Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

The Senate is poised to take up its version of the sunset bill for TxDOT any minute. I wrote about this bill -- and the fact that it's carrying a session's worth of ideas on its back -- this morning for the paper. In highlighting the differences between the House and the Senate, I presented some of the comments made to me by House transportation chairman Joe Pickett.

As we get ready to dig into the Senate debate, which will take hours, I thought it worthwhile to post the fuller exchange between Pickett and myself. He took time to give extensive answers to a variety of questions, most of which we were unable to fit into the story. Here's the rest of his views:

LINDENBERGER: What role has the governor played, for good or ill, in the negotiations over the sunset legislation, and over the local-option tax bill?

PICKETT: The only information or interaction I received from the Governor was what update on what the committee was working on. The governor did not make any suggestions to the bill.

LINDENBERGER: When the sunset bill gets to conference committee, will you support the local-option bill as it is written in the Senate? Or will your support for that become a bargaining chip in an effort to maintain the House version of the bill relating to the structure and duties of TxDOT viz-a-viz the local planning organizations?

PICKETT: I supported the local option as it was proposed and voted out of the House Committee. It will be difficult to stay in the bill and expect the House to support (it.) We passed out a statewide (gas tax) indexing (bill) and after polling we could not see enough votes for it to continue. Local option is probably similar.

LINDENBERGER: The authority to enter into CDAs appears likely to be extended for another four years -- with few changes. Given such strenuous opposition to them in some corners, why do you think it's wise to continue the pursuit of private toll roads?

PICKETT: SB 792 last session was not really a prohibition, but a list of what CDA's should continue. It might be more of the same this time. There are projects that areas are wanting to do with CDA'S

LINDENBERGER: Some critics have charged that your views on TxDOT -- most notably the stripping away of that agency's power to set statewide priorities and choose which projects to build -- are overly influenced by your work as MPO chairman, and that you're attempting to write significant statewide policy changes in order to satisfy your ambition to wield more power over roads in your home district. Is it appropriate to write bills that, if passed, would greatly enhance your influence over project selections at home?

PICKETT: Not too many people read the House bill, the (gist) was to set up formula funding so that regions could better plan their futures. I still believe we will maintain part of this concept. So much of the cash flow problems that slowed lettings down was because of the approximately 1,000 projects a year having cost over runs, change orders, etc. TxDOT robed peter to pay paul and one hand did not, does not know what is going on. We need a better system of estimating an allocation and sticking to it. I do not understand your statement about how doing something state wide benefits only my area. I think in spite of TxDOt my area has been diligent in working toward our own destiny. Sounds like input from (a) single person.

LINDENBERGER: When the Senate passes the sunset bill, it will of course go to conference. Given the many differences between the House approach and theirs, some trading is expected. Carona has said his top priority is the local-option tax bill. Which of the major provisions you have backed are the most important to you?

PICKETT: His priority may be local option, but I do not believe that is the House's priority. TxDOT needs a complete over haul and it may not happen for another two to four years. Two if the bill doesn't make it and they just exist until next session, four if the bill passes and we sunset again. The House had no Transportation Chairman per se, since the former was retiring, appointments came late for all committees with a new speaker, both bills have so much additional baggage at this point, we will have to see. Anything is possible.

LINDENBERGER: The local-option bill won't be debated on the House floor, thanks to its attachment to the sunset bill in the Senate. Will that influence your approach and that of your fellow (likely) conferees to the measure once the conference discussions begin?

PICKETT: Answered.

LINDENBERGER: How much coordination have you had with Speaker (Joe) Straus in regard to your approach to reshape TxDOT? Given that you will be faced with negotiating with senators with strong (opposing) views, do you think your most aggressive plans have the backing of the Speaker and the membership? Is it critical that they do?

PICKETT: The Speaker has been supportive of the House version; it was a committee document along with Rep. Issett. His input was we need to do something, even if that is ending diversions and starting a way to put in more funding and listen to the wishes of the membership as a whole.

LINDENBERGER: Finally, back to the governor. What influence do you think he will bring to bear on the conference discussions? Is his support for TxDOT a significant barrier to your plans at the moment?

PICKETT: TxDOT has a lot of influence and unfortunately the culture is such that they believe they are sole dictators in stead of being our partners. Both versions have a good idea of an oversight committee, more effort to get the agency all on the same page. Even the Executive Director in our last hearing said the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing (at TxDOT.) Still hope -- now or a special.

LINDENBERGER: Can you explain your last statement about a special session?

PICKETT: I was referring to the multiply issues in the air, (Texas Department of Insurance) sunset for instance. The possibility that there may be other things out there could be cause for a special (session). Mr. Isett and I are committed, as well as other conferees when appointed to do what ever we can in a regular session.