Stop Vista Ridge meeting, Elgin, Texas We had another packed house, this time in Elgin on Wednesday night. We had more great feedback on our revealing “Stop Vista Ridge” video. This coming Tuesday’s meeting (Sept. 1) in Lockhart has been moved to a larger venue — the Clark Building in downtown Lockhart (217 S. Main) from 6 to 8 pm. Details here . The video shown at these events is coming soon to you on YouTube. When you get it, we need your help to share it with others to beef up our petition drive. Have you signed and shared the petition to Gov. Abbott yet? Go here . Please note that if you live in Hays or Travis counties , what Vista Ridge means to you could well be faster growth due to increased water supply. We hope you’re already connecting the dots to unaffordability. It is the current residents who are picking up most all the tab for new roads, new water lines, new schools and public safety for the newcomers. Growth should pay for itself, but it really can’t due to Texas laws. Moreover, unbridled population growth and environmental damage are just two of the economic, social and political choices for which Mother Nature will exact her price from future generations. The last thing central Texans need is hyper-growth over the fast-recharging Edwards aquifer and its sensitive recharge zone, fueled with water permanently removed from the very slow recharging Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer and its Simsboro formation under nearby rural counties. Watch for more on these points in the video. Please share this message and feel free to leave a comment at the end of the page. PS We are also in process of setting up meetings in Brazos County (Bryan-College Station) all the way to San Antonio. If you want a meeting in your area, let us know asap! Keep an eye on our Events page.

► Congrats Burleson County o n a GREAT first Stop Vista Ridge meeting — in the city of Caldwell on Tuesday night. ► Next…Elgin…next Wednesday night… details here . A highlight of Burleson’s meeting was when Nathan Ausley, President of the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District, admitted that he had leased his water to Metropolitan Water, Scott Carlson’s company. This was not new information. What was new was Ausley’s audacity in front of hundreds of landowners he supposedly represents to suggest that they could “check the map” to see if his lease was being used for Vista Ridge. (Watch the short video clip of the interchange.) A follow up meeting is in the works as Burleson countians are on their way to organizing a local League of Independent Voters. How ’bout you? ► If you like the idea of draining aquifers, flooding farm and ranch land for wasteful and destructve reservoirs, or the continued government policies (at all levels) of driving affordability in our urban centers off a cliff as they wave the world to move to Texas, ignore us. If you think it’s time for voters to unite across the partisan divide, then… Sign and share our petition to the Governor , order signs & join the League . …and invite us to come to your community, especially if you can’t make it to an event already scheduled. Keep checking in on our events section as meetings continue to be scheduled. Is it not time to tell those drunk with power to get on out of town on the horse they rode in on? Ordinary Texans are the only ones with the power to make that happen — but you’ve got get on your high horse. #NathanAusley #PostOakSavannahGroundwaterConservationDistrict

We start our Stop Vista Ridge tour tomorrow in the city of Caldwell, Burleson County, “ground zero” for the game changer in aquifer depletion in Texas. No, we’re not going to let that happen, are we Texas? If you can get to the Caldwell Civic Center, 103 State Hwy. 21, tomorrow (Tues, Aug. 18) at 6 pm, you’ll get a sneak preview of the new rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'”. This Thursday, the Independent Ponies are gonna start walking all over Vista Ridge. Watch out! The next email will explain. #independentponies

We recommend that you attend this meeting tomorrow night and ask Senator Campbell about Vista Ridge. Though this meeting is focused on issues related to the Trinity Aquifer, Senator Campbell needs to hear from her constituents on the Vista Ridge water grab. Details:  Monday, August 17, 6 to 8 pm @ Wimberley Community Center, 14208 Ranch Road 12. Details here. Vista Ridge, the $3.4 billion game-changer in movement of groundwater, is still in play . Easements are being sought for the 142 mile pipeline from Burleson to Bexar counties. On the night before the end of the session, Senator Campbell was pushing hard for a bill amendment to enhance financing opportunities for Vista Ridge AND over-turning the rights of county judges in the 7 counties traversed by Vista Ridge, to a say in the matter. The attached video of the floor fight is a must-see. Senator Campbell, in the face of clear and outspoken opposition from mostly Republican colleagues, coudn’t let it go . Please note that the League of Independent Voters is holding our own meeting on Vista Ridge on September 22. Details here. Hoping to hear from you after tomorrow night and to see you on September 22! #SenatorDonnaCampbell #VistaRidge

