Dallas Connector

DISD- District 9 Seat

2009-10-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

If Sally Cain is so interested in the children of DISD, where has she been all these years that we have been trying to insure that all children are educated? I am not sure that she has attend a board meeting or board briefing?

She is probably a nice lady but when the Dallas Citizens Council,Jack Lowe and Jerome Garza put their stamps of approval on her,that makes me think that she will be part of the "SLAM DUNK" at DISD. If she had been aware of what was going on at DISD she would have known that.

Jerome Garza IS NOT trustworthy. Garza has undermined the black trustees since he has been on the board. He did not only try to get someone to run against Ranger,he took a school out of her district without her knowledge (Molena) when Wilmer Hutchins became part of DISD and please do not forget that he was also instrumental in leading the board to gut the funding for Learning Center,pushed for more BiLingual (Spanish) programs that exceed the State mandate (more jobs),and he was the mastermind behind getting a school named for (hateful towards blacks) Adelpha Callejo. Garza should be asked if he believe that he represent all races of children or only Hispanics? We who follow the politics of DISD know the answer. That is why you now have black flight just as you had white flight. Look at the demographics in school districts like Lancaster, DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Duncanville most are majority blacks.

It is unfortunate that Garza and Flores believe that because the majority of students in DISD are Hispanic that the others do not matter. The politics of inclusion should be taught to these board members. All children are important and should be educated. I do believe that Adam Medrano gets it and I appreciate him being the board president because under Jack Lowe's leadership it was "My Way Or The Highway".

Hang in there Carla Ranger.

DISD College Readiness Program

2009-09-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

The staff did not answer most of the questions that the board ask. The purchasing dept. was the most shocking. They only put the bid out for 2 weeks, no pre-bid conference, no interviews of the companies that submitted bids,score cards from the panel that left additional questions, and on and on.

From the staffs comments, ASP did not really give a good accounting of their work. It was noted that the 82 Million in scholarships that they reported were awarded had grants in the calculations and they would have to recalculate. The staff also noted that they were not sure how many students really accepted the scholarships.

When the staff was asked if DISD counselors could do this work, they replied that DISD counselors do not have relationships with the colleges therefore it would be better to have contracts with an outside source for college readiness.

When Lew Blackburn ask the question about the shift from Title I to general funds, I thought the staff was going to fall out of their chairs. It was a lot of I don't know why, but I will find out from TEA. Larry Thorn is always answering the budget questions in a snappy way to the board, but he did not say a word.

I think for half the money they could hire a counselor for all 22 schools. Silly me, they have got to hire the people from Teach For America.

Response to Dallas.Org-Allen Gwinn

2009-09-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Allen,

I know Bea Martinez and I am not a member of LULAC, but I believe that she is honest and a hard worker. I can not believe that you would stoop so low. Did you check to see if it was a conflict for Rene to work for DISD and for his wife to run for school board? I think that is where you should start. If it is a conflict, tell all of us so that we will know.

Please tell us what you know about Bea Martinez and why she (not her husband) should not be running for this office. Since you are in District 3 have you had a conversation with her before today regarding DISD? Does she have knowledge of the issues concerning DISD? Is she compassionate about children? Has she served on any boards that would give her insight to a billion dollar budget and how to manage it? Can she represent the total community? Does she understand working with employees that report directly to the board?

If you think that Leigh Ann Ellis is not part of the "Slam Dunk" you are dreaming. She has voted along with Flores, Garza, Lowe and Bingham on most of the bad decisions that have been made on this board. She voted for the budgets, she voted for the RIF, she voted against the Learning Centers, she is one of the five (5) that they count on to keep Hinojosa, she voted for the DUMB new ethics policy that allows board members to do business with DISD, she voted to ILLEGALLY EXTEND HER TERM IN OFFICE, etc. Please tell me when Leigh Ann Ellis has taken a strong position on any issue opposing the administration.

Everyone on the board needs to go except Adam and Carla. Go after the candidate’s qualifications not her family.

New Poll Shows Consumer Rejection of Cap-and-Tax Plans

2009-07-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2009
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New Poll "Foreshadows Massive Consumer Rejection of Cap-and-Tax Plans," Civil Rights Leader Says:

Rapidly growing consumer grassroots movement also "will punish those who push these anti-consumer schemes," Innis warns
North Las Vegas, NV -- A new national poll confirms that a rapidly growing consumer tide is building against cap-and-tax plans that will raise electricity bills, according to civil rights champion Roy Innis, who says the poll "foreshadows a huge defeat for cap-and-tax activists and their supporters in the U.S. Senate."
The national poll, conducted by Lauer Johnson Research (LJR) on behalf of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, found nearly six in 10 Americans oppose paying any more than they currently pay in their electricity bills to combat climate change. It also found that an overwhelming 78 percent of all respondents say that a $50 increase monthly in utility bills "would be a hardship."
"Poll after poll now shows the same thing that we hear in our national grassroots campaign against cap-and-tax," Innis said. "Consumers are rising up in strong opposition to cap-and-tax schemes that will raise their rates. They can't afford even small increases in their energy bills. And they don't believe politicians' promises that cap-and-tax is a free lunch."
Innis added "It's also becoming crystal clear that consumers and voters are going to be angry enough punish those who get behind these anti-consumer tax plans. In fact, I predict that consumer anger isn't going to be focused only on the sound-bite politicians. I think consumer anger is going to expand to include those private sector interests that sought to line their own pockets through the cap-and-tax feeding frenzy in Washington, D.C."
Innis urged leaders in the U.S. Senate and in the business community to "get back to the drawing board and come up with legislation that focuses on rapidly advancing emissions technologies, not legislation that seeks to punish consumers for using American energy."
The national poll, conducted by Lauer Johnson Research (LJR) on behalf of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, had a sample size of 807 and a +/- 3.5% sampling error rate. It found:
58 percent of Americans opposed to pay any more than they currently pay in their electricity bills to combat climate change, a 23% increase in those unwilling to pay more since 2007.
One-half (50%) of the country opposes enacting a carbon tax to fund energy research, which represents a 49-point shift (22% drop in agree; 27% increase in disagree) away from supporting a carbon tax for energy research in 2007.
Interest in protecting the environment and fighting climate change has dropped from a low priority (8%) in 2007 to receiving virtually no attention (3%) in 2009.
Fifty-five percent of all respondents, and 69% of working/lower class families, say a $20 increase in their monthly electric bill would cause financial difficulty for their household.
68% disagree with the idea that Congress should enact a carbon tax to encourage consumers to cut back on their electricity usage.
Not one respondent indicated a willingness to pay over 20% more on their monthly electricity bill to combat climate change, according to the survey. "Working/lower class and age 65+ respondents are the least willing to pay more, but substantial percentages of all classes and age cohorts indicate they do not want to see their electric bills increase by even one dollar for the purposes of combating climate change," the survey summary memo noted.
Both this survey and a recent Gallup Poll have found that for the first time in Gallup’s 25 year history of asking Americans about the trade-off between environmental protection and economic growth, a majority of Americans say economic growth should be given the priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent.
# # #
Contact: Niger Innis, National Spokesman, (702) 463-0768

SEND A KID TO CAMP PROGRAM - LETTER WRITTEN BY JIM GRAHAM TO PAUL DYER

2009-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Paul:

I read in the DMN last week that one of the programs to be cut from the Park Department budget was the Send a Kid to Camp program. The last time Dallas was dealing with a severe economic turn down, we had to discontinue the summer camp programs the Park Department had provided children all over the city for decades. In order to, at the minimum, serve the most underprivileged and at risk of our youth during the summer months, Park Board President Ida Papert asked me to develop a plan to keep some camps open in target areas. The challenge was to provide a positive summer experience to our higher risk youth at little or no cost to the Park Department. Sensing that youth serving agencies were also feeling the financial pinch, we developed a plan to form partnerships with such agencies whereby the City allowed them to utilize our parks and other facilities at no cost if they would provide the staffing and programming. I met with numerous youth serving agencies, developed a short and simple agreement between them and the City of Dallas, and a few signed on to partner up with us for the good of the kids. We jointly reached out to the public to provide funding to fill the financial gap for such items as refreshments, equipment, supplies and field trips. We were successful, and several Send a Kid to Camp camps were operated that first summer at little or no cost to the Park Department or City of Dallas. A contribution form for Send a Kid to Camp was included in water and electric bills to the citizens, grocery store check out counters took donations, vendors to the city were asked to contribute, and contributions were solicited by mail and public service announcements. All in all, the program was a win-win for the city, the youth serving agencies and primarily for the kids served. Since the Send a Kid to Camp program has operated successfully and served perhaps 50,000 or more of our children over the past 20 plus years, it would be a shame to see it discontinued just because times are tough. Tough times are why we started the program in the first place!

I firmly believe that a child will make a positive choice if a positive choice is available. Without the positive choice of attending a summer camp, many of our high risk youth face a summer of boredom with too much non productive time on their hands to get into mischief. Is this really a cost effective option for Dallas, or are we all better served by providing our youth with a physically and mentally challenging camping experience? I know from painful experience from my time on the Park Board in lean financial times that you are being besieged with valid pleas to spare programs across the board. Nevertheless, I encourage you and the Park Board to preserve the Send a Kid to Program for the benefit of our city and most of all, our youth. Thanks.

James P. Graham
PresidentPalo Petroleum, Inc.5944 Luther LaneSuite 900Dallas, Texas 75225(214) 691-3676

Main Post Office on Interstate 30

2009-07-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Where are the elected officials? We need USPS or an elected official to call a community meeting to discuss what all of the losses for Dallas would be if the sorting of mail would be moved from the facility on Interstate 30. If the main functions are moved, do you believe that USPS would operate out of this facility? It would not be cost effective to do so.

