Fort Bend Independent

VOL 5 No. 34

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com ww

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012

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

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

Sugar Land Superstar 2012

Roger Clemens Joins the Skeeters. The Sugar Land Skeeters scheduled a press conference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 21st announcing the signing of Roger Clemens. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner and former Astros pitcher will join the team at Constellation Field on Friday night and is expected to make his first start on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

County keeps tax rate unchanged; Sugar Land plans for tax increase

Sugar Land Town Square recently hosted its seventh summer of Sugar Land Superstar. The judges named four finalists (L-R): 2012 Superstar Lauryn Harris; third place winners Mason Bynes and Kathleen Nguyen; and second place winner Micaela Garza. Harris impressed the audience and judges with her rendition of Adele’s “Lovesong.” Micaela Garza, who sang an emotional version of “If I’m Not in Love With You” by Faith Hill, finished in second place. For the first time in the history of the competition, the judges awarded a tie for third place to finalists Mason Bynes and Kathleen Nguyen. Bynes sang “Fool That I Am” by Etta James; Nguyen played her guitar and sang an original song. Superstar Harris won a prize package with items from Sugar Land Town Square retailers and restaurants valued at over $400. The second and third place winners were awarded flowers at the conclusion of the event, and all four performers will have the opportunity to sing at upcoming Town Square events.For more information on upcoming events at Sugar Land Town Square, visit www.SugarLandTownSquare.com.

Birds of Fort Bend: Little Blue Heron The Little Blue Heron changes dramatically in its appearance from white to slate blue. The fledgling and juvenile Little Blue Herons are white for about one year. Shown in the photo, they enter a calico or “tie-dyed” slate blue and white stage until they reach adult plumage, which is slate blue with a “muddy” purple to maroon head and neck.

This species is the only heron that makes a white to slate blue change. During the initial white stage, the Little Blue Heron flocks with Snowy Egrets. Photo courtesy of international birder and photographer Margaret Sloan. To see more photos, visit http://traction.typepad.com/birds

Over 3,000 Texas organizations lose tax exempt status in 2012

By LAUREN PINKERTON At least 90 tax exempt organizations are in Fort Bend County which is listed in the top ten Texas Counties for revocations of their non-profit status by the IRS between January 1st and July 9th of 2012.

This is a continuation of challenges being faced by nonprofits in the face of tighter IRS regulation and scrutiny particularly relating to timely filing of various forms.

The organizations join over 390,000 more nationwide that have had their tax exempt status revoked between June 9th and December 31st of 2011 for a total of over 440,000 organizations nationwide. Many of these organizations may not even be aware that they have lost their tax exempt status.

Special rules are in effect for these organizations. However, once stripped of their tax exempt status non-profits can be put into a variety of difficult situations until they have either restored it or ceased operations.

What does this all mean?

•Donations made to the organization may no longer be allowed as charitable deductions.

Donors may or may not be aware of this before filing their own returns.

•Revenues received by the organization may become tax-

2012 Tax Exempt Status Revocations through July 9th Ex: Most by Texas County

Ex: Most by Texas City HOUSTON

376

SAN ANTONIO

205

DALLAS

190

FT WORTH

86

AUSTIN

72

EL PASO

38

CORPUS CHRISTI

36

PLANO

36

LUBBOCK

35

ARLINGTON

34

TYLER

33

SUGAR LAND

27

RICHARDSON

26

GARLAND

24

WACO

24

Top 15

HARRIS DALLAS BEXAR TARRANT TRAVIS FORT BEND DENTON COLLIN GALVESTON NUECES Top 10

569 374 250 219 145 90 86 70 61 49 1,913 56%

Most Revocations by State CALIFORNIA TEXAS NEW YORK FLORIDA PENNSYLVANIA OHIO ILLINOIS MICHIGAN GEORGIA N CAROLINA Top 10

4,864 3,437 2,926 2,574 2,119 1,991 1,946 1,647 1,586 1,479 24,569 50%

1,242

36%

able.

•The organization will have to re-file for tax exempt status in a potentially lengthy and expensive process which includes IRS filing fees of up to $850. Retroactive action is not guaranteed.

Visit fbindependent.com to get the complete list.

Visit http://g3.imapbuilder. net/_map/?s=90256b356195eb 832825929231f679fe&m=124 27for an interactive map.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 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., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County Commissioners Court last week decided to keep the county property tax rate at the current level with no change, while the City of Sugar Land proposed a 0.65 cent increase in the tax rate, resulting in an average $21 increase in city tax bills.

The taxable value this year for Fort Bend County is $41.18 billion compared to last year’s $39.81 billion, a 3.4 percent increase.

The proposed Fort Bend County Tax Rate of $0.48 will generate $193 million in property tax revenues, while the Drainage District’s tax rate of $.019 will generate $7.5 million in property tax revenue.

Total revenue from sources other than property tax is estimated to be $41.75 million.

The total tax rate of $0.49976 has been unchanged since 2009 when it dropped from $0.51674.

County’s recommended FY 2013 budget is 0.88 percent

Public hearings The City of Sugar Land has planned two public hearings on the proposal to increase total tax revenues, The first public hearing will be held on Aug. 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd N., Sugar Land, TX 77479.

The second public hearing will be held on Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. at Sugar Land City Hall.

The county will hold public hearings on the proposed 2012 tax rate on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at 1 p.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom, 7th Floor, Wm. B. Travis Building in Richmond.

Public hearings on the FY 2013 Proposed Budget for Fort Bend County will be conducted on Monday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom, 7th Floor, William B. Travis Building in Richmond. less than the 2012 adopted budget and is currently at $249.87 million.

The proposed county budget will be filed on Sept. 4, so it is possible the above budget may change slightly up or down before the budget is filed, says Pamela Gubbels, Fort Bend County’s director of finance and investments.

Sugar Land’s Financial Management Policy Statements provide direction to base

the City’s budget on revenues equal to the effective tax rate plus 3 percent.

The proposed tax rate is calculated to be the City’s effective tax rate plus 2 percent.

The 2012 tax roll provides a 1 percent increase from revaluation, so a 2 percent increase over the effective tax rate nets a 3 percent increase in the average residential tax bill.

See TAX RATE, Page 3

FBISD trustee accused of violating Texas Open Meetings Act

By SESHADRI KUMAR A Sugar Land resident has filed a complaint against Fort Bend ISD Trustee Bruce Albright alleging that Albright violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. Joe M. Davis of The Davis Law Firm in Boerne, representing Nancy Dunham of Sugar Land, filed the complaint with Fort Bend County Attorney Roy Cordes and District Attorney John Healey on June 28.

At the June 11 board meeting Albright made a motion to accept the recommended “Attendance Boundary Changes” and added a proposal to construct Elementary School No. 46 for opening in 2014.

The posted agenda caption read: Consider proposed attendance boundary changes for optimum building utilization within the district.

Amending this motion to include “the addition of Elementary School 46” is a direct violation of the Act as a proposal to construct a new school was not included in the Public Notice issued prior to the meeting, Davis said in the complaint.

The public was therefore not made aware in advance of the meeting that a proposal of such significance - the building and staffing of a new school - was going to be considered by the board, according to Davis.

“The complaint reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what transpired at the meeting and applicable provisions of Robert’s Rules,” replied Richard A. Morris of Roger, Morris, & Grover,L.L.P., representing Fort Bend ISD. Jim Rice, acting as the chair at the meeting in question, did not read any motion relating to Item 10D. Instead, as is the common practice of the Board, he read a summary

of the relevant agenda item, after which he invited his fellow board members to make a motion.

Albright then made a motion that was seconded, debated by board members in attendance, and voted upon.

