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Dear Editor,

It is election season for the city government of Port Arthur, Texas. Every couple of years, we are asked to go to the polls and cast our ballots for candidates seeking to lead our city government. We witness forums, meet-and-greets, fundraisers, and church visits—all efforts to encourage voter participation and help citizens understand each candidate’s platform. These standard activities are necessary to ensure the right candidates are heard, seen, and understood regarding their plans if elected.

As someone who has voted in these elections most of my life, I always enjoy this civic season. However, I have never felt compelled to write to the Editor until now. This election season, along with our nation’s current climate, requires us to engage in meaningful discussions about Port Arthur’s future. I would like to propose some topics for consideration. Whether you agree with these options or not, my goal is to spark thoughtful discussion about what is possible for our city.

Privatization: The time has come to seriously evaluate which functions of city government should be privatized. We must ask whether municipal management of certain operations has been effective or if private companies might serve citizens better. Should the Water Department and/or Waste Management become operations managed by companies rather than the City? While this idea has been discussed casually, it deserves substantial analysis to understand the full impact on both the City and taxpayers. Recent events and announcements of price hikes make it especially timely to consider this option. Candidates should be questioned on this issue, and the city should provide a comprehensive assessment of the process and its potential outcomes.

Streets and Transportation: At every election, the condition of city streets emerges as a major concern. Traffic has increased throughout Port Arthur, and ongoing construction diverts vehicles to alternate routes, accelerating deterioration of those streets. Environmental factors also impact our roadways and commuting patterns. This creates a costly cycle of constant repair and pothole remediation. Rather than simply asking how much money the city has for these projects or calculating repair costs, we should question whether all these roads are necessary. A more forward-thinking approach would involve redesigning our current city structure and eliminating roads that no longer serve essential purposes.

Environmental Impact: The city has yet to provide a clear strategy for addressing environmental challenges. There is no denying that our climate is changing, with potentially long-lasting consequences for future generations. As a coastal city on the frontlines of environmental change, what proactive measures will Port Arthur take? Candidates should articulate strategies that would help citizens live in a healthier environment while building a more resilient city. This discussion is crucial because Port Arthur must tackle these issues head-on with appropriate resources.

These represent just a few topics worth discussing during this election season. In my next Letter to the Editor, I plan to address issues of crime and safety that should be considered and discussed with candidates.

Thank you,

Dr. Charles Prince

Port Arthur, TX.