Let's take a closer look

...at the following issues in Nederland, Texas.

Red light cameras
First, this is a great idea. I attended a workshop that the Nederland City Council hosted and found out allot of information in regards to the cameras. This can only help the Nederland PD. According to information provided in the workshop, if City Council agrees to the contract, by adding these cameras it does not add anymore paperwork to the department nor does it add anymore personnel. It's a win for the department and the citizens of Nederland.

For more information, please visit American Traffic Solutions website.

Nederland EDC My previous post on this topic
First, are several quotes that I took from the Beaumont Enterprise and the Port Arthur News. It's important to read/hear the view from other people. Below you will find links to each news story that I took the quotes from.

President of the EDC, Larry Ducharme
...said after looking at the unrestricted fund balance of the EDC, he believes there is more than enough money for the organization to lose $400,000 to $425,000 this coming year and still offer incentives to businesses.>{PANEWS-8/13/07}

Former Executive Director for the EDC, Rick Williams
...said he is not convinced there are not alternatives to fix streets without taking money from the EDC. “The real concern is that with the EDC’s debt service and fund balance, projects can’t get done with $400,000,” Williams said. “I live in Nederland and drive through the same pot holes you do. I’d love to see the streets fixed, but not at the cost of rendering the EDC useless for four years.” Williams encouraged the council to give the EDC time to talk with the Attorney General to see how much money the EDC puts into street repair.{PANEWS-8/13/07}

Executive Director of Nederland EDC, Tracie Killian
...told the council there is a possibility the street maintenance tax could have a devastating consequence on the EDC’s ability to attract business to the area.
“I have numerous concerns on how this would affect the EDC, the business community and the residents of Nederland,” she said. Killian said in a year, the EDC offers nearly $500,000 in incentives to new businesses. Taking away just a quarter cent from the corporation would add up to $400,000 to $425,000 in yearly loses. “You can’t just look at the short term, you have to look at the long term solutions to the city’s problems,” she said. “This could be a big blow to businesses.” With nearly 60 acres of land available off U.S. 69 for economic development, Killian said the street maintenance tax could cause problems in getting businesses to come to Nederland without incentives. After debt service and fund balance, the EDC’s would have only $80,000 to offer, she said.“I’d hate to the see fund balance drained on a big (business) and there be nothing left for small businesses. It’s just not business friendly,” Killian argued.{PANEWS-8/27/07}

...told City Council members that halving the EDC's budget would tie its hands in giving out the incentives that it does. The half-cent tax generated about $875,000 in revenue this past year. If the Nov. 6 proposal is successful, then half of that would go to the EDC and half to street maintenance. Killian said after expenses and debt service there wouldn't be much left for the EDC to work with on projects such as developing the 60 acres off Beauxart Garden Road. "If we drained our fund balance for big-box retailers, what will be left for small businesses?" she asked. The EDC already can pay for street improvements to just about anyplace that isn't solely in a residential neighborhood, she added.
{BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE-8/27/07)

Now for my thoughts
For the record, Councilman Billy Neal was the only one according to published reports that wanted to wait and not address this issue at this time.

As I stated, it's important to hear or read everyone's opinion on the topic. Did anyone notice that not one elected official was quoted by any media outlet? Where are the elected officials? I assume they are hiding, as usual.

I guess the council wants to have another election that doesn't mean a damn thing. If the voters do not pass this measure, the city would have wasted money on an election to the tune of $5,000 dollars, I assume. That's crazy! Especially, if the EDC can already pay for street improvements that isn't solely in a residential neighborhood.

If this issue passes, all it does is take money away from the future of Nederland, takes money away from people who want to build their family here, it takes possible jobs away from the area, etc. If it is passed the future of this city is screwed!

This council is out of control. What are we as citizens going to do about it?

Source:
Beaumont Enterprise
The News
The News