Voters Approve School and City Bond Packages; Garland Elects First Female Mayor in 30 Years

Garland native Lori Barnett Dodson was elected the city's first female mayor in 30 years and only its second ever, winning a three-way race Saturday.Among other local elections, voters in Denton ISD, Mesquite ISD and the cities of Carrollton and Fort Worth approved bond packages totaling well over $1.5 billion.The resignation of Doug Athas as mayor forced Garland's special election to fill a one-year term. Dodson, a 54-year-old investment manager who served three previous terms on the City Council, scored just over the majority needed to eliminate runner-up Louis Moore, 71, and Leala Green, 72, both of whom are retired. Dodson follows Ruth Nicholson, who was the first female mayor."Honestly, it has been a fast and furious two months. I hadn't thought about that. It's been more about the issues and what sets me apart," Dodson said. "It's pretty cool. Pretty significant."  Continue reading...