Projected ACC campus in Round Rock

How many students would like to attend an Austin Community College campus located directly in the heart of Round Rock, Texas? Currently, ACC officials would like to build the largest campus in Williamson County (Round Rock) that would serve approximately 10,000 - 11,000 students (according to Christi Snow; Community Impact Newspaper; title: ACC in Round Rock). The plan for a new campus has been long overdue and I believe that this would be an enormous benefit to all students. The thought of possibly having a new campus in Round Rock is historical. Reason being, ACC has never purchased property outside of its district. To accommodate this facility, they are looking to purchase 60 acres located east in the Williamson County district. The land is available; however, the voters will make the final decision in May 2008. In order for the proposed structure to take place, a petition containing roughly 4,300 signatures must be signed. Keep in mind that these signatures only initiate the election process. In addition, “they must convince the community that the cheaper tuition rates and the promise of a campus would be a valuable exchange for a property tax increase.”
http://www.impactnewspaper.com/www/docs/260.1715 For homeowners, our property taxes will increase. Not to mention, the possibility of heavy traffic and the continued growth of commercial businesses. However, the student’s tuition savings would be significant. At the moment, the in-district tuition cost is at $54 per credit hour compared to the out-of-district cost of $125 per credit hour. There are a total of seven Austin Community College campus strategically located throughout the Austin area and nine ACC Centers.

Each year, the number of students attending Austin Community College continues to rise. Dr. Stephen Kinslow (ACC District President/CEO) says the following, “From the Round Rock area alone, the college has seen a 40 percent increase in enrollment the past four years.” http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/news.php/2007/06/542 The building of the Austin Community College campus in Round Rock is necessary and has the potential to benefit many students (financially and demographically).

Let Teens Work at Polls

When it deals with Texas politics how involved is today’s youth? In our society, many may add that our youth is far from understanding and grasping the concept of how politics work. For those teens that are unclear on the political process, they should be informed and allowed to take more of a proactive stand. As a concerned parent and Texan, we must view our youth of today as tomorrow’s future and mold them into becoming educated citizens in our society.

One particular method that has been addressed is to allow our teenage Texans (ages 16 and 17 year olds) to work as election clerks at the polls. At the moment, “Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia permit teenagers to work at polling places in some capacity.” Former Texas Secretary of State, Roger Williams, is for the idea of allowing our youth to participate in such a learning experience. However, "A Texas Senate-approved proposal allowing teenagers to work at polling stations died before reaching the House floor in this year's legislative session." The thought of being politically involved to some extent could be frightful to some students. An opportunity like this that allows teenagers to work at the polls would encourage our teens to speak up on political matters. In addition, it may encourage them to vote (when of age) for specific issues that they believe in. The numbers show that “In the 2004 presidential election, 42 percent of Texas voters ages 18 to 29 voted.”

Allowing teens to work at the polls would be a great way to drive our youth in the direction of political involvement. It would establish responsibility and it would keep them informed as to what is going on in their area.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/10/05/1005elections.html

Tolls now enforced on 183A -- Toll Roads

As many of us may have heard or seen, the Texas Department of Transportation has developed new toll roads throughout the state giving Texans more options for travel. The toll roads first opened its lanes (free of charge) to the public in March of this year. However, the cost of the toll fare was reduced to half price in June and the full price took effect as of July. The state’s purpose for the development of these new toll roads is to reduce traffic congestion, increase our safety, improve the air quality, and to expand economic opportunity.

One particular toll road that I would like to point out is the located near Lakeline Boulevard called toll road 183A. In one day, about 5,000 drivers have used this toll road without paying the necessary fees. Drivers who have used the toll road without paying on more than three occasions, will receive a “Notice of Toll Violation” in the mail. The cost of this violation comes with a $5 administrative fee. However, if you decide to get a TxTag they will waive the $5 administrative fee. In addition, habitual offenders could face a $250 fine and have their information referred to a collection agency. Part of the confusion to whether or not drivers need to pay, originates from the fact that drivers pay at one toll booth then a few blocks later they find themselves illegally passing through another toll booth. I believe that this article will prove to be helpful to all drivers who live or travel in this area.

Here is the link to this article: http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=192288