Crow Writes Olive-Branch Letter to Mayor

Erstwhile enemies formally say they'll give peace a chance

Harlan Crow, the man behind the multi-million dollar effort to allow the citizens of Dallas to vote on whether to spend an exorbitant sum of money on a controversial project, has written a conciliatory letter to Mayor Tom Leppert and several council members.

The Crow-sponsored Proposition 1, which would have prohibited the city of Dallas from building a convention hotel, was defeated Monday in a public vote.

In the letter, Crow stated his satisfaction that “the democratic process was followed,” in spite of an outcome not in his favor. He also expressed that, aiming for a classy note of good sportsmanship and honor-in-defeat, the vote having settled the issue, he harbors no resentment and hopes he and the mayor can continue their previous friendship and work for the good of Dallas.

“You and your colleagues on the council are to be honored for your willingness to serve our city,” Crow wrote, addressing Leppert. “You have devoted countless hours and resources towards the betterment of Dallas. We hope that you continue to do the fine work that you have done on behalf of Dallas and its citizens. By helping to lead a healing of the rifts that may have developed, we can all work together toward making Dallas the finest city in the United States.” 

The letter comes as a 180 from other letters Crow penned in the heat of an internecine campaign. Though the mayor communicated with Crow through letters of his own as well.

Leppert has, rather tersely, accepted Crow’s olive branch, according to the Dallas Morning News.

"As I have done since becoming mayor, I want to work with everyone to make this a better city," he told them Monday. "We know that great things happen in Dallas when we move past our differences and come together to move our city forward."

Holly LaFon has written and worked for various local publications including D Magazine and Examiner.

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