HAPPY JULY 4TH!!  INDEPENDENCE & FREEDOM

Mary Lou Montes Zijderveld:

As I get older, July 4th has become more important to me.  As an American, I am proud of our country.  I cannot express what I feel in my heart for this beautiful land of ours.  I also love Dallas.   

I want to share some concerns and my prayer for things to get better.

People in power affect those they govern.  Dallas is in a point in history of doing great things because we have a mayor who has a vision of a better Dallas.  To do this there needs to be some major changes.  

Mayor Miller reminds people often about her first impression of Dallas.  As a young woman, she saw it as a beautiful place, full of excitement.  My first impression was also one of awe.  

Unfortunately, things changed when our city started being more concerned about being politically correct as to the hiring people to certain key positions of power rather than promoting people for merit and experience.  We became politically correct, but what a price we have paid.  

Police Chief Bolton has cost us millions with all the lawsuits that have been filed.   Dallas Police Department officers have gone from being the best in Texas to one where moral is low.  Dallas crime is at an all time high.  I blame this on Chief Bolton.  Our officers are good, but you are only as good as the one who leads you.  

We also have City Manager Ted Benavidez whose watch has been one of poor job performance.  We can all identify with property tax woes because they have gone through the roof while city services have declined.

I wish that these two men would be replaced by truly qualified persons.  Is this asking too much as a taxpayer?

Hopefully, we can all agree to work towards making this the best city in the state because we are not there now.  

If we are to attract conventions that bring money, we need Dallas make more attractive so people want to come.  

DART needs to fulfill their commitment to have a rail line to service the West side of the city on Denton Road.  DART needs to have a station close to Love Field.  Chicago has train stations at both airports which help travelers and make it a more attractive place to do business.  

I would also like to see corporations or citizens with money donate money to landscape our busy streets or build beautiful water fountains.  We need to get out of our box and start thinking of how we can make this a better place for everyone.  All it takes is a vision, good leaders and money.  

Have a wonderful 4th of July and take a minute to consider how rich we live in this beautiful land and dream of what we can do to make Dallas a better place to live.  

Blessings to everyone.  

May God continue to bless and protect our beloved America.