The Good and Unpleasant:
The Good:
As always, we are still in discussions with additional commercial and retail businesses to bring jobs and modern conveniences to the residents of Northlake. Having a comprehensive plan and following it, current regulations, responsiveness, low municipal tax rate, exceptional schools, and housing options are major factors companies find favorable and have been attracting businesses to Northlake.
Dale Earnhardt and Sam-Lee roads are opened. The first public meeting for improvements to FM 407 on March 21st was well attended, I am glad this project is moving forward. I have been involved with this project since 2010, it is finally moving forward (state and federal bureaucracy at its best.). Please review the Town’s website for additional information as it becomes available.
The Town is a final candidate for another distribution facility. This has the potential to bring additional sales tax revenue to the Town. If the company choses Northlake it will ensure the tax rate remains low for our citizens, despite at least one Councilmember wanting no growth. Additionally, we are still in talks with several businesses to open new restaurants and other businesses to Northlake and bring additional jobs to the region.
The Unpleasant:
One recently-elected council member continues to attempt to stop any and all development. In my opinion, she believes that only her views matter. She, as I have been told that her position entitles her not to follow the law and she is entitled to anything she wants the Town to do: Sad. She continues to mislead people on her Facebook page (Northlake Texas Neighbor to Neighbor) with deceptive/partial information. She has already expressed her opinion on Facebook that the new current councilmembers to stop any growth and that Northlake has been ruined ever since she was involved in a lawsuit against a developer and the Town (neighborhood I live in, I guess that is why she dislikes me.) I would say if you like the progress of Northlake’s future, disregard anything she says.
Last Word:
We need to work together for the best interest of all of us and continue to improve Northlake, and not dwell on the past. The Police, staff, and all departments do their best to serve you, I am proud of them. That said: I am disgusted that new councilmembers question the police procedures and operations, and inferring the town needs to limit your 1st and 2nd Constitutional rights.
If you have suggestions or comments on how to enrich and improve Northlake for all, please let me know. If you like the stability, services, and projects the Town is working on let the Council know. Additionally, I encourage everyone to take the time to attend at least one Council meeting in the next year to see how your Town Officials communicate and make decisions, all agendas and Council packets are posted on the Official website to ensure we remain transparent to you.
I encourage questions, concerns or recommendations not be made on Facebook. Rather direct them to the staff or an elected representative(s) via their official e-mail. Social media is not public to every resident, Town e-mails are. The staff and I are always willing to answer any questions or address concerns, when inquiries are made this way, they become public record. If you hear or see something on social media that interests you, contact the Town to voice your views. All facts and voices should be heard and not only presented by a few who hide on the internet. Your voice and opinion matter. Contact information for staff and councilmembers is located at www.town.northlake.tx.us.
I am excited that the Town has a bright future and will continue to welcome everyone for generations to come. If you have any comments or suggestions to improve your quality of life in Northlake or recommendations to improve public communications/information, please let me know or David Reittig, the next Mayor of Northlake.
I plan on canceling the first council meeting in April and May; so, the last council meeting I will be leading will be April 25th.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you and the Town for the past 12 years.
Peter Dewing, JD., CWO3/USMC (ret), Mayor, 940-390-4303, [email protected]