Trickle Down: Elections, Projects & Jobs (?)

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said bitcoin miners would locate above natural gas fields, using the flared gas to generate power.  He also said government needed to assist in the development of such infrastructure (buildings and associated power plant).    

Lutnik's son Howard has a major role in a new bitcoin company, while the Trump boys AI venture switched over to bitcoin mining, American Bitcoin.   The Sons of Monarchy expect concierge service.

Both the City of San Angelo and Tom Green County have been very accommodating to new energy sources (solar, battery storage) and I expect the same to happen with Skybox Data Centers.  So far, the city and county have given significant tax breaks to projects providing zero to just a few jobs.  That likely will continue.

So who would facilitate development in our region?  It would have to be someone with access to resources.  That usually means a municipality, given the sparseness of county government in our region.  City managers and Mayors have development staff, resources and budgets.  

The City of San Angelo holds elections next week for the Mayor slot and three City Council seats. 

Current City Councilman Tom Thompson is running for Mayor on economic development.  His website states:

Economic development encompasses housing, commercial growth, and public-private partnerships, all aimed at sustainable tax base expansion. 

We must prioritize welcoming new opportunities and streamlining development processes. Collaborative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce and Direct Marketing Organization are underway, and over $40 million in permitted commercial expansions and improvements are scheduled. We will pursue public-private partnerships to accelerate economic development and ensure tangible benefits for our community.

Thompson did not mention Council's strange conflict with the Chamber of Commerce's Walt Koenig or their heavy handed treatment of John Bariou, who did much for the Economic Development Board during his multiple stints.  Bariou is running for City Council District #2 (Thompson's current seat).

Candidate Thompson pulled a page from former Mayor Alvin New's playbook in targeting area nonprofits as non-taxpayers.  He should recognize the city fits that bill, as does his prior employer for ten years, the San Angelo Rodeo Association.

Council left millions on the tax table (Peregrine Energy Battery Storage Farm) before foisting two new health insurance co-pays on city retirees, many struggling on a miniscule fixed income.  

Thompson said "economic development is crucial for maintaining and lowering tax rates."  How about applying those rates to new commercial entities, especially those of the jobless variety.

Tom Thompson's Public Safety Push: Animals Not Included

San Angelo Mayoral Candidate and current Council member Tom Thompson is focused on public safety, at least the departments that don't involve stray animals.  Police and Fire need to expand to serve the community as it grows.  The power vested in the Mayor is chairing City Council meetings and hiring the City Manager.  Should Thompson win, he would need the majority of Council to direct staff to prioritize the development of Police and Fire Departments.  

Animal Services is the third wheel in public safety.  I suggested in June 2022 that City Council consider Animal Services in their strategic planning sessions, providing Council members data from public information requests.  That did not happen, even though the suggestion fit with Thompson's "need to keep pace" public safety vision.

Just days ago, Animal Shelter contractor Concho Valley PAWS sponsored an animal focused candidate forum which Thompson could not attend due to prior commitments.  He did however send a written statement.  

PAWS served as the shelter's adoption coordinator and veterinary services provider for at least seven years.  PAWS has been there for the various crises, including the roach infestation/horrific hoarding conditions (September 2022).   Tom Thompson instructed staff in its aftermath to implement a hard cap on shelter capacity (November 2022).  He did so during a City Council meeting informational agenda item, one that required no vote.  

Thompson's letter cited funds set aside for Animal Shelter renovations, which Council clearly stated just gets the existing building to a functional state and does not take into account people or pet population growth.  

Should a candidate be proud of approving borrowing $1.6 million in early 2023 for a project that is yet to be bid over two years later?  

The city already had a $345,000 capital budget for shelter improvements when Council approved the first short term debt borrowing.  That makes up the majority of Thompson's "$400,000 in sales tax" money for the project.  

Tom Thompson has a record on public safety.  He's lucky animals can't vote.  

Update 4-29-25:

Leadership grounded in facts, absolutely.

Shelter Renovations: Projected Completion February 2026

City staff updated the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee on the status of shelter renovations.  San Angelo City Council approved borrowing $2 million in early 2023 as the need for the project was urgent.  

Shelter Chief Morgan Chegwidden referenced that borrowing in her ASAC presentation.  Does that mean the city paid interest over the last two years for a project that is still in the engineering phase?

Morgan shared there would no commercial laundry equipment as the city had difficulty arranging maintenance of those washers and dryers.  She said there would be a cost associated with additional electric service due to AEP's need to add capacity to ensure the new HVAC system could operate properly.

Construction Manager Al Torres indicated the engineers need three months to finish the updated electrical and he expects City Council to approve the project in their first meeting in August with construction starting that month.  If that schedule holds, it would be two years since the City paid back the first bond intended to fund this project.  

Torres expects shelter renovations to be complete in February 2026, three full years after City Council approved funding this urgently needed project.

Staff indicated there have been issues with the temporary shelter and getting that building ready.  Torres shared that the temporary facility would be finished in August, just in time for renovations to start on the existing shelter building.  He is working with a Buyboard contractor on the temporary shelter plans.  

Morgan stated that shelter staff is not sufficient to do enrichment (supervise play yards) at the main shelter and did not see availability to add enrichment at the temporary shelter site.  Later, Morgan revealed that shelter pets "do not go outside" under current facility operations.

It remains to be seen what comes before City Council as the main shelter renovation planning continues and the temporary shelter is made ready.  Many Council positions will change after the May election is concluded.  Departing Council members heard repeated missed timelines.  Hopefully, that won't be the case for newly installed officials.