The Railroad Commission recently promulgated rule changes to supposedly reform the process for pipeline companies to receive the power to seize private property through eminent domain. Remember the “T-4” form at the Railroad Commission (RRC) that allows a pipeline company to claim common carrier status by simply checking a box? This is what gave them the power to seize Julia Trigg Crawford’s, David Holland’s and thousands of others’ land — against their will. They’re running tar sands crude over hundreds of East Texas water ways. They’re running other high pressure and dangerous Liquified Natural Gas pipelines, like the one within 50 feet of Isom Ramsey’s door in Beaumont. ( More here on our website ). What’s that you say? The RRC will reform itself when pigs fly. We know, but do it anyway! For background, read this helpful piece from the Star-Telegram newspaper and visit the Eminent Domain section on this website here . We, the people, must continue to assert our rights to local control. Eminent domain can now be used to seize private land for water pipelines too, y’all! For upcoming events keep checking our calendar right here . If there isn’t something going on where you are, let us know and we’ll help make something happen!

Great showing last night in the most watched local control battle over groundwater in Texas, Lost Pines! Thanks to the good folks of Lee County, we have our very first chapter of the League. We need 100 more! Our conference call this Saturday at 9 am will focus on how to build for local control. Reply for conference instructions. Mark your calendars! Wed., September 10, 7 pm. The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District will make a decision (they put it on hold last night) on the End Op, LP water grab on September 10th in Bastrop. Y’all come! Spread the word from here about it. Pack the house again! Mon-Tues, September 15-16. Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Conference , Bastrop Convention Center. More here.   We especially encourage you to attend the water panel that League Board Member, Michele Gangnes will be on. Reserve now! Here is Henry Urban and Andy Meyer , Paige landowners, at Mayer Auctions last Saturday. We’re also seeing local businesses carrying our signs and helping out with signatures. Thank you all and keep it up! We also thank Lee County Judge Paul Fischer and Giddings Mayor John Dowell for joining us at our meetings recently. We hope to see more local officials stepping up! Folks, this is what local control looks like. Want a little bit of it? Be on the call this Saturday! Think about 10,000 organized independent voters in Texas — to help us reach the 5-6 million who currently identify as independents but have no way of making their voices heard. That’s the ticket, if you want to shake up Texas. There’s lots more to tell you, but we’ll wait for Saturday. Or, anytime, just give us a call and we’ll be there. P.S. Thanks to the many people who signed up this week. Now each one, reach one! Keep those new members a comin’!

And please spread the word to your neighbors and friends.

A hearty welcome to all you new folks joining the League of Independent Voters of Texas and/or signing our petition! The League holds conference calls every other Saturday at 9 am. Our next one is on Saturday, August 16th, at 9 a.m. (not tomorrow) Topic: A full report on of the items below. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS! BASTROP & LEE COUNTIANS SHOW UP FOR THIS! Next Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7 pm, Bastrop Convention Center : For well over a year, landowners of Lee and Bastrop counties have been seeking a voice to stop water marketer, EndOp, L.P., from a raid on their groundwater. Finally, they will get a chance to state their case at the same time the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District deliberates on EndOp’s permit application to pump 46,000 acre-feet-per year of Lee and Bastrop counties’ groundwate r. Here’s a flier you can print and post or share if from our events page here . More details from Environmental Stewardship . FIRST LEAGUE CHAPTER FOUNDED – Yeehaw! We had a smashing success last night in Giddings with the founding of first chapter of the League of Independent Voters! Thanks to all the attendees and new members. Special thanks the organizers (Gary & Dorothy Gerdes, Henry Urban and Michele Gangnes) AND to Lee County Judge Paul Fischer and Giddings Mayor John Dowell for sharing and listening! MARVIN NICHOLS RESERVOIR : A hearing in Austin on Thursday gave the folks who’ve been fighting the long-opposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir some glimmer of hope that the Texas Water Development Board might be listening. Still, it’s not clear that they’re willing to tell Dallas, a well-known water hog, they must conserve first before preying on their neighbor’s land and water! Read this from the Texarkana Gazette . (This will be be the subject of our conference call on Sept. 6.) FARM AND RANCH FREEDOM ALLIANCE CONFERENCE . Sept. 15-16, Bastrop Convention Center. (Registration goes up Aug. 15). We at the League couldn’t be more insistent on protecting our resources so that Texans can grow food as close to where they live as possible. Several of our leaders will be presenting at their yearly conference. We hope to see you all there! Click here for the conference lowdown . The Little Things You Can Do: Join the League here . Sign our Petition and pass it on from here . Like our Facebook page here . #GaryGerdes #JudgePaulFischer #LeeCounty #MayorJohnDowell

