Just to clarify, Perry's budget calls for the complete elimination of THC. This means no Main Street support, courthouse renovations, and the closing of 20 Historic Sites. This includes Fannin Battleground State Historic Site where Fannin surrendered before being marched to Goliad for execution. This is also where approximately 91 souls are still buried. But this will save at least $45k in operating expenses. How much is history worth?

WWWWAAAAHHHHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Are you the same Surffree that criticized the Convention and Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce choice of the Boot Football Trophy? I thought so.

You're free to reread all my gazillion comments on this topic, and others, and decide for yourself if your assumption is correct or not. I don't believe I ever minced words on any of it.

Why is it, though, that everytime there is a desenting opinion it is perceived as anger, bitterness or negativity? See the 'mincing of words' comment in the previous paragraph.

I so wish I could figure out a money making deal for myself that would tap into all of you folks who go along without ever questioning anything! I could make a mint off folks like you!

I think we should thank our lucky stars that David Koresh, Sun Yung Moon and Jim Bakker did not make Victoria their headquarters.

As to a connection--the only one I know of is the commonality of posting on the same forum as BSspotter, justataxpayer, bighorn, MaryAnn, Pat_Murph, mistydawn and YOU. We are all connected, right?

Surffree,

I have no affiliations with any other posters on this website. If we share a losing venture, it's probably our monetary investment in local government. While I'd like to limit the scope of government to infrastructure and minimal services, it seems to keep setting off on adventures with questionable or outright destructive economic soundness. I consider myself a shareholder in our local government, so I can't sit by and watch them tax the legs out from under the whole economy while spending to prop up select segments of or players in the economy.

When you refer to "other people's successes" that I may be "bitter" about, are you referring to successes in private ventures or in scoring public dollars, if you even perceive a distinction? I have nothing but admiration for the entrepreneur who takes risks to make a profit, but I despise those who lobby our government to unload public funds into areas (to perhaps mitigate their private risks) that should strictly be functions of a free-market economy.

What private successes have you or others had that I appear to be "bitter" about? Don't hold back.

bsspotter and edithann where is your third wheel, justataxpayer?

You three seem to somehow be connected, outside these comments, and based on your bitterness you must have been together for at least one losing venture that has brought out this bitterness/jealousness.

What loss or failed venture did you three have together that has made you against other peoples successes?

If anything needs 501c status it's the Victoria Mall. At least the mall is still on life support whereas downtown died along time ago and ain't coming back.

This should be funded 100% by private citizens! If property is worthy of preservation, a private citizen/group should purchase it and pay for the repairs. Where & why does government fit into this? I love the old houses & buildings in the area, but unless a battle for Texas' independence was fought in one of these structures, private voluntary investments should strictly drive this initiative. (Does "historical" always mean "significant"?) Receiving State funds doesn't make this any less of a theft from the taxpayers.... or should I say our children & grandchildren who'll either be paying off the debt accrued to pay for these pet projects or suffering under the insolvency of the City/County/State.

The Welder Mansion is a great example of what should happen. The Thomas family purchased the property and spent their own money over more than a decade restoring the home immaculately. Some of our local "leaders" should put THEIR money where their mouths are by purchasing a "historical" home and restore/preserve it instead of spending $250k+ to live on a golf course or in a gated compound. They can start looking here: www.tinyurl.com/Old-Victoria

After the pump house parking boondoggle and under the MSP's current leadership, I have little hope that we won't somehow be royally shelling out of our local coffers to fund this. They all have Paducah Fever.

No thanks. I'll give my donations to the Salvation Army. I already contribute enough through my tax dollars to our local thieves/leaders.

What with the number of businesses closing in Victoria, it seems that there have been a LOT of non-profits here lately.

holein1--I have a wonderful collection of resources, books and humans, and my expertise comes in knowing how to effectively use them.

To bring you up to speed, the Texas Main Street Project--while under the auspices of the Texas Historical Commission--is pretty much about the renovation of buildings and structures, buying and selling properties, etc. One can appreciate history in general without having to wholeheartedly endorse all things 'historical'.

But, before you question where I stand on the TMSP--I'm for it, and I'm on the record for that.

As worthy as this project may be deemed by the locals, I think the reality of an 80% budget slash should not be hard to figure out.

I'm with EA. The Historical Comission rained on Rick Perry's parade regarding the renovation of the Governer's mansion so he's after them. I thought that he wanted them to be eliminated altogether. Anyway,it doesn't look like they will be much help to anyone.
Pat Barnes

if only there was a position that could be cut ?

hmm, if only

EdithAnn,

Can your question be answered by considering the recent tendencies of the president of this group?

Edith, you seem to have a pretty good knowledge of history. I've seen you comment many times about it. Maybe you volunteer your expertise to the Main Street project?

With a proposed 80% cut to the funding to the Texas Historical Commission this Legislature, does this group really expect to receive funding from the state, or will they be looking at our city council to fully fund their project?