THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

The world hungers for positive attitudes.

Alphonso Jackson

Alphonso Jackson is reported to be ready to resign as Secretary of HUD today. After months of rumors and whispers, and an investigation into him helping a friend get a contract in New Orleans, he is about to call it quits in his appointed position.

I like Alphonso Jackson. I believe that under his leadership, Dallas Public Housing became a new entity with the mission of improving public housing for all in the city of Dallas. I also like his lovely wife,and there is no question that I am praying for them.

DISD BOND

The Bond Program for DISD is not revealing many details to the public. This is the same trick that was used by DISD on the budget for this year. The school board had very few details on the budget when it was adopted, and that allowed the superintendent to use his discretion in some areas.

I believe the district has a reason for holding information from the voters. I you give the taxpayers very few details, they will not be interested and stay at home. This would give the bond supporters an opportunity to get out their voters and win the approval of the bond program with a very small number of voters.

I am always for improving public education, and there is no doubt that the classroom environment plays a very important roll in student learning and student achievement, but I am not sure the last bond projects were handled in the most prudent way and I am not sure that this bond program will be handled adequately because of the many element of secrecy that are taking place.

I am a firm believer in giving the voters the information and letting them make an intelligent decision.

Michael Sorrell resigns from DFW Airport Board

Oh well. Lets see how this plays itself out. I wish you well Michael and thank you for all that you are doing at Paul Quinn College. Another young professional that I have a great deal of faith in.

State Representative Helen Giddings to be honored at Dallas Can Academy luncheon

On May 13th 2008, State Representative Helen Giddings will receive a lifetime achievement award at the 15th annual Motherhood luncheon hosted by Dallas Can Academy.

She is a successful entrepreneur and a well respected community leader who is serving her eighth term as a member of the Texas State House of Representatives. She is also well known for her work in South Africa.

Rep. Giddings is known for her many passions which include education and the arts where she has spent tireless hours serving. She served on the boards of the African American Museum, Dallas Symphony Board, Dallas Summer Musicals and the Dallas Theater Center. She has also been recognized by the Concerned DeSoto Citizens where they established a scholarship in her honor and by Pearl C. Anderson School in Dallas who named their library "The Helen Giddings Media Center".

She is a member of St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church.

Young Professionals

There is always talk about letting the younger generation get in position to be leaders in the community, and in some regards that makes sense, but you need committed and intelligent people who are not bitter, ignorant and selfish.

I would like to think that the younger generation would be respectful, hard workers, intelligent and not name callers and mudslingers. There are people that I come in contact with on a daily basis that meet that criteria and I am so proud of them. People like Joyce Tapley at The Martin Luther King Clinic and Dr. Terry Flowers at St. Phillips School. These two young professionals along with their staffs and board of directors announced on Wednesday that their organizations would be getting 1.5 million dollars (combined) in grants from the Crystal Charity Ball.

Good work young professionals.

New Target at I20 and Wheatland

I have lived in the Redbird area of southern Dallas for over 30 years. So that would not make me a new comer. I know when people are being mislead. There is a new Target at I20 and Wheatland, but the Target at I20 and Cockrill Hill is being closed. It is my hope that the new store will generate more tax revenue for the city, but this is a replacement store and not new revenue for the city.

If people are going to tell what is happening in southern Dallas, please give all of the facts.