League of Women Voters election survey: Pauline Medrano, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 2

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 Pauline Medrano, who is running for re-election for the District 2 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Medrano is being challenged by two opponents - Gwain Wooten and Billy MacLeod.

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Medrano: Current Dallas City Council Member, District 2 since 2005; I am a life long resident of district 2; Over 20 years of civic and community service; University of Texas Arlington, BA Political Science; Chair, Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics; National Association of Latino Elected Officials Education Fund Board of Directors.

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?

Medrano: At this time, the city is reviewing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how it may impact the budget (potential 20+M). We also have several budget workshops to get more clarity and input on budget before the presentation of City Managers recommended budget in August. We will have additional budget workshops and Budget Town Hall Meetings to receive input from our constituents.

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?

Medrano: Yes. At this point, yes.

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

Medrano: First priority is flood protection. The 2007 inspection by United States Army Corps of Engineers evaluated the Dallas Floodway levees under new, more stringent standards that were developed after Hurricane Katrina. I am still reviewing the report but it is clear that the Corp's new post Katrina standard presents challenges for the Trinity Project.

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

Medrano: Yes, in the area of campaign financing. Currently, the Ethics commission is reviewing time frame (general, run-off, non-election year, and re-election) in which a candidate for Dallas City Council. may receive campaign contributions. Recently, the council voted to have TIF board members remove themselves from voting on issues that would impact their property.