It is my understanding that USPS is closing all of the Post Offices where they do not own the land and building. Will this be in your neighborhood?

I usually work late so I have to use the Main Post Office because the one in my neighborhood closes at 6:00 p.m. and you do not get a minute over that.

I understand effencies, but at what cost to large number of customers do you make such a move? I do not think that there are more customers in Coppell than in Dallas. I believe that the following aspects of our mail service will be affected;

a. Home and Business mail delivery in Dallas will be affected if this takes place.

b. There will be job loss of tenured employees that primarily live in Dallas.

c. Dallas will loose the postmark (8th largest city with no postmark). Coppell will be the postmark.

d. Dallas residents will loose the convenience of using a Post Office in the evenings for stamps, money orders, shipping boxes and mailing letters.

Help me ask for a community meeting so that USPS can explain this move to Coppell to the Dallas residents and elected officials. Call your Dallas City Councilperson, State Senator, State Representative, US Representative and US Senator.

Saving Paul Quinn College

2009-07-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

What is so sad to me is that some people do not understand that cities like Atlanta are successful because they embrace higher education. Atlanta has three (3) Historical Black Colleges (Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spellman). Dallas should be embracing all institutions of higher learning for the sake of making sure all of our children have educational options. People in this city always talk about an educated workforce, but we are still struggling with making sure that happens.

We spend millions of taxpayer dollars on colleges like the UT System and Texas A&M System each year to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of the students. I am not against us investing in our future with any of the institutions but I believe that Paul Quinn also have value and should be treated in the manner.

The facts are that many professional African Americans graduate from Historical Black Institutions of higher learning.

Saving Paul Quinn College is a win for all of Dallas.

DISD School Named for Adelpha Callejo

2009-07-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Lew Blackburn's vote for Adelpha Callejo was to get the votes against the naming of a school in Carla Ranger's district for John Hope Franklin. If you had attended the board meeting, you would have seen who was speaking for Lew Blackburn about the name of a school in the old Wilmer Hutchins School Distrit. It was Jerome Garza, Nancy Bingham, Edwin Flores and Jack Lowe, all of the slam dunk five except Ellis and she voted with them. It was obvious that a deal was cut before the meeting on how the voting would be.

Lew Blackburn was one of the trustees who was most vocal at the briefing about naming a school for Adelpha. God help us and pleace help the African American children that will enter that school. NO JUSTICE NO PEACE!

It is time to consider breaking up this district into smaller and more manageable districts. Each board meeting is a disaster. We need change now!!!

Adelpha Callejo Nominated for New School Name

2009-06-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

I attended the DISD Board Briefing yesterday where Nancy Bingham nominated Adelpha Callejo's name for a new school in DISD. The most telling exchange between board members was when Dr. Lew Blackburn ask Nancy Bingham if she agreed with the racist statements made by Adelpha, and she did not denounce the statements.

I have served on several boards and commissions with Adelpha and always found her to be one-race oriented. She constantly spoke openly in a negative way about black people and always talked about it being the Hispanics time.

She made national news with her raciest comments about then Senator Obama, now President Obama. Even her candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton, had to denounce her racist remarks.

While I believe Adelpha has met many challenges in her personal life and I applaud her for overcoming those challenges and becoming a successful lawyer. I do not believe that naming a school after her, where all races of children will attend, is in the best interest of the school district or the community. My personal belief is that one can be a strong advocate for his/her race without constantly putting down another race.

Learning Centers and Magnet Schools Teacher and Support Personnel CUTS by DISD Trustees

2009-06-04T13:04:00.001-07:00

For those voting YES; Flores, Lowe, Ellis, Bingham and Garza: Lost a total of 7 teachers.

For those voting NO; Medrano, Price, Ranger and Blackburn: Lost a total of 228.

Price - 100

Blackburn - 74.5

Medrano - 37.5

Ranger - 16

Lowe - 8 (all at KB Polk)

Garza - 0.5

Ellis and Bingham - 0

Flores gets a gain at Dealey Montessori with an addition of 1.5

Something is not right with this picture. If looks like a duck, quacks like a duck
and walks like a duck. It is a duck.

Thought of the Week

2009-05-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Don't believe the lies about Souther Sector Votes on the Convention Center Hotel

2009-05-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

You have some of the same " wanna be" people spreading lies about the outcome of the Vote Yes for the Convention Center Hotel in the Southern Sector. District 7, 5 and 8 all had the majority of votes for Vote Yes against the Convention Center Hotel. District 4 is the only council district represented by an African American that went Vote No by a slim margin. In fact, District 8 represented by Tennell Atkins lost the Vote No by 10%. That means that the councilman was for Vote No and the citizens were for Vote Yes by 10%. When all of the numbers were aggregated, VOTE YES won in the Southern Sector. That means, VOTE YES WON IN THE FOUR COUNCIL DISTRICTS REPRESENTED BY AFRICAN AMERICANS WHEN ALL OF THE VOTES WERE ADDED FOR THOSE 4 COUNCIL DISTRICTS.

That is what is wrong with our community, we have so many untruthful persons saying that they are working for the community and they are not. If you tell the truth, it will all come out okay whether you win or lose. WIN OR LOSE, DO IT FOR THE COMMUNITY.

Thank You State Rep. Yvonne Davis

2009-03-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my State Rep. Yvonne Davis for introducing a bill to split up Dallas ISD. It is no secret that many people have become so disgusted with the way the Dallas ISD is ran that they have begun to contemplate how to dismantle the system and start anew. I applaud Rep. Davis for her courage to even bring up this idea and hope that she is able to get her colleagues to understand the current frustration and the need for change.

The schools that are predominately in the African American community are falling apart with little or no maintenance to the facility. Tenured teachers are being fired and are leaving the district in large numbers which directly affect the education of students. The quality of education for African American students has declined through the years. Parents, students and taxpayers deserve a better education for all children.

DART Fare Increase

2009-03-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

DART had a fare increase about two years ago which brought the fare to the current $3.00 per day. DART now want to increase the fare to $4.00 dollars per day. So within 2 years the fare will almost double.
When I was on the DART Board, the financial plan showed a fare increase every five years and that seemed okay as long as it could be justified.
The fare box does not and will never pay for the service. All public transit (bus,rail and para-transit) is subsidized at different levels.
It would be okay to talk about a fare increase if DART had made sure that they looked at all alternatives to increasing the fares on transit dependent riders. DART has several hundred contract employees who ride the system for FREE. DART sells the most expensive passes ($800.00)to cities for $40.00 to pass on to their employees. DART pays over a million dollars a year to assist with shuttle service (SMU, T.I., UTD). DART spends over $500,000 per year on the McKinney Avenue Trolly. DART allows some college students to ride for free. DART runs what is called an "On-Call" service to areas that do not have enough ridership to justify a bus route. These are just some of the issues that need to be addressed before raising the fare.

Shoot The Monkey

2009-02-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if the stimulus package will work. I am not sure that the effects of the 700 billion dollars will filter down and get to the people who need the help. I am not sure that President Obama understands all of the elements and how they will work together for the betterment of the people, and if anyone says to you that they know it is good, walk away.

The thing that is so troubling about this cartoon is the fact that the implication is that the president is a monkey. Black people have lived with that stereotype for years and have rejected and rebuffed such a notion with quite dignity at times, and sometimes with a violent reaction. This is not new for blacks to be associated with being a monkey, but it is disturbing for the President of the United States to be ridiculed in that manner. We do understand the way that racism works today.

And someone ask if we still need the NAACP.

Our First Lady

2009-02-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

Dallas ISD Trustee Ron Price

2009-02-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ron Price is trying to show progress in the schools in district 9 because he thinks that he can convince the voters that he is ready to move from School Board Trustee to the Dallas City Council. He has specifically talked about Julia C. Frazier Elementary School and Lincoln High School. This was discussed in a post by Unfair Park.

I graduated from Julia C. Frazier Elem. School and it has done well with the assistance of the T.I. Foundation and the Margaret Cone HeadStart Center. Quality education has been taking place in this school for years.

Frazier and Lincoln are both good schools, but it has nothing to do with Ron Price making them good schools. I give the credit to the principals, teachers, students and parents.
I believe Price was on the school board when Gonzales, Rojas, Moses and Hinojosa were hired. All have been bad for Dallas Independent School District. Do not forget that Ron Price was one of the leading Trustees who decided to vote to forego Trustee elections this year. He was one of the Trustees that was up for re-election.

This is not about race, but this is about not recycling the elected officials who have been in power for years. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!!!!

Thought for the Week

2009-02-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

We see things not as they are, but as we see.

Dennis Kimbro

DR. LEW BLACKBURN WOULD LIKE TO RE-ESTABLISH THE DISTRICT 5 CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL

2009-02-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Dallas ISD Schol Board Trustee, Dr. Lew Blackburn is now wanting to re-establish the District 5 Citizens Advisory Council, "Often, I ask constituents to advise me on issues affecting Dallas ISD. Many times, the advice I receive shapes my views on issues coming before the Board of Trustees. I appreciate their involvement. I have decided to reform my District 5 Citizens Advisory Council. The council will be composed of citizens of District 5, with three sub councils; Oak Cliff, West Dallas, and Wilmer-Hutchins. We will meet at least quarterly, and more often as the need arises. If you are interested in joining the District 5 Advisory Council, contact me via email with the following information: name, address, phone, and email address. I look forward to hearing from you.

