Council to Ex-Mayors: ‘Come on in, The Water’s Fine’
As mentioned yesterday, the University Park City Council took 10 minutes of the work session to discuss whether or not former mayors no longer living in UP can use the city pool. Mayor Pro Tem Bob Clark had the reason.
“This came up because former mayor Don Houseman moved out of the city of University Park,” Clark said. “He likes to swim in the pool, and I believe, deserves the opportunity to.”
It was suggested that former mayors be issued a pass, but any official action still awaits a vote. The council didn’t seem to have problems with the idea, though.
“I really don’t fashion any opposition,” Mayor Richard Davis said.
Depending on which direction Don Houseman moved out of University Park, he could either drive 7 blocks further or drive 7 blocks less over to use his membership of Dallas Country Club to swim some laps. Love Don and all that he has done for the community, but special treatment is special treatment. Wonder if Don even knew this was up for discussion as he does not strike me as one who would want special treatment.
I have nothing against Houseman or any other former mayors. But opposition should come from the mere fact that as a general rule, in America, we don’t pass, suspend, or amend public laws as favors for specific individuals. At the very least, such action should be undertaken on basis of some highly compelling necessity. Certainly not based on the luxury of one man really really really wanting to swim in a particular pool. Of course, it will hurt no one to let this one guy into the pool, per se. But that’s not the point. The point is that to allow him to do so by fiat makes our city government look amateurish. Moreover, he has a means to swim here already. Let him come as a guest of a resident, like other non-residents do. City governance is not a game. At least, it ought not be.
I completely agree with Avid Reader and Z.
They all take care of each other! Good ol boy network!
The tone-deafness of this is rather stunning, to be honest.
“Good ol’ boy network” for sure!
Leaders get perks. Presidents. Senators. Governors. CEOs. Drum Majors. Student Council Presidents and Mayors It’s one of the perks of being a leader. And if getting to swim in the UP pool, for life, is a benefit of serving as Mayor, them let them swim.
On a side note, Don Housemanh should be able to swim ANYWHERE he wants.
We should invite all of our friends who have moved out of the Park Cities to apply for the “Don Houseman Membership” at the pool so they can continue swimming where they want, because they like to swim in THAT pool.
Yes, Avid Reader, if your friends are former Mayors of UP.
Perks for our Kings!
Let’s invite all of the ex-citizens who at one time served food in our schools cafeterias, coached YMCA soccer, football, and basketball, worked carpool lanes, stuffed Friday folders, volunteered for Planning & Zoning committees, who hauled band, Belles, and football equipment. Those are the real leaders of this community. If we wanted to go in this direction, then let’s not stop with ex-Mayors. In my opinion, this is not a good precedent.
Sarah, thanks for keeping folks informed. My thanks also to Dan Koller and the rest of the staff at the PCP.
My thought…there are more serious issues that need attention by the elected officials (both UP and HP), but choose ridiculous agendas. It’s sad. Get a guest pass like everyone else.