Editorial Cartoon
Evan Mintz, the Chron’s Editor for Opinion and Community Engagement, made the call to put the editorial cartoon in the featured photo in today’s Chron hard copy. I guess Evan thought it was funny or biting or necessary or opinionated or timely or contributed to the debate or all or some of the above. I just thought you might want to see it.
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It is good to see one local media outlet give credit to another local media outlet on an investigative story. See this from the Chron:
The Houston City Council opted not to approve a proposed $8.3 million payment to Nerie Construction, LLC, whose owner pleaded guilty last year in a bribery scandal involving the city’s water line repair program.
Mayor John Whitmire voiced strong opposition to paying the firm Wednesday, pointing to the conviction of owner Joseph Nerie, who admitted to bribing former Public Works employee Patrece Lee.
“I’m very concerned that the city is paying Nerie Construction Company monies for previous work,” Whitmire said. “The work was done in 2021. He was indicted for felony bribery last year, (pleaded) guilty to giving a gift to a public servant, that being Patrece Lee of Public Works. As far as I’m concerned, this individual and his company should not get any city payments.”
KPRC Channel 2 first reported the corruption in 2023, triggering an internal probe and criminal investigation. Lee, her brother and six others faced 14 charges. Lee ultimately pleaded guilty to bribery and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for steering city funds to herself through rigged water repair contracts.
“They’ve been debarred by the city, the firm and the individual,” Whitmire said. “He got deferred serving time again for felony bribery of one of our city employees, who also (pleaded) guilty. But, this is for the subcontractors.”
Whitmire said Nerie and his firm have been debarred from city work for five years — a ban he vowed to make permanent. He credited KPRC’s Amy Davis for flagging the item on the council agenda.
“On the appearance, you’d think you’re still doing business with Nerie Construction company, specifically Joseph Nerie — nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “They’ve been debarred for five years. As long as I’m mayor, they’ll be permanently debarred.”
Here is the entire Chron read: Whitmire blocks payout to firm involved in water contract scandal.
Folks know Commentary watches KPRC Channel 2 News. I saw this story by Investigative Reporter Amy Davis a couple of days ago. I am glad to see the Mayor take action.
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We won last night and now have a one-game lead in the AL West. It is going to be tough for the rest of the season with our closer on the injured list. The players know they all have to step up. We have today off and then host the Orioles at Daikin Park this weekend. Today, the Orioles host the Mariners at noon today that you can catch on the MLB Network.