Lawmaker may consider allowing some workers to bring weapons on campus

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Even as stores are restricting the sales of certain guns, some state leaders are calling for laws that allow school staff to carry guns on campus.

State Rep. Debbie Riddle says she would consider legislation that would allow teachers with a concealed carry license to take that gun into school but another state leaders says this debate seems to be cast in two extremes and there can be middle ground.

While in the classroom on Tuesday, teacher Elena Saner was thinking of the victims in Connecticut.

"I just wish I could hug them all and make everything better," Saner said.

For 26 years she's been at De Zavala Elementary, but the idea of anyone besides a police officer carrying a gun inside the school makes her uneasy.

"If teachers were to wield their guns, I think they would get in the way of first responders not knowing who the gunman is," she said.

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson authored Texas' concealed handgun law in 1995 when he was a state senator. He suggests individuals who are comfortable and trained can provide defense at schools in light of the Sandy Hook shooter's actions.

"He was confronted by a principal and a counselor and he killed them. Had he been confronted by a principal who was competent with a firearm, we might have had a different outcome," Patterson said.

Patterson says that could mean more police officers, administrators or a teacher with a concealed handgun license -- but not everyone.

"You can't just go oh you are the principal, here is your gun," Patterson said.

Riddle says she will consider legislation that would allow a teacher with a concealed carry license to take the gun to school.

Saner believes there's a different way but that school security should always come first.

"Children are the backbone of our society," she said.

The topic is expected to heat up in Austin when the next legislative session begins in January.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Council members consider unusual proposals to trim budget

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- City leaders are huddled for a marathon meeting about proposed changes to the city's multibillion-dollar budget. These are potentially significant decisions affecting everything from the mayor's term limits to whether you can use a plastic bag at the grocery store.

More than 100 amendments are on the table for consideration. But the good news are none of them propose large-scale layoffs.

Just outside City Hall, downtown workers tote their lunches in plastic bags -- something that could go away if one budget amendment passes.

"I think it's a good idea, it's better for the environment to use the reusable bags," downtown worker Amanda Cooper said.

The idea of phasing away plastic bags is just one of 104 amendments being considered this budget year. Councilman Ed Gonzalez says the bags turn into hard-to-get-rid-of trash.

"We spend a lot of money trying to keep our city clean and we need to see if we could make an impact on those costs," Gonzalez said.

The plastic bag proposal may seem like unusual for council members to consider, but budget cycles are a time when council members introduce unusual ideas.

"As a supporter of police and firefighters, it's not a comfortable to say 'the emperor has no clothes' but that's the reality as it stands," Councilwoman Helena Brown said.

Brown, for example, wanted council members to default on police and fire pension plans, among other suggestions. That was quickly voted down.

But other ideas did pass.

Council members could now put a proposal before voters to change term limits to two four-year terms. And the proposed pole tax of $5 for every strip club customer is scheduled for a vote next week.

"We have so much on our plate right now that some people simply can't look at everything that's being put in front of them. I have respect for that," Houston City Councilwoman Ellen Cohen said.

Council members are expected to meet a couple more times before finalizing next year's budget.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Galveston to consider Broadway reforesting

  GALVESTON, TX -- City leaders in Galveston are expected to consider a plan to reforest a well-known street where hundreds of trees have been wiped out by Hurricane Ike.

The 2008 hurricane caused at least $29 billion in damage and claimed more than three dozen lives.

The Galveston County Daily News reported Tuesday that backers say reforesting historic Broadway Street from the East End to 61st Street would cost $3 million.

The city and the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy funded a consultant's study, which began last May. Special projects spokeswoman Lori Field Schwarz says city council members are expected to consider the proposal by March.

Volunteers and the conservancy have so far relied on donations to bring in more than two dozen live oaks and palm trees, some already 25 feet tall.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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