Dallas, TX
Dallas’ voters should pass Props D and L for charter amendments
Voters in Dallas may not have been paying attention to the 17 proposed charter amendments lurking at the end of the November ballot, even though many of these amendments would have an impact — some positive and others not so good — on our daily lives as residents. Some voters may not even be aware these propositions are on the ballot.
In the last several weeks, the discourse on amendments has ramped up, particularly as it relates to Propositions R, S, T and U. These are all proposed amendments that were added to the ballot using state law procedure to obtain 20,000 signatures for charter measures, rather than the Charter Commission and City Council review process. In response, a “Vote No Dallas” campaign directed at certain amendments has emerged, and, as a result, you may find yourself confused when you reach the end of your ballot.
It’s refreshing to see the charter review amendments — which are frustratingly at the end of a lengthy ballot following federal, state, and county partisan races — getting much-needed attention after languishing in obscurity for many months. This allows us to have conversations about each individually proposed amendment, instead of solely focusing on partisan races.
The first 13 amendments on the ballot went through a rigorous review process starting with a Charter Review Commission and then the City Council. The Charter Review Commission received extensive public comment and input before ultimately determining what amendments to recommend to the City Council. The City Council then made the final call on what proposed amendments to place on the ballot. While this process didn’t result in a perfect slate of amendments, it has allowed all of us to make informed decisions about which amendments we would like to see implemented.
After getting through the federal, state and county partisan elections, you might be tempted to reflexively vote for or against all proposed amendments or possibly leave these items blank. But each amendment is worthy of careful review and an up or down vote, and we have the chance to impact meaningfully and positively by passing some things. And if we pass one of the proposed amendments, by state law the City Charter can’t be amended for two more years.
For example, Proposition D would allow the city of Dallas to begin the process of moving municipal elections from May of odd-numbered years to November of odd-numbered years. This is expected to increase our voter turnout and save the city over $400,000 and has received overwhelmingly positive support from both civic organizations and individual residents during the Charter Review Commission and City Council review.
If Proposition D fails, the very earliest we’d be able to implement this meaningful and positive change would be in 2029, and that assumes something like Proposition D even makes it onto a future ballot. This is our best chance to start the process of increasing dismal voter turnout by procedural means.
Another positive amendment is Proposition L, which creates an independent office of the inspector general at City Hall. If enacted, this would maximize the inspector general’s independence and help create a true deterrent for misconduct and ethical violations.
These are just two of several carefully considered amendments that we should approve to help save costs and maximize efficiency at City Hall. There are others that are certainly worthy of debate, as evidenced by the robust discussion our Chamber board leadership had on some of these before finalizing our recommendations. Simply rejecting all amendments, however, would cause us to miss out on enacting some much-needed charter modifications. Worse, it would entirely dismiss the extensive work of the volunteer Charter Review Commission, plus the many members of the public who participated in this process.
While there may be amendments that voters should reject — and no doubt you’ve by now seen a profusion of mailers on some of the amendments — let’s also make sure to pass some good amendments like Proposition D and Proposition L.
Jeff Kitner is chief operating officer at the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce.
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For a moment, it looked like FC Dallas was on its way to another statement win at home tonight.
Petar Musa scored two first half goals, to extend his Golden Boot leading tally to nine goals. But after Dallas grabbed control, the Galaxy found a way back before halftime with goals from Lucas Sanabria and Joseph Paintsil.
The second half brought more chances and more frustration for Dallas, which finished the night with 13 shots to LA’s nine. In the end, the point stretched Dallas’ unbeaten run to five games, though just like last week, it felt like another match where Dallas left points on the table.
Key Moments
7’ – GOAL! After a poor pass back by a LA defender, Petar Musa was free to go one-on-one with the LA goalkeeper. After a touch to get ahead of a defender, Musa slotted home his eighth goal of the season from outside the penalty box.
21’ – Offside! Joaquin Valiente sent a floating ball over the Galaxy defense, where Musa was able to get behind the defense and make an easy play for what appeared to be his second goal of the night. The play was called offside despite a fairly lengthy review period.