“Mr. Albright’s motion was the only motion considered by the Board on Item 10D and no subsidiary or incidental motions were made to his motion.

These facts can be confirmed by reviewing the recording of the meeting in question, which is publicly available at the following link: http:// www.fortbendisd.com/boardvideo/120611/120611.htm,” Rogers said.

Texas courts do not require that governmental bodies give notice of all the consequences that may flow out of consideration of a particular subject.

Provided that action taken by a governmental body is in any way related to the subject under discussion there is compliance with the OMA’s notice provisions, Morris said.

The Board’s vote to approve moving forward with construction of a school was relevant to, and flowed from, its consideration of the building utilization committee’s recommendation and the Board majority’s belief that implementation of the recommended boundary change would not alone prevent need of constructing a new school, he said.

Prior to the District’s receipt of the June 28th complaint from the county attorney’s office, the Board president had determined to place consideration of the proposed boundary changes and Elementary School No. 46 on the agenda again for its regular board meeting in August.

Consideration of these items at the August meeting should moot any need for

your office to issue any opinion that the Board’s prior action is voidable, Morris said.

(The board again considered the boundary changes and construction of Elementary school No. 46 at the Aug. 13 meeting. The school construction was approved 4-3 after discussion) “Mr. Morris’ interpretation of the cases cited with regard to the complaint are wrong, as underscored by more recent court rulings,” Davis said in his rebuttal.

In, Cox Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a the Austin AmericanStatesman v. Board of Trustees of the Austin Independent School District, the Supreme Court of Texas found that a governmental body: ―cannot be permitted to completely eliminate the public’s right to be notified with reasonable specificity of the subject matter to be considered at a meeting of a governmental body, particularly when the subject is one in which the public can reasonably be expected to have a special interest.

The Court found that the Board of Trustees of Austin Independent School District, ―did not provide full and adequate notice, particularly where the subject slated for discussion was one of special interest to the public.

Disclosure of a proposal to construct Elementary School #46 was simply not included in the Public Notice. The public was therefore not made aware in advance of the meeting that a proposal of such special interest to the public– the building and staffing of a new school – was going to be considered by the Board., Davis said.

Mr. Morris claims that the Board is not in violation of the TOMA regarding the Agenda Item 10D. See TRUSTEE, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 22, 2012

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AUGUST 22, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Different singers, same tune at school board It is politics as usual at Fort Bend ISD. It is the same song, but the singers are different.

Just as a few years ago, the board was split, with the newly elected trustees on one side and the older trustees, on the other side, who engaged in constant, mutual accusations. Now, we have ‘new’ trustees on one side, and the ‘old and older’ trustees on the other side.

The board at the previous time was bitterly split on the issue of then superintendent Betty Baitland and that fight took its toll on the trustee elections as well.

Then came Superintendent Tim Jenney. Ironically, he was chosen by both the warring groups.

Now, the new trustees fought the election on a platform of change and they accomplished one of their goals, with the retirement of Jenney.

That job was not difficult.

In the current board there is not even a single board member who originally selected Jenney. With the change of guard, his exit was inevitable.

With the exit of Jenney, one would have thought the board would focus on fundamental issues affecting the district. Instead, the new guard is showing a “gottcha” attitude.

True, the previous board’s decision to buy iPads resulted in the defeat of two trustees.

Trustee From Page 1 “However, if his claim is credible, then why has the Board President decided to place consideration of the proposed boundary changes and Elementary School No. 46 on the agenda for its next regularly scheduled board meeting? By Mr. Morris’ reasoning it is a settled matter and thus warrants no further action. I suspect Mr. Morris knows his position is tenuous, and the Board President acted accordingly.

“If found in violation, I recognize that a suitable remedy is for the proposed boundary changes and Elementary School No. 46 to be placed as separate items on the agenda for consideration by the Board during its next regularly scheduled meeting. Indeed that is the only reasonable way forward for the FBISD trustees,” Davis said.

However if found in violation, and sufficient evidence is produced to prove that a trustee or group of trustees

Tax rate From Page 1 Sugar Land’s taxable value last year was $9.346 billion and this year’s taxable value is $9.600 billion.

Making a one-time budget reduction may appear to provide an easy way to avoid a tax increase; however, revenues needed to maintain existing service levels and quality of life standards would not be available every year, City Manager Allen Bogard said in a statement.

“Future City Councils would be faced with the difficult decisions of deciding what to cut next year and the year after that,” Bogard said.

“The cumulative impact of not growing tax revenues by 3 percent per year is a loss of $9 million in current and future tax revenues that could support capital improvements and operating needs to sustain current levels of service.”

City Council has historically kept the tax burden low by limiting the tax rate and utilizing the homestead exemption to offset increases in valuation. The target for annual tax bill increases has been an average increase of

But, the new trustees wanted to undo the program after half the money had already been spent on the project.

Interestingly, two of the old guards who had originally opposed the iPads, did not choose to jump on the antiiPad bandwagon as they felt it would be imprudent to cut funding at the late hour.

Then, the new trustees, while paying lip-service to the building utilization committee, appointed by the previous board, sought to ignore their recommendation, especially on the Elementary school rezoning. .

In the latest zoning issue and in elementary school No. 46, the previous board wisely appointed a committee of citizens to eliminate politicization of the process. The new trustees promptly defeated that purpose and injected their personal preference into the zoning decision even as they dismissed the staff input.

Now, comes the allegation of the Texas Open Meetings Act violation against Trustee Bruce Albright. This is yet another distraction.

The new trustees are hellbent on preventing the construction of Elementary school No. 46 in the Aliana community. (Maybe they would like one on their side of the neighborhood.)

They have a right to vote the way they want, but should learn to respect the majority at some point.

If you are waiting for Mr. Albright to be taken in handcuffs for violating the Open Meetings Act, that may be wishful thinking. The Act is meant to see that elected officials do not keep the public in the dark and take clandestine decisions.

On July 18, 2007, the District purchased a 9.634 acre tract in the Aliana Development for ES #46. The voters approved funding for the construction of ES #46 in the 2007 Bond Referendum. The 2012 Building Utilization Committee’s review of data presented for the attendance boundary changes for Oakland Elementary School took into consideration the projected enrollment, a hypothetical boundary, and a proposed opening date for ES #46. The BUC reached consensus for an August 2014 opening date.

The school figured in seven BUC meetings this year, and in three town hall meetings.

One BUC member even urged the board to build the elementary school in the Aug. 13 meeting. Strangely, the public was not lining up to oppose Elementary School No.46,

knowingly conspired to circumvent TOMA by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations in violation of TOMA, then your office has the right and the duty to prosecute such a violation under Sec. 551.143 – Conspiracy To Circumvent Chapter, Davis concluded.

District Attorney John Healey confirmed that his office is investigating the complaint. By the end of the week, he expects to reach preliminary findings.

At the Aug. 13 meeting the school board changed the agenda item pertaining to the boundary changes.

The recommendation of the building utilization committee to re-zone elementary school kids in the Stonebrook section of Riverstone from Schiff Elementary to Palmer Elementary was thrown out in deference to the wishes of the parents.

The affected parents said they were not notified of the zoning change in time and that they had no time to look

at the school district website.

(They were not asked if they read local newspapers.)They were not aware of the three town meetings held in June.

Also, the parents said they have paid a premium and invested more money in Riverstone homes so that their children could go to an exemplary school like Schiff and their property values would go down if they were zoned to Palmer Elementary.

Trustees David Rosenthal, Jenny Bailey and Grayle James faulted the recommendation of the committee for not maintaining the “feeder pattern” to ensure that all children in the neighborhood attended the same middle school and high school. The committee’s decision was based on the fact that Palmer was 1.9 miles away and Austin Parkway 4 miles away.

