"We've elected you to get something done. Now do it!"

Another Caller-Times article, 11/9/09:

"Memorial Coliseum drew a crowd Monday night, despite being closed since 2004.

About 250 people mostly in green T-shirts with the name Grow! Corpus Christi gathered in the parking lot in a show of support for the aging structure, urging that the City Council revisit a development proposal it rejected two weeks ago.
“We’ve elected you to get something done. Now do it,” said computer consultant Blake Farenthold, setting off cheers from the crowd gathered before a stage.

Grow! Corpus Christi wants the council to resume negotiations with Brass Real Estate, the latest development company to propose a plan to reuse the building and land surrounding it. The city voted 4-3 Oct. 27 to end negotiations. “I think we were all really shocked,” said Grow! Corpus Christi founder Diane Metz. “But the great part is we mobilized.” The group formed on Facebook.com soon after the council vote and since has gained more than 3,500 members. Metz and other local business owners encouraged the community to attend Tuesday’s council meeting to share their concerns..."

This is great, and this is why I think Corpus has figured this out. I have been away for a few weeks, got really busy in Wichita, and now coming back to this I am seeing what's been going on in less of a day-to-day drama and more of a long view. As I read this I feel a different tone. I think that's because you all have not let it rest; the city is truly mobilized: petitions, op-eds, articles, Facebook groups, rallies...it's actually pretty impressive. I can say this in advance because I can tell that the pressure has become more outward, more public, and even louder than before--the response to another letdown was to ramp up the pressure rather than skulk away.

This time, at least, you're going to get it done. Congratulations in advance, Corpus. You have turned the angst into action, and it will be a great thing. And by the way, support your local newspaper. They have done an amazing job reporting on this.