Frank ODonnell

Editor's note: I am absolutely pro-Wright Amendment and think the compromise agreement between Dallas, Ft. Worth, American Airlines and Southwest is reasonable. That said, here's another side of the debate.

08/07/06 Turmoil over Love Field and Regionalism.

I am amazed there was not this much discussion over the decimation of our downtown and our businesses as they moved out, upgrading the Cotton Bowl, or the decline of the neighborhoods around Love Field where I live.

The decline of Dallas is in direct proportion to our civic leaders buying into a regional DFW concept for Dallas in the late 60's.

Civic leaders of Fort Worth knew at the time Dallas had already established itself as the major metro area. Fort Worth power brokers would not let this continue and regionalism became their mantra -- market Fort Worth with Dallas as a metroplex.

With regionalism, power shifted from Dallas city hall to the North Texas Council of Governments allowing Fort Worth a say in Dallas politics. That is why our city council is ineffective. Regionalism has led to the dismantling of Dallas as our elected officials allow our best achievements to decline, so they can be re-created in our suburbs creating a conglomeration of cities each competing to be top dog at our expense.

Dallas could no longer lead but had to work within a council, other members did not have our best interests at heart.

There is no more sane re-investment in the city but is spread out usually west to Arlington/Fort Worth or north, as long as Dallas does not get it.

Remember Boeing several years ago? They showed them one downtown location; the rest were in the burbs. Keeping Love Field bottled up is very important for this effort. Don't forget AA and Amon Carter. (See fightwright.com) We will eventually loose the State Fair, too.

Dallas is and always has been the more popular destination. It has always generated business and Love Field was that gateway. Legislation was the only way to force a move, not through competition because Dallas was already the more popular destination. Holding back Dallas is all the Wright Amendment was intended to do.

Jim Wright was the Congressman from Fort Worth, and he represented them well, as does Kay Granger now. There is a huge absence of civic leaders who question this concept and what is happening to Dallas. Perhaps Jeb Hensarling has potential.

The Dallas Morning News buys into this. If you notice, you never see them criticize or question the regional concept. They praised the latest version of Wright not as a good business move but as a great show of regional cooperation. They used fear of noise and safety, as well.

We as a city should take the lead and consolidate power again in Dallas. We have one of the most liveable cities in the country, but it is being stifled. Maybe it is time to re-think regionalism? Perhaps a vote?

I do see this as a conspiracy and hope this does not sound too crazy. I thought I could write a letter to the DMN editor, but they would not publish it.

Having seen DallasArena.com, I thought I would submit it to you.

Frank