Updated: Straus Offers Details on Transparency Panel
Updated, 9:45 a.m., Feb. 1:
House Speaker Joe Straus says a new Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations will delve into the finances, compensation packages and public-private partnerships across state government — including the judicial branch and boards and commissions.
"This arose from some conversations that the governor and I had recently about the proliferation of certain foundations and support organizations throughout state government and higher education and agencies and departments of our state government broadly, and that there's very little transparency associated with them," Straus said. "It's just time to take a look at ...
Comments (9)
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This should be interesting.
Tom Blackwell via Texas Tribune on Facebook
To have transparency - - boards and commissions should be bi-partisan, as is the arrangement with the Federal government. The President appoints members of both parties. They are approved by the Senate
Patrick Fortner via Texas Tribune on Facebook
It will meet in executive session. ;)
Robert Adams via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Like having a fox guard the hen house. I do hope it works.
Debbie Spencer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
They should begin by investigating the Governor's office.
printzapper
I like this better than having appointees on the oversight committee, which in the day I think was one of Gov. Richards downfalls. Texas needs this way bad.
texasbig money
How can Carol Alvarado have a position in the Committee is there are pending complaints on her with the Harris County District Attorneys Office in Houston Texas? Her Consultants firm CA Consulting and the news paper say she is underminding the System and working both sides.
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST
CAROL ALVARADO BY SUSAN DELGADO
My name is Susan Delgado and I am filing a formal complaint against Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, who resides in 6645 Rockbridge, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77023. Carol Alvarado was born on October 26, 1967, in Houston, Texas. Carol is presently an incumbent for the House of Representatives, District 145, County of Harris, State of Texas.
She is presently a candidate for Texas State Representative for District 6, County of Harris, State of Texas.
Carol Alvarado was elected in 2008 to the House of Representatives for District 146, County of Harris, State of Texas.
On April 30, 2008, Carol Alvarado registered an unincorporated company titled CA Consulting located at 909 Texas Avenue, #716, Houston, County of Harris, State of Texas 77002 [see Exhibit “A”].
I, Susan Delgado, have read in various newspaper articles, online websites, and other sources and persons where Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has been involved in ongoing schemes that are unethical and criminal for monetary gain.
After researching the Texas Government Statutes, I allege that Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has and is violating:
The Texas Government Code
Title 5. Open Government; Ethics
Subtitle B. Ethics
Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest
Sec. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government unless the representation:
(1) is pursuant to an attorney-client relationship in a criminal law matter; or
(2) involves the filing of documents that involve only ministerial acts on the part of the commission, agency, board, department, or officer.
(b) A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
And,
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The Texas Government Code
Title 5. Open Government; Ethics
Subtitle B. Ethics
Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest
Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) A state officer may not solicit or accept from a governmental entity a commission, fee, bonus, retainer, or rebate that is compensation for the officer's personal solicitation for the award of a contract for services or sale of goods to a governmental entity.
(b) This section does not apply to:
(1) a contract that is awarded by competitive bid as provided by law and that is not otherwise prohibited by law; or
(2) a court appointment.
(c) In this section, "governmental entity" means the state, a political subdivision of the state, or a governmental entity created under the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state.
(d) A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
To which the Public Integrity Division, Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Harris County District Attorney’s office stated that if a public official is found guilty of violating Texas Government Statutes, Sections 572.052 and 572.056, the offense would be in violation of the Texas Penal Code, Title 8, Offenses Against Public Administration, Chapter 39, Abuse of Office:
Penal Code
Title 8. Offenses Against Public Administration
Chapter 39. Abuse of Office
Sec. 39.02. ABUSE OF OFFICIAL CAPACITY. (a) A public servant commits an offense if, with intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm or defraud another, he intentionally or knowingly:
(1) violates a law relating to the public servant's office or employment; or
(2) misuses government property, services, personnel, or any other thing of value belonging to the government that has come into the public servant's custody or possession by virtue of the public servant's office or employment.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a)(2) is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the use of the thing misused is less than $20;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the use of the thing misused is $20 or more but less than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the use of the thing misused is $500 or more but less than $1,500;
texasbig money
(4) a state jail felony if the value of the use of the thing misused is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $200,000 or more.
(d) A discount or award given for travel, such as frequent flyer miles, rental car or hotel discounts, or food coupons, are not things of value belonging to the government for purposes of this section due to the administrative difficulty and cost involved in recapturing the discount or award for a governmental entity.
(e) If separate transactions that violate Subsection (a)(2) are conducted pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct may be considered as one offense and the value of the use of the things misused in the transactions may be aggregated in determining the classification of the offense.
(f) The value of the use of a thing of value misused under Subsection (a)(2) may not exceed:
(1) the fair market value of the thing at the time of the offense; or
(2) if the fair market value of the thing cannot be ascertained, the cost of replacing the thing within a reasonable time after the offense.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE, Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated April 30, 2009 (see Exhibit “B”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
The violation and criminal offense is that this company is a political subdivision of the State of Texas which is a State Agency.
