Posted by:
Aaron
at Thu Jan 24 19:53:55 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Aaron ]
I also believe that massive public input is very influential. On the last roadban we essentially won the battle without a lobbyist, in that we got the law changed. Unfortunately Mr. Hilderbrand apparently had his mind already made up from talking to just two or the TPWD higher-ups with personal agendas. He ignored the clear will of the people and his fellow legislators and snuck the law back in as a rider at the end of the session. We know from HCU's Freedom of Information Act requests that all of our calls were giving them major headaches. In what little public debate there was(smalltown newspapers, internet forums) the herpers fared very well and there were few arguements in favor of the roadban that stood up to even a small amount of logic and critical thinking. I got the distinct impression that HH and TPWD did not want any publicity on their doings. I firmly believe that public outcry can be very effective next time around, as I do not think any legislator will want to spend as much time(wasted public money) on this issue, which recieved very little public support and tons of opposition. While a lobbyist could help alot, I think on this issue public outrage is every bit as important as having a lobbyist.
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RE: Don't worry-we get it! - Aaron, Thu Jan 24 19:53:55 2008