The board brushed aside the distance factor as of no consequence.

Trustees Susan Hohnbaum and Bruce Albright voted against the revised zoning plan.

3 percent. Some years were higher and some were less, but from 2000-2009, the average tax bill increased by 3.4 percent annually.

During the last two years, residential tax bills have decreased due to declines in property values and the decision to keep the tax rate flat. Average tax bills in 2010 and 2011 were both less than the average tax bill in 2009.

“The City recommended and City Council chose to maintain the existing tax rate and not adjust the tax rate to offset losses in taxable value during the economic downturn,” said Bogard.

The budget has significant reductions to offset the loss of tax revenues; however, the loss of revenues limits the City’s ability to meet the current and future needs of the community.

Major revenue sources for the City of Sugar Land total $169.31 million.

Sales tax revenue represents 26 percent of total revenues collected at $43.5 million.

Revenues from ad valorem or property taxes represent 17 percent of overall revenues for the City at $29.6 million.

The total proposed city budget for FY 13 is $181.6 million and represents a 0.2

percent decrease from the FY 12 adopted budget.

The Capital Projects budget is a 22 percent decrease or $7.85 million less than FY12.

The City was able to avoid the issuance of debt in fiscal year 2012 by utilizing savings from existing projects, providing for lower than anticipated debt service in 2013 based on last year’s forecast.

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in the City of Sugar Land last year was $254,658.

Based on last year’s tax rate of $0.30245 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $770.21.

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in the City of Sugar Land this year is $256,156.

If the city adopts the effective tax rate for this year of $0.30278 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $775.59.

If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of $0.30895 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $791.39.

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar

now that the alleged “secret” deal has came to light.

After the board voted on the issue in June, in July, architect contract for the school came up for vote and it was postponed to the August meeting.

Board president Jim Rice, out of abundant caution, reposted the item in the August agenda.

Critics may conclude Rice did it as an admission of guilt.

I would characterize it as wisdom and fairness.

The complaint was used as a ruse to postpone a discussion on Elementary school No. 46.

If the complaint was found to be valid, and if Albright was found guilty of criminally

conspiring to hide the agenda item from the public, what happens to the other six trustees? They too could be found guilty of accepting an “illegal” motion, discussing it and voting on it. If they claim ignorance of the law, could not Albright plead the same?

Before launching a legal tirade, one should think if a jury would convict Albright under the given circumstances. My opinion is no.

Contrary to the case cited

by the complainant, Fort Bend County District Attorney upheld a complaint of insufficient posting of agenda item by the board a few years ago.

That pertained to the internal audit reports. So the charge is not new. There is a precedent.

Pursuing the present case may be entertaining, but the result would be futile.

Instead, the new trustees can do a lot of good by putting their mind toward choosing the next superintendent.

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2012 Property Tax Rates in City of Sugar Land This notice concerns the 2012 property tax rates for City of Sugar Land. It presents information about three tax rates. Last year's tax rate is the actual tax rate the taxing unit used to determine property taxes last year. This year's effective tax rate would impose the same total taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. This year's rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate the taxing unit can set before taxpayers start rollback procedures. In each case these rates are found by dividing the total amount of taxes by the tax base (the total value of taxable property) with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value.

Last year's tax rate: Last year's operating taxes Last year's debt taxes Last year's total taxes Last year's tax base Last year's total tax rate This year's effective tax rate: Last year's adjusted taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property) ÷ This year's adjusted tax base (after subtracting value of new property) =This year's effective tax rate (Maximum rate unless unit publishes notices and holds hearings.)

This year's rollback tax rate: Last year's adjusted operating taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property and adjusting for any transferred function, tax increment financing, state criminal justice mandate, and/or enhanced indigent healthcare expenditures) ÷ This year's adjusted tax base =This year's effective operating rate x 1.08=this year's maximum operating rate + This year's debt rate = This year's total rollback rate -Sales tax adjustment rate =Rollback tax rate

$15,940,506 $13,041,796 $28,982,302 $9,582,510,167 $0.30245/$100

$28,635,335 $9,457,202,747 $0.30278/$100

$25,367,885

$9,457,202,747 $0.26824/$100 $0.28969/$100 $0.13610/$100 $0.42579/$100 $0.11033/$100 $0.31546/$100

Statement of Increase/Decrease If City of Sugar Land adopts a 2012 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of $0.30278 per $100 of value, taxes would increase compared to 2011 taxes by $55,689.

Schedule A - Unencumbered Fund Balance The following estimated balances will be left in the unit's property tax accounts at the end of the fiscal year. These balances are not encumbered by a corresponding debt obligation.

Type of Property Tax Fund Debt Service Fund General Fund

Balance 2,263,272 16,404,574

Schedule B - 2012 Debt Service The unit plans to pay the following amounts for long-term debts that are secured by property taxes. These amounts will be paid from property tax revenues (or additional sales tax revenues, if applicable).

Description of Debt 2003 Certificates of Obligation 2003A General Obligation 2004 General Obligation 2004A General Obligation 2005 General Obligation 2005B Certificates of Obligation 2006 Certificates of Obligation 2006 General Obligation 2008 Certificates of Obligation 2008 General Obligation 2009 Certificates of Obligation 2009 General Obligation 2010 General Obligation 2010 Certificates of Obligation 2010 General Obligation 2011 General Obligation 2005 FBC MUD 1

Principal or Contract Payment to be Paid from Property Taxes

Interest to be Paid from Property Taxes

Other Amounts Total Payment to be Paid

1,105,000

22,100

0

1,127,100

520,000

80,100

0

600,100

55,000 270,000

5,700 123,863

0 0

60,700 393,863

655,000 90,000

111,473 66,209

0 0

766,473 156,209

40,000

36,066

0

76,066

3,000,000 165,000

1,126,663 174,963

0 0

4,126,663 339,963

255,000 872,267

269,581 585,570

0 0

524,581 1,457,837

935,000 80,000 775,000

34,438 87,538 778,526

0 0 0

969,438 167,538 1,553,526

1,465,000 930,000 335,000

765,375 311,900 233,493

0 0 0

2,230,375 1,241,900 568,493

Total required for 2012 debt service - Amount (if any) paid from Schedule A - Amount (if any) paid from other resources - Excess collections last year = Total to be paid from taxes in 2012 + Amount added in anticipation that the unit will collect only 100.00% of its taxes in 2012 = Total debt levy

$16,360,825 $-122,606 $3,430,184 $0 $13,053,247 $0 $13,053,247

Schedule C - Expected Revenue from Additional Sales Tax In calculating its effective and rollback tax rates, the unit estimated that it will receive $10,580,935 in additional sales and use tax revenues.

This notice contains a summary of actual effective and rollback tax rates' calculations. You can inspect a copy of the full calculations at 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Name of person preparing this notice: Donna Svatek Title: Treasury Manager Date Prepared: 08/15/2012

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 22, 2012

Opinion The political soldier

By JAMES IVES From the beginning of time, societies have been in conflict. This can be either in disputes with organized and recognizable adversaries from without, or more hidden, subversive and more dangerous enemies from within.

If the enemy is from the outside, then military force and martial ethics are called upon, with the defense of home and soil, national life and storied tradition being exalted. America has a long and glorious history of such struggles, with a full Pantheon of heroes that serve as models for us all by their examples of pride, teamwork, selflessness and sacrifice. We hold them close in our hearts as we should.

However we are seeing a new inner struggle, one that has long been simmering and festering just below the surface of our society. One that not only threatens the Citizens and our way of life, but looms over the very fabric of our national existence.

What were called the “Culture Wars” in the eighties have evolved into a full-blown assault upon the traditions, the values and the Identity of the American People. This is a force seeking to re-write the American Experience in a grimmer and far more sinister tone.