A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Robert Haney on April 29, 2009.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE, Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Corrected Personal
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Financial Statement and Good-Faith Affidavit, Account Number 24376, dated February 19, 2010 (see Exhibit “C”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
The violation is that this company is a political subdivision of the State of Texas which is a State Agency.
A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on February 16, 2010.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE, Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated February 19, 2010 (see Exhibit “D”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
The violation is that this company is a political subdivision of the State of Texas which is a State Agency.
A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on February 16, 2010.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE, Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Corrected Personal Financial Statement and Good-Faith Affidavit, Account Number 24376, dated July 6, 2010 (see Exhibit “E”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
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Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
The violation is that this company is a political subdivision of the State of Texas which is a State Agency.
A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on July 1, 2010.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE, Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated July 1, 2011 (see Exhibit “F”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
The violation is that this company is a political subdivision of the State of Texas which is a State Agency.
A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on June 29, 2011.
On Exhibit “G” please read article printed in the Houston Chronicle of Sunday, January 6, 2013, where it reads the following:
“Representative Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, earned $24,000 as a consultant for the campaign favoring passage of the Houston Independent School District’s $1.9 billion bond proposal last November. Her personal financial statement also lists income from three large firms that compete fiercely for government contracts on both the state and local level. One, the DRC Group, won a contract to clean Galveston Bay after Hurrican Ike, and also to remove drought-stricken trees from Memorial Park. Another Client, Entech, claims HISD, the city of Houston and the Harris County Toll Road Authority as clients. “I do general consulting, I give them guidance and strategy,” explained Alvarado, who is running in the special election to replace
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Sen. Mario Gallegos. “I brief them on the bidding processes, the governance structure…. I help them keep a pulse on the Latino community, what issues are important.”
All occupation income from the government entity Metropolitan Transit Authority and the $24,000 from the government entity Houston Independent School District directly violate Government Statute, Title 5, Chapter 572, Section 572.056, which is a criminal offense of Penal Code Title 8, Offenses Against Public Administration, Chapter 39. Abuse of Office, Section 3902. ABUSE OF OFFICIAL CAPACITY (a) A public servant commits an offense if, with intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm or defraud another (State of Texas), intentionally or knowingly.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, Sec. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
I, Susan Delgado, allege that Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has used her position as a Texas State Representative to unduly manipulate governmental entities by CA Consulting owned by Carol Alvarado whereby she represents corporations and companies before state agencies to win government bids for a commission or fees (see Exhibit “H”) which is a criminal offense of this statute, where is states, “I do general consulting, I give them guidance and strategy,” explained Alvarado, who is running in the special election to replace Sen. Mario Gallegos. “I brief them on the bidding processes, the governance structure….” as Ms. Alvarado is quoted in an article in the Houston Chronicle of Sunday, January 6, 2013.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Further,
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, SEC. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated April 30, 2009 (see Exhibit “B”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
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CDM Engineering (Camp, Dresser & McKee)
3050 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
Texas Port Recycling
8945 Manchester
Houston, TX 77012
Auto Arch Architects
6200 Savoy, #100
Houston, TX 77036
DRC Emergency Services
740 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Robert Haney on April 29, 2009.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
In regards to the violation of The Texas Government Code Title 5. Open Government; Ethics, Subtitle B. Ethics Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest, SEC. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Corrected Financial Statement and Good-Faith Affidavit, Account Number 24376, dated February 19, 2010 (see Exhibit “C”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
CDM Engineering (Camp, Dresser & McKee)
3050 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
Texas Port Recycling
8945 Manchester
Houston, TX 77012
8
Auto Arch Architects
6200 Savoy, #100
Houston, TX 77036
DRC Emergency Services
740 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Robert Haney on February 16, 2010.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
SEC. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated February 19, 2010 (see Exhibit “D”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) Engineers
3050 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
Entech Civil Engineers
16360 Park 10 Place
Houston, TX 77084
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
Texas Port Recycling
8945 Manchester
Houston, TX 77012
Auto Arch Architects
6200 Savoy, #100
Houston, TX 77036
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DRC Emergency Services
740 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Reddy Engineers & Contractors, LTD
7207 Regency Square, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77036
Rosenthal & Watson, P.C.
