One of the most complicated and controversial issues to hit Port O’Connor in years is about to be resolved. Thanks to State Representative Todd Hunter, his aide, Caleb McGee, Commissioner Pct. 4, Kenny Finster and Chief Deputy Mark Daigle, House Bill 2790 was written, introduced and passed by the Texas House of Representatives (144 to 0). It is now in the Texas senate. The bill can be followed by logging on to www.capitol.state.us then click on legislation, type in the bill number and the status of the bill can be viewed.

A very informative article appeared in the Port Lavaca Wave on April 27, 2011. The article was written by DD Turner. With permission from Ms. Turner and Wave editor, Tania French, for those who may have missed it, the article appears below.

Bill Moving Through The Process
Calhoun County-specific legislation would allow golf carts in unincorporated areas

A bill working its way through the Texas Legislature would give Calhoun County the ability to pass an ordinance allowing golf carts in unincorporated areas of the county.

Previously, residents were able to register a golf cart with the Texas Department of Transportation that would allow it to be operated on a roadway. Two years ago, TXDOT decided to no longer register golf carts and the law reverted back to where a golf cart could only be driven in a gated community, on the beach or on a golf course.

However, incorporated cities had the ability to pass an ordinance to allow golf carts to be driven on the streets if they were registered, had a license plate, lights and were driven only where the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or under.

“In Calhoun County, the only city that has passed such an ordinance is Seadrift,” said Calhoun County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mark Daigle. “And that’s when the war began,” said Daigle, who helped write the bill with State Representative Todd Hunter.

Residents of Port O’Connor, an unincorporated town, were unhappy about not being able to drive their golf carts. In addition, if caught they were given warnings or citations.

“I can’t just look the other way. The issue got to a point where it was getting a little rough.” About what was described to Daigle as trivial law, he responded, “ If I am not stringent on what is consider a trivial law, how stringent would I be on more serious violations such as, burglary, robbery or theft? I took an oath of office to enforce all laws of this State and not be discretionary.” Daigle then said “if the golf carts are on a public roadway, they are in violation of the law and can be cited.”

In 2010, sheriff’s deputies made 96 stops and only two stops have been made in 2011 as of March.

May of 2010: 19 stops were made, two citations issued.
June 2010: 13, stops with, no citations
July 2010: 45 stops with 42 warnings and two citations
August 2010: Eight stops, six warnings and two citations issued.
September 2010: One stop, one warning issued.
November 2010: One stop, one warning issued.
December 2010 : No stops
January through February 2011: No stops
March 2011: Two stops, two warnings issued

“They were more informative than anything” said Daigle. “One of the things I told people was that if you didn’t like the law you have the Constitutional right to petition your local legislator for a law to remedy the situation and I will support you. I will go and testify, help write the bill.”

And that’s what happened. Daigle said Hunter decided to sponsor the bill and he worked with Caleb McGee, legislative assistant to Hunter, to craft the bill.

“It was presented to the Transportation committee and voted out and then to the Senate committee. It has passed the house” said Daigle who recently went to Austin and testified to the Transportation Committee on behalf of the bill.

“It’s going through the process and has passed out of committee. Mark Daigle spoke in support of the bill and it is looking positive,” said McGee.

The bill would give Calhoun County Commissioners’ Court the authority to pass an ordinance allowing the golf carts and is something that can only be granted by the Legislature.

“This bill is not for all 254 counties, it is exclusive to Calhoun County” said Daigle. “After we get out of the House, it goes to the Senate, where they can change the language, add to it, make it more, or less stringent. Then it goes to the Senate floor for a vote and on to the governor . “It’s a long process.”

If passed, it will then be up to the Calhoun County commissioners to take up the process. Daigle said he has been asked to work on the ordinance by the commissioners, putting together the language, the requirements such requiring a licensed driver, rules of the road, where they can be ridden, safety items such as headlights, taillights, inspections and such.

He did point out that drivers who drink and drive a golf cart can still be given a DWI and that the county issued one last year. “We want to make this a safe act.” He said.

“ Also being considered is a yearly registration fee, the funds of which would be used to help volunteer agencies,” said Daigle.

Note: Just as a reminder, at the time this issue of the Dolphin goes to press, it is STILL against the law to operate a golf cart on a public roadway in our area. If a citation is issued, it is a class “C” misdemeanor and the fine for the offense in Port O’Connor is $165.00. If a person considers himself/herself a “law abiding” citizen he/she should remain patient and let the proposed changes continue through the proper legislative process.

The Dolphin would like to thank DD Turner and the Port Lavaca Wave for the very informative and accurate information in the above article. As we all know, the golf cart issue has been very confusing and at times a very heated subject. Port O’Connor and other coastal communities have grown tremendously in the last few years. With growth and population increase, safety issues increase as well. The goal of county and state law enforcement and our local elected officials is to ensure our residents and visitors have a safe environment in which to live, work and play.