38’ – GOAL! This one counts! Musa gets his second of the night off a great ball from Chris Cappis. Logan Farrington picked off the ball in the midfield. He then played Cappis wide to the left of the penalty area. Cappis immediately played a ball back across the goal for Musa to slide in and finish for his ninth of the season.
43’ – Goal LA. Lucas Sanabria got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He took a couple of touches to get outside the penalty box before firing a shot that beat Michael Collodi at the near post.
45+4’ – Goal LA. Gabriel Pec got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He pulled the ball back a bit, which caught a pair of Dallas defenders. This allowed Joseph Painstil to get free behind the Dallas defense as Pec played him through inside the penalty area. Pec immediately smashed home a shot above Collodi to tie the game.
75’ – Another offside goal. This time on a corner kick for Dallas, after a scrum in the penalty box, Kaick hammered home what looked to be the go-ahead goal. But after a few seconds the flag was raised due to a deflection on Osaze Urhoghide, who was in an offside position.
Instant Reaction
Yeah, this is another disappointing result for this team. In a real way, it felt like the first half against Houston from last month. Dallas grabbed the lead, looked in control, but some defensive miscues opened the game up for the visitors to climb back.
With a double-game week coming up, this will certainly be another game where Dallas will wonder ‘what if’ more than anything else…especially when you factor in the two goals called off for offside.
About the Subs
Eric Quill went to his bench for the first time in the 66th minute, as he brought on Santiago Moreno for Logan Farrington. Quill went to his bench again 81st minute with Ran Binyamin and Nolan Norris coming on for Sebastien Ibeagha and Deedson. The final sub came during stoppage time with Herman Johansson and Joaquin Valiente coming off for Sam Sarver and rookie Nick Simmonds, who made his MLS debut.
Man of the Match
No question about it tonight, it has to be Musa.
Where does this fit into the season
As of this writing, the draw puts Dallas into a three-way tie for 5th place with Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Both are in action right now and look firmly in control of their games. I’d expect Dallas to be in 7th place by the end of the night.
What’s next for FC Dallas
Dallas wraps up a three-game homestand next Wednesday night as they host Minnesota United.
Dallas, TX
Akheem Mesidor selected by Cowboys by Blogging The Boys in SB Nation’s community mock draft
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Pass rush has been an issue since the Micah Parsons trade. The Rashan Gary trade helped, but Dallas still needs an injection of talent. Akheem Mesidor fits here because his body size allows for some versatility inside and out, something DC Christian Parker utilizes. Mesidor is also a high-motor player with a deep bag of pass rush moves.
His last season at Miami was full of disruption in the offensive backfield and he shows an all-around game, not just a bend-around-the-edge pass rusher. Yes, he’s a little older than you’d like in a rookie (25), but his motor, pass rush toolbox, and ability to play the run matches up with a need and makes him a quality pick at number 20.
The City of Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight is hosting a Public Safety Response Symposium to connect residents with public safety leaders. Here’s how to participate on May 9.
The Dallas Police Department posted to social media about the event on Friday afternoon. The post states, “Join public safety leaders for an inside look at how emergency and non-emergency calls are handled and how resources are deployed across Dallas.”
The symposium will be held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, 1403 Washington St., fro 11 a.m.-noon on May 9. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
Topics for the symposium include:
- How 911 calls are handled and dispatched
- How DPD uses specialized units and technology to improve response times
- When to use 311 for non-emergency services
- How crisis and behavioral health teams collaborate through alternative response strategies
There will also be a community Q&A forum where residents can engage directly with public safety leaders. Moderation will be provided.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux will offer the opening remarks. Featured speakers include 911 Communications Center Assistant Director Robert Uribe; Major of Police Anthony Greer; 311 Senior Outreach Specialist Stephen Walker; and Emergency Management & Crisis Response Director Kevin Oden.
When it comes to parking: Enter through Gate 2 and drive straight to the Pan Am Gate, and continue to the Briscoe Center (located on the left).
RSVP for the Public Safety Response Symposium here.
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