Where is the Fort Worth City Council?

www.fwweekly.com

The only investigative news source left in Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Weekly.  Oh sure, occasionally the Startlegram will pick up on a story and run with it, but usually only after someone like the Fort Worth Weekly leads them to the watering trough and shows them exactly where to drink the "responsibility" water.  And again they have published the "Best of" categories for 2011, allowing for "readers choice" and "Critics Choice" in each category.  I don't mind telling you that I personally find this yearly issue much more informative than listening to the constant diatribe from our daily news sources whenever elections come around.

I could not help but notice that in the categories that usually signal useful involvement in a positive way to protect communities and neighborhoods, such as the best example of "Gumption and Grit," and "Watchdog" group, the Fort Worth City Council nor city staff EVER is in the running for a win in these categories....not to my knowledge anyway.  Time and again elected officials are chosen instead for solid wins in areas such as "Most Likely to Sell Grandma to the Highest Bidder" and "Candidate for Alien Abduction."  Wins that are without question...deserved!

One shining example of community service AND gumption and grit (in my opinion) was the group chosen for the "Watchdog" organization for 2011.  Here is what the Fort Worth Weekly had to say about this wonderful group of dedicated citizens:

Critic’s choice: North Central Texas Communities Alliance

We can’t pick just one of the activists involved in this invaluable group to confer the Top Watchdog title on, so we’re giving it to the whole crew. As does any individual or organization that takes on the 800-pound gorilla of the drilling industry, the NCTCA folks must surely feel sometimes as though they are simply crying into the wind. They go to city council meetings, protest and testify in Austin, do all the myriad other things to try to keep North Texans informed (and, let’s face it, enraged) about the many truly scary aspects of urban gas drilling in these parts — and for what? But the underdogs win one once in a while, and along the way, they are laying the basis for responsible, informed, dogged opposition to an industry that is threatening lives, health, and, frankly, the long-term future of this city. These days, what form of public service could be more valuable?

Congrats also to Layla Caraway for her win as the critics choice for "Free Spirit."  Her tireless work on our behalf with the Trinity River Improvement Partnership will serve not only the citizens of Fort Worth well, but also Haltom City, Richland Hills and North Richland Hills.

Finally, please join with me to encourage our elected officials into putting the effort forward that will enable them to win these yearly categories that truly represent our communities and citizens.