We Recommend Alex Dickey for Dallas City Council District 6

We recommend newcomer Alex Dickey over incumbent Monica Alonzo and four other candidates in City Council District 6. A history teacher and former legislative intern, Dickey, 30, would bring a welcome dose of fresh leadership. He wants City Hall to "go big on the basics" like affordable housing and street repairs. While he is largely untested and we disagree with his approach to resolving the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System mess, we applaud his push for greater transparency within City Hall and the police department with regard to open records. In three terms, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo has failed to demonstrate forward-looking leadership and proactive communication with constituents. She offered tepid responses to the pending eviction of dozens of West Dallas families in a dispute with HMK, a manager of substandard rental units, and she struggled to engage early when residents who would be impacted by a cement plant near their neighborhood complained. Alonzo, 52, cast a bewildering vote to block an expansion of a popular and well regarded charter school program in West Dallas after the city's Plan Commission, including her appointee, had unanimously recommended that the council approve the plan.Most disturbing is how steadfastly she refuses to take public positions. Asked in our Voter Guide about solutions to the homeless problem, she wrote: "Any all-inclusive effort, having all stakeholders at the table, I will fully support."   Continue reading...