An opinion editorial respectfully submitted by State Senator Florence Shapiro

November 3 is a big day for Collin County.  Sure it's Election Day across our state, when Texans in every municipality will cast their votes on the 11 Constitutional Amendments the Legislature passed this spring.  But for our community, it's an opportunity to preview a new pilot program that could become the model for Texas elections in the future. 

Collin County has been selected to participate in the countywide election program, allowing voters in our community to cast ballots at any of 57 vote centers, or polling places, rather than precinct-specific locations.  The idea is to make voting as convenient as possible, thereby increasing voter turnout.  The County applied to the Secretary of State's office for this pilot, and was selected.  According to the Collin County Elections Division, this special election will be a trial run for the countywide concept to ensure voters are not confused, and that polling places are able to close and report totals in a timely fashion. 

The initial pilot program for countywide elections was created in 2005 and continued in 2007 with legislation that I helped sponsor.  During the 81st session this year, the program was permanently placed into state statute for counties wishing to participate.  I am proud of this program and hope that my friends and neighbors in Collin County will help make it a success statewide.  

This Election Day, Collin County voters will not only cast ballots on the Constitutional Amendments, but they'll also be able to vote in the City of Farmersville Local Option election, and on the Wylie ISD Bond Propositions.  The countywide program applies only to this November's special election.  To find out where the nearest polling place is, log onto the County's website wt www.collincountytx.gov. 

I encourage you to vote on November 3 - not just to make your voice heard, but to participate in this exciting new, convenient, approach to the way Texas holds elections.  Be a part of history in the making, and make Collin County proud. 

Senator Florence Shapiro has represented District 8, consisting of Collin and Dallas Counties, since 1993.  For the past six years she has chaired the Senate's Committee on Education, focusing on reforms at both the public and higher education levels. 

A second public hearing  for the proposed FY2010 Budget and Tax Rate will be  August 31st at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in conjunction with the Regular Council Meeting. The public is welcome to give comments regarding the budget and the tax rate. Questions will be addressed by Council and Staff.

The proposed FY 2010 Budget is complete and has been presented to the Council by City Manager James Fisher. It includes a new effective tax rate of .526370/$100 in valuation from the current rate of .518300/$100 in valuation to allow the City to meet all of their obligations.

There are two budget hearings scheduled for the public to make comments, August 17th and August 31st.  The adoption of the budget by the Council is September 8, 2009, which is a Tuesday, due to the Labor Day Holiday. 

According to the City of Murphy website these two hearings are coupled with Budget Work Sessions, scheduled 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Murphy, TX – The City of Murphy Parks and Recreation Board will be holding a Public Hearing to determine the needs of the citizens for tennis court facilities in the city. The meeting is to receive input from tennis players and other interested citizens as to the need to build tennis courts in the city and to answer questions from citizens.

The Board will also be reviewing changes to the master plan and Phase II construction plans for Gables Ranch Neighborhood Park. Park construction plans will also be discussed for Aviary Park, Skyline Park and Brentwood Park, all neighborhood parks slated for new recreation and park facilities from the Bond Package approved by Murphy voters in November 2008.

The meeting is Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. It will be held in the City Council Chambers at 206 N. Murphy Road.

Additional information regarding park projects can be found on the City’s website at http://www.murphytx.org, click on Bond Issue. Questions regarding this Park Board Meeting may be directed to Kim Lenoir, Park Development Manager, at (972) 468-4068 or jfisher@murphytx.org.

Murphy, TX – Due to the inclement weather, the community meetings that were scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Aviary Park, Brentwood Park and Skyline Park has been cancelled. All residents are invited to attend the next Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 206 North Murphy Road. The City will be reviewing the 2008 Bond Initiative projects and answer questions from citizens.

In November 2008, the citizens of Murphy approved a $16 million bond program to improve parks, streets, trails, acquire open space, renovate the Old Murphy City Hall/Schoolhouse and to beautify the medians and entry corridors. The Murphy City Council approved the first issuance of bonds, $6.4 million, at its March 16th meeting. The following is a breakdown of the first bond issuance:

Project                                                 Amount
Murphy Road                                       $ 1.5M
Road Improvements                              $ 1.6 M
Streetscapes Landscape Medians          $  500k
Aviary Park                                           $  500k
Skyline Park                                          $  200k
Gables Ranch Park                                $  500k
Brentwood Park                                    $  100k
Trails                                                     $  500k
Open Space / Land Acquisition              $  500k
Old City Hall/Old Murphy Schoolhouse  $  500k

Additional information regarding the 2008 Bond Initiative can be found on the City’s website at http://www.murphytx.org. Questions regarding this Town Hall Meeting may be directed to James Fisher, City Manager, at (972) 468-4007 or jfisher@murphytx.org.