League of Women Voters election survey: Carolyn Davis, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 7

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 incumbent Carolyn R. Davis, who is running for re-election for the District 7 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Davis is being challenged by seven other opponents - John Jay Myers, Anthony "Tony" Rios, Donald P. Parish, Sr., Gary Wayne Springer, Marvin E. Crenshaw, Ron Price, and Charles "Chazz" Redd.

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Davis: I was elected to the Dallas City Council on June 16, 2007, to represent Council District 7, and during my tenure I have worked tirelessly and been an advocate, a voice for the residents under my leadership. I have been a key member of the Dallas City Council, supplying solutions.

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?

Davis: I plan to continue to work with the City Manager and my colleagues on the City Council to analyze and implement what best for the residents of Dallas. We will be reviewing additional revenue opportunities that may help offset declining sale tax revenues. Services will be prioritized to ensure those most important to the residents (such as public safety and economic development growth) continue to be enhanced. I will be looking at what below the line

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?

Davis: Yes. Because of the two basic approaches public or private ownership, public ownership is the least costly because of the cost of equity and cost of debt and it offers the opportunity for the City to avoid cash payments into the project and to build equity.

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

Davis: Flood protection is of paramount importance to me. The integrity of the Rochester levee and the constructionof the Lamar levee in my district are critical to ensuring the safety of the residents and businesses of District 7. I will continue to monitor the activities of city staff as they work with the Corps to resolve these issues.

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

Davis: No, Dallas has already strengthened it Ethics Code and will continue to monitor the needs.