This relentless attack is focused on exactly what it means to BE an American, on those long-cherished ideals and icons that have forever been signposts to help us along the twisting path of History.

These include individual responsibility, the Freedoms of Speech, of Assembly, of

Religion and of Choice in your own life, our blessed Liberty, and the Trinity of Faith, Family and Nation. This is a struggle for the very word “America,” for the memories of our fathers, for the life that we lead today and the possibilities that we leave for the future. A new battle is being waged and it needs a new defender of the Nation, a new breed of Political Soldier. As such soldiers, we fight not in the trenches, but in the minds and hearts of the People, with words, conviction and ironhard determination.

At local, state and national levels ours is a war of ideas and electioneering, of Truth vs. Lies, of an invading foreign ideology against the dreams of our parents and their parents before them.

The masses of the enemy gather around us in the halls of power as socialist and power hungry politicians, on college campuses as anarchists, communists and ivory tower intellectuals. They gather in union halls plotting against the holders of property, screaming their messages on street corners and assembling in mobs at the whim of the street boss and the “community organizer.”

This, the most storied and the grandest Nation in human history, must be defended against those that would tear down her walls, break open the vaults of Heritage and beloved Tradition, and shatter forever that shimmering vision that wraps itself around the sacred word.

Republic The Political Soldier can be anyone, any Citizen that is willing to get involved and

to speak out against ever-encroaching Tyranny, becoming active against the dark threat of centralized oppression. We must be ready to discipline our minds in knowledge and Truth and take the time to reach out to our fellow Americans, opening their eyes to the propaganda that engulfs them, and opening their hearts to the forgotten music of Patriotism and Citizenship.

Every effort is needed for the hour grows short, with only one generation standing between a renewal of the American Century and a sad, sharp decline into violence, decay and remorse. It is a choice that needs to be made in every heart, and it needs to be made soon.

The approaching struggle for the salvation and restoration of the American Ideal can potentially stretch out for decades to come, as the ground lost was not given in a day, and its recapture will take much time and much effort.

The rewards for sweet victory are more than deserving of such trials, however.

We will see the return of the dreams of our shared yesterdays, the soaring of our National Spirit for all of the world to see and the reaffirmation of our sacred Constitution as the very bedrock of our land. Afterwards we will share in the quiet satisfaction of being a Citizen of the United States of America, and not only guarantee this land the blessings of Freedom and prosperity forever, but help to illuminate a troubled world for another 300 years.

Long Live the Republic!

(James Ives is president of the Greater Fort Bend County Tea Party.)

Musings: Changelings

By JANICE SCANLAN Changelings. No, I’m not talking about politicians this week or folkloric notions of a child who is secretly substituted for another one by fairies.

But watching birds, especially during nesting season in the summer, can seem like dealing with changelings.

The Bird of Fort Bend this month is the Little Blue Heron. It is white for the first year of its life . . . then, undergoes a transformation from white to slate blue. This elegant, small heron is common near our creeks, ponds, and marshes in Fort Bend, but flocks with Snowy Egrets its first year of life.

Yes, unless you’re a four foot Great White Heron, white birds normally flock for safety in numbers. They do stand out.

It brought the memory of an iridescent recital dress when I was 7 or 8. It was slate blue and morphed to maroon.

Striking how much the taffeta fabric looked like the mature Little Blue Heron.

Likely, it was more memorable than my recital piece . . . which I was one of twenty kids my age playing on ten pianos.

My goodness, that must have been quite an ordeal for our music teachers! We practiced every Sunday afternoon for a month or two at Hullender’s Music store before the pianos were moved to the gymnasium for the recital,

Scanlan but I digress.

Summer in the garden can be a time of great change . . . another heron, the YellowCrowned Night Heron featured in June, has been a topic of conversation because of its dramatic appearance changes.

Often readers express regret that they thought, “I really found something unusual.”

That’s what I like about watching birds . . . I find something unusual everyday—at least to me. And it can be quite a search to get the identity right.

This year has been a very prolific year for chicks and fledglings in our garden. The Cardinals, Wrens, Blue Jays, House Finches, Woodpeckers and Mourning Doves have had multiple batches of chicks.

The Mourning Doves, in fact, are in their fourth nesting. Two is more usual. I know because their nest is right outside my kitchen window.

For the first three nestings, they only paused long enough to get the fledglings on their way to adulthood—about a week. They waited a month

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

to start the fourth batch about two weeks ago. Suppose it’s going to be another mild winter?

July and August are a time of year, if you pay closer attention, when both the male and female Northern Cardinal juveniles begin to change.

In fact, the red male goes through a time he looks like he’s had a “bad hair day.”

Still mottled with grey and charcoal, his red feathers are starting to develop . . . and his beak changes from black to orange.

The female is taking on a more rufus caste to her feathers . . . and her beak becomes orange as well.

In fact, it’s interesting to watch mother with her orange beak, direct her dark-beaked fledglings on proper bird feeder tactics.

Our “alpha” female House Finch is even more officious with her young. I actually saw her bite a squirrel. She may be small, but has a heck of a beak. He bit her back as well, but it didn’t slow her down. I suppose he only got a mouthful of feathers, but the squirrel did leave the feeder, for a while anyway.

And so goes the lazy days of summer . . .

Write to janicescanlan@ clear.net

Making money matter to your kids It has been proven that at young ages we develop a psychological mindset around money, whether through specific events, observing other’s attitudes, or through instruction. Unfortunately, many of us take the wrong message from these events, by observing those with poor management skills and getting our instruction from the advertisements of credit card companies.

As a whole, we live in a financially illiterate society that spends very little time promoting good money habits. This makes the parent’s job of positively reinforcing appropriate money behavior all the more important. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to promote skills that will benefit your child not just now, but for many years to come.

Saving

Saving is all about delayed gratification. Ultimately, the money will either be spent or gifted away, but the process of saving allows us to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the value of money.

One method is to establish a weekly allowance. It probably should be a low amount so that they can’t immediately afford everything they want, maybe around $5. Give them the money at the beginning of the week, with the condition that if they don’t spend any of it, you will give them $2 more at the end of the week, and if they spend only $2, you will give them $1. Make sure they have opportunities to spend it, so they are at least tempted. If your children consistently spend all of their allowance each week, start giving them less.

Spending

There is nothing wrong with spending, as long as it is done with moderation and an understanding of the end consequences. A good way to show your kids how to spend wisely is to simply ask them if there is any-

Bill & Jared Jameson thing they want, and then help them plan around how to accomplish that goal. For example, if a video game they want costs $25, help them create a plan around getting the money, whether through an allowance, mowing the neighbor’s lawn, saving gifts, or a combination of these. This will also have the dual benefit of weeding out those passing desires of things kids want one day, and then forget about the next.

Stewardship

Tied to spending is the idea of gifting. People who horde all their assets for themselves are often unpleasant to be around and unhappy themselves; the same is true of children. Encourage your child to put money in the plate at church, into the jar at a fundraiser, or give to a charity that frequents local supermarkets. Then describe where the money is go-

ing and what it will do for others.

At some point in your children’s lives, they will have to account for income or use of money under their management.

One way to teach the principle of accounting is to set up a home banking system. Each child should have a journal of his income and expenditures, using the ‘bank’ to make deposits and withdrawals. Since kids generally don’t have much, it should be easy to keep track of their transactions. At the end of each month, help your children reconcile the account and journal. If it balances, reward your children with ‘interest.’

WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land.

For more information, please contact us at wj@wjinterests. com or 281-634-9400.

