Chet Edwards For Congress

July 13, 2005
Editorial: Whitney Victory

Waco Tribune Herald
By Editorial Staff |Tribune-Herald

Energized citizens, responsive officials, satisfactory result

It appears that the problem with Walling Bend Park is that it is too popular.

Too beautiful, with great access to Lake Whitney for picnicking and swimming.

So popular it is, believe it or not, that the Army Corps of Engineers proposed shutting it down. That would mean less hassle, lower maintenance costs, and particularly less need for law enforcement in dealing with parties that sometimes get out of control.

To deal with a projected budget shortfall and hefty proposed budget cuts, the Corps proposed closing the park.

What a hideous idea. Not only would it hurt the people who use it, but closure would hurt the businesses that rely on those visitors.

And the notion of having something so special – built with public funds – shut off from the public should offend all senses.

Fortunately, alarmed citizens stepped forward to press the case to keep Walling Bend Park open. They collected 1,200 signatures.

But they did more than get angry. They got engaged. In particular, they got Congressman Chet Edwards involved in the matter. Last week after meetings with Edwards, Corps officials announced that funding would be available to keep the park open.

More than that, they announced a collaborative effort between the Corps and local citizens to make the most of the park and to cut down on unnecessary expenses.

It is encouraging that these citizens didn't just hit a brick wall and have to deal with bureaucrats who would pass the buck.

“The process worked,” said Jo Ann Mulhausen, owner of Lakehaven Bed and Breakfast. “We're thrilled that the democratic, American way of getting your voice heard worked.”

This is the second time in recent years that intervention by Edwards has worked to everyone's benefit in dealing with the Corps of Engineers.

Edwards came up with the idea, and the money in the budget process, to open to the public a new venue for recreation and for appreciating Lake Waco. His involvement made possible the Lake Waco Hike and Bike Trail, which has become a special attraction for a lot of people. Once opened, it gave the general public access never experienced before.

In these days there's a tendency to look at government as something apart from the people. That's a mind-set citizens need to shed. Sometimes they can't affect the tides, but often they can influence events by being active, constructive and smart.

That's apparently what turned the tide on Lake Whitney's popular park.