“Removing the rainbow crosswalk should not be viewed as erasing or disrespecting the LGBTQ+ community. Quite the opposite—it offers a chance to replace a fading symbol with something truly lasting.” — Trey Click Anger found the rainbow first. Truth came later. The...
Civics
U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Pact Positions Galveston for Growth
“This isn’t just shipbuilding—it’s nation-building. And Galveston is now on the map.” A White House agreement to procure 11 U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutters—four built in Finland and seven in the United States—puts Galveston on the map as a polar‑shipbuilding...
Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride
“It is not enough to report on Galveston. We must champion it. We must demand for it the kind of journalism that strengthens people rather than pacifies them.” For David Landriault, Founder of The 1839, journalism is not about standing safely in the middle. It is...
Galveston Faces a Breaking Point After Council Minority Exerts Control in Tax Vote Deadlock
“Three votes held Galveston’s future hostage, leaving the majority—and the city—powerless.” Galveston’s tax vote deadlock wasn’t about $6 a month—it was about whether the city would protect its reserves, support its employees, and prepare for future storms. Instead,...
When 28.57% is a Majority: Galveston’s No-New-Revenue Risk
Galveston’s debate over the “no-new-revenue” tax rate isn’t about saving pennies—it’s about protecting people. For less than $75 a year, the city can fund firefighters, police, drainage, and storm reserves. Without it, essential services erode and just 28.57% of council can block the majority.
Mayor Craig Brown Part 3 of 6: The Future in Motion: Galveston’s Infrastructure and Livability
In Part 3 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown. He shares how Galveston can grow smarter: tackling traffic with new flyovers, reimagining parks and greenways, and shaping a port that serves both business and community.
Mayor Craig Brown Part 2 of 6: Managing Success: Galveston’s Economy, Tourism, and the Legacy of Unity
In Part 2 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown for an unfiltered conversation about managing the success of Galveston. Mayor Brown’s vision for Galveston’s future, balancing port growth, sustainable tourism, small-business support, and workforce housing with civic unity. Brown stresses collaboration between the city, Park Board, port, and citizens to preserve Galveston’s character while promoting economic progress.
David Finklea Editorial
With 64% of revenue tied to cruise ships, Galveston’s port is betting big on one industry. Guest columnist, and Council Member for District 2, David Finklea calls for mobility planning, economic diversification, and a waterfront designed for people — not just parking lots and ships.
Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade
When you think about the person steering Galveston’s day-to-day operations and planning for its future, you might picture closed-door meetings and stacks of policy reports. But in this unfiltered conversation, City Manager Brian Maxwell opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading the island, his vision for the next decade, the reality of drainage issues, and the community projects that make Galveston unique—including the beloved Turtles About Town. Along the way, he proves that even serious civic leadership can come with a laugh or two.