FortBendNow.com

Fred Hink has formally announced his candidacy for Position 6 of the Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees. He’s running against three-term incumbent Robert Shaw.

Hink, 42, is a member of Katy Citizens Watchdog$, an activist group that has, among other things, taken issue with spending patterns at the district.

“First off, the administration and current board must stop relying on fuzzy Enron math. Continued irresponsibility in borrowing and spending must end,” Hink said in announcing his candidacy. “And so my campaign will focus on several criteria involving the financial responsibility that the leadership of Katy ISD must exhibit to save the financial viability of this district. Consider these points:

→ “The current debt of the district is $1.5 billion. That is roughly $35,000 per enrolled student – a heavy backpack to carry into class everyday.

→ “The property tax rate of $2 per $100 valuation can go no higher because of state law – no more revenues there.

→ “The Board-approved KISD budget for the 2005-06 school year has revenues of $380 million and expenditures of $400 million. That’s a $20 million shortfall. It’s obvious this board cannot pay the current debt and keep a balanced budget.”

The district maintains a fund balance, or “rainy day” fund, of $47 million, Hink said. “With the budget shortfall, the fund balance will stand at about $27 million by year-end, reducing the fund by 57%.”

Hink also noted the board approved a $261.5 million bond initiative to be on the May 13 ballot.

“The state Legislature, as mandated by the state courts, must reform school finance. Is it wise to commit to a $261.5 million bond before we know how we can pay for it?” Hink asked. “It’s fiscally irresponsible to even consider voting for the bond.”

“If district management believes that 1+1=2, then they are living in a dream world,” Hink said in his candidate’s announcement. “They can’t tax us any higher so they’re borrowing and spending us into a financial crisis.

“If this current board continues to rubber-stamp the administration’s wish list, we will be facing bankruptcy in the near future. This lack of true fiscal leadership will lower our property values under this 100-pound gorilla of continual borrowing and spending.”

Hink called himself “perfect for the board” because of “15 years consulting to companies on the Fortune 500 list all the way down to mom-and-pops. I’ve identified waste and found ways to help my clients save millions of dollars along the way. I have led a group against the high-dollar education lobby in Austin and won unanimous approval from the Legislature for education reform.

“We need responsibility now, not after we’re broke,” Hink said. “We need someone with the experience of looking at issues and making hard choices. I’ve been there, been a leader and know how to get it done.”