We hope to see you at events starting this Sunday in La Grange! THIS SUNDAY, Aug. 3. La Grange — at the lovely Bugle Boy, free film showing 2-5 pm. It’s all about fracking, water and the failure of the state of Texas agency charged with regulation — the Texas Railroad Commission. Click here for more ! NEXT THURSDAY, Aug. 7. Giddings , Giddings Library, 7 pm. Stop the Water Grab! Lee Countians are getting organized — be there!!! Click here for more! WEDNESDAY, August 13 , 7 pm, likely at the Bastrop Convention Center. Stay tuned, you Bastrop & Lee County residents. The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District has called a special meeting to consider the pending permit application for EndOp , in their quest to receive 46,000 acre feet per year from the Simsboro aquifer under Lee and Bastrop counties. (Note: Lost Pines GCD’s regular meeting is on Wednesday, August 20th in Giddings — don’t be confused.) STATEWIDE CANDIDATE DEBATE IN SEPTEMBER – Forth Worth . Wouldn’t you just love to see a candidate debate in the Attorney General’s race AND the hottest State Senate race in Texas? That is Senate District 10, in Senator Wendy Davis’ old Senate District. Reply if you want to help or give us a call! CITY OF AUSTIN RESIDENT? You may know that there is a voter revolt going on in Austin to make growth pay for itself. If you’d like to organize a forum with the City Council candidates running in November, reply to this message or call us at 512-213-4511. Thanks for sending folks to sign the Petition for Local Control and Property Rights — and to Stop the Water Grab — on our home page. Keep it going! PS If everyone receiving our messages joined the League — starting at even the modest $10 per year — we would have more than enough funds to do our work this year.  Please join up y’all! #EndOp #LostPinesGroundwaterConservationDistrict #RailroadCommission #waterconservation

Thanks for signing our local control petition — if you’ve done it. Spread it for us, won’t you ? We still have “Stop the Water Grab” yard signs – reply if you want one! Join our bi-weekly conference call this Saturday at 9 am. It will be with Cathy McMullen of Pass the Ban . Cathy will explain why the citizens of Denton are using the most powerful tool for local control that exists in Texas — the petition for a public vote. Denton voters will have the option to regulate fracking in their city limits. Join us! Reply if you need the number. Railroad Commission Reform? Should we be screaming from the rooftops that the RRC is “quietly” making recommendations to close the infamous “T-4 loophole”? Remember, we Texans (Julia Trigg Crawford, Debra Medina, David Holland, Jim Hightower…and more) been telling you — for years — that all the pipeline companies have to do to get the power to seize your land through eminent domain, is check a box on a T-4 form at the RRC that they are “common carriers”. No questions asked. What we’d like to scream is more like, “what took ya so long?”, since the Texas Supreme Court, no less, said the T-4 was a problem – in the Denbury Green decision rendered in 2011! Maybe we shouldn’t look a gift-horse in the mouth. Here are the proposed changes , which we applaud. (There are others needed on eminent domain reform, but that’s not really the RRC’s purview). Can we be honest? While the RRC recommendations are mostly very positive, no one believes the agency anymore . So, even if they do pass these rules, will they really enforce them? If they mean to enforce them, where is the request for additional funding to do so? Can we stop pretending? Did you catch outgoing RRC Chairman, Barry Smitherman’s attempt to undermine the rights of Denton citizens to local control? Is it not the people’s right, under the Texas constitution, to regulate fracking within their city limits, especially in light of failure of the RRC and the Denton City Council to do so? Smitherman, the dutiful industry lapdog embarrasses himself in this letter — click here . The truth is that we Texans are at the mercy of the hogs in oil and gas gone wild. They are happy as pigs in slop with no regulation. And most every state official is going along with this. You certainly don’t hear candidates in either party running for the highest offices — Governor and Lt. Governor — breathing a word about this, do you? Please, y’all, prove us wrong! Join us on Saturday’s call. Simpson takes the independent political cake…again! Remember, Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview) was the ONLY Texas House member who stood up for our water against Proposition 6 last November. Now he’s raised the bar on the discussion about the border crisis. Though the League has no position on this issue, we deeply appreciate politicians (and, for that matter, newspapers), who take a stand for what they think is right regardless of the stampede going in the opposite direction. Read this in the Longview paper ! Mark Your Calendars! Lee County : Thursday, August 7, at 7 pm, the League is holding a meeting at the Giddings Library. We’ll be talking about…you guessed it…how to continue the battle to win protection of groundwater from pumping at levels that harm aquifers. Come get a “Stop the Water Grab” yard sign. Details here for you to share ! Fayette County :   Sunday, August 3rd, 2-5 pm, there’s a free film showing of Gasland II at the Bugle Boy in La Grange. League Board member and a leader in the fight for eminent domain and fracking reform, former DISH Mayor, Calvin Tillman, who is featured in the film, will be on hand for comments following this event. Details here – reserve a FREE seat now! Open League Board Meeting : We will have a strategy and planning session soon. If you’re interested in attending, let us know — members only, please! Is it not yet clear why we all need to take a step back from the parties and tell them no one owns our votes? Get along, little dogies — join the League, if you haven’t yet, pay some dues, or send us a donation AND/OR volunteer some time to us! We appreciate y’all, especially Charlotte, who donated substantial hours to our administrative needs this week! Wanna talk about any of this? Share a comment below…we love hearing from ya! #JimHightower #DebraMedina #JuliaTriggCrawford #DavidSimpson #davidholland

