Citizens will be heard at public meetings

by Mayor Betsy Price and Councilmember Sal Espino

Let’s be clear: Public safety and public input have never taken a backseat to dollars and cents. It was with those values of public safety and public input in mind that the City Council recently chose to extend the moratorium on saltwater disposal wells and schedule several public meetings on this issue.

A recent Star-Telegram editorial seemed to declare that a decision had already been made about lifting the moratorium on saltwater disposal wells in Fort Worth. It was an absurd assumption, and one that could unfortunately hinder the public process by discouraging public participation.

In fact, no decisions have been made, and we have scheduled a series of public meetings throughout Fort Worth to openly dialogue about this issue. The meetings are set for 7 p.m. on the following dates:

• Jan. 19: Tarrant County College Alliance Center, Suite 100, 3600 Heritage Parkway.
• Jan. 26: Tarrant County College South Campus, Room SSTU 2105 Student Center
• Feb. 2: Lost Creek Country Club, 4101 Lost Creek Blvd.\
• Feb. 9: Tarrant County College Opportunity Center, 5901 Fitzhugh Ave.
• Feb. 23: City Council Chamber, City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton St.

Those public meetings will discuss if and under what conditions we allow saltwater disposal wells in our city. Even though these wells are highly regulated by the state and other agencies for safety and environmental purposes, it would be irresponsible to permit them arbitrarily.

But these saltwater disposal wells are already being drilled just outside our city limits next to new Fort Worth neighborhoods without the city’s input. What’s more, we should not ignore neighborhood concerns about traffic congestion, pollution and wear and tear on city streets caused by the 18-wheelers currently used to transport saltwater outside the city.

Finding solutions to these and other concerns is precisely why Councilmember Sal Espino has expressed his interest in a saltwater disposal well pilot project in far north Fort Worth. Such a pilot project could help address neighborhood concerns and further test the viability of using pipelines instead of trucks to transport saltwater. If the council so desired, this pilot project could proceed with a moratorium still in place.

In the end, it’s important that residents are well informed and are heard. The purpose of these meetings is simple: to listen. Don’t let statements that disposal wells are “likely” keep you from letting your voices be heard.

TCU, former Mexican President establish world leader forum to engage youth leadership

Oct. 31, 2011 | Source: Texas Christian University

TCU today announced a new partnership with former Mexican President Vicente Fox to host The Vicente Fox Forum of World Leaders at TCU beginning Wednesday, Nov. 30, in TCU’s Brown-Lupton University Union Ballroom, 2901 Stadium Drive.

President Fox is the forum’s first speaker; other world leaders scheduled to speak at the forum in 2012 include former Prime Minister of Spain Jose Maria Aznar, former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien, former President of Poland Lech Walesa, and former President and Prime Minister of Israel Shimon Peres.

A key focus of the forum is facilitating connections between former world leaders and college and high school students to encourage leadership development among youth and provide them with a glimpse of presidential leadership. TCU students, as well as students from area high schools and other universities will be able to attend the afternoon Forums free of charge.

“This Forum is in line with TCU’s mission statement to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community,” said TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. “It is important for our students to learn from world leaders’ experiences and the challenges they faced while leading during difficult times.”

“Marta and I feel passionate about strengthening the bridges between the Americas by investing in our emerging leaders,” said President Fox, referring to his wife Marta and their vision together for building leaders.

Dr. Juan Hernandez, a graduate of TCU, was instrumental in connecting TCU and President Fox to establish the forum.

“It gives me great pleasure to bring together friendships I have forged in other nations with my alma mater TCU and my home, Fort Worth,” said Dr. Hernandez, who also is the co-founder of the Hispanic Leadership Alliance.

The forum will be held at various times throughout next year. To attend the Nov. 30 event featuring President Fox, contact 817-257-7808 or e-mail n.styles@tcu.edu. Future forum event times will be listed on TCU’s calendar of events at www.newsevents.tcu.edu during the month in which the forum will be held.