Here is the latest news on our efforts to save Samuell Farm for the citizens of Dallas. This article will go out in tomorrow's Dallas Observer. I think the article makes it clear that the Park Department is favoring Mesquite's proposal to convert much of the Samuell Farm park to soccer fields and parking spaces.  I find that simply astounding, given Mayor Miller's statement taken from page 9 of today's Morning News:

 

The mayor also has talked about persuading major corporations to invest in recreation centers and playgrounds by allowing them advertising space in the parks. "We can't wait for bond packages and for sales taxes to pick up," she said. "It's going to take something dramatic to take our parks to the next level."

I can't help but feel like the Aflak duck around this City Council. For the past year, I have been trying to get consideration for our plan to reopen Samuell Farm, restore Dr. Samuell's historic home, add educational exhibits that were seen by over 2 million people last year, build a world class equestrian center for the City of Dallas, and provide new services to kids who are involved with many non-profit assistance programs in Dallas. All of this would be done without one penny of taxpayer's money, and without the need for a cent of the controversial half billion dollar bond package. All of the revenues generated by our activities would stay in the Farm, and would result in a reinvestment projected at over $3 million in the next 3 years.

 

Yet, Mayor Miller is searching for something dramatic.  As much as I favor Mayor Miller's public statements, I simply cannot understand why our program does not merit her attention, much less her support.

I'm determined to make this an election issue and will bring this story to the attention of every media outlet I can find.  Everyone I have spoken with outside of the Park Department is incensed that the City would even consider turning this park into soccer fields, particularly for another municipality.  The fact that the Park Department is now reversing its long history of touting Dr. Samuell's desire for the land to be used as "a farm park for young people" has also raised the eyebrows and the ire of many in Dallas.

Please help me appeal to your readers to contact City Hall and the Park Department before this property is converted to soccer fields for the City of Mesquite. This is an election year, and elected officials should be called to task if they intend to act irresponsibly with property entrusted to their care. Please, please help us in our efforts to Save The Farm!

I am happy to discuss our program with anyone at anytime. I can be reached at (972) 567-8467 or (972) 475-0764.

It has often been said that all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Please ask your readers to make their voices heard in the news, at City Hall, and wherever citizens can be stirred to action.

Thank you for any help you can provide. 

For the children,

 Hugh Brooks

Ward politics is the Devil's key to the soul of the city council.  It is how some council members got themselves in trouble in the past.  It is the bait that will get others in trouble in the future. 4/6/8