By David Wilfong, NDG Contributing Writer
The final episode of Monday Night Politics for the current election cycle was held on June 3 at the African American Museum in Fair Park. The series, hosted by the Dallas Examiner, gives candidates seeking office the opportunity to face constituents and answer questions directly. The last event featured the two runoff contenders for the Mayor’s seat on the Dallas City Council.
Scott Griggs and Eric Johnson are both campaigning veterans, with Griggs serving out his final term on the city council, and Johnson having served nine years in the Texas legislature. The North Dallas Gazette last week shared our endorsement of Eric Johnson. We have also endorsed Carolyn King Arnold in her bid to keep her seat on the City Council representing District 4.
The two candidates describe each other as “friends,” though sharp lines have been drawn between their bases of support. That support is the basis for some of the concerns expressed by the audience. In social media, Johnson has often been called the “establishment” candidate, and opponents have pointed to a bevy of wealthy donors as a reason for pause. Johnson said he accepts support from all sectors of Dallas, and his donor list is something he’s proud of.
“I can’t think of a mayoral candidate in modern history, who’s run for mayor, who’s been successful becoming mayor, who has not gotten money from people throughout the city, Particularly people who have some means,” Johnson said. “Because let’s be real about this. Let’s talk about this. People who are not of means — don’t have money — can’t spare. They can barely afford daily necessities. So they certainly can’t spare a large amount of money for political contributions.”
Griggs noted he was seventh of nine candidates in the general election in terms of fund-raising, and that his contributions came from a wide swath of small donors.
“I did not go out and seek the Dallas Citizens Council support,” Griggs said. “They did not come to me. I did not have a meeting at their office. Because for too long in the City of Dallas we’ve had the status quo and the power brokers running this city. And we go see fancy project after fancy project, and what’s the expense? We don’t take care of our streets. We don’t have the Rec centers we deserve. We don’t have the hours at the Rec center we deserve. We don’t have the library system we deserve. Our neighborhoods get neglected at the expense of the big, fancy projects and the agenda of the power brokers.”
Gentrification is a key issue for residents of South Dallas who have seen the construction cranes moving ever closer over time. While Griggs’ district has seen an economic revitalization which is the envy of many other districts, Johnson points to a distinct demographic shift and rising home values as a reason for concern.
“If anyone who represents North Oak Cliff and tells you they will be the champion against gentrification, you better think twice,” Johnson said.
Griggs admitted there were lessons learned in “over-zoning” the Bishop Arts District, and pointed to improvements made in the Jefferson Ave. area to protect the existing neighborhoods. He also received praise from the audience for his efforts to end the proliferation of cement plants in South Dallas, and “discriminatory zoning” practices which led to issues such as Shingle Mountain.
Griggs also received a large round of applause when he recalled voting against the Special Use Permits for the creation of charter schools, working against what he called, “the charterization of DISD.”
Another question which has made its way through the constituency is whether or not Johnson was seeking the mayor’s position as a stepping stone to running for the U.S. Congress. Johnson replied that he had no intention of running for that position, “win or lose.”
Griggs said in his response he has no intention of seeking any federal office. Johnson noted the fact Griggs used the word “federal” as a qualifier and said there are also rumors that Griggs is planning to run for Rep. Rafael Anchia’s seat in the Texas House of Representatives.
“So ask him directly, the question whether or not he will run for state representative, because I’ve already told you … I’m not running for Congress,” Johnson said. “Is he running for state representative?”
Election day is June 8 in the runoff races for city council. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
