First, I stand by my position against “Robin Hood,” the policy of sending tax dollars from our community to the state instead of to our own schools. MISD has been robbed of our own locally-generated tax dollars for too long. We have no idea where our money goes once it sinks into the black hole of Austin coffers. Meanwhile, our district, and most importantly our kids, get nothing.
It will take the collective efforts of Midland voters and our local officials to force a change in Austin. While West Texas is the biggest provider of food, fuel, and fiber for Texas, we are only a small part of the Texas legislature. Let’s give our state representatives, former Speaker Tom Craddick and Senator Kevin Sparks, all the support they need to help us reclaim our tax dollars so they can be invested in our own community.
Second, I am often asked about my views on the upcoming bond initiative that would raise funds for MISD. Since working with the district to pass the last bond, I have expressed my views about future facilities to board members and administration. That ship has sailed and it’s time to move on. I will vote for the current bond proposal, just like I did for the last one so our large community can update our school facilities.
As new buildings go up, we must also make sure the next generation of Midland students who will use them are prepared for their futures here at home, across our nation, and throughout the world. The new bond initiative will be the largest our city has been asked to adopt, but it is a wise investment in our future. I believe Midland has a school superintendent who not only wants to reach these important goals, but will.
Third, I am more confident in the future of our city because of our exciting and involved younger generation. The median age of our residents is now early-thirties. Our young residents share a desire to make Midland their home. Their involvement in making our city one of the best places to live and work can be historical and consequential.
I look forward to seeing them volunteer around town, run for public office, and grab the baton of leadership through other roles as part of their own investment to make our city great.
Midland is not just the Tall City, it is the necessary city. As the hub for energy independence in America, we are the most important yet little-known power center for progress in the nation and the world.
We exhibit what it means to be a representative republic. This includes vigorous debate over the best pathways for our community, followed by common pursuits to make sure every resident can realize the treasured American dream.
We might differ in our approaches, but we often agree in the end to lock arms and move forward as a community. Texas, our nation, and world need us. My hope is that we will once again move Midland forward together.
Patrick Payton is the former Mayor of Midland.