The first training classes for volunteer bandit sign removers allowed for under HB 413 has been announced in Harris County Precinct 4 where we have had more than our share of problems. The contents of the e-mail are below:
The first Bandit Sign Class will be held on February 21, 2008 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. The class is being held at the Precinct 4 Constables Training Center located at 4625 F.M. 1960 West, in the North Oaks Shopping Center. The class size is limited to 25 persons so anyone interested needs to call (281) 580-1210 and reserve a spot. This class is for citizens who want to get involved in their community and assist us in the removal of Bandit Signs in the area. Persons completing this training will be eligible for certification by Harris County Commissioners Court to be Trained Volunteers.
This volunteer training is conducted by the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office on a program developed in conjunction with the Harris County Attorney’s Office to combat the bandit sign issue address in recent legislation. Our Chamber’s Of Commerce, area residents, and civic groups have shown a keen interest in this issue and we are proud to make this class available to you. We anticipate a high degree of interest and encourage you to register early for this class. Given sufficient interest, we will schedule a second class with the overflow of candidates.
If you need any other information feel free to call or write the deputy listed below
#3. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 2
>The CypressShark already has a seat reserved.
That's terrific!! Maybe you can get a local TV news organization to cover this class. It would certainly make the constable and other elected officials look good. I sure would like to give my county reprersentative a video or course materials of what is happening in Harris county. Maybe I can embarass her into doing something. Her response so far has been nothing other than to say "we have no plans."
#5. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 4
Harris County may be the first to take action, if not, certainly the largest county. This is exactly the information needed to get other county commissioners involved. Almost 6 months into this new law, some legitimate original time delay excuses will be expiring.
If Harris County informational website links can be provided, citizens can send this information to their own local commissioners for review. It can also be the bases for a newspaper story in any county. Like Newbie indicates, we can get counties to take action in this direction, by pointing out other counties.
#7. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 6
Here's a little irony. One of the candidates, Lindsay Siriko, running for the Constable Pct 4 position is one of the worst spammers along FM 1960. I've removed dozens of his signs from the ROW's and utility poles within the past week. Two of his larger signs along the roadside were concealing fire hydrants. I emailed Mr. Siriko this morning and informed him that the office he is seeking is proactive in cleaning up illegally placed bandit signs just like his. I haven't heard back from him yet.
#8. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 7
>Here's a little irony. One of the candidates, Lindsay Siriko, >running for the Constable Pct 4 position is one of the worst >spammers along FM 1960. I've removed dozens of his signs from >the ROW's and utility poles within the past week. Two of his >larger signs along the roadside were concealing fire hydrants. >I emailed Mr. Siriko this morning and informed him that the >office he is seeking is proactive in cleaning up illegally >placed bandit signs just like his. I haven't heard back from >him yet.
As I recall from reading the new law a couple of months ago, the the legislature gave people running for office a different standard than the average street spammer. I don't think they can be charged unless they the candidate places the sign or specifically directs it to be placed in the right-of-way. However, it is still illegal to place political signs in the right of way and appropriate for the 'trained volunteers' to remove them.
Since there are so many untrained volunteers working for the candidates, I'll give Mr. Siriko the benefit of the doubt for awhile. His true character will show when we see how and if he react to being advised that his people are acting illegally.
Thanks for notifying Mr. Siriko and let us know how he responds.
#9. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 8
How is the second class going? This topic slipped through the cracks. It could be the beginning of more jurisdictions jumping on board with some volunteer training.
#10. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 9
>How is the second class going? This topic slipped through the >cracks. It could be the beginning of more jurisdictions >jumping on board with some volunteer training. > >Does anyone have a map of the area this covers?. > >Somewhere in Texas?
The Harris County, TX, Precinct 4 Constable had the THIRD Bandit Sign Volunteer Training Class on March 25, 2008. At that meeting, they indicated an interest in conducting further sessions as needed, but didn't have anything scheduled.
The law is effective statewide, but the Trained Volunteer program is conducted on a county-by-county basis. Attendees from the March 25th training session were subsequently approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court as Trained Volunteers. So a map of Harris County with show the area this Training covers.
The training was well run and took about an hour and a half. Here is some additional info:
The attendance at the Bandit Sign Volunteer Training Classes has been great! Thanks for all that have participated. Future classes will be scheduled based on the numbers wanting to participate. You should call the number below if you are interested.
Where? Precinct 4 Constables Training Center located at 4625 F.M. 1960 West, in the North Oaks Shopping Center.
How many can attend? The class size is limited to 25 individuals so anyone interested needs to call (281) 580-1210 and let them know of your interest in participating.
Who is it for? This class is for citizens who want to get involved in their community and assist our officers with the removal of Bandit Signs in the area.
What do you get? Persons completing this training will be eligible for certification by Harris County Commissioners Court to be Trained Volunteers.
Who is the trainer? This volunteer training is conducted by the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office as a program developed in conjunction with the Harris County Attorney’s Office to combat the bandit sign proliferationas addressed in recent legislation.
Who to call for more info. Deputy B.L. Stephenson - Harris County Constable Pct 4. Training Division - Instructor Office: (281) 580-1210 Email: bart_stephenson@cd4.hctx.net ====================================================================
#12. "RE: Volunteer Training Classes in Houston" In response to Reply # 11
During the class (3/25/08)we were told that the Harris County Commissioner's Court would Authorize all of the attendees as Trained Volunteers at their next meeting (4/8/08)and that would be the effective date.
Thank Harris County for taking the lead on this. The Commissioners and County Attorneys Office along with the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office has done a great job. I'm not aware of any surrounding counties initiating a Trained Volunteer program yet, so contact any of those Commissioners if you can.