I wonder what advise has he taken? In the meetings that I have attended only Trustee Carla Ranger seems to be listening to the people. Did the citizens advise him to extend his term one year, go light on Hinojosa after the budget deficit, change the board policy so it would take more than one Trustee to call for a separate vote, on consent agenda items, to vote for laying off teachers or to sit quietly while test scores for African American at all levels are the lowest for any group in the district.

Through the years, I have supported Dr. Blackburn, but it is now time for new Trustees.

"Special Liaison" created by US Corp of Engineers for Dallas Trinity Toll Road

2009-02-14T15:19:00.000-08:00

It was reported by Rudy Bush that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is creating a special laison for the Trinity Toll Road Project. This came after a meeting in the office of U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison with Tom Leppert and the U.S. Army Corp.

I thought these were tough economic times and that everyone was cutting back. It seems like I was wrong.

I do know that this was all about politics. Senator Hutchison is going to run for Governor and needs all of the support that she can get expecially from a Texas big city mayor. The Trinity Toll Road is tanking and Leppert is doing all that he can to save face. He sold the citizens a bad deal.

2009-02-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Department of Education has turned down Dallas ISD's request to move about $15 million in salaries to the Title 1 federal grant program. These salaries are primarily associated with paying coaches for teachers in the district and to reduce class sizes in middle and high schools, which is a part of Superintendent Hinojosa's Dallas Achieves initiative.

When the district's budget came up short last fall (84 million), administrators proposed paying those salaries with Title 1 money which the district receives to improve the educations of low-income kids. There is a process for using those funds and the district did not follow it. Federal money comes through the state to local school districts and can only be used to "supplement" local efforts.

While the district says it is done with the fight, I do not believe them. They will come back another ways as they always do. They seem to be baffled that they were turned down by the feds. They say that they consulted several experts on Title I who advised them that the move was allowable.

I guess now they will just take that money out of the fund balance and leave the district crippled with about 30 million left in that fund. When Hinojosa got here there was about 120 million. I hope nothing bad happens because the district will be in a pickle.

Smithsonian is seeking the hat Aretha Franklin wore at President Obama's Inauguration

2009-02-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

The hat told a true story. Being a hat woman myself, I say ReRe should say yes to the Smithsonian.

Thought for the Week

2009-02-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Frederick Douglass

Bob Hayes

2009-02-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that this is happening to a Sport's Hero like Bob Hayes. He does not deserve all of the discord that is taking place over the honor that will bestowed upon him after his death.

Bob was a fun loving person that had a heart of gold. I had the opportunity to be friends with he and his first wife Altamease Hayes. They called me their little sister and Bob called my mother MOM. He loved her chili. He made friends easily and many people hung out around him, but he loved his wife and daughter Adrienne LaRori (Rori), very much.

I noticed that the part of his family who is raising the stink about Lucille Hester not being his sister, and leaving them out has left out Altamease and Rori (she has 3 children). This is tragic.

Altamease and Bob were married most of his playing days.

If you have the same father, that would make you brother and sister. I hope that Ms. Lucille Hester keeps her head high and continue with the quest of getting Bob Hayes in the Football Hall of Fame.

Go Bullet Bob Hayes!!!!!! Hall of Famer!!!!!!!!

DART-FTA Investigation

2009-02-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

FTA - Civil Rights division will be at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) on February 4th and 5th to investigate allegations of raced based action. It has been alleged that one of DART's top executives gave a mandate to hire Hispanics. There has been at least one lawsuit from a fired employee that made such a claim.

DART should not be allowed to say that their hiring practices are just because they have a large number of African Americans that are bus drivers. The FTA should look department by department as reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office *EEOC".

I do not know who got them here, but Thanks to FTA for coming.

44th President-Barack Obama

2009-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

President Barack Obama

2009-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

A day that all Americans can be proud of. The historic swearing in of the 44th president of the United States of American brings hope to all Americans.

This is a day that will be remembered by all that were in Washington or at their homes, work places or the vast number of viewing parties to watch the historic event.

Hopefully this presidency will be about the people.

Florida A & M University /Opportunity for Black women in the field of computer technology

2009-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

Florida A & M University is providing an outstanding opportunity for Black women entering college in the fall of 2009. It is designed to address their absence in the field of computer technology. Dr. Jason Black is the Principal Investig ator of a recently awarded $552,000 NSF Grant entitled African-American Women in Computer Science . The grant provides scholarships, from $3,000 to $5,000 per semester for female African American students .

We need your help to get the word out about this great opportunity to build up the enrollment of women in the CIS Department. Pass this information
along to high school or community college students , their parents, and to guidance counselors you may know. The full text of the press release can be
found at

http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=headlines&p=display&news=602&archive

You can also contact Dr. Black by email at:

jblack@cis.famu. edu or (850)412-7354

Re-constituting 5 DISD Schools

2009-01-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

We continue to try to educate the community on the serious educational problems that are taking place at DISD. There are 4 comprehensive high schools, Kimball, Pinkston, Roosevelt and Seagoville that are struggling to become academically acceptable along with one elementary school Tatum elementary.

We also have to watch out for Birdie Alexander and see what improvements the district has for that school. The district will attend a hearing Friday at the Texas Education Agency to discuss the four high schools and Birdie Alexander. All five schools have been rated "academically unacceptable" for three consecutive years.

Update: DISD gave the wrong list of schools. They just can not get the real story out.

Thought for the Week

2009-01-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

Criticism is the easiest form of mental activity...creativity is the toughest.

NO Tax-Payer Owned Hotel

2009-01-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

I went to Robert Ashley's Show (KHVN) along with Anne Raymond from Crow Holdings so that she could give our side of the issue on the taxpayer owned hotel. As I have stated before, I am a consultant for the Citizens Against a Taxpayer Owned Hotel. My intention was not to be on the show, but with Mr. Ashley's encouragement, I spoke my mind. Most people in the community who know me, know that I believe in doing my homework before I take a position on any issue. I take great pride in getting the information for myself and making an informed decision about where I will be on an issue. I am not a person that take second hand information and carry that tale. We all know what happens when something is repeated over and over. You have a new story.

I personally am not against a convention center hotel, but I am against the taxpayers taking the risk and the city owning the hotel. If it is such a good deal, let the private developers do what they do best, develop. Mr. Ashley informed us that he had ask Dwaine Caraway to come on the show and that he was told that they are not starting their campaign until February. I do not see that as a reason for us not to move forward with educating the community. The good thing about the show was that the callers were educated on the issue and clearly understand what is at risk.

While serving on the Executive Committee of the Greater Dallas Chamber, the taxpayers added dollars to the convention center for expansion because we were told that there was not enough meeting space. Taxpayers did that, and now the convention center is loosing about $4 million per year.

The issue of Minority Contractors participation is an interesting one. That question was raised on the show. People who have never been in business have a difficult time understanding the process. This might be a new day, but we do not award contracts to just a few contractors in the name of the community.

Facts To Remember:

Fact: We know that the city has capped the cost of building the hotel, but there are other expenses, like a $50 million dollar reserve, attorney's fees, cost of land, cost of financing the bonds, etc. which will add up to half a billion dollars or more.

Fact: The Omni Hotel in Fort Worth is not owned by the taxpayers. It is fully owned by Omni, with assistance by the city, therefore Omni is taking all of the risk.

Fact: People in favor of a Taxpayer owned hotel were not at the community meeting.

Fact: The low-end job creation will not help the struggling people in our community. We want jobs that will give a livable wage.

Fact: Dallas has an abundance of Hotel in downtown, Hyatt, Adolphus, Sheraton, Plaza of Americas, Jewel, Ritz Carlton, Fairmont, Magnolia, Crescent, Holiday Inn, and Indigo. Fort Worth downtown is more compact and they do not have the large number of hotels in their downtown area.

Fact: Hotels are not destinations. How often have you had people to say that I am going to a city so that I can stay in the Omni Hotel?

Fact: The largest number of citywide conventions in Dallas has been 20. Let's say that we get to that number again and that the conventions last for 5 days, that would give us a 100 days that the hotels are full, what about the other 265 days?

Fact: The hotels that we currently have pay taxes to the city of Dallas, and the convention center hotel will not be paying taxes.

Fact: Dwaine Caraway was on KNON not KHVN talking about the taxpayer owned hotel when I called the show. He did not want to take questions, but the Host, Rev. Barnett insisted. I guess some people do not know the difference between KHVN and KNON. Oh well, can't believe everybody who say they have facts.

District 5 Served Best By Councilwoman Vonciel Jones Hill

2009-01-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

I have lived in District 5 (Redbird area) since 1973 and have come to love the area. I have seen the ups and downs of what has taken place and certainly have not always agreed with the elected officials (when I started to take note of the representation) from Dr. Charles Tandy, Don Hicks, Don Hill and now Vonciel Jones Hill. Before living there, I lived in the District 4 area(Lancaster-Kiest) and watched the slippery slope of retail development and housing stock start to decline in the area prior to my moving further south in 1973.

While there are complaints by haters about what is not happening in the Redbird area, I can say that my street has been repaved, my trash is picked up, I recycle, I rarely see trash along the streets in my neighborhood (only when bulk trash is being picked up), a walking trail has been put in with park improvements, there have been neighborhood beautification projects and other initiatives. I am fully aware that the District stretches from Southwest Oakcliff to Pleasant Grove and that there are different neighborhood needs.

I am disappointed that more senior facilities are not available, but I also understand the part of District 5 that I live in, there are few places to put those facilities and I would like to see the surrounding districts 8 and 4 do more in collaboration to get more in the area. I know that Southwest Center Mall (former Redbird Mall) is in District 8, Lancaster-Kiest Shopping Center is in Distrait 4, the Inland Port is in District 8, and that they border on District 5. I am aware that these development opportunities outside of District 5 effect my area.

