Rancher with ties to Bush to get $305K River Crossing

[Wickerman]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA061206.3B.vanderpool.bridge.d205963.html

Bandera residents irked over road project that benefits rancher with ties to Bush

Web Posted: 06/12/2006 12:00 AM CDT
Zeke MacCormack
San Antonio Express-News

VANDERPOOL — Locals are upset and at least one Bandera County official wants answers about the state's construction of a $305,000 river crossing on a road to a ranch owned by Midland residents with high-ranking political friends.

The county didn't request the upgrades stretching for 700 feet that are under way on Brushy Creek Road, a dead-end county road that runs across the bed of the Sabinal River to reach five homes.

"I believe the money would better be spent elsewhere," said County Commissioner Doug King.

--snip--

"A lot of people are wondering why this is happening on this road where there's not even a bus route, or a mail route, and nobody lives there permanently," Rainey, 65, said. "It's just tax money going to hell."


--snip--

Then-Gov. Bush and wife Laura were among the guests of Davis and his wife, Polly, at a reception held at their Brushy Creek Ranch after a Davis family wedding in the 1990s, say locals who attended.

"He's a hell of a nice guy," said Norbert Lyssy of Davis. He recalled speaking with Bush at the reception, adding, "The whole (Davis) family is wonderful."

But local affection for Davis doesn't translate into support for the crossing project that Lyssy said has drawn gripes from some customers at his Lost Maples General Store.


-more-

[Roland99]

1. Cronyism/earmarks run amok

[aquart]

2. Hey, George wants a smooth ride when he goes to a fundraiser.

Isn't that worth $305,000? Which, btw, is pocket change to these thieving, greedy, predatory bastards.

[AndyA]

3. I would normally say this is outrageous, but it's just another

drop in the bucket for irresponsible Bush. Anything goes for his cronies and buds, while the rest of America dies because they can't afford health insurance.

You'd think his wealthy friends could use some of the obscene tax cuts he's given them to build their own damn bridge!

[jody]

4. Some would rather steal a penny from the poor than earn an honest $

Things like this go on all the time among the rich and powerful but it still makes me mad.