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

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Jasso: I am running for City Council in District 1 because I have the experience, qualifications and dedication to represent constituents in Dallas and District 1.As a volunteer for 20 years working with diverse people from education to recreation to economic development I have established relationships to get the job done.

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?

Jasso:This is very early in the budget process. I would listen to what the City Manager proposes in her recommendations. I would try not to cut services that would affect the quality of life of our citizens. I would "Cut the fat without raising taxes" especially in these economic times. I would hope that more accurate numbers from appraisal reporting and sales tax numbers will clearly define what the shortfall is

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?

Jasso: The voters will decide whether to build a convention center hotel with taxpayer backed bonds. I believe that a convention center hotel would add to the tax base. Hotel taxes generate nearly 10% of the total sales tax receipt. However, I would never vote for city services to be cut in the event the hotel is not successful. I would work with the city council and the mayor to look at alternative funding.

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

Jasso: Fast Tracking park amenities for the Trinity River Corridor would provide needed movement on the corridor. The levees need to be the priority to stabilize any failures with the current conditions of the levees. We should do all that is possible to carry out the voters decisions on the toll road which was to build it. Dallas needs to work with all entities involved in the project to share in current and future expenses.

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

Jasso: The city of Dallas Ethics Code was strengthened in some aspects relating to tickets and gifts for city council members and some board members. I would ask for a review of the latest ethics advisory committee report on what is being done to enforce the latest changes.