The Capitol Crowd

By Your Fruit You Shall Be Known

2012-01-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

If you're lucky, your friends will do more than entertain you; they will broaden your horizons and open your eyes to cultures that were foreign to you before you met them. I am very lucky that I became friends with Machree Garrett Gibson 20 years ago through our jobs at the Capitol. Not only does she make me laugh, but she has shared with me her amazing extended family and through them, I've been able to see Austin in a whole new light.

Machree's father, Felix Eugene Garrett, III, died on New Year's Eve 2011, which also happened to be Machree's birthday. Mr. Garrett's memorial service was yesterday, January 7, 2012, at Wesley United Methodist Church, an Austin church founded in 1865 for freed slaves. Mr. Garrett, his parents, his grandparents, his children, and his grandchildren all attend(ed) this beautiful church. We may like to think of the Civil War as ancient history, but this church, and others with a bloodline going back to our country's darkest days, really make you appreciate the strength and courage it took to persevere through prejudice and limited opportunity. There's an amazing spirit inside Wesley United Methodist Church that comes from generations of tradition and love.

Mr. Garrett's obituary was in the Austin American-Statesman last week and I encourage everyone to read it, because through Mr. Garrett's life you can see how far Austin has progressed. For you see, Mr. Garrett was an enormously intelligent man, but because of the color of his skin, he couldn't go to his favorite university, the one just a few blocks from his childhood home on E. 12th Street, The University of Texas. He went to the University of Utah instead, served in the Air Force, and later worked as a school principal and administrator. He quietly served our country, our community, and his family as a loving father and husband. He also gave his family and friends many hilarious stories to share about him the rest of their days. He was an amazing character.

You might think Mr. Garrett would hold a grudge against U.T. for denying him the chance to attend, but like many of his generation, he turned the other cheek, went on with his life, and became a huge fan of U.T. sports teams. There was even a flower arrangement at his memorial service yesterday with big orange flowers and Longhorn emblems. And as an example of how perfect the world can be, Machree earned two degrees from U.T. and currently serves as the president of the Texas Exes Association. Can you possibly imagine how proud he was of that?

Even though Mr. Garrett did not get to go to U.T., he made a huge impact on it by giving us Machree, and raising her to be an intelligent leader. When you look at Machree now, I hope you will see more than another lobbyist. I hope you will see how far Austin and U.T. have come.

Travis Sampley's Memorial Service

2011-11-09T09:49:00.002-06:00

by Kym Olson

A memorial service for Travis Sampley, who died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, was held yesterday at First United Methodist Church in Austin.

Treasured by many in and around the Capitol, the standing room only crowd was a true testament to the friendships Travis built through the years. Among the crowd were countless Capitol staff, notable lobbyists, and several former and current state legislators paying their respects.

Representative Ralph Sheffield and his wife began the service by lighting a candle. Travis's uncle, Robert Galloway, gave a heartfelt remembrance of Travis' life, smile, fearless attitude, and love for family and friends. Galloway also shared stories of Travis' hilarious antics which made everyone smile. Nick Bauer, Travis' life-long friend, also shared several wonderful stories including the time Travis saved his life. Bauer brought everyone to tears remembering what a true, loyal, and dear friend we all shared and lost.

The memorial service concluded appropriately with the song "Let It Be" by The Beatles played on the piano. A bag piper came in playing "Amazing Grace" to lead the procession outside and followed with the "Eyes of Texas" as everyone walked to the reception at the Scmidt-Jones Family Life Center.

Travis spent his professional career in Texas state government, beginning in the Texas Senate as an Administrative Aide to former State Senator Kip Averitt. During his tenure in the Texas House of Representatives, he served as a Legislative Aide to then Speaker Tom Craddick and Committee Clerk to both the Corrections and County Affairs Committees. At the time of his death, he was Chief of Staff for Rep. Sheffield of Temple.

A compilation of wonderful stories and pictures are being shared and posted on a Facebook page that's been created, "A Tribute to Travis Sampley."

According to Travis' obituary, those wishing to honor Travis' memory may make memorial contributions to their local council of the Boy Scouts of America. In Travis County, a donation can be made to the Travis Sampley Memorial Fund, Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 12500 North I-35, Austin Texas 78753. Online donations can be made here . In Harris County, a donation can be made to the Travis Winfield Sampley Memorial Fund, Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, P. O. Box 954528, Houston, Texas 77292. For information about donation forms, mailing instructions or online donations, please go to this web page.

