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BEER AND WINE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT?

It’s almost impossible to overemphasize how momentous the upcoming wet-dry petition drive and referendum will be for Dallas, and especially for those of us in dry neighborhoods. Most of Dallas has been dry since Prohibition ended, and a wet vote in November would change the social, cultural and economic fabric of the city. In this, it’s probably the largest wet-dry vote in state history, and is one of the largest in recent U.S. history.

—JEFF SIEGEL

Let them apply and go through the cost — but ultimately, the market will decide how many liquor stores will exist based on the economies of the purchasing. Will people start driving specifically to Preston-Forest to buy their liquor, only if it is more convenient and cheaper than going to Central and Forest? Maybe six will open, but if they can’t do it competitively, they will be put out of business by their neighbor who does.

—AMY S.

Dart May Change Bus Route

DART may change Route 31 by eliminating access along Welch Road between Forest Lane and Harvest Hill. That means riders would have to take Route 532 from Midway Road.

—MARLENA CHAVIRA-MEDFORD

We need to keep DART Route 31 with service along Welch Road near W.T. White High School. With over 2,300 students and almost 200 employees, the high school is a major landmark in the area and logical location for access to DART. The attendance zone for our school is large, with many of our students using DART to attend before- and after-school activities, including tutoring, and to get to their jobs. Access to DART reduces the need for the school to seek grants or district funds to provide transportation for much-needed Saturday and evening tutoring programs. W.T. White is often a receiving school for students eligible to transfer from low-performing schools in accordance with federal and state laws. Under that scenario, we have received students from all over DISD, and those students utilize DART on a daily basis. Sending our riders to instead catch a bus on Midway is hazardous. Traffic on Midway is significantly faster with approaching cars less visible due to a hill. Standing areas are narrow and often obscured by landscape. Crossing Midway at Rickover is challenging by car and frightening by foot. Homeowners between the school and Midway will likely complain as students walk through their yards and alleyways, as may the homeowners on the west side of Midway who will have additional riders awaiting buses. Keeping Route 31 with service along Welch is preferable. The school is open 14 hours each school day, thus allowing access to restrooms and shelter, and providing varying levels of adult supervision. During peak ridership, Welch observes School Zone speeds, thus making it the safer route.

Nathan Adams Elementary is one of 13 in the country to receive the National Excellence in Urban Education Award. Now if that’s not a license for bragging rights, I don’t know what is. Congratulations Armadillos!

—MARLENA CHAVIRA-MEDFORD

Something To Talk About

Every day on the Back Talk Blog, you can find several brandspanking-new posts about breaking news, dining, arts and events, city hall happenings, interesting people, high school sports, street closings, public meetings and so much more. Last month, we wrote about the city’s budget troubles and

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You Responded

“Your rant sounds like a blast from the Laura Miller past: ‘Just give me total authority and I can fix the city.’ At least she had the guts to run for public office. When can I expect your announcement as a candidate for mayor or city council?”

—JIM JONES

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More Than Just Talk

Not just words — we’re also bringing video, like the recent high school drum off outside City Hall.