BS Update

We have been so busy with streetcars, tax dollars and ethics we haven't been able to update you on the Barnett Shale Hell in awhile, so in no particular order...

What is Steve on Carter Ave up to?  Well, Channel 11 caught up with him last night.  Don't miss this story.  Good information from Lon Burnam and more BS statements from Mayor Moncrief.  Something about regulators not doing their jobs so Fort Worth will do it.  WHAT?  The profiting Mayor and council are mostly to blame for getting us in to this mess and putting our citizens at risk.

Congratulations to Josh Fox!!  Word on the street is Gasland is shortlisted for Academy Awards!!  Go, Josh, Go!

Grand Prairie has announced a gas drilling moratorium on all new permits.  THE PEOPLE are listening!

Not only are property values plummeting around gas drilling locations (that would be most all of Tarrant County) now some banks won't finance properties in those areas either. Uh oh...better save your huge royalty checks, then you can pay cash.  Read about it here.  You can also read the letter from the Bartonville Mayor to Senator Nelson on their site as well. 

If you missed the 60 Minutes gas drilling story, here is a recap.

What do THE PEOPLE say about the gas drilling meeting in Fort Worth last night?  "It was another waste of time, another industry dog and pony show.  WHO did the majority of the talking?  The industry, of course". 

It's your turn!  Make some noise!

Quick on the Draw

A couple of days ago, Durango posted an article about a Fort Worth neighborhood being one of the Most Dangerous in America.

This neighborhood is in Councilwoman Kathleen Hicks district.  Kathleen has responded promptly to this.  You can read it all on Durango.

We bet those on Carter Avenue wish she would have responded this quickly and with as much conviction.

Carter Continued

On Durango and the FW Weekly.

Is it over?  Wait and see. 

Breaking News from Carter Avenue

Seems there was some sort of announcement on the "news" concerning Carter Avenue, residents emailing asking what it is.  Supposedly, TXDOT signed to run the pipeline down I30, AKA the "alternative route".

What happens to the easements already obtained?  What happens to the lawsuits in progress?  Is this in writing? 

Stay tuned...

Case Closed??

Or is it?

WHERE is the news? You know, the ones that said last Thursday, the pipeline would not be going on Carter Avenue. (The order was signed last Tuesday...) If there is no pipeline going on Carter Avenue, why would you need their property? Just because?

See the court document here. (Thanks to Durango!)

What in the...????

We have gotten tons of emails asking what the latest is on the Carter Avenue Pipeline. Well, the scandal has taken yet another turn.

Texas Lone Star had a representative in the courtroom during Steve Doeung's hearing, our representative, along with the other Carter Avenue supporters packed in the courtroom heard Judge Sprinkle say, repeatedly, WHEN he signed the order, Steve would have 30 days to appeal or file a motion to dismiss. Judge Sprinkle also said Steve would be notified when this took place.

We're told, that this morning Steve went to the courthouse to file yet another petition to try and save his home. Unfortunately, Judge Sprinkle's Clerk approached Steve and told him that the order was signed on Tuesday, March 9th and THE CASE WAS CLOSED. We beg your pardon? Steve was not allowed to file anything and told they couldn't help him there. WHO can? And WHERE?

If the order was signed, taking away a taxpayers property, and giving it to a corporation, WHY was the taxpayer not notified (AGAIN)? This reminds us of the antics in the courtroom when the attorneys presented Steve with the paperwork against him, that he hasn't ever seen, even though it was from last year. WHERE is the justice?

If Steve's councilwoman, Kathleen Hicks is working hard ("my continuing effort to ensure that a Chesapeake gas pipeline does not go down Carter Avenue.") and there is an alternative route in play, WHY do they need to move forward with taking Steve's property? ASK HER. TODAY.

Somebody call Senator Davis too, please. She was the one being vocal about them "backing away from the suit". We all need her help.

If all of these things are taking place - WHERE IS THE NEWS? You know, the unbiased media? Someone should ask them too.

Really?

Kathleen Hicks is again trying to take credit for the Carter Avenue pipeline move. This is the councilwoman WHO would not return emails or phone calls to the residents on Carter. She has not attended any of the Carter Avenue gatherings. She did her interviews about Carter Avenue from a gas station nearby. One of her people did go put letters in the mailboxes the day AFTER the Carter Avenue rally last week.

