NDG Editorial
Irving residents have enjoyed progress even during economically challenging times under the leadership of Mayor Herbert Gears as Mayor for the City of Irving. Gears led initiatives that embraced the needs and concerns of the Irving citizens across economic and cultural boundaries.
Gears is facing former City Council members Beth Van Duyne and Tom Spink, and the former mayor Gears defeated in 2005, Joe Putnam. The North Dallas Gazette believes the re-election of Gears is critical to the availability of opportunities for all citizens in Irving, not simply the elite.
A key project for progress Gears spearheaded was addressing the substandard apartments managed by those he refers to as slumlords. The long-term tolerance and turning a blind-eye to the mistreatment of the less fortunate was unacceptable for a community wishing to be a world class city to which Irving strives.
While addressing the issue of immigration during his tenure, Gears did so in a manner that did not lead to large public outcries despite leading the area in deportation of illegal immigrants. Through Irving’s Criminal Alien Deportation program over 6,300 have reportedly been deported without it devolving into accusations of racism or added expense to the City.
One of the current hot topics in this campaign is discussions regarding the financial viability of an ambitious $250 million Las Colinas entertainment center. There have been concerns that the private developers are receiving a “sweetheart deal”, however Gears assures voters the center will be paid 100 percent by “the user” of the facility at a recent candidate forum. He believes it is important for Irving to have a facility that will replace the recently demolished Texas Stadium. This project provides opportunities for vendors representing all areas of the City, and as it continues to go forward, much needed jobs.
Also, once completed the facility will not only be a crown jewel venue for concerts, plays and special events, but will be a source for much needed tax revenues for the City. The new entertainment center will be compete for events currently held at the Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie and similar venues in the DFW area. In addition, the plan includes restaurants and shopping which will make the area a true destination attraction and increase the City’s tax base.
Gears has led the city’s efforts to work with law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime by 40 percent; overall crime is down 25 percent since his election. The city has opened to great reviews the Irving Convention Center which is drawing visitors and events from around the country.
Also, Gears and the City have partnered with business community leaders such as the Irving Chamber of Commerce and successfully recruited fifty-five companies to Irving in 2010, adding to a business community that already includes an impressive number of Fortune 500 companies. Irving’s tax revenues are not collected primarily from homeowners as other communities. An estimated 70 percent of the taxes collected are received from businesses.
The North Dallas Gazette believes Gears represents progress, at a critical time when the City cannot afford to return to the old way of doing business. He also represents the best opportunity for full participation and inclusion for minorities.
