Katy Citizen Watchdog$

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Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Ann Hodge Has Got To Go!

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One of the many jobs of being a Watchdog is to make sure that elections in our school district are held in a responsible and fair manner.  I’m sure by now all of you have read the stories about the Texas Ethics Commission (“TEC”) sanctioning Ms. Ann Hodge who serves as Treasurer for the ongoing pro-bond political action committee (“PAC”) known as “Katy Partners For Progress” (“KPP”).  Ms. Hodge also serves as CEO and President of our local Katy Chamber of Commerce.  Ms. Hodge has served on KISD Bond Committees in the past and was most recently appointed to the KISD Bond Review Committee; a group that makes recommendations to the district on how our bond money is spent.

After a several month investigation, the TEC fined Ms. Hodge $1,000.00.  Violations were related to KPP, a PAC she formed to promote and support the November 2006 KISD bond initiative.  Her PAC raised well over $100,000.00 from local area developers, contractors, vendors and lawyers who currently do business with the district.  Money was spent on country clubs, helicopter rides, political consultants and co-mingled with another PAC known as “Keep Investing In District Schools” (“KIDS”).  My understanding is that Ms. Hodge operated KPP out of the Chamber office apparently against the advice of some Chamber members.

What makes this sanction so significant is the fact that the TEC rarely fines any political organization and when they do it’s usually no more than $100 - $500.  You’re right, it’s not a big time fine, but what is significant is that the TEC has shown that there are consequences if one decides to bend or ignore election laws all together.

If for one am formally calling on KISD to ENFORCE its policy regarding “Conflicts of Interest”.  With that said, I believe that Ms. Hodge should IMMEDIATELY step down as a member of the KISD Bond Review Committee.  Other members of her PAC should be made public.  In addition, Ms. Hodge needs to assure all taxpayers of this community that there are no other PAC members sitting on the KISD Bond Review Committee.  Oh and one other question, is this the kind of Chamber CEO and President that Katy wants to have?  You decide!

 

 

© 2007 by Chris Cottrell. All rights reserved.

Chris Cottrell, Katy Citizen Watchdog$

Date: 06/20/2007