By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
For Dallas County Commissioner Court District 1 the Democrats have three challengers in the upcoming election. They are Daniel Clayton, Theresa Daniel and Gloria Levario. The Republican primary features two candidates: Cecile Fernandez and Larry Miller. District 1 was redrawn and is expected to ultimately be a Democratic victory.
A brief look at the Democrats facing off in the primary on Saturday May 29:
Daniel Clayton, 35 years old, has lived in the district for eight years and holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Clayton has worked in various roles on behalf of the Democratic Party in Dallas County, going back to his days as a young volunteer with his father on the late Texas Governor Ann Richards. For over five years he has served as a senior staff member for State Senator Royce West.
Clayton’s website indicates he had an active role in helping to develop policy involving Health and Human Services, State Affairs, Veterans Affairs and Military Installations, redistricting, voting rights and ethics legislation.
Locally Clayton has advocated on behalf of Dallas County citizens in his role as a social worker. Fair housing, protecting the rights and benefits of those unemployed, disabled, or receiving Social Security are issues he addressed in that role.
Throughout March and April Clayton hosted a “Listening Tour” where he listened to the voters concerns. He plans to focus on building a strong local economy with transportation being a key component. Clayton asked the voters about their concerns related to Parkland Hospital promising to ensure affordable and accessible health care is available to all residents of District 1. Public safety is an issue Clayton is involved in as a steering committee member for Ferguson Road Weed & Seed (a federal crime prevention and community revitalization program). The program works with federal, state and local law enforcement in partnership with community and neighborhood organizations to reduce crime and rejuvenate neighborhoods.
For more information visit http://www.claytonforcommissioner.com.
Theresa Daniel has lived in Dallas County for 35 years and is a manger for Dallas Independent School District. Daniel holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages. She has been involved in numerous organizations including the League of Women Voters, Dallas County Democratic Party Advisory Committee, North Dallas Texas Democratic Women and the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas.
According to her website, “I am able to build coalitions because working in groups is part of the fabric of my life, whether on the job at DISD, or working as a volunteer or board member with the many community groups I have been involved with over the years.” Daniel feels this is critical because of the balanced racial diversity of the district.
If elected, Daniel promises transparency, integrity and to effectively utilize taxpayer dollars. She is confident her management skills developed throughout our career will help to serve the citizens in District 1.
She is quoted as saying, “Helping people has been at the center of my family’s values from day one.” Daniel believes Dallas County can do better and with her extensive management experience and volunteer work with diverse groups throughout Dallas County Daniel believes she is the right candidate for District 1.
For more information visit http://www.theresadaniel.com/.
Gloria Levario holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, minor in Philosophy from Texas Tech University. Her community involvement includes membership in LULAC, participating in R.L. Turner High School’s Mentoring Program and serving as a board member for the Homeward Bound: Substance Addiction Rehabilitation Center.
In addition to organizing voter registration drives, Levario has been actively involved protecting civil rights for minorities, services for the elderly in the community and poverty and food issues for the underserved.
According to her website, Levario platform includes promising proven leadership, and a focus on results and the future of Dallas County. She promises to bring decorum back to the Commissioner’s Court.
For more information visit http://www.gloriafordallas.com/.