City of Sugar Land

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase The City of Sugar Land will hold two public hearings on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year by 2.04 percent (percentage by which proposed tax rate exceeds lower of rollback tax rate or effective tax calculated under Chapter 26, Tax Code). Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The first public hearing will be held on August 28, 2012 at 5:30 PM at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd N., Sugar Land, TX 77479.

The second public hearing will be held on September 4, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd N., Sugar Land, TX 77479.

The members of the governing body voted on the proposal to consider the tax increase as follows: FOR:

James A. Thompson Joe R. Zimmerman Bridget Yeung

AGAINST:

Harish Jajoo

Himesh Gandhi Donald L. Smithers Amy Mitchell

PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

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

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in City of Sugar Land last year was $254,658. Based on last year’s tax rate of $0.30245 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $770.21.

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in City of Sugar Land this year is $256,156. If the governing body adopts the effective tax rate for this year of $0.30278 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $775.59.

If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of $0.30895 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $791.39.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and express their views.

AUGUST 22, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5 INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

Solicitation is available on the Purchasing Agent’s website site located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website.

BID 12-061 – PROVIDE AND INSTALL INCINERATOR SYSTEM A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, TX. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. 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

Sugar Land kicks-off Commute Solutions month On Wednesday, August 14, the City of Sugar Land kicked off Commute Solutions Month with the Houston-Galveston Area Council at the Skeeters versus Lancaster Barnstormers game to highlight the importance of alternative modes of travel within the region.

During the game, Alan C. Clark, Houston-Galveston Area Council Manager of Transportation and Air Quality Programs, was on deck to throw the first pitch of the evening. Additionally, the Skeeters minor league baseball team presented H-GAC with 200 game tickets for individuals who pledged their commitment to adopting commute alternatives during

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FISCAL YEAR 2013 PROPOSED BUDGET PURPOSE: ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD WHERE:

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

WHEN:

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6:00 P.M., SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

THIS BUDGET WILL RAISE MORE TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES THAN LAST YEAR’S BUDGET BY $647,420 OR 2.04%, AND OF THAT AMOUNT, $411,694 IS TAX REVENUE TO BE RAISED FROM NEW PROPERTY ADDED TO THE TAX ROLL THIS YEAR. THE PROPOSED BUDGET MAY BE INSPECTED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY SECRETARY, CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. AND 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY OR YOU MAY CALL 281-275-2236 FOR INFORMATION. THE SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL ENCOURAGES ALL CITY OF SUGAR LAND TAXPAYERS TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED BUDGET AND TO BE PRESENT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS RIVER PARK WATER WELL NO. 1 REHABILITATION 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:

River Park Water Well No. 1 Rehabilitation

CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

WA1006 5975 Summit Creek, Sugar Land TX 77479

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from the following office and location with payment of $30.00: Jones & Carter, Inc. 6335 Gulfton Drive Houston, TX 77081 713-777-5337 Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2012, 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 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2012, Public Works Conference Room, 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Questions regarding this bid must be received by 11:00 A.M. on or before Monday, September 10, 2012. Please contact Toby McQueary, Jones & Carter, Inc. 713-777-5337.

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 City Secretary

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 1ST day of JULY, 2012 by the 434TH Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 11-DCV-190700 in favor of the Plaintiff QUAIL VALLEY EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,547.00 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 19TH day of JULY, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant( s) JANIE ZUNIGA had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten 0’clock a.m. and four 0’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 5, BLOCK 16 OF QUAIL VALLEY EAST SUBDIVISION, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 9, PAGE 11 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2415 FALL MEADOW, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of JULY, 2012 by the 400TH DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 1O-DCY-182054 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL YALLEY EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIA TON, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,111.00 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 30TH day of JULY, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized al l rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - KYLE & ERICA PATRICK had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 18, BLOCK 21, OF QUAIL VALLEY EAST SUBDIVISION, SECTION 4, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 12, PAGE 3 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $74,860.00

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $71,000.00

Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas

the month. Hundreds of attendees were encouraged to participate. Prizes were also awarded throughout the event.

Sponsored by H-GAC, Commute Solutions Month is a reminder of how the residents of Sugar Land as well as other citizens can take advantage of commute alternatives to help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion throughout the region. Game attendees are encouraged to go to www.mysolutionis.com to pledge to try an alternative mode of transportation such as carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, biking, walking, and telecommuting during the month.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 7TH day of June, 2012 by the 400th Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 11-DCV-186801 in favor of the P1aintiff Quail Bridge Community Improvement Association Plaintiff, for the sum of $5,895.93 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 2nd day of July, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - Delorce Anderson had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4th day of September, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TR 16B BLK4, N1I2 OF LT, QUAIL BRIDGE SEC 2 UIR RIP (THE “PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 16603 PARKRIDGE CT, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, 77053.

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $53,610.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324 Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on JUNE 12, 2012, , in cause numbered 09-DCV-174155 styled LEXINGTON SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. ERNEST O. EHONWA, in which a judgment was rendered on MARCH 8, 2010 in favor of LEXINGTON SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. for the sum of FIVETHOUSAND- EIGHT-HUNDRED –THIRTYNINE DOLLARS AND SIXTY CENTS ($5839.60); 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 JULY 3, 2012 and will on SEPTEMBER 4, 2012, 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 ERNEST O. EHONWA to and in the following described Real Property LOT -EIGHT(8) IN BLOCK FIVE (5) OF AMENDING PLAT OF LEXINGTON SETTLEMENT,SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS , ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1053B OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of LEXINGTON SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: SEPT 4, 2012 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SGT M.W KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on July 19, 2012 in cause numbered 09-DCV-173445 styled COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. MAY NGOZI IHEZUKWU AND VICTOR C. IHEZUKWU AKA VICTOR C. VICTOR in which a judgment was rendered on AUG 30, 2010 in favor of COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC, for the sum of TWO-THOUSAND-SEVEN-HUNDREDEIGHTEEN DOLLARS AND FIFTY NINECENTS ($2718.59)Dollars; 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 August 1, 2012 and will on September 4, 2012 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 Rights, Title, and Interest of VICTOR C IHEZUKWU AKA VICTOR C. VICTOR AND MAY NGOZI IHEZUKWU in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY –EIGHT (28) , BLOCK TWO( 2), OF FINAL PLAT OF COLONY LAKES, SECTION EIGHT(8) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2390/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY,TX, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3619 SHOREVIEW , MISSOURI CITY , FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77459 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: SEPT 4, 2012 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: Deputy S. Steele TROY E. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 30TH Day of JULY 2012 BY the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. GHANEM BAVI, ET AL in Cause# 11DCV-188013 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 4th day of September, 2012, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Fort Bend County Justice Center Parking Garage, 1418 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, Texas, Level 1 of the Parking Garage at the South End, West Corner, near Stairway “B” of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 2177010040680907 THE SURF ACE ESTATE ONLY IN LOT 68, BLOCK 4, OF BRIAR VILLA SOUTH SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDES 619/B AND 620/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS..

Levied on the 6TH DAY as the property of GHANEM BA VI, JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, NA to satisfy a judgment amounting to $11,820.59, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF HOUSTON; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND FORT BEND COUNTY LATERAL FLOOD AND ROAD CONTROL. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 30TH Day of JULY 2012 BY the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. PAMELA J. SPAULDING in Cause# 11DCV-193451 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 4th day of September, 2012, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Fort Bend County Justice Center Parking Garage, 1418 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, Texas, Level 1 of the Parking Garage at the South End, West Corner, near Stairway “B” of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 9170030010290907/ 9170030010290 LOT TWENTY-NINE (29), BLOCK ONE (1) OF WATERSIDE VILLAGE, SECTION THREE (3), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NUMBER 2509/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 6TH DAY as the property of PAMELA J. SPAULDING to satisfy a judgment amounting to $13,060.02, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #118; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND FORT BEND COUNTY LATERAL FLOOD ROAD CONTROL. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 6TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012.

By BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 6TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012.

By BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct 3 Fort Bend County

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct 3 Fort Bend County

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 10TH day of JULY, 2012 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 10-DCV184282 in favor of the Plaintiff - HUNTERS GLEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,343.68 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

Therefore, on the 30TH day of JULY, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) GILBERTO HERNANDEZ-LUNA had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of June, 2012 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 11-DCV-187481 in favor of the Plaintiff - Quail Bridge Community Improvement Association Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,378.76 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 2nd day of July, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant( s) - Elvin D. Roberson had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4th day of September, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 8, IN BLOCK 4, OF BENCHMARK, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 28, PAGE 22 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (THE “PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 16730 SONATA COURT, HOUSTON FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $70,200.00

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 17, BLOCK 11, OF HUNTERS GLEN, SECTION 3, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 20, PAGE 8 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $69,320.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324 Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 25TH day of July, 2012 by the 268th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 10-DCV-179996 in favor of the Plaintiff Seven Meadows Community Association, Inc. Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,561.79 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 6th day of August, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) Adewunmi Kuvinu had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4th day of September, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 7, BLOCK 1, OF AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS, SECTION 3, AN ADDITION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20040069 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 23007 CATALINE HARBOR COURT, KATY, TEXAS 77494.

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $440,390.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson, right, declared August Commute Solutions Month and presented the declaration to Alan C. Clark, Houston-Galveston Area Council Manager of Transportation and Air Quality Programs at the Sugar Land City Council meeting on Aug. 7. Commute Solutions Month is a time when H-GAC encourages all who live and work in the region to visit www.mysolutionis.com and pledge to try a commute alternative during the month of August in an effort to help reduce air pollution and congestion.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on JULY 17, 2012 in cause numbered 11dcv192773styled Brightwater Homeowners Assoc vs.

CLIFTON CALBERT, in which a judgment was rendered on MAY 21, 2012 in favor of Brightwater Homeowners Assoc for the sum of SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT Dollars and EIGHTY EIGHT Cents ($6868.88); 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 JULY 30, 2012 and will on SEPT 4th, 2012, 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 CLIFTON CALBERT to and in the following described Real Property: Lot 27, in Block One (1) On Brightwater Estates, a subdivision in Fort Bend County, Texas, according to the plat thereof recorded in slide number 1260/A and 1260/B of the map/plat records of Fort Bend County, Texas The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Brightwater Homeowners Assoc, Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: SEPT 4, 2012 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SERGEANT M. KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on JULY 2, 2012 in cause numbered 11DCV192770 styled Brightwater Homeowners Assoc vs.

FRANK W JEFFREYS AND MARY JANE UCHENDU JEFFREYS, in which a judgment was rendered on MAY 3, 2012 in favor of Brightwater Homeowners Assoc for the sum of EIGHT THOUSAND SIXTY THREE Dollars and TWENTY FOUR Cents ($8063.24); 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 JULY 23, 2012 and will on SEPT4th, 2012, 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 FRANK W. JEFFERYS AND MARY JANE UCHENDU JEFFERYS to and in the following described Real Property: Lot (35), in Block One (1) of BRIGHTWATER ESTATES, , a subdivision in Fort Bend County, Texas, according to the plat thereof recorded in slide number 1260/A, 1260/B, of the map/plat records of Fort Bend County, Texas The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Brightwater Homeowners Assoc, Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: SEPT 4, 2012 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SERGEANT M. KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324 Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 11TH day of JULY, 2012 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRlCT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 09-DCV-172598 in favor of the Plaintiff - WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,967.08 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

Therefore, on the 23RD day of JULY, 2012, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - IMMANUEL V. PRASAD had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2012 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 43, BLOCK 1, OF WATERSIDE VILLAGE, SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO 2098/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4826 LAKE DANIEL COURT, RICHMOND, TEXAS 77407.

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $156,790.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas

NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 434TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 30TH Day of JULY 2012 BY the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. SHIRLEY JOHNSON, ET AL in Cause# Il-DCV -187932 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 4th day of September, 2012, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Fort Bend County Justice Center Parking Garage, 1418 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, Texas, Level 1 of the Parking Garage at the South End, West Corner, near Stairway “B” of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 2150020011700907 A PART OF LOT SIXTEEN (16), AND LOT SEVENTEEN (17), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF BRIARGATE, SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 9, PAGE 3, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 6TH DAY as the property of SHIRLEY JOHNSON, FRANCES JOHNSON to satisfy a judgment amounting to $10,141.60, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF HOUSTON; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND FORT BEND COUNTY LATERAL FLOOD AND ROAD CONTROL. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 6TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012.

By BY: V. RODRIGUEZ, Deputy Constable # 1324 Rob Cook, Constable Precinct 3 Fort Bend County

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 22, 2012

Fort Bend /Harris Retired Educators Meet

Community News Houston Metro approves proposition on mobility program

By BARBARA FULENWIDER On Aug. 17 Metro’s board of nine, voted 8-1 to approve a proposition regarding the future of its General Mobility Program (GMP), which voters will keep or ax when they go to the polls Nov. 6.

If voters approve it, the new proposal will continue the GMP in its current form, which allocates 25 percent of its one-cent sales tax to its 16 member entities – Houston, Harris County and 14 small area towns.

The change is the allocations will be capped at 2014 tax levels and any growth in the revenues beyond the quarter of the sales tax will be split 50-50 between Metro and the other jurisdictions from October 2014 through December 2025. The change in the allocation was made to give $400 million more to Metro.

In Fort Bend County, Missouri City is a Metro member town. Mayor Allen Owen said of the change, “Based on

what I can tell, the General Mobility Funding percentages of 25 percent will remain in place. What is not known at this time is what the distribution percentages will be of that 25 percent.

“If they do what we suggested in our proposal to them, then we would get 50 percent of our penny back, as we do today, and nothing changes. That is yet to be seen though, and until each city sees its new contract we will not know that.”

The mayor also said, “We actually have until 2014 to work that out if the referendum passes this November.

Getting it approved by voters has to be done first. If the referendum fails, we all get nothing because Metro will get it all when our contract with them ends in 2014.”

Owen noted that if the referendum fails in November, “we all lose because the whole penny then goes back to Metro. If it passes and we

don’t get what we (the entities) want, we lose too. So it’s a win-win situation for Metro either way.

“If we get what we want then we will campaign for it to pass. If we don’t get what we want and it fails then we’ll have a much better chance in the legislature to get out of Metro.

“I honestly think Metro wants it to pass and wants to work with us to prevent this from happening. I guess we will just have to see what unfolds between now and November,” Owen said.

Metro’s press release says that the incremental growth part of the penny each member entity now pays Metro will be used to increase bus service hours, buy up to 200 more buses, build up to 1,000 more bus shelters, pay down $200 million in debt and pay the operational and maintenance costs of the additional service, bus shelters, Park and Ride facilities, bus transit

Quail Valley Dolphin Swim Team celebrates 40th season with support of Quail Valley Proud

Quail Valley Proud member and City Councilman, Floyd Emery, (left) and Shelley Lendermon of Quail Valley Proud were presented a plaque of appreciation from the Quail Valley Dol-

phins Swim Team (QVST) at the Dolphins’ Awards Banquet. Presenting the Award is QVST President, Jason Mallory (right). The Dolphins celebrated their 40th season in style with swim-

mers qualifying for a total of 40 Southwest Houston Recreational Swim League All Star events. Sponsorship from Quail Valley Proud and the Quail Valley Fund assures the Quail Valley Swim Team is able to offer a summer-time program that is fun for everyone, provides exercise for the children, and is a family-centric activity for all neighborhood youth.