6601 Vaught Ranch Road
Austin, TX 78730
Unity National Bank
P.O. Box 8277
Houston, TX 77004
Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Barton Oaks Plaza, Suite 100
901 S. Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78746
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on February 16, 2010.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
SEC. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Corrected Financial Statement and Good-Faith Affidavit, Account Number 24376, dated July 6, 2010 (see Exhibit “E”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Camp, Dresser & McKee (CDM) Engineers
3050 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
Entech Civil Engineers
16360 Park 10 Place
Houston, TX 77084
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Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
Texas Port Recycling
8945 Manchester
Houston, TX 77012
Auto Arch Architects
6200 Savoy, #100
Houston, TX 77036
DRC Emergency Services
740 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Reddy Engineers & Contractors, LTD
7207 Regency Square, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77036
Rosenthal & Watson, P.C.
6601 Vaught Ranch Road
Austin, TX 78730
Unity National Bank
P.O. Box 8277
Houston, TX 77004
Antonio R. Sanchez, Jr.
Sanchez Oil & Gas
1111 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Barton Oaks Plaza, Suite 100
901 S. Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78746
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on July 1, 2010.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
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SEC. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated July 1, 2011 (see Exhibit “F”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
Auto Arch Architects
6200 Savoy, #100
Houston, TX 77036
American Traffic Solutions
7681 E. Gray Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Entech Civil Engineers
16360 Park 10 Place
Houston, TX 77084
X-Ray X-Press
8305 Knight Road
Houston, TX 77054
Camp, Dresser & McKee Engineering
3050 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
DRC Emergency Services
740 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Metropolitan Transit Authority
1900 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
Unity National Bank
2602 Blodgett St.
Houston, TX 77004
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on June 29, 2011.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
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SEC. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in the executive branch of state government.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has listed in the Texas Ethics Commission, Personal Financial Statement, Account Number 24376, dated March 4, 2012 (see Exhibit “G”), Sources of Occupational Income that violate this statute as follows:
CDM Smith
50 Hampshire Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
DRC Emergency Services
740 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Entech Civil Engineers
16360 Park 10 Place
Houston, TX 77084
United Service Companies
1550 S. Indiana Ave., Suite 300
Chicago, Il 60605
Community Resource Group
314 E. Commerce, Suite 300
San Antonio, TX 78205
Note that this financial statement was signed by Carol Alvarado and notarized by Marie M. Elizondo on March 12, 2012.
A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, has no formal training for being a consultant in the different fields of business she has been paid to consult. The companies doing business with CA Consulting are not relative to one another in their business fields.
Carol Alvarado is also elusive with her company, CA Consulting. There is no website, there is no telephone number, no business address and the address provided on Exhibit “A” is an address of an individual who is living at the location as a private residence. It is questionable how Ms. Alvarado is being contacted by any and all of these companies as she is not listed in any public medium.
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In closing, it is stated in the Texas Government Code that the legislative intent is the policy of the State of Texas that a State Officer, State Legislator may not have a direct or indirect interest, including financial and other interests, or engage in business transactions or professional activity, or incur any obligation of any nature that is in substantial conflict of interest.
I, Susan Delgado, do believe that Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, as a member of the Texas State Legislature and a State Officer as defined by the Texas Government Code, has violated the Texas Government Statutes cited herein and has received commissions and fees from state entities that are state political subdivisions of the government namely the Houston Independent School District and the Metropolitan Transit Authority whereas she has contracted services with these government entities for personal gain which are criminal acts cited in Texas Government Code, Conflict of Interest Section 572.056.
I, Susan Delgado, also believe that Texas State Representative, Carol Alvarado, a member of the Texas State Legislature has violated the Texas Government Statutes cited herein and has represented companies and corporations before a state agency in the Executive Branch of the Texas State Government. Carol Alvarado and her company, CA Consulting Services, have performed contractual services for personal gain and are criminal acts cited in Texas Government Code, Conflict of Interest Section 572.052.
These alleged criminal acts by Texas State Representative Carol Alvarado are in violation of the Texas Penal Code, Title 8, Offenses Against Public Administration, Chapter 39, ABUSE OF OFFICE, Section 39.02, ABUSE OF OFFICIAL CAPACITY.
I pray that District Attorney, Mike Anderson, of the Harris County District Attorney’s office as well as the Public Integrity Division of the Governmental Affairs Bureau, thoroughly investigate all the allegations set forth in this complaint. I also request a formal financial audit of Texas State Representative Carol Alvarado and her company, CA Consulting. I ask for a full investigation of each and every criminal complaint and to prosecute to the fullest extent of
the law.
Pickles Sorrell
Looks like the Sylvia Garcia campaign or Steve Mostyn's henchmen are using the comments section of this Blog for their smears. Carol Alvarado is a bit liberal for my taste, but she's a good women and doesn't deserve to be smeared or maligned.
When I worked in the Texas House it was almost a totally good ol' boys club. It was always tough to work there given the men who act like bad little boys once they get elected, much less serve among them. Carol Alvarado cares about her constituents and the fact that Speaker Straus appointed her to Co-Chair a committee says a lot about her personal integrity.
So c'mon, clean it up. Promote your candidate, don't tear down Carol Alvarado.