I have not called Councilwoman Hill's office one time and not received a response from Ms. Hill or her staff. In fact, when I call her office, I mostly need to talk with her staff because they are there to take the information and assist the voters of District 5 on a daily basis.

What I am most worried about are thing that cost taxpayers that are outside of one councilpersons control like the budget, taxpayer owned hotels, increasing cost of the Trinity project, foreclosure rates, crime rate, senior concerns (transportation, housing repair, etc.) and public transportation within the city limits.

Thought for the Week

2009-01-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters, Who never did, Who won't anymore...

And who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past,

there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

NTTA Minority Business Director

2009-01-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

Anthony Coleman has been named the new Minority and Women Owned Business Director for the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). The agency made a good choice. Mr. Coleman has a long history of working with Minority and Women Owned Business Programs and he is a person who will attempt to open the doors for all eligible minority and women business owners. He will not be one that will try to hand carry a few and leave others behind.

Good choice NTTA.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-12-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dallas Morning News 2008 Texan of the Year - District Attorney Craig Watkins

2008-12-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

I was shocked that the Dallas Morning News would have the courage to pick District Attorney Craig Watkins as the Texan of the Year. It is my opinion that Craig Watkins took his election to the District Attorney's office serious and immediately began to make significant change. While he did not do it alone, it was his leadership that moved forward with a partnership with the Innocence Project and allowed people that had been wrongly convicted to be released from prison. I can not imagine how those innocent people must have felt being locked up in prison for something that they did not do.

I say "convict the criminals and throw the key away, and free the wrongly convicted NOW".

Good choice Dallas Morning News.

Thought for the Week

2008-12-29T10:08:00.000-08:00

PSALM 24

1. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3. Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4. The the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5. Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped
8. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

We Love You Carla Ranger

2008-12-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

This board has been so busy trying to muzzle Trustee Carla Ranger that they have now stifled their own oppotunity to speak at the meetings. With their actions,they have only sent her from her board seat to open forums that address the problems at the board level and the administraton. She clearly understands that the leadership of Dallas ISD (the board) is in trouble. How can you lead when you are worried about your own personal gains? You can't.

Thank you Adam Medrano for being brave enough to second some of Mrs. Rangers motions.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Jesus is the reason for the season.

God Bless
Joyce Foreman

African American Business Participation at The City of Dallas

2008-12-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

While gathering information on minority participation on contracts, and particularly African American business participation with public agencies, it was striking that Councilman Dwaine Caraway, Tennell Adkins and Mayor Tom Leppert are interested in how well other agencies are utilizing African American contractors and businesses. They appear to want to tell other agencies that they should do a better job at utilizing African American businesses ,but when you look at the city of Dallas's record, you can only wonder why aren't they trying to make sure that equity is spreading within the arena that they have some control over instead of going to other agencies making demands. The city's African American business participation:

FY 2005-2006

African American $14,828,786.............. 5.1%

Expenditures $289,385,589

FY 2006-2007

African American $22,443,183............... 5.9%

Expenditures $377,702,706

FY 2007-2008

African Americans $25,287,511................ 5.4%

Total Expenditures $468,578,222

Total 3 years African American Participation ............. $62,559,480
Total 3 year Expenditures ................................$1.135 Billion
Total 3 year percentage ..................................... 5.5%

Mayor Leppert,Dwaine Caraway, and Tennell Adkins need to make sure that the city of Dallas is doing everything it can to ensure that their is inclusion on the city's contracts instead of going to other agencies telling them what to do. Make sure that your house is in order before going to others to tell them what to do.

Holiday Wishes

2008-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS
HAPPY NEW YEAR

DISD Budget Crisis

2008-12-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

What is most amazing about the budget crisis is that we now know that the slide started in 2005-under Dr. Hinojosa's watch-but all we hear from the auditors is about the unbudgeted teachers and poor accounting. We still have not been given a detail report on where the money went. Did the district give departments higher budgets or did departments overspend their budget? Was purchasing of goods and services increased? Did maintenance cost go up? Was there also an increase in non teaching jobs? Did the under $50,000 contracts go up (those are the contracts that the board do no approve)? How much in mis-managed federal grants, and how much did the district have to return to the federal government? Did Dr. Hinojosa's Executive team salaries increase from the previous superintendent? Did administrative cost increase?

At the last board meeting when discussions came up over the district paying 116 teachers $397,00 in bonuses that they had earned out of general funds the board had questions. The reason that the bonuses had not been paid was that some principals had not followed the federal guidelines for payment. The trustees had some concern over which line item in the budget the money would come out of. The board was told that the money would come from a line item that was for utilities and stipends. That really did not make any sense. Finally it was agreed that the money would come out of the budgets of the Executive Team and board. I wonder if the budget process is fixed? Why would stipends and utilities be together in the budget? Utilities are operational and stipends are salary related.

We also hear that the fund balance is down from $120 million dollars to $20 million dollars in a short three year period. Just a couple of months ago we were told that because of the 2007-2008 budget shortfall that the fund balance would be at $60 million dollars. What is going on? What happened to that additional $40 million dollars in just a couple of months? Where is the board in all of this, and where are those business executives who have just declared that Dallas most pay more money to the people that they hire in the financial area? I think that currently for 3 positions in accounting they are paying over $500,000 (half a million) in salaries and that does not include benefits. Maybe they think that taxpayers money should be spent the same way that the banking industry's bailout money is spent on private jets,large bonuses, stock option and contract buyouts at the taxpayers expense. If the corporate executives are so concerned, why don't they try helping Dallas ISD by allowing some of their top financial executives to be executives on loan to Dallas ISD?

Why can't we spend money on quality teachers and give our children the best chance for learning ?

TAXPAYERS STILL NEED TO KNOW WHERE DID THE MONEY GO?

S.M. Wright Foundation - Christmas Celebration

2008-12-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

This event was breath taking. It was estimated that over 20,000 people came to the automobile building in Fair Park to get toys, cloths and food. Rev. S. M. Wright II has done a wonderful job in continuing the foundation in his father's name and helping the less fortunate. To see the smiles on children's faces as they choose the toy or to watch the parents look on with smiles made this a better Christmas season for many of us that were there volunteering.

I am so happy that I had the opportunity to volunteer for this event. Not only did I volunteer but I also took my 12 year old nephew,Taylor,so that he would have an opportunity to give back to the community. When he returned home he told his mother that he had learned something and what he had learned was many people are in need and sometimes when he ask for things he should be thankful that she is able to get them for him and that he has so much to be thankful for. Thank God for Taylor's lesson.

DISD- Carla Ranger

2008-12-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

The board meeting on Thursday night was interesting. It was amazing to watch Chairman Jack Lowe attempt to keep Trustee Ranger from making a point of order. She simply wanted to explain for the record why she was not voting on the consent agenda, but President Lowe did not want her speaking and it looks like President Lowe, the parliamentarian and the lawyer have all decided that they would not allow Mrs Ranger to express herself by trying to contain her comments. When Mrs Ranger tries to speak, President Lowe calls on the parliamentarian or the lawyer to rule in his favor.

Tonight was good. Mrs. Ranger appealed the ruling of the President to the entire board and got a second from Trustee Adam Medrano (Thank You Adam) and won the vote. I just can not understand why you would attempt to tie the hands of a fellow trustee. When Mrs Rangers hands are tied you are locking out her constituents and certainly they are taxpayers also and elected Mrs. Ranger to be our voice.

WE LOVE YOU CARLA!

Why DART?

2008-12-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

At the last DART Board meeting Chairman Randall Chrisman had community activist Lee Alcorn thrown out of the board meeting because Mr. Alcorn was asking for a meeting with him about the whispers going around that the Executive Vice President of DART, Ben Gomez had issued an order to hire Hispanics for a certain position.

Mr. Alcorn and other community activist like Rev. Ronald Wright went to DART out of concerns of discrimination. This should not be happening in this day and time. What happened to the best person for the job?

DART should not want to throw the public speakers out because they are asking question. Remember DART you are funded by the public.

NAACP Press Release

2008-11-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Andrea Clark (214)394-7779 or (214)741-1809
DALLAS NAACP PRESS CONFERENCE TO DEMAND DISD BOARD TRUSTEE PRESIDENT TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING

Dallas, Texas - November 24, 2008 - The Dallas NAACP, along with several other community organizations including ACCION America, African-American Pastors Coalition and Interdenomination Ministerial Alliance, will hold a press conference on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 4:00 p.m., in front of the Dallas Independent School District ("DISD") Administration Building, 3700 Ross Ave, Dallas, Texas 75204, to demand Board President Jack Lowe to call a special meeting to take a vote of confidence for Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa by Monday, December 1st. All members of the Dallas NAACP, community members, parents, children and concerned citizens are requested to be present. "We can no longer stand on the sidelines. DISD Board President Jack Lowe lied to us and now we demand that he set the meeting for a vote of confidence as policy states" stated Pres. Casey Thomas. People are asked to be at the DISD Administration Building by 3:30PM. For more information, contact Pres. Casey Thomas at presidentdallasnaacp@yahoo.com or Andrea Clark at (214)394-7779.

James Dante Kings

2008-11-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

Dallas ISD's board meeting was as interesting as usual,but two speakers really got my attention. They were the parents of a now diciest DISD student James Dante Kings. James was a student at BTW for the Preforming and Visual Arts school. He along with other classmates in March of 2008 went on a field trip to Austin where James was struck by a car on Interstate 35.

