By Ruth Ferguson
NDG Editor
The issues facing the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court are extensive and some wonder if the current court members are up to the challenge.
“We don’t have time for the blame game that is going on at the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court,” according to Dr. Elba Garcia, candidate for District 4 of the court.
Leadership, economic development, transportation, air quality, government transparency and consistent communication with voters are just a few of the key issues facing the Commissioner’s Court.
When speaking with the North Dallas Gazette by phone recently, Dr. Garcia emphasized her skill as a bridge builder as one reason why voters should elect her to replace Commissioner Kenneth Mayfield.
“It is time for new leadership, someone who can listen to others and build consensus by reaching out to both sides,” she said. Instead of shouting matches Dr. Garcia believes, “It is time to bring back decorum to the Commissioners Court. The blame game is dysfunctional, you cannot scream at people.”
When working with those on the other side of the aisle, Dr. Garcia points out, “You cannot take everything personal. I might not agree with you on this one issue but you may be my best ally on the next one. I can build consensus and bring people together for common goals.”
In recent months the Commissioner’s Court has had a very public feud with Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins. Dr. Garcia believes productively working together can help all parties avoid public squabbling. She recommends having a liaison with district attorney, the Dallas County Sheriff’s office and other groups under the court’s direction.
“I am ready to be that liaison with the D.A’S office,” she stated. Also, Dr. Garcia appears to agree, at least in part, with D.A. Watkins in his fierce resistance to cutting his budget.
“We cannot have a budget where everyone is cut the same amount of money.” Budgetary priorities should be established based on the needs of the community according to Dr. Garcia.
“We need to start engaging all twenty-six municipalities in Dallas County so we can grow a healthy tax base.” The county has a fund currently being utilized for attracting Fortune 500 companies but Dr. Garcia believes the efforts should be diversified to include mid-size and small businesses. Going after corporations such as AT&T are easy choices but Dr. Garcia points to the success of the City of Irving in attracting smaller companies that provide needed jobs.
Also, Dr. Garica suggests that beginning the budgetary process earlier would be beneficial. Given the recession facing the nation that has led to declining tax revenue, budgetary difficulties were certainly not a surprise. “Every single government entity knew it was going to be bad,” she said but apparently was not prepared for just how deep the budgetary shortfalls would become.
Dr. Garcia suggests if Dallas County is to weather the economic storm and address the major issues facing the community, partnership between the public and private sector is very important.
For example, the Metroplex is one of the three fastest growing regions in the country. Parkland is already straining to provide needed services. With the healthcare reform initiatives phasing in over the upcoming four years, “We will have to be prepared to see more people. They will have to build satellite clinics and partner with other hospitals,” explains Dr. Garcia.
Also given the on-going problems with overcrowding in the county jails, Dr. Garcia feels it is clear more resources are needed. Especially troubling are reports that over 90% of prisoners released from county jail are arrested for additional crimes within three to four years.
However, challenges do not frighten Dr. Garcia off. “I love challenges, this is what really excites me about government,” she said. Community service has long been one of her passions.
“I have always been involved at some level, whether with the Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or church.” Through her dental practice Dr. Garcia says she hears from moms about issues important to them. “The library, trash, pot holes – through that constant communication you hear all the concerns in the community.”
Eventually someone suggested she run for Dallas City Council, she did and represented District 1 for eight years, adding that public service, “becomes a part of you.”
Stressing that she does not like to take credit for things personally, Dr. Garcia prefers to quietly celibate improvements achieved for the community. “When I see the families playing in new parks – District 1 received all new parks while I was in office – then I know those are little things that make people’s life better. Those things make me happier than anything.”
To improve the court’s transparency, Dr. Garcia proposes having the attendance posted and the meetings videotaped. Considering the work facing the court, she feels the voters need someone committed to being a full-time commissioner, especially given the fact the salary of over six figures annually provided by the taxpayers.
Delivering solutions for taxpayers are a part of Dr. Garcia’s track record. Dr. Garcia shared that when she served as the Chair of the Public Safety committee during her tenure on the Dallas City Council, she worked with government, court and police officials, along with the private sector to significantly reduce the crime rate. Dallas hired more than 700 officers; improved communications with the community through neighborhood associations; and worked with the courts.
The belief that unless it is a safe community, it will not be able to continue to grow is one guiding principles Dr. Garcia emphasizes.
When asked what she wants voters to know when making their selection she stated, “We have an opportunity to change. You have a candidate how has a record of consensus building. We have an alternative and we can do better.”
For more information about Dr. Elba Garcia’s candidacy visit http://www.elbagarcia.com.
For more information about all November 2 elections visit www.northdallasgazette.com and click on the League of Women Voter’s Guide.
