The streets around Port Arthur have been a problem for years. Citizens continue to be frustrated due to the lack of focus on fixing streets. Year after year, city council discusses how to use the money to get this project going. But, year after year, citizens continue to drive on very poor roads that have the potential to damage vehicles that lead to costly car repairs. Yes, the frustration is very real.

Election after election, candidates vying for city council seats would run on the promise of fixing streets. Most are elected, yet citizens continue to drive on poorly maintained roads as the cycle continues.

In the Nov. 2 edition of the Port Arthur News, city reporter David Ball reported that the Port Arthur City Council will be again selecting streets to be repaired. This should be a good thing. But with the history Port Arthur City Council has with this topic, citizens remain skeptical until they actually see the work done.

I do hope that this council can make strides where others have not. District 4 City Councilman Harold Doucet Sr. suggested that Public Works Director Armando Gutierrez get together with each councilperson to discuss damaged streets in their district and formulate a plan based on council members’ suggestions. This also allows councilmembers to stay informed on the financial side of the work as well.

I don’t disagree that councilmembers should work with public works to finally get this done. I do have a problem with councilmembers working one on one with public works recommending which streets should be done and which ones should not.

Back in 2012, a very similar discussion took place where councilmembers began working with the public works department one on one. At that time, the residents of Port Acres in District 4 were at the top of the list to have roadwork done in their district and possibly finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The streets of Port Acres have been and continue to be some of the worst streets in Port Arthur and definitely in District 4. Unfortunately during those discussions, the councilmember over District 4 at the time, moved Port Acres streets down on the list and his neighborhood up to the top. His neighborhood was done while Port Acres streets never started.

I am of the opinion that if a councilmember is going to meet with Public Works to develop a street repair plan for their district, these meetings should also include a citywide councilmember from Positions 7 or 8, and the city manager. This way, citizens will actually have impartial representation when these types of decisions are made, and progress can truly be made for the citizens.

In addition, to begin being a transparent city government, why not share these plans with citizens through multiple media facets. Making sure all citizens know what is happening when it comes to their neighborhood streets. It doesn’t cost anything to do so. And might even help build some much needed trust between the city and its citizens.