The economy is gradually improving, a little at a time.  Would we feel the same had there been no Wall Street bailout or stimulus?  There is no way to know.  But we do know what happened when the government did nothing after the 1929 stock market crash.  Thanks, first to the Bush Administration for initiating the bailout, then to the Obama Administration for continuing it. 

            Don’t get me wrong!  I wanted to see the investment banking leaders thrown out in the street, then into jail for perpetuating a fraud on the American economy.  But the economy had to be saved first to avoid another Great Depression.  It is tragic that no Wall Street banker lost his job or faced foreclosure on his house.  But the new administration had other problems to address.

            By November, we may see some real improvement that will translate into confidence in Democrats to run the economy.  U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, my opponent, has not helped any.  She voted for the Bush bailout, then against the Obama bailout.  You tell me if that makes any sense!

            Locally, we have our own financial problems with the Trinity River development project, known as Trinity Uptown.  In just four years, it has escalated from $250 million to $909 million.  While Ms. Granger deplores the increased government spending spree (which is working), she sees nothing wrong with costs shooting up on her pet project. 

            Most elected officials, business and chamber of commerce types support Trinity Uptown no matter the cost.  But they should listen to average citizens, the taxpayers who will pay for it.  They will hear comments such as, “No one asked me what I think of this.  No one asked if this is a good use of taxpayer money!”  And then one hears, “They went and hired Kay Granger’s son to run the project and did not interview anyone else!”

            There has never been a public referendum on the issue, only elections for Tarrant Regional Water District board members, the Fort Worth City Council and of course, Ms. Granger.  Well, it is time to speak out about this project.  If we want to continue with it, then re-electing these people will insure that it happens. 

            If you want the people to have a say about it, then vote for Tracey Smith for Congress.  I will call for a public election.  It is a worthy project but the people must be consulted.  Their support is essential.  If the federal government pulls out of the project, where will we be?  At a time when we must look for places to cut our national expenses, a local project such as Trinity Uptown is a likely candidate.

            I want to be a congressman who does things that make sense.  Voting for one bailout, then against another does not make sense!  Ignoring the will of the taxpayers does not make sense! 

            Finally, I will be a congressman who is a member of the majority party controlling Congress.  I can work with committee chairs to insure that projects such as Lockheed’s F-35 continues.  It will be a pleasure to serve District 12 and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.  Thank you for your support.