3 Reasons to Feel Good About the Dallas County Election Results

Voting is the heart of democracy, so three cheers to all of you who showed up for this week's primary. Among the bright spots out of Dallas County elections, which boasted far more voters than in 2014:New west-side thinking: Roberto Alonzo has occupied the state House District 104 seat for more than a decade and, much of that time, that's all he did — occupy the seat. As we pointed out when we recommended his primary opponent, attorney Jessica Gonzalez, Alonzo's efforts on behalf of this district mostly came in the form of resolutions commemorating and recognizing events.But Gonzalez, who thrashed the incumbent at the ballot box, will be far more than a Not-Alonzo lawmaker. A 15-year resident of the district, she brings with her an impressive list of fresh ideas for an area that is struggling to knit old and new into a civic fabric that offers opportunities for all residents.For too long, this part of Dallas County — which includes portions of Oak Cliff and West Dallas, as well as Cockrell Hill and parts of Grand Prairie and South Irving — has been ill-served. We are especially excited about how Gonzalez will lend her voice to thorny issues such as gentrification and criminal justice.  Continue reading...