It strikes me as likely to become a maintenance headache, and I'm not really sure what the advantage is. Hybrids show better fuel efficiency when they do a lot of driving in stop-and-go traffic, but I expect people to clear out of the way of the fire truck!
@publius It is more of an electric with a diesel backup, so like a plug-in hybrid.
Apparently the department’s research indicates lower maintenance for those departments already using them. They claim the primary advantage is limiting exhaust fumes while idling at emergency locations. In other words, they are arguing it is good for the firefighters breathing (and presumably the rest of the environment). I am thinking that most trips are short these days and fighting fires is very infrequent.
It says something when the news of the indictment of two #Denton school principals is broken by an astroturf group and a "newspaper" funded by Dallas billionaire Montgomery Bennett hours before it becomes more largely known to the public.
And, to be clear, this is not to insult the local paper or KERA, which broke the news a few hours ago.
Bennett made a major donation to Terry Senne's campaign for school board last year.
There is big money pushing very hard against #Texas public #schools
Here's a little good news, #Denton's Mayor Gerard Hudspeth is dropping his request that city change the part of its charter that declares an official newspaper--which most importantly means that the city's legal notices are published there.
He wanted to send the business to a student newspaper, rather than the longtime community newspaper, the Denton Record-Chronicle, which is now a part of KERA, an NPR affiliate.
It's important to note that the mayor has joined a long line of #Texas politicians -- mostly #GOP -- that ignore calls from reporters at their community newspapers. Instead, they send press releases, decline to comment and occasionally grant "interviews" to news outlets of their choosing.
IMHO that's never smart. While they can be a source of friction, reporters are part of the community. Trying to ignore them is akin to telling a large, important swath of the community (you know, readers, those curious, yet extraordinarily responsible people who rely on journalists for quality news and information) that they don't deserve your time and thoughtful response to pressing community questions.
Snubbing the local paper is proof that a politician is disconnected, or willing to become disconnected from the community they represent, the community they lead, the community they govern.
#Texas politicians are becoming so disconnected that they don't see how maladaptive this behavior is. The broader public gives politicians a certain social license to make decisions on their behalf, in pursuit of quality government and the common good.
And while the public will tolerate a certain amount of slop and wobble, once you've lost that social license to govern, you're done.
Important fact check: #Denton mayor just repeated the myth that tampons cause toxic shock syndrome.
TSS is rare, and tampon manufacturers no longer use the materials or designs that cause it. (lesson learned from Rely tampons DECADES ago).
He also says if the city makes menstrual products available, community members are going to steal and sell them -- i guess different from the free toilet paper and paper towels in every rest room.
Tampons and pads are in a basket in restrooms at the libraries already. It's not a problem.
This goes to the problem of being disconnected from your community.
"Don't mansplain women's stuff to women," Council member Vicki Byrd says to them.
The BIG rise in #Denton's electric rates is in front of the City Council right now, and longtime council member Chris Watts is extracting a pound of flesh rn.
@phwolfe940 I understand the sentiment here. No one wants state and/or district employees using undue influence of their positions or their state provided emails to send political material . However, why is #Paxton going after the districts instead of the individuals?
Been following the work of various citizen committees since last summer, and #Denton is lucky to have so many smart, involved people working to solve its problems.
The city is especially lucky to have longtime civic activists Adam Briggle, Ed Soph and Keely Briggs in it for the long haul on sustainability.
Just watched the sustainability framework committee meeting and will have a report for the weekend.
As much as some on the City Council would rather stick their heads in the sand because they don't know how to lead through such politically fraught waters, the city needs a #climate action plan, and that entire sustainability committee recognizes the need.
It's the kind of work that gives a grizzled, old journalist hope in an otherwise dark time.
In other words, where you want government to get better, be the government you want to see.
Please tune in at 10 a.m. We have a city council report for you on #LocalNews, on the police chief's advisory committee, which meets in private, the fate of the Traffic Safety Commission and priorities for the Persons with #Disabilities Committee.
Everyday people drive many of the governmental doings in #Denton, and it shows in our quality of life.
@DentonGripes This was yesterday in #Lewisville. Sprinklers went off and froze all over grass, bushes, and a little on the sidewalk. Luckily not much in street. This is not leftover snow (that’s all melted/sublimated). This is ice.
TXANS Update—January 15, 2024: ERCOT has issued a Conservation Appeal for today, Jan. 15, from 6 – 10 a.m. CT due to continued freezing temperatures, record-breaking demand, and unseasonably low wind. We ask that Texas businesses and residents conserve electricity use, if safe to… https://t.co/x8A6tn7o7m
WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 8 above zero.
WHERE...Denton, Stephens, Palo Pinto and Parker Counties.
WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Sunday.
IMPACTS...The cold temperatures will become life threatening
to people and animals outdoors without proper warmth and
shelter. Damage to plumbing is possible if pipes are not
properly drained or insulated. Frost and freeze conditions
will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.
