Todd Stein

• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  No, I am not Rasansky. But, we think alike :)

  http://cityhallblog.dallasnews.com/Ra...

  http://cityhallblog.dallasnews.com/ar...

  Council member Mitchell Rasansky has sharply opposed renaming Ross Avenue or Industrial Boulevard for civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.

  But today he offered an official compromise in the form of a memo to his council colleagues.

  In the memo, he calls for renaming the Dallas Farmers Market downtown for Mr. Chavez.

  The market already has a plaque honoring Mr. Chavez's work on behalf of farm workers. Finding it is the trick.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  I agree Chrisdanger - it seems that LULAC is do the Cesar Chavez thing nationally. To follow the tradition of Dallas, I'd prefer that local, influential Latino's were the focus. I totally understand where CC stands from a national perspective... But would love to honor local folks first.

  I'd have no issue with 5 or 6 or 7 NEW streets around the metroplex named in honor of local Latinos. To me, this should have happen first - over CC.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Bill - At the end of all this, the best cliche' for us is "we have to agree to disagree" on changing Ross.

  And with that - I pray that LULAC does not make this a multiyear effort for Ross Ave (as you stated it could be) and really, really, really pray that LULAC does everything possible to avoid any violence.

  Violence over the changing a street name would do nothing but set back Latinos (many who are not in favor of this issue) and The City of Dallas decades.
  

  I find it sad that you have mentioned potential violence many times over the course of this debate. I know you are not a supporter of violence - but would hope that LULAC leadership would strongly say that this is not an option and lead.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Bill - As I mentioned many times before - I think that the Ross Brothers role in Dallas is adequately represented by a street name. Besides the economic reasons, my big issue with the change was 2 fold - (1) the history of "the street" and what it represents to Dallas (2) there is no rationale reason to rename a street that is already named after a person. Just sets a bad, bad prescedent.

  Still - curious if you are going to continue the fight for Ross. The part that scares me is the feelings that no other street in Dallas was acceptable but Ross (according to you and Joey).

  Hopefully you are not - but seems odd that both of you were so forceful that no other street (or place like Farmers Market) would be acceptable

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Curious about Bill and Joey's thought on Industrial. While Tax Payer Julie thinks this is a great win, both Bill and Joey suggested that Ross Avenue was the "only" street that should carry CC's name. Both can recite all those reasons many times - focusing on the church, the mega march and the DISD. Since Industrial doesn't have any of the Latino support points that they claims made "Ross the only choice"... are they going to fight for Ross still or is Industrial suddenly ok?

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Jason - I am assuming she also meant non-scientically valid poll (not a "vote") where people could call in, vote multiple times, and not necessarily be an official City of Dallas resident

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Bill - as reported in this article in "Latina Lista"...

  "Last year's Mega March in support of undocumented immigrants in Dallas drew almost half a million people."

  In the eyes of anyone Undocumented Immigrants = Illegal Immigrants. Different symantics - same exact thing

  I apologize if my tone came off sinister. All I meant was that the march was for something that many people have various opinons on (how to handle illegal aliens already in the country).

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Ok - I am on board - close this. Lock this.
  

  Bill, buddy Bill (1) your "Todd Anonymous" is freaking annoying. I have actually submitted my contact info to be verified. Your tone does more to make me have no desire to find a win/win solution than anything

  (2) Great talking points ?!? For a comedy routine. If you really believe that babble, they I point to MLK and Malcomn X having positive effect on the african american dropout rate

  (3) Adios to this thread... I will tell all supporters of the renaming this. Work on a non-Ross solution and you will find tons of support from many, many people of all races. Make this a win or go down fighting - win/loss - "I don't care about business owners and Dallas history" fight and you will not only lose - you will do more to harm the reputation of Latinos in the City of Dallas than help (even though a large number of Latinos don't care or are against this fight)

  If y'all decide that Farmer's Market is a good solution, shoot me an email at tstein7240@sbcglobal.net. I will be more than willing to lend my marketing expertise to help you out. I think it is a relevant and "smart" decision for ALL residents of Dallas + helps accomplish all the end goals the Task Force desires. Seriously - I am offering my help - tell those "anonymous" supporters from LULAC to contact me if they desire.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  If this thread is going to be closed - please do it after Bill explains the "tax savings".

  I am really curious to hear this explaination. It might change my views on city gov't spending. Heck - if changing a street name saves money, I have a long list of street names to change. I am all for saving people tax dollars :)

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  "Handled right it will be a very big plus for Dallas, and save tax money, and ultimately make Dallas a much better place to live."

