January 2025 Newsletter

Reminder: January 9th meeting with Senator Bob Hall

Jan 03, 2025

To view newsletters on the website, go to https://planocitizenscoalition.org/news.

In this newsletter:
- Bond Referendum and Upcoming Municipal (President’s Message)
- January 9, 2025 General Meeting - Sen. Bob Hall, District 2 (Zoom), speaking on the electric grid and election integrity
- Don Huffines - Goodbye Vehicle ‘Safety’ Inspections
- Collin College Report
- City Council Meeting
- Citizens’ Academies
- Join Plano Citizens’ Coalition

President’s Message

Happy New Year PCC!

This is going to be a busy year as we have preparation and voting on a large bond referendum proposed by our City of Excellence as well as voting on City Council positions in the following places: Place 6, Mayor; Place 2, Places 4 and 8 will be held May 3rd. Filing period for the City Council positions begins January 15th with the deadline for acceptance of applications on February 14. It became obvious candidates were eager to begin introducing themselves to voters as signs began appearing over the weekend, well before the beginning of the filing period.

Voting on the issues to appear on the bond vote will occur at the first Council meeting of the year, January 14th. It would be great if our Council would permit public comment at the beginning of each Council meeting as opposed to the very end of the meeting. It seems to me if the City fathers were truly interested in hearing what the citizens have to say, they would encourage participatory voices early in the public meeting process the way it was done for many years before the remodeling of the government building and comments by disruptive, non-citizens created current conditions. Please return to public comments permitted at the beginning of the meeting.

A reminder about the voting process: You must be a registered voter to participate in municipal elections. Register at VoteTexas.gov or Collin County Elections.

January 9, 2025 Plano Citizens’ Coalition meeting

Bob Hall, Senator, District 2 (Zoom)

89th legislature

TOPIC: Priorities and Election Integrity

See you there!

Don Huffines, Huffines Liberty Foundation, celebrates Texas’ decision to eliminate mandatory vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles starting January 1, 2025. These inspections were done away with as burdensome and unnecessary government overreach that primarily benefited special interests without improving road safety. Mr. Huffines calls the change a win for Texans’ time, money, and personal freedom. He also advocates for the elimination of emissions inspections, which remain mandatory in urban areas, as part of his broader push for limited government. For details, see Goodbye Vehicle ‘Safety’ Inspections.

Collin College Report
by Cathie Alexander, Collin College Board of Trustees

Collin College is serving Collin County. That’s nothing new, right? But Collin College continues to advance supporting students (at a great price and with no age limits) and to providing services to survivors of human trafficking.

Dual Credit Gets a Boost

In 2028 PISD has determined to elevate Grade Point Averaging (GPA) weight for Collin College Dual Credit courses to equal both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advance Placement (AP). Why is this important? GPA determines class rank and accolades at high school graduation. Rank can determine some college admissions and scholarships. Frisco ISD will follow in 2030.

Plano ISD Superintendent, Teresa Williams, PhD said, “By aligning our dual credit GPA with other advance academic options, we’re empowering students to make choices based on their interest, career options and learning styles.”

To learn more about Collin College dual credit visit www.collin.edu/infodualcredit.html

SAIL (Scholars Active in Learning) Program provides a wonderful learning opportunity for those 55 years old, and older. “SAIL Without Borders!” No geographical restriction to enroll in SAIL classes.

Both on-line and face-to-face classes are offered at Collin College’s affordable prices.
Fall or Spring semesters - up to eight (8) in person courses plus unlimited online courses for $115!
Summer semester- unlimited courses available for $25!

Spring registration begins January 6^th
January 27^th – classes begin

Each semester new classes are offered. “No tests, grades or papers to write.” SAIL is for lifelong learners.

To learn more about Collin College SAIL courses visit www.collin.edu/sail, or call 972/985-3788, or email sail@collin.edu.

Dental Health Services for Human Trafficking Survivors

In 2022, the McKinney Campus renovated dental laboratory spaces allowing for the expansion of the dental hygiene program to admit up to 24 students, annually. Kandice Swarthout, a hygienist professor and licensed professional counselor, saw an opportunity to expand serving the county. “The reality is that most victims of trafficking do see a healthcare provider at some point… training to spot (victim trafficking) indicators can literally save a life” Swarthout realized.

“The imperative need of oral health is often overlooked,” Swarthout said. With the assistance of Plano based organization, Reclaim 6-1-1, donations from Ivoclar (a dental hygiene supplies provider), local dentist and Collin College Dental Hygiene Program student eager to help, Collin College dental hygiene school opened its doors to 15 rescued women. 60 volunteers joined the effort to provide exams, oral cancer screening, x-rays, deep cleaning and fluoride treatments. If higher levels of care were needed, such as fillings or extraction, they were provided by local Collin County private dentists who volunteered to ensure all needs were met.

Collin College is here to serve and expand opportunities for all Collin County residents. I appreciate your involvement with me and your support.

Plano City Council

Plano City Council meetings are live streamed on PlanoTV.org and City of Plano Facebook page. Next meeting: January 14, 2025.

Here are a few ways to be more engaged - fun, enlightening, and interesting.

For information on the Fire Department citizen academy, call 972-941-7497.
Greg Willis also has a Prosecutor’s Academy 972-548-4478
Here is information on the Citizens Sheriff Academy.

Get Involved

Serve on a Committee

Policy Committees

These committees are responsible for overseeing policy research and position formulation for our organization for both City of Plano issues as well as PISD.

Leadership Development Committee
This committee seeks to identify, train, and support future City of Plano and PISD leaders.

If you would like to serve on either of these, please contact Plano Citizens’ Coalition.

Submit an Opinion Article

PCC is open to guest writers. Send an article to PCC and the appropriate Committee at Plano Citizens’ Coalition for review. Your work could be featured in our next newsletter.

Our mailing address is:
Plano Citizens' Coalition
2701 W. 15th Street #249
Plano, TX 75075