LETTERS

SQUAWKIN’ ABOUT PAUKEN

I DON’T KNOW WHO D MAGAZINE RELIES ON for information about the internal workings of the Republican Party of Texas [“Inside Dallas,” December 1995], but whoever it is, D had better find a more reliable source because your facts are all wrong about the relationship between the state chairman of the Republican Party, Tom Pauken, and the Executive Committee. The committee has passed nothing that would “sharply curtail” the powers of Tom Pauken.

To the contrary, the relationship between the chairman and the executive committee has been harmonious throughout Tom’s tenure in office. Tom has encouraged the economic and social conservatives to work together, and the results speak for themselves with the 1994 election victories in Texas.

LOIS S. NEAL

Republican Finance Committee

DALLAS



McKINNEY: A QUESTION OF QUALITY

CONCERNING YOUR STORY ON THE SUBURBS, “The Best (And Worst) Places to Live” [November 1995], I have lived in McKinney since 1957 and have witnessed first hand many, many progressive and beneficial changes since that time. I can assure you there are families moving daily to McKinney from the inner part of the Metroplex strictly because of the better “quality of life” or because of new high-quality jobs being created in McKinney.

jerry bolin

McKINNEY



“QUALITY OF LIFE” IS A VAGUE TERM. D Magazine’s definition is indicated by the variables which you chose to measure. As representatives of McKinney, which you rated number 30 in your survey, we wish to point out some inconsistencies in your survey. For one, much of your data is out of date. Case in point, the latest SAT score for McKinney ISD is 1,029, second only to Highland Park among cities in your survey, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.

The most significant deficiency in your method is in the fact that you measure only hard statistical data. You do not take into account how people perceive the quality of life in their communities. The only way to measure perceptions is to ask the citizens.

BILL DARLING, JOHN GAY,

ben whisenant, and robbie clark

The McKinney Alliance

MCKINNEY



EDITOR’S NOTE: In compiling our survey, which took into account more than 20 variables to assess “quality of life, ” we used the most recent SAT scores available at the time. Congratulations on the higher scores.



GOOD NEIGHBORS IN STATE-THOMAS

RE: “GROWING PAINS IN STATE-THOMAS” [“Inside Dallas,” December 1995]. The.city of Dallas, through the Tax Increment Financing District, has invested well over $4 million in infrastructure improvements in the State-Thomas area. More than 1,000 new residents have moved into the neighborhood in the last four years, making it one of the fastest growing, most vibrant communities in Dallas.

The Thomas Avenue Beverage Company can in no way be described as a setback to the efforts by the City of Dallas and the Friends of State-Thomas, and the actions to date by local residents and the city were only to ensure that the TABC was in compliance with city ordinances. It is important for the area that all residents and businesses are responsible “neighbors” with a conscience towards the dynamic fabric of the neighborhood, We believe the TABC has made great strides towards achieving that goal.

ANTHONY NATALE

Vice President, Thomas Court

Development, Inc. and President,

Grenadier Homes, Inc.

DALLAS