League of Women Voters election survey: Mark Gonzales, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 1

by Staff of League of Women Voters

Gonzales is running against five other people - Daniel J. Benchot, Jesus Lara Tovar, Justin C. Epker, Sean Paul Segura, and Delia Jasso.

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

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Gonzales: I have been an active leader in the Greater Dallas community over 8 years; participating in several organizations focused on building leaders. To continue in a positive direction, for District 1, it will take someone that is not from within to facilitate this change. That someone is Mark Gonzales.

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?

Gonzales: Cutting services, though an option, is not always the best option. It is important to review the city budget thoroughly before any decisions of cuts or reductions are made. As an entrepreneur I believe reductions are made, first, to those with the most to reduce, this is not necessary services, but more targeted to high/over-paid city positions. Lack of efficiency is typically the largest cost for any business. Streamlining inefficient areas will save money.

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?

Gonzales: Eleven years in the financial industry has taught me a lot about investing; and municipal revenue bonds is a good and affordable investment for the community. I am against the hotel if it begins to dip into residents pockets, but if Dallas markets the affordable purchase of these municipal revenue bonds it is an opportunity for everyone to own a little piece of Dallas.

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

Gonzales: So far studies have cost more than expected. I believe further studies are necessary to determine what we can do in the levees (i.e. parks, road, etc.). At this time, if found necessary, I am not for voting on additional bonds to continue this project until the economy stabilizes.

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

Gonzales: I believe the City of Dallas Ethics Code is strong as is. And to answer the question, yes it can be strengthened; but a few bad apples does not mean the entire batch is bad.