

The winner of the First Prize package, valued at $1,300, was Charlotte Miller of Cypress.

The winner of the Second Prize package, valued at $900, was Jimmy Cantu of Sugar Land, and the winner of Third Prize package,

Dr. Moses Wilcox, left, Susan Wilcox, Mable Scott and Mose Austin.

The Autry Family with Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club Vice Presidents of Fundraising Carol Gaas and Terri Wang, and President Sally Berlocher. valued at $300, was Jerome Guidry of Sugar Land.

Congratulations and thank you to all who purchased tickets to support scholarships for

Fort Bend Aggie students.

Visit FortBendMoms.AggieNetwork.com if you are a mother of student/s from Texas A&M University, in-

cluding the College Station, Galveston and Blinn TEAM and become a member of the Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club.

Johnson Development walks the talk, surpasses goal for Mach of Dimes

Johnson Development Corp. decided to go all in when signing up to help one of its favorite worthy causes, the March of Dimes.

When the nonprofit announced its plans for a March for Babies Walk to prevent birth defects and premature birth, Johnson Development Corp. set a high fundraising goal.

The real estate development firm reached out to all of its communities — asking them to encourage residents to participate and to donate to the

Dr. Moses and Susan Wilcox donate $13,500 to Suburban Sugar Land Women

cause. When 10 communities got on board, Johnson Development Corp. decided to set its sights on raising $2,000 for each development, or $20,000.

“The March for Babies is close to our hearts,” said Doug Goff, President and Chief Operating Officer at Johnson Development. “The contributions made to March of Dimes directly helps babies and their mothers survive and thrive.

We wanted to give our all and help as much as we could for this important event.”

A number of residents from

Johnson Development Corp. communities hit the track on Saturday, April 29, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land’s Imperial development. Others donated online to support the cause.

And the results are in. When all the pledges and donations were tallied, Johnson Development Corp. surpassed its goal by raising $28,521.

“We are looking forward to presenting this check to March

of Dimes — to help fund research that could save lives,” Goff said. “It was a great race, a fun day, promoting health and showing solidarity for all the families in NICU.” In its 42th year of development, Johnson Development has built 17 active communities — 14 in the Houston area, two in Dallas-Fort Worth and one in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.johnsondevelopment.com.

Dr. Moses and Susan Wilcox presented $13,500 to Mose and Mable Austin for Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) 2017 Scholarships’ Fund during a reception at their lovely home on the lake.

Susan and Moses are committed members and Diamond Partners. “ We saw a need to raise funds for scholarship’ recipients; we set our goal. We exceeded our goal,” Susan said.

The Wilcox’s initial goal was $10,000 which was reached in two days. The goal was then increased to $12,000 which was obtained in less than a week. The $13,500 goal was reached in less than a month with the help of a few of their supportive scholarships’ partners who donations ranged from $250 to $5,000.

At an appreciation reception, partners were warmly greeted with hugs by Moses and Susan at their beautiful home with a relaxing ambiance on a calm lake.

Mike Garcia, Caricaturist, drew and presented each partner a hilariously funny 12 by 16 signed drawing.

Each scholarship partner received a large, incredibly beautiful, and customed-wrapped gift box.

The scholarship partners appreciation reception and gift’s boxes were underwritten by Dr. Moses & Susan Wilcox. Susan is the owner of Events by Susan. Because of the generosity of Dr. Moses & Susan Wilcox, SSLW committed members & Diamond Partners and their special scholarships’ partners, each first – time recipient will be awarded $ 1,500 and each continuing scholarship recipient will be awarded $1,000. The five first – time scholarship recipients from three schools districts are: Trinity Hawkins, Stafford Municipal School District – Stafford High School; Taylor Howard, Fort Bend ISD – Hightower High School; Mia Johnson, Fort Bend ISD – Ridge Point High School; Soromtochi Onyeahialam, FBISD – Ridge Point High School, Madison Owens, Lamar CISD – George Ranch High School.

Recipients may apply for continuing scholarship next year and future year . Scholarships’ Committee: Marvelyn Harris, Chair; Elise Leaks Harmon & June Peggs, Co-Chairs; & Mose & Mable Austin. 100% of officers and programs’ chairs are phenomenal partners. Continuing scholarships to former recipients are available June 01 – July 15 via www.sslw.org. Five to seven continuing scholarship are estimated to be awarded in July.

