Prop 2 Would Stymie Growth

Those opposed to Proposition 1, which would block city ownership of a convention-center hotel, contend the measure would hobble Dallas’ growth. For reasons Wick has explained, that’s ridiculous.

The real anti-growth measure on the May 9 ballot is Prop 2. Under its language, a citywide referendum would have to be held before developers of condos, hotels and malls got $1 million or more in city incentives, if 500 voters signed a petition.

Prop 2 proponents like Paul Osborn, of the local Libertarian Party, say it’s all about government “transparency,” and checks and balances. That’s hogwash.

Prop 2’s really about stopping growth. All these referenda–or the threat of them–would only cause delay and uncertainty, two things developers can’t abide. They’ll take their projects to surrounding, more hospitable cities so fast your head will spin.

Convention-hotel supporters have tried to conflate Props 1 and 2, urging no votes on each. But they’re being dishonest with the voters. The only link between the two is this: Prop 2 was devised strictly as a payback measure by union organizers who couldn’t get their foot in the door of the proposed convention hotel.

If you care about Dallas’ future, vote no on Prop 2.