Thanks For All the Fish: A Soliloquy

For approximately 20 years, I have been engaged in advocating for what I believe is best for Richardson and its neighborhoods.

It all began with a general interest in the city and my neighborhood after purchasing a house in Richardson Heights over 20 years ago. Like many, I returned after spending some time away. One day, a neighborhood volunteer said, "You know, Andrew, you are the kind of person we need." That set off a chain of events, accelerating my involvement in the community.

As the new year unfolds, it provides an opportune moment for reflection and anticipation. Now it is my turn reflect and look ahead. If you'd like, follow along with me.

This is a story about fish.

What is Missing from City Hall Discussions?

 On August 21, 2023, the Richardson City Council received an update on the City Hall design process. The meeting primarily focused on presenting two choices for the new City Hall's site plan layout. Tonight, September 18, 2023, they will give an approval to a site plan.

Much can be said about what was presented, what wasn't presented, how public input was gathered (or not), what was said about various aspects, and the cost of different options. However, I want to concentrate on one notable omission that was missing from both the City Management's presentation and the architectural team's input, as well as from the Council's discussion. Can you guess what it was?

What Should Go in the Orange Box?

The City of Richardson is interested in gathering your opinion regarding the new City Hall. They are equally interested in obtaining the perspectives of the current City Council members. While the survey you may have come across on Richardson's website seeks your input, it varies from the one designed specifically for City Council members.

For better or worse, ignorance or wisdom, these encapsulate my answers to the questionnaire given to City Council members. As you can imagine as someone who lived here before the current City Hall was built, I have some opinions.

Q: Why does the Richardson cross US-75? A: To get no input

The agenda for the Richardson City Council meeting for June 12, 2023 contains an item that caught my eye for many reasons. It involves the very long and very slow road to improving pedestrian and bicycle access across US-75 and Belt Line. This is great news. I say "contains" (present tense) because the meeting is tonight.

Is it great news for public input or even City Council input? Possible Answers: "Maybe Not" and "How do we know?" Read on after the break. 

City Council of 2023 First Policy Decision

The Richardson City Council of 2023 has been sworn in and they have made their first policy decision. I do not mean choosing Mayor Pro Tem from among themselves as they did when they chose Arefin Shamsul. Choosing Mayor Pro Tem isn't optional. What I mean is that they have made an actual policy decision that they did not have to make. What is it and what does it say about the new Mayor, Council and their upcoming term?

City Council Election 2023 Aftermath

Election 2023 is in the books. We have a new mayor-elect. We have two new council persons upcoming. Elections were run. Doors were knocked on. Mailers sent. Hands were shaken, and fists bumped. There were winners and losers, not necessarily those running for elections. On the 15th-floor penthouse of the Chase Bank building at US-75 and Main St., the Richardson Echo's crackerjack staff (meaning me) have been working overtime (meaning when I had time) to bring you this analysis of what transpired.

Richardson ISD Principals Response to Gun Violence Protests? DoubleThink!

A national group, Students Demand Action, organized student walkouts on May 11 to protest inaction on gun violence. According to students I have spoken to, news of this protest has reached students in the Richardson ISD High Schools. Word also reached the ears of Richardson High School principals, who responded in a way that high school principals usually respond. What did they say?