07/04/06  Local Politics
 

Indeed, all politics is local. Off the record, that's why some of us in Garland are fighting two recently adopted ordinances; the rent house inspection ordinance and the new Administrative Enforcement ordinance.

These two provisions presume guilt before innocence, will eventually be used as revenue generation devices, and invade the rights of the people they purport to serve.

Be on guard in Dallas. It will get worse. If Garland is successful in its Administrative Enforcement Ordinance (just like the rental inspection program which has already spread to Mesquite and Haltom City) it will be adopted by others, including Dallas.  Would you like a copy of the AE ordinance? I can burn off a copy and give it to you most any time. It truly is problematic. Look here for more information: www.garlandcitizenforum.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3  Check under the Administrative Enforcement thread as well as the rental inspection horror stories threads.

All politics is local. Tip knew what he was saying and I've quoted him on that for years.  If we let government employees get away with spending our tax monies is bad ways, as with the recent DISD ruckus, we will see more administrative enforcement hearings in order for local governments to raise revenues outside of property taxes, thereby continuing the illusion that they are not costing us (the tax paying public) any more of our hard earned money.

Sorry for the rant, but Casie can tell you I sometimes get worked up over some issues. Garland has had to put up with a council that thought it was above the law for some time. We recently elected a new, very different council. Now we are engaged in the process of cleaning up the mess left by the outgoing council. As you already know, this is not fun.

John Willis