Looking to the Future if the Incumbents Win

by Ron West

            This is a look into the future based on the positions, records and rhetoric of the current incumbents for the NRH City Council that are up for re-election.  This point by point evaluation of what I expect to happen is the "positive" result that the incumbents claim to be for.  You might want to hang on to this list to verify the truth of the campaign that the challengers have been waging.   I would like to think that open, honest, responsive government by the election of the challengers would be the really positive outcome but - on a point by point basis if the incumbents win, please consider the following predictable results:

    Closed local government will be continued as opposed to opening the local government to the citizens.

    New ordinances and changes to existing ordinances will continue to be made in secret prior to final approval.

    All agendas will continue to be cryptic to discourage citizen participation.

    The disrespect shown any citizen presentation  by our current elected officials will continue and probably be intensified.

    The city newsletter and water bills will continue to be used to present false or misleading information.

    The rest of the projected $85 Million from Hometown taxes will be obligated for the new "town hall" in Hometown NRH.

    Runaway spending will continue with all new revenue spent without consideration for tax relief for existing citizens.

    The budget development will continue to be closed to the citizens and the council will continue to rubber stamp it.

    Private property rights will continue to be trampled in the name of "revitalization".

    Our city attorney will continue to encourage litigation against the city for his personal benefit.  The Davis wrongful death lawsuit will be drawn out to the longest possible time and cost.

    Open meetings laws will continue to be disregarded by variations of "walking quorums".

    The practice of special privileges for the privileged few will continue or be accelerated.

    There will be more borrowing using Certificates of Obligation - without voter approval or even hearings.

    The practice of meaningless hearings meant to fulfill the letter of the law will continue.  Input from such hearings will be disregarded.

    Citizen inquiries to our elected officials will be largely ignored as they have been in the past.

    Mr. Cunningham will continue to totally control the agenda of the City Council.

    Mr. Cunningham will continue to have a very large slush fund to spend without specific oversight by elected officials.

    New Tax Increment Financing will be implemented for the Loop 820 and South Grapevine Highway studies.  (This will eventually trigger an increase in property tax rates for all citizens.)

    The incumbents will feel vindicated in their use of the mean-spirited lies, labeling and name calling they have utilized in this campaign.  More of the same will be used in future campaigns.

    The closed club that has been running the city for the past 12 years will continue in power!

    Council Meetings will be used for campaigning in the future more so than in the past.