Council Meeting 22 April

First of all I want to tell everyone in North Arlington how very proud I am of them for filling up Shackelford Jr. High on Monday night.  150 people or more wanted to be informed and took time out of their evening to find out what is going on in their community.  Wow, I’m impressed. 

As for Tuesday nights Council Meeting, it was very insightful.  There were two items on the agenda that were of significant merit.  The first item was the amendment of an existing ordinance.  Essentially the issue was to not allow people to walk out in the street and hand out material to cars or approach cars stopped at an intersection.  This was billed as a First Amendment right to have free speech in our roadways.  Open Carry Texas wanted to do this in our main thoroughfares.  I took offense to this issue in that two people were killed in the very street where they were passing out material.  The Council voted 8-1 in favor of this amendment.  During this discussion, Mr. Tenderholt, a candidate for state representative, could not allow my free speech.  He interrupted me twice and was removed from the meeting.  Just what we want representing us in Austin.  If he doesn’t hear what he wants just make a scene and be removed from the floor.  I would vote for the other guy if I could in November, but he’s not in my district.  We listened to him with respect, but he couldn’t see his way clear to respect the First Amendment when someone else was speaking.  Too bad.  Where is Diane Patrick when you need her?

The other issue was one that would deny firearms to be carried into the Council Chamber during proceedings.  All I heard from Open Carry Texas was that it was their Constitutional right to do so.  That is simply their opinion and I will let the Supreme Court decide if they are right.  The vote was 9-0 to deny weapons in Chambers. 

What I learned from the exchanges this evening was that, Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment only pertain when you are saying something that they want to hear.  Otherwise disrespect for someone else’s freedom of speech is their game plan.  Although a few salient points were made tonight, it is my opinion that they simply can’t tolerate a differing point of view. If you would like to see for yourself, simply log on to arlingtontx.gov and go to the video of the council meeting for the evening of 22 April.      

Town Hall Meeting

It is the election season, and that means there are subjects that have to be determined.  The only way to make any determination is to avail yourself of all the facts and ask insightful questions of the knowledgeable people associated with the issue.  That is one of the reasons I’m having a Town Hall Meeting this Monday the 21^st at Shackelford Junior High starting at 6:30. 

There are concerns about crime around the Oak Streets area that Chief Leland Strickland will address.  Of course the AISD Bond package is of major importance, and Superintendant Dr. Marcelo Cavazos will be there to present and answer questions.  I will have a power point presentation on what is new in North Arlington.  Subjects will include updates on the Lamar apartment project, the New Library, Senior Living facility prospects, Hotel, and construction projects/business opportunities on the horizon. 

I haven’t had a town hall meeting since the apartment gathering at the convention center.  Since I am running unopposed for office time, I thought I would take the opportunity to talk with you about anything that you see in our community of concern.  Please come out and join in the conversation.  See you there!

Captain John "Smash" Nash

This last weekend I had the honor of attending a funeral.  It’s not that often that you have the opportunity to say such a thing.  Funerals are things that you attend, and sometimes they can be very uncomfortable.  This one was a reunion of Naval Aviators, and a virtual Who’s Who of Naval Aviation.  My old friend and Skipper, John “Smash” Nash passed away of Alzheimer’s disease.  He was one of the original cadre of pilots that started “Top Gun”.

I was hoping to include the fly over video that was performed by two F-18s and two F-16s from Top Gun, but the clip hasn’t yet been posted.  If it shows up I will include it on the blog.  After a 21 gun salute and a beautiful rendition of Taps by a Navy Bugler, Top Gun performed the missing man formation flawlessly.  As they got over the cemetery, one of the F-16s plugged it into afterburner and went straight up.  At the apex of his climb he did a victory roll, in appreciation of the service and bravery of a fallen brother.  Although we were at the departure end of Miramar in San Diego where the movie Top Gun was filmed, the school has moved to NAS Fallon Nevada.  That’s right the current skipper of Top Gun arranged to position these aircraft in San Diego and got approval to make this flyover from Miramar Tower in a tribute to Smash’s service.. 

Smash was a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  He received his undergraduate degree from Mississippi Southern and a Masters from Auburn.  His Commendations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, (23) Air Medals, a Navy Commendation, and he was my friend and mentor.  Smash taught me how to fly the Phantom as Yoda taught Luke the light saber.  But he also taught me the importance of fighting a paper war.  No one could write a more substantial/forceful letter than Smash.  He also taught me and my son to appreciate the beauty and serenity of fly fishing in Montana.  If you are wondering, John got his call sign as a result of a student hitting him with a closure rate of over a 1,000 knots.  John came out of the fireball, the only survivor, hanging in his chute with the call sign, “Smash Nash.”  John's performance at the Pt. Magu airshow with an F-14 was so impressive that the Blue Angel Skipper stated, "we're not performing after him again."  Smash's performance in fighters surpasses the legendary Bob Hoover's P-51 talents.  

Sure the memorial service had many famous naval aviators in attendance, and personalities that were bigger than life.  Admiral Dan Pederson, the first Skipper of Top Gun, Willie Driscol, (Ace), Cannonball Crenshaw (Mig killer and my roommate), Denny Wisley (Blues Skipper) and Homer Blevins (State Congressman from Wyoming).  The room was filled with Naval Royalty.  I was honored to speak to this group and tell a story or two about my ol friend.   Rest in Peace Smash, we’ll fly again soon.

