A recent article entitled "Plano Leaders Run from Census Bureau's Wealthiest Designation" spurred me to write this month's edition of Plain Ole News. I spoke to the reporter who wrote the article and my sentiment if not exact words were, "I am neither ashamed nor embarrassed by the designation, but proud of it." In addition to this recent award, about two months ago, Plano received the title of being the number one city in America to CREATE wealth. In other words, in this country of wonderful opportunity, where you can get an education, venture out into the workforce, and establish your roots, there is no better place for individuals and families to create wealth than Plano, Texas.

Last of the cities on the "creation of wealth" list was New York City, my second favorite city. I lived there virtually all my life before coming to Plano 14 years ago. I arrived in Plano in 1994, to start the next phase of my life. I took advantage of a robust employment environment to work in an industry that is satisfying personally and economically. I got married and started my family. My wife and I bought our first house and subsequently moved to a second home in Plano. My children feel secure and safe here, play in a park that is clean, and visit libraries that have current and well-kept books. They have places to play basketball, soccer, softball, roller-skate, and dance. My wife and I have multiple dining and cultural venues we can attend. It is easy to take those things for granted, but when you come from an environment in which access to these things was limited, you can really appreciate them. In contrast, when I lived in New York on the upper west side of Manhattan, an area most people know as Harlem, safety meant always watching out for yourself. The restaurants I knew were fast food establishments sprinkled among the liquor stores, payday loan establishments and boarded up store fronts. Basketball nets on the rims were seen on TV, not on our playgrounds. The books in the libraries were outdated and falling apart, and the parks were not safe. The focus was on getting by or getting out.

I see myself as true example of someone who has experienced how both of Plano's award designations, the "Number One City to Create Wealth" and "The Wealthiest City" in America, work hand-in-hand. Because Plano is a city that creates wealth, residents like living here and choose to stay here. Being successful at the first designation, logically, results in the second -- and is something our city can be proud of.

Plano has created a business friendly environment that attracts high quality, well paying jobs. It is not an accident, but by design. We compete for, and win, businesses to Plano because of the value proposition we offer. Our city has a nationally accredited police department, fire department, emergency communications department (911), public works and engineering department, building inspections department, and parks and recreation department. Add to that a top-notch school system and the ingredients are there for a safe, vibrant city with many educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all to enjoy.

Our city is also keenly aware that some of our citizens struggle financially and need help. The City of Plano, local businesses and residents are also recognized as being among the largest contributors to nonprofit agencies meeting those needs. Before I am accused of having my eyes permanently looking through rose- colored glasses, we on council are fully aware of the challenges we face to maintain and spread the opportunity for wealth. Our vigilance to the infrastructure, revitalizing aging neighborhoods and making safety a priority never ends.

The opportunity to work and achieve upward mobility in our society is not anything to run from, it is the American Dream. When my parents came to this country from Haiti in 1964, the opportunity for work, education, freedom, and the dream for our family to live a financially comfortable life was the impetus to come to America and the impetus for me to come to Plano. The title of "Wealthiest City in America" is not a scarlet letter. It is a badge of honor.