NDG’s View
Irving leaders from the Christian, Hispanic, African American, Muslim, Asian, and business communities did something unusual lately – they worked together for the common good.
During the recent runoff City Council election these men and women from different walks of life pooled their resources and efforts then together enjoyed victory at the polls in Irving on June 15. This despite the attempts of Irving’s Mayor Beth Van Duyne and her supporters to fill the City Council with candidates more aligned to their conservative agenda.
DART Board of Directors Chairman John Danish won election over Loren Byers for Place 1. As with the national elections in 2012 early voting provided a significant advantage in his 52 percent to 48 percent victory. Allan E. Meagher defeated Kensley Stewart 54 percent to 46 percent in a race, which saw nearly 4,000 voters cast ballots. Both men received the majority of the votes in May but not the 50 percent plus required.
Even in light of the election and re-election of the first African American President of the United States, community activists declared this effort the first time in over 20 years so many diverse groups were so galvanized to work together. Recent school board elections have shown the strength of Irving’s long-standing voter base: older and White. It is hoped by many that this victory will spur more engagement from the younger, ethnically and religiously diverse voters in the city.
According to community activist Anthony Bond, many of these diverse groups have plans underway to organize in anticipation of the 2014 Irving mayoral campaign. They will meet monthly and strategize how they can register and educate the electorate they each represent.
Editor’s note: See list below of community leaders involved in Danish and Meagher’s election efforts.
Coalition of concerned leaders who care about Irving and made a difference in latest city council election
Anjum Anwar, President Pakastani Society of North Texas
Muneeb Awan, President, Association of Taxicab Operators in DFW Metroplex
Lisette and Rafael Carraballo, Owners IRealty
Kathy Dress, Asian Leader in DFW Metroplex
Pastor Keith Dickerson, Dayspring Family Church
Harbi Hassan, Somali Leader in Irving
Rhonda Huffstetler, Former Irving ISD Board President
Pastor Andrew Jackson, West Irving Church of God in Christ
A.D. Jenkins, Former Irving ISD Board Member
Nancy Jones, Former Irving ISD Board Member
Greg Lee, CEO and President of DFW Fire Protection Inc.
Bishop Mary Lewallen, Glory Temple Holiness
Elva Wallace Martinez, Founder of DCET
Pastor Norris McGill, Antioch Christian Church
Hasmat Mobin, President Blanglesdeshi Society
Mohammed Mohammed, Sufi Leader in Irving
Ashruff Montiwala, Pakastani Leader
Pastor Kenneth Moore and Maurice & Ruby Walker – Ben Washington Baptist Church
Pastor William O’Neal, New Life Ministries Church
Pastor Pedro Portillo, Iglesia Santa Maria de Guadalupe
Carols Quintanilla, Executive Director, Accion America
Pastor Rob Robinson, New Beginnings Church
Mirza Sajid, Blanglesdeshi Leader in Irving
Dr. Raed Sbeit, Youth Leader Islamic Center of Irving
Pastor Joe Starks, Shady Grove Church of God in Christ
Pastor Day Stephenson and Sister Archie Stephenson,
Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Lisa Tucker, Community First Worship Center
Pastor Dennis Webb, Bear Creak Community Church
Christina Winters, CMW Financial
Emam Zia, Pastor of Islamic Center of Irving
