Reaction to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price's arrest has been mixed Friday, with some elected officials offering support while others hope that if corruption is proven to exist that justice is served quickly.
“This morning, I prayed for all involved with the federal investigation into 2001-2011 events, but remain focused on completing the important work of strengthening law enforcement, improving services without tax increases, completing the successful turnaround of Parkland Hospital and promoting the $10.25 living wage; those issues, not an outside investigation will be the focus of Commissioner's Court and staff," said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
“People have to have trust in their government and if corruption does exist, justice should take its course," said Mike Cantrell, Dallas County Commissioner.
"This is a federal thing, we're state, so it's a totally different jurisdiction," said Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins. "I mean I don’t know what their information is and what their indictment says, so it’s pretty irresponsible for me to comment on that."
“This morning I learned of the arrest of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price through media reports. We should all allow the legal process to run its course before rushing to judgment. My thoughts and prayers are with Commissioner Price today and in the days ahead,” said Dwaine Caraway, Dallas City Councilman. “This is a very dark day for the city of Dallas and Dallas County. However, we must stay and remain in prayer for the commissioner and everyone involved. At the same token, we must allow the system to work its way through.”
"I am just so sad Dallas County has to go through this wrenching situation. I just hope this can be resolved as quickly as possible, and I pray that justice is served," said Maurine Dickey, Former Dallas County Commissioner.
“I think some of this information is fabricated and I think it's elongated, and I think it's just a matter of, 'We’re going to take down John Wiley Price,'" said Juanita Wallace, president of the Dallas NAACP. "What we’re going to do is we’re going to come back together, just like we’ve been doing and we’ll be meeting and strategizing on how we can support him. He supported us for these many years and we cannot stand by and let him feel the support and let him know that we’re out there supporting him.”
“I like John Wiley, but if he did wrong, if he broke the law, he needs to pay the price," said Quan Williams, Price supporter and South Dallas resident.
