Dems at the County

Let’s see. In 2016, we elected a Democrat Harris County District Attorney. In 2018, we elected a Democratic majority Harris County Commissioners Court. Are Dems asking too much wanting their Democratic DA and Democratic majority Commissioners Court to work together? Come on! You guys are supposed to work together! What’s the point of winning if you are not on the same page? Don’t let us down! Don’t disappoint us!

This is about par for Texas. Check out how today’s Chron E-Board take starts:

Just how far will the state of Texas go to deny former death row inmate Alfred Dewayne Brown compensation for his 2005 wrongful conviction?

Apparently, as far as needed — the law be damned.

In 2016, when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar blocked Brown’s compensation, his staff argued that Brown’s application didn’t meet a narrow, literal interpretation of state statute. Hegar disregarded a 2012 Texas Supreme Court ruling that would have allowed Brown to get paid. The comptroller argued in a letter to the Chronicle that his duty isn’t to interpret the law, but to make an essentially ministerial decision to grant or deny the claim based on what the law says.

This is all you need to know, from the E-Board take:

Did police union officials, who maintain Brown is guilty, lobby state officials? Did Hegar, a Republican up for re-election in November, allow politics to come into play?

Here is the entire E-Board take: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Comptroller-s-decision-blocking-compensation-14054001.php.

Yep, it looks like a union hit job if you ask Commentary. Justice denied for sure.

News from The Yard. I think I know where this is going. From today’s Chron:

A 25-month-old girl who suffered a fractured skull when struck by a foul ball at an Astros game last month continues to recover from her injuries, and her family has hired a prominent Houston attorney to consult with the Astros about the matter.

In a letter addressed Wednesday to Astros owner Jim Crane, attorney Richard Mithoff provided the first public details about the child who was hit in the head May 29 by a line drive off the bat of Chicago Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Jr. during a game at Minute Maid Park.

While no legal action has been filed, attorneys say Mithoff’s letter represents the first public overture to the Astros toward conversations that could lead to a financial settlement.

It also satisfies, for now, the public’s interest in the condition of the crying child who was photographed being carried toward a ballpark exit by her grandfather as Almora slumped behind the plate in distress after seeing the ball hit the child.

“The family wanted to thank everyone for their concern, and that was first and foremost,” Mithoff said. “Secondly, we wanted to see whether any conversations can take place that can lead to a discussion of options that would make sense for the fans and the ballparks and the clubs.

“I know Jim Crane and know him to be a responsible owner, and I think he will do the right thing.”

Here is the entire article: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/A-foul-ball-a-child-s-fractured-skull-and-14054185.php.

A couple of MLB clubs have decided to extend netting all the way down to the foul polls. I think all MLB clubs could very well move toward this. If this happens at The Yard, it would certainly eliminate a lot of pre-game autograph opportunities for the fans. I would also have to evaluate my seating situation. I expect a decision on what will happen at The Yard toward the end of the season so stay tuned.

Our run differential has taken at hit lately as we lost by a dozen last night.

In the mood for afternoon baseball today?