I formally filed for Railroad Commissioner today!

[jeffweemsforRRC]

Let the games begin. Please visit my website and let me know who you are and any comments you have!

www.jeffweemsforcommissioner.com

[sonias]

1. Woot! - Let the games begin!

:toast:

Looking good Jeff!


Sonia

[PDittie]

2. Way to go Jeff

Will you be attending Bill White's event tonight? We will if the weather (ie icy streets) aren't too bad.

[jeffweemsforRRC]

13. I didn't go because of the weather.

I hope to see you soon!

[merci_me]

3. Thank you!

[sonias]

4. Let's review the duties of the TRC

Ok DU Texas forum class today we're going to talk about the Texas Railroad Commission. Who knows what the TRC does? And the correct answer has nothing to do with railroads, so don't wing it. ;)


The right answer:

Jeff Weems for Texas Railroad Commissioner web site
About the Texas Railroad Commission

The Texas Railroad Commission was formed in the 1890’s to protect farmers from predatory pricing by the railroads. The Texas Legislature later gave the Commission additional regulatory responsibilities, primarily over trucking and oil and gas exploration and production. Over the years, the Commission’s authority over railroads and trucking was reduced, and finally eliminated altogether in 2005.

The Texas Railroad Commission is currently responsible for:

* Regulating oil and gas exploration and production;
* Regulating pipeline (both natural gas and hazardous liquid) safety;
* Regulating certain coal and uranium surface mining operations;
* Setting rates for pipelines and for natural gas utilities;
* Regulating natural gas utility safety measures; and
* Creating and applying programs designed to promote the use of and market for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) or Propane gas.

Right now there are 3 commissioners - all Republicans.
Agency web site:
http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/

Jeff Weems for Commissioner!

Hopefully this agency will get a proper name so voters will stop skipping this race on the ballot. These are very powerful positions and people just don't realize it when they see the name Texas Railroad Commission.

There was a bill filed last session to rename the agency the Texas Energy Commission. What would have gotten a lot more attention right?

HB 499
Relating to changing the name of the Railroad Commission of Texas to the Texas Energy Commission. Left pending in committee i.e. never got a committee vote in Energy Resources Committee. Gee I wonder why? The industries that are regulated by the TRC like it just the way it is right now - under the radar.

:kick:

Sonia

[jeffweemsforRRC]

11. Thanks all! But the name "Railroad Commission" fits in a way.

The current appointed commissioners railroad consumers.

The current appointed commissioners railroad landowners.

The current appointed commissioners railroad the little guys - every chance they get.

Jeff

[Melissa G]

5. Happy to be #5!

Best of Luck!

[Lochloosa]

6. Good Luck Jeff

[tammywammy]

7. Good luck Jeff!

:toast:

[derby378]

8. Go, Jeff, Go!

:applause:

[WolverineDG]

9. Let's get this party started!

:woohoo:

dg

[onestepforward]

10. Good luck Jeff!

Your website looks really nice!

[jeffweemsforRRC]

12. Thanks!

[Naked_Ape]

14. Great, Jeff! this powerful position is often overlooked, but everybodu needs to....

Give a nickel.
http://www.actblue.com/contribute/entity/22950
Talk is cheap and the man needs a kick start.

Early money gets things off the ground. On the other hand we're all broke. I just contributed $50. I will send another $10 for each one of you that contributes Any amount and then posts here before midnight Sunday the 6th. Let's get this thing off the ground!

FWIW, I didn't know anything about Jeff before today. What I do know is that the GOP has had a butt-lock on the state good ol boy network for far too long. Here in DFW gas wells and lines are going in all over and will for years to come. We need a seat at the table and Jeff is willing to do the work. I am NOT willing to put up with the BS and heavy lifting of actually running for and doing this thankless job, but I can sure get Mr. VISA and go clikkety to make my conscience feel better and so can YOU. HERE

[sonias]

15. I like your style Naked Ape!

Welcome to the Texas DU forum too. :hi:

Sonia

[Naked_Ape]

16. been away from the game for a while...

but I'm tired of sitting and watching. Last year I worked really hard but not so much within the party. It's time, Past Time, for us monkeys to rise up and do some do-ing rather than just talking monkey talk.