Mr. and Mrs. Kings addressed the board about their son, and made a plea for Dallas ISD to award his diploma. This was a shock to me. Maybe I am just naive, but that is like pouring salt into a wound. The parents have lost their child and the Dallas isd is so insensitive that they will not give them a diploma for their son who was a graduating senior and had completed all of the necessary requirements for graduation.

The administration at Dallas ISD is unbelievable.

UPDATE: November 25, 2008 - Dallas ISD has agreed to award the earned Diploma of James Dante Kings to his parents. Praise God.

NTTA- Minority Business

2008-11-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

Just heard that Mayor Tom Leppert, Commissioner John Wiley Price, Willis Johnson,Martin Burrell and others went to the NTTA meeting and ask them to delay a contract because there was no African American participation.

The contract was delayed. Katrina Keys with K-Strategies is the MWBE person with NTTA. It will be interesting to see who ends up on the contracts. Will it be the usual people that are associated with K-Strategies or will the door be opened to all African American companies that are qualified?

Speakers Will Not Be Heard

2008-11-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Dallas City Council has decided that they will no longer telecast the speakers at the end of the meeting. That is very interesting. The only council persons that usually come under their raft are Mayor Tom Leppert and Councilman Dwaine (Dwayne,Dewayne Caraway), so it is logical to assume that the two of them got together to change the rules.

If the people who come to speak at the end of the meeting are wise, and I think they know what they are doing, they should just speak on an item so that they can still be heard.

We are a Democratic Country and I hope that Democracy will not be thrown out the window because two persons on the council can not take the heat. I have been told, "If you can not take the heat, get out of the kitchen"

DART DART

2008-11-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

DART is overall a good agency. It is struggling with leadership just as Dallas ISD is struggling. If the person at the top is not competent, the administrative staff is usually lacking. Gary Thomas by all accounts appear to be a good person, but in over his head as the president of DART. When the comparison to Dick Rudell at the "T" in Fort Worth and Gary Thomas at DART is made there is a big difference in their leadership style and ability. You never hear about scandals at the "T" as you do at DART. That does not mean that things may or may not be going wrong at The "T", but the leadership seems to keep things running smoothly.

Part of the reason that DART struggles, is that the mayor of Dallas,Tom Leppert, and city council members like Dwaine (Dewayne,Dwayne) Caraway are interfering with the daily operations of the agency. Things like, Caraway attempting to get the DART board to focus on getting rail to come to the Cedar Crest Golf Course near his house instead of sticking with the current 20 year plan which focus on the access to the Inland Port that has estimated 30,000 jobs will be created. Would you want to get to a golf course or a job via rail? And there is the mayor calling DART Board members telling them how to vote on the pending Bus purchase. It has been said that he is telling the Dallas appointees to vote for natural gas buses which would be fueled by Clean Energy a company owned by T. Boone Pickens.

Now you have the DART President, Gary Thomas,some members of his staff and some of the board members not being good stewards of the taxpayers money when they attend conventions. It is so easy to do the right thing by attending the meetings and finding additional time to attend other functions.

DART also has to deal with its suburban board members who are more politically savvy than the Dallas appointees. They are making sure that DART's president stay in place as long as he is giving them what they want, and that is to make sure that the light rail build out to their cities is on time. It does not have to be on budget, because they are willing to spend more to get it to their cities on time.

And surely the last straw was the allegations that DART Executive Vice President Ben Gomez is telling Human Resources staff to hire Hispanics only. What a shame. Why not hire the best person for the job?

The plan for a regional transportation authority to take over DART,The "T" and Denton County Transit Authority is moving forward with all due speed, and the citizens of Dallas will loose the most because all of the long range plans for DART will go out the window and the planning of new service and building of rail will be to the outlying communities.

Wake up Dallas!

Dallas ISD's Rush to Cancel May,2009 Elections

2008-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

DISD is rushing to vote tonight to preserve the "Slam Dunk" gang which votes together to keep the status quo. It is so unfortunate that there is only one trustee who is speaking up against the extended terms and the cancellation of elections in May, 2009. This board does not seem to have any interest in the education of the children, but the interest of keeping themselves in office to spread the money around to the usual suspects.

Trustee Ron Price continues to talk about not being payed to serve and how much work they are doing as trustee. Since he is the longest tenured board member, you would think that he knows the job description and compensation. If it is such a burden, do not run again in May, 2009.

Trustee Carla Ranger makes excellent points on her blog asking the question, why this rush to vote? http://carlaranger.blogspot.com/2008/11/ruthless-board-politics-is-behind-rush.html

Lets see how this " Slam Dunk" gang will handle this vote.

Thought for the Week

2008-11-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Man cannot live by profit alone.

James Baldwin

Leigh Ann Ellis-Policy Committee Chair for DISD-Pushes for 4 year terms

2008-11-17T13:33:00.001-08:00

It is Unbelievable that the trustees of Dallas ISD would even consider at this time extending the length of their terms. I guess that the Dallas ISD taxpayers do not have any input in the school district. With sheer recklessness, The Dallas ISD trustees have placed on the November 20, 2008 Board Agenda this important vote. It has been put on the consent (Consent Agenda Item: A-19) agenda leaving no room to conduct a public hearing to afford comments from Dallas ISD taxpayers at the meeting or even allow for discussion from the Dallas ISD trustees. This is what you call participant government?

To make matters worse, the trustee that is chairing the Policy Committee-Leigh Ann Ellis-is up for election in May, 2009 and she is pushing hard to stifle debate. Shame on DISD.

NO TRESPASSING IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS

2008-11-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while sitting in my office in Downtown Dallas,one of Dallas's finest (Police Officers) came in with a document that he wanted me to sign. It was a NO Trespassing form that would virtually allow the police to pickup Homeless people who were in front of my business for trespassing. I was shocked. Why would I sign a blanket order for homeless people to be picked up if they were in front of my business? No way would I even consider such a thing.

My office has been in downtown Dallas for almost 30 years and I have come to know many homeless people. Some experiences have been bad, but for the most part, I understand many of their plights and I believe that the city of Dallas is trying to harass the homeless so that they will not be in downtown for the new people who are moving in their lofts,condos,and expensive apartments.

The homeless problem is so complicated, but the city seems to be attempting to make the case that they are all drunks and drug users who are harassing people. They do not seem to care that there are working homeless, women, children, veterans, mentally ill,alcohol and drug addicted homeless people. How can you possibly solve all of the problems that they are facing by using a cookie cutter approach to resolutions? This council does not seem to have the heart or the will to address many needs for the homeless,other than the new facility that they have built,which was on the drawing board before many on the current council was elected. I believe that a facility is not the only answer, and that is why you have over a hundred people sleeping outside each night.

I ask the officer several questions about the initiative that they were working on and he explained everything that he could to me. He was very courteous and listened to my concerns, while not agreeing with my assessment of the problem.

I did not sign the form and hope that other merchants will not blindly sign a form that would automatically give the police the right to accuse the homeless of trespassing and take them straight to jail.

Criminalizing the act of homelessness will not solve the problem.

DISD Throws Away School Books

2008-11-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that anyone would put books in the dumpster? That makes absolutely no sense. Even if DISD was not going to use these books, what about donating them to after school programs, learning centers,shelters,church schools,small school districts or even third world countries. I have also heard that DISD has a practice of picking up books that are not being used and burning them. Forgive me, but it is not their money,so they do as they please by throwing the taxpayers money away.

To say that the janitor made a mistake in throwing the books out is the same old excuses that we continue to hear from DISD. No one takes responsibility for their actions, its always someone else who made the mistake.

This ship is sinking fast and the new business community committee had better be careful or they might sink with it.

The Chosen name for Industrial Blvd. is Riverfront

2008-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

The Dallas City Council, lead by Mayor Tom Leppert, voted yesterday to change the name of Industrial Blvd. to Riverfort. This came with the displeasure of many Dallas citizens who believed that the City Council had ask the public for their input on renaming the street and when the council received the input,they chose to disregarded the public answer which was Caesar Chavez.

While I believe that the street name of Industrial Blvd. did not have the bad connotation that was betrayed by the Council, I was willing to accept the public choice. I did not believe that the street name had to be changed, but the City Council made the decision to ask the public for their input for a suggestions for a new street name to replace Industrial. It is my belief that we live in a democracy and public input is a part of the process. Guess I was wrong.

The City Council also denied naming Ross Ave. for Caesar Chavez which I agree with. The name of a street should not be changed just as a compromise for the failure to get the original process of renaming Industrial right.

I hope that this council can find it within themselves to right the wrong that they have created.

Hearing and Community Meeting

2008-11-11T14:41:00.001-08:00

Dallas NAACP

Hearing/Community Meeting
>
>
> The Bond Program’s ramifications and the Displacement of
> Employees of The Dallas Independent School District
>
> Inviting all Parents, Employees, Teachers, Students and
> Stakeholders
>
> Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008
> 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
> Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center
> 5150 Mark Trail Way
> Dallas , Texas 75232
>
> For Information call 214/749-0266

Dallas Housing Authority

2008-11-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

Betty Culbreath is no longer the chairwoman of the Board of Dallas Housing Authority. I knew she would not be after working on behalf of Mayor Tom Leppert to oust Ann Lott. That is just the way those things work. You do the dirty work and then your are no longer needed.

There is a part of me that wants to gloat and say "I told you so, and no better for you", but the christian part of me has empathy for people who are used and then discorded, no matter who they are. It is amazing how that works in this town.

