Dear editor:
On May 5, 2026, Bryan voters will be asked to dissolve the Board of Public Affairs — a body that has served our community faithfully since 1906. This proposal is a mistake.
Dissolving the Board would strip residents of direct control over utility decisions, concentrating authority in City Council and the mayor.
It would discard more than a century of institutional knowledge and continuity. Transitioning authority would bring costs, risks, and potential service disruptions.
The Board’s independence protects utility finances from political pressure, helping keep rates stable and funds dedicated to their proper use. Its focused meetings and specialized oversight ensure transparency and accountability that a general governing body cannot replicate.
Bryan’s Board of Public Affairs is not outdated — it is a proven safeguard for our community. I urge voters to reject this measure and preserve the Board’s role in protecting our utilities and our future. On May 5, vote NO on Issue 7.
Sincerely,
Brian Davis
For more local news, see Column: IS IT REALLY SO? – My Testimony As Seen By Others.