At a recent Irving City Council meeting there were several new faces at the mic during the Citizens Forum. This is an encouraging sign that there could be an infusion of new ideas and perspectives by those beginning to participate in city government and in the community.
One theme that ran through many of the public comments was the parochial view that because the mayor had been elected by an “overwhelming majority,” it is up to the council to accede to the mayor’s positions. Many of those taking their first turn addressing the council were there in response to a very contentious work session the previous day. Several of those expressed the same basic sentiments—almost as if they were repeating talking points.
There is really nothing wrong with this as long as the scenarios described are authentic; as long as the historical allusions are accurate. Unfortunately, many of them weren’t.
Our town is no different than others—with a handful of individuals who feel so strongly about one or more issues that they launch personal campaigns to sway others to their views, loudly and often, aided by the easy and quasi-anonymous world of cyber-space. E-mails employ sarcasm and mock those with whom they disagree and SCREAM IN BOLD RED LETTERS as if yelling will sell their point of view more compellingly. However, as individuals living in an educated democracy, it is critical to remember that these e-mails and posts are only one perspective, one point of view—just as this blog is—but, it’s worth the reminder that one is entitled to his own opinions, but not his own facts.
So what can residents do to get factual information and learn about the political and general history of their city?
· Volunteer for city boards and commissions and join community organizations. Participating in organizations is a great way to meet others and learn. For a partial list of Irving organizations, go to www.irvingonline.com and click on “Organizations.” To apply for a board or commission, go to www.cityofirving.org/city-secretary/boards-commissions.asp.
· Ask questions of elected officials and city staff. They all answer to the residents and voters. The main city phone number is (972) 721-2600, the city Website is www.cityofirving.org. Contact information for all council members is at www.cityofirving.org/mayor-council/meet-mc.asp.
When you contact them, ask factual questions about the Entertainment Center, Heritage Center, economic development, schools, tourism in Irving.
· Assume reasonableness prevails. Members of the city council—your neighbors and friends—are not different than you. They are people who want the best for this City and who make reasonable decisions based on information available at the time. There are often dissenting opinions on any issue, but if an overwhelming number of council members votes a certain way on an issue, that should be a telling indication.
· Celebrate Irving—don’t always be quick to denigrate it. As we know, the media will do that for us.
Yes, this city of 200,000 people does have challenges but open your eyes and look around at the great things going on. DART Light Rail will open next year, the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas is doing great business and continues to rack up awards, there are parks and trails, new libraries, a beautiful Arts Center with outstanding entertainment opportunities, award-winning customer service and communications. Celebrate these things.
And, as you look around, or jog on the trails or tell others how wonderful the Genghis Khan exhibit was, keep in mind that the decisions that led to these economic and quality of life amenities were made many of the same people still on the council today: Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Mayor Pro Tem Rick Stopfer, and council members Rose Cannaday, Joe Philipp and Lewis Patrick.
Welcome to Irving, Texas.
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