09/01/05  Scandal

The current  investigation into corruption at City Hall has not caused me to lose confidence in the African-American leadership in Dallas.   I never had any. 

As a native of South Dallas, I sadly testify to the fact that little has changed in the Southern sector in the 41 years I have called Dallas my home.   (Unless you call saturating South Dallas with low income housing projects progress.) 

I don't know of any situation where the types of developments that are at the root of the current FBI investigation has stimulated economic development.  In fact, these projects have the opposite effect.  They often drive property values down and discourage businesses from opening in the areas where they exist.   I find it hard to believe that our leadership believes low income housing will stimulate economic development in the Southern sector.  That's a joke!

Why then do they fight so hard for these projects?   It makes no sense!

The only people who benefit from these projects are the developers and contractors that build them --  and the officials who lobby to have them built.  I don't claim to be an expert on economic development,
but common sense tells me that if our leaders are serious about stimulating economic growth and development in the Southern sector the first move would be to develop housing that will draw the  middle and upper middle class African American professional, that currently resides in Frisco, Carrolton, Plano, Grand Prairie, etc.,  to South Dallas.  

This would instantly transform the political, educational and economic landscapes not only in the Southern sector but in Dallas County as a whole.

Concerned by this investigation?  Not in the least bit.  The Bible tells us to "Envy not thou oppressors and choose NONE of his ways."  It seems that some of our leaders have done the exact opposite and when their
questionable practices are investigated their defense is "they do it, too.", or "it's only because we're Black."   I am sick and tired of hearing that!

Our leaders need to strive to serve their constituents and abstain from all appearances of evil.    At the very least they need to follow the Code of Ethics that govern their behavior as elected officials! Regardless of what "they" do! 

Alarmed by this investigation?  Not at all.  Deeply, deeply saddened and disappointed more accurately describes how the current state of affairs at City Hall makes me feel.