In Race to Replace Mark Clayton, Dallas City Council Candidates Focus on White Rock Lake

When Mark Clayton announced he wouldn’t seek a third term on the Dallas City Council, he opened the door for a new face to represent East Dallas’ District 9, and its highly celebrated White Rock Lake.The race started off crowded with six candidates. But then former Dallas Park Board member Paul Sims — who is married to former council member Angela Hunt — dropped out in February. And Jacinto Valdespino, a DISD teacher, “suspended” his campaign in March. While he will still appear on the ballot, he isn’t actively seeking the seat.That leaves voters with their choice of four women — Paula Blackmon, Erin Moore, Sarah Lamb, and Tamara “Tami” Brown Rodriquez — to represent the district and its issues, including the district’s infrastructure, property tax rates and the future of White Rock Lake.Clayton, who hasn't endorsed any candidate in the race, said the district still has a divide between its wealthy and impoverished residents."The person who can speak the language of those who have, the language of those who want, and the language of those who don't have it at all will be far better served to serve the district," Clayton said.  Continue reading...