Get Out Of Town

Katy Citizen Watchdog$

We’re Taxpayers. It’s Our Money.

Get Out Of Town!?

As you can probably imagine, the Katy Watchdog web site receives quite a bit of e-mail traffic. Some e-mails are from folks that want to join and have their name added to our permanent e-mail address listing. Some e-mails are from people that have a problem and want to know if we can help. We get hate e-mail and we get support e-mail. We also get notes from individuals that are just passing on things that they heard or have seen; informative e-mail so to speak.

Recently we received an e-mail that showed a picture of a sign that was apparently posted in someone’s neighborhood in Cinco Ranch. The e-mail stated that the sign was directed to a rezoning committee member and their family. Since helping to form this group in 2005 I thought that I had seen it all when it comes to foolish immaturity, but I have to tell you this sign really shocked and annoyed me. The sign basically tells a member of our community to get out of town because they have a differing point of view as to how things should be rezoned in Cinco Ranch.

Prior to receiving the picture I had been following the debate on the Chronicle web site. In addition, I have been answering e-mails from concerned parents about this current rezoning issue in the Cinco Ranch area. Many of those e-mails asked that the Watchdog$ join them in their fight. Let me begin by saying that the Watchdog$ are not taking any position as to this matter nor do we intend to. We have never taken a position on rezoning and as long as I am affiliated with this group this is an issue that the Watchdog$ have no intention of getting involved in.

I understand that rezoning causes emotions to run high, but I absolutely cannot believe how things have gotten to this state. Just like the Watchdog$, members of our community are being attacked because they have a differing viewpoint. Once again I ask: since when did “dissent” become a four-letter word in Katy? Is there no such thing anymore as civil discourse?

As I said before, neither the Watchdog$ or myself are taking a position as to this Cinco Ranch rezoning matter, but I am taking a position with regards to civility. There is nothing wrong with being passionate about a cause; believe me, as someone who has passion for what they are doing I can completely understand. But when that passion turns into hate speech, threats, personal attacks and calls for people to “leave town” I have to draw the line.

I’ve seen this viciousness first-hand in our community. Kevin Tatum and I spent almost two and one-half hours sitting in a conference room in the administration building in August of 2006 listening to one bond committee member after another attack our organization and us personally; all because we had a differing view of the bond initiative. In addition, I had several dirty and vile tricks played on me as well during the campaign. Now I am certainly not implying that everyone in that room attacked us but there certainly were quite a few that went out of their way to show their immaturity to everyone gathered.

Now some of you may claim that this commentary is nothing more than the “pot calling the kettle black”. But my response is that while I have indeed been critical of our district (when warranted) I have never personally attacked anyone nor have I told anyone that I disagree with to “get out of town”.

I might also mention that I find the displays of un-professionalism and immaturity being shown by some at the rezoning meetings astounding to say the very least. What kind of example are you setting for your children? You claim you are doing this for your kids but would you want your kids to act this way with something they didn’t like?

While being passionate about your cause is certainly ok it is not ok to be doing what some people are doing. To those folks that are acting inappropriately I say; GROW UP! Life is not always fair and equitable and the sooner you realize that the better off you’ll be in life.

Chris Cottrell, Katy Citizen Watchdog$

Date: 12/11/2007