5/18/9  -  Allen Gwinn is on to something!
Darryl Baker

Allen Gwinn is on to something with The Dallas Fiscal Accountability Ordinance.  In a more real world scenario, I ask how can less than 10% of voters saddle me with billions of dollars in debt?  A fiscal accountability ordinance is needed right away. 

Here is how I propose it would work: 

When the cost of a project is going to be $100M, at least 10% of voters must turn out to have the issue become valid.  Then, the issue must pass with 55% of voter approval.  If the cost is $200M, then 15% of voters must turn out to have the issue become valid.  Then, the issue must pass with at least 60% of voter approval.

You get the idea.  I am concerned that less than 10% of eligible voters have now saddled the rest of us with bond obligations that we may not be able to meet or with the management choices that require cutting basic City services to meet bond obligations that are not coming through on the return on investment as promised.

When the cost of the project is $1 Billion or more, then 20% of voters must show up to approve it or it dies.  This concept will help keep Dallas on a sound fiscal and political footing.

When the City has rules that require 2/3 and 3/4 majority of Council and commission approval on other types of measures, this concept is not out of the ordinary nor is it counter to the best interests of the voters.  More importantly, it puts more RESPONSIBILITY on the shoulders of those who want to spend our money for things that are outside of BASIC CITY SERVICES.

The goal of this plan is to prevent the "tail from wagging the dog".  I also think that it would stand up very nicely in court.

 

Darryl Baker

Ward politics is the Devil's key to the soul of the city council.  It is how some council members got themselves in trouble in the past.  It is the bait that will get others in trouble in the future. 4/6/8