A generated rendering of a proposed $800M mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane.
Courtesy of GFF
A heart for Dallas
Re: “The economic case for Preston Royal,” by Dallas Cothrum, online column.
I appreciate Cothrum’s passion for growth, but I want to offer some context on the line he quoted from me in his column about Preston Royal. Whenever a neighbor asks how to make sure their voice is heard on an issue, I give the same friendly advice I’ve given for decades: gather petitions, put up yard signs and speak or write to your representatives. I’ve said this at my children’s PTAs, in neighborhood zoning cases and throughout a lifetime of civic involvement in Dallas. It wasn’t a signal that my mind was made up on Preston Royal — it was simply me being consistent.
Article continues below this ad
I see my role on the Plan Commission as being a voice for the district I represent, and that means listening intently to the residents nearest to a proposed case before I ever vote. That’s not crowdsourcing a decision — it’s doing the job correctly.
I’m grateful to serve, not discouraged. I’ll keep encouraging my neighbors to get involved, keep listening closely when a case comes to our district and keep showing up with a heart for this city I’ve called home for more than 50 years.
Kathy Coffman, Far North Dallas
Protecting Texans’ voices
On Sept. 17, 1787, our founders signed the Constitution beginning with “We the People.” As a proud Texan, I believe those words must still ring true.
Article continues below this ad
George Washington rightly warned that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. Today, unlimited dark money, some of it tied to foreign entities, floods our elections and drowns out ordinary citizens. This isn’t a red or blue issue; it’s an American one.
That is why Americans across the political spectrum are backing a constitutional amendment to allow reasonable limits on campaign spending. Twenty-five states, including Utah, Oklahoma, and Idaho most recently, have already called on Congress to act. Texas should be next.
Please join me in asking our state and federal representatives to support this amendment and protect the voice of every Texan.
Christian Kaman, Aledo
The Dignity Act
Re: “The Asylum Dilemma — Unfairness works both ways in broken system,” Sept. 10 editorial.
Article continues below this ad
This editorial notes two troubling facts: 1. The Trump administration has removed more than 200 judges and appointed new ones. 2. In June, 94% of all asylum cases were denied.
These judges are not in the judicial branch, as you would imagine, but are in the executive branch inside the Department of Justice. ICE is also in the executive branch.
The unfairness of having enforcement and adjudication in the same branch is unconscionable. The evidence of a 94% denial rate speaks volumes.
What can be done to create a more equitable system? How about enactment of the Dignity Act by the legislative branch? It’s bipartisan immigration reform. A key stipulation is that it requires undocumented immigrants to pay a $7,000 fine for their civil violation of being here illegally.
Having two branches of government involved in a permanent immigration solution is prudent. It mitigates the inherent prejudice of the current system.
Article continues below this ad
Brent Neuenfeldt, Fort Worth
All in favor?
Since the top three Texas GOP candidates on the November ballot refuse to debate their opponents, I suggest the following:
Democrats Gina Hinojosa (gubernatorial candidate), Vicki Goodwin (lieutenant governor candidate) and James Talarico (U.S. Senate candidate) should form a debate team and go on the road together.
The three can presents themselves to voters across the state, answering questions from moderators, who will then turn to empty podiums on (of course) the right and ask the three missing Republicans the same questions.
Article continues below this ad
For reference, there can be cardboard cutouts standing in for Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick and Ken Paxton.
A story to remember
As I scoured the pages and airwaves for the many stories of heroism on 9/11, I realize I’m a day late with this one, which touched my heart so deeply in the days following the disaster.
Article continues below this ad
Rick Rescorla successfully helped all 2,700 Morgan Stanley employees out of the South Tower before returning to be consumed in the collapse. Think about that.
His story was told in James B. Stewart’s Heart of a Soldier, published in 2002. I never tire of reading it.
Kim Pierce, Dallas/Lake Highlands
A question for Grandma
I am 83. I’ve voted for Democrats and Republicans. I love my country and consider myself a loyal American. I have six grandchildren, am a Christian and try to be a good citizen.
At the GOP convention in Dallas, I heard my president and other political leaders call me a communist. This is so depressing.
I also heard them say they hate me. It was also depressing to see all the Republicans in the crowd applauding and cheering these remarks.
What has happened? Am I one day going to have a grandchild ask, “Grandma, are you a communist?”
How about watching Scottie?
I’ve been following the Dallas Cowboys for over 60 years. The last four years, watching Scottie Scheffler play golf has been a whole more fun than watching the Cowboys.
Maybe Jerry Jones should take the Boys out to a golf course and let Scheffler teach them a thing or two about competitive determination and winning.