Texoma Patriots

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those times 250, they become two completely different ecosystems—each with their advantages and disadvantages. Allen has approximately 100,000 citizens compared to Lucas’ 8,600. For the Allen model, they have dominated the commercial retail market and thrust their sales tax revenue to unbelievable $4 million per month compared to Lucas’ $129,000. The City of Allen also captures property tax dollars from the vast numbers of homes compared to Lucas. Allen decided to cram all kids into one high school which has made for dynamic extracurricular programs. But at what cost? Crime in Allen is exponentially greater with their 3,704 citizens per square mile breathing down each other’s necks compared to 683 citizens per square mile in Lucas that can stretch out.

The city government of Allen is far richer than that of Lucas. The amenities of Allen are far superior to that of Lucas. But is Allen wealthier than Lucas? Dollar for dollar—yes. But if quality of life is inserted into the term wealth, then where does it stand?

Lovejoy includes the 21st century rural areas (1-acre lot minimums) mostly east of Fairview and Allen. Much like the vast Lovejoy ISD area, Howe ISD also includes Dorchester, and the future of Howe ISD depends on what direction the City of Dorchester decides to go also.

The Walton Group who has purchased property between Howe and Dorchester have a large grand masterplan housing development that will require a sewer system to be erected on their property. Howe has already approved a large planned development on Blythe Road between Highway 75 and Highway 5 that would drop approximately 1,200 homes on the 450 acres and signal to developers that the Allen model is available in both Howe and Dorchester.

But as of now, for the most part, the rest of the two cities are virtually still undetermined and the direction must be voiced by the citizens—not the ones who poll on Facebook, but by the ones who vote at the polls and the ones that actually take a leadership role and run to represent the voices in their community.

With US Highway 75, Howe could be a hybrid of both Lucas and Allen. Howe could become a residential Lucas with commercial similarities to Allen along Highway 75 and Highway 5. This would be the best of both worlds financially and what the community calls having its cake and eating it too. Howe is about to have to make a decision on a wastewater treatment plant to serve those that are already connected to the existing lines. But beyond that in areas that are undeveloped, there is nothing stating that Howe must map out additional lines. Obviously, if you’re going to commercially develop Highway 75 and Highway 5 in South Howe, there is some infrastructure upgrades that will be needed to be factored in to facilitate that commercial development. But residential development of wastewater could fall squarely and solely on housing development investors such as the Tomlin Investments model. The time for rezoning for such measures would be immediate.

Depending on the municipal directions of both Howe and Dorchester, Howe ISD could end up very similar to Lovejoy. It could virtually be comprised of mostly the 21st century rural area model but with the diversity of some of the high-density neighborhoods that have already been approved.

Don’t take Howe for granted. The Texoma Patriots will meet Wednesday, July 14, at 7 pm and will feature Chad Prather, a candidate for Governor of Texas in the 2022 election.

The meeting will take place at the Red River Cowboy Church, 3800 Highway 691, Denison, TX.

Prather is often called the “modern day Will Rogers,” and is unafraid to speak his mind. Prather is equally at home on stage or behind the wheel of his pickup truck. He believes in winning the race with his values and integrity. The horrors of the COVID pandemic affecting thousands of families in Texas urged him to run for the next governor. He wants to be a common-sense voice for Texans.

There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome.

Ag Commissioner Sid Miller to speak in Howe tonight

True Texas Project is hosting an event at First Baptist Church in Howe tonight at 100 E. Davis Street. The featured speaker will be Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller. Also speaking will be Andy Hopper who will speak on the indoctrination of the Texas State Guard.

An optional prayer will begin at 5:30 and a $5 dinner will begin at 5:45 (while supplies last). The meeting will officially start at 6 pm. Sid Miller wears many hats, including his signature cowboy hat. According to True Texas Project, he’s a storyteller, a no-holds barred speaker, and the quintessential Texan. From advising President Donald Trump’s administration to advocating for Texas goods to being a rodeo cowboy, Miller has experiences to share that will inspire, encourage, and motivate.

True Texas Project welcomes all Patriots and the group has no dues, no memberships, and no RSVPs needed.