Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Citizens for a Better Waller County / CBWC?
The Citizens for a Better Waller County is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization that exists to "promote the protection and wise use of Waller County's natural and rural resources to ensure a healthy quality of life for all residents".
2. When was it established and for what purpose?
The origins of the Citizens for a Better Waller County began during late 2004 and into the spring of 2005 when a small circle of neighbors began organizing to oppose the proposed general aviation county airport in north Waller County between Waller and Prairie View. The name for the group, Citizens for a Better Waller County, was adopted in the summer of 2005. The Waller County Commissioners' Court voted in July 2005 to put these airport plans on "the shelf."
In 2009, CBWC has started to focus its energy on local issues, such as recycling, animal control, mobility, private property rights, environmental issues, and local government. CBWC is committed to demanding open government, where citizens have the ability to see how decisions are made that impact our daily lives. We believe in that government should be run in the open sunshine, pursuant to the Texas Open Records Act and Texas Public Information Act.
For a list of our accomplishment since 2006, go to http://www.wallercountycitizens.org/behalf.php. CBWC is currently governed by 12 directors that represent a wide cross section of Waller County, both geographically and culturally.
3. Are there dues to belong to the CBWC?
No, there are no dues, but without contributions we cannot operate.
4. What are the CBWC goals and objectives?
It is our goal to help inform the citizenry on issues that might result in decisions, policies, practices, and projects that will affect us in our lives and livelihoods in Waller County. It is our objective to determine and recommend courses of action to follow to achieve those goals. That might include investigations resulting in a better understanding of some issues, support for some projects, recommendations for modifications of others, and opposition to some which threaten our quality of life.
5. How does CBWC keep Waller County citizens informed?
We ask that members allow us to add their names and contact information to our database. We believe that necessary to alert and inform citizens scattered over a large geographical area without a major communications outlet to rely upon. We believe that we must use technology where we can to overcome the isolation and communication limitations that are a part of the rural landscape... and our largest challenge.
6. How will the CBWC know if it is successful?
- attainment of stated goals
- a better informed and involved populace
- citizen trust and confidence in the willingness of CBWC to take on issues in a responsible and competent manner
7. What is the CBWC position on these issues?
Trans-Texas Corridor? CBWC is opposed to the building of the TTC through Waller County because of its abusive use of eminent domain to seize unwarranted and excessive amounts of private property to be "rented" to a foreign company. The 50 year long, secret, non-compete terms of the contracts also violate free enterprise and open government principles. Established need (based on feasibility studies and projections from an impartial source) and public input should be fundamental determiners for major transportation projects.
eminent domain? CBWC supports efforts for a strong, genuine Eminent Domain Amendment to the Texas Constitution
condemnation? CBWC will campaign for "replacement value" instead of "fair market value" in appraisals and will support legislation to overturn Hubenak v. San Jacinto Gas Transmission Co., a 2004 Texas Supreme Court case which allows state governmental entities to offer less than "fair market value" in condemnation proceedings, and thereby placing the burden of proof (and expense) on the landowner to show otherwise. (A fuller Condemnation Handout is available and is posted online at www.wallercountycitizens.org <http://www.wallercountycitizens.org> )
recycling? CBWC worked with Waller County officials to obtain a $100,000 grant in 2009 for the construction of a recycling center in Waller County and has strongly supported recycling efforts in the county.
animal control? CBWC supported efforts to establish an animal control program in Waller County and amendments to the animal control regulations. CBWC continues to support the animal control program through education and assistance.
environmental? CBWC supports the protection of our natural resources and has recently founded Keep Waller County Beautiful, an non-profit corporation primarily focused on environmental and beautification projects in Waller County.
8. What other issues is the CBWC currently investigating and/or addressing?
- water rights and Ground Water Districts (GWD)
- flood control issues
- roles, powers, and membership of RMAs (Regional Mobility Authorities),
- monitoring the US Hwy 290 expansion between IH 610 and FM 2920
- monitoring the Prairie Parkway, a proposed thoroughfare from I-10 at Woods Road that would go north to U.S. 290 and Muse Parkway
- support of Initiative and Referendums as a reform tool to carry grassroots issues directly to the voters
- support a "Vote of Record" for ALL votes cast in the Texas Legislature
- the need to identify and endorse candidates who support our positions at the ballot box
- open government in Waller County and accountability of local elected officials
9. Is the CBWC a non-profit organization?
Yes, it is a non-profit political action committee (PAC). It is nonpartisan but has the ability to endorse candidates who have stated positions in keeping with the objectives of the group. Education and issue advocacy are the fundamental tools of the CBWC.
10. How can I participate in the CBWC?
- Be a volunteer;
- Contribute financially or with "in-kind services" to CBWC;
- Be the "eyes and ears of the community" and inform CBWC about issues that you think should be investigated;
- Attend meetings and events and stay informed;
- Invite the CBWC to address your community group;
- Inform your friends and neighbors by forwarding the website and email alerts;
- Contact your county, state and federal government representatives and express your concerns;
- Support and vote for candidates who support the issues that are important to you;
- Encourage others to do the same;
- Consider yourself to be a Citizen for a Better Waller County. TOGETHER we can make a difference.
11. Where can I get more information on the CBWC?
12. What is the current status of the Trans Texas Corridor I-69?
In June of 2008, TXDOT announced that it was abandoning plans to route the TTC through Waller County. Since that time, TXDOT has announced that plans for the TTC-69 would no longer be pursued and that TXDOT would focus on "regional" projects instead. Although it has been proclaimed in the media that the Trans Texas Corridor is "dead", we continue to monitor transportation issues. CBWC believes, however, that until the legislation is changed that enabled the TTC to be created, there still exists a risk that the TTC could be "resurrected". Until we have leadership changes on the state level, we believe that the TTC still presents a significant risk to private property rights and rural Texas.
13. Can TxDOT or any other State government entity come on my property without my permission?
Prior to Condemnation proceedings, TxDOT must obtain the permission of the landowner to enter upon the property and conduct a survey. If the landowner refuses to give permission and TxDOT enters the property, they are trespassing.
Once a Condemnation proceeding begins, then TxDOT may enter the property WITHOUT the owner's permission. The landowner should receive notice prior to the beginning of a Condemnation proceedings.