Unfortunately, our server went down on July 4th, a few hours after we sent you a request to sign our Petition for Local Control and Property Rights. So, please try again if you missed it! Yes, we know that we are petitioning the politically deaf! The Governor, several state agencies and candidates running in November have their own narrow agendas — usually. But this is really not about them. It’s really about building a statewide network of people to flood the legislature in January 2015. Click here and do the deed ! Please use the Facebook link to send it out to your friends! Our next conference call is THIS Saturday at 9 am. Our special guest is Kathy Hubbard of the Brazos River Bottom Alliance . Visit this section of our website to read more about this important battle to protect the most PRIME FARMLAND in Texas from eminent domain abuse, or click on the picture to watch the video. If you have the conference line already, please use it. If not, reply to this message or call us for it. Now make sure you sign the petition and pass it on won’t ya?! (And don’t forget to join the League, but of course!) #farmland

[youtube]XLtxCNGkw1A[/youtube] Jim Hightower at the Capitol with Julia Trigg Crawford and Debra Medina, June 2013 If you believe that Texans must and can unite — call it the green tea party, if you like — across the partisan divide, to protect our land, water, air and property rights, please sign this petition for Local Control and Property Rights. Then spread it across the land! Here’s the text of the petition — be sure to sign it in the window below it and use the Facebook button to share it: Dear Governor, Commissioners of State Agencies and leaders of both parties: Whereas, the Governor of Texas, Texas state agencies (including the Railroad Commission, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board) and leaders in both parties, are so influenced by the top two lobbies in Texas (real estate and oil and gas), that they are ignoring the clear and present dangers to our land, water, air, and property rights posed by out-of-control population growth and unregulated oil and gas activities, including natural gas fracturing and dangerous pipelines; Therefore, we urge these reforms in the 2015 legislative session and that current candidates running in the November election adopt these reforms: • Prioritize conservation first – prohibiting the use of state water funds for municipalities that have yet to enact serious and concerted conservation. • Prohibit development in areas without their own water supply. • Prohibit the use of tax dollars by all government entities to promote population growth. • Expand to rural areas Texans’ rights to petition for a public vote in order to bring about more local control of natural resources and private property so that we may, ourselves, do what the state of Texas is failing to do. [emailpetition id=”4″] You can also print the petition here. We suggest you read this national article from Men’s Journal by writer Paul Solotaroff, “ Who Stole Our Water “. Join us every other Saturday at 9 am for our statewide conference calls! Call us at 512-213-4511 or email us at info@IndependentLeagueTX.org for more info! Spread the word, y’all! Texas is for us all to share, not the few to take!