Editor:

No Boy Scout needs the example of a homosexual leader. In our Boy Scout Oath we promise to be "morally straight". In our Boy Scout Law
we promise to be "brave, clean, and reverent".
Our Boy Scout troupe is sponsored by a Christian church as many are. We learned that Jesus Christ taught that marriage is only between a man and a woman (Mark 10:6-8). In the New Testament we are taught that homosexuality is wrong (Romans 1:26-27 and I Corinthians 6:9-10). Our Jewish Boy Scout friends also are taught in their Scriptures that homosexuality is wrong (Leviticus 18:22).
James C. Nordgren - Star Scout, Irving

In what was clearly an orchestrated move by those members of the Irving City Council opposed to the Entertainment Center, Mayor Van Duyne and Councilmen Spink, Putnam, Farris and LaMorgese did not show up at the Special Meeting called to discuss the latest proposal by the developer, Las Colinas Group (LCG) and TDI which would take over management of the project as part of LCG’s concessions to one of the critics’ demands. Due to the lack of a quorum, the meeting could not be officially held. The Council members who attended were Webb, Cannaday, Santoscoy and Gallaway.

All residents should be appalled at this action by Van Duyne, Putnam, et al. Is this what we expect from our elected officials? If they oppose the content of a meeting, they conspire to subvert the process by not showing up? This lack of transparency and sabotage of a publically-called meeting is nothing short of disrespecting the public these no-shows were elected to serve. And to refuse to hear the new information that satisfies all previously-voiced financing concerns seems to be a violation of their fiduciary responsibilities.

Because of the lack of a quorum, the meeting was turned into an informal meeting that allowed the Las Colinas Group and TDI to make their presentations and for residents to make public comment. And because it was not an official meeting, ICTN did not broadcast the “gathering.” (The PowerPoint presentation and video of the meeting will be available online at forirvingsfuture.com early next week.)

At about 3:30 p.m., Mayor Van Duyne issued a press release e-mail canceling a separate 5:30 p.m. meeting she had previously called. However, that press release was worded in a way that made it sound as though no meeting would take place. This misled many supporters who had planned to attend the 7:00 p.m. meeting, but there was nonetheless a strong turnout in favor of the Entertainment Center who were able to hear the new financing plans. The mayor’s reason for canceling the meeting cited legal reasons; however, the City Attorney had given Council the go-ahead for the meeting and he was present throughout the informal meeting.

It appears that another special hearing will be called for Monday evening. Please be prepared to attend if it is called (I will let you know as soon as it is officially called). And let the Council know, by e-mail messages ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) that you want the Entertainment Center AND let the five no-shows know how you feel about their refusal to do their jobs.

Thank these members for their support:

Rose Cannaday:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dennis Webb:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mike Gallaway:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Roy Santoscoy:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Let these members know how you feel about their actions that circumvented the legal process:

Mayor Beth Van Duyne:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gerald Farris:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tom Spink:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Joe Putnam:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brad LaMorgese:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear Mayor and Council;

I want to express my appreciation to the members of the council who individually listened to the advice of legal counsel and did not meet with an outside company at last night's called meeting. I am sure some who do not know the details of the contract with LCG will criticize your actions; however, most Irving citizens know the truth. Thank you. Keeping the City safe from lawsuits is a very important part of your jobs and your individual actions and courage last night prove that you truly are interested in what is best for our fair city.

I am very disappointed in the members of the council who placed this item on a special agenda, creating a situation that could have easily put the city at risk for a lawsuit. I am disappointed that they did not listen to legal counsel and instead gave in to the pressures of outsiders. I am also disappointed in those who did attend the meeting last night, possibly putting the City in legal jeopardy had it not been for the individual convictions and foresight of five of the other members. It is also my sincere hope that this type of foolishness is over.

It is my sincere hope that those who attended last night's meeting learned something and will reconsider legal advice. Tuesday will dawn a new day for new negotiations and new contracts, contracts favorable to our wonderful city, contracts from which the citizens of Irving will benefit.

It will be a grand day when this mess has ended.

Sincerely,

Jacqualea Cooley