Dallas, TX
We recommend for Dallas City Council, District 3
Throughout 4 phrases representing Dallas Metropolis Council District 3, Casey Thomas grew right into a considerate, passionate champion of quality-of-life and financial fairness within the district and throughout Dallas.
Zarin Gracey, 46, seems to own lots of the identical traits and priorities. He will get our nod to exchange Thomas, who’s term-limited and ineligible to run this yr for this seat. Gracey, who beforehand served as Thomas’ appointee to the Metropolis Plan Fee, additionally has held management posts in metropolis authorities as govt supervisor of Enterprise Inclusion Improvement and director of the Workplace of Enterprise Variety. An govt pastor at Harmony Church, his distinctive résumé makes him the higher selection on this race over Denise Benavides, August Doyle, John Sims and Joe Tave.
Gracey mentioned his priorities for the district embody financial growth, public security and Thomas’ signature accomplishment of requiring the town to think about racial fairness in budgeting, coverage and funding choices. Gracey mentioned he’s pleased with engaged on a small enterprise grant program and want to see consolidation and promotion of such alternatives to candidates. Gracey mentioned the district has quite a few financial alternatives in redeveloping Hensley Subject, revitalizing older procuring areas, upgrading older housing inventory and retail selections, and decreasing crime.
Denise Benavides, who describes herself as an activist, neighborhood organizer and small enterprise proprietor, ran in 2019 for this council seat however dropped out of the race due to her high-risk being pregnant. Benavides, 41, mentioned she would guarantee that bond cash and investments in streets and lighting would make it to the district sooner. She additionally desires extra transparency and communication with district residents and higher variety on boards and commissions.
Tave, a small enterprise proprietor and broadcaster, and Doyle, a retired metropolis of Dallas worker, have run for this seat unsuccessfully. Doyle, 74, cites the dearth of proactive code enforcement and property crimes as key points for district residents. Sims, 45, and Tave didn’t reply to our Voter Information questions or attend the candidate interview with editorial board members. Neither candidate appears to be operating a viable marketing campaign.
Throughout his tenure, Thomas offered a strong basis for enhancing financial growth and fundamental companies in District 3. Benavides brings the vitality of a neighborhood organizer, however Gracey would offer expertise from his time inside metropolis authorities, continuity with Thomas’ initiatives and a clearer strategic imaginative and prescient of the right way to result in change on behalf of the district and the town at giant. Gracey is aware of his manner round Metropolis Corridor and is the only option for district voters on this contest.
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