9/10/04   Dallas Council Shakedowns   

There is little doubt about it.  Some on the Dallas City Council are pulling the old "SHAKEDOWN" game.  Threats, tirades, shouting, racist remarks by those who call others racists are becoming common events once more. 

Some are pointing their fingers in the wrong direction.  Mirrors should be installed at the horseshoe to enable those who accuse others to look at themselves. 

These current council meeting intimidation matches are reminiscent of the old days when mobs ruled Chicago.  I imagine that the next thing our city could witness might be the return of the "Warriors", or "Panthers", or whatever the next stage of shakedowns usually bring about. 

Citizens may once again hear the call for "Unrest On The Streets Of Dallas" from a council member (which appears to be a standard call these days). 

It is difficult to imagine that the latest disturbances on the council are based upon the  funding two simple football events.  Dallas may need to contact the Guardian Angels in New York to assist our city in quelling all the unrest. 

Here's a letter that I sent to the Mayor and Council:

To:  Dallas Mayor and City Council    9-9-2004
     Dallas City Council
    
SUBJECT:  Council Behavior Out Of Control

Reference:

1.)  Racial Inferences During Council Business
2.)  DMN, Ragland column, 9-9-2004  (Rift With Miller)

Hello, Madam Mayor and Council Representatives:

Madam Mayor, thank you for maintaining decorum during the recent Council meetings.  Without your firm control under duress from some on the Council, Dallas would be a focal point of the 10:00 P.M. national news - AGAIN.

The Ragland, DMN article on "Rift With Miller" does not help his cause, the City's cause, and certainly does not provide any positive input for the citizens of Dallas.  Those who repeatedly bring up Council racial issues are indeed the ones who are creating the racial overtones. 

It's time for all of you to discuss an issue, vote on it and MOVE ON.  If you cannot do that, then relinquish your seat to someone who knows how to conduct and participate in a business meeting. 

As for setting up "Task Forces" outside of official council business meetings, some on the council need to study up on the "rules of the game".  If officials are going to govern and operate a city, they should all know the governing rules.

Budgeting and operating a park or a zoo should be part of normal city business.  As for new stadium issues (no matter WHO it is for), non-compete clauses in the Arena contract (signed by the City of Dallas) eliminate that possibility.

It is time now to get back to the work of the City for the citizens who pay your salaries.

Regards,

Rad Field
Dist. 11