League of Women Voters election survey: Daniel Benchot, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 1

by Staff of League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Dallas sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for public office in Dallas County. The election on May 9 features a number of city council races.

The responses of Daniel J. Benchot, who is running for the District 1 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Benchot is running against five other people - Jesus Lara Tovar, Justin C. Epker, Sean Paul Segura, Delia Jasso, and Mark D. Gonzales.

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Benchot: Having been a community activist for two years, I believe that I am well qualified. In addition, I have managed several business units and know how to cut costs and raise revenues. My educational achievements such as earning an MBA also give me added knowledge and expertise in making hard decisions.

LWV: The City of Dallas has a potential $100M shortfall in the next city budget. How would you close the gap? If you would cut services, which ones would you cut?

Benchot: Managing business units, I know what to look for in a budget and how to maximize our resources. There will be some tough decisions ahead of us. These may include cutting services such as library hours, recreation centers and the like. Let us really do the hard work to maximize what is there and find new revenue streams before we consider cutting services.

LWV: Are you in favor of a convention center hotel? If yes, do you support the current plan to finance its construction with revenue bonds and have the city own the hotel?

Benchot: Yes, I am in favor of a convention center hotel. No, I do not favor the current plan to finance its construction with revenue bonds and having the hotel owned by the city. We should really work with private investors to build this hotel. Once the people have spoken on May 9th, I will adhere to their vote on proposition 1.

LWV: What is your response to recent reports (e.g., Corps of Engineers, North Texas Tollway Authority) regarding the Trinity River tollroad/levee issues?

Benchot: It seems that we have a problem with the levees that of course must be addressed before much of the work can be started. It is disconcerting that the people did not receive all of the data before voting on the tollroad. I do believe however, that we need to step back and let all of the reports and studies come in over the next six months and then evaluate where the city goes from there.

LWV: Do you think the City of Dallas Ethics Code needs to be strengthened? If yes, in what way(s)?

Benchot: The people continue to talk about electing representatives to the council that are of the highest ethical and moral standards. We must always strive to make sure our elected officials adhere to standards in how they conduct the city's business and represent the people.