Politics of Complaint: Does 2+2+1=5?

Does 2+2+1=5? Does that math violate the city charter of Richardson? If you think so, you might be a redneck. At least according to Nathan Morgan. Or something like that. Go figure.

Morgan, who takes advantage of the public comment period at Richardson City Council meetings so often that the casual observer might think he's the eighth member of the city council, used his five minutes of public input at this week's council work session to complain that the duration of the city manager's contract with the city exceeds the maximum specified by the city charter. The challenge hinges on whether renewal provisions, or options for additional periods, violate the city charter. A complaint that's technical, petty, and, frankly, boring. It's not even funny, even by the low standards of Jeff Foxworthy comedy routines. It definitely isn't one of the best examples of citizen politics of complaint. But it's the best that this week's citizen input to the city council worksession has to offer. If lack of serious problems is a good thing, this week's citizen complaint indicates Richardson city government is in good shape.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Grand Opening

Winspear Opera House

From 2009 10 AT&T Performing Arts Center

This week marked the grand opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Arts District of Dallas. The new Winspear Opera House and Wyly Theatre were open for tours. Ellen and I took DART light rail to downtown Dallas and enjoyed the new buildings, the sunny weather, and the pleasant street life. Street life. In downtown Dallas. I know, it sounds improbable. But it's true. To see more photos from our day in Dallas, look here.

Skyline 39, Berkner 7. Ouch!

Mighty Ram Band

From 2009 Football

Dallas Skyline lived up to its reputation. Ranked second in the state of Texas, the Raiders dominated the Berkner Rams, scoring on their first six possessions and putting the game away early, leading 26-0 by halftime and holding Berkner's offense to only 41 first-half yards. Still, the game ended on an upbeat note for Berkner, with Terry Gibert breaking an 85 yard run in the final minute of the game, followed by a touchdown. The fans got to stand up and cheer, the band got to play the fight song, and the bell guard got to show the flag.

The band, as always, put on a great show. Last week, the Mighty Ram Band finished 4th of 28 bands at the Bands of America competition at the University of Texas at Arlington. Next Wednesday, they perform for UIL judges at Mesquite Memorial Stadium (Oct 21, 8PM). Judging by the show the fans saw Friday night, the band is ready to impress the UIL judges. Also, it was Junior High Band night. Seeing the Apollo and Liberty Jr High band students join the Mighty Ram Band on the field at halftime made for an impressive show of force. Friday Night Lights is still the greatest entertainment value around!

To see more photos from the game, look here.

Texas Constitutional Amendments: How to Vote

There's an election coming up November 3, 2009. For Richardson voters, the only items on the ballot will be eleven proposed state constitutional amendments. The US Constitution has been amended only twenty seven times in over two hundred years. In contrast, Texans amend their constitution as often as possible. The Texas Constitution has been patched and repatched 456 times since it was adopted in 1876. Unless you want to wake up on November 4 asking how this or that whack amendment got passed, brief yourself on the proposed amendments now, then get out the vote on Tuesday, November 3.

For more information on these proposed constitutional amendments, I recommend: "Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments", published by the Texas Legislative Council, whose mission is to provide professional and nonpartisan service and support to the Texas Legislature.

I also recommend attending the program cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Richardson, the RISD Council of PTAs and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce on October 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the RISD Administration Building (400 S. Greenville Avenue, Richardson). State Representatives Carol Kent, Angie Chen Button and Jerry Madden will discuss the proposed amendments.

After the jump, The Wheel's cheat sheet on how to vote.

Help Wanted: School District Superintendent

The Richardson Independent School District is seeking a leader who has a passion to lead a dynamic suburban school district to an unprecedented level of success. The RISD is already the largest and most diverse "Recognized" school district in Texas. The school board, administrators and teachers are seeking to build on this solid foundation and to set the next standard, moving above and beyond what the state legislature measures for success. The district seeks improvements in post-secondary readiness, measured by participation in vocational classes, by SAT scores, by National Merit scholars, etc. The successful candidate will not only share that vision, but also build on it and provide the direction to get us there.

• Location: Richardson, Texas
  
• Compensation: TBD
  
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
  
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
  
• Please do not contact job poster about other services or products.

To Apply: Contact RISD. Tell them you learned of the opening via The Wheel's Classifieds. I don't charge $20,500. I'll accept $500.

Sonja and Casey's Wedding

From 2009 10 Sonja Casey Wedding

Milwaukee. Wedding. Sonja and Casey. I know what you're thinking. There have to be some oversized, foam sausage mascots involved somehow. And you're right. Sonja and Casey broke the mold for their wedding and reception at Milwaukee's Urban Ecology Center. From start to finish, from the hand-made paper invitations (I mean the paper itself!) to the hymns sung by the guests during the ceremony (or should I say hums or maybe just hmm?) to the famous Miller Park racing sausages crashing the reception, this was a wedding to remember. Thanks, Sonja and Casey, for inviting us to celebrate with you. Our best wishes to you.

For more photos of the wedding and a few sightseeing snapshots of Milwaukee, look here.

Wildcat-Ram Stadium, or Ram-Wildcat?

Wildcat-Ram Stadium

From 2009 Football

The Richardson ISD has four high schools, but only two football stadiums, so sharing is a must. The Lake Highlands Wildcats and the Berkner Rams share the stadium at Lake Highlands High School, officially known as Wildcat-Ram Stadium (map), although Berkner Ram fans unofficially call it Ram-Wildcat Stadium. When the stadium press box was recently renovated, the school district diplomatically installed a circular sign with "Wildcat Ram" on the top and "Ram Wildcat" on the bottom. The outcome of the annual football game between the two schools determines which name gets unofficial precedence in the stadium name for the next year.