FW orchestra, no to ballpark, Bedford taxes

FW orchestra

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra was founded 91 years ago by Brooks Morris, who said, “I do not want my children to grow up in a city that does not have a symphony orchestra.”

My concern is that Fort Worth will not have a symphony orchestra if the current contentious process between musicians and management is not resolved.

The contributions that the musicians and its music director, Maestro Miguel Harth-Bedoya, have made to the quality of the FWSO are immeasurable, and their legacy must be preserved.

I know that the caring residents of Fort Worth are proud of our outstanding quality of life and are aware of the crucial importance of the FWSO.

I am certain they understand that the sounds of classical music must not disappear in Fort Worth; it would be a great tragedy.

We also must not compromise the orchestra’s artistic quality, and I fear that if this controversy continues that surely will happen.

The dedicated board of directors has generously devoted considerable energy and personal resources.

The talented musicians and music director have dedicated their lives to bring great music to Fort Worth.

Everyone in our community can help by supporting the preservation of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, regardless of the style of music one enjoys.

I sincerely hope that management, board and musicians can resolve the current crises as soon as possible.

No to ballpark

I will vote “no” on Arlington’s ballpark proposal, not just because of the new Rangers tax that will start when the Cowboys tax ends, or the hundreds of millions that will be taken from the local economy, or the idea of taxpayer-subsidized competition for local business, or the disinformation from the “Vote Yes” campaign, or the fact that we won’t know how much more than $500 million we will pay until the bonds are written, or the fear of doubling Arlington’s debt load.

I will vote “no” but because I love the Rangers.

If this passes, the team will have to raise parking and ticket prices, and I will never again be able to afford to go to a game to see them play.

Bedford taxes

Congratulations to the Bedford City Council for recently rolling back their property tax rate from .495 to .476 cents per $100 valuation, thereby avoiding a potential rollback vote by the people.

This action reduced the amount of a huge tax increase that would have otherwise occurred due to recent property valuation increases by the Tarrant Appraisal District.

It is refreshing to see representative government perform as intended for a change.

Council members are making significant progress toward becoming Bedford Citizens for Responsive Government.

Keep up the good work!

This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 5:16 PM with the headline "FW orchestra, no to ballpark, Bedford taxes."