Since announcing my campaign for Mayor six months ago, I’ve made many new friends and enjoyed the support of thousands of people who love their Island and want to do what’s best for Galveston.
My campaign could not have come so far without your support, and I thank you for your time, effort and encouragement.
At times during the campaign, people have urged me to stop talking about the public housing mess and focus on other issues. I am well aware of the many challenges facing our city, and I am prepared to address them.
But I have focused attention on a better plan for public housing because I have listened to YOU. Beginning early in the campaign and continuing to this very day, I have heard from so many of you who believe it is a waste of tax dollars to build new public housing when none is necessary. You told me it just doesn’t make sense to build new low-income and public housing units for people whose needs have already been met, and I have stayed true to that message.
I remain committed to appointing new Housing Authority commissioners who will take a fresh look at public housing. Housing choice vouchers are used throughout Galveston County and the nation, and they can meet our public housing needs without new construction. Vouchers allow tenants to live closer to job opportunities and away from disaster-prone areas.
I believe the Housing Authority should declare the vacant land formerly used for housing projects as surplus, and sell it to developers who will be required to put it on the tax rolls. Colony Park is built on land that was once used for public housing, and that area is now worth millions of dollars to the city.
But to complete the job you started, you must make your voice heard at the polls. The runoff election for Mayor is a tight race, and your vote will count. You’ve read in the newspaper about all of the electioneering taking place at the Housing Authority, and we need every vote to counter the onslaught of voters encouraged by government employees intent on implementing their ill-conceived construction plans.
You have been very supportive during this campaign, and I truly appreciate it…all you have to do now is cast your vote on Saturday.
With so many good citizens like you actively involved in our city, we have many bright days ahead. I respectfully request your vote, to help make them a reality.