As a president of a neighborhood association in one of the oldest area’s in Richardson, I see the struggles that an old neighborhood deals with everyday. These are some of the reasons that voting YES to Richardson's 2010 Bond program is the wise choice.

Richard Ferrara knows something about the structure and infrastructure of Richardson. He is a retired architect and land planner who designed over 90 buildings in Richardson over his career. He tells us why we should vote YES! in the upcoming Richardson 2010 Bond election.

The Richardson Echo is proud to announce a new section dedicated to the preservation of local Richardson history. The purpose of this section is to preserve and exhibit pieces from local history. The materials on display are all a part of a private collection of printed materials and ephemera. You can contribute to the collection.

A few weeks back three presidents of various Heights neighborhood associations in Richardson had the privilege of presenting a plan for strengthening and renewing the Heights area. I was amongst those being the President of Richardson Heights Neighborhood Association. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive and that reaction included support of corners of Richardson far from Heights. There was some reasonable skepticism of parts of the plan and a small amount of negative reaction. I think it is worth responding to some of that reaction.

In an effort to enhance resident’s experiences with Richardson City Council meetings, The Richardson Echo with Bill McCalpin brings you “McCalpin’s Unofficial Guide to City Council Meetings.” Very often it is the case that residents have little experience in dealing with the formalities of City Council meetings. Bill McCalpin gives his interpretation of policies and procedures of City Council meetings having attended hundreds of meetings.

Recently, there has been a great deal of dust kicked up by bloggers and letter writers who are somehow horrified that the issue of a new drainage fee was discussed at the end of the final day of budget workshops last month. Phrases like “sleight of hand”, “shell game”, “collusion”, and “dishonorable behavior” have been bandied about. Bill McCalpin explains why he believes those accusations are unfair.

Angie Chen Button, State Representative for District 112, shares her legeslative update for August.

Bill McCalpin reflects on the 40 year relationship of UTD and Richardson. He also tells us his own exprience in UTD's early days  near the 40th anniversary of the creation of UTD and the signing of the "Tier One" University bill at UTD.

Bill McCalpin gives us a personal description of the Wildflower! Festival, how that experience highlights changes in Richardson's transit policies over twenty years and that those policies are helping Richardson change for the better.

The Richardson City Council election took most people by surprise. Three races were potential runoffs but none will be had. Two first time incumbents were defeated. The recommendations promoted by the Richardson Coalition ran the table going six for six in contested elections. We break down each race and draw some conclusions.

The Richardson Coalition recently posted online an editorial regarding Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOBs) in Richardson. Longtime resident William "Bill" McCalpin explains why he believes the actions regarding SOBs are to be praised.

Richardson was the third most popular early voting location in Dallas County according to county election data. We examine some of the trends we see in early voting compared to past elections, and we ask what that might mean to Republican and Democratic turnout.

Our Echo Election Series continues for the 2008 election. Retired Richardson teacher Sarah Scott talks about education, Affordable health care, and energy in her support for Sandra VuLe for State Representative in District 112.

Our Echo Election Series continues for the 2008 election. Angie Chen Button talks about economy and immigration in the race for State Representative in District 112.

Our Echo Election Series continues for the 2008 election. Resident Kathleen Lunson writes in favor Rain Minns for State Senator from District 16.

In our Echo Election Series for the 2008 election, John Carona explains why he wants your vote for State Senator from District 16. This is the first editorial in our series. In this article you will find Mr. Carona's editorial and an editor's note about our series.

Carol Kent, candidate for State Representative in House District 102, is demonstrating her commitment to equipping Texas students for the job of learning with a unique service project titled Giving Back to our Schools. Kent’s campaign has plans to collect more than 200 backpacks for the schools districts within District 102, which includes Dallas, Garland and Richardson.

For several generations, the Space Age themed playground at Heights Park has fascinated and affixed Heights Park as one of the few truly unique places in Richardson’s suburban landscape. That era is about to come to an end. Starting July 14, without any ceremony or recognition of Richardson’s past, the equipment along with other "non compliant" equipment will be removed.