Mayor Tom Leppert has appointed Terdema L Ussery, President & CEO of the Dallas Mavericks to replace Ms. Culbreath as chairman. What is most interesting is that he is the replacement. We all recall there was concern about Ms. Lott fighting with the business community about the sell of Little Mexico (she wanted to preserve the history) and this property is very close to the American Airlines Arena where Mr. Ussery's team, the Dallas Mavericks, play their basketball games. It will be interesting to see how soon Mayor Tom , Mr. Ussery and the gang will make a move on selling the land where Little Mexico sits, and who the buyer will be?

Why does the mayor get to appoint all 5 members of the board? Change the charter Dallas City Council.

President Elect - Barack Obama

2008-11-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

History was made last night. Many people are celebrating the victory of the Democrats and are ready for a change in Washington.

City Council Briefing-Smoking Ban-Wednesday, November 5, 2008

2008-11-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Mayor Leppert has scheduled a full briefing of the city council this coming Wednesday to try to rally support for his proposed new smoking ban. The meeting will be in the council chambers at City Hall, and is scheduled to begin around 1:15PM. A vote on the matter is scheduled for November 19. If you believe ,as I do, that the use of junk science in promoting smoking bans represents a serious attack on the free enterprise system and can spare the time, please attend the council briefing. It is unlikely that speakers will be allowed at this meeting, but your presence and opposition will be of importance. If you can not attend, please call, write or email members of the City Council. Telephone numbers and addresses can be found at http://www.dallascityhall.com/government. Thanks.

James P. Graham
Palo Petroleum
5944 Luther Lane
Suite 900
Dallas, Texas 75225
214 691-3676

Expansion of Dallas Smoking Ordinance

2008-11-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Contact: Rita Cox, 214-599-0888, cell: 469-855-7283
At the briefing Jay Pritchard, cell: 214.558.6656

For immediate release:

Local Businessman, Personal Rights Advocate Opposes
Expansion of Dallas’ Smoking Ordinance

(DALLAS, TX –November 4) James P. Graham, CEO of Dallas-based Palo Petroleum, Inc. will attend the City Council Briefing, Wednesday, November 5 to demonstrate his opposition of the city council proposed action on anti-smoking bans in Dallas.

Graham believes that the most in depth and scientifically sound studies, such as the Enstrom/Kabat study published in the British Medical Journal, show that there are virtually no health risks associated with exposure to second hand smoke. “The anti smoking zealots' mode of attack, whether innocently or intentionally, is to repeat the lie often enough that it becomes accepted as truth. Nevertheless, organizations like Smoke Free Dallas print and distribute such untrue statements as ‘. . .53,000 deaths per year attributed to second hand smoke…’ This is an absolute, bold face, unsupportable lie based on junk science that will not stand scientific scrutiny,” said Graham.

Graham believes that if there are really little or no health threats associated with limited exposure to second hand smoke, then imposing smoking bans represents a much graver danger to society. The taking of personal property rights and freedoms and the wholesale attack and lack of respect for our free enterprise system by anti smoking folks is the dangerous crime to our society, which must be confronted, exposed and stopped. Graham said, “Enough is enough of these nannyistic usurpers of freedom, and whether a smoker or not, we all need to stand up to them and reclaim the control of our own lives!”

Graham has a long history of advocating for personal and property rights. He is a member of the executive committee of Mountain States Legal Foundation, a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to individual liberty, the right to own property and limited and ethical government. Graham’s long record of community involvement includes Chairman of the Dallas Park & Recreation Board, Chair of World Cup Dallas 1994 and Co-Founder of Dallas’ Send A Kid to Camp and many other civic endeavors.

Graham is a strong advocate against junk science. He hosted a briefing in October with Dr. John Dale Dunn, M.D., J. D., who strongly disputes the quasi-scientific claims of deaths or disease attributable to second hand smoke. To contact Graham, call 214.691.3676.

###

DISD School Board Meeting

2008-10-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you Trustee Carla Ranger for all of the hard work that you are doing. The public knows that you are speaking for us and the children and right will prevail.

Convention Center Hotel

2008-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the Dallas County Courthouse there was a young man passing out these fliers . The interesting thing to me was this issue was not on the ballot and from all that I could see, most people were focused on the current election.

On one side of the flyer there was a caption "What OUR LEADERS are saying". The first thing that I noticed was the people on the flyer and their ethnicity. I wondered if they were passing these out in North Dallas?

I Early Voted and encourage everyone to exercise their right to VOTE.

Dallas ISD Meeting with Education Commissioner Robert Scott

2008-10-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

The meeting was in closed session last Friday at 3700 Ross. The interesting thing about the meeting was who walked out of the meeting and who did not. We watched Senators Royce West, Shapiro and Corona leave along with Rep. Goolsby, Jack Lowe, Supt. Michael Hinojosa, Commissioner Scott and Trustee Carla Ranger. What we learned later was that Mayor Tom Leppert was on a conference call during the meeting. Guess he did not want to show his face but wanted to work behind the scene.

Dallas Housing Authority

2008-10-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Mayor Leppert was rushing to the DHA meetings to give Ann Lott a warning about her length of employment. Now we see that a search is going on for a new Executive Director and Mayor Leppert has not changed the board appointments that were up in March. If the Mayor was going to keep them around, why would he not just reappoint them?

What was most interesting in the James Ragland's article was him mentioning the sell of Little Mexico and how Ms. Lott was against selling that property. Mr. Ragland article states " Now, with Ms. Culbreath in the saddle and Ms. Lott out of the way, the agency is instituting new financial controls. It's also more willing than ever to put all options on he table, including the potential sale of Little Mexico Village. " This board wants to leverage that property and will maximize its value," Ms Culbreath said in a recent post to her online blog." it seems as though that is just what Tom Leppert and the Citizens Council want to hear. Ann Lott stood up to the developers knowing the historical significance of Little Mexico to all of us, but especially to our Hispanic brothers and sisters.

We are all familiar with Ms. Betty Culbreath and her willingness to do the bidding for others. Her record speaks for itself. Review her service on the Planning Commission, DFW Airport and DHA. These were all appointments by Mayor Laura Miller who was Ms. Culbreath's close friend and ally.

In my opinion Mayor Tom Lepperts has pulled many stunts since he has been in office, and they were not in the best interest of the citizens of Dallas. He supported a Ross Perot employee for the DART Board,pushed the for the Trinity Toll Road,pushed for Lynn Flint Shaw to Chair the DART Board, forced Ann Lott out of her job, did not appoint Angela Hunt to chair a committee, supported taking Mike Sorrell off the DFW Airport Board, supported Dwaine (Dwayne,Dewayne) Caraway for Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, supports Michael Hinojosa (DISD Superintendent), supports another layer of government for the Inland Port, supports a taxpayer owned hotel, and supported the DISD Bond Proposal. That is only a few of his positions on issues that makes you go, WHAT?

This current leadership in Dallas is all about construction and contract dollars. Look around the edges and see where all of these people are sniffing. It's the same small pack of people who are pushing these items and they are making out like bandits at the expense of the people.

Jennifer Hudson

2008-10-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Your heart always goes out to people who loose family members, but Ms. Hudson and her sister Julia are dealing with the brutality of the deaths and to think that loosing a family member is devastating, but loosing three at the same time seems almost unbareable.

So much crime is going on in this country. We must stop the killing.

Dallas Logistics Hub (Inland Port)

2008-10-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

The development of the Dallas Logistics Hub (Inland Port) is very important to the citizens of Dallas, but the most affected are the citizens that live in the southern sector of Dallas. We have been waiting for years for the job creation that has been promised by our elected officials. We were told that the Logistics Hub could create at least 30,000 jobs and the development around the area could add an additional 30,000 jobs. It does not matter how you analyze the job creation numbers this would be a win for the cities of Dallas, Wilmer, Lancaster, Hutchins, Duncanville, DeSoto and Cedar Hill.

The creation of jobs and business opportunities in the southern sector will help create a greater tax base, and our elected officials have talked about making sure that the Dallas Logistics Hub is the catalyst for growth in the southern sector. At one point this project was pushed so hard by the previous council that the DART Board made it the number one priority of the Long Range Plan (2030 Plan) for light rail. The council wanted to make sure that there was mass transportation servicing this project.

Mayor Leppert, Dwaine (Dewayne,Dwayne) Caraway, Tennell Adkins and Ron Natinsky seem to be stalling. You have to ask yourself, why? Mayor Leppert has constantly expressed to the community that he wanted to create jobs in the southern sector, but now all the community sees is the mayor and his group of seven on the council holding up progress. Could it have anything to do with the competition that the Dallas Logistics Hub will have with Alliance in Fort Worth? It has been said that Alliance is only 25% built out and the development of the Dallas Logistics Hub (Inland Port) would be serious competition for Alliance. As we all know, Alliance is owned by Ross Perot, Jr. and he has significant ties in the Dallas community. In fact, at one time Mayor Leppert, Dwaine (Dewayne,Dwayne) Caraway and Tennell Adkins supported a person for the DART Board that was an employee of Perot Systems, and that had serious implications because of the need for the Dallas Logistics Hub (Inland Port) to use DART tracks (TRE) to transport goods. That appointment did not happen.

The project still has great value and merit, but the question is who will be in control? The citizens are tired of the political jocking. We want the development to take place now.

Councilman James Fantroy - Gone but not forgotten

2008-10-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

Another respected fighter for southern Dallas has left us. Former City Councilman James Frantroy died Sunday from kidney cancer at the age of 71. He was on the Council from 2000 to 2007.

We all knew that Councilman Fantroy was going to identify the issues that would directly affect his community and stick to his gun on making sure that his voice was heard and that it would not be business as usual around the Council horseshoe. He was the epitome of a public servant who was able to stand up for his community and forge relationships with other Councilpersons, because he was not a "go-along-to-get-along" person, but a person that wanted ALL of Dallas to be economically vibrant.