  Ok, one new thing we learned. Spending $10K to change street signs will some how save tax payers money over spending $0 to not change signs. Genius!

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Honestly - being new to Pegasus, I didn't even notice the "latest comments". Not wanting to wear out my welcome I am going to put a self imposed ban on myself responding to Bill. I was just getting a kick responding to his nonsense and illogical responses (albeit passionate) - but didn't realize that it had effects beyond this particular comment section.

  Sorry bout that folks - The New Guy

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Bill - the good news,

  "The Cesar Chavez street name will be a statement about Dallas and our understanding of human progress. It will be a very positive statement acknowledging the power of our own U.S. culture! What Cesar Chavez achieved could not have happened elsewhere! Reflecting such understanding will be a tribute to Dallas. It will have real meaning to help counter the "plastic" image Dallas is said by many to suffer from.

  You and I live here. We know Dallas is real with living, working, struggling, thriving people. Our street names need to be more inclusively reflective of that reality. We need to better reflect the progress of this great country, and honor our history in that process."

  All this can be accomplished, and more so, by honoring Cesar Chavez at Farmer's Market. Sure, it won't be the same street as the church and march for illegal immigration... but every goal you want will be accomplished in a higher profile manner, and at a place that has great relevancy to Cesar Chavez's lifetime goals.

  This is great news!
  

  Well - only if LULAC cares about working with the City of Dallas instead of trying to dig in their heals to show that they can strongarm the city. And if that is the goal - I feel sorry for other Latinos who will receive a black eye from the irresponsible leadership.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Bill -

  (1) You are underestimating the relevancy of Farmer's Market in the City of Dallas. Go down there on a Saturday or Sunday morning and you will recognize it as on the few local attractions that blacks, white, latinos, rich, poor, gay, straight visit, shop and - most importantly - get those free samples from the local farmers.
  

  Regarding your arguement as to "why Ross", we will have to agree to disagree. But, I will fight to keep Ross Avenue the same to honor the long standing history of the street name. The street has a history from Latinos, whites, blacks... but MORE IMPORTANTLY - DALLAS. All your reasons are specific to one ethnic group.
  

  The fact that you use the march - albeit peaceful - as a support point is offensive to me. Why? Because that march was in support of rights to ILLEGAL immigrants. I know this is a hot-button issue with solid opinons on both sides - but to use that as a source of your arguement to change Dallas history is going to do nothing but divide.

  The ironic part is CESAR CHAVEZ WAS AGAINST ILLEGALS - I'd assume he'd be against that talking point too.

  (2) Please answer the following question - and based on your expertise on this subject and those involved - it is assumed you know the answer. What role does LULAC play with the CCTF? Do they fund it? Do both groups share leadership?

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  On that note Bill - I am assuming you know the leaders behind the CCTF. Since the website doesn't mention their names - who are they?

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Actually Bill - you can look through my posts and I have not advocated the history of Ross based on the Ross Brothers.

  Yes, I do find it very distasteful to rename a street that has already been named in honor of someone else. To me, this sets an awful precident. I would have empathy to the living Ross family members to see the street name disappear.

  In reality, the Ross brothers place in Dallas history isn't so significant that it deserves a historical marker or whatever you want to place in the West End. There are 100's of Dallasites more worthy in honest opinion.

  When I talk about the "Historic Ross Avenue", I speak in reverence to the streets place in Dallas history. I speak in the same way that "Broadway" is a historic street in New York... or "Vine" is in Los Angeles... etc.
  

  Dallas has very few street names that evoke a "historic Dallas" emotion. Ross, Swiss, Elm (due to Deep Ellum music history), Beverly (in the bubble) to name the few.
  

  I am a marketer by trade. I understand the brand value in a name. The name Ross Aveneue evokes great emotions in Dallas. This is proven by the Save Ross supporters. It is also proven by the number of businesses that encorporated "Ross Avenue" in the business name. Or a high rise "2100 Ross" that used "Ross" in the title to signify the high end nature of their building.

  As Dallas works to revitalize Ross Avenue (getting rid of the used car lots, adding lighting and wider sidewalks, adding higher end townhomes, etc) and the investment in the Arts District - there is no better brand name that keeping Ross Avenue's name the same.

  This has nothing to do with Cesar Chavez. If they wanted to name a street "Todd Drive" or "Stanley Marcus Way" I'd make the same arguement to keep the street the same.
  

  It makes me sad that Dallas has lost much of its history (primarily buildings)

  But, for many of the building people can make an agruement to tear them down. But for one of the few historic street names... no excuse to make the change.

