League of Women Voters election survey: Don Robinson, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 5

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 Don Robinson, who is running for the District 5 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Robinson is running against three other opponents - Jurline Hollins, incumbent Vonciel Jones Hill, and Tiffinni Young.

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Robinson: Dallas resident 30 plus years, active in community and civic activities. South East Dallas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, Oak Park North Crime Watch Association; DISD Advisory Board, DCAD Appraisal Review Board, Southern Dallas Development Corporation Board, Dallas CED Board.

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?

Robinson: My recommendations would be to cut in areas that have not shown a significant path of progress or profitableness for the city as a whole. Areas I would specifically want to look at are Travel, Studies and the Arts. I would not consider any cuts to our Police, Fire or Code Enforcement as these areas are to critical to our quality of life here in Dallas.

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?

Robinson: Yes, I am in favor of a convention center hotel and would support the use of revenue bonds to build it. If Dallas is to maintain its image as a major city contender for growth, it must offer opportunities that make for growth in jobs, revenue and other business opportunities. We cannot grow standing still. We must have a vision of a new and improved Dallas and work in that direction.

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

Robinson: It is a very serious concern that I believe if addressed intelligently, will bring to resolve all of the problems cited in these reports.

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

Robinson: I believe we just need to enforce what we already have. We cannot continue to keep adding rules that are basically already in the code but are failing to enforce. Of course, as necessity arises, a review of specific code issues that are problematic should be undertaken and changes should be a consideration.