"On the 10th anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo, Americans need a solution to the problem of foreign terrorist suspects that is based less on political maneuvering and more on fact and longstanding constitutional principles. The fog of war, at least as it pertains to Guantanamo, has cleared. If Americans clear the air of propaganda as well, they can see that repatriating and resettling the prisoners who pose no threat, while promptly charging and trying the prisoners suspected of committing crimes, will do more for the cause of the nation's security than 1,000 Guantanamos. It is time to address these issues once and for all. Ten years is enough." Read the full article at Law.com
{extended} ]]>Water future depends on careful plans
Whether you see a glass of water as half-full or half-empty depends on whether you are pouring or drinking.
Most of us in the greater Austin region get our drinking water from Lakes Travis and Buchanan, and as we start the New Year, our glass is almost two-thirds empty. Read the full story on the Austin American-Statesman website.
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Widely recognized as an authority in environmental and natural resources law and policy, David Smith recently returned to Texas – and private practice – after more than a decade in public service in both Austin and Washington, D.C. Mr. Smith has dealt with all major Texas and federal natural resources agencies as counsel, policy advisor or appointed official. Before moving back into private practice, David spent five years with the U.S. Department of the Interior as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior and Counselor for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. In this capacity, he was a member of the Secretary of the Interior’s senior management team, working with political and career leadership across the Department of the Interior, the White House, Congress and other federal agencies.
David has testified before both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and has delivered speeches and position papers to national and international audiences on such topics as the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Act, National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Park System, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Prior to going to Washington he served in the Appointments Office of then-Governor George W. Bush and later on the Bush-Cheney Transition Team.
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During his time as chairman, Clarke anticipates working on a few major efforts including an initiative to develop a medical school and transportation issues to alleviate traffic congestion.
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Tom Mason has 30 years of experience as an environmental lawyer. Most recently, he served as general manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) from 2007 until July 2011. Prior to that, Mason was the LCRA’s general counsel.
Tom's experience includes administrative, regulatory, litigation, and legislative matters associated with water, energy, and utilities.
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“Tom (Mason) is one of the state’s foremost legal experts on complex water and utilities issues,” Michael Whellan, president of Graves Dougherty said. “He is an ideal addition to the firm’s thriving regulatory and natural resources practices.”
Mason has 31 years of experience as an environmental lawyer and over 20 years of experience in public electric power. Most recently, he served as general manager of the LCRA from 2007 until July 2011. Prior to that, Mason was the LCRA’s general counsel. LCRA is one of the nation’s larger public power authorities, and is also responsible for managing the lower Colorado River from the Highland Lakes through Austin and Bastrop to Matagorda Bay.
"I was attracted to Graves Dougherty's reputation for integrity and commitment to clients, as well as the opportunity to practice with outstanding lawyers in the areas of water and energy,” Mason said.
Before joining the LCRA in 1987, Mason served as assistant general counsel for the Texas Department of Water Resources and director of the Water Quality Division of the Texas Water Commission. He was also a partner in a law firm with a statewide practice in environmental and administrative law.
Mason is a magna cum laude graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He earned a doctorate of jurisprudence with honors from The University of Texas School of Law.
Mason is the latest recruit in Graves Dougherty’s 15-year growth trend that has often included high-profile lawyers. Most recently, Frank Monroe chose to practice at Graves Dougherty after serving for twenty years as a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the Western District of Texas.
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