Recently, I announced that I will not seek re-election to a fourth term this May. When I ran for City Council six years ago, I promised to reduce crime, create jobs, improve code enforcement, revitalize our neighborhoods and rebuild downtown.
I am proud of what we have accomplished by working together over the past five years. I would like to review the highlights of our success.
• Crime. From 1991-1996, crime declined 39.5 percent in District 2. All 10 reporting categories decreased in double-digit percentages. Murder, robbery and burglary declined by over 50 percent. The East Dallas Police Storefront was moved to a larger, more-accessible location. New crime watches were started to protect our inner city neighborhoods. We also increased police funding and implemented community-based policing for East Dallas.
• Job Creation. From 1992-1996, we created 6,243 new jobs in District 2 and retained another 3,113 jobs. By emphasizing public-private partnerships, the City’s tax base has increased over the last three years. East Dallas is home to many new retail outfits, entertainment areas, restaurants and housing developments.
• Code Enforcement. There have been major improvements in our code enforcement efforts. New programs include brush busters (bulky trash removal), graffiti abatement, a multi-family inspection program and a new illegal dumping team. All of these initiatives have benefited East Dallas. We have also improved the lines of communication, and increased hours and staffing. East Dallas is cleaner and better-looking as a result of these efforts.
• Inclusion. District 2 was included in every new initiative or program during the past five years. These programs have helped stabilize East Dallas housing and neighborhoods. Literally millions of dollars have been invested in East Dallas through programs such as Intown Housing, Neighborhood Renaissance Partnership, Preservation Tax Incentives, Weed and Seed, and Enterprise Community Grant.
• Traffic/Transportation. As I have mentioned in past columns, the Council adopted the East Dallas Traffic Management Study. Additionally, the Haskell Boulevard alignment and the Henderson Avenue study also were approved by the Council. As a result of the 1995 bond election, many East Dallas streets are being paved and reconstructed. These and other efforts will continue to improve the traffic and streets throughout East Dallas.
• Downtown Issues. Downtown Dallas is now clean, safe and fun. The City created the Downtown Improvement District and the Downtown Tax Increment Financing District to improve City services and infrastructure. The Downtown Education Center opened and is now offering degree programs for continuing education. Older Downtown buildings are finally being converted into housing. Facilities also have been constructed at the Farmers Market, the Dallas Convention Center and the Dallas Museum of Art.
I am honored to have represented East Dallas at City Hall. My public service has been both rewarding and challenging. Thanks for your support and friendship.
