By Faith Camp, NDG Contributing Writer
We have all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” This May we will not only see new flowers, but we can also expect to see a change in the Dallas political powers.
City Councilwoman, Delia Jasso, 58, who was first elected in 2009 to serve District 1 and then re-elected in 2011, is now competing against councilman Scott Griggs, 38, the incumbent for District 3 since 2011. Jasso represents Oak Cliff residents in District 1, Griggs currently represents residents of West Dallas, Oak Cliff, and Mountain Creek/The Woods, in District 3.
Jasso, a Dallas native, has strong roots in the Oak Cliff area. She founded a language school and is now a successful businesswoman.
Griggs was also raised in Dallas, and is an intellectual property lawyer.
Due to re-districting, both council members are facing each other to determine who will serve North Oak Cliff residents. Although both are not new to politics, this election will certainly present new challenges. One of the biggest concerns both Jasso and Griggs have in this election is opposing Trinity East’s request to drill gas near the Elm Fork Athletic Complex, the Luna Vista Golf Course and the Elm Fork Shooting Sports gun range in Northwest Dallas.
In a recent city hall debate, both candidates told KERA, they are fighting against gas drilling because it is dangerous. Griggs told Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter, that ’fracing’ can pollute the water and when disposed the liquid may create earthquakes.
Another topic discussed during the debate was building a toll road inside the Trinity River levees. Griggs has been very vocal about his opposition to this project. He said building this toll road would have a negative impact on recreation and the environment. He also said this would not be a wise way to invest the city’s money.
Jasso told KERA she has to go with the voters’ decision which has been mostly in favor of building the tollroad. However there is no money to fund the road at this time.
According to Jasso’s website, her top priorities remain public safety, economic development, streets and infrastructure upgrades. She indicated she has been working on various alternative modes of transportation including streetcars.
Dwaine Caraway is currently running uncontested for re-election in District 4, a position he has held since 2007, and was elected Deputy Mayor Pro Tem the same year, and Mayor Pro Tem in 2009. On February 26, 2011, he became the interim Mayor of Dallas when Mayor Tom Leppert resigned.
Caraway was born and raised in Dallas and has resided in District 4 for decades. He is the owner of The Profile Group, advertising and consulting company.
On his website, Caraway, highlighted his key platform issues as improving housing and quality of life for residents. He has worked to help ex-offenders enroll in work and job programs, and served as an advocate to give better benefits to DART and city employees.
Caraway has recently been in the news for his push to ban plastic bans. He told WFAA news station that he favors paper bags over plastic and said he believes it will reduce the pollution.
When Councilwoman Ann Margolin decided not to seek re-election for District 13, a new runner, Community Volunteer and registered nurse, Jennifer Staubach Gates decided to tip her hat in the race. Her opponents are Leland Burk, Jacob King and Richard P. Sheridan.
Staubach said her primary focus in this election will be working to make schools, police and fire forces stronger. She would also like to make streets and parks cleaner. “We have so many great amenities here in Dallas, and I am proud of our beautiful Arts District, our signature bridge and our world-class deck park, but to truly be a great City that serves the people who live here, we must have great basics” Staubach said.
Staubach said she was not motivated to run because someone asked her to but because she is vested in the district and sees this as an opportunity to give back to her community. “I have 35 immediate family members who live in District 13, and I am committed to working very hard to ensure that City Hall is working every day to improve the lives of all our citizens,” Staubach said.
Leland Burk who has served for more than 25 years as chairman and President of Burk Interests, said he is the right candidate to represent District 13 residents.
“Experience is the difference in this race. I am the only candidate with the business knowledge and experience who will be ready from day one to oversee the over $2.5 billion city budget and meet the many complex and critical challenges of the future,” Burk said. He elaborated and said, “District 13 has the highest residential tax base in the city and the citizens deserve a representative who will be a strong, independent voice, not a ‘rubber stamp’ on the council.”
Burk said Dallas’s population is growing, and citizens expect usable roads, transit choices and innovative solutions. Burk also said public safety is also on his agenda. “Public safety is the most important function of city government. Dallas City Council must continue to support the efforts of all who are combating crime,” Burk said.
Eighteen year-old, Jacob King, has also stepped into the race for the District 13 seat. According to a Dallas Observer blog, King is running because he believes the government is spending too much and leaving behind a lot of debt for his peers.
Another candidate running for a chance to represent District 13 is community activist, Richard P. Sheridan. He said his life experiences qualify him to represent District 13. Sheridan said he has a B.A in Civil Engineering and a M.A. in Environmental Engineering. “I have been an active citizen participant in both City and County Government for the past 10 years. I know the strengths and weakness of Dallas,” Sheridan said. He said he plans to address poverty homelessness and public housing in his district if elected. “District 13 is the wealthiest district with the worse streets, our pitiful schools, our being amongst the highest crime cities,” he added.
Sheridan also said he believes he has the key attributes to being a good politician in service to a constituency. These include thick skin, a sense of humor, boldness, honesty, and a good to great relationship with God. He referred to these characteristics and said, “I do pretty good at them most of the time.”
King, Caraway, Jasso and Griggs did not respond to our interview requests.
We will see what voters decide in the upcoming weeks. Early Voting begins April 29 and continues through May 7. Election day is May 11.
