It makes perfect sense.  This guy usually will angle for TV cameras, meanwhile he tries to bully his way into community efforts in which he had no part and simply ignored the problem.

This park costs $800,000, and the statues cost $100,000.  Let me repeat that $100,000! 

I have no problem with the park itself, but must it have $100,000 of statues including one of Chaney himself?

How much good can a park full of statues do?  What do statues do to improve the quality of life and opportunity on Malcolm X Blvd, MLK or Second Avenue? 

Someone please remind me what Leo Chaney has done to improve the South Dallas community to deserve even an acknowledgement much less a statue.

But, thank goodness there will be a statue of Leo Chaney  -- a 10-foot statue of his head.  What he should have in the park is a 10 foot tall shoe with his name on it to symbolize Leo Chaney's foot on the community?s neck for the last 7+ years.

I want Leo Chaney to publicly justify why he needs a statue and why we aren?t spending that $100,000 somewhere else.  I?m sure the residents of Dallas will feel safe at night knowing  their tax dollars will be used to keep Chaney?s big head nice and shiny.

It was good to hear that Chaney?s been working on his Opportunist Park for three years.  Since Chaney hasn?t done anything for the community, at least he?s been working on something.

The Dallas Morning News recently wrote an article saying that Dallas parks and rec centers are in need of funds.  Dallas parks in dire need of green (by Katie Fairbanks, 03/30/06).

Here are some better ways to spend $100,000.

		Police presence to keep the drunks and bums out of Forest Park (South Blvd @ Cleveland Street), so kids can actually play in the park free of knuckleheads and prostitutes.
		Exline Rec Center on Pine Street near Malcolm X has roof leaks over basketball courts each time it rains.
		Mildred Dunn Rec Center near 2nd Avenue needs air conditioners.
		City Employees don?t have enough equipment and people to maintain what we have now.

I?m still waiting for the list of ?his people? that have enjoyed spending the Smirnoff money that Chaney spoke of so proudly to Sharon Boyd.

I?m also still waiting for Chaney to produce a timeline backed by information that he had ANYTHING to do with closing the American Inn motel. 

These are the same questions I will ask if Chaney EVER tries to run for any other political office. 

What Chaney ought to do is resign from City Council.  But, when you want a 10-foot statue of your HEAD in a City-owned and maintained park, ego rules.

Mike Davis