Our Viewpoint Editorials
State steps in, throws caution to elections

This week, the Texas State Comptroller's Office stepped in and offered the city of Jasper advice on its upcoming election dealing with reducing economic development funds and dedicating them to the streets of Jasper.

During phone conversations from Austin, the legal team at the Comptroller's office informed city officials that the wording in the referendum election "does not conform to state mandates."

This comes on the heels of State Senator Robert Nichols coming to Jasper and calling the referendum a "really bad idea."

Nichols should know a little bit about economic development as well. He worked for seven years with the Jacksonville Economic Development, which was credited with bringing 1,200 jobs to the area by helping businesses expand and finding new businesses that were a match.

Ah, economic development in action. What a novel concept.

But at the same time, allowing the residents of Jasper to decide this issue is what this country is based on. Let the voters decide whether they want their neighbor's streets repaired or continue to try to lure an industry that will bring in more jobs for the area.

This month the city needs to make sure the wording on the referendum is correct and without challenges. It has to pass not only through the bond attorneys but get a passing review from the Comptroller's office as well.

Failure to get this issue right will leave Jasper with the proposition of getting an election thrown out by the Comptroller's office.

That wouldn't be a pretty sight.