Top of the World

2011-04-07T22:29:00.000-05:00

Who needs to go to Newport, Rhode Island, when you know people who live in Westlake on top of a hill with an amazing view of downtown and Lake Austin? Everyone around the Capitol will know whose house this is... very powerful lobbyist who's also the consummate "people person." Tonight he and his wife graciously opened their home so the Center for Child Protection could hold an event in their home.

I've always wanted to see the inside of this house, so tonight was sort of a dream come true. It was everything I've heard it is - grand, but cozy.

Saw several people we knew from the Capitol who are involved with this great organization that's making a huge difference in the lives of children who really need someone to stand up for them.

Website Redux

2011-04-04T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy Twittering and Facebooking and building a new version of the Capitol Crowd website that I'd almost forgotten I have a blog. I miss the days when I or Annette had time to interview people for our "Person of the Week" profiles.

For now, I would encourage Capitol Crowd fans to log into their old accounts on the new site and make sure your contact information and job title/place of employment are correct, and by all means, upload a current photo of yourself. The one thing that separates the website from all the others is previous employment info and photos!

You will find that the website is a lot more user-friendly, and it now works with all mobile devices.

It's like we've come full circle. If you've been with me all these years, you'll remember that the very first edition of the Capitol Crowd (fall of 2004) was subscription-based (which we're doing again) AND for a premium subscription you could download software to sync your favorite search results with a Palm Pilot.

So I was wrong about the future of Palm Pilots, but I certainly predicted everybody would want to have names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of Capitol contacts on a phone!

If you're one of the many old-school types who still love a printed directory, we still have a few copies of the Capitol Crowd mini-staff directory for sale for $10 each. You can buy yours through this online order form.This is definitely a legislative session to remember.

If there's a special session, we'll update the legislative staff directory that's available to subscribers on the website.

Changes at Senate Natural Resources

2010-05-28T08:12:00.007-05:00

We've all been expecting a change in the chairmanship of the Senate Natural Resources (SNR) Committee, after Chairman Kip Averitt suddenly retired from the senate earlier this year. We've heard several rumors about who will be named chairman (Sen. Estes, Sen. Seliger, and now Sen. Williams), but whoever is getting the job won't have committee director Teddy Carter to run the place anymore.

In an email to his friends and colleagues, Teddy announced yesterday that he's moving one block down Congress Avenue to be the Director of Public Affairs for the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO). Here's TIPRO's news release with more info on Teddy's experience at the Capitol. He had worked for three seantors (J.E. "Buster"Brown, Bob Duncan, and Averitt) at three different committees (SNR, Jurisprudence and State Affairs).

Teddy has always been one of those people who makes the Texas Capitol a wonderful place to work (smart, hard-working, and unfailingly nice). We wish him the best of luck at TIPRO.

Now, does this mean the naming of a new chairman is imminent???

2010-05-16T14:17:00.003-05:00

Ice Cream Contest Will Raise Funds for Emma Barrientos Scholarship Fund

We don't normally promote political events of any type, but here's an opportunity to support the memory of a very sweet woman by making and/or eating something sweet - ice cream!

Travis County Precinct 5 Constable Bruce Elfant is hosting the 18th Annual Ice Cream Social next Sunday, May 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the AFL-CIO Labor Hall, 1102 Lavaca, in Austin. Previous charitable beneficiaries have included Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Texas, Austin Children's Shelter, and Big Brothers/Sisters, to name a few.

This year's contest will raise money for the Austin Community College Emma Barrientos Scholarship Fund.

Emma Barrientos was, of course, the wife of long-time Austin senator (and one of my former bosses) Gonzalo Barrientos, but she was much, much more than the typical political wife. She was the mother of five children, a county employee for many years, and a community organizer. She was so loving and kind to everyone, she made each person she talked to feel special. I think Sen. Barrientos even said that if she ran against him, she would win. She passed away unexpectedly last December, devastating so many people in her family and the community.

