By the time this edition of the Advocate is out, you’ll know if Lake Highlands High School is the recipient of the Blue Ribbon School Award. I would not only be disappointed if we aren’t graced with this award, but completely amazed.

Many have worked hard to put in a quality application, but one person deserves a lot of the credit if we are chosen: Without Dr. Bob Iden, we need not have applied.

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We are so fortunate to have someone in the principal’s position who truly is the best, and who wants all those who go there and teach there to be the best. Dr. Bob, I hope you feel appreciated by this community, because you are the best and have created the atmosphere that people want to be a part of and give their all to.

Dallas City Council District 10 is Lake Highlands, and Lake Highlands is only as good as Lake Highlands High School, and Dr. Bob, you have made it the best. Bring on the Blue Ribbon!

Although we received bad news with the announcement that Whole Foods is leaving the Kingsley/Skillman location, the new Wal-Mart grocery at Kingsley and Audelia is great. Now, with a new and improved Northlake Shopping Center, and with a ribbon cutting recently for the front-door anchor, Ebby Halliday Realtors, to go with the super Albertson’s store, things are still going strong.

By the way, ladies, if you haven’t tried the new clothing store in Northlake, my wife Joan tells me you are missing something. It is called The Store.

Although not new, Tiger Bull’s restaurant is under new ownership at Skillman and Forest Lane. Our own Mike Pappas is now flipping burgers there and would love to see you soon.

City Hall is a mess. Some of my colleagues on the council think that, because the police and fire referendum failed and the 14 percent tax increase has been averted, you will support a $600-million-plus bond issue with a big tax increase. I believe a sensible bond issue that tries to avert a tax increase is the right approach. Look for a town hall meeting on this issue this summer.

We are in for a very tough budget year as our sales tax numbers continue to be below projections. We recently were told we were $2.6 million below the revised numbers when we made our last cuts and will have to make additional cuts before summer.

We will give police and fire a 5 percent raise next year, but pressure is going to be great for other city workers to also receive an increase. Look for another town hall meeting on the budget.

I need your input. If you aren’t on my mailing list for town hall meetings, call Patricia, my assistant, at 214-670-4068. See you soon.