Save the Laguna Madre

SUCCESSFUL MEETING!!

 Thanks to all who attended the meeting on Wednesday, April, 25. It was a successful meeting in several ways. New information was shared and decisions about further actions were made.

              Sam Wells and Ann Smith led a discussion on the information gained at the meeting with Jerry Patterson. It was the consensus of the group that the Patterson meeting provided valuable information and that Save The Laguna Madre (STLM) should continue to work with Mr. Patterson to glean new information concerning seismic results and permit applications as it becomes available.

            Steve Labuda, retired Texas Parks and Wildlife employee, encouraged STLM to contact T.P.W.L. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He stated that due to the large numbers of endangered species in the Laguna Madre and surrounding area the two agencies would likely be very interested in the situation with which the area is now dealing.  He provided contact information which will be posted on the “What You Can Do” page of this website.

            To date approximately 1,500 petition signatures have been turned in. The target is 20,000 in order to have the impact needed. The petitions will be collected and delivered to the appropriate entities when the goal is reached.

            Rick Ridolfi, S.P.I Mayor- Pro-Tem stated that the petitions were a good way to get attention. However, he indicated that additional action is needed, and he suggested that letters to Legislators and Congressmen would be a very effective activity for the group to focus on at this time. Special effort should be given to contacting Congressman Solomon Ortiz, district 27, and Congressman Henry Cuellar, district 28. STLM decided to draft a form letter with additional space for individual comments. It will also be posted on the “What You Can Do” page along with the addresses of each individual to whom it should be sent.

        

Volunteers are needed to research and share information in the following areas:

1)	Contact information for all organizations that are working on environmental preservation, and other issues similar to the preservation of the Laguna Madre.
2)	Information and contact points for other groups in Texas who have had controversial dealings with the GLO. Examples are:
	A)	The attempt by the GLO to confiscate and sell water on individual’s lands in West Texas. (This was defeated. We need to find out how)
	B)	A protected desert area in West TX that the GLO is attempting to sell to a     company in Mexico. (ongoing litigation).
	C)	The “Big land grab” for the Trans Texas Corridor.
3)	The towns of S.P.I., Port Isabel, Laguna Vista along with Cameron County signed the resolution protesting the seismic activity and possible drilling in the bay. We need for Hidalgo and all counties in between to get involved. Pass the word and let us know how we can get the whole valley to sign the resolution.

There are many groups across TX that are fighting to maintain the control over and integrity of their towns and surrounding area, the lack of which poses devastating consequences to the environment, economy and quality of life. Please contact us if you have any information to share on these or other issues. Mr. Patterson said that the only way we can change our situation is if we change the law. We just might have to do that.

 Thank you all for your support. A special thanks goes out to Rick Ridolfi for his continuous efforts and advice.

The next meeting time and place will be posted soon.

Keep those petitions coming!!

 

---

  

KEEP IN MIND

 

The Texas Constitution

Article 1 - BILL OF RIGHTS

Section 2 - INHERENT POLITICAL POWER; REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT

 

All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and, subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient.

 

ALSO:

 

PART THREE: Text of the Texas Public Information Act Government Code Chapter 552. Public Information

 

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS (a) Under the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government that adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people, it is the policy of this state that each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created. The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to implement this policy.

---

Our thanks to the many who took time out of their busy schedules to attend, speak, share opinions, and ideas on how we can effectively protect the Laguna Madre from current and future oil and gas exploration. The enthusiasm and resourcefulness shown at this meeting is testament to the potential of what this group of concerned citizens can do.  Visit this website often in the next few weeks, and please tell your friends. Our hope is to make www.savethelagunamadre.com a central clearinghouse for the exchange of ideas and information. Your participation is crucial to this effort and again a big thank you for your interest and enthusiasm.