Constable Elfant's website says,

"Emma worked her whole life for social justice for all people. She stuffed envelopes, walked precincts, made phone calls, marched, raised money and made sandwiches for so many important causes and worthy candidates. She took so much interest in the lives of her friends and co-workers and more often than not volunteered her support or assistance to those in need without ever being asked to do so. Emma touched so many lives in so many ways. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and co-worker. She was also a committed volunteer, community organizer, public servant and mentor. It should be everyone’s goal in life to leave their community a little better than they found it. Whether it was working for civil rights, helping to lift people out of poverty, making college education achievable for more young people, caring for her family, or lending a sympathetic ear to someone in pain, Emma did leave our community and state a better place."

The photo above is from a Valentine's Day party in 2009 that Barrientos hosted for former staff (including former Chief of Staff Bruce Hupp who's pictured with Emma), after hosting dozens of Valentine's Day parties for senate staff during the years the senator served at the Capitol. It was the last time I saw Emma, and she was as delightful as always. It's really sad to think of a world without her, but she leaves behind an incredible legacy of love. I encourage everyone who knew and admired Emma to support her scholarship fund. Begin able to eat ice cream at the same time is a bonus.

Please see Constable Elfant's website to make a donation to the scholarship fund or for more info on how to compete in or enjoy the ice cream social.

Former Gallery Watch Manager Now a Videographer

2010-01-31T16:37:00.003-06:00

The entrepreneurial spirit of people who work around the Capitol never ceases to amaze me! I recently heard from Jorge Flores, who worked at the Legislative Reference Library under Sally Reynolds, and then moved to Gallery Watch, where he was the Manager of Operations for 3 years. After it was absorbed into CQ-Roll Call, Jorge decided to open a video production company called Waterloo Films.

Jorge specializes in making short and long videos out of events - weddings, quinceaneras, anniversary parties, and corporate events. Because of his knowledge of the Capitol, I bet he'd be very good at videotaping political events/campaign rallies that could, in turn, be made into campaign commercials, or short clips on a Facebook page.

So if you're looking for a cameraman who knows his way around the halls of government, Jorge is your man! You can contact him through his website, www.waterloofilms.com.

Spivey's Texas Swagger

2009-12-23T20:30:00.004-06:00

Many of us are familiar with Ray Spivey because of his work as the governmental relations person for the Teachers Retirement System AND because of the lithographs and notecards he creates of the Capitol at the close of every legislative session. After UT won the national championship in football in 2005, he painted 12 scenes from the game. He's a talented guy.

Now Ray has a new venture with his friend Andrea Sheridan, the Texas Swagger website. There, they sell burnt orange t-shirts that say Texas Swagger in big, white letters. Looks like the perfect gift for the rabid UT fan to me (aren't we all?)

Check out the site, buy a t-shirt, become a fan of Texas Swagger on Facebook, and let's hope UT gives Ray (and other UT fans) another national championship on January 7th that he can immortalize in a new piece of art.

Lonestar Legacies Shopping Opportunity

2009-12-08T20:09:00.002-06:00

If you're like me, and you haven't bought a single Christmas present yet, or if you're like the people I'm terribly jealous of who just need one or two more, you should hit the Holiday Open House at Lone Star Legacies this Thursday, December 10.

It's an all-day kind of party, starting at noon and running until 8 p.m. Lone Star Legacies is located at 301 W. 14th Street, just a block and a half west of the Capitol.

Owners Holly Mace Massingill and Mark Bell are offering discounts on certain items - everything marked with a red dot will be 40% off, while some framed wall art and home decor pieces will be 25% off.

Best of all, they're serving free beverages and snacks. It's a great excuse to do some shopping while hanging out with friends.

Go. Who knows? You might find that perfect gift for your granny.

Bivins Birthday Bash at the Continental - Tonight

2009-11-22T13:49:00.011-06:00

Friends of the late state senator/U.S. Ambassador Teel Bivins are invited to join us tonight at the Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave., to celebrate his life, Austin-style. During the 15 years he was a senator, Bivins enjoyed Austin's music scene as much as (more?) any local. We had a fabulous committee party at the Continental Club circa 1999, and the same band that played that night will be playing tonight, Heybale with Redd & Earl (they play at 10 p.m.).

The lobbyist who introduced Sen. Bivins to Heybale also took him to numerous SXSW shows through the years. He said, " We had some great SXSW experiences, though I think he was happiest seeing Willie Nelson and Delbert McClinton on separate occasions at Stubb's. He was also the inspiration for Sine Die weekends at the Continental, so it is especially fitting that you all will gather there!"

