This entry is about really, really bad ballot propositions, and why we must defeat them this November. But first, a question for you: Why are some billionaires hell-bent on destroying our civic core? Is it because big cities lean Democrat? Probably.
Surely, too, the whole idea of a government that improves life and broadens opportunity doesn’t fit with their arrogant worldview – that their business acumen, their generational wealth, and their dumb luck qualify them to command and control all levels of government.
I’d no sooner trust these deluded clowns to fly a commercial jet or perform a heart transplant than I would entrust them with a city budget or city management.
Here’s what I do know: the proponents of the STU(pid) propositions know nothing about government; they just want to control it to serve their own ends. That’s what’s on the ballot RIGHT NOW.
The maleficent proponents of Propositions S, T, and U have spent millions to make us think that these measures promote government accountability and oversight. That’s a lie. Propositions S, T and U aim to shift control from the government we elect to one controlled by special interests alone.
Brenda, they won’t stop at Dallas. These Propositions represent just the initial phase of a larger plot to take control of local government, much like the largely successful plots to take control of our state and federal government. Make no mistake, they’ll be attacking Texas city after Texas city… unless we can defeat them here, in Dallas.
Here’s an explanation of this trio of STUpid proposals:
• Proposition S — Gives residents license to sue the City of Dallas for perceived violations to the city charter, ordinances, or state law.
Can you imagine? Proposition S would open the gates to a flood of frivolous and expensive lawsuits against the City of Dallas – all to be financed with taxpayer money. We already have strong mechanisms in place to hold Texas city officials and City Halls accountable.
• Proposition T — Use a public survey to compensate or fire the City Manager
Are you kidding me? Proposition T is the one the Dallas Morning News Editorial Board flagged as the most troubling. If passed, Dallas City Hall becomes nothing but a playground for lobbyists, big money developers, and special interests, while the rest of us suffer the consequences.
• Proposition U — Mandates the hiring of hundreds of additional police officers
Proposition U is a classic right-wingnut stunt. Pretending to be about safety, this blunt and stupid approach simultaneously (1) blows a colossal whole in the City budget – forcing massive cuts in essential city services – and (2) absurdly pushes fundamental governance and law enforcement decisions to a vote the big money machine thinks it can control. This is BAD government.
Not surprising then, that every single living former mayor of Dallas – from our most conservative to our most progressive — and all 14 (!) City Council members oppose Propositions S, T, & U. And so do I.
Please help us defeat Propositions S, T, and U on Election Day.