It seems like I just said hello to 1998 and now I have to say good-bye. The year has gone by at breakneck speed, and as I reflect on the year’s accomplishments, I see why.
It started with the arena vote in January, followed by a bond election in May that also brought us a new council member with the addition of Laura Miller. More importantly, the voters agreed to keep the ball rolling in Dallas with much needed improvements in our infrastructure and services, such as libraries and parks. Then, we moved into the budget cycle, and through the process of town hall meetings and workshops decided how to spend the more than $1.5 billion in the new budget.
While all this was happening, we also refinanced the convention center to allow for a $130 million expansion and renovation. This will allow us to continue to compete with New Orleans, Atlanta and Las Vegas far the conventions that help pump many millions of dollars into our hotel-motel industry.
So what can we look forward to in District 10 for 1999? First, the addition to the recreation center should be completed early in the year, and the plans for the renovation of the Audelia branch library will begin. Second, and believe it or not, the connection of Royal Lane between Audelia and Skillman streets will actually start construction. All of the agreements have been signed, and the right of way purchased. This means the project should be on the next available contract letting for the Texas Department of Transportation.
Also, a meeting will be called for the proposed Buckner-Audelia-Northwest intersection improvements. If you would like to be sure of when this will be held, I will send a notice to everyone on my mailing list. If you now get the yellow town hall cards, you’ll be notified.
If you want to be on my mailing list, please call my council office at 214-670-4068 and let Patricia know that you want to be included. Also, if you have concerns that don’t seem to get addressed through the 311 service number, don’t hesitate to call. Patricia will follow up to see what is or what is not happening, and why.
And of course, when December 1999 comes around, you’ll know it because Lake Highlands will still be playing football when everyone else in their district is done. Congratulations to the 1998 team. Now bring on 1999.
