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

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Myers: I live and work in District 7, as a business owner and father I understand the needs of my neighbors. I have lived a well rounded life blessed with education and family. My commitment to better government is my number one qualifier.

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?

Myers: Items like plasma TV's in the parking garage would be the first to go. The next thing to go would be the huge amounts of money used in private enterprise; I am serious when I say the first step to government corruption is the link between the city and private enterprise. Things that would be off limits would be infrastructure and public safety.

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?

Myers: I am in favor of "a" convention center hotel, but I am absolutely not in favor of the city buying one regardless of how they say they intend to pay for it. Getting involved with this type of private enterprise is not the proper role of government. I especially feel it was arrogant to move forward on something so large without a vote from the tax payers.

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

Myers: I think we need to slow down on this "parkway" but move ahead with the park area Dallas wanted. I feel like the city's priority hasn't been making the park a reality, but they have been very interested in this road. It's my plan to find an alternative to the tollroad that would serve to ease congestion.

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

Myers: Yes. I feel that things are happening for some groups or businesses that don't happen for other similar groups or businesses. These types of deals undermine confidence in government, create an unfair competitive environment, and are bad for the community. City officials need to understand that back room deals are off the table.