We agree Eric Johnson is the right choice for Dallas Mayor

NDG’s View

Eric Johnson is a native of Dallas and a practicing attorney for the past 15 years. He currently represents Dallas and parts of Mesquite in the Texas House of Representatives in District 100, first elected in a special election in April 2010. He was re-elected in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and again in 2018. The North Dallas Gazette (NDG) found an open office and listening ear when we reached out to Johnson regarding establishing a fair playing field for small business owners.

Throughout this election season, others across the political, social, and economic spectrum have spoken up to share why they believe Johnson is the right man to lead the City of Dallas. The North Dallas Gazette joins those voices and endorses him as our candidate of choice in the runoff election on Saturday, June 8.

We selected Johnson over Scott Griggs, who was first elected to the Dallas City Council in 2012 because Johnson has done more for the southern sectors of Dallas than Griggs. Johnson has worked hand-in-hand with the city and developers who want to bring economic stimulation to areas mostly populated by people of color. Growing up in West Dallas, Johnson understands the impact on the daily lives of residents when City Hall and business leaders neglect their neighborhood.

In his recent endorsement of Johnson, Rev. Zan Holmes stated, “We need someone who will do the hard work of building bridges between different constituencies and helping everyone come together to address our challenges and take advantage of our opportunities.” We believe the widespread support Johnson is receiving in his candidacy reflects his ability to build those bridges.

Griggs has done a commendable job

‘Say NO to Griggs’ does not mean forever for NDG but rather, not right now. We believe Griggs has done an amazing job of bringing necessary small community funding to various Dallas neighborhoods, but Dallas’ southern residents need more than neighborhood pilot projects, which result in little more than pretty flowers. Yes, fixing up the storefronts and landscaping is a good start. However, if the business owners do not have access to capital for investment in their enterprise, it is a cosmetic fix which perhaps provides a brief increase in enthusiasm, but can it be sustained?

These communities also need procurement opportunities and minority inclusion overall, allowing them a chance to build a sustainable and vibrant neighborhood. Just like the bustling downtown and uptown residents, Southern Dallasites aspire to live in areas rich with opportunities for work and play.

We like his proposal to attract banks to the community to offer more than payday lenders and check cashing stores with their related fees. However, if the city offered more than $200 million to attract a grocery store and have been unsuccessful for more than a year – how can voters have confidence this endeavor will result in anything more than a reasonable effort and four years later, being in the same position.

Also, as fears mount on creeping gentrification in Southern Dallas, we are concerned when we look at the Oak Cliff / Bishop Arts neighborhoods. While Griggs may tout the growth of those communities, it has come at a high cost for some. Families have been forced to move out because of the unaffordable sharp increase in property taxes. Modest older homes are now being sold for more than $350,000. Long-time neighborhood businesses are pushed out for drugstores or unaffordable apartment homes.

Can we trust Griggs to protect Southern Dallas as the developers turn their eyes to the last area in the city with sizeable undeveloped land blocks?

Addressing how the city does business

In the fiscal year of 2016, more than 41,000 permits were issued by the City of Dallas. In 2018 more than $401 million were awarded to minority-owned companies in Texas alone. Unfortunately, that is just a drop in the bucket for Black businesses persistently seeking to do business with Dallas. The Procurement Department at City Hall alone is in total disarray with little to no continuity, and it seems it is not a priority. While there are always pressing demands and a limited tax revenue base, but it does not negate the fact this particular department is unable to fully grasp the need for people of color in a broader breadth.

Johnson is ambitious and in tune with the needs of the residents of Southern Dallas. That is why we believe there will come a time when he will be able to provide the leadership necessary to ensure vendors of color have access to procurement opportunities, which reflects not only equality but also equity.

Again, our intent is not to belittle the efforts of Griggs and his accomplishments, we just believe the time is right for us to rally behind Johnson and give him our support and vote.

Early voting is May 28 – June 4, with Election Day on Saturday, June 8.