We will miss the courage of Councilman Frantroy and would urge Councilwomen Hill and Davis to continue to work for the community.

RIP Councilman Fantroy.

Thought for the week

2008-10-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

District Attorney Craig Watkins

2008-10-01T14:07:00.001-07:00

On Sunday at our church, St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church, DA Craig Watkins was the speaker. Forgive me, I mean preacher for the day. He talked about how this was his first time in the pulpit and thanked Rev. Tyrone Gordon for allowing him to be there.

I am most favorably struck by the fact that this District Attorney is under a great deal of pressure because of his willingness to exonerate inmates that have been falsely accused, and he continues to march on. He, along with the Innocence Project have worked hard through DNA evidence to right the wrongs of this criminal justice system. I can not imagine being imprisoned for 20 to 30 years wrongfully and come our with the good attitude that these people have shown. Most are not bitter, but are grateful that they were finally heard and that someone was willing to do the right thing about their cases.

I personally thanked District Attorney Watkins for his good work in this area, and if you see him do the same, because I believe there are those people who wish that he would just forget about
this project. He knows that his job is to convict the criminals, and we all want him to do that, but he also knows that this system has not always been fair and no matter what great strides he makes in this area, there are some people who are possibly in the criminal justice system who did not commit the crime that they are there for.

THANKS DISTRICT ATTORNEY CRAIG WATKINS.

Funeral of Rev. H. J. Johnson

2008-10-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

It is aways amazing to see the people who show up at a funeral when the person being funeralized has tried,in their own way,to give to the community. We all know that there are many aspects of the needs in our Dallas community and it takes guts to stand up to some of the appointed and elected leaders and do what you believed is the right thing, and H.J. Johnson did what he believed to be right and left a trail of examples of how we treat our fellow man. A no-nonsense man who had the strength and support of his loving wife.

I was touched by the relationship that he and former council member Bill Blades shared and how they had worked together on issues. That is what we should all be about, working for the betterment of this community with whomever has a like mind.

Rest in peace Rev. H.J. Johnson

Siblings Held in Death of Mother

2008-10-01T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today's news talks about siblings in Roanoke, Texas being held in the death of their mother.
What is this world coming to? These young people are under suspicion of killing their mother and can be charged with capitol murder. Those young lives are gone. No more seeing the light of day from a prison all because they did not have the common sense and the heart not to commit such a crime. I am sure that they do not have the understanding that not only are their lives affected, but their family and friends have to live through this tragedy also. What a waste.

Oak Cliff

2008-09-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

These newbies to Oak Cliff make me laugh. It's like they moved in yesterday and have all of the answers to what is needed in the area. I say they should take time and learn from people who have been working in the black community for years and then pick up the baton and run. You know, I see it as passing the baton, not dropping it and loosing because you did not practice and learn how to pass and then run. The idea is to win each leg of the race to be the ultimate winner. The last leg of the race can not run without successfully grabbing the baton and running to the finish.

Are we even in the race?

Kwame Kilpatrick

2008-09-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Why won't Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick save us all the drama by resigning and facing the charges against him? I guess he just does not understand the situation that he has put himself in or just thinks he can keep moving forward without accountability.

Thought of the Week

2008-09-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

United Negro College Fund

Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts School

2008-08-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Once again the public was mislead by the DISD Board. It was the communities understanding that the clarification of the name of the Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts school would be on today's board agenda. No such luck. Therefore the supporters of keeping the school's current name will be back at the board meeting today with their protest. It just seems like this board is so bad that they can not get it right. It is so simple to get past this issue.

Save Community Television in Dallas

2008-08-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, We Will! Save Community Television in Dallas.

Every great city in America, "land of the free and home of the brave," supports public access to cable television channels. As a model urban city, Dallas should be no different. Once again, I am personally asking you for your immediate action to SAVE community television. The time is NOW, the situation is CRITICAL. The Dallas City Council is working through the proposed 2009 city budget, and Dallas iMedia Network (formerly DCTV) has been reduced to $196,000 dollars. Unless iMedia's budget is restored, our voice will be silenced...and the attack on our free speech will continue to accelerate. Here is a snapshot of how the city has deteriorated iMedia's contract value over the last several years:

2001 - 2005: $700,000
2006: $543,000
2007: $508,000
2008: $300,000
proposed 2009: $196,000

This drastic funding reduction may well end public access television in Dallas. iMedia funding must be restored to the bare minimum 2008 level of $300,000. City Council Members are holding Town Hall Meetings in your neighborhood to listen to citizen concerns. This is an emergency. Please attend and SPEAK. Ask for funding to be reinstated to at least $300,000 for public access television in our community. See the Town Hall Meeting link to the right. Also, mark your calendar to attend the final budget hearings and vote, in Council Chambers, on the following Wednesdays:

August 27
September 10
September 24

Public access television helps local government fulfill its societal obligations. The members of the Dallas City Council need to know YOU and hear YOU say public access television matters in our city! Call 214.670.3738 at least 24 hours in advance to register to speak at the three City Council meetings listed above. In addition, it is vital that you call or email Mayor Leppert and all city council representatives. THE TIME IS NOW, THE SITUATION IS CRITICAL! THE MAYOR AND DALLAS CITY COUNCIL MUST HEAR YOUR VOICE. DALLAS IMEDIA NETWORK MATTERS TO OUR CITY! YES, WE WILL! Save community television in Dallas. Call me to let e know that I can count on you.

Townhall meetings began on August 11 and continue through early September. Please tell us which meeting(s) you plan to attend. Call 214. 631. 5571 (ext 304) or email Lisa Hembry. Mark your calendar to attend budget hearings with the entire council, along with the final vote. Meetings will be held the following Wednesdays at Council Chambers:

August 27
September 10
September 24 Call at least 24 hours in advance to register to speak at these meetings (City Secretary: 214. 670. 3738)

It is very important that you, call, write and email your Councilperson and the Mayor-- they are your public servants, and want to hear from you.
Join our mailing list!

Thank you for your help.
Lisa Hembry
President/CEO
214 631-5571 ext 304

Thought of the week

2008-08-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Our ideas will work....if we do!

Thought for the week

2008-08-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Issac Hayes

2008-08-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

In the 1970's singer Issac Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as Urban-Contemporary music and for romantics like Barry White.

Probably best known for "Theme From Shaft" which was a #1 hit in 1971. He won an Academy Award for the song and was nominated for another on for the score. The song also won him two Grammys. A self taught musician, he was hired in 1964 by Stax Records of Memphis, Tennessee.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet him when he was in Dallas in 1995. He autographed a picture for me which I will cherish. A good brother.

We will miss this music legend.

Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts School

2008-08-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

There was a meeting on yesterday with members of the Washington Lincoln Alumni, Trustee Ron Price and members of the Arts community to discuss removing "Hamon Arts Magnet" from the Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet building that faces Routh Street. We all know that Mrs. Nancy Hamon donated $10 million dollars to DISD to help pay for the construction of the new wing of the school, but no one thought that "Hamon Arts Magnet" would be the new name of the school or the only name that is prominently affixed to the building. "Hamon Arts Magnet" will be removed.

Mrs. Hamon did a great and generous thing in donating the money and I am sure that the former students, current students and the community is thankful to her for her generosity, but changing the name of the school was never an option. It is my hope and prayer that there will be a way to prominently acknowledge Mrs. Hamon's gift.

A Hit Dog Will Holler

2008-08-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

My mother, rest her sole, always said "A hit dog will holler", and it looks like a lot of hollering is going on. My position has not changed about Dwaine (Dewayne, Dwayne) Caraway and Betty Culbreath.

There are two people that have openly disagreed with me and they are Sharon Boyd and Michael Davis. Michael Davis is a person who lives in District 8 and is appointed to the Dallas City Plan Commission by Dwaine Caraway to represent District 4. I think Michael is a bitter guy who is trying to make his way in politics in Black Dallas. Check him out, he is always defending Dwayne as if his life depends on making sure that anyone who says something negative about Dwaine will get his raft. Who cares about his raft?

Sharon Boyd's opinion is hers, and I hope she remembers how she has maligned many African Americans in the past few years, including Dwaine(Dewayne,Dwayne) Caraway. I do not agree with all of her assessments, but I never commented. Some of the people that she has spoken negative about are my friends and mentors, but sometimes its better to leave things alone. I live in the black community, I have worked on community issues since the late 1960's and I know that I have a better feel than Sharon for what is going on in the black community. I believe that Sharon Boyd's opinion about what is going on in Black Dallas has no relevance in my community.

There is not just one opinion in the Black community, therefore everyone is not going to agree with me, but "I say what I mean and mean what I say".

Thought of the week

2008-08-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

Bill Cosby

Mill City Renaissance Update

2008-08-01T15:35:00.001-07:00

Talk is cheap and performance cost. We want our project recognized in the upcoming bond program in 2010. We have been very patient with the wheels of government. Not one of my strong points. If your goals are attainable and ours goals are, then we need to be about our business of redeveloping our community. We are getting ready to begin the process of streetscape planning. From Fitzhugh to Scyene on 2nd Ave. Envision the trees. benches and sidewalks/crosswalks that are inviting to pedestrians. Our draw will be the Fair Park and the variety and quality of goods and services we are willing to make available to our new patrons.

By Big "Tex" Ed Harris

Dallas Housing Authority

2008-07-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

Looks like the dirty work of getting rid of Ann Lott has been done and now Mayor Tom Leppert is going to rid himself of Betty Culbreath. So sad, but that's the way it works. Betty should know that once you are used to do the dirt, your service is no longer needed.