Tonight's event was planned after his memorial service in Amarillo in October. Many people, including about 20 former staff members, made it up there from Austin, but not everyone who enjoyed working with him at the Capitol could be there. So if you're in town and want to drink a beer in Teel's honor, come on over to the Continental Club tonight.

I meant to report on the memorial service, which was very uplifting, not sad at all. It was held at the church he'd gone to for many years (maybe his whole life?), St. Andrews Episcopal Church, which is just steps away from the Bivins home where the ambassador spent his final days. Karl Rove gave a touching eulogy, telling us how he had described Sen. Bivins to someone who had never known him. I wish I had a copy of the speech to share, but essentially he described Teel as someone from an earlier place and time who was gracious, kind, fun, loyal, and a damn good hunter.

Some of the elected and/or former elected officials who came to the service were: Sen. Bob Duncan, Sen. Craig Estes, Sen. Jane Nelson, Sen. Kel Seliger, Sen. Florence Shapiro, Rep. David Swinford, Rep. John Smithee, Rep. Warren Chisum, Speaker Pete Laney, Sen. Kyle Janek, Sen. David Sibley, and Sen. Bill Ratliff. Someone told me they saw former Comptroller John Sharp sitting in the overflow room. I'm sure there were other important people there that I didn't see. The main thing is the church was overflowing with love for Teel.

After the service, there was a gathering at the nearby Bivins home. And then there was a gathering of former staff at Macaroni Joe's, hosted by Sen. Seliger, where we toasted Teel and told stories about the crazy things that happened to us when we worked for him. His daughter Katie was there and laughed as hard as the rest of us. Everyone has at least one good "Teel story" to share. Some had worked on his first campaign, and some helped him pack up the office for the move to Sweden in 2004. Here are a few more photos from the gathering...

One thing we learned from these stories, the last movie Teel watched was "Blazing Saddles." How funny is that? I think that says more than I ever could about why we adored him.

Where Are They Now - Update on Annette Glass, Comedienne

2009-11-10T07:39:00.002-06:00

Annette Glass disappeared from the Capitol scene early in 2008, After working for Rep. Warren Chisum for fifteen years, Annette resigned and spent a few months writing before she accepted a position at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). She is the Senior Program Specialist in the Radioactive Materials Division.

Annette is now using the comedy talent we all know she has and will make her first amateur stand up comedy performance (she stresses amateur) on Monday November 16, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the Capital Comedy Club in Austin.

“I want to invite everyone to come,” Annette explained. “The tickets are free and can be obtained by contacting me. There is a two drink minimum (or drink and food item). The doors open at 7 p.m. and the showroom usually fills up fast. The show features amateur comics who have completed a workshop through the Comedy Gym, but there will also be professional comics to keep it moving.”

Comedy Gym owner Sam Cox, has organized the evening and has scheduled Annette for the first half of the night, Annette told us. “That’s so my friends who appreciate clean comedy can see me and leave before any potentially offensive comedy starts.”

“Please com out for my debut,” Annette urged. “I need all the support I can get. For tickets, contact Annette at annette@PlainEnglishUSA.com.

Sen. Bivins was the Best

2009-10-28T08:02:00.002-05:00

Of course I'm biased, he allowed me to work for him for 8 years. Many of us (former staff) are headed to Amarillo today for the memorial service tomorrow. I will have photos and memories to share later in the week. I know we're going to laugh as hard as we're going to cry. The world was a better place with him in it.

Sen. Bivins' longest-serving staffers, Linda Griggs and Sharon Miner, were with him and his family until his last day. I admire their never-ending loyalty so much. Teel would have said, "Good staff work!"

Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, especially the children he so dearly loved.

Haynes Heads to Chesapeake Energy & Raises Money for Lance Armstrong Foundation

2009-10-19T10:29:00.004-05:00

Adam P. Haynes, who has been executive vice president of the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) for the past 5 years, is taking a new job with Chesapeake Energy as their Senior Director for Corporate Development and Government Relations. TIPRO had a very gracious announcement about the difference Adam has made as a leader of their association. He'll still be involved with the association, but as a representative of Chesapeake.