  A marker in the West End does nothing to preserve the history of the street name "Ross Avenue"

  To suggest anything else is a naive view of Dallas history, basic branding, and the goals the city has for the future of Ross Avenue and the Arts District

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Bill - ok, I will fill out the pegasus profile if that will make you happy. At least it stop you 3rd grade tactic of changing the subject to me "hiding" something (seriously, that tactic does nothing but make folks roll their eyes at you)

  Regardless, you did not answer - why can't the goals you stated be accomplished at Farmer's Market.

  I understand that there is a Latino history on Ross and Ross is seen as a great choice by one specific ethnic group. But guess what - there is already a history of the name "Ross Avenue" (beyond the Ross Brothers - but in the sense that there is a history in the name "Madison Avenue" in Chicago, or "Broadway" in NYC).

  In my opinion: Change a Street Name Result - it is a street name and it will get lost into irrelvancy in 2 years. Except when people are giving directions or complaining about the potholes.
  

  Honoring CC at Farmers Market Result - will be identified in local guides, tourist guides with the opportunity to tell a story. When people look up the Farmers Market online - there is another chance to tell his story and ties to farm workers. Opportunity for a statue in the middle of Farmer's Market and multiple places to tell his story to a widely diverse crowd of Dallas urbanites who visit weekly (my wife and I included)

  Back to my question that you did not answer "Why can't the goals that you stated be accomplished by Farmer's Market".

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Obviously - preserving Dallas history = intolerance ?!?

  I get it now! Silly me.

  I will have to tell that to my Latino step-mom and her family, my Jewish family, my Catholic best friend, small town Southern Baptist wife, Little Brother (via Big Brothers Big Sisters) who lives in poverty, African American co-worker who I just got a new job with my agency, and gay friends who my wife and I had to our house last weekend that I am intolerant. They will obviously hate me now ;)

  Honestly, the connection that wanting to preserve history equals intollerance might be the craziest POV of Bill's many.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Bill - a 4th question (that you didn't answer before - since you'd rather talk about me "hiding" something)

  Give me one legitimate reason that the goals you stated can not be accomplished at Farmers Market. (And the city f'ing this up is not a "legitimate reason" to those supporting Ross)

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Ummm - Bill - That page show my name, my place of employeement, pictures of family vacations, links to my wife's facebook page, a list of all my friends around the country, my university, my college fraternity, my age, my high school and even my favorite musicians. But, beyond that I am anonymous. Even though a couple folks sent me friend request based on this thread.

  So - 3 questions for you. Just provide nice simple answers

  (1) Yes or No - Did the CCTF website have "The Palm" as a supporter of their cause?

  (2) Yes or No - do you believe the accuracy of the email I posted from The Palm's general manager saying "I received the same letter you probably did and I didn't approve of having my restaurants name in that letter. Also, we're apart of the West End Association (which it lists) and they didn't approve it either."

  (3) Can you tell me the people behind The Cesar Chavez Task Force? You like to talk about the Save Ross folks and me not being public - but on the CCTF website, no contact names are provided. Just a generic gmail address for contact info. It lists the political supports - but glaringly absent of the organizers information. Since transparency is so critical for you - I figure you'd be willing to provide names.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  On the subject of symbolism Bill - what is your personal opinion on the Cesar Chavez Task Force lying and saying that The Palm was a supporter when the email I received from the General Manager stated that the Palm does not support the renaming, that he did not give them permission to use The Palm's name on the website and letter.

  Once again - since you are not involved in that group (as you claim), I would love to know your opinion on their misleading (at best) tactics.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Ok the Bill - if it is symbol (albeit - admittedly by YOU a "small item"), why pick a street that already has so much history in its name. I know the reason listed on the Task Force's website - but to use all that political capital to change something ALREADY historically significant is either stupid or naive.
  

  Tell me why YOUR symbolism goal and YOUR goal to recognize CC can not be accomplished by renaming Farmer's Market in his honor. Take a second to visualize the various was to tell his story at this very relevant spot.
  

  Give me one legitimate reason that the goals you stated can not be accomplished at Farmers Market. (And the city f'ing this up is not a "legitimate reason" to those supporting Ross)

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Changing Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez makes logical sense

  Bill - you said "The fact that embracing personal history is a major key in stopping our Dallas dropout crisis is part of the reason I am personally unwilling to discuss alternatives to renaming Ross Avenue."

