While less than 5,000 voters are expected to cast a ballot to choose the next City Council member to represent District 7 and District 8, it has not prevented the power brokers in North Dallas from spending plenty of money to tip the scales. Their vehicle is the Political Action Committee (PAC) For Our Community. As spotlighted last week, they can funnel as much money as they wish thanks to Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission decision in 2010, which asserted “freedom of speech” overruled earlier limitations on campaign spending by non-profits, for-profit corporations, labor unions and other associations.
Betty Culbreath, a native of Dallas, and active community member who has served on numerous boards points out this is nothing new under the sun. However, with today’s PAC-driven political landscape, the money has gotten bigger. A recent review of the financial statements filed with the State of Texas showed developers and other business leaders wrote checks ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. When you write a check that big, you expect something in return.
“Obviously people are going to support the people who are pushing their agenda,” Culbreath said.
For Our Community supported several candidates in the May 6 election including incumbents Tiffinni Young for District 7 in her race against Kevin Felder. For District 8 the committee would prefer to see incumbent Erik Wilson keep his seat, instead of relinquishing it to former City Councilmember Tennell Atkins. The four candidates faced off at the final edition of Monday Night Politics hosted by the Dallas Examiner at the African American Museum at Fair Park on May 22.
Atkins, who received the endorsement of the North Dallas Gazette, hinted that outside support was driving the election and that he was returning to the council only after being asked to run by an overwhelming number of active residents.
The time for talk is winding down, Saturday, June 10 the voters will decide. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