Those of us who know Adam from the Capitol know what a terrific guy he is -smart as a whip, hard worker, funny as hell, and a cancer survivor. In fact, Adam is riding this weekend in the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Ride for the Roses bike ride/fundraiser that supports cancer research and services for cancer patients. Here's a message from Adam about his ride:

"I am riding with some guys from my church in support of the LAF and its mission to help cancer patients through their struggle with cancer. The theme this year is to 'pick a fight with cancer.' Fortunately for me, I was able to pick a fight with cancer. I did not let it get the best of me and I will continue to fight it for myself for the next 3 1/2 years, and for others for long afterwards.
Let me give you two short stories - I have an acquaintance, David, who I know, and Kerri knows his wife very well. David was diagnosed with colon cancer in June of 2009. He has just finished his initial chemotherapy, radiation, and initial surgery. He is facing 6 months of additional chemotherapy and surgery. Sound familiar? His schedule of treatments is a mirror of mine two years ago. I know David will do great, but he has a fight. Please help David with the support to 'pick a fight with cancer.'
Another story, a woman in my church, Virginia, was diagnosed with breast cancer this week. Last week, I rode in a breast cancer awareness ride for support of all women afflicted with this terrible disease. This week I am riding for David and Virginia. I need your help. Please follow this link and donate to the cause. You can donate in the name of any of my team members. The donations go to the LAF in support of cancer prevention and support.

I am riding 65 miles on a mountain bike. I know, my biking friends say I'm crazy. Why not just ride on a road bike and be done? Well, if I can commit to riding on a mountain bike, you should commit to supporting my cause. Besides, I know that regardless of how tough it will be, trust me when I say I have done worse. So when the miles get long or the hills get steep, I know I can say to myself that I have endured much worse, and David and Virginia have much worse ahead of them. I will be there for them. Will you?"

I hope those of us who work around the Capitol will support Adam, and others from our community who may be riding or running in LAF events this weekend. They are my personal heroes! (including the one and only Wendy Chioji!)

Memories of Jean

2009-09-28T13:08:00.002-05:00

Through Facebook, I learned this morning that Jean Dendy has passed away. She worked for years for Sen. Rodney Ellis, but was most recently employed by Sen. Wendy Davis as her office manager.

Jean worked at the Capitol for as long as I can remember. She was very nice, and so wise about how everything operated around there. I'm having a hard time imagining the place without her.

Please feel free to share your memories of Jean here... we'll be happy to share the info with her family.

Disappearing Act

2009-09-07T20:10:00.003-05:00

Yes, the Capitol Crowd blog and much of the Capitol Crowd website has been totally ignored since March.

Blame that on my full-time job at WaterPR, which is more than I can handle on a good day. We've been doing great things there... helping Befesa begin to market itself in America through two companies it bought (WaterPR clients), NRS Consulting Engineers and WaterBuild. Another client, the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association, has doubled in size the past year and will hold its national conference in Decatur, Georgia in two weeks. We're also helping the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group during the current phase of regional water planning, and we recently began organizing the Texas Irrigation Expo which will be help in October 2010 in Mercedes, Texas. My hands are full.

If anyone out there is interested in helping manage the Capitol Crowd on a part-time basis, please let me know. The ideal person will either work at the state capitol or have some other connection to the pink building (work for a lobbyist or an association?). The person must be totally un-partisan. The Capitol Crowd is apolitical. The job would only require a few hours per week during the interim, and the pay will be absurdly low. But if you're looking for a way to learn the basics of managing an internet-based business, this is a great opportunity. There's a blog, an online database, and a monthly e-newsletter that needs to be sent out. There are "Person of the Week" profiles and photos to take. There's a staff directory to update every two years. The job will give you a great excuse to visit offices at the Capitol while updating staff lists. Take it from me, you will learn a lot that can easily transfer into another job, one in politics, government, or public relations.

I have lots of ideas for ways to improve the site, but no time to do it. If you have time on your hands and an interest in the Texas state capitol, give me (Robyn) a shout-out.

Get 'Em While They're Hot

2009-03-12T20:04:00.004-05:00

The Capitol Crowd mini-legislative staff directories have FINALLY been printed for the 81st Legislature, Regular Session. Thanks to all the offices who gave us the names and titles of staff members this session. A copy for each lawmaker will soon be delivered.

Thanks to my friends who advertised on this year's directories - the Ratliff Company, the Graydon Group, Shields Legislative Solutions, Reliant Energy, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, and the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas. And thanks to Jay Propes for giving me the idea of creating the booklets two years ago. People love them, and I would have never thought of it on my own.

