There are several big government jobs open, or set to be open, all at the same time in Dallas County.
The Dallas County District Attorney's office is now open since Susan Hawk resigned.
The Dallas City Attorney position is also available, with several candidates currently interested.
City Manager AC Gonzales is set to leave in January, leaving that job open.
Then there's Dallas Police Chief David Brown who be retire next month.
Those are several key positions.
In the case of district attorney, there is no timetable on her replacement, and it is up to Governor Greg Abbott to make the appointment. Hawk resigned earlier this week. Had she resigned days sooner, her replacement could have been up to voters in November. But since she resigned after that deadline, it goes to the governor.
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Several lawmakers are questioning her timing.
“This is way too political already,” said Democratic Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
Since it is in the governor’s hands, Jenkins says he should avoid anyone in her inner circle. Jenkins believes the governor should cast a wide net in considering the county's next top prosecutor.
“I think it’s important to the governor to open this up to not just political operatives inside of Susan Hawk’s circle, or party operatives, but go outside to Independents, Libertarians, Democrats,” said Jenkins.
NBC 5 reached out to Abbott’s office, and a spokesperson said all applicants will be considered. So far, they have received one application.
As for the city manager position, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings is hoping there won't be a gap between when Gonzales leaves and when someone new will be hired.
“I want to make sure we get the city manager before January,” said Rawlings.
Rawlings said the search has already begun. Once that person has been hired, they will be immediately tasked with finding a new Dallas police chief.
“I think that is what is attractive to them, to a City Manager saying, 'man, we can help this city grow and keep the momentum going, and I get to make a lot of great decisions that I can own, and bring in the people that I think are right on my team,'” said Rawlings.
So, it all really falls to Dallas City Council members. They have to approve the new city manager, who will then hire a new police chief.
“I know it’s going to be a challenge," said District 4 Council Member Carolyn King Arnold. "We can be somewhat interesting to work with as a group from time to time, but I believe we will pick the best person to make this whole coalition work.
Rawlings also said when it comes to police chief, there is a good interim police chief in place, who will executive the strategies Brown laid out.