Where is Dwaine (Dewayne,Dwayne)Caraway who is one of Mayor Tom Leppert's gatekeepers? I think he is close to Betty and he is Leppert's head Negro watcher at Dallas city hall. Will he take a stand for Betty? I think that Betty also has a good relationship with Willis Johnson (another gatekeeper for Leppert), and I do not know if he will help his friend. Don't forget that Betty also has a good relationship with Tennell Adkins another disappointment to the African American community. With all of those connections, you would think that she would have very few problems getting reappointed.

I can not help but remember my situation on reappointment to the DART board and the role that this same cast of characters played.

What goes around comes around.

Lancaster ISD

2008-07-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Things are heating up at Lancaster ISD. It is very serious when the Board of Trustees vote to hire an attorney to investigate claims that have been raised about Superintendent Larry Lewis withholding information from board members and tampering with their mail.

I have know Board President Carolyn Morris for years and I know that she is fighting for the education of the children.

Ann Lott

2008-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

I told you so. Mayor Tom Leppert got his way again. That does not make it right. He used the power of not making new appointments to get Ann Lott to resign from the Dallas Housing Authority. I do not blame Ms. Lott, I would have found me something better also. Working with Betty Culbreath must have been horrible. Betty is put in positions to tear other black people down. I should know, and she should know better.

I do not know Ann Lott personally, but all that I have heard about her has been good. Yes, there were some accounting problems, but I can not see where the issue at Dallas Housing is as bad as what is happening at Dallas Independent School District with its' Audit. Forgive me, Mayor Leppert and Dallas Achieves want to take over the yearly billion dollar budget at DISD and don't forget the 1.35 billion dollar Bond program. Wasn't Leppert in the construction business? Go figure!!!!! Therefore not one peep out of Leppert about the shape of DISD.

Ms. Lott, God has a better plan for you.

Thought of the week

2008-07-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Every man's got to figure to get beat sometime.

Joe Louis

Dr. C.A.W. Clark

2008-07-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Another legend has passed away in Dallas. Born Caesar Arthur Walter Clark on December 13, 1914 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Clark spent half a century preaching at Good Street Baptist Church in Dallas, and was known nationally for his preaching and his community work.

While growing up and attending St. James A.M.E. Church on Good Latimer Expressway, we teenagers would leave our church and go to the Baptist church which was a block away from us. That church was Good Street Baptist Church. We wanted to hear that fiery preacher preach. We would always have to leave Good Street after the preaching because our church would be over long before Good Street's services ended, and we had to be back before our parents were ready to go home.

As an adult I had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Clark when my company sold the church a copier. It was always amazing to me that he was in his office each time I went to the church on business. I would often stop and spend time talking to him. He was aging then, but that did not stop him from being there everyday and having a lively conversation with me. I always had to give him my pen. I will always have good memories of Rev. Clark.

His legacy as a preachers preacher will always be remembered. May you rest in peach Dr. C.A.W. Clark.

ARTS Magnet

2008-07-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Hamon is a very generous person, and I am sure that the students, teachers, parents and community appreciate her contribution to the school. In fact, I have not heard one person say anything different.

The question is the visual that is presented when you are on Routh Street. The only name on the building is Hamon Arts Magnet. Voting to put that wording on the building was incorrect and should never have happened. It has caused an outcry from people who have seen DISD make numerous mistakes in the past.

I believe that there is a reasonable way to honor Mrs. Hamon and insure that Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts name is the only prominent name on the building.

Dwaine Caraway pushing for TAX INCREASE

2008-07-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

In an article in today's Dallas Morning News, it was stated that Dwaine (Dewayne,Dwayne)Caraway would be pushing his fellow council members to support a TAX INCREASE for the city of Dallas. I wonder if he is a home owner? Our taxes go up every year because the valuation of our houses increase yearly from the Dallas Central Appraisal District. Just thinking of the median income in his Council District (District 4), I would think that Caraway would only support a TAX INCREASE if there was absolutely no other way to balance the budget.

I have not seen the budget, but I wonder how much additional revenue will be going to the southern sector to insure that development will take place? My guess is there will not be a significant difference.

Caraway has been known to carry Mayor Tom Leppert's water, so maybe that is what he is doing. So sad!!!!

Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts School

2008-07-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

On the agenda for a Called Board Meeting for Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm, the Dallas Independent School District will address the issue of "Adoption of Clarification of Action Taken on August 25, 2005, regarding board file No. 46372 Consideration of Proposed Names for New and Existing Facilities, regarding Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts".

As I understand it, when you go by the campus on Flora Street, the school name is not on the building, but on a new wing of the school is Hammon Arts Magnet. It look like once again they have moved to remove the black history of Dallas. What in the world are our school board members doing?

Thought of the Week

2008-07-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

If we say that we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not
in us.

I John 1:8

Dallas Achieves/DISD/Tom Leppert

2008-07-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday July 16, 2008 at 9:30 am-11:00 am in the Conference Center of The Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce at Plaza of Americas-700 N. Pearl Street (12th floor of the parking garage elevators) Dallas Achieves will have a discussion about DISD Board of Trustees Ethics Policy. Please join me and others at the meeting who are concerned about DISD. This meeting is not open to the public, but 3 DISD Trustees will be there and it is about our tax dollars.

While there are people who are apart of this group that I have great respect for, I am concerned that a non-elected group is in the position to direct the policies and people who have been elected by the citizens to run the public schools. In my opinion this is the beginning of an effort by the business community ( Mayor Tom Leppert and others) to takeover the schools for the 1 billion dollar per year operating budget and 1.35 billion dollar construction budget just voted in by the people.

President of the School Board Jack Lowe made it clear that prior to moving into Dallas from Highland Park to run for the school board that it was cleared with DISD officials that he could still do business with the district. It has also been stated that by limiting board members from doing business with DISD that it would limit the pool of people running for that office.

I do not know another public entity in Dallas where that kind of policy is allowed. Is that being pushed because Mayor Leppert believes that he will have the opportunity to appoint board members and want to leave that open for his friends?

There are more important issues at DISD. Let's spend time working on the low performing schools. The H. Grady Spruce situation shows us that we had better start talking about educating the students and not about making someone rich.

Tipster Provide Break in Northpark Case

2008-07-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thank God. We need more people that are willing to come forward with information on criminal activity.

Are the Southern Sector Suburbs ready to jump on DART's bus offer?

2008-07-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

It looks like a presentation was made to the DART Board of Directors about cities like Grand Prairie, Duncanville and DeSoto ready to contribute 1/4 of a cent to join the agency for bus service only. Wait a minute,that might not be quite the truth. It was stated in The Dallas Morning News that Duncanville City Manager Kent Cagle said his city, Cedar Hill and DeSoto have approached DART together about the possibility of the agency providing on-demand bus rides for senior citizens. He also said that his city never expressed any interest in paying for a commuter bus service along the lines that animated the discussion at Tuesday' DART board meeting. And in Grand Prairie, City Manager Tom Hart said his city has had no conversations with DART officials about contracting for DART bus service.

So what is the real story? Did DART President Gary Thomas and his staff have the conversations or not? Is this another one of those steps to mislead the Board?

All types (bus,rail,para transit and HOV) of public transportation are subsidized. That means if new service is added there is a strong possibility that the 1/4 cent will not pay for the service and additional dollars will come out of the operating fund which could have an impact on future DART service plans. That is what Ray Noah was implying with his comments.

DISD Corruption Trial

2008-07-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was told that it was just a matter of time before the scam being played by Ruben Bohuchot and Frankie Wong would come in question. It is my guess that there were more contracts than mentioned that could have been investigated.

These are taxpayer dollars that are not being used to better the education of the students.

Venus Williams vs Serena Williams at Wimbledon

2008-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

I do not watch a lot of tennis, but when the Williams sisters are playing each other, I am glued to the television. Saturday's match was all that I thought it would be between the two siblings.

We all know about sibling rivalry and Serena was on the wining side the last time . We knew that Venus would be ready. Some have said that the Williams family made the decision that it would be Serena again, but I do not buy into that theory. Venus would have to be crazy to agree to getting her butt kicked by here little sister all of the time.

So this time at Wimbledon, Venus was ready for baby sister Serena, and beat her quickly. Venus made sure that once she had won, she did not gloat about it but you could tell she was happy.

I must admit that I am a Venus Williams fan. That does not take anything from Serena, but I just think Venus is a class act.

They did compete in the doubles as partners and won. You go Williams sisters!

Polk Street Beautification Project

2008-07-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the people in my neighborhood who are working on the Polk Street Beautification Project and other ways to beautify our neighborhood. These volunteers are working to let more people know about what they are doing and wanting them to join them.

This group planted over 77 crape myrtles along the Polk Street median between Highway 67 and Red Bird Lane and will continue in phases until they reach Camp Wisdom and Interstate 20.

Good work!!!!!

DART and The "T"

2008-07-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

I just learned over the weekend that DART and The "T" (Fort Worth Public Transportation) are having heated discussions about The "T" buying DART's trackage rights on the portion of the Cotton Belt line that is in Tarrent County. This should be interesting because over 2 years ago The "T" presented a plan to the DART board which showed that it would get to DFW Airport quicker than DART using those tracks.

Thank you Mayor Tom Leppert, Dwaine Caraway, Jerry Allen, Tennell Adkins, Ron Natinsky, Dave Newmann, Sheffie Kadane,Elba Garcia and Mitchell Rasansky for having such insight and putting people on the DART board who do not have a clue what is going on. Let's see what happens to the second downtown alignment, Monroe Shops and the extensions in Southern Dallas. Dallas is going to loose again.

Stay tuned for the Regional FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!