Statement of James G. Rodriguez

Candidate for Houston City Council, District I

Opposing the closing of Gus Wortham Golf Course

February 15, 2007

I join Carol Alvarado, Houston City Council Member, District I, and a number of East End civic organizations and leaders in opposing the closing of the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course.  The ill conceived and poorly planned proposed initiative to convert the golf course into a soccer complex is an egregious example of government bureaucracy attempting to dictate public policy without the benefit of community input.

As the only candidate running for the Houston City Council, District I that is standing with the community on this important issue, I call on the city of Houston to reconsider its plans for a Gus Wortham soccer compound.  I request that the city begin to engage the community in a constructive dialogue to invest in the future of this historical golf treasure as well as explore alternatives in the East End where soccer fields for recreational use can be developed.

The civic organizations and leaders of the neighborhoods surrounding the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course should have a strong voice and input on public policy matters that affect their community, particularly park space issues that have an everyday impact on their lives.  It is apparent that the community was left in the dark on a critical quality of life concern that has a direct bearing on traffic congestion, flooding, parking, construction, and the environment.

I take pride in working over the past few years to make sure civic organizations and leaders have a strong voice at City Hall.  When neighborhoods are a major part of the public policy debate within our great city, all communities benefit.  It is obvious that in the case involving the Gus Wortham Golf Course, the communities that stand to lose the most were completely shut out of the process.   This type of city government behavior will not be tolerated.   We demand better from our city.

For more information call 713-861-2244.