Last night, the Dallas Examiner‘s staple “Monday Night Politics”, held at Fair Park’s historic African American Museum, saw Dallas City Council District 4 candidates Maxie Johnson and Kebran Alexander engage in a lively discussion on key issues facing the southern Dallas community. From contentious redistricting and economic investment to the future of single-family zoning and persistent public safety concerns, continents had an opportunity to hear candidates offer distinct visions for the district’s future.
The District 4 showdown began with a nod to local history, as Temeka, an attendee who was an L.G. Pinkston alum raised a question about the school’s, which falls under Maxie Johnson’s DISD Trustee jurisdiction, renaming. Both visibly and verbally frustrated, the alumni questioned Johnson about the policy that served as the guiding force behind the name change, adding that, in her opinion, Johnson hadn’t delivered on his promises.
The conversation then shifted to Forward Dallas, a recently passed policy that opens avenues for increased density and the potential elimination of single-family zoning.
This sparked a passionate debate about preserving the character of established neighborhoods. Alexander emphasized the importance of resident involvement in zoning decisions, stating, “We have to insist that zoning for single-family residences remains the way they are. I wouldn’t want an apartment building next to my mother’s house. We don’t have the infrastructure to deal with the increased density – especially when you get rid of the parking requirement.” He also warned against the rise of “mini mansions” in single-family zones, urging residents to unite and actively participate in community meetings. Alexander also raised concerns about short term rentals, and homes in District 4 being used as investment properties, stating that “when strangers are imposed on the neighborhood, they don’t keep the neighbors code.
But Johnson echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to “protect and preserve our single-family neighborhoods.” He also highlighted the economic disparities within the district, noting the presence of “$400,000 homes next to a $50,000 or $60,000 home.”
Environmental justice emerged as a critical concern, with the same L.G. Pinkston alumni, Temeka, questioning Johnson’s commitment to combating “environmental racism.” She specifically asked about the possibility of introducing electric school buses in District 4. Johnson pledged to “continue to advocate for resources,” while Alexander painted a stark picture of the district’s health challenges. “District 4 is one of the sickest districts in the city,” he asserted, citing high rates of asthma and undiagnosed illnesses. He also pointed to the lack of tree replacement after storm damage, impacting the overall environment.
Economic development was another hot topic. Johnson identified the Lancaster/Kiest corridor as the district’s “crown jewel,” advocating for the creation of office spaces to encourage local employment. He also pointed to the upcoming deck park and available land in Cedar Crest as potential catalysts for growth. Alexander agreed that Lancaster held significant promise, but cautioned that years of neglect would require “heavier lifting” for revitalization. He also emphasized the need for investment in areas like Village Fair and along Hampton Road. Both candidates agreed the VA hospital was currently the largest economic engine.
Public safety concerns dominated the final portion of the discussion. Former Dallas Mayor and District 4 Councilmember, Dwaine Caraway also attended, raising a litany of issues, including loitering on Loop 12, disturbances at Deer Park and Marsalis/Salem, and the sale of alcohol near schools at the Glendale shopping center. He pointedly questioned each candidate about their plan to improve the police response individuals “hanging out”.
Johnson vowed to “clean up District 4” and “hold our police accountable” while Alexander acknowledged the challenges posed by the city’s budget constraints due to recent charter amendments. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that “when blocks go unsupervised and ignored by the residents, people make trouble.” He also stressed the need for a collaborative approach amongst the community, concluding, “Superman had Super friends.”
The Monday Night Politics event proved to provide a crucial platform for District 4 residents to engage with their candidates and hear their perspectives on the critical issues facing their community. As the election approaches, voters will weigh the candidates’ promises and decide who is best equipped to lead District 4 forward.