Lon Burnam sent a representative to the Carter Avenue rally last week, and a letter telling the residents he stands with them.

Wendy Davis tried to pass a bill to protect them that Governor Perry vetoed. She also said-

"Particularly, they need to back away from the condemnation against Steve Doeung," Davis said. "I feel like his family has suffered a lot of emotional trauma."

Read the article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Too good to be True?

On WFAA news tonight Chris Hawes announced the Carter Avenue pipeline will NOT go on Carter Avenue. She also interviewed Senator Davis who was very pleased with the news.

As the Carter Avenue residents know, it ain't over until the pipeline is in the ground. Let's hope this is it.

Goodnight Carter Avenue! Sleep well!

Damage Control

Popular words at Fort Worth City Hall.

Read the latest from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on the "committee" and on their blog about Carter Avenue. Many agencies we have mentioned before brought up in both - the COG, TXDOT...it never ends.

Both Mayor Moncrief and Kathleen Hicks have taken credit for things that citizens have been demanding of them. Citizens WHO have never had contact with either (not for lack of trying). And how would Kathleen know about residents misconceptions? Has she ever spoken to a resident of Carter Avenue? The residents say NO.

Here's a highlight from the article in which the mayor takes credit for the idea and work of others, while he appoints three industry seats on the committee.

How much did he make off gas royalties last year?

Mayor Mike Moncrief defended the process, saying it was his idea to appoint a committee. "That was a decision I made, to make sure that there was inclusion -- to make sure we did have representation in that process from the neighborhoods," he said. "I also know, and I think we all do, that you need to have the industry representation in that process because otherwise it does no good."

What does the FW Weekly say about the "committee" and it's three industry seats? Read it here.

Critics say that’s like letting the fox design, build, and guard the hen house.

Updates

Again, so many issues, so little time. Here's a run down of things we haven't got covered yet, that others do.

What's TXSharon up to? Getting air tests done in your cities. Ones you can count on.

What's the latest on Carter Avenue? We need your help! Write an email, make a call, or send a letter to Judge Sprinkle. NOW! Durango has the contact info.

Seems there is some disagreement over the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Mike Lee's coverage of the Carter Avenue Rally and court hearing. Mr. Lee was criticized by some for not mentioning the rally, the folks present in support, Steve's holding his own against the industry lawyers...you get the picture. Rumor has it, he did write about those things and they were edited out.

Those on the other side (why so many sides? We are all after the same thing!) say to leave Mike alone, as he is the ONLY S-T reporter covering any of the gas issues. While we understand and can greatly appreciate that, we think the point they were making is, if you only cover half the story, does that make you part of the problem? The news should be just that...news. Covering all of both sides. There are some that still believe that is the purpose of a newspaper. So our question is WHO is the editor for last week's article? Send us the info!! Durango has update.

WHERE?

Was councilwoman Kathleen Hicks during the CARO rally and court hearing?

WHERE has she been for the past two years? No one has yet to see her ON Carter Avenue.

But someone was there today, putting letters addressed to "Carter Avenue Resident" in the mailboxes. They were dated yesterday.

Enjoy...and thanks to the Carter Avenue Residents for sharing.

On a side note, Steve was interviewed by Channel 8 WFAA, and he asked where his council representative was, we saw zero footage on Channel 8. Did we miss something? WHERE was Chris Hawes when you need her?

Dear Carter Avenue Neighbors:

I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to give you a progress report on my continuing effort to ensure that a Chesapeake gas pipeline does not go down Carter Avenue.

I am pleased to inform you that Chesapeake has completed their detailed design alignment for the proposed reroute along TxDOT ROW that includes TxDOT's various requirements. We hope to get TxDOT approval in March, assuming they do not require further changes.

While there is still work to do, I am grateful to Chesapeake and TxDOT for working together on a solution. Most of all, I want to thank you for your patience and support. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Please know that I will continue to update you as more info becomes available.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hicks
District 8 Representative

CC: Senator Wendy Davis
Representative Lon Burnam
Dale Fisseler, City Manager
Mayor Mike Moncrief
Fort Worth City Council

They did it again...

