THE ‘HATER’ LIST

not, who cannot, truly love Dallas.

Only, that’s not what I see when I look at this list. Now, since I myself have been condemned (or honored) as a “hater,” some might dismiss my perspective as biased — “haters gonna hate,” as it were. But hear me out.

Among those who have been maligned as “haters,” I see two incredibly smart and relentlessly hardworking councilmembers who fight for neighborhoods, urbanism and common sense. I see a prolific and insightful online commenter who regularly brings to light complex municipal problems. I see a city columnist who’s spent the last 30 years uncovering and interrogating the deep racial divide in our city, and a publisher who has used his glossy magazine to focus on critical 21st century issues like transportation and the environment.

One thing you can’t say about any of them is that they hate Dallas. Quite the opposite. It’s their passion for our city that pushes them to critique and analyze and speak out and try to make Dallas a much better city tomorrow than it is today.

Despite its fundamental flaws, this “Haters” list provides great insight into a very particular way of thinking about our city, a way of differentiating Dallas’ tribes — the old guard and the new. It gives us a glimpse into two distinctly different, fundamental philosophies about civic leadership.

On the one hand is the group that has been identified as haters, sometimes known as aginners, almost always considered impolite in polite Dallas society. The people on this so-called “Haters” list don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, but here’s what they have in common: They are typically fiscal watchdogs who are skeptical of big-ticket projects as a panacea for all that ails our city.

They don’t like government waste and cronyism and aren’t afraid to call it like they see it. They believe in transparent, democratic government. They think that “world class” ought to be a descriptor used exclusively for dog shows and pro-wrestling.

The other group includes those who believe that one must be a relentless cheerleader in order to truly love our city. That our city must kowtow to the business elite because they know best. That Dallas must stick to the old ways of doing things, however outdated and antiquated, because that’s how things have always been done.

But why on earth would we want cheerleaders running our city? Aren’t they the ones who stand on the sidelines while the game is played and jump for joy, even when their team is losing?

No, we don’t want cheerleaders. We want city leaders who are dedicated to finding fault in our city government, who will uncover corruption and ineptitude and work to right the ship. Because the first step in fixing a problem is acknowledging you’ve got one.

Highlander School

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com Founded in 1966, Highlander offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. By limiting class size, teachers are able to build a strong educational foundation to ensure confidence in academics, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. Highlander offers a “classic” education which cannot be equaled. Monthly tours offered; call for a reservation.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org

Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill

Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

Spanish House

Four East Dallas Locations / 214.826.4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com Spanish Immersion Program in East Dallas! Nursery, Preschool, Elementary and Adult Programs available. Our new K-5 Dual-Language Elementary School will be opening in August 2016 at 7159 E. Grand Avenue. Please visit our website (DallasSpanishHouse.com) or call 214.826.4410 for a tour.

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com 6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

II Corinthians 5:17 Camp Zion

June 1 – July 31

Zion Lutheran School provides a quality Christ-centered education.

6121 E. Lovers Ln. (@ Skillman) Dallas, TX 75214 214-363-1630/ ziondallas.org

Spanish

Spanish House Elementary

7159 E. Grand Ave.

A Dual-Language K - 5 Elementary School

Opening in August 2016. Call now for enrollment information! Nursery, Preschool & Adult programs are also offered at our at our 3 other East Dallas locations.

DallasSpanishHouse.com

214.826.4410 advocatemag.com/newmedia