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

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Segura: I love my community, put Families First and will make decisions based on values, morals, and the impact the decisions will have on the working class families. I don't owe political favors to any one.

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?

Segura: I advise that we cut back and postpone very costly projects that are not essential so that we can redirect funds to address more crucial issues. I prefer not to raise taxes in these hard times unless it is absolutely necessary Projects we can cut or postpone:1) Non essential projects 2) Non effective projects 3) The Convention Center hotel.

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?

Segura: No. We should defer the hotel at least until the economic situation improves.

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

Segura: We must reevaluate the project and defer at least until we are out of the recession.

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

Segura: We should better inform the people of the City of Dallas Ethics Code and follow up with customers and let them know there is someone that will listen if they have complaints of unethical activities or believe they are not receiving equal or fair treatment.