WDL Editorial on County Bond Election
A matter of trust
Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 11:42 AM CDT
Earlier this week the Ellis County Commissioners Court passed a resolution in support of creating a citizens oversight committee that would be in place during the construction of the new county facilities should the May 12 bond referendum be approved by voters.We hail the resolution as a positive step in creating a new level of trust between county government and the people it serves.In discussing the matter with voters during recent forums on the bond election, one concern continues to rise above all others. Overwhelmingly, the majority of citizens who have weighed in on the matter recognize the need for new county facilities that will primarily be used for our justice system. Overwhelming, the majority of citizens recognize the proposal that is being put before the voters is a fiscally sound, cost effective solution that will not only meet our immediate needs, but serve our county for the next 10-15 years. Overwhelming, those citizens agree the current facility crisis will not go away and that inaction will end up costing the taxpayers a lot more than the bond’s $53 million price tag.
The primary concern, however, comes down to a matter of trust. It is not easy to forget, nor forgive the mistakes of the Ellis County Justice Center. For many of the citizens we have talked with, the question comes down to this: “Can we be sure there will never be another ‘Pink Elephant?’”It’s a matter of trust.This is a different court. While a change in leadership doesn’t guarantee different results, this court has taken great strides in rebuilding both trust and confidence with the people they serve. Should the bond pass, many steps are already in place to ensure quality, efficient and cost-effective buildings are constructed to serve county citizens. For starters, the county now has a full-time engineer who will be working hand-in-hand with the contractor on a daily basis and reporting back to the commissioners court. Additionally, the city of Waxahachie will be allowed to conduct regular inspections — as it does for every new building project in the city — throughout the construction process.
The citizens oversight committee will be another step in helping rebuild that trust. Their eyes and ears will serve as another layer of insurance to prevent what happened in the past from occurring again. It’s time for Ellis County to move forward. The next step is for us, as voters, to approve the bond.
Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 11:42 AM CDT
Earlier this week the Ellis County Commissioners Court passed a resolution in support of creating a citizens oversight committee that would be in place during the construction of the new county facilities should the May 12 bond referendum be approved by voters.We hail the resolution as a positive step in creating a new level of trust between county government and the people it serves.In discussing the matter with voters during recent forums on the bond election, one concern continues to rise above all others. Overwhelmingly, the majority of citizens who have weighed in on the matter recognize the need for new county facilities that will primarily be used for our justice system. Overwhelming, the majority of citizens recognize the proposal that is being put before the voters is a fiscally sound, cost effective solution that will not only meet our immediate needs, but serve our county for the next 10-15 years. Overwhelming, those citizens agree the current facility crisis will not go away and that inaction will end up costing the taxpayers a lot more than the bond’s $53 million price tag.
The primary concern, however, comes down to a matter of trust. It is not easy to forget, nor forgive the mistakes of the Ellis County Justice Center. For many of the citizens we have talked with, the question comes down to this: “Can we be sure there will never be another ‘Pink Elephant?’”It’s a matter of trust.This is a different court. While a change in leadership doesn’t guarantee different results, this court has taken great strides in rebuilding both trust and confidence with the people they serve. Should the bond pass, many steps are already in place to ensure quality, efficient and cost-effective buildings are constructed to serve county citizens. For starters, the county now has a full-time engineer who will be working hand-in-hand with the contractor on a daily basis and reporting back to the commissioners court. Additionally, the city of Waxahachie will be allowed to conduct regular inspections — as it does for every new building project in the city — throughout the construction process.
The citizens oversight committee will be another step in helping rebuild that trust. Their eyes and ears will serve as another layer of insurance to prevent what happened in the past from occurring again. It’s time for Ellis County to move forward. The next step is for us, as voters, to approve the bond.
Labels: bond election, ellis county
posted by Rusty @ 4/12/2007 10:56:00 AM
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