CorridorWatch.org Statement

It is the position of CorridorWatch.org that Chairman Williamson's comments and actions on November 18, 2004, serve to discourage public participation and input in the state's transportation policy development. We are distressed by the disregard for differing opinions.

Elected officials should be given greater voice in the process as representatives of their constituents, not challenged for failing to agree with the Commission. The City of Dallas, or any other Texas community, is not only entitled but has a responsibility to represent the concerns and issues that effect their jurisdictions. That representation is often in the form of an advocate such as Dean International.

It is inappropriate that the Transportation Commission should be intolerant of honest opinions that differ from their own. It is unacceptable that this Commission acts to retaliate against communities, organizations or their advocate because they seek to organize in opposition to a plan that is itself a matter of public discourse.

The Commission may be in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act when such action serves to quell public input at the very time the agency is conducting a process that requires them to seek public input. At minimum it demonstrates that opposing viewpoints and opinions are unwelcome unless declared 'legitimate' by Chairman Williamson.