Senior Leadership Northeast Minutes from October 20, 2009

The October 20, 2009 meeting of Senior Leadership Northeast was convened at the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce building at 9:00 AM by Chairman Ed Havran.

 There were sixteen (16) individuals present representing eight (8) Northeast Tarrant County cities.

 Rebecca Barksdale from County Commissioner Gary Fickes’ office spoke about the upcoming Empowering Seniors 2009 event on October 29^th at Richland Hills Church of Christ.

Charles Scoma discussed the Constitutional Amendment Election on November 3. He also expressed his opinion regarding each proposition as to whether he was “for” or “opposed”.

Prop. 1—Oppose—we need to limit asset ownership by the government

Prop. 2—For—Tax exemption (100%) for disabled veterans

Prop. 3—Oppose—This takes local control away, no established process, we need an index

Prop. 4—Oppose—Not the right time (we’re still getting grants.)  They must achieve standards and they

may not reach them any faster, just more taxes-$500 million would continue to accumulate to $2 billion.

Prop. 5—Oppose—Adjoining counties could have a lack of familiarity and access (establish value on economic development potential), this won’t lower taxes

Prop. 6—Oppose—They can already issue $4 billion without an amendment. No established standards or oversight

 Prop. 7—Oppose—Controversial, we need to let the legislature cover this in a legislative process-send it back and let them take it out, not come back for each individual group

Prop. 8—Oppose—Nothing prohibits the state from already doing this, veterans already have the best equipment, they can set up clinics under their current structure

Prop. 9—Oppose—not a free market approach, people shouldn’t be penalized because the shore goes back, these are individual decisions, they will be penalized anyway with insurance, loss and financially, but not by the government

 Prop. 10—Oppose—This was initiated by Harris County and relates to populations in excess of 3 million, doesn’t enhance the quality of the people running

Prop. 11—For—limits power of a city (still gives state power, don’t think it won’t ever be done)

 Maria Pate with the Fort Worth Better Business Bureau gave an overview of what the bureau does and spoke about identity theft and scams. She’s retired from 15 years with the BBB, now works with their Speaker’s Bureau

 The BBB was established in 1936.  They promote ethics through the marketplace.

It was established nationally to investigate advertising and to challenge a business if it doesn’t meet their standards.  They provide reliability reports on 44,000 businesses, take 6,000 calls per day (internet) and transfer 150 to customer specialists.  They offer dispute resolution on complaints (11,500 complaints per year with 80% resolved)  They also offer arbitration.  They do arbitration for all auto manufacturers except Chrysler and Toyota. 

 They give industry specific advice. If you want to hire a roofer, they will give you the questions to ask (don’t sign a contract if there are blanks); Their website has a chat function.

Scams—they work closely with the Attorney General’s office, the Postal Inspector, the FBI, local sheriff’s office, etc.“Work from Home”—don’t ever pay up front, 99% of the time this is a scam. “Credit Repair”—scams will challenge everything that’s on your report and they have to remove it for a few months and then it’s back, www.annualcreditreport.com, free but the score will cost.

Phishing—this looks like it comes from your bank and they want your account number, etc.—Forward these to your bank so they know it’s going on

 Charities—State Troopers—always call the BBB to check on these

Medical Discount Plans—contact the State Board of Insurance

 Foreign Lotteries and Prizes—NEVER

 Home Repair—shop  around, moving trees after storms, etc. they take advantage of the situation, pavers (big scam if you live in the country, left over asphalt)

 Mitzi Long reported that Representative Truitt will be holding a meeting this Saturday at 10:00 AM in Keller about the Nov. 3 amendments.

 Veterans that went to WWII will be recognized Nov. 6 at 10:00 AM at the Colleyville Senior Center

 

  Rebecca Barksdale