Vote Yes to Ban the Bond

Frisco Texas is a fast growing community in north Texas, just north of Dallas. It has seen exponential growth over the last decade. Once known as a pleasant, rural, ranch community, it is now an embattled urban cultural hot-spot of politicking and closed door dealing. The Arts in Collin County center has created quite a bit of vocalizing on both sides. Currently, those for the ACC (as it is called) have the marketing edge in road signage and social networking advertising.

At question is a multi-million dollar bond that was strongly pushed by the outgoing Frisco mayor. Part of the deal was if Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and Plano would all back it the everyone would back it. McKinney voters said no; Plano dropped out, in, out. Allen (who wins if this goes through) is still in. And, Frisco conservatives and Tea Party participants managed to get the bond vote back to the ballot.

Careful though: you have to vote ‘yes’ to say ‘no’ … confusing, isn’t it? It appears to this writer intentionally so.

So here is some marketing from a concerned citizen who started a bit of movement.

The points made are valid.

Can the citizens of Frisco afford the additional tax and debt burden to their fair city to support the arts in Allen – their neighbors to the east.

The graphics contain some interesting info.
– The cost of the bond and extras is expected to be $41,000,000
– How many Frisco residents are expected to benefit by a trip to Allen for art?
– Taxpayer funding (that’s you and me) are expected to cover 96% of the cost of construction

Not mentioned:
– Taxpayer funding (still you and me) are expected to cover most of the ongoing maintenance costs too
– Former mayor to be paid a projected $180,000+ annually (if all targets are met; nice ‘post-mayoral’ office job)

There should be no surprise that the former Frisco mayor employed by the ACC is also a chief supporter.

From a fiscal responsibility standpoint for Frisco, a ‘yes’ vote to ban the bond is the right call. Frisco already has its own Arts Association. It has Cirque de Soliel. It has hockey, soccer, football, football (Division Champions FC Dallas, MLS soccer), and Pizza Hut Park concert venue.

Frisco has been spending Frisco tax dollars rightly in Frisco for Frisco. Why would Frisco vote ‘no’ for Frisco to let Allen get Frisco tax dollars? Where is the benefit to Frisco?

So, vote ‘yes’ to ban the bond.