Comments and Criticisms: Writer: Make government actions public

TO THE EDITOR:

I wish to thank the Gazette for doing its best to inform our citizens regarding the creation/recreation of the "Wright Patman Regional Water Supply Agency," especially in light of obvious attempts by the proposed members of the agency, aided by Judge Jimmy White's gag order, to conceal the purpose or need of such an agency from their citizens.

Wake Village Mayor Mike Huddleston stated during the April 22 meeting that the cities involved "already have the powers and authority provided in the ordinance that was approved." If that is true, it is further evidence that a new agency is unneeded. So what's the real reason behind it? I suspect it is another attempt to establish the Marvin Nichols Reservoir, or a similar project, for the benefit of investors at the expense of farmers, land owners and taxpayers that would be directly affected.

If the primary purpose of the new water agency should be to gain control of Lake Wright Patman water to sell it to new industries that are expected to locate in our area, and if profits from those sales are to benefit all of the cities in our area, it seems to me that it would be better to work cooperatively with Texarkana Water Utilities, of which all of the cities are current members.

I have not heard that this is the reason for the new agency, it's merely a possibility that I thought of. I am as perplexed as everyone else, except the 12 mayors and council members regarding the proposed agency. However, I am convinced that it is not for the benefit of the general populace. Otherwise, instead of secrecy, coverups and concealment of facts, it would be highly publicized and discussed at public meetings with input sought from the citizenry.

Another remark was made by Mayor Huddleston at the April 22 meeting, that most people are unconcerned about the issue, evidenced by the small number in attendance. I was also disappointed in the turnout for a meeting of such importance to all of us. I truly hope this will not be the case at any future meetings on the subject. We cannot always depend on our elected officials to act in our best interest, nor can we always rely on a few concerned people to do our bidding and keep us informed.

A truly democratic society cannot exist when it is fraught with secrecy, fraud, cover-ups and a lack of free-flowing information between its elected officials and its people.

It's my hope that you will consider these words and recent events carefully the next time you go to vote. I have only quoted Mayor Huddleston because he is the only person that had anything to say during the very short meeting, except for a unanimous "yes" vote from the council. None of the attendees were allowed to comment or ask questions during the meeting, and council members had nothing to say in the discussion period. This fact speaks volumes to me.

Bill Hopkins

Wake Village, Texas