For my friends who are tax-exempt (state agencies and non-profit organizations), please use this link:

All others should use this link:

If you have any problems ordering, please let me know!

By the way, about two minutes after the directories arrived in my office, a lawmaker's office contacted me to let me know their staff had changed since the previous week (ack!). Remember, the most current information is still available for free by registering on the Capitol Crowd website. You can download the list, print it out on letter-sized paper, and reduce it on your copy machine. That's how the very first mini-directory was created!

Capitol Crowd 2009 Mini-Legislative Staff Directories

2009-02-16T20:09:00.006-06:00

For the 2nd session (and 3rd year), we'll soon be selling the Capitol Crowd mini-legislative staff directories. The directories are about 5 inches wide by 4 inches high, and include hot-off-the-presses information about House and Senate staff. From what I've heard, people love them because they easily fit into a purse or a pocket.

Directories are $10.00 each this year, plus tax. You can pre-order your copies by returning this form to us or through PayPal:
Advertisers (and you know who you are) receive a certain number of free copies and each lawmaker's office will receive one free copy.
Directories will also be sold at Lonestar Legacies, which is located one block west of the Capitol near the corner of 14th and Lavaca St.

We plan to have directories available by Monday, March 2nd. Now there's another reason to celebrate Texas Independence Day!

Senate Committees 2009

2009-02-01T21:49:00.003-06:00

There really weren't many changes in committee chairmanships or assignments, but while updating senators' committees in the Capitol Crowd, I was able to figure out that Sen. Troy Fraser was the only senator to lose his seat on Finance (okay, maybe that was obvious to everyone else, but I had to do a bunch of database work to figure it out). He was replaced on Finance by Sen. Kel Seliger. I've been trying to remember what Fraser must of done to deserve this "demotion" from Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Sen. Judith Zaffirini must be happy that Higher Education was elevated to a standing committee, instead of a subcommittee to Education.

Sen. Chris Harris got a nice promotion from chair of Administration to chair of Eco Devo.

And Sen. Tommy Williams got his first real chairmanship of a standing committee by taking over the gavel at Administration.

Let the work begin!

Photo courtesy Employees Retirement System of Texas

Celebrityville

2009-01-27T19:54:00.003-06:00

The Capitol is a great place to work if you dream of rubbing elbows with celebrities. My list of "stars" I met when I worked there include Don Henley, Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Nolan Ryan, Susan Howard, Tommy Tune, Fess Parker, Flaco Jimenez, Horton Foote, and Charley Pride. One of my favorite stories involves the time Magic Johnson ALMOST came to our office, but I digress.

For those of you who still work there who want to see a real, live, big-time hero in the flesh, get yourself to the South Steps on Thursday, January 29, at 1 p.m. to see Lance Armstrong (oh, and Sen. Rodney Ellis and Rep. Myra Crownover). They're going to talk about legislation they're filing to make all Texas workplaces smoke-free.

Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow.

To learn more about what they're proposing, see the website, www.smokefreetexas.org.

Capitol Contests

2009-01-25T14:33:00.004-06:00

If you subscribe to Mike Hailey's Capitol Inside, you can learn which Texas lobbyists have seen their stock rise or fall because of the election of new House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio). The "2009 Texas Lobby Power Rankings" came out last Friday. They offer few surprises, but it's always fun to see people you knew back when they were "baby staffers" now listed as some of the best lobbyists in the state.

Hailey says "the rankings rely on an unscientific formula that takes into account general criteria such as reputation, credentials, connections, respect, visibility, the quantity and quality of clients, contract values. work ethic, persuasive ability and likeability."

Even more unscientific, and a whole lot more like junior high, the 2nd Biennial Capitol Crowd Awards contest will be conducted toward the end of session. In our contest, lawmakers, staff, media, and other lobbyists can vote for each other in categories like "Favorite Lobbyist" and "Best Committee Clerk." We may change some of the categories, and we'll definitely switch to an online voting system this time around. Whatever we can do to keep that "high school with money" vibe at the Capitol...

Happy session everyone!

Robert Out of the Woods

2009-01-25T12:29:00.003-06:00

Confession time - I've been spending way too much time on Facebook, ignoring my own blog. It's been a great way to connect with friends from around the Capitol (and my old friends from high school).

