REPORT: MASS E-MAIL CAMPAIGNS MAY PROVE INEFFECTIVE
by Sarah Morgan

Mass e-mail campaigns that send hundreds or thousands of similar letters to government agencies in attempts to effect change may be "petitioning themselves into obscurity," according to a new report released Oct. 14.

"It is probably not well-known to a lot of people who submit these comments that if their comment is part of one of these campaigns, it may end up in the recycling bin," said Stuart W. Shulman in a press release. Shulman, the author of the report, is an assistant professor of information sciences and public administration at Pittsburgh University and senior research associate in Pittsburgh's University Center for Social and Urban Research.

"The fact may be that the more they participate in mass e-mail campaigns - without creating substantive, detailed, specific new information relevant to a decision - the lower the agency estimates the role of the public to be over time," said Shulman.

The report, "The Internet Still Might (but Probably Won't) Change Everything: Stakeholder Views on the Future of Electronic Rulemaking," looks at several issues surrounding the impact of modern information technology and the Internet on the federal rulemaking process.

The mass e-mail campaigns often contain a form letter, which many people will send as is, or with slight modifications. Occasionally, a person might tack on comments at the end of the form letter. The report states that, if the government receives multiple letters with no substantive difference between them, many agencies place only one copy in the official record.

For the full, free report visit http://erulemaking.ucsur.pitt.edu.

AUSTIN STUDY SHOWS WHO PAYS TRUE COST OF BIG BOX RETAIL
by Sarah Morgan

So-called big box retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Target, may offer lower prices at the checkout counter, but an Austin study shows that the low prices may lead to higher taxes.

"There is no free lunch," said Liveable City board member Michael Oden, a professor of community and regional planning at the University of Texas and a co-author of the new study. Liveable City, which sponsored the study along with three other Austin groups, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Austin.

"It's estimated that every Wal-Mart store costs taxpayers over $400,000 per year in subsidies for poorly paid, uninsured workers. These workers need health and child care, affordable housing, even food. Taxpayers are also footing the bill for traffic congestion costs, infrastructure improvements, and higher public safety costs," Oden said in a press release.

In an earlier study conducted by the City of Austin, findings showed that big box retailers did not compete with local business, and that most big box problems could be addressed through design standards.

"Design standards just don't go far enough," said Oden. "The big problems with big box retail aren't design, they're economic. We need economic solutions."

According to the report, one such solution is to require a conditional use permit, where developers of big box stores must demonstrate that their developments will not demand more in city services than they contribute in taxes.

"We're not suggesting a ban on big box, we are not saying don't shop at big boxes. We are simply asking these national big box employers to carry their own weight," said Robin Rather, chair of the board of Liveable City. The study also examines the effect of big box retailers on local wages, commercial property vacancies, and the drain of sales tax revenues to the suburbs.

For the full report visit http://www.liveablecity.org.

RUTHERFORD PLATT: ECOLOGICAL CITIES PROJECT

Until recently, cities and nature were widely viewed as mutually exclusive. This is no longer true, according to Rutherford H. Platt, professor of geography and planning law in the Department of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts. Platt will be the keynote speaker at the general meeting for the League of Women Voters, Houston Area, on Thursday, Nov 11: reception 6:30 pm, program 7 - 9 pm. The meeting will be held at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway. Many environmental organizations are co-sponsoring the event, including Trees For Houston, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, and Bayou Preservation Association. Platt has written extensively on growth in metropolitan areas. Building on his book, "The Ecological City: Preserving and Restoring Biodiversity," Platt lays out the case for increasing open spaces, adjusting for the role of nature, and long-range planning that can make our cities more habitable and ecologically sound. Anne Olson, president of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, will also speak on the efforts of the BBP and its 20-year master plan for Buffalo Bayou watershed.

For more information, call the League office at (713) 784-2923.

SNAP OFFERS 1,000 'NO BIRTHDAYS'

The Spay and Neuter Assistance Program is offering 1,000 no birthdays to the community with the most votes. According to SNAP, which is working to help end animal overpopulation, $2 billion in tax dollars is spent each year to impound, shelter, euthanize, or dispose of homeless animals. SNAP will sterilize 1,000 male dogs in an effort to prevent the birth of more than 1,000 puppies that could end up alone and homeless. A SNAP "Neuter Scooter," or a local humane society worker or veterinarian, will work with the winning community to deliver 1,000 Neutersol procedures. Neutersol is the first FDA approved injection to sterilize male dogs. The sterilization is accomplished without anesthesia or surgery. The contest ends Dec 1. To vote, visit http://www.snapus.org.

"THE BOOK OF TEXAS BAYS" BOOK SIGNING

Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association is engaged in ongoing promotion of the newly published "The Book of Texas Bays," which tells the story of the beautiful bays of the Texas coast and the heroic efforts of those who are fighting to preserve their integrity. Books will be available for purchase, and Jim Blackburn and Jim Olive will be present to sign copies, on Nov 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, at the Houston Yacht Club, 3620 Miramar, Shoreacres. For more information or to RSVP, contact GBCPA at 281-326-3343 or gbcpa@ev1.net.

HOUSTON'S BEST WORKPLACES FOR COMMUTERS

The Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Transportation have formed a new business/government partnership, Best Workplaces for Commuters, to recognize companies that offer excellent commuter benefits to their employees. Best Workplaces is currently working with the Houston-Galveston area Council to promote van pooling as a way of reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. BWC administers VanPartner Incentives, which offers over $70,000 in incentives to nonprofit organizations for helping form a van pool. For more information, call (713) 993-4581, e-mail bwc@h-gac.com, or visit
http://www.commutesolutions-hou.com/bestworkplaces/bestworkplaces.htm.

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