Doug, thank you for raising the alarm over the latest Garland witch hunt. This is wrong, and the ends (reducing the number/visibility of tacky automotive businesses) does NOT justify the means. This has many similarities to the mean-spirited ugliness a few years back toward rental home owners and tenants, another group that Code targeted and tried to drive out of Garland.

Please name the council members who are supporting these measures, or provide a link so those of us who couldn't be present can educate ourselves.

Doug, thank you for bringing this City Problem to the attention of Citizens & Business in Garland. Sounds to me like the Council needs to catch up with appointment of Charter Committee and get this problem fixed before the City loses another Court Case. I really appreciate your speaking out on this one.

Once again Doug, you are the voice of reason on the council. Too bad you are outnumbered. I will check out CGTV right away so I may know which of the geniuses on the council are supporting the mis-guided code folks in this foolishness. My question is, what can any ordinary citizen/voter/taxpayer do to stop this madness? I can begin recruitment efforts immediately.

Spot on Doug. A voice of reason and balance. Garland Business' want to be a part of the City. We are made to feel like lawbreaking outsiders. You have spoken for "All of the People."

Phil Lathrop

Doug: Thanks, for a very informative and well written message. I have a retail automotive related business (American Kawasaki of Garland) on S. Garland Ave. ( over 27 years, same location);
We've been through prior ill-founded attempts by our City to dictate, regulate, and pressure us off Garland Ave. We are, and want to continue to be a positive force in our City. South Garland Ave. needs work, and improved 'clean-up' without doubt; your approach, with the City Council, Staff, and Property / Business owners cooperating and WORKING TOGETHER is the only one that makes sense; Your vision and positive attitude is crucial to the ultimate success for the City of Garland and its Citizens/Business. Thanks again, for being there for ALL of us and our City ! Jim

Doug: This is rent house ordinance redux with probably as many unnecessary and unconstitutional aspects as the rent house ordinance had. Ex post facto laws are unconstitutional which is essentially what back zoning without compensation amounts to. Unfortunately, in this case (as in the RHO) they are using harrassment and selective enforcement. This is a violation of civil and constitutional rights of equality under the law. The quote from a building inspector represents the same rudeness and arrogance that were initially practiced by code in the RHO but this attitude has been much improved by Code. If relief from this harrassment is not voluntarily and immediately forthcoming, I would recommend to businesses on S. Garland Ave. to institute legal action for violation of civil rights. Civil rights are not just racial or religious, they fundamentally are based on equal treatment under the law for ALL citizens (including business owners). Thanks. Roy