League of Women Voters election survey: Dave Neumann, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 3

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 Dave Neumann, who is running for re-election for the District 3 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Neumann is being challenged by two opponents - Casey Thomas and Vickie Walton.

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Neumann: My track record while on the City Council and as a private citizen has been one of bringing people together to solve problems in a positive constructive way. My interaction with neighborhood leaders, organizations, and citizen groups ensures responsiveness to community needs while projecting long term vision for our city.

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?

Neumann: Cut The City Council and City Manager need to first identify departments and expenses that are not directly impacting the protection and the quality of life of our citizens. We need to create benchmarking for citizen satisfaction in order to effectively allocate the reduced tax payer funds that we will have in future budget years. It's premature to commit to a tax increase or service decreases until such review is completed.

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?

Neumann: I am in favor of a Convention Center hotel. The economics in today's environment favor public investment. It is the City's best interest to pursue this reinvestment in our Convention industry to protect our $1B investment in our Convention Center, and regain competitiveness within the industry. The bonds that are proposed to fund this facility are revenue bonds that are repaid directly from net cash flow of the hotel, not from general fund taxpayers.

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

Neumann: For 10 years, the City of Dallas' Trinity levees were rated excellent or very good. We need to embrace the new standards established by the Army Corps of Engineers and promptly and cost effectively achieve this excellent rating again to protect citizens and businesses all along the Trinity. We must proceed with the repairs on the levees concurrently with development of the Trinity Project including the Trinity Parkway, signature bridges, parks, recreational facilities, and trails.

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

Neumann: A regular review of the City of Dallas' ethics codes needs to be conducted to ensure that the expectations of citizens are met in regards to public officials and their performance. The City Council has appointed an independent Ethics Advisory Committee with private citizens that are empowered to provide straightforward recommendations for review and adoption.