Full of Crap
September 7th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
We’re sure the Texas Governor’s mansion needs a renovation. But should it really cost $10 million?
There are numerous expensive repairs to be done: lead paint removal, installation of a sprinkler system, the careful transport and preservation of Sam Houston’s bed. Also factored in is the projected cost of housing Rick and Anita Perry somewhere in Austin for the estimated 18 months that the repairs will take. They do not yet know where. (Rick, I’ve got an aero-bed, if you need it.)
The $10 million in public funds will come from general obligation bonds and will be distributed by the Texas Building and Procurement Commission, which will soon be known as the Texas Facilities Commission (apparently they’ll be doing less building and procuring, and more facilitating.)
This in contrast to Speaker Tom Craddick, who last year tapped campaign contributors to renovate the speaker’s apartment.
But after a walk-through last week, reporters and photojournalists told me the mansion appears in pristine condition, even immaculate. Are all these repair needs really that hard to see? Yes, Perry’s people say, because the pipes back up, and many precious items must be handled gently.
On the cost, Perry’s people say, “we’re aiming high,” but they hope to “come in low” — once all the protecting and removing and re-piping and repainting is done (don’t forget fire protecting).
It does sound expensive. After all, it’s a mansion. And it’s in the middle of Austin (not exactly affordability central). The governor is also required by the Texas Constitution’s Article 4, Section 13 to live in the seat of government — so we can’t ask them to get a cheaper pad in, say, Lubbock.
“A lot of people don’t live in a pre-Civil War house,” said Krista Moody, with Perry’s office. The mansion was completed in 1856. Perry moved in in 2000. The plumbing reportedly last saw repairs in 1979 — and the pipes backing up has been cited as the reason the Perrys decided to renovate now.
Still, it’s a fat chunk of money to be spending. Seems like $10 million could fetch a pretty nice new mansion.
Oh, and by the way, the Perrys do not sleep on Sam Houston’s bed. Why not? I know I would.
September 7th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Unless there are specific expenses that seem personal or unwarranted, I don’t have a problem with this, or Craddick’s refurbishments for that matter. If it bothers you that much, win some elections, get some different people in those slots, and then the perpetrators won’t benefit from the expense. But I don’t mind spending public money to preserve and keep up our great, historic public buildings, and FWIW the Guv’s mansion counts as one of them. best,
September 11th, 2007 at 4:21 am
Its just an old building.
Tear it down and make a good, useful parking lot.
Put the Perrys in a nice trailer park on the outskirts of town if tyhey have to stay in Austin. The interest on $10 mil ought to get them a real nice double-wide and pay the rent.
And no problems with the plumbing backing up.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:04 am
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September 26th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
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