Sponsorship also supports the popular QVST Learn-ToSwim Program open to all children who want to be Dolphins but need swimming lessons. QVST swimmers range in age from 3-18 years old.

For more information visit http://www.qvst.org.

SMSD Trustee ShaMekka PrattSimmons resigns Recently, a Stafford Municipal School District Board Member (ShaMekka PrattSimmons) resigned from the position—creating a vacancy.

The term of the position expires in May of 2013.

Stafford residents interested in being considered as a candidate for the position are asked to submit a 1 page letter of interest to me by noon on Friday, August 24th, at my email address supt@staffordmsd.org or faxed to 281-2619249.

The letter should include the information below.

1. Describe Stafford MSD in 10 words or less.

2. Why is serving on the school board important to you?

3. What is your current involvement with the school system and other organizations?

4. Many students, parents, and teachers in the district are not familiar with you. What do you want them to know about you as a person and as a resident of Stafford?

5. What direction would you like to see the school district head in the coming 3 years?

6. What is your educational and occupational background?

On Thursday, August 30th, prior to the Joint Public Hearing to approve the Budget and Tax Rates, new administrators to SMSD will be at the Stafford Civic Center from 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. for a community Meet & Greet.

I am very excited about the upcoming school year and how our newest Spartan staff members will elevate the level of academics.

On Saturday, September

8th, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the district will host its 6th Annual Drop-Out Recovery Walk.

Community members participating in past walks have positively impacted students and their families with encouragement to return to school.

This year, in addition to visiting homes of students needing support to graduate high school, “walk” teams will visit the homes of students identified as residents

of Stafford but not attending SMSD schools.

Information about the district will be personally delivered and encouragement to complete a survey concerning school choice will also be given.

If you are able to participate, please email partners@ staffordmsd.org or call 281261-9219.

Lance Hindt, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Stafford MSD

centers and bus operating facilities.

The half penny set aside goes into Metro’s general mobility fund. “That half penny I get back is my own money – taxes that Missouri City residents paid.” The money may only be used to fund mobility projects, and according PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 for replat of Felro Subdivision, being a partial replat of Magnolia Place, 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 Silvio Prieto with Cassurvey at 832-721-0595 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson 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, September 11, 2012 for replat of Grand Corner Reserves, Partial Replat No. 2, Precinct 3. 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 Gerald Grissom with Brown & Gay Engineers Inc at 281-558-8700 for information prior to the hearing.

to Owen has over the past 10 years paid for $27.5 million in such.

Metro’s proposition also calls for a second election to be held prior to Dec. 31, 2025, regarding its continued support of the General Mobility Program.

The Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators meet at 12 noon on Monday, Aug. 27, for their annual “Oh, Happy Day” luncheon at the Great Hall of the Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road. Returning members are asked to bring a dish to share; new members are our guests. Program highlights include information about changes in member benefits and remarks from Brenda Ritter, President of the state organization. All retired educators are welcome.

Cause No. 11-CCV-044697 THE STATE OF TEXAS TO: ALBERTO SAA AND RUBEN PEREZ, DEFENDANTS, GREETING. YOU (AND EACH OF YOU) ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO APPEAR before the Honorable County Court at law 3 of Fort Bend County, Texas, at the Courthouse being located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, 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 this citation, same being the 23rd day of July, 2012, to Plaintiff ’s Petition filed in said court on the 24th day of March,2011, in this cause numbered 11-CCV-044697 on the doscket of said court and styled: Heckmann Farms vs Alberto Saa and Ruben Perea; allegations as shown in said petition now on file in 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 5th day of June, 2012.

Dianne Wilson, Clerk of Fort Bend County, Texas 301 Jackson Street, Suite 101 Richmond, Texas 77469-3108

By Melinda Morten,Deputy You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do file 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 judgment be taken against you.

The name and address of the Plaintiff ’s attorney is: Richard A. Shanks Attorney At Law 1001 West Loop South Suite 700 Houston, TX 77027 713-335-8521

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 for replat of Avalon at Pine Mill, Section 1, being a partial replat of unrestricted Reserve “A” of Katy ISD High School No. 7, Precinct 3. 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 Luis Valencia with Benchmark Engineering Corp at 713-266-9930 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

A public hearing will be held by the City of Missouri City to receive comments for or against proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance regarding: (1) The parking of certain vehicles and trailers containing business signs or other commercial signs.

The public hearing is scheduled: Planning and Zoning Commission Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: City Council Chambers (2nd Floor of City Hall) 1522 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) Missouri City, Texas Specific information is available at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or you may call 281-403-8541 or email planning@missouricitytx.gov for additional information.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The BLUE RIDGE WEST M.U.D. will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2012 on September 4, 2012 at 6:00 PM at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489 . Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: Terah Bias, Monica Rasmus, Daryl Smith Llarance Turner, Perry Evans AGAINST the proposal: None PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: None The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Last Year $ .41000/$100

This Year $ .41000/$100

Adopted

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com

Proposed

$ .00000/$100 .00% $ 69,476 $ 73,961 $ 13,895 $ 14,792

$ 55,581 $ 227.88

$ 59,169 $ 242.59 $14.71 6.45%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011

AUGUST 22, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

SPORTS: Skeeters Corner

Skeeters League Standings (as of 8/20/12) Liberty Division Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Bridgeport Bluefish Camden Riversharks Long Island Ducks Freedom Division Lancaster Barnstormers York Revolution Somerset Patriots Sugar Land Skeeters

X-The player is no longer in the Roster.

AUTOMOBILE: Buick Enclave

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2012 Buick Enclave is a crossover vehicle that was ranked the highest in JD Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study this past June.

The Enclave features a 288 horsepower 3.6-liter direct injection V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque and gets EPA estimated miles per gallon of 24. It is available with front wheel drive or all wheel drive and 2012 pricing ranges from $36,600 to $45,080.

The new 2013 Enclave will arrive in dealers showrooms in Fall 2012. The CX and CXL trim level names and badging are eliminated.

Equipment packages include Enclave Base, Convenience, Leather and Premium.

The Buick Enclave combines fuel-efficiency and functionality in a premium crossover that fits up to eight with cargo. With EPAestimated fuel economy of 24 mpg highway, the Enclave provides better fuel economy than a typical eight-passenger SUV. The Enclave is backed by a four-year, 50,000-mile bumperto-bumper warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

For 2012, Buick Enclave is available in four equipment groups and all-wheel drive is available.

The Enclave design uses classic Buick design cues -- a waterfall grille with the tri-shield emblem and V-shaped portholes. Twentyinch chrome wheels are available with the premium equipment group.

W

L

PCT

GB

STREAK

LAST 10

21 19 14 13 W 23 19 19 18

17 13 22 23 L 13 16 20 19

0.568 0.528 0.389 0.361 PCT 0.639 0.543 0.487 0.486

1.5 6.5 7.5 GB 3.5 5.5 5.5

1W 1L 4L 1W STREAK 1L 1W 1W 1W

6-4 5-5 2-8 4-6 LAST 10 7-3 6-4 6-4 3-7

Home games

The Enclave’s interior and standard equipment include three rows of seating, and 24.1 square feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat when the cargo management system is removed. Enclave has 115.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row when the second- and third-row seats are folded.

The second-row seats allow easy entry to the third row with the pull of one handle. A secondrow, 60/40-split bench seat and power sunroof are available on all models.

Bose premium audio system is available on 1SB, 1SD and 1SL packages and standard on the premium equipment group. A Driver Confidence Package consisting of remote start, rear park assist and rear vision camera is standard on 1SD, 1SL and 1SN packages.

