I'll meet you half way on a couple of these. Firefighters can offer opinions as to the potential fire risk in a building but they are not qualified to do an electrical or plumbing inspection any more than I am.
Secondly, I don't want them tying up their time and city vehicles on non-related work. I will agree that the inspection department as it works today is a waste of tax dollars. Let the cops cite people for high grass and sagging gutters as they drive their daily routes. Contract with a licensed firm like Guarantee Electric to do inspections. Cheaper in the long run because you aren't paying benefits, work comp, gas etc.... Bring in inspector when needed.
Section 8 is under control of the state and county. Can't fight that. I agree it's a shame we get stuck with it especially when they build slums like they are currently building. Look at those buildings. Old aluminum windows and paint that is already failing on rails and trim.
I think your facts are still wrong about Emerald Meadows. Selph wouldn't allow subdivisions unless they put in sidewalks. The beach allowed it so Stark built there. That area was annexed to PB before Stark turned his first shovel of dirt.
Does the "old boy network" exist? Yeah, no doubt. Fixing it? Big task.
Here's another idea though. Back in Von Dee's day we sent a major petition to Wal Mart to build a store here and they did. I wonder if the same efforts could go toward getting a Steak N Shake, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse etc.... That might be worth investigating.