Wednesday, April 29, 2009

League of Women Voters election survey: Jerry R. Allen, candidate for Dallas City Council, District 10

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 Jerry R. Allen, who is running for re-election for the District 10 seat on the Dallas City Council, appear below. Allen is being challenged by Don Sanders.

Jerry Allen

LWV: What are your qualifications for this office?

Allen: Current Dallas City Councilman, Board Member Dallas Police/Fire Pension Fund, Former member of the DART Board serving as Chair of the Ethics Committee and Vice Chair of Budget/Finance Committee, Former Treasurer of the RISD Tomorrow Foundation, Former President and Treasurer of the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands.

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?

Allen: I plan to work closely with the City Manager and my colleagues on the City Council to analyze and implement what is best for the residents of Dallas. We will be reviewing additional revenue opportunities that may help offset declining sales tax revenues. Services will be prioritized to ensure those most important to the residents continue to be enhanced.

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?

Allen: Yes I am in favor of a convention center hotel and I do support the current plan to finance its construction with revenue bonds.

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

Allen: I believe we need to take a long hard look at the Corps of Engineers recent findings since they differ greatly from their previous findings.

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

Allen: No, we just strengthened the Ethics Code in 2008.

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