On Dome, no means no
Regarding the “Thumbs up” for Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, (Page A17, Saturday), this is unbelievable!
You may have forgotten, but in November 2013, the voters rejected a plan to save the Astrodome. Done deal, right? The voters have spoken.
But wait a minute: That is not the result Emmett wanted, and he has been working tirelessly ever since to change that vote, and he did. And now he gets a “Thumbs Up “from you for virtually ignoring the voters to get his Astrodome plan through.
The last maneuver that worked was when our state legislators allowed the Astrodome bill to die in deliberations and did not act on it; thus Emmett was able to proceed.
We are always told to vote. We are always reminded of the power of the ballot. I vote, but it is always with a great deal of pessimism.
I think the Astrodome situation really reflects poorly on the power of the ballot. Our vote is not nearly as powerful as a well-connected politician who has different ideas from the voters and a myriad of resources to change the outcome of the vote.
Our cities are broke, taxpayers over-taxed, fees and tolls are outrageous, our inner-city schools are crumbling, and yet you applaud another entertainment venue that most taxpayers will probably never be able to afford attendance. I contend that every taxpayer-funded sports and entertainment venue should have a “Taxpayer Appreciation Day,” where the doors are opened, and the people who pay for these venues should be allowed free parking, entry, hot dog and a soft drink.
Shame on Ed Emmett. Our 2013 vote should have been honored!