On Facebook last week, Texas State Network's Capitol Bureau chief Robert Wood told us he was having triple bypass surgery. In 30 minutes. You can't really get people news faster than that. Today he reported that he ended up with four bypasses and hopes to be out of the hospital by Wednesday.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery to this key member of the Capitol press corps!

If you haven't joined Facebook for fear that it's "cheesy" or you're too old or you won't find it relevant or entertaining (my initial reasons), I promise you will enjoy it and learn all kinds of fascinating things about people you thought you already knew.

We have a Capitol Crowd group on Facebook too, so if you sign up, be sure to join our group!

Eckstein Joins Travis County

2008-12-21T14:18:00.004-06:00

We were happy to hear our long-time friend Deece Eckstein is now working for Travis County and will be helping them with their issues during the upcoming legislative session.

I've known Deece since he worked for Gov. Ann Richards, then he served at the Texas Department of Insurance. During the past couple of years, he was the Texas Director for the People for the American Way before opening his own lobby shop. I'm sure there's a lot more on his resume, that's just all I can remember from the top of my head.

Deece is the first to hold the newly-created position of Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator for Travis County. He says, "A main focus over the next several months will be coordinating Travis County’s policy and legislative apparatus, working closely with the county’s legislative consultants (Gregg Knaupe, Frank Santos, Laura Matz and Luis Gonzalez). I will also be working to improve coordination with other governmental entities with which Travis County interacts, including Austin and other cities and regional planning groups like the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). "

As a resident of Travis County, it's good to know someone with Deece's experience is working for us at the Capitol. Maybe he can help us get a light rail station in southwest Austin that can drop me off in downtown Austin every morning by 8 a.m.... there's an plan I could support!

New Website for Lobby Information

2008-12-21T14:03:00.004-06:00

A new website, LobbyistFinder, has landed on the Internet. It's fairly new, so it doesn't seem to have all of its functionality yet, but it has the potential to be a valuable resource as more lobbyists sign up.

Eventually, from the home page, you'll be able to search for lobbyists by state with either executive branch or legislative branch experience. You can add your data... but since I'm not a lobbyist, I not quite sure how it works, but I think it will be free for you to put your basic information in the database, but if you want a priority listing (your name comes up at the top in a certain category), you'll have to pay extra for that. For example, if you want to be the first name someone sees when searching on the site for a lobbyist in Texas who's an expert in natural resources, that'll cost $100 per month.

For potential clients, the site has info on what to look for in a lobbyist. For lobbyists, the site has links to ethics statutes in every state.

I encourage my friends in the lobby to sign up and check it out and tell the rest of us what the results are. As long as it's free to sign up, you have nothing to lose.

I Know What You Mean...

2008-11-28T13:34:00.003-06:00

I hope this doesn't get me in trouble with my friends, but I can't NOT write about the passing of Virgie Collins Garrett, because even if you've never heard of her, she made a huge impact on the Texas Capitol by being the mother of Machree Garrett Gibson. Machree is now a lobbyist with the Graydon Group, but like many lobbyists she started as a legislative aide in the House, worked her way up to the Senate, and served as liaison to the senate for Gov. Ann Richards before being appointed Assistant Secretary of State (when Ron Kirk was Secretary of State).

I only met Mrs. Garrett a few times, but I feel like I know her so well because of all of the great stories Machree tells about her. Mrs. Garrett was one wise woman, with a wry sense of humor... just like Machree.

My all-time favorite story comes from the days when Machree worked for Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos. Mrs. Garrett called the office and the receptionist said, "She can't come to the phone right now. She's on the floor with the senator."

Silence.

Mrs. Garrett said something like, "I know what you MEAN, but you've got to find a better way to say that."

That story always makes me smile. Mrs. Garrett really didn't like the idea that the general public would think her daughter was rolling around on the floor with her boss. Everybody in the legislative community would understand the legislature was in session and Machree was helping pass some bills, but the rest of the world might get the wrong impression.

Mrs. Garrett, along with her husband of nearly 50 years, Felix, raised two beautiful, smart, accomplished women who have gone on to leave their own marks on the world. One of her grandchildren now works at the Capitol, and the other is on her way to being a lawyer. She can be very proud of the legacy she leaves behind. Rest in peace.

Norman Takes the Top Job at TAB

2008-11-16T16:07:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Scott Norman, a former senate staffer, on being named executive director of the Texas Association of Builders. Read about it in the Austin Business Journal. Norman's been serving as acting executive director for the past 9 months.