  I don't get how the two points are mutually exclusive?
  - We CAN embrace history and honor Cesar Chavez - It can still be accomplished with an very, very good alternative

  Let's say that some conclude that Ross is the best street for the name change. But the fact that many people has very solid, rational, emotional and non-emotional reasons to save Ross Avenue leads me to believe that an alternative is a great solution for ALL Dallasites.

  If you want to embrace history - that can easily be done in any of the following ways: - Statue of CC in front of the church - Renaming Farmer's Market in his honor - plus a historical display that can showcase his story to everyone who visits - Renaming a new street that doesn't won't require small businesses to incur unnecessary expenses - Name a park in his honor (once again allowing for proper signage to tell his story)

  The win/lose mentality of the CCTF is doing nothing but dividing Latinos from the greater city. And it doesn't have to be that way. There are very easy win/win options that will accomplish your stated goal - and avoid the negative issues associated with distroying the Historic Ross Avenue
  

  If you're going to dig your heals into the ground because the city gov't screwed up - that is just naive and won't do anything to endear yourself to the actual residents of Dallas who'd be willing to help your cause instead of defeat it.

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Bill - You said "Bill Betzen Verified If you were a property owner on Ross Avenue, would you want to get in the middle of this issue and have to invest time with answering to both sides? Most have little opinion about the street name. The next greatest number support the street name. The smallest number are against it. Leave them alone. Look at what they told you!"

  Read what they told me. They told me that they did NOT provide support to renaming Ross Ave. The Cesar Chavez Task Force listed them as a supporter on the website.

  The Cesar Chavez Task Force is LYING to the public about the support - and thankfully, The Palm management sent a note to the task force asking them to remove their name.

  I am very, very happy that they told me that the TASK FORCE LIED!

  Now - regarding your second comment "The name of the street is a very small item compared with the economy we all face. The name Cesar Chavez will be a positive addition to our city. We have many other issue that the name of a street will not cure! "

  I agree 100% - there are many more issues. So why is LULAC and CCTF using so much political goodwill on a "very small item". Especially when there are multiple options availble - other than the Historic Ross Avenue - that would unite the community instead of fracture those who want save Dallas History?
  

  If this is a "very small issue", why waste all that capital?

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Tax Payer Julie

  First of all, that original poll was just that - a poll. And poorly executed by the city. There are many reasons that the results are not scientifically valid that a person with a community college stats class could poke holes in it. Especially considering that people outside Dallas reportedly voted and Latino radio stations were telling people to vote for CC.
  

  Secondly, did the Latino council members and Latino community member take into consideration or get the viewpoints of people who actually LIVE in that neighborhood or have offices on Ross (across all ethnicities). The answer is a resounding NO.

  In my opinion, Latinos are definitely worthy of a street name or a very relevant way of honoring their leaders. I have ZERO issues with that.

  What me - and many other people - have issues with are: (1) Ross is a historic street name in the city of Dallas. There are no reasons to tear down more history of Dallas - especially one of the most famous addresses

  (2) The street is currently named in honor of the Ross Brothers. How would you feel if you were one of their family members and the name was changed. What happens if 30 years from now the street is dominated by American Indians residents. Do we change the name again?

  (3) There are 100's of businesses on Ross. From small mom and pop businesses to major companies. To ask them to change is asking for an undue financial burden

  (4) There are many businesses and buildings with the name "Ross Avenue" in their title (obviously done since the name Ross has a prestigious view in Dallas). What do you tell the owners of the "2100 Ross" high rise? What do you tell people who recently purchased a "Ross Avenue Brownstone"? And the "Ross Avenue Wedding Chapel"?

  The good news - all of these issues can be easily overcome with one simple thing. Changing to a new street, park, Farmers Market, etc.
  

  Sadly, it is obvious that LULAC and the CCTF has no desire to work with the citzens of Dallas.

  And unfortunatley, they are doing more harm to Cesar Chavez's name. People - like me - who previously would love to work towards a win/win solution are getting more and more frustrated with their strongarm tactics (and in the case of "The Palm" - flat out lying about their support) that desire to find an equitable solution has turned to a win/lose attitude.

  FYI - for the street names you mentioned... are you that naive? Street names are not typically named by ethnic groups. They are community efforts to name NEW streets after citizens who had a direct effect in the community. They were not public votes or anything like that.
  

  Robert Kelly - I would love to put it to a public vote. If those voting can only vote once and must be registered voters in the city limits :)

  
  
• 4 years, 8 months ago
  Todd Stein's comment on:

  Dallas should rename Ross Avenue for Cesar Chavez

  Guess Bill doesn't want to comment on the falsity of the Palm support???

  
  

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