The Leather Package includes leather seating, front heated seats, and seat adjuster upgrades for the driver and front passenger. The Premium Package adds cooled seats, articulating headlamps,

power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power folding outside rearview mirrors, 19-inch chrome wheels and the Bose premium audio system.

A second-row console, rearseat DVD and navigation system are available on 1SL and 1SN equipment packages if equipped with the Bose audio system.

The Enclave has a stiff structure, purpose-built suspension and aerodynamic shape. Variable-effort power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is supported by independent front and rear suspension designs.

A trailering package is available on all models, and when equipped with it the Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

Safety features include six standard air bags, the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, standard four-wheel-disc brake system, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), tire pressure monitoring system and a panic brake assist to provide additional brake pressure when an emergency situation is detected.

Fri 24 BRI Boy Scout Campout! Elvis Themed Fireworks presented by the Texas Lottery!

Sat 25 BRI Rotary Night!

Kids Run the Bases! The “Human Fireball” Ted Batchelor appearance!

Sun 26 BRI Catch on the Field! Team Autograph Session!

Mon 27 BRI It’s a Money Mailer Monday, where you can win prizes at local businesses, free Skeeters tickets and a chance to throw out the 1st pitch.

Wed 29 BRI Lucky Ball Night! Select Baseball Night!

Team BRI = Bridgeport Bluefish

A Kwik Kar is a Happy Car Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sat 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kwik Kar Lube & Tune Family Owned& Operated 6171 Hwy 6 (@FM1092) Missouri City

Stop. Go. Pennzoil.

Not Just Oil, Pennzoil Not just oil, Pennzoil

281-261-8066

Proud of Sugar Land Skeeters

THOMAS M. LOMONTE, D.D.S. General Dentistry - Adults & Children COSMETIC - VENEERS CROWNS - BRIDGES NIGHT GUARDS SNORE GUARDS INVISALIGN WHITENING IN OFFICE OR TAKE HOME

TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS PERIODONTAL SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

281.530.1440 12122 Murphy Rd. Stafford, TX 77477 Dr. Thomas Lomonte & Skeeters staffer Alysse Day at the Constellation Field Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.drthomaslomonte.com Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Come in as a patient and leave as a friend!

u l t a a tions r g n o C

A WARDED 2011 B ROKER / /O WNERS OF THE Y EAR F OR T EXAS

SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 22, 2012

Preservation Measures Take Center Stage in Riverstone Development.

Platting a neighborhood is not necessarily a geometry exercise, especially in a community such as Johnson Development’s Riverstone, which is committed to preserving and enhancing its natural landscape. “Designing a community like Riverstone is complex,” said Bruce Batts, executive vice president with Kerry Gilbert & Associates, the land planner responsible for Riverstone. “We study the area from the ground and the air to pinpoint forested areas and other natural amenities that can be used to enhance the overall development.” Riverstone’s neighborhood of The Orchard is an example of how the lay of the land affects environmentally sensitive development. “This was a heavily wooded area and Johnson Development wanted to preserve as many trees as possible,” Batts said. “We designed the neighborhood around the grove of trees and devoted five to six acres of the area to park space, preserving many of the pecan trees there.” Batts and his team also have to design around existing trees that have been marked for preservation. “Early on, we hired crews to survey several areas of trees 12 or more inches in diameter and have made efforts to save trees where we can,” said Trey Reichert, Riverstone’s development manager. “Johnson Development has spent millions in tree preservation, installing a purple pipe system to reuse water to irrigate landscaping and recharge lakes and other environmentally sensitive endeavors,” Reichert said.

“It’s that kind of commitment to quality development that makes Riverstone shine.”

County, Stafford to buy Regal Ranch

By BARBARA FULENWIDER In some two weeks, Fort Bend County will likely close on the 31 acres of Regal Ranch property that faces U.S. 90A in Stafford, and most likely by the first of 2013, Stafford will own two-thirds of it.

The county recently put in an earnest money contract on the property, valued at nearly $2 million, to improve drainage. Because the county only needs 10 of the total acreage, commissioners asked Stafford city council if they might be interested in buying the remaining acres and council said yes.

“We sent a resolution to them saying we’d negotiate with them,” said Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella.

“The county only needs about 10 acres for detention ponds and other drainage controls to abate flooding downstream.

They are offering to sell us 20 acres. Their price should be, hopefully, announced within a week.”

The mayor also said the city will “probably do a feasibility study on it to see what use the city might have for it. It has some potential but we’ll look at what is there now. The land the county wants to sell us is around the buildings.

“It has been reasonably successful,” Scarcella said of the ranch, which has been an entertainment venue for most of its more than 50-year existence. “I am for benefitting from what has developed and the reputation of that place over half a century.” He said it might be paid for with money the city collects from the hotel/motel tax or by the Stafford Economic Development Corp.

“Just like the Stafford Centre, I want to make sure we get

some benefits, resources and revenues. People have lots of ideas for the property but not many know how their idea might be paid for,” Scarcella said.

The mayor also said the city will “take ownership of it within a few months and that “Jan. 1 is most likely when the sale will be finalized.” Prior to that he said, “We’ll be putting our assessment and evaluation of costs, expenses and revenues into high gear.”

“We want to look at and explore the options that make financial sense. Then there’s a big chance that we’ll do something that benefits the public and doesn’t put the city in a financially difficult situation.

We just can’t do what people say we need to do or like to do or want to do without any consideration of costs,” Scarcella said.

FILM REVIEW: Expendables 2 Sylvester Stallone. That’s all you need to know about this movie. If you’ve been a big fan all these years, and I do mean a lot of years, then maybe. He created Rocky Balboa in 1976 in the first “Rocky” and the rest is history as they say. He’s still playing the slow-talking tough guy who is borderline dim-witted and mindless with just a touch of surprising intelligence.

That’s still his charm at age 65. Sly’s in pretty good shape for a guy on Medicare. And he will laugh, once again, all the way to the bank because there is a certain group of us that love this kind of action flick.

Stallone co-wrote the screenplay for this group of mercenaries a.k.a. The Expendables 2 who take on the impossible job of bullets and bombs and make it look easy. Did you miss the first “Expendables” in 2010, also co-written by and featuring Stallone? I didn’t remember seeing it either. I did a word search on my own website and much to my amazement, there was no review for the original movie, so I guess I didn’t see it either. How could I let such a literary work of art slide by me?

In this installment, Barney Ross (Stallone) and his band of crazies are on a hunt for revenge because the bad guy killed Billy (Liam “The Hunger Games” Hemsworth) who was new to the team, but seemed like a nice fellow and a proficient sniper. A good sniper is hard to come by and the villain just shouldn’t have stuck a knife in Billy’s heart.

I know it was the bad guy because he was wearing big sunglasses. I didn’t know bad guys wore sunglasses, but they do in Stallone’s script. And of course, the bad guy was particularly evil and looked exactly like Jean-Claude Van Damme. I’ve always liked Van Damme and he’s got one of the coolest names ever.

Jason Statham (Lee Christmas), Jet Li (Yin Yang), Dolph Lundgren (Gunner), and Terry Crews (as Hale Caesar) reprise their roles as Barney Ross’ sidekicks and devoted soldiers of fortune and defenders of the truth.

And Arnold “I’ll Be Back” Schwarzenegger and Chuck

“Texas Ranger” Norris guest star as…oh I know. Older versions of themselves with bigger rifles. All of these guys aged well; Botox can be a beautiful thing.

I almost forgot to explain the plot. Do you really care?

Ok, here’s a hint: five tons of weapon-grade plutonium and Bruce Willis (Church) told them to get it back or blow it up or something. This film was a waste of my valuable time, but part of me kind of liked it. A very small part of me. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 74. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com