League of Women Voters election survey: Tennell Atkins, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 8

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 councilman Tennell Atkins, who is running for re-election for the District 8 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Atkins is being challenged by LeVar "LD" Thomas.

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Atkins: My qualifications for this office are: I am the current council representative for Council District 8. I am a thirty year resident living in Council District 8 and I bring demonstrable leadership, useful business skills, knowledge of the City of Dallas and the ability to build consensus among diverse people.

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?

Atkins: I am on record as advocating a small tax increase in 2007, during a time that I believed residents and the local economy could have afforded a small revenue increase. We will not be able to reduce costs enough to offset the projected revenue shortfall. I will support a combination of cost reductions and revenue increases.

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?

Atkins: I am on record in support of a convention center hotel and its proposed financing. A major consideration influencing my decision was the contracting and job opportunities the project would provide for southern Dallas residents. I inserted the strongest possible legal language into the developer's agreement, which will assure a "fair share" to African Americans and other minorities.

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

Atkins: The Trinity River Project reflects the size, complexity and the many moving parts of a huge public works project. I am in favor of a pace that allows public safety issues to be well researched by the appropriate authorities and will allow an open and transparent process.

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

Atkins: No, I do not believe the City of Dallas Ethics Code need to be changed.