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 31, 2017

COMMUNITY

Cornerstone gets new principal Cornerstone Christian Academy has announced the appointment of Eric Nicholie, Principal of George Jr. High, as the new Head of School effective July 1. The search was led by SolomanSwann International.

Nicholie emerged as the Transition Committee’s recommendation and received a unanimous endorsement from the Board of Trustees. Board President, Darrell Roth stated, “I am confident Mr. Nicholie will take Cornerstone Christian Academy to an even higher level and fulfill the school’s purpose of building Skills for Life and Faith for Eternity.”

Nicholie will succeed Casey Farris, whose family will be relocating to Nashville, TN this summer. Nicholie has 21 years of experience in education, 16 of which as an administrator. Cornerstone Christian Academy is an elite private school located in Sugar Land, serving students from ages two to eighth grade. For more information please call 281-980-0842 or visit our website at www.cornerstonecca.org.

Rumpelstiltskin at First Colony Library classic children’s tale about a young woman named Gabby, who has been locked in a strawfilled room by the king, with orders to spin gold or lose her head! When a crafty man with a secret name offers to help, she makes him a promise she isn’t prepared to keep. Now Gabby has three days to guess the man’s name. Can she do it before time runs out?

The performance is recommended for families with children of all ages.

Now in its 22nd season, The Magik Theatre of San Antonio is known for its live-stage performances that bring children’s classic and contemporary literature to life, with an occasional twist!

The performance is presented with the generous support of the Friends of the First Colony Branch Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at Photo courtesy of The Magik Theatre. John Stillwaggon, lwft, the libraries. and Carolyn Dellinger.

The Summer Reading Club program is designed to encourTo kick off this year’s Sum- Library on Saturday, June 17, age readers of all ages, includmer Reading Club at Fort beginning at 2:00 pm, in the ing children from birth and up, Bend County Libraries, which Meeting Room of the library, as well as teens and adults. takes place from June to Au- located at 2121 Austin ParkThe Summer Reading Club gust, The Magik Theatre will way in Sugar Land. and the performance are free perform “Rumpelstiltskin” This family-friendly perand open to the public. at the First Colony Branch formance is adapted from the

Tom Larsen is Texana’s volunteer of the year Texana Center hosted the 2017 Reaching for the Stars Awards Ceremony at Harvest Green in Richmond in the new ‘Farmhouse’ community center.

Ten awards were presented at this “Oscar style” awards gathering and, to make the event more special, 17 year old Justin Gustafson provided a drum roll for each opening of the envelope and winner announcement.

Texana Center has always asked Tom Larsen to present the ‘Lou Larsen Volunteer of the Year Award’, named for his late wife who was one of Texana’s most dedicated volunteers. However, this year Texana surprised him with the award using the ‘Oscar envelope mix up’. Larsen has volunteered at Texana Center since the nonprofit was formed in 1999.

Prior to that, he volunteered for Texana’s predecessor organization - so he has been volunteering for at least 25 years.

Tom has spent many hours at Texana helping with all kinds of projects including; a garage sale, carrying donated supplies into the art room, selling clients’ arts & crafts at all kinds of expo’s and craft fairs. He is an active participant in the Center’s Christmas Choir Program help-

Presenter, Andi Wallis, left, and Tom Larsen.

Andi Wallis, Community ing; to organize the event and donating refreshments to make Relations Manager, who coorsure the evening is a great suc- dinates the volunteer program cess and that the choir members at Texana Center said “There with intellectual & develop- are so many things that Tom ment disabilities (IDD) had a has done for our clients, that we would be here a long time great time.

He has also donated numer- if I listed them all but, it is the ous large ticket items to the reason why I am delighted to center and always thinks of give him this award as he is a very deserving winner.”

Texana and how he can help.

Food truck Fridays Sienna Plantation is bringing the trucks and the fun to Village of Sawmill Lake for Food Truck Fridays each week in June. Local food and local flavor will be celebrated under the trees of Texas’ largest model home park, 9815 Cameron Way, from 4-8 p.m. on June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The free event promises a wealth of diverse options — from burgers to world cuisine — created by popular mobile chefs.

“Our model home park is the perfect spot for Food Truck Fridays,” said Allison Bond, marketing director for Sienna Plantation. “It’s beautiful, shady and surrounded by 12 gorgeous model homes. We invite everyone to come out for delicious food while supporting local businesses and having fun.” In addition to the rolling restaurants, there will be music, inflatables and other family-friendly activities

HMNS