Arlington Republican's Club

Last night at Humperdinks, I had the pleasure to attend the Arlington Republicans Candidate forum.  I saw the candidates square off and it was interesting to hear what they had to say concerning those in office.  Mr. Dodson who is Robert Shepard’s opponent was clearly an unorthodox individual.  While Mr. Shepard showed professional respect for the forum and office by addressing the crowd of 100 plus Republicans in a coat and tie, Mr. Dodson had a baseball cap on and shorts.  His platform was to empower the 18-25 year old voters.  I feel that this fell on deaf ears since the average age of the audience was around 60 years of age.  His overall platform was such that I would not consider him a serious contender for the at large position in district 6.  The legalization of marijuana for any purpose is something that the Texas electorate will have problems wrapping their heads around, so to speak.

From the looks of the race for district 7, Jimmy Bennett has a challenger with substance.  Gerald Kern was business like in appearance, and showed respect for the forum with a coat and tie, same with Jimmy.  He was articulate, same as Jimmy.  And his platform was well articulated, same as Jimmy.  Mr. Kern was a bit forceful in his delivery, and Jimmy was calm and comfortable in his responses.  I can see this race shaping up to be an interesting event.  Since Mr. Kern lives in district 3, it could be that he is getting actual face time and experience if he falls short in this challenge.  Robert Rivera is positioning himself for a Mayoral run next year, which would leave the district 3 seat open.

Kecia Mays is running for the School Board seat vacated by Tony Pompa.  The biggest laugh of the evening was when she stated that her biggest qualification in the race against her opponent is that she was present.  The opponent said she would attend and didn’t show up.  Kecia is a very professional young woman that lost her race against Gloria Pena two years ago.  I’m certain that she will prevail this time.

Art on the Green

This last weekend a function was held called, “Art on the Green.”  Although the weather didn’t cooperate for the outdoor event, at least it didn’t rain.  The event was held at Richard Green Linear Park, and featured about thirty artisans and their products.  I attended with my wife and her friend and I was truly impressed by the quality of the items that were on display.  I actually bought my wife’s birthday present there.  She’ll be 29 again this year, for about the 30^th time.  I purchased her a hand turned bowl that was made out of cherry wood with a uniquely rough edge that made the item a beautiful centerpiece for our dinning room table.

There were beautiful antique cars, (my favorite) jewelry, photographers, painters, artists of several different kinds.  A couple of vendors were welders and made all kinds of interesting things out of household items.  Their imaginations were just incredible.  Of course food and beverage of several types were available for lunch.  In total this was a successful event, that was well attended.  I want to thank Experience Arlington and the Chamber for hosting, and bringing this event to the citizens of Arlington.  

Downtown Apartments/Total Wine

Last night at the Council meeting I tried to make a statement that fell on deaf ears.  A developer had a project to bring a multi family apartment project to downtown Arlington.  The density of the project was acceptable and the overall concept was something that could possibly benefit the downtown area, by bringing people into the local businesses.

But six months ago when the project was first brought to me I only asked one thing of the developer.  That single request was to put some thought and originality into the architectural design.  Not to fall into the same design criteria of the student housing projects of the Sapphire, Arlington Lofts, Campus Edge and College Park projects that have gone before us recently.  When his relief concepts first came out I told him that the designs were so similar that I would not be able to support the project.  He had plenty of time at that point to change the design criteria.  Last night I showed the similarity by putting the other projects up in comparison.  It was my effort to hold the developer to a higher standard and not repeat the mistakes of the 70’s and 80’s in North Arlington.  The vote was 7 to 1 in favor of the project.   

The other issue before Council was our first liquor store.  A Total Wine will be going into the shopping area near Lowes on I-20, and will open in the October time frame.  I'm certain that this business will thrive in south Arlington.  It is a quality establishment that will serve the community well.  I am positive that you will enjoy the experience of shopping in this upscale establishment.  Total Wine is a privately held company started by two brothers.  Over the last decade their success has been proven by the fact that they are opening their 103rd store today in another city.  This is a perfect example of approving a quality product for the City of Arlington.

Annual Police Report

Yesterday in the afternoon session, Chief Will Johnson gave his annual police report.  The overall result of the report was that crime in the city of Arlington is down 1%.  This is great news for the city as a whole, but if we dissect the numbers you will notice that crime in North Arlington is up 6%.  This is due to two things, in my opinion.  Car burglaries and robberies.  We have one individual that has caused over 20 robberies all by himself.  The police have received a break in this case and are very hopeful at this point, but the perp is still at large. 

As for the car burglaries, I will repost some suggestions that I hope that you will observe, so that you won't be the next victim:

1. Take your keys with you.
2. Lock your car.
3. Park in attended lots if possible.
4. Completely close your car doors.
5. Take your valuables with you or hide them.
6. If you take your items out of the car and place them in the trunk, be advised that burglars might be watching you do this.
7. Park in your garage if possible, and lock your garage and the vehicle inside the garage.
8. Replace any T shaped lock handles with straight locks.
9. Engrave your driver's license number on any expensive accessories.  Engravers cost less than $10.
10. If possible install visible alarm systems.
11. Utilize wheel locks/lugs.
12. When possible avoid parking between large vehicles.  They provide cover criminals.
13. Remove detachable radio faceplates when able.

Many times you can observe suspicious behavior.  If you see any of the following behavior please dial 911 and report it to a dispatcher:

• Pulling door handles
• Looking in windows
• Odd clothing for the time of year (long coats or gloves being worn in summer)
• Lookouts
• Nervous looking behavior (constantly looking around, rapid movements)
• Checking for alarms by bumping windows or bumpers for sensitivity.

Each time I get out of my truck, I am very careful to note that I lock it up and that my IPad nor cell phone is in view from the outside.  I hope that you take these simple precautions to heart and we can reduce the number of car burglaries in North Arlington.