BregMoney

This is from your public service announcement department. See this very useful piece from the Chron:

In order to make a difference in Houston, you don’t necessarily need to run for office — you just need a seat at the table.

Houston’s boards and commissions quietly advise officials and shape city policies on a wide spectrum of issues, such as economic development, public safety and arts and culture. Houston currently has 166 active boards and commissions, the most of any city in Texas, with San Antonio coming in second with 91.

Serving as a board member is a way for residents to serve their community and provide a diverse perspective on a topic they are passionate about or have expertise in.

“We need good folks that want to step up and serve, and we need fresh perspectives and new ideas,” said Houston District H Council Member Mario Castillo.

Serving on a board can present its own set of challenges. Many boards meet during weekdays in downtown Houston, which can be difficult for people with full-time jobs. Concerns have also been raised about the adequacy of community representation on certain boards. Additionally, board members sometimes feel the city’s interest in their boards can vary, depending on which mayoral administration is in power. 

Despite the potential concerns, boards are “a good first step to becoming more involved in city policymaking,” said Rice University Political Science professor Mark Jones. 

Castillo said he proactively recommends people to apply for boards, even if they believe they don’t have any connections at City Hall.

“We need folks from every part of the city, different age groups, different income groups with different background and experiences on our boards,” said Castillo. “And we need to be proactive about helping those people get appointed, because I think that rolls up into better city policy, better city ordinances, and better local government.”

Here is the entire read: Houston boards and commissions needs new, diverse members.

Go give it a try. I contribute in other ways.

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The hard copy front page of today’s Chron Sports Section says it all. See the featured photo. That is a lot of BregMoney. There is also over a half page in the sports section on Alex Bregman’s “Memorable Moments” as an Astro. It makes you realize that we are losing a treasure and what he meant to H-Town and the Astros. Carlos Correa and Geroge Springer were Astros for seven seasons. Bregman was an Astros for nine seasons.

MLB economics at play here.

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Have a nice Saint Valentine’s Day.