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What this blog is all about
By LeslieWilber in For your information
December 31, 2007

Unfortunately, a friend's death gave me the idea for this blog. You might have read Kevin's obit in the Dec. 27 Advocate. http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/793/story/173087.html

Rebecca, another reporter (the one with the pet blog), immediately wanted to find Kevin's cat. She didn't want the cat ending up in the shelter, after a decade-plus of easy living.

The earliest we could get Cliche the cat was Christmas eve. But every time we called the health department we got a recording that said the office was closed and to try back later. The city pound has no voice mail. I get paid to track people down; I'm not intimidated by that. But someone who doesn't confront red tape for a living could get really frustrated in a similar situation and just give up.

At the same time, most officials I tried to contact for stories were on vacation. Whatever information I needed from them just wasn't available. No one could find the record of this woman's death until after Christmas. http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/805/story/173483.html

That's when I decided to keep track of how accessible different public records and officials really are. There are lots of really great people who work in the area. For example Ken Lemke, with the health department, and Steve Sanchez, with the animal shelter, made sure we got Cliche as soon as possible. Sgt. Olga Gamez, at the Victoria Police Department, did a great job of keeping public information public over the holidays.

Does any one else know a local official who did an awesome job helping the public in 2007?

Comments


  • texasmom texasmom Report a ViolationReport a Violation
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    Leslie, question? how can I put this article in the thumbs up? you can email me at   dwalentovic@yahoo.com

    January 3, 2008 at 6:54 p.m.

  • LeslieWilber LeslieWilber Report a ViolationReport a Violation
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    Thanks Donna,
    I'm glad you stuck with it and figured out how to get what you needed.
    Congrats!
    Leslie

    January 3, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.

  • texasmom texasmom Report a ViolationReport a Violation
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    I want to give praise to David Hagen City Counsel who really did an awesome job for some of us in the Cimarron subdivision.  Letters were sent out that he would be in our subdivision and wanted to hear if we had any concerns. Well, we have lived on Pecos Drive for 5 years and our most concern was lighting at night was really poor due to trees covering light post, traffic was getting out of control due to no speed limit signs, and no stop sign. So, I voiced my concern through an email and he called within 3 to 5 days. I was really impressed with a lady named Mary that works in engineering she called me I spoke with her and told her that I had called AEP and was told by customer service that it was the City's responsibility. So, I gave up. I must tell you now we have a speed limit sign, a stop sign, and a crew from the city came out and trimmed the tree and now the lighting is really awesome. Thanks again.
    Donna

    December 31, 2007 at 8:11 p.m.