Infomaniacs: January 05, 2012 (Full Audio)

It was a great night or an awful night depending on which side of the aisle you prefer. It was the liberal voices that were heard Tuesday night. It wasn’t just a blue wave, it was a blue tsunami. Democrats took Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Commission of Agriculture, Railroad Commission, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Supreme Court Justice Place 2, Supreme Court Justice Place 7, Supreme Court Justice Place 8, Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Place 3, Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Place 4, and Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Place 9. For those keeping count, that’s a clean sweep of statewide races. James Talarico also beat Ken Paxton to represent Texas in the Senate. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Bryan voters have expressed the will of the people by approving the Texas Avenue medians city charter amendment, according to results counted and confirmed on Election Night by the Brazos County Elections Administration. The approved amendment calls for the removal of medians along Texas Avenue. With some mail-in ballots still likely to be counted, 20,007 Bryan residents voted yes and 5,507 residents voted no. In compliance with state law, these results remain unofficial until the Bryan City Council canvasses, or certifies, the results at its Tuesday, Nov. 17 meeting. Bryan’s city charter serves as the central governing document of the city — like a local constitution — detailing the authority of the city, the structure of its government and the processes by which the city exercises authority. Tonight’s majority yes vote means the Texas Avenue medians amendment will be added to the charter once the results are official. While the charter amendment establishes the direction expressed by voters, Texas Avenue is controlled by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Changes to the road remain subject to TxDOT’s authority and applicable state laws. The city will continue working with TxDOT to evaluate available options for addressing concerns. What the City Has Been Doing The City Council and staff are dedicated to making Bryan better for all. Since the Texas Avenue medians were installed, the city has received concerns from residents and business owners describing business access issues and difficult routes, as well as questions about emergency response capabilities and potential damage to side streets. Recognizing these concerns, city staff have been in active conversations with TxDOT for several years to better understand issues and explore median solutions that balance safety with accessibility and quality of life. Long before the November election, plans have been in place to: Remove a section of median at Garden Acres Boulevard/Brookside Drive and add a traffic signal to improve mobility. Evaluate potential changes at additional locations along Texas Avenue through collaboration between city engineering staff and TxDOT. Seek funding to install loons — expanded paved areas to create extra space for safe U-turns — at intersections along Texas Avenue. The city has been actively engaging with TxDOT about these potential improvements and discussions will continue with renewed emphasis now that the election is over. These conversations take time, but they are an important priority for the city. What Happens Next The election results give the city a directive from voters to present to TxDOT on behalf of Bryan residents. The ultimate decision to change or remove the medians must be made by the state. To be able to enforce median removal, the city may need express written consent from TxDOT or an agreement delegating control of the medians to the city. Legal review of the charter amendment may also be needed. The city is committed to discussing these and all other options with TxDOT to reach a meaningful conclusion for residents, the city and the state government. Additionally, the city previously shared its estimated cost for median removal is $8 million. As discussions with TxDOT continue, the city will work to identify a funding source. The City of Bryan is dedicated to working as One Team to do what’s best for Bryan. The city respects the decision of its voters and remains committed to collaborating with TxDOT to identify practical, responsible solutions for Texas Avenue. As discussions progress, the city will keep residents informed about potential improvements, funding considerations and next steps. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Bryan Police are investigating a shooting at a business in North Point Business Park at located in the 2800 block of N Harvey Mitchell Parkway. Preliminary investigations show that the suspect and victim were involved in a verbal altercation outside the business when the suspect produced a firearm and shot the victim in the torso. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival. Bryan Police say it appears to be an isolated incident between two individuals known to each other. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is currently undergoing medical care. Bryan Police Department is actively seeking the suspect. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call BPD at 979-209-5300. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.