So, Dahlin', are you claiming your $10? Easy money. Come N git it...

[sonias]

17. Yes I will tomorrow

Let you know when it's done. I've contributed to Jeff before. He will make a hell of a fighter for our side.

:kick:

Sonia

[Naked_Ape]

18. Cold day in Texas. Only one taker so far, Turn up the (gas) heat!

I'll add $10 to your contribution of ANY amount made made today.
http://www.actblue.com/contribute/entity/22950

[jeffweemsforRRC]

19. Thank you very much, my friend.

One thing you may not know about me is that in addition to the work I have done in the field and industry before, my son is a petroleum engineer. He is a great "verifier" when I have questions or ideas.

OK - I have to get back to work - Sunday is my work catch-up day - it allows me to hit the week fresh and ready.

And thanks again Sonia!

[Naked_Ape]

21. Wish today had turned out a little better

I'm new around here (DU). Still getting a feel for the place.
I'll be here to help as the new year goes forward.

Bill

[sonias]

20. Sundays are slow days

Maybe we'll kick it for Monday.

:kick:


Sonia

[Naked_Ape]

22. One more day of Free Money

Make a donation in ANY amount, Even just $1! I will match it with a $10 donation. Must email me or post here Today Only.

Let's get Jeff off to a good start. Be the first kid on your block to get involved in 2010!

http://www.actblue.com/contribute/entity/22950
http://www.jeffweemsforcommissioner.com

[sonias]

23. kicking it for Jeff

And Naked Ape's free money offer of course!

Every little bit helps!

Thanks Naked Ape! :yourock:


Sonia

[sonias]

24. There is still time DUers!

:kick:


Sonia

[Naked_Ape]

25. Well, Sonia,

It was just you. I settled up and maybe we can try again later. It won't be long before the governor's race is sucking up all the oxygen in the room, though.

[sonias]

26. Don't get discouraged Naked Ape

Lots of things are taking people's time and money right now - including the Mayor's race in Houston. And there's that holiday thing too.

You showed some great spirit though. Things will get busy on the TX forum again in the spring with the primary fights.

:hi:

Sonia

[jeffweemsforRRC]

27. I too appreciate your efforts

Thank you. There will be more inteest as the race develops. You have to build a brick wall one brick at a time.

I am working equally hard behind the scenes. Your help humbles me.

Jeff

[Naked_Ape]

28. Get in touch later

When this heats up. Best of luck!

[HippieCowgirl]

29. Here's one more for your challenge!

Don't close that wallet yet, monkey-boy. I just contributed.

Full disclosure - Naked Ape is my "prime mate", and let me assure you he's not flinging poo on this one. He's fired up about getting involved with Texas Democrats.

I know how hard it is to give money when you don't have a lot. I don't have a lot, but I can put one more drop in the bucket. I'm a fund-raiser for a non-profit organization, and while we love the people who give large amounts, they are a tiny fraction of our donors. The people we really appreciate are the people who give amounts under $100, year after year. They are our base of support. When a lot of people give within their means, the end result is a respectable fund.

[sonias]

30. Well said HippieCowgirl!

The base of smaller donors is a whole lot bigger than the fatcats on the other side. We just need to make people realize they have power - even with a $10 donation.

:hi:

Sonia

[Reeta77]

31. Just made a donation! Thanks for keeping this kicked - eom.

Let's go Jeff!

:kick:

[sonias]

32. Welcome to the TX DU forum Reeta77

Nice to see you in the underground of the underground.

:hi:

Sonia

[Reeta77]

33. Thanks for the welcome! Long-time lurker (and Texan) :)

[Naked_Ape]

34. now we're talkin' Big Money

So Hippie and Reeta twisted my arm for another $20. I've got to pull the plug at some point...
Bill White is out of a job and soon will nothing to do but ask for your money. Chip in a buck here now on a race that can actually change some things.

http://www.actblue.com/contribute/entity/22950
http://www.jeffweemsforcommissioner.com

I will add $10 for each contribution of any amount. Just post here before the deadline.

...
So who's next? Who's gonna make me have to walk to work?

Deadline-and-I-really-mean-it-this-time: Tuesday 12/15 Midnite