Instead of being fair and balanced, like people expect the news to be, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram daily newspaper has done it again concerning the Carter Avenue court hearing and rally.

We'll go with Durango on this one.

This is a perfect example of the reason this blog was created, people are tired of attending events and then seeing the "news" wondering if the reporters were actually at the same event.

You have notes from the rally and hearing yesterday? Let us hear them.

Oops, he did it again...

Durango pointing out the obvious in a style all his own. Don't miss it. And don't miss the Carter Avenue Rally Operation Thursday morning.

WHO is Billy Mitchell?

Durango tells us WHO he is.

Want to learn more? Come to the CARO rally Thursday and meet him!

Carter Avenue Continued

Check out Durango for the latest news.

More info coming soon - you won't want to miss it!

WHO's Next?

First, Steve on Carter...then Haltom City.

WHO's next?

WHO has the right?

Read Steve's latest letter, TXSharon has it posted already.

Standing Room Only

A crowd at last night's NCTCA meeting last night.

TXSharon has the scoop.

Durango does it again

Want to know about the corruption in the Shale? Durango lays it out for you in style.

WHO's listening?

Also, check out Durango's pledge. Sad, but true.

Fort Worth Corruption

It runs so deep, it's even in the water.

If you haven't been following Detective Durango's posts, he gives you the recap here. Get caught up, you'll need to know this for the rest of the story.

Stay tuned.

Steve says Merry Christmas

Dear Rep. Burnam, Sen. Davis, and all concerned citizens:

Before we all take a break for holiday and family related activities in the coming days, I want to simply clarify the challenges before us as a community relative to the Carter Ave. pipeline struggle (and war, for certain folks).

If my interpretation of the Representative's message is correct, CHK (through their front pipeline/utility company TMGS--created simply to possess eminent domain power) never had any intention of ever abandoning their plans (with close cooperation from OUR City) to shove these massive pipelines under and near where "we the people" live and sleep.

A close examination of the facts and recent actions would even indicate that this giant corporation was "playing" the respected elected officials and was continuing to add more insults to injuries on the people living on and near Carter Ave. What a clever (and sociopathic) scheme: use the genuine concerns and political clout of the people's representatives as a part of the "discussions/negotiations" with TxDOT to serve as a ploy to deceive the public as they essentially work to acquire more routes (and easements) for more pipelines while planning the whole time to begin their original pipeline/s down Carter Ave.--pending the coup de grace at my hearing last Friday morning, of course. That's what some would call a "two-fer" or even a bait-and-poach...not just a simple bait-and-switch.

Naturally, the questions that arise are: who knew what/when and who did (or refused to do) what/when to support this cruel and unacceptible conduct (not to me and the elementary school kids on my street who have a clear grasp of right and wrong and fairplay, anyway).

Speaking of kids, my 7 y.o. daughter Lizzy could not accompany me to court Friday because of school but she did ask me how things went and said passionately " I wish I can just smash those pipelines so you can spend more time with me and mommy!!" Later that night as we drove by the gleaming Fort Chesapeake overlooking the Trinity and all of downtown, she noticed that many lights were still on in various offices and asked matter-of-factly "You think they're staying late talking about how to try and beat you next time, daddy?"

After hearing me proclaim ignorance, she shook her clenched fists at Ft. CHK and spitted out "I betcha they're saying 'we're gonna get that Steve Doeung somehow'!!" She stuck her tongue out at them and returned to working on losing her first front tooth and counting down the number of days until Santa comes.

I'm so thankfull for a child's resiliency and innocence. Unfortunately, certain Grinches are also resilient, but not so innocent--as they target our humble little home in their plans for upcoming assaults to rob us of our rights, our property, our dignity, and our sense of security.

At least we (and Santa!) can spend one more Christmas without worrying--too much--about the massive pipeline/s under our front yard.

May you and your family and neighbors never even have to think about, or have this kind of discussions with your children, such disturbing thoughts during this and future seasons of Hope and Peace. Merry Christ-mas, happy holidays, and have a wonderfull 2010!!!

God's blessings on you and yours,

Y. Steve Doeung and 7 year-old Elizabeth (momma's too tired from working two jobs)-- still defiantly and desperately defending our modern-day Alamo on Sycamore Heights