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Congratulations to the Glenn Heights Police Department for a very successful "National Night Out"
Event!
Approximately 600 Glenn Heights and area residents participated in the August 1, 2000
"National Night Out" event held in the Glenn Heights City Park. Representatives from the
Glenn Heights Police Department, and Fire Department joined with the Texas Department
of Public Safety, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other area law
enforcement agencies to encourage crime prevention, health and safety practices.
In addition to the serious theme of the event there was plenty of entertainment and fun
including the local group "Two of a Kind" as well as horse riding, a lighted train ride,
jumping pin, and tons of free food that had been donated by local merchants including
Kroger, Albertsons and others.
Much work went into preparing for this civic event and based on my experience, I would
say this was the best attended community event in recent Glenn Heights History. Our
Congratulations and Sincere THANKS go to the Police Department and all the City
Employees that volunteered to serve food, set up, tear down, and host this very special
event. GOOD JOB!
In addition, Carter Blood Bank brought their mobile unit to the event and I'm told that at
least 36 individuals attempted to donate and even though the heat was extreme, over half
of the attempts were successful. Thanks to those that participated in this simple procedure
that will lead to lives being saved.
Glenn Heights and Dallas Area Rapid Transit are both holding Elections on Saturday August 12.
Early voting is underway at the Glenn Heights City Hall for the August 12 Election, First
to fill the Council seat vacancy created when Councilwoman Coffman was elected as
Mayor Coffman and, Second to give DART the funding opportunities they need to move
forward in continuing the development of the very successful DART Transportation
System.
Three individuals are running to fill this vacancy and as seen in past elections, every vote is
very important. I'll stop short of endorsing a candidate but I will say that I think it is
extremely important that we have non-partisan, non-political, and independent thinking
out of our newest Council member to ensure a good balance in the City's leadership. We
need a commitment from this newest official that he, or she, will remain independent and
will make decisions based on his, or her, personal views and experience. As previously
shown, everyone in Glenn Heights suffers when an elected official possesses a feeling of
obligation to another elected official and allows this feeling of obligation to override their
own judgment.
In the other election, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is seeking permission from their
member cities to extend their borrowing past a current five year limit. They want to be
able to borrow money over a longer period of time so that they can expedite their
construction plans. It was very shortsighted of Glenn Height's current leadership to refuse
to endorse a resolution of support for this much needed cause. I am not aware of any
other government entity that is "strapped" by such a limited rule concerning financing and
failure to support the projects of DART today will only delay future projects needed for
Glenn Heights, Ellis County and Southern Dallas Counties needs in the future. I support
lifting the current restriction and allowing DART to access the financing necessary to
move forward in meeting DART Member City needs.
Whether you agree with me, or disagree, please take time to vote in both of these
important elections. Thank You!
Traffic and Congestion
Prior to the May City Election, I was in the process of organizing an effort to form a
communication bridge
between the communities of Ellis County and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority.
No one wants to
give up their car or truck but there is some merit in looking at how Ellis County and
Southern Dallas
County could benefit from allowing and encouraging commuters to take advantage of
mass transit in the distant
future. We simply will not be able to build enough lanes on I35E to accommodate the
traffic during rush
hours and heavy rail could be the better alternative.
Prior to the City election, I advised Mary Coffman of my efforts on this issue and I fully
expect her
support and cooperation in getting the City of Glenn Heights to sponsor an Southern
Dallas and Ellis County Elected
Officials tour of DART and all their facilities in the near future. Following this tour, I hope
to take part
in an exploratory group that looks into costs, hurdles, advantages and disadvantages of
partnering with DART in the future or
forming our on Southern Country Transit Authority.
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