Finally, it happened. Princeton, Texas, took a big step Tuesday toward municipal adulthood when its voters approved enactment of a home-rule charter that gives the city a measure of independence that many residents sought.
The election turned out well for the city, with 56% of voters approving a home-rule charter. More than 4,000 residents cast their ballots, which was a significant improvement in turnout from the four previous electoral failures the city endured.
Texas law requires cities to have a population of 5,000 or more inhabitants to conduct home-rule charter elections; Princeton crossed that threshold long ago. It just couldn’t get enough voters to approve previous charter proposals.
Until this week.
The city’s population has exploded since the 2010 Census. Our city now comprises something north of 20,000 inhabitants. The number is growing damn near daily. We need a home rule charter. Thanks to the wisdom of most of the voters who cast their ballots on Tuesday, Princeton is going to be able to govern itself.
It will be able to set its own zoning rules. It will allow residents to recall city council members who mess up. Princeton now will be able to set its own rules and no longer will have to rely on legislators who live far away in this huge state.
Princeton is now taking a step into the realm of communities that are all grown up and are able to make decisions on their own without permission from Big Brother.
What in the name of sound government can be wrong with that?