You’re Invited…

Retirement Party for Mary Covarrubias (35 years of service)

and Brenda Smith (31 years of service)

Friday, May 27

Come and Go from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

at the Port O’Connor School Cafeteria

Refreshments Served

Please bring a card of appreciation for these two fine ladies, or mail cards to: Port O’Connor School, PO Box 687, Port O’Connor, TX

A young wife asked her husband if he would watch their three kids while she did some errands. He promptly volunteered to “baby-sit the kids” while she was out. He got an A+ for his quick willingness, but soon realized his failing grade for the choice of words by the awkward silence. Every husband has had at least one of those moments when we realize we said something wrong, but are just not quite sure what it was! Rather than her expected expression of thanks, she said, with an understanding smile and stunning wisdom, “When you watch others’ kids, it is called baby-sitting; when you watch your own, it is called parenting!” I would bet that husband has never used the “B” word since then! Parenting is a full time job – far more than we imagine and for longer than we anticipate!

The time and effort that it takes to take a child from adolescence to adulthood is so significantly important. Its duties are all encompassing and its results are eternal. There are so many practical elements to parenting – multi-faceted responsibilities but lots of unexpected joys and satisfaction – involving shelter, safety, food, health, education, training, exercise, skill development, growth, morals and values, social interactions (Now you realize why every parent is tired!) – but there is one job that supersedes all others in importance. The singular objective for every good parent is voiced by Joshua to Israel, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” (Joshua 24:15)

Every parent knows the importance and necessity of providing shelter, and most want to provide the very best that we can afford. However, it is important that we not teach our children such a high standard that they will be unhappy with anything but the best for the rest of their lives. Joane had never lived in the conditions that she moved to in Port O’Connor, but, because she loved God and me, she was willing to live in much less than she was used to. Our kids adapted to much less as well.

Safety, proper diet, along with a lot of “wade fishing” are important considerations for parents. I remember the pain in my heart the day I realized I could not protect my children they way I wanted, because they no longer would allow it! It is always a task to get kids to eat broccoli and carrots! Now, with all the emphasis on “video games”, it is now a constant task to get the kids out of the house to do any kind of exercise. But, we cannot just give in and allow a child to make decisions that will affect them the rest of their lives! We must enforce what we wish to see accomplished.

Very few kids would go to school every day if we did not make education a priority. Without a proper education, proper training, and skill development, kids would grow up without proper social interaction. School has always sought to teach more than just the “3 Rs”! There will come a time when our influence as parents will take second place to the influence of friends – and we all hope that will happen after college. When that happens, all we can do is trust and pray that we have taught them well enough that they will make wise choices for themselves.

To successfully teach morals and values, every parent needs the Lord’s help. The Bible states that we are to, “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”. (Ephesians 6:4) Everything the Lord commands and expects us to do, He teaches us how and equips us to accomplish well. When Jesus was asked what the first and most important of God’s commands was, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6 – love God with all your heart! Successful parents begins where Jesus began. First, love God and secondly, train our family to follow our example.

Love is the key to everything. Keeping the commands of God is only possible through the power of an overwhelming love for God. Religion is never strong enough and our own personal determination will fail. A truly loving heart is the key to a satisfying marriage, effecting parenting, our children’s future, and our spiritual lives and growth as a family.

Love is a practical and priority response. Love is learned by seeing it and feeling it, not just hearing about it. Love must be modeled consistently in our homes – love for God, love for our spouse, love for our family, and love for others. What we want to be true in our home must first be true in our heart. Long ago I learned that love, to be accepted as authentic, must be practical and observable.

Teach and talk of God’s Law and love all the time and everywhere. Sometimes, when necessary, use words! We will be the most powerful voice in our children’s lives when what we say matches how we live. By words and example, train when opportunities arise at home. Take every opportunity of every place to train children of God’s great love. Choose specific times of the day to train and teach. Make time for what is truly important – eternal matters! I have strongly taught for years that to leave eternal matters for children to make is equal to “child abuse”! Scale back the computer and television time and replace it with family time. Regulate schedules as they profitably impact the family rather than each individual, which will help the child understand where they fit into the family unit.

Parenting is not easy, but it is worth the investment! There will be many future nights of great rest if we will invest the time now to help our children develop into godly individuals. Parenting must be continual and consistent – it can never be a part-time job!

Margaret Chatham has been a vital part of the community for over 40 years, and served as Judge for the City of Seadrift for 25 years.

Margaret’s health has been deteriorating since 2008. She was diagnosed with Primary Biliary Chirrosis, an inherited and incurable disease. Help can come in the form of a liver transplant. She has been on the transplant list since 2009.

On Saturday, May 21, a Benefit Fish Fry, Auction and Raffle will be held at Seadrift School. Serving will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with an Auction at 3:00 p.m. A raffle will also be held, with tickets selling for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Any donations of raffle and auctions items would be greatly appreciated by Margaret, her family, and friends.

For any information, or to buy tickets or donate items, please contact Missy at 361-785-2000 or 361-218-5991 or Glenda at 361-785-5581.

Students at Hope High School celebrated Earth Day this year by planting two trees on their campus. Money to purchase a Flowering Dogwood and Red Maple tree was donated by the students. The Environmental Club members who took part in the planting of the trees were Rachelle Williams, Haley Thompson, Colton McBride, Allie Bednorz, Sean Allen and Braulio